Disk Drives Research Articles

[Accelerating the construction of digital and intelligentialized pathology and the prospects].

With the continuous development of informatization, digitalization and artificial intelligence technology, the working mode of the pathology department has gradually changed from the traditional manual check, paper circulation and physical carrier storage to the informatization process and digital storage. The traditional pathology discipline has ushered in unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Digital pathology department also emerge as the times require. Simultaneously, with the full integration of artificial intelligence technology in pathology department, the concept of "department of digital and intelligentialized pathology" was proposed. Based on information and digital technology, the digital intelligent pathology department integrates intelligent management system, optimizes the previous cumbersome management and workflow of the pathology department, develops advanced technologies such as intelligent material extraction, unmanned organization processing, artificial intelligence quality control, artificial intelligence diagnosis, and promotes the intelligent construction of the pathology department.

Photon Upconversion Cooperates with Downshifting in Chiral Systems: Modulation, Amplification, and Applications of Circularly Polarized Luminescence

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)‐active materials are increasingly recognized for their potential applications such as 3D imaging, data storage, and optoelectronic devices. Typically, CPL materials have required high‐energy (HE) photons for excitation to emit low‐energy (LE) circularly polarized light, a process known as downshifting CPL (DSCPL). However, the emergence of upconverted CPL (UCCPL), where the absorption of multi LE photons results in the emission of a single HE photon with circular polarization, has recently attracted considerable attention. This minireview highlights the intricate relationship between upconversion and CPL phenomena. During upconversion, the dissymmetry factor (glum) value can be improved in certain systems. Additionally, the integration of both LE and HE photons in upconversion‐downshifting‐synergistic systems offers avenues for dual‐excitation or dual‐emission CPL functionalities. More in detail, the emerging UCCPL based on various photon upconversion mechanisms and their senergy with DSCPL are introduced. Additionally, several examples that demonstrate the applications of UCCPL are presented to highlight the future opportunities.

Photon Upconversion Cooperates with Downshifting in Chiral Systems: Modulation, Amplification, and Applications of Circularly Polarized Luminescence.

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)-active materials are increasingly recognized for their potential applications such as 3D imaging, data storage, and optoelectronic devices. Typically, CPL materials have required high-energy (HE) photons for excitation to emit low-energy (LE) circularly polarized light, a process known as downshifting CPL (DSCPL). However, the emergence of upconverted CPL (UCCPL), where the absorption of multi LE photons results in the emission of a single HE photon with circular polarization, has recently attracted considerable attention. This minireview highlights the intricate relationship between upconversion and CPL phenomena. During upconversion, the dissymmetry factor (glum) value can be improved in certain systems. Additionally, the integration of both LE and HE photons in upconversion-downshifting-synergistic systems offers avenues for dual-excitation or dual-emission CPL functionalities. More in detail, the emerging UCCPL based on various photon upconversion mechanisms and their senergy with DSCPL are introduced. Additionally, several examples that demonstrate the applications of UCCPL are presented to highlight the future opportunities.

POST-COVID-19 RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS COMPARING INTRAMEDULLARY NAILS AND SLIDING HIP SCREW CONSTRUCTS FOR INTERTROCHANTERIC FRACTURES DO NOT REPRESENT TYPICAL PATIENT DEMOGRAPHICS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Extracapsular Hip Fractures (EHF's) are a significant health burden on healthcare services. Optimal treatment is controversial with conflicting evidence being reported. Currently treatment is undertaken with Intramedullary Nail (IMN) or Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) constructs with a recent increase in IMN use (1). This study aims to conduct a systematic review of Randomised Control Trials published between 2020 and 2023 with particular focus on patient demographics and holistic patient outcomes.Using a unified search-protocol, RCT's published between 2020 and 2023 were collected from CENTRAL, PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE. Rayyan software screened duplicates. Using the CASP and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool papers were critically examined twice, and Blood Loss, Infection and Mobility described the patient journey. Patient demographics were recorded and were contrasted with geographically diverse cohort studies to compare population differences. Parametric tests were used to determine significance levels between population demographics, namely Age and Sex.Eleven papers were included, representing 908 patients (436 Male). The mean age for patients was 64.39. There was considerable risk of bias in 7/11 studies owing to the randomization process and the recording of data. Four Cohort studies were selected for comparison representing 14314 patients. Mean age was significantly different between Cohort Studies and RCT's (Independent T-Test, df 13, t=7.8, p = <0.001, mean difference = 19.251, 95% CI = 13.888, 24.613). This was also true for sex ratios included in the studies (df 13, t = -2.268, p = 0.024, Mean Difference = -0.4884, 95% CI = -0.9702, -0.0066).To conclude, RCT's published in the post COVID-19 era are not representative of patient demographics. This has the potential to provide inaccurate information for implant selection. Additionally further research must be conducted in how to better improve RCT patient inclusion so as to be more representative of patients whilst balancing the risks of operations.

Indoor measurement and analysis on soil-traction device interaction using a soil bin

Investigating the mechanical interaction between vehicles and soil requires measuring various mechanical parameters, which have been enhanced through the advancement of measurement tools. This study delves into the measurement tools and data recording devices utilized in soil-traction device studies conducted at the Off-Road Vehicle Research Center of Urmia University. The tools and methods used for measuring and recording parameters such as forces, velocities, displacements, stresses, and contact areas during traction engagements of laboratory test traction devices (wheels and tracks) are presented. These measurements may have been simultaneously obtained using multiple transducers. The results demonstrate the data acquisition system's successful measurement and recording of these parameters. This research emphasizes the integration of different sensors, developing and implementing a unified data acquisition system for various transducers, and creating innovative setups for measuring and recording parameters such as soil density and wheel-soil contact area, which are of significant importance.

The laser-electron source of X-ray radiation (from the opening statement at workshop dedicated to the 85th anniversary of B.S. Ishkhanov in SINP MSU on October 26, 2023)

The work, as well as the seminar at which it was reported, is devoted to the memory of the outstanding physicist-nuclear scientist, professor of Moscow State University B.S. Ishkhanov, namely his contribution to the research and development of LEXG — laser-electronic X-ray generators. Relevance and prospects of this direction are connected with «gap» between two existing types of X-ray sources: on the one hand — X-ray tubes, and on the other - electronic accelerators, storage rings and free electrons lasers. It’s about a huge difference in their bundle characteristics, cost, scale, energy consumption, etc. The history of modern projects abroad, as well as the LEXG project of MSU–Jilin University, led by Prof. B.S. Ishkhanov, are briefly presented. From the point of view of their applications, the LEXG designs can be divided into two types with different scale of the devices. The first is the replacement of serial X-ray tubes and the second is radiation medicine, nuclear technology and nuclear physics research. International conferences on LEXG have been held since 2008. The list of these is given in the Annex to the article.

Age-related differences in finger interdependence during complex hand movements.

The well-known decrease in finger dexterity during healthy aging leads to a significant reduction in quality of life. Still, the exact patterns of altered finger kinematics of older adults in daily life are fairly unexplored. Finger interdependence is the unintentional co-movement of fingers that are not intended to move, and it is known to vary across the lifespan. Nevertheless, the magnitude and direction of age-related differences in finger interdependence are ambiguous across studies and tasks and have not been explored in the context of daily life finger movements. We investigated five different free and daily-life-inspired finger movements of the right, dominant hand as well as a sequential finger tapping task of the thumb against the other fingers, in 17 younger (22 to 37 years) and 17 older (62 to 80 years) adults using an exoskeleton data glove for data recording. Using inferential statistics, we found that the unintentional co-movement of fingers generally decreases with age in all performed daily-life-inspired movements. Finger tapping, however, showed a trend towards higher finger interdependence for older compared to younger adults. Using machine learning, we predicted the age group of a person from finger interdependence features of single movement trials significantly better than chance level for the daily-life-inspired movements, but not for finger tapping. Taken together, we show that for specific tasks, decreased finger interdependence (i.e., less co-movement) could potentially act as a marker of human aging that specifically characterizes older adults' complex finger movements in daily life.

Phase change materials encapsulated in a novel hybrid carbon skeleton for high-efficiency solar-thermal conversion and energy storage

Phase change materials (PCMs) with high energy density and stationary transition temperature are now considered promising solar energy storage mediums. However, their intrinsic poor light absorption, thermal conductivity and stability severely impede their potential applications. In this study, a novel carbonized hybrid aerogel (CHA) structure was firstly constructed by incorporating MXene and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) into a continuous phase polyamic acid salt (PAAS) aqueous solution, followed by directional freezing, vacuum drying, imidization, and carbonization processes. Finally, the composite PCMs (CPCMs) were fabricated by vacuum impregnation of PCMs into the CHAs. The CPCM, of which CHA consists of 20 wt% MXene and 10 wt% CNF@PDA, demonstrates high solar-thermal conversion efficiency (>91 %), improved thermal conductivity of 0.40 W·m−1·K−1, great thermal stability (enthalpy loss < 0.19 % after 100 cycling tests with no obvious leakage). The introduction of MXene and CNFs endows PCM with broader light absorption spectrum range. The skeleton matrix embedded with bonded MXene sheets and CNFs provides more thermal pathways, light absorption sites and carrying capacity, improves the thermal conductivity, solar-thermal conversion property and stability of PCM. In addition, CPCM also exhibits outstanding EMI SE (95 dB). The multifunctional and high-performance CPCMs shows potential to realize the effective capture and utilization of solar energy. This work provides a new strategy to construct stable and multifunctional hybrid carbon skeleton for high-efficiency solar-thermal conversion and energy storage.

Direct methanol oxygen-ion conducting solid oxide fuel cell with an integrated in-situ cracking reactor

Methanol, as an indirect hydrogen storage medium rich in hydrogen, is considered an ideal fuel for fuel cells. Oxygen-ion conducting solid oxide fuel cells (O-SOFCs) powered by methanol are renowned for their high energy conversion efficiency and minimal environmental impact, offering broad application prospects. However, challenges to their stable power generation arise from the rate of hydrogen production through methanol decomposition at the anode and carbon deposition on nickel-based anodes. To address these issues, this study explores the optimal operating temperature and concentration of methanol as an O-SOFCs fuel, while also developing a novel cell design. In this design, an in-situ cracking reactor for internal conversion of methanol is constructed by loading Ru-GDC high-efficiency nanofiber catalysts on dendritic anode microchannels, significantly enhancing the cell's power generation performance. Experimental results demonstrate that at 800°C and a 30% methanol concentration, the system increases the maximum power density (MPD) from 0.622 W cm−2 to 0.893 W cm−2, exhibiting a 43.57% increase in power density and a 13.03% improvement in methanol utilization. Additionally, the system effectively mitigates carbon deposition and nickel anode deactivation, thereby enhancing the cell's operational stability.

Effect of nano-SiO2 particles on THF hydrate induction time and its distribution

Clathrate hydrate has been studied for a few decades as a potential alternative energy source and gas storage medium. The direct engineering application of hydrate is still struggling due to the slow formation rate and the ambiguity of induction time. To understand the effect of nanoparticles on the hydrate nucleation induction time, we used different amounts and magnitude sizes of nano-SiO2 particles as promoter to observe the Tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrate induction time under repeated experiments. We conducted a statistical analysis method based on Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test and probability-probability plot (P-P plot) test for the analysis of induction time. The results showed that the logarithmic normal distribution can be used to describe the distribution of THF hydrate induction time with addition of nano-SiO2 under repeated experiments. The expected value and variance of induction time vary with particle sizes of different magnitudes at different mass concentrations, showing different effects of nano-SiO2 on hydrate formation and dispersion of induction time. There is a critical condition (with different sizes or mass concentrations) for the influence of nano-SiO2 particles on the THF hydrate induction time, which determines the promoting or inhibiting effect of nano-SiO2 particles on THF hydrate formation.

Evaluation of mediastinoscopy for cranial mediastinal and tracheobronchial lymphadenectomy in canine cadavers.

To report technical feasibility and describe procedural details of a novel single incision minimally invasive approach to the mediastinum in cadaver dogs. Cadaveric study. Large breed (25-40 kg) cadaver dogs (n = 10). Three of 10 cadavers were used for preliminary technique development without data recording. Cadaver specimens underwent pre- and postoperative thoracic computed tomographic scans. Seven dogs were placed in dorsal recumbency and mediastinoscopy was performed via a SILS port placed cranial to the thoracic inlet with CO2 insufflation of the mediastinum at 2-4 mmHg. Retrieval of all CT and visually identified mediastinal lymph nodes (LN) was attempted; endoscopic compartmental and individual LN dissection times and subjective operative challenges were recorded. Procedural success scores for visualization and dissection as well as NASA-task force index scores were recorded per lymph node, per cadaver. Median time required for initial approach including SILS placement was 5 min (range 5-10 min). Individual LN retrieval times ranged from 2 to 32 min. Mediastinoscopic retrieval of LNs was most commonly successful for the left tracheobronchial LN (7/7), followed by the right tracheobronchial LN (4/7), the left and right sternal LNs (3/7 each), and the cranial mediastinal LNs (1/7). Post-procedure pleural gas was identified on CT in 4/7 cadavers. Mediastinoscopy as reported was feasible in large breed canine cadavers and retrieval or cup biopsy of a variety of lymph nodes is possible from the described approach. Application in living animals and its associated challenges should be further investigated. Mediastinoscopy may provide a novel minimally invasive approach to the evaluation and oncologic staging of the cranial mediastinum in dogs.

Impact of corrugated duct and heat storage element on the performance of a low-cost solar air heater under forced air circulation: an experimental study.

The need to address global warming issues and international policies has placed a greater emphasis on the development of solar energy utilization systems. Intensive study is necessary to expand solar energy applications, as solar energy potential varies widely. This study investigates the thermal and thermohydraulic performance of a modified flat plate solar air heater (FSAH) to assess the effects of using corrugated aluminium duct and sand heat storage elements (HSE) in various combinations. The different arrangements selected for the experimental investigation are the FSAH, FSAH with corrugated aluminium duct (FSAH-C), FSAH with a sand heat storage element (FSAH-S), and FSAH with a combined use of corrugated aluminium duct and a sand heat storage element (FSAH-CS). The materials used for fabrication are low-cost and readily available in the study area. The results indicate that the sand bed enhanced the thermal performance by acting as the thermal heat storage medium, which could also supply heat for a short duration after non-sunny hours, and the corrugated aluminium duct enhanced the surface area and allowed the air to pass twice inside the SAH. We observed that the SAHs with sensible heat storage had a higher top loss compared to the FSAH-S configuration. The average thermal efficiency of the FSAH-CS configuration was 59.17%, which is 8.81%, 5.72%, and 10.95% higher than FSAH-S, FSAH-C, and FSAH, respectively. Furthermore, this configuration achieved an exit temperature of 64.5°C. The proposed system has a thermohydraulic efficiency of 59.14%, which is not significantly different from the average thermal efficiency. Therefore, the suggested system verifies its ability to function without requiring substantial external power.

Real-Time Multi-Sensor Joint Fault Diagnosis Method for Permanent Magnet Traction Drive Systems Based on Structural Analysis

Sensor faults are one of the most common faults that cause performance degradation or functional loss in permanent magnet traction drive systems (PMTDSs). To quickly diagnose faulty sensors, this paper proposes a real-time joint diagnosis method for multi-sensor faults based on structural analysis. Firstly, based on limited monitoring signals on board, a structured model of the system was established using the structural analysis method. The isolation and detectability of faulty sensors were analyzed using the Dulmage–Mendelsohn decomposition method. Secondly, the minimum collision set method was used to calculate the minimum overdetermined equation set, transforming the higher-order system model into multiple related subsystem models, thereby reducing modeling complexity and facilitating system implementation. Next, residual vectors were constructed based on multiple subsystem models, and fault detection and isolation strategies were designed using the correlation between each subsystem model and the relevant sensors. The validation results of the physical testing platform based on online fault data recordings showed that the proposed method could achieve rapid fault detection and the localization of multi-sensor faults in PMTDS and had a good application value.

Strategies for Managing Born-Digital Record in University Libraries: A Study of Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun

This study used the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun Library as a case study to investigate strategies for managing born-digital records in the university library. The study aims to ascertain the types of born-digital records available in FUPRE library, the strategies used for managing born-digital records, challenges of managing born-digital records. To achieve these objectives, the descriptive survey research was adopted. This research method was considered appropriate by the researchers because it allows for systematic collection and analysis of data to describe characteristics, behaviors, or opinions within a specific population. Hence it will help to provide insights into the current strategies employed by FUPRE library for managing born-digital records. The questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection and the data collected for the study were analyzed using simple percentages, frequency counts, and bar charts. The study found that: born-digital records such as test-based documents (for example Word documents, and Google documents), etc., library presentations e.g., PowerPoint, spreadsheets e.g., Excel, digital documents e.g., PDFs, and electronic memos are the born-digital records are available in FUPRE library; the only policy in place regarding the management of born-digital records is the policy on storage of born-digital records. The study also found that the library’s strategies for preserving born-digital records are refreshing, migration, and replication and that their strategy for disposing of born-digital records is deletion while the challenges of managing born-digital records are technological obsolescence, lack/poor digital storage facilities, copyright, and intellectual property rights issues among others. These findings contribute to the understanding of current practices and challenges in managing born-digital records within university libraries, specifically at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) library. The study recommends that the library management should formulate policies that will cater to the creation/generation, preservation, transfer/exchange as well as the disposition of born-digital records giving them direction when it comes to managing born-digital records in the library among others.

The Capital Market Effects of Centralizing Regulated Financial Information

ABSTRACTWe study the capital market effects of information centralization by exploiting the staggered implementation of digital storage and access platforms for regulated financial information (Officially Appointed Mechanisms, or OAMs) in the European Union. We find that the implementation of OAMs results in significant improvements in capital market liquidity, consistent with the notion that OAMs lower investors' processing costs. The findings are more pronounced when processing costs are high to begin with, that is, when firms (1) are small and receive low business press coverage and (2) have high levels of retail ownership. We then identify a mechanism through which centralization facilitates capital market effects: information spillovers. First, we find that liquidity improvements are larger when OAMs have features that easily allow investors to search for peer firm information. Second, liquidity improvements are larger for firms with a high share of industry peers operating on the same OAM and for firms with a high share of small, low‐coverage peers on that OAM. Third, around the annual report release dates of peer firms, focal‐firm liquidity improves and focal‐peer stock return synchronicity increases. Overall, our evidence suggests that, even in a modern information age, information centralization improves capital market liquidity and facilitates the acquisition and use of peer firm information.

A Method for Identifying External Short-Circuit Faults in Power Transformers Based on Support Vector Machines

Being a vital component of electrical power systems, transformers significantly influence the system stability and reliability of power supplies. Damage to transformers may lead to significant economic losses. The efficient identification of transformer faults holds paramount importance for the stability and security of power grids. The existing methods for identifying transformer faults include oil chromatography analysis, temperature assessment, frequency response analysis, vibration characteristic examination, and leakage magnetic field analysis. These methods suffer from limitations such as limited sensitivity, complexity in operation, and a high demand for specialized skills. In this paper, we propose a method to identify external short-circuit faults of power transformers based on fault recording data on short-circuit currents. It involves analyzing the current signals of various windings during faults, extracting appropriate features, and utilizing a classification algorithm based on a support vector machine (SVM) to determine fault types and locations. The influence of different kernel functions on the classification accuracy of SVM is discussed. The results indicate that this method can proficiently identify the type and location of external short-circuit faults in transformers, achieving an accuracy rate of 98.3%.

Charting User Experience in Physical Human-Robot Interaction

Robots increasingly interact with humans through touch, where people are touching or being touched by robots. Yet, little is known about how such interactions shape a user’s experience. To inform future work in this area, we conduct a systematic review of 44 studies on physical human-robot interaction (pHRI). Our review examines the parameters of the touch (e.g., the role of touch, location), the experimental variations used by researchers, and the methods used to assess user experience. We identify five facets of user experience metrics from the questionnaire items and data recordings for pHRI studies. We highlight gaps and methodological issues in studying pHRI and compare user evaluation trends with the Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) literature. Based on the review, we propose a conceptual model of the pHRI experience. The model highlights the components of such touch experiences to guide the design and evaluation of physical interactions with robots and inform future user experience questionnaire development.

Pre-Disaster Optimal Operation Strategy for Hydrogen-Fuel-Based Isolated Power System with Disaster Uncertainties

The increasing occurrence of severe weather phenomena presents substantial difficulties for electricity distribution systems. This study investigates the integration of hydrogen production plants (HPPs) into power distribution networks to bolster resilience against the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. It highlights the innovative use of hydrogen, generated from renewable sources, as an energy storage medium to ensure a stable power supply during disruptions. By employing stochastic optimization, the study aims to effectively manage hydrogen production and utilization, considering uncertainties in disaster scenarios and energy demands. It addresses critical research gaps, such as the lack of focus on pre-disaster preventive scheduling using hydrogen, the under-explored application of stochastic optimization in such contexts, and the predominance of real-time response strategies over pre-emptive measures. This approach significantly advances current understanding by proposing novel strategies that leverage hydrogen production and sophisticated optimization to enhance the resilience of power networks against extreme weather events. In some scenarios, using our method can reduce the cost of pre-disaster prevention by approximately 15.68% while ensuring that the disaster recovery effect remains unchanged.

Comprehensive study of the ultrafast photoexcited carrier dynamics in Sb2Te3-GeTe superlattices

Abstract Chalcogenide superlattices Sb2Te3-GeTe is a candidate for interfacial phase-change memory (iPCM) data storage devices. By employing terahertz emission spectroscopy and the transient reflectance spectroscopy together, we investigate the ultrafast photoexcited carrier dynamics and current transients in Sb2Te3-GeTe superlattices. Sample orientation and excitation polarization dependences of the THz emission confirm that ultrafast thermo-electric, shift and injection currents contribute to the THz generation in Sb2Te3-GeTe superlattices. By decreasing the thickness and increasing the number of GeTe and Sb2Te3 layer, the interlayer coupling can be enhanced, which significantly reduces the contribution from circular photo-galvanic effect (CPGE). A photo-induced bleaching in the transient reflectance spectroscopy probed in the range of ~1100 nm to ~1400 nm further demonstrates a gapped state resulting from the interlayer coupling. These demonstrates play an important role in the development of iPCM-based high-speed optoelectronic devices.

Functionalization of morphology in optimization of dielectric, electrical/impedance modulus, and relaxation mechanisms of Co-Ni doped M-type Sr nanoferrites

In this article, novel M-type hexaferrites SrCoxNixFe12−2xO19 were synthesized using the sol–gel method. The phase structure was characterized by x-ray diffraction, grain morphology was investigated from scanned electron micrographs, and dielectric/electric/impedance characteristics were analyzed in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 2 MHz. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the formation of hexaferrites without any secondary phase. The grain size and distribution were significantly affected by Co-Ni dopants and there was an observation of cluster of grains, grain agglomerates, and improved inter-grain connectivity. The substitution of Co-Ni caused a reduction in crystallite size from 41.47 to 23.14 nm and the dielectric constant/loss tangent varied non-monotonically. The electric modulus indicated a non-Debye type relaxation and the charge transport mechanism exhibited conductivity relaxation to be more dominant than dielectric relaxation. The prepared ferrites show a large dielectric constant and hence are suitable for use in transformer core and storage media. The correlation of simulated grain/grain boundary parameters with morphology, dielectric parameter, and electric modulus has been presented.