2D Plane Research Articles

Lumbar disc herniation diagnosis using deep learning on MRI

ObjectiveIn recent years, artificial intelligence deep learning has gradually become a research hotspot in diagnosing and treating cervical and lumbar degenerative diseases, represented by cervical spondylosis and lumbar disc herniation. MethodsRetrospective inclusion of 590 patients with lumbar disc herniation, randomly divided into a training group (n = 456) and a testing group (n = 134), labeled with intervertebral disc herniation areas on lumbar MR images (1157 in the training group and 395 in the testing group). Construct a deep learning model based on Unet to segment and detect intervertebral disc herniation areas in sagittal and transverse planes and evaluate the model's lesion detection efficiency and accuracy in lesion segmentation. ResultsThe model has good detection performance on the test group data. The F1 values in the sagittal and transverse positions are 0.971 (95% CI: 0.951–0.987) and 0.903 (95% CI: 0.870–0.935). In the segmentation of prominent areas, the Dice values in the sagittal and transverse planes are 0.774 ± 0.193 and 0.647 ± 0.261 (2D plane), 0.777 ± 0.148 and 0.655 ± 0.180 (3D plane), respectively. ConclusionThe deep learning model based on U-net can accurately identify and segment the intervertebral disc herniation area in lumbar MR images, which helps to assist clinical diagnosis.

Dodecanophene: A novel 2D carbon allotrope with untunable metallic behavior under stress

The appeal of 2D carbon allotropes lies in their extraordinary optical and mechanical properties, paving the way for advancements in optoelectronics. This study introduces a novel planar 2D carbon allotrope, Dodecanophene, composed of rings with 3-6-12 atoms. Its mechanical, electronic, and optical characteristics are discussed using density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. This material demonstrates intrinsic metallic behavior with low formation energy, indicating stability under thermal and mechanical stresses. Its band structure reveals one Dirac cone, which is untunable when the material is subjected to moderate and high uniaxial strains. Dodecanophene preserves its Dirac cone even under significant deformation. It also displays mechanical and optical anisotropy (Young’s modulus ranging from 356.98 to 553.81 GPa), with intense optical activity within the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectra.

Well-Posedness of the Two-Dimensional Compressible Plasma-Vacuum Interface Problem

We consider the two-dimensional plasma-vacuum interface problem in ideal compressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). This is a hyperbolic-elliptic coupled system with a characteristic free boundary. In the plasma region the 2D planar flow is governed by the hyperbolic equations of ideal compressible MHD, while in the vacuum region the magnetic field obeys the elliptic system of pre-Maxwell dynamics. At the free interface moving with the velocity of plasma particles, the total pressure is continuous and the magnetic field on both sides is tangent to the boundary. The plasma-vacuum system is not isolated from the outside world, since it is driven by a given surface current which forces oscillations onto the system. We prove the local-in-time existence and uniqueness of solutions to this nonlinear free boundary problem, provided that at least one of the two magnetic fields, in the plasma or in the vacuum region, is non-zero at each point of the initial interface. The proof follows from the analysis of the linearized MHD equations in the plasma region and the elliptic system for the vacuum magnetic field, suitable tame estimates in Sobolev spaces for the full linearized problem, and a Nash–Moser iteration.

Movement Quality Assessment of Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets: A Report of Validity and Normative Data.

Movement quality screening in early-career military populations, like Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AROTC) cadets, could decrease the negative impact of musculoskeletal injury observed within the military. Movement quality screening techniques should be valid before being pursued in the field. Normative data describing movement quality of AROTC cadets are also needed. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine criterion validity of several movement quality assessments and report normative jump-landing kinematics of AROTC cadets. This cross-sectional research was approved by the Institutional Review Board. As part of a larger study, 20 AROTC cadets (21.3 ± 3.4 years; 1.7 ± 0.1 m; 73.8 ± 14.8 kg) had 3-dimensional (3D) and 2-dimensional (2D) kinematic data collected simultaneously while performing a jump-landing task. Variables of interest were 3D hip and knee sagittal, frontal, and transverse joint angles at maximum knee flexion. An experienced rater calculated sagittal and frontal 2D joint angles at maximum knee flexion. Averages of 2D and 3D angles were calculated to describe normative data and for further data analysis. Bivariate correlations between 3D and 2D variables were used to determine criterion validity. Moderate correlations were found between 2D and 3D hip frontal plane angles (P = .05, r =-0.33), 2D and 3D knee sagittal plane angles (P = .04, r = 0.35), and 2D and 3D knee frontal plane angles (P = .03, r = -0.36). Normative values of knee and hip kinematics demonstrated averages of 17.58° of knee adduction, 16.48° of knee external rotation, 11.57° of hip abduction, 10.76° of hip internal rotation, and 103.47° of knee flexion during landings. However, ranges demonstrated that landing patterns vary within AROTC cadets. The normative values of 3D jump-landing kinematic data indicate that movement quality varies greatly within AROTC cadets, and some cadets display potentially injurious movements. Therefore, screening movement quality could be beneficial to determine musculoskeletal injury risk in AROTC cadets. Based on the correlations discovered in this study, we recommend the 2D techniques used in this study be researched further as they may serve as alternatives to expensive, timely 3D techniques that could be better utilized in military environments.

Synthesis of carbon nanotubes via CCVD of ethylbenzene over SrFe12O19/SiO2 oxide and their application for photodegradation of the remazol red dye

Carbon-based materials have stood out due to their variety of applications such as photocatalysis. Thus, strontium hexaferrite dispersed in silica was prepared by the Pechini method and used as a catalyst in the ethylbenzene reaction to produce carbon filaments and subsequent application in the photodegradation of the remazol red dye. The presence of SrFe12O19, α-Fe2O3 and amorphous silica phases was confirmed in the XRD (X-ray diffraction), Raman and XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) analysis. The SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) results of the fresh oxides indicate cluster and sponge-like morphology. The formation of carbon filaments was observed by SEM analysis as a result of catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) of ethylbenzene. TEM images confirm the generation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with an average diameter of 27.9 nm. Besides the presence of the SrFe12O19 and SiO2 phases, the diffractograms of the samples after the reaction shows the formation of graphite carbon and Fe0, confirming the reduction of α-Fe2O3 which was also verified in the TPR-H2 profile. The growth of nanotubes occurs from metallic iron, considering that the tip of the tube contains only iron, according to EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) results. The Raman spectrum exhibited the characteristic D and G bands of carbon, where the ID/IG ratio decreased with increasing temperature. The reaction with the best catalytic performance achieved an average ethylbenzene conversion of 99 % and was more selective to ethene (∼93 %) at 650 °C. Furthermore, it was possible to carry out a simple theoretical-computational study regarding the distribution of the sites in a 2D plane by constructing maps and proposing a mechanism for the formation of carbon nanotubes from the ethylbenzene conversion. Finally, the obtained materials were applied in the remazol red dye degradation, achieving complete degradation in 15 min for the material synthesized at 650 °C.

Measuring mislocalization of angle vertices.

Localisation of simple stimuli such as angle vertices may contribute to a plethora of illusory effects. We focus on the Müller-Lyer illusion in an attempt to measure and characterise a more elementary effect that may contribute to the magnitude of said illusion. Perceived location error of angle vertices (a single set of Müller-Lyer fins) and arcs in a 2D plane was measured with the aim to provide clarification of ambiguous results from studies of angle localisation and expand the results to other types of stimuli. In three experiments, we utilised the method of constant stimuli in order to determine perceived locations of angle vertices (Experiments 1 and 2) as well as circular and elliptical arcs (Experiment 3). The results show significant distortions of perceived compared to objective vertex locations (all effect sizes d > 1.01, p < .001). Experiment 2 revealed strong effects of angle size and fin length on localisation error. Mislocalization was larger for more acute angles and longer angle fins (both ηp² = .43, p < .001). In Experiment 3, localisation errors were larger for longer arcs (ηp² = .19, p = .001) irrespective of shape (circular or elliptical). We discuss the effect in the context of modern trends in research of the Müller-Lyer illusion as well as the widely popular centroid theory. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

P‐131: Spherical Forming‐A Design and Production of Spherical Display from 2D Plane to 3D Surface

OLED flexible displays technology has been rapidly developing, but the main lamination process of it is still in 2D status. Due to wrinkles and other issues, currently there is not much experience in mass production for the 3D lamination. In this work, we mainly designed a spherical cover glass, and realized the lamination of it and flexible displays. We also proposed a solution for wrinkles during the lamination process.

Implications of lung shunt fraction calculation discrepancy in Y-90 radioembolization treatment from 2D planar vs 3D SPECT imaging

Abstract The safety and efficacy of Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radio-embolization therapy is partly dependent on the lung shunt fraction (LSF). There may be a notable disparity between LSF when calculated using 2D planar imaging vs 3D SPECT; this can affect the total allowable Y-90 dose delivered and therefore change the effectiveness of the procedure. The case presented demonstrates an 81% decrease in LSF when calculated by SPECT as compared to 2D planar imaging. This case highlights the importance of considering the imaging technique and the potential discrepancies that can arise between planar and SPECT imaging in LSF assessment.

Three-dimensional analysis of puncture needle path through safety triangle approach PLD and design of puncture positioning guide plate.

In this study, the three-dimensional relationship between the optimal puncture needle path and the lumbar spinous process was discussed using digital technology. Additionally, the positioning guide plate was designed and 3D printed in order to simulate the surgical puncture of specimens. This plate served as an important reference for the preoperative simulation and clinical application of percutaneous laser decompression (PLD). The CT data were imported into the Mimics program, the 3D model was rebuilt, the ideal puncture line N and the associated central axis M were developed, and the required data were measured. All of these steps were completed. A total of five adult specimens were chosen for CT scanning; the data were imported into the Mimics program; positioning guide plates were generated and 3D printed; a simulated surgical puncture of the specimens was carried out; an X-ray inspection was carried out; and an analysis of the puncture accuracy was carried out. (1) The angle between line N and line M was 42°~55°, and the angles between the line M and 3D plane were 1°~2°, 5°~12°, and 78°~84°, respectively; (2) As the level of the lumbar intervertebral disc decreases, the distance from point to line and point to surface changes regularly; (3) The positioning guide was designed with the end of the lumbar spinous process and the posterior superior iliac spine on both sides as supporting points. (4) Five specimens were punctured 40 times by using the guide to simulate surgical puncture, and the success rate was 97.5%. By analyzing the three-dimensional relationship between the optimal puncture needle path and the lumbar spinous process, the guide plate was designed to simulate surgical puncture, and the individualized safety positioning of percutaneous puncture was obtained.

Nonlinear Asymptotic Stability and Transition Threshold for 2D Taylor–Couette Flows in Sobolev Spaces

In this paper, we investigate the stability of the 2-dimensional (2D) Taylor–Couette (TC) flow for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The explicit form of velocity for 2D TC flow is given by u=(Ar+Br)(-sinθ,cosθ)T\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$u=(Ar+\\frac{B}{r})(-\\sin \ heta , \\cos \ heta )^T$$\\end{document} with (r,θ)∈[1,R]×S1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$(r, \ heta )\\in [1, R]\ imes \\mathbb {S}^1$$\\end{document} being an annulus and A, B being constants. Here, A, B encode the rotational effect and R is the ratio of the outer and inner radii of the annular region. Our focus is the long-term behavior of solutions around the steady 2D TC flow. While the laminar solution is known to be a global attractor for 2D channel flows and plane flows, it is unclear whether this is still true for rotating flows with curved geometries. In this article, we prove that the 2D Taylor–Couette flow is asymptotically stable, even at high Reynolds number (Re∼ν-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$Re\\sim \ u ^{-1}$$\\end{document}), with a sharp exponential decay rate of exp(-ν13|B|23R-2t)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\exp (-\ u ^{\\frac{1}{3}}|B|^{\\frac{2}{3}}R^{-2}t)$$\\end{document} as long as the initial perturbation is less than or equal to ν12|B|12R-2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ u ^\\frac{1}{2} |B|^{\\frac{1}{2}}R^{-2}$$\\end{document} in Sobolev space. The powers of ν\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ u $$\\end{document} and B in this decay estimate are optimal. It is derived using the method of resolvent estimates and is commonly recognized as the enhanced dissipative effect. Compared to the Couette flow, the enhanced dissipation of the rotating Taylor–Couette flow not only depends on the Reynolds number but also reflects the rotational aspect via the rotational coefficient B. The larger the |B|, the faster the long-time dissipation takes effect. We also conduct space-time estimates describing inviscid-damping mechanism in our proof. To obtain these inviscid-damping estimates, we find and construct a new set of explicit orthonormal basis of the weighted eigenfunctions for the Laplace operators corresponding to the circular flows. These provide new insights into the mathematical understanding of the 2D Taylor–Couette flows.

Cylindrical depth image based customized helical bone plate design

Commercial straight metal plates have been generally used to fix fractured bones, but recently, the need for customized and helical metal plates has emerged. Customized metal plates are designed to fit the shape of the fracture area that is a 3D curved surface, making it more difficult than designing on a 2D plane. Helical plates are researched due to their advantage in avoiding blood vessel damage compared to commercially available straight metal plates. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm to design a customized helical metal plate for the femur using cylindrical depth images and Boolean operations. We also present the results of 3D printing a metal plate designed using the proposed algorithm, and the shape matching is verified by calculating the minimum distance between the surface of the printed plate and the surface of the femur.

Identifying the plane position of the receiver coil in a multi‐transmitter IPT system through the identification of parameters

AbstractThe study introduces a method for identifying the location of receiver coils within a multi‐transmitter IPT system that utilizes shared transmitter coils. In contrast to the conventional receiver coil position recognition methods, this approach eliminates the need for additional detection coils and position sensors. Identifying the location of the receiver coil in a multi‐transmitter IPT system is achieved through the concurrent optimization of the transmitter coil and its electrical characteristics. The study presents the design of coil grouping and control mechanisms for a 3×3 multi‐transmitter. A mathematical model has been developed for the mutual inductance between receiver and transmitter coils on the X–Y plane. Adaptive cooperative particle swarm optimizer (ACPSO) facilitates the identification of mutual inductance and load parameters in a multi‐transmitter IPT system, positioning the receiver coil in a 2D plane using genetic particle swarm optimization (GAPSO) and a mutual inductance mathematical model. The discrepancy in accuracy between the receiver coil's test coordinates and the absolute coordinates remains below 3.5%.

Mapping the transition from quasi-2D to 3D spin textures in NiFe nanomagnets

With increasing interest in understanding and mapping the spin textures within magnetic nanostructures, this work reports a study of the transition from quasi-2D magnetic behavior in thin-film ferromagnetic nanostructures to 3D thick-film nanostructures. A series of arrays of 480 × 250 nm2 elliptical Ni81Fe19 nanomagnets patterned using deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography with thickness (t) ranging from 20 to 250 nm were studied. It is shown through magnetometry and micromagnetics that as the film thickness increases, the nanomagnets transition from effectively planar 2D magnets, with uniform spin textures extending through the film thickness for t ≤ 50 nm, to 3D nanomagnets with more complex non-uniform 3D spin textures for t ≥ 100 nm. These results demonstrate that the fabrication of thick-film nanomagnets via DUV lithography is a viable route to producing consistent 3D magnetic nanostructures for potential applications, such as magnonics.

Fall prediction, control, and recovery of quadruped robots

When legged robots perform complex tasks in unstructured environments, falls are inevitable due to unknown external disturbances. However, current research mainly focuses on the locomotion control of legged robots without falling. This paper proposes a comprehensive decision-making and control framework to address the falling over of quadruped robots. First, a capturability-based fall prediction algorithm is derived for planar single-contact and 3D multi-contact locomotion with a predefined gait sequence. For safe fall control, a novel contact-implicit trajectory optimization method is proposed to generate both state and input trajectories and contact mode sequences. Specifically, incorporating uncertainty into the system and terrain models enables mitigating the non-smoothness of contact dynamics while improving the robustness of the resulting trajectories. Furthermore, a model-free deep reinforcement learning-based approach is presented to achieve fall recovery after the robot completes a fall. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed fall prediction algorithm accurately predicts robot falls with up to 95% accuracy approximately 395ms in advance. Compared to classical locomotion controllers, which often struggle to maintain balance under significant pushes or terrain perturbations, the presented framework can autonomously switch to the fall controller approximately 0.06s after the perturbation, effectively preventing falls or achieving recovery with a threefold reduction in touchdown impact velocity. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the proposed framework in enhancing the stability and safety of legged robots in unstructured environments.

Effects of notch width and loading rate on the dynamic mode II fracture toughness of Ti-6Al-4V

Existing work on size effects in the measurement of dynamic fracture toughness (DFT) has focused mainly on the overall geometric dimensions of the test specimens, while the effects of notch width and loading rate were not explored. In this paper, DFT experiments were conducted using Ti-6Al-4V alloy to study the effects of notch width effect and loading rate effect on its dynamic mode II fracture toughness. An extrapolation method is proposed to estimate the DFT of an ideal sharp crack, and the relationship between DFT, loading rate, and notch width is captured with a 3D spatial plane. Results revealed that the DFT decreases with a reduction of the notch width and increases with loading rate. The effects of notch width on DFT will be shown to be more sensitive compared to loading rate. The failure mode transitional behavior from ductile fracture to adiabatic shearing will be revealed through fractographic analysis of the microstructural evolution, which will elucidate the effects of loading rate on the failure mechanism of the material.

Transient charge-driven 3D conformal printing via pulsed-plasma impingement

Seamless integration of microstructures and circuits on three-dimensional (3D) complex surfaces is of significance and is catalyzing the emergence of many innovative 3D curvy electronic devices. However, patterning fine features on arbitrary 3D targets remains challenging. Here, we propose a facile charge-driven electrohydrodynamic 3D microprinting technique that allows micron- and even submicron-scale patterning of functional inks on a couple of 3D-shaped dielectrics via an atmospheric-pressure cold plasma jet. Relying on the transient charging of exposed sites arising from the weakly ionized gas jet, the specified charge is programmably deposited onto the surface as a virtual electrode with spatial and time spans of ~mm in diameter and ~μs in duration to generate a localized electric field accordantly. Therefore, inks with a wide range of viscosities can be directly drawn out from micro-orifices and deposited on both two-dimensional (2D) planar and 3D curved surfaces with a curvature radius down to ~1 mm and even on the inner wall of narrow cavities via localized electrostatic attraction, exhibiting a printing resolution of ~450 nm. In addition, several conformal electronic devices were successfully printed on 3D dielectric objects. Self-aligned 3D microprinting, with stacking layers up to 1400, is also achieved due to the electrified surfaces. This microplasma-induced printing technique exhibits great advantages such as ultrahigh resolution, excellent compatibility of inks and substrates, antigravity droplet dispersion, and omnidirectional printing on 3D freeform surfaces. It could provide a promising solution for intimately fabricating electronic devices on arbitrary 3D surfaces.

Realistic Texture Mapping of 3D Medical Models Using RGBD Camera for Mixed Reality Applications

Augmented and mixed reality in the medical field is becoming increasingly important. The creation and visualization of digital models similar to reality could be a great help to increase the user experience during augmented or mixed reality activities like surgical planning and educational, training and testing phases of medical students. This study introduces a technique for enhancing a 3D digital model reconstructed from cone-beam computed tomography images with its real coloured texture using an Intel D435 RGBD camera. This method is based on iteratively projecting the two models onto a 2D plane, identifying their contours and then minimizing the distance between them. Finally, the coloured digital models were displayed in mixed reality through a Microsoft HoloLens 2 and an application to interact with them using hand gestures was developed. The registration error between the two 3D models evaluated using 30,000 random points indicates values of: 1.1 ± 1.3 mm on the x-axis, 0.7 ± 0.8 mm on the y-axis, and 0.9 ± 1.2 mm on the z-axis. This result was achieved in three iterations, starting from an average registration error on the three axes of 1.4 mm to reach 0.9 mm. The heatmap created to visualize the spatial distribution of the error shows how it is uniformly distributed over the surface of the pointcloud obtained with the RGBD camera, except for some areas of the nose and ears where the registration error tends to increase. The obtained results indicate that the proposed methodology seems effective. In addition, since the used RGBD camera is inexpensive, future approaches based on the simultaneous use of multiple cameras could further improve the results. Finally, the augmented reality visualization of the obtained result is innovative and could provide support in all those cases where the visualization of three-dimensional medical models is necessary.

Automatic three-dimensional facial symmetry reference plane construction based on facial planar reflective symmetry net

ObjectivesThree-dimensional (3D) facial symmetry analysis is based on the 3D symmetry reference plane (SRP). Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely used in the dental and oral sciences. This study developed a novel deep learning model called the facial planar reflective symmetry net (FPRS-Net) to automatically construct an SRP and established a method for defining a 3D point-cloud region of interest (ROI) and high-dimensional feature computations suitable for this network model. MethodsOverall, 240 patients were enroled. The deep learning model was trained and predicted using 200 samples, and its clinical suitability was evaluated with 40 samples. Four FPRS-Net models were prepared, each using supervised and unsupervised learning approaches based on full facial and ROI data (FPRS-NetS, FPRS-NetSR, FPRS-NetU, and FPRS-NetUR). These models were trained on 160 3D facial datasets, validated on 20 cases, and tested on another 20 cases. The model predictions were evaluated using an additional 40 clinical 3D facial datasets by comparing the mean square error of the SRP between the parameters predicted by the four FPRS-Net models and the truth plane. The clinical suitability of FPRS-Net models was evaluated by measuring the angle error between the predicted and ground-truth planes; experts evaluated the predicted SRP of the four FPRS-Net models using the visual analogue scales (VAS) method. ResultsThe FPRS-NetSR and FPRS-NetU models achieved an average angle error of 0.84° and 0.99° in predicting 3D facial SRP, respectively, with a VAS value of >8. Using the four FPRS-Net models to create an SRP in 40 cases of 3D facial data required <4 s. ConclusionsOur study demonstrated a new solution for automatically constructing oral clinical 3D facial SRPs. Clinical significanceThis study proposes a novel deep learning algorithm (FPRS-Net) to construct a symmetry reference plane that can reduce workload, shorten the time required for digital design, reduce dependence on expert experience, and improve therapeutic efficiency and effectiveness in dental clinics.

Origami-inspired highly stretchable and breathable 3D wearable sensors for in-situ and online monitoring of plant growth and microclimate

The emerging wearable plant sensors demonstrate the capability of in-situ measurement of physiological and micro-environmental information of plants. However, the stretchability and breathability of current wearable plant sensors are restricted mainly due to their 2D planar structures, which interfere with plant growth and development. Here, origami-inspired 3D wearable sensors have been developed for plant growth and microclimate monitoring. Unlike 2D counterparts, the 3D sensors demonstrate theoretically infinitely high stretchability and breathability derived from the structure rather than the material. They are adjusted to 100% and 111.55 mg cm−2·h−1 in the optimized design. In addition to stretchability and breathability, the structural parameters are also used to control the strain distribution of the 3D sensors to enhance sensitivity and minimize interference. After integrating with corresponding sensing materials, electrodes, data acquisition and transmission circuits, and a mobile App, a miniaturized sensing system is produced with the capability of in-situ and online monitoring of plant elongation and microclimate. As a demonstration, the 3D sensors are worn on pumpkin leaves, which can accurately monitor the leaf elongation and microclimate with negligible hindrance to plant growth. Finally, the effects of the microclimate on the plant growth is resolved by analyzing the monitored data. This study would significantly promote the development of wearable plant sensors and their applications in the fields of plant phenomics, plant-environment interface, and smart agriculture.

Modeling dynamic crack growth in quasicrystals: Unraveling the role of phonon–phason coupling

In this work, we employed the phase-field fracture (PFF) model for dynamic brittle fracture in quasicrystals (QCs). The dynamic PFF formulation is derived using both elastodynamics and elasto-hydrodynamic theory. The temporal discretization is achieved using an implicit generalized-α method, which is unconditionally stable for a particular choice of constants. The model incorporates two distinct crack driving forces: (a) the contribution of elastic strain energy from both phonon and phason fields and (b) the contribution solely from the elastic energy associated with the phonon field. To validate the implementation of QCs, we have conducted benchmarking against recent results in the literature, particularly in the context of quasi-static loading. We addressed various paradigmatic case studies to demonstrate the dynamic crack nucleation and propagation in planar 2D decagonal QCs, with a primary emphasis on understanding the interplay between phonon and phason fields. Phason walls, representing low-energy crack paths resulting from atomic rearrangements, play a significant role in crack propagation by introducing an additional energy component. Notably, increasing the phonon–phason coupling constant expedites both crack initiation and propagation. Furthermore, variations in the phonon–phason coupling parameter result in different crack trajectories, observed in both uniaxial and biaxial loading scenarios. The developed code can be downloaded from https://github.com/Hirshikesh/Quasicrystal.git.