Suitable Position Research Articles

Fabrication of ZnIn2S4/CeO2 S-scheme heterojuntion for the enhanced removal of tetracycline under visible light irradiation

A series of S-scheme ZnIn2S4/x-CeO2 heterojunction were designed and fabricated through in-situ precipitation and hydrothermal method. XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS, UV-vis DRS and adsorption-photocatalytic techniques were employed to investigate its crystal phase structure, morphology, size, elemental composition, photo-response property and elimination ability for tetracycline. XRD analysis revealed CeO2 and ZnIn2S4 in ZnIn2S4/x-CeO2 sample presented cubic and hexagonal phase structure, respectively. SEM and TEM images indicated that CeO2 particles with irregular-shaped of around 20nm were attached on the smooth surface of ZnIn2S4 microparticles with ca. 4 μm. All the as-synthesized ZnIn2S4/x-CeO2 samples could harvest more visible-light and the absorption edges were red-shifted in comparison with pure CeO2. ZnIn2S4/0.3-CeO2 sample exhibited remarkably enhanced photocatalytic performance and its removal efficiency for tetracycline reached 87.29% within 100min. The detailed experimental and DFT calculation indicated that the enhanced photocatalytic property was mainly ascribed to the synergistic effect of wide light-response range, suitable band position and successful fabrication of S-scheme heterostructure, which was in favor of rapid transfer and available separation of photo-generated e-/h+ pairs. The scavenger experiments and the ESR data revealed that the •O2– and h+ active species played the dominant role in tetracycline removal over ZnIn2S4/0.3-CeO2 system. In addition, the as-synthesized ZnIn2S4/0.3-CeO2 samples had excellent stability and the removal efficiency still reached 70.73% after being repeatedly used for 4 times. Furthermore, the possible enhanced photocatalytic mechanism over ZnIn2S4/x-CeO2 was proposed to get a better understanding of photocatalytic process. This work provided the guidance to fabricate CeO2-based heterojunction with promising prospect for the efficient elimination of antibiotic residues from wastewater.

First‐Principles Study on Electronic and Optical Properties of Novel Potential Photocatalytic Water‐Splitting Material: Blue‐P/Hf2CO2 vdW Heterostructure

ABSTRACTIn this work, we set a series of blue‐P/Hf2CO2 vdW heterostructures by stacking blue‐P and Hf2CO2 monolayers together. Then the most stable structure, the AD‐stacking blue‐P/Hf2CO2 vdW structure (the HS), is selected out for further investigation. The electronic and optical properties of the HS are studied for exploring its potential applications. Result of its electronic structure investigation indicates that the HS is a type‐I band arrangement. By applying different biaxial strains parallel to the stacking direction to the HS, we regulate its band gap and band edge positions. Results show a suitable strain not only can adjust the band alignment type of the HS change from type‐I to type‐II but also regulate the band structure to a suitable band edge positions for photocatalytic water splitting. The band edge position of HS (2%) across the oxidation and reduction potential indicates that it is a potential photocatalyst of water splitting at pH = 7. By calculating the absorption coefficient, we found the HS (2%) has a good light‐harvesting ability in visible light and UV region, which further proves it has the potential as the sunlight‐driven photocatalyst for water splitting.

Synergistic effect of FeOOH cocatalyst and Al2O3 passivation layer on BiVO4 photoanode for enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation

BiVO4 is one of the most attractive photoanodes for water oxidation due to its 2.4 eV narrow band gap, suitable band edge position, good stability in aqueous solution, low cost and non-toxicity. However, due to some inherent disadvantages such as low carrier mobility, severe charge recombination and slow water oxidation kinetics, the actual BiVO4 photocurrent density is often lower than the theoretical value of 7.5 mA cm−2. In this paper, BiVO4 was modified by alkali-treated Al2O3 passivation layer and FeOOH, and the photocurrent density of BiVO4 reached an astonishing 3.8 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE, and the ABPE (applied bias photon-to-current efficiency) was close to 1 %. The detailed structural characterization and electrochemical test show that Al2O3 prepared by ALD (atomic layer deposition) can play a role in passivation of BiVO4 surface state after alkali treatment, inhibit electron hole recombination on BiVO4 surface, and accelerate hole transfer. As a hole storage layer and catalyst layer, FeOOH promoted the interfacial hole transfer, increased the active sites at the electrode electrolyte interface, and significantly increased the water oxidation activity. This work provides a novel method to enhance the performance of water electrolysis by using ALD to assist passivation of bismuth vanadate photoanode surface states.

General Synthesis of Single-Crystalline Ta2O5 Nanorods Towards Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Production Activity.

As a potential candidate for photocatalytic H2 production from water splitting, Ta2O5 catalyst presents suitable conduction and valence band positions, but suffers from poor charge transfer ability, which seriously limits its photocatalytic performance enhancement. Here, a facile and eco-friendly hydrothermal method was developed for the fabrication of one-dimensional (1D) Ta2O5 nanorods using the freshly precipitated tantalic acids as the precursors. An oriented attachment mechanism was proposed for the growth of Ta2O5 nanorods. Moreover, the present synthetic approach was further extended to direct synthesis of nine kinds of alkaline tantalates and alkaline-earth tantalates nanostructures, suggesting its general applicability. A significant increase in activity in photocatalytic H2 production was revealed on 1D Ta2O5 nanorods. The improved photocatalytic H2 production activity of Ta2O5 nanorods was mainly attributed to its 1D nanorods structure with high crystallization and large specific surface areas as well as excellent charge transfer efficiency.

Near-Ideal Copper Oxide Heterostructure Design for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting.

In recent years, photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation through water splitting has gained significant attention as a carbon-free solar-to-energy conversion strategy. Among various materials, copper oxides, specifically cupric oxide (CuO) and cuprous oxide (Cu2O), have been extensively investigated for their suitable band positions and prominent performance, particularly in heterostructures. However, previously reported heterostructures, such as CuO layers on Cu2O, are not ideal configurations in terms of photoelectrical properties. In this study, we introduce the fabrication approach for an ideal heterostructure consisting of Cu2O nanowires on a CuO/Cu2O mixed-phase film, fabricated by a straightforward electrochemical/thermal method. The Cu2O nanowire with Cr layer (CNwC) shows potential for solar energy harvesting due to its suitable band positions and narrow bandgap, enabling enhanced photoabsorption across the entire visible spectrum. A thin chromium (Cr) layer underlying the nanostructure contributes to the formation of the ideal copper oxide heterostructure, acting as an adhesive and protective layer. The Cr layer is oxidized during the fabrication process of the CNwC and supports the hydrogen evolution reaction for water splitting. Moreover, the anodization time critically influences the phase composition, size, and density of the nanowires. Under optimal conditions, collective and slanted Cu2O nanowires can absorb incident light, maximizing both photon absorption and photon-to-energy conversion efficiency.

Z-Scheme LaFeO3/Cd0.7Zn0.3S heterojunction based on 3DOM LaFeO3 perovskite for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen activity

The narrow band gap semiconductor LaFeO3 with ABO3 perovskite structure has been deeply studied in the field of photocatalysis due to its good thermal stability, chemical stability, photoelectric properties and suitable band position. The inverse opal structure gives the material a large specific surface area and increases the adsorption area and active site of the catalyst. In this work, it is reported for the first time that perovskite LaFeO3 inverse opal was applied to photocatalytic hydrogen production. The Cd0.7Zn0.3S QDs were deposited on the skeleton wall of LaFeO3 inverse opal to construct LaFeO3/Cd0.7Zn0.3S binary heterojunction catalyst. The LaFeO3 3DOM can effectively increase the contact area with Cd0.7Zn0.3S QDs with an increase in specific surface area, and the multiple scattering effect improves the efficiency of light utilization. The introduction of Zn2+ ions regulate the band gap position of Cd0.7Zn0.3S QDs and increases the thermodynamic reduction ability of photo generated electrons. The Z-type heterojunction effect formed by LaFeO3 inverse opal and Cd0.7Zn0.3S QDs facilitates the separation and transmission of photo generated charges. The LaFeO3/Cd0.7Zn0.3S heterojunction catalysts achieved a hydrogen production performance of 277.48 μmol/g/h due to the large specific surface area of 3DOM, good light capture ability, band gap regulation of element doping, and efficient charge separation synergistic effect of heterojunction. This work provides new insights into the design and manufacture of perovskite-type 3DOM heterojunction photocatalysts.

Ultrahigh carrier mobility and anisotropy of the layered semiconductor ATiN2 (A = Ca, Sr and Ba)

Semiconductors with a suitable band gap and high carrier mobility are highly desirable in the electronics, optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. The mechanical, electronic, optical and transport properties of the layered nitrides ATiN2 (A = Ca, Sr, and Ba) have been systematically studied by theoretical calculations. These nitrides show good ductility with moderate moduli, larger Poisson's ratio than 0.26 and Pugh's modulus ratio exceeding 1.75. CaTiN2 and SrTiN2 are direct bandgap semiconductors, while BaTiN2 is an indirect bandgap semiconductor, showing suitable band gaps (1.54–1.78 eV) and band edge positions for optoelectronic and photocatalytic water-splitting applications. More intriguingly, they possess superhigh carrier mobility with remarkable anisotropy. Particularly, the in-plane electron mobility reaches an ultrahigh order of 104 cm2V−1s−1, whereas those along the out-of-plane direction are almost zero. In addition, the hole mobilities are also very large along the in-plane direction and the anisotropic ratios are as high as about 30 for all these nitrides. Furthermore, these ATiN2 nitrides exhibit high optical absorption coefficients (∼105 cm−1) and lower exciton binding energies. Due to the suitable band gaps and band alignments, ultrahigh carrier mobility and huge anisotropy, excellent visible light absorption performance, the ATiN2 nitrides will be promising candidate semiconductors in electronics, optoelectronic, photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications.

Differences in Diaphragmatic and Chest Wall Excursion During Quiet Breathing According to Body Position: Dynamic Analysis by MRI

Background and Purpose: The diaphragm is the largest contributor to respiration but is highly influenced by position. Therefore, despite understanding the importance of “positioning” in respiratory physiotherapy, research on diaphragmatic excursion between body positions remains insufficient. This study examined the differences in diaphragm and chest wall excursion between supine, prone, and left and right side-lying positions to investigate the most suitable position for ventilation. Methods: Diaphragmatic excursion, as well as the lateral and anteroposterior diameters of the chest walls of 40 healthy adults (20 males and 20 females), was dynamically imaged during quiet breathing in 4 positions using magnetic resonance imaging, and the amount of excursion was calculated. The Friedman test was used for statistical analysis to compare differences in diaphragmatic and chest wall excursions. Results: The median age was 21.0 years, the median BMI was 20.8 kg/cm2, and all pulmonary function values were normal and within the reference values based on Japanese predicted normal values. The diaphragm and chest wall exhibited significantly greater excursion in the prone position than in other positions (P < .001). In the side-lying position, the anteroposterior diameter excursion of the lower chest wall on the unloaded side was significantly greater (P < .005). However, there was no significant difference between the side-lying and supine positions (P > .05). Conclusions: Diaphragmatic and chest wall excursion during quiet breathing was found to be significantly greater in the prone position than in other positions. This suggests that the prone position is the optimal “positioning” for increased ventilation and may contribute to the prevention of respiratory complications.

Heat Transfer Through a Heated Rod Placed in Different Arrangements

Abstract The present work experimentally analyses the surface heat transfer from a thermally active copper rod of circular cross-section placed in different arrangement of dummy rods. All the rods are arranged in cross-flow. Wind-tunnel experiments for nine different arrangements of heated rod at a Reynold’s number of 12600 were investigated. Temperature variation, heat transfer and vertical velocity distribution downstream of the cylinder were studied. Higher heat transfer rate was obtained when the heated rod was placed in downstream position due to the rubbing action of vortex shedding phenomena of upstream rod. Maximum heat transfer rate was reported in tandem arrangement of rod with the thermally active cylinder placed in the downstream row. The wall effect becomes dominant near the wall region and affects the flow and heat transfer in the vicinity of wall. Pressure and logarithmic value of temperature has been reported at suitable positions to explain the thermofluid physics.

The significant role of Z-scheme band alignment at the heterojunction for the enhanced photocatalytic H2 production in TiO2/BiNbO4/rGO nanocomposite

An efficient ternary TiO2/BiNbO4/rGO nanocomposite was prepared by a simple wet impregnation process. PXRD confirmed the tetragonal and orthorhombic crystalline natures of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and bismuth niobate (BiNbO4) respectively. The loading of BiNbO4 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) shifted the light absorption of TiO2 to a longer wavelength from 400 to 430 nm. The suitable conduction band position of BiNbO4 facilitated a favourable band alignment to suppress the electron/hole (e−/h+) recombination in TiO2 via the Z scheme mechanism at the heterojunction. The excited electrons at the CB of TiO2 were easily transported via the fast electron accepting and conducting rGO matrix for the surface redox reactions with the improved charge transfer efficiency, which was confirmed by EIS and PL studies respectively. BiNbO4 and rGO synergistically improved the specific surface area and solar light absorption. EPR analysis confirmed the presence of increased oxygen vacancies at the heterojunction. Hence, the ternary TiO2/BiNbO4/rGO nanocomposite demonstrated an enhanced hydrogen evolution (8910 μ mol h−1 gcat−1) than bare TiO2 (4820 μ mol h−1 gcat−1), bare BiNbO4 (950 μ mol h−1 gcat−1) and TiO2/BiNbO4 (6730 μ mol h−1 gcat−1) under direct solar light. The optimum of 1 wt % BiNbO4 and rGO loaded TiO2 nanocomposite produced twice the H2 production than the bare TiO2. This also further confirms that rGO played a major role during the photocatalytic process by highlighting the potential of metal oxides combined with carbon material as an efficient photocatalyst which prominently enhances the H2 evolution.

Correlating Cu dopant concentration, optoelectronic properties, and photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanostructures: experimental and theoretical insights

The photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts can be enhanced by cation doping, and the dopant concentration plays a key role in achieving high efficiency. This study explores the impact of copper (Cu) doping at concentrations ranging from 0% to 10% on the microstructural, optical, electronic, and photocatalytic properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures. The x-ray diffraction analysis shows a non-linear alteration in the lattice parameters with increasing the Cu content and the formation of CuO as a secondary phase at the Cu concentration of >3%. Density functional theory calculations provide insights into the change in the electronic structures of ZnO induced by Cu doping, leading to the formation of localizeddelectronic levels above the valence band maximum. The modulation of the electronic structure of ZnO by Cu doping facilitates the visible light absorption via O 2p → Cu 3d and Cu 3d → Zn 2p transitions. Photoluminescence spectroscopy reveals a quenching of the defect-related emission peak at approximately 570 nm for all Cu-doped ZnO nanostructures, indicating a reduction in the structural and other defects. The photocatalytic activity tests confirm that the ZnO nanostructures doped with 3% Cu exhibit the highest efficiency compared to other samples due to the suitable band-edge position and visible light absorption.

Solar-driven photocatalytic nitrogen fixation on transition metal-doped covalent organic frameworks: First-principles study

Designing highly efficient single-atom catalysts for converting nitrogen into ammonia under ambient temperature conditions holds significant importance. Current research predominantly focuses on electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation, but compared to that, photocatalytic nitrogen fixation requires only sunlight as an energy source, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Developing efficient nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) photocatalysts presents a promising yet highly challenging task. Two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have garnered interest because of their elevated surface area and regular pore structure. This study employs density functional theory calculations to investigate the potential of NRR photocatalysts using the 2D COF TMT-TFPT-COF (TT-COF) supported with 18 different transition metal atoms (TM = Rh, Nb, Os, Mo, Ru, Pt, Ni, Co, V, Cu, Fe, Re, W, Cr, Ta, Mn, Pd, Ti). Through a four-step selection process, the most promising photocatalyst is identified. The results indicate that a single Re atom loaded onto TT-COF (Re@TT-COF) displays the optimal nitrogen fixation performance, demonstrating excellent catalytic activity and selectivity with a limiting potential of only −0.30 V. Furthermore, its good light absorption efficiency, suitable band edge position, and significant photo-generated electron potential enable spontaneous nitrogen fixation. Our study provides useful guidance for the rational design of COF-based NRR photocatalysts with high activity, stability, and selectivity.

Hydrogen production from photocatalytic water splitting in the hBNC/MoS2 heterojunction: First-principles calculations

Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production is a kind of hydrogen production method with less pollution and low cost. We designed the hBNC/MoS2 heterojunction as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production. This investigation is based on the first-principles. The results show that hBNC/MoS2 heterojunction has type-II band alignment. Moreover, the built-in electric field makes the photo-generated carries transfer along Z-scheme path. The hBNC/MoS2 has suitable band edge positions for hydrogen evolution reaction and oxidation evolution reaction. The reduction reaction overpotential is 2.27 eV (χH2 = 2.27 eV) in hBNC/MoS2. Meanwhile, the visible light absorption is improved in this heterojunction compared with the monolayer hBNC and MoS2. In addition, the Gibbs free energy calculation confirmed that the HER under the light irradiation in hBNC/MoS2 is an exothermic and spontaneous process. This investigation indicates that the hBNC/MoS2 heterojunction has potential application prospect in photocatalytic hydrogen production.

On the utility of partially corrupted flow measurement data arising from adjacent acoustic Doppler current profilers for energy yield assessment

Recommended practice for quantifying the energy resource at a tidal energy site requires the use of multiple instruments deployed across the site. However, the instruments used work by emitting an acoustic pulse and instruments working at the same time have the potential to interfere with each other through a process known as ’cross-talk’. It is important to understand the impact of cross-talk on measurements and how this can be managed and through data processing or suitable positioning of devices. The ReDAPT project conducted a measurement campaign using two Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) placed upstream of an operational tidal turbine. This aimed to assess the ’in-line’ instrument placement guidelines from IEC 62600-200 for Power Performance Assessment (PPA) in real-world conditions. Consequently, the results within hold potential to support arguments for expanding these zones or adjusting their general dimensions. Despite adhering to industry standards and best practices to eliminate unreliable data in the Quality Control (QC) checks, in both concurrently measuring ADCPs at different time stamps in approximately 15 % of the returned data. This work identified for the first time interference throughout the campaign and quantified subsequent impact on estimates. A method to remove data anomalies caused by interference between closely positioned ADCPs has been developed and demonstrated, resulting in a 7 % variation in estimated Annual Energy Production (AEP). The algorithm effectively removed approximately 90 % of the corrupted measurements. Moving forward, multi-sensor deployments could use the algorithm described to double-check for interference within the data sets, although care should be taken to avoid this by choosing a suitable layout for deployment.

Task-Dependent Comfort Zone, a Base Placement Strategy for Mobile Manipulators Based on Manipulability Measures

The present contribution introduces the task-dependent comfort zone as a base placement strategy for mobile manipulators using different manipulability measures. Four different manipulability measures depending on end-effector velocities, forces, stiffness, and accelerations are considered. By evaluating a discrete subspace of the manipulator workspace with these manipulability measures and using image-processing algorithms, a suitable goal position for the autonomous mobile manipulator was defined within the comfort zone. This always ensures a certain manipulator manipulablity value with a lower limit with respect to the maximum possible manipulability in the discrete subspace. Results are shown for three different mobile manipulators using the velocity-dependent manipulability measure in a simulation.

Identification of an optimal ground-based validation site for FLEX and quantification of uncertainties using airborne HyPlant data - A case study in Italy

The Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) satellite will carry the high-resolution Fluorescence Imaging Spectrometer (FLORIS) that measures the complete fluorescence spectrum emitted by chlorophyll of terrestrial vegetation. This small signal must be validated. One validation approach is comparing the fluorescence signal retrieved from satellite-based measurements with ground based measurements. However, the difference in spatial resolution of the satellite and ground-based instruments and a geolocation mismatch will result in differences in the detected signal and thus, in uncertainties of the validation strategy. In a case study, we identify a representative ground site for validating the fluorescence signal by analyzing surface reflectance measurements from an aeroplane.We define requirements of representativeness for a validation ground site in vegetated areas. Based on those requirements, we identify a suitable position within a case study in central Italy using surface reflectance data from the airborne High-Performance Airborne Imaging Spectrometer (HyPlant) measured in summer 2018. The representativeness is quantified by the relative difference between the single HyPlant pixel representing a ground-based measurement and the averaged signal of several HyPlant pixels that mimics a FLORIS pixel. With this measure, we quantify the validation uncertainty due to spatial resolution and geolocation mismatch. The effect of the temporal evolution of the surface properties on the validation uncertainty due to spatial resolution is investigated.We select the ground site position by minimizing the validation uncertainty due to spatial resolution. Especially for wavelengths larger than 700 nm, this uncertainty is smaller than 2 % for all different reference areas. The largest differences between ground-based like measurement and satellite-like measurement of the surface reflectance is due to geolocation mismatch. The uncertainty due the geolocation mismatch is very large for wavelengths smaller than 720 nm and moderate for wavelengths larger than 720 nm. Thus, the surface reflectance at the chosen position for the validation site is not homogeneous enough for validation purpose. Considering a reference area of 13.5 × 13.5 m2, we quantify temporal stable and small uncertainties for the spectral range between 720 and 800 nm. For an all-embracing validation of the surface reflectance of vegetated areas, the chosen site is not appropriate.

In-situ construction of the novel In2S3/BiOIO3 heterojunction with boosted visible-light photodegradation performance for diverse persistent organic pollutants

Designing rational heterojunctions to achieve efficient separation and transmission of photoinduced charge carriers is one of the effective strategies to improve the activity of semiconductor photocatalysts. In this study, the novel In2S3/BiOIO3 binary heterojunctions were facilely synthesized at room temperature using a simple in-situ growth method. The physicochemical properties of the fabricated In2S3/BiOIO3 heterojunction catalyst were investigated using various techniques including XRD, FT-IR, BET, XPS, TEM, UV–vis DRS, PL, EIS, and PC analysis. The In2S3/BiOIO3 composite catalyst possesses suitable band position and bandgap energy and therefore is capable of degrading organic contaminants under visible light irradiation. The optimized composite catalyst with In2S3/BiOIO3 molar ratio of 0.5 (In2S3/BiOIO3-5) exhibited superior photocatalytic activity, achieving 98.6 % degradation rate for Rhodamine B (RhB), far surpassing the performance of the individual components. In addition, In2S3/BiOIO3-5 showed broad-spectrum photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of various organic pollutants including methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB), tetracycline (TC) and bisphenol A (BPA). The improved photocatalytic activity of the prepared composite catalysts can be ascribed to the formation of type-II heterojunction, which facilitates the separation and migration of e–/h+ pairs. The excellent photocatalytic properties and favorable structural stability make In2S3/BiOIO3-5 a viable material for degrading various persistent organic pollutants.

Learning curve of ultrasound-guided percutaneous central venous port placement in children

BackgroundAlthough percutaneous central venous port (CVP) placement can be quickly performed using minimally invasive surgery, short- and long-term complications can occur. Beginner pediatric surgeons must overcome learning curves influencing operative time and complication rates. However, few studies have been conducted on the learning curve of ultrasound-guided percutaneous CVP placement. This study analyzed the progress, results, complications, and learning curve of ultrasound-guided percutaneous CVP placement in children performed by a single beginner pediatric surgeon.MethodsData from 30 children who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous CVP placement were reviewed. The patient characteristics, procedure indications, access veins, operator positions, operative times, and complication rates were analyzed.ResultsCumulative sum analysis revealed two stages in the learning curve: stage 1 (initial 15 cases) and stage 2 (subsequent cases). There was a correlation between the number of cases and operative time (Pearson correlation = -0.499, p = 0.005); the operative time was significantly longer in the first than in the second stage (p = 0.007). Although surgical complications occurred more frequently in the early (26.7%) than in the late stage, it was not significantly different between the two stages (p = 0.1). During the study period, the operative time was significantly reduced owing to the change in the operator’s position from the patient’s right side to the patient’s head (p = 0.005).ConclusionsUltrasound-guided percutaneous CVP placement was a safe surgery that allowed a beginner pediatric surgeon to overcome the learning curve after only 15 cases and involved a relatively small number of complications compared with other pediatric surgeries. Additionally, the suitable position of the operator affected the surgical outcomes.

Evaluation of postgraduate foundation training for dental therapists: does participation enhance career prospects?

Objectives This study explored the value of dental therapy foundation training (DTFT) in the UK and how participation influenced career prospects.Aims To examine the efficacy of postgraduate foundation training for dental therapists (DTs) and evaluate whether participation increased clinical confidence. To investigate whether participation in the scheme enhanced career prospects and to determine barriers encountered by DTs in securing suitable positions, inclusive of COVID-19 restrictions.Methods The study used a survey incorporating open, closed, Likert-scale and multiple-choice questions. Quantitative data were analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics v26. Analysis of qualitative data was undertaken by two researchers. Final themes and subthemes were confirmed following round table discussions.Results A total of 94 survey responses were received: 61 from DTs who had not undertaken DTFT (Group A) and 33 who had undertaken DTFT (Group B). Most respondents were female (95%) with a mean age of 33.8 and 32.9 years, respectively. In total, 58.3% of Group A respondents did not believe that completing DTFT would have enhanced their career prospects, whereas 63.6% of Group B said that they gained a position as a result of completing DTFT. Participation in DTFT increased perceived clinical confidence in Group B and 81.8% were likely to recommend DTFT to their peers. A total of 12 major themes and 13 subthemes were identified.Conclusions DTFT schemes were considered a valuable educational experience which increased clinical confidence. Participation may have enhanced career prospects. Barriers were encountered by DTs when seeking work, regardless of participation in DTFT.

Optimization of sensor mounting position and pose in rotary kiln belt center measurement

Abstract To solve the problem that the measurement accuracy of the center of the wheel belt decreases during the adjustment of the center axis of the rotary kiln, a method of sensor installation position optimization based on dynamic simulation analysis and a simple small model is proposed and implemented in this paper. In this method, the coordinates of the laser points on the surface of the belt are obtained by using the sensor laser beam, and then the center position of the belt is obtained by fitting the coordinates of 6 laser points on the surface of the belt. Then V-rep dynamic simulation software is used to analyze the coordinates of the center position of the wheel under different sensor installation positions to find the sensor installation positions closest to the actual center of the wheel. Finally, the simulation results are verified by a simple small model. The experimental results show that this method can reduce the influence of belt deformation on the measurement of the center of the belt and find the most suitable sensor installation position. Taking the wheel with an ellipticity of 0.16% as an example, under the optimized sensor orientation, the error of the Y direction of the center of the wheel is 0.4 mm, and the error of the Z direction of the center of the wheel is 0.73 mm. By this method, the center accuracy of the existing measuring wheel is optimized from about 2 mm to less than 1 mm.