Thickness Values Research Articles

Impact assessment of snow thickness, sea ice density and water density in CryoSat-2-derived sea ice thickness

Abstract. Sea ice thickness is an essential climate variable, which is often derived from satellite altimetry freeboard estimates, e.g., by CryoSat-2. In order to convert freeboard to sea ice thickness, assumptions are needed for snow thickness, snow density, sea ice density and water density. These parameters are difficult to observe when co-located in time and space with the satellite-derived freeboard measurements. For this reason, most available CryoSat-2 sea ice thickness products rely on climatologies based on outdated observations and empirical values. Model- and observation-based alternatives to sea ice density and snow thickness values have been suggested in recent years, but their combined influence on the freeboard to sea ice thickness conversion has not been analyzed. This study evaluates model-based spatially varying snow thickness, sea ice density and water density with in situ observations and the associated parameters used in the classical CryoSat-2 sea ice thickness production. The observations used for the comparison are a snow thickness product from Ku- and Ka-band radar, sea ice density observations from airborne campaigns and ice core measurements as well as water density from a large variety of observation platforms included in the World Ocean Atlas. Furthermore, this study calculates the mean sea ice thickness differences resulting from substituting the parameters used in a classical CryoSat-2 sea ice thickness product with model-based values. The evaluation shows that the model-derived snow thickness, sea ice density and water density compare better to observations than the associated parameters used in the CryoSat-2 sea ice thickness product. The parameters were compared to the weekly CryoSat-2 sea ice thickness (SIT) product from the Alfred Wegener Institute, which uses similar values for snow thickness, sea ice density and water density to other available CryoSat-2 SIT products. Furthermore, we find that the model-based snow thickness and sea ice density separately lead to the largest sea ice thickness differences but that, to some extent, their differences cancel out when both parameters are used in combination. For the water density, we find the average and maximum sea ice thickness difference to be small in comparison to the sea ice thickness differences introduced by the snow thickness and sea ice density, but this is not negligible, as currently stated in most studies. We find that the origin of the assumption that water density is negligible in the freeboard to sea ice thickness conversion originates from a study investigating the seasonal Arctic sea ice density variability, not taking into account the spacial variability. Based on our findings, we recommend using either a water density climatology or an uncertainty value of 2.6 kg m−3 instead of the commonly used value of 0 to 0.5 kg m−3 in CryoSat-2 freeboard to sea ice thickness conversion.

Large Deflections, Loss of Stability and Over-Critical Behavior of Sloping Panels and Arches of Variable Thickness on an Elastic Base

The problem of large deflections of a flat arch in its plane (or an infinitely long panel) loaded with transverse loads is considered. A variational approach has been applied to solve it. The resolving nonlinear equations are reduced to finding the deflection and longitudinal force, which is considered constant along the length of the arch due to its flatness. An approximate solution method is proposed by decomposing the displacements into a Fourier series. The peculiarity of the approach used is that in order to pass the limit points, it is not necessary to use special algorithms such as the continuation method by parameter. It also allows you to trace the process of supercritical deformation of the arch. The proposed approach allows us to consider problems for arches of variable thicknesses, located on elastic supports, on an elastic base with a variable bed coefficient and various loads. Therefore, it is also convenient in problems of finding, for example, the optimal thickness distribution under restrictions on critical loads, on rigidity stiffness and on maximum compression or tension stresses. The results of numerical calculations are presented. The convergence is studied of the solution depending on the number of terms of the series, into which the desired deflection decomposes. A good agreement with the known analytical results is obtained earlier by solving the equilibrium equations of the arch element and panel in the case of simple types of loading. At the same time, even in more complex cases of loading and supercritical bending of an arch without an elastic base, the results are obtained when holding three, four and five members of the Fourier series, the maximum deflections and critical loads differed by no more than 2.5%. On the basis of numerical experiments, the features of the arch behavior caused by the rearrangement of geometry during loading are revealed. The processes of stability loss of the arch and its supercritical behavior are investigated. The effect of symmetric deformation in the case of kinematic loading is found, namely, it is revealed that at a certain value of the concentrated force, an infinite number of equilibrium forms are possible. Arches on an elastic base, as well as with variable thickness are considered (the results are presented in the form of load–displacement diagrams and in the form of pictures of deformed arch shapes). An interesting effect has been revealed based on numerical experiments. It turned out that the increase in thickness when moving away from the supports does not change the nature of the load–displacement diagram, i.e., with some load, a slap occurs. On the contrary, a decrease in thickness when moving away from the supports leads to a flattening of the diagram, and after a certain thickness value in the center, its further decrease leads to the fact that the arch does not occur.

Characterization of Protein-Based Edible film: A Study on Thickness, Gelation Time, and Microstructure with the Addition of Polyethylene Glycol

A protein-based edible film has the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics in food packaging. It can extend the shelf life of food products through natural means. The objective of this study was to characterise protein-based edible film with the addition of polyethylene glycol as a plasticiser, with a focus on three main aspects: namely, thickness, gelation time and microstructure. This study employed a completely randomised design comprising three treatments and three replicates. The treatments comprised the utilisation of varying concentrations of polyethylene glycol, designated as P1 (35%), P2 (40%), and P3 (45%). No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed between treatments in terms of thickness value and gelation time. The protein-based edible film exhibited thickness values that ranged from 0.075 to 0.124 mm, indicating compliance with the Japanese Industrial Standard. The gelation time required for the film ranged from 13.67 to 16.33 minutes. The microstructure of the whey-gelatin edible film with a high polyethylene glycol concentration exhibited irregularities on the film surface, characterised by porous areas and small cracks. These irregularities resulted in a weakening of the bond between protein molecules, leading to a looser and less dense microstructure during the drying process, which in turn caused the formation of pores and cracks. The optimal treatment, as determined by this study, is the utilisation of polyethylene glycol at a concentration of 35% with a thickness value of 0.075 mm, a gelation time of 13.67 minutes, and the generation of a more uniform and refined microstructure.

Disulfide-Containing Nitrosoarenes: Synthesis and Insights into Their Self-Polymerization on a Gold Surface.

Disulfide-containing nitrosoarenes with [bis(4-nitrosobenzyl) disulfide, NOBnDS (1)] or without [4-nitrosophenyl disulfide, NOPDS (2), and 1,2-bis(4'-nitroso-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)disulfane, NOBPDS (3)] an alkyl spacer between the sulfur headgroup and the aromatic moiety (phenyl in NOPDS (2) or biphenyl in NOBPDS (3)) were synthesized and used as precursors to form azodioxy thiolate films on Au(111) substrates. Due to the incorporated disulfide functionalities, these specifically designed nitrosoarenes are enabled to self-polymerize through azodioxy bonds on a gold surface. Thin films of NOBnDS (1), NOPDS (2), and NOBPDS (3) were prepared at different adsorption times via the solution-phase self-assembly of molecules onto the Au(111) surface and characterized by Raman spectroscopy, ellipsometry, water contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). For comparison, films of structurally analogous disulfide-containing nitro derivatives on Au(111), which can form only monolayer films, thus serving as a reference, were also fabricated and characterized. Raman spectra of NOBnDS (1), NOPDS (2), and NOBPDS (3) films on the Au(111) substrates revealed the presence of a N═N stretching band of the E-azodioxy group. Ellipsometry showed that nitrosoarenes form thicker films compared with their nitro counterparts, indicating the formation of azodioxy oligomer films. AFM revealed an island-like morphology of the nitrosoarene films, in contrast to the rather homogeneous one observed for the monolayer films of nitro derivatives. STM images of nitrosoarene films indicated the formation of poorly organized surface structures in which oligomer chains are possibly interdigitated and substantially tilted relative to the surface normal, which agrees with the relatively low values of the ellipsometry-derived thicknesses. The obtained results emphasized the influence of the substituent electronic effects on the on-surface formation of azodioxides and could be used for the future design of azodioxy thiolate films on gold surfaces.

Characteristics of composite edible films from sago starch and gelatin

The utilization of sago starch as a raw material for edible films is still under development. The properties of films produced from sago starch are not yet optimal, necessitating research to enhance their quality. The use of a composite material consisting of tuni sago starch and gelatin is expected to improve the characteristics of these edible films. This research aimed to determine the characteristics of edible film composites made from sago starch and gelatin. The research employed an experimental approach with a completely randomized design, varying the ratio of tuni sago starch to gelatin across five treatment levels (3:0; 2.75:0.25; 2.5:0.5; 2.25:0.75; 2:1 (g/g)). The results revealed that the composite treatments of sago starch and gelatin produced films with thickness values ranging from 0.060 to 0.86 mm, tensile strength ranging from 0.62 to 9.76 MPa, elongation ranging from 0.23 to 6.44%, solubility ranging from 28.96 to 59.01%, and water vapor transmission rates ranging from 11.41 to 20.03 g/m2 .h. It was observed that higher concentrations of gelatin in the edible films led to increased thickness, tensile strength, elongation, solubility, and water vapor transmission rates.

Retinal Vascular Changes in Vitiligo: A Novel Approach Using OCTA

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to the detect of structural and functional changes in the retina and choroid in patients with vitiligo using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Materials and Methods Thirty patients with vitiligo and 30 healthy participants were enrolled in the study. Central macular thickness (CMT), retina nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, choroidal thickness (CT), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, and superficial and deep vascular density (VD) ratios were compared between the groups. Results The mean age was 43.32 ± 12.13 and 45.90 ± 7.50 years, respectively (p = 0.435). CMT, RNFL thicknesses (except temporal quadrant), CT, superficial and deep VD, and FAZ area were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05 for all). Temporal RNFL thicknesses were lower in vitiligo patients than in control groups (p = 0.005). There was a moderate negative correlation between the duration of vitiligo disease and the mean RNFL thickness, inferior RNFL thickness, superficial total, superior, superior inner, outer, and superior outer VD values. No correlation was found between the VASI (Vitiligo area scoring index) score in vitiligo patients and OCT and OCTA values. Conclusion Although it is known that vitiligo causes melanocyte loss in ocular tissues, there was no significant effect of vitiligo on superficial and deep retinal VD. Further comprehensive studies with a larger and more diverse population of vitiligo patients are needed to explore this further.

Dynamics of soft tissue thickness in the area of one-stage dental implantation with the use of a soft tissue cuff reinforced with bone graft material

Aim. The study aims to compare the dynamics of the increase in the thickness of soft tissues in the area of one-stage dental implantation after the use of a xenogenic collagen matrix and a soft tissue cuff reinforced with bone graft material (BGM). Materials and methods. The study enrolled 51 patients who received one-stage dental implantation. Depending on the dental implantation technique, the patients were divided into two groups. The main group comprised 25 patients who after teeth extraction had their implants placed into a prepared socket preliminary filled with Sensobone xenograft, after which BGM was formed with the subsequent fixation of a temporary crown. The comparison group included 26 patients who after teeth extraction had their implants placed into a prepared socket preliminary filled with Sensobone xenograft, after which the soft tissue area was filled with Senobone xenograft, with the subsequent fixation of the temporary crown. The attached mucous membrane (AMM) thickness around the implant was measured before implantation and again after 3 months and one year (the distance from the top of the alveolar ridge center to the middle of the muco-gingival junction in the vestibular direction was measured with a periodontal probe). The results of the study were processed on a PC using the statistical package of the licensed software Statistica 13.0 (Copyright 1984–2018 TIBCO Software Inc. All rights reserved. License No. JPZ804I382130ARCN10-J). Results. The thickness of the AMM around the one-stage dental implantation area before implantation and in the dynamics did not depend on the jaw in both groups. Before implantation, the lowest values of the AMM thickness in patients of both groups were registered in the area of the canine and the first molar. The AMM thickness did not depend on the age and sex of the patients, as well as on the type of teeth and jaws. The use of BGM in one-stage dental implantation provided a significant increase in the AMM thickness by 1.38 mm in 3 months after implantation, and by 1.45 mm in a year (the intergroup difference was 0.29 mm in 3 months and 0.32 mm in a year), and a significant increase in the AMM thickness on both jaws, by 1.36 mm on the upper jaw and 1.41 mm on the lower jaw in 3 months and by 1.44 mm on the upper jaw and by 1.5 mm on the lower jaw in a year (the intergroup difference was 0.32 mm on the upper jaw and 0.33 mm on the lower jaw in a year) as well as a significant increase in the AMM thickness in all teeth after a year of follow-up. There were no dental implant failures in both groups, and the survival rate of implants was 100 % one year after the placement. Conclusions. The effectiveness of one-stage dental implantation is facilitated by the adequate AMM thickness provided by BGM.

Agreement between Two Biometers for Central Corneal Thickness Measurement in High Myopia Patients

Background In refractive surgery, the measurement of Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) is a critical factor in the preparation and screening of surgery to correct myopia. CCT measurements can be measured by optical biometers, including the Scheimpflug camera and Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT). Aim This study aimed to compare the Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) measurements made with Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT)-based biometers and the Scheimpflug camera in patients with high myopia. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the agreement between Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) values obtained using Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) and the Scheimpflug camera. We included a total of 28 individuals with high myopia, including 44 eyes, for our study. These patients underwent Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) tests using both Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) and the Scheimpflug camera. The Bland-Altman test was used to assess the agreement between the two devices. Results Forty-four eyes with axial lengths ranging from 26.05 to 34.02 mm based on SS-OCT examinations were included in this study. The mean CCT was 527.59 ± 35.710 (p <0.05) μm and 525.64 ± 35.421 μm (p <0.05), based on SS-OCT and the Scheimpflug camera, respectively. The Bland-Altman plot revealed good agreement between both devices, with a mean difference of 2.3409 μm; however, a 95% limit of agreement demonstrated a wide range, ranging from -8.48509 to 12.39400 μm at a 95% confidence interval. Conclusion CCT measurements using SS-OCT and the Scheimpflug camera differed significantly among patients with high myopia. Our findings have suggested that CCT measurements made with either device should be interpreted with caution and not be used interchangeably.

Neural correlates of children with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder symptoms: large-scale neuroanatomical analysis of a paediatric population.

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a recently recognised feeding and eating disorder and is characterised by a lack of interest and motivation to eat. Despite burgeoning research, few studies to date have explored the underlying neurobiology of ARFID. Research examining the neural underpinnings of ARFID can greatly assist in understanding different mechanisms that play disorder-specific roles. We studied a total of 1,977 10-year-old participants from the Generation R Study, a population-based Dutch cohort, to cross-sectionally examine neuroanatomical differences between those with versus without ARFID-like symptoms. Children were classified with versus without ARFID symptoms using the ARFID Index, a validated evaluative tool comprised of parent-reported and researcher-assessed measurements of picky eating, energy intake, diet quality, growth and psychosocial impact to characterise ARFID symptoms in the paediatric population. Global and regional values of surface area, cortical thickness, and volume from T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in those with ARFID symptoms were compared with children not exhibiting symptoms. We identified 121 (6.1%) individuals with ARFID symptoms relative to 1,865 (93.9%) individuals without ARFID symptoms. Neuroanatomical findings identified significantly greater frontal (p = .00743; d = 0.21) and superior frontal (p = 6.56E-04; d = 0.28) cortical thickness among children with ARFID symptoms. This first large-scale study of the neural correlates of ARFID identified greater thickness of frontal cortical regions in children with ARFID symptoms, suggesting a role for executive function in the aetiology of the condition.

Validation of Gall bladder wall thickness as a non-invasive marker for the prediction of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.

Objective: To validate the gall bladder wall thickness as a non-invasive marker for the prediction of esophageal varices (EV) in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Gastroenterology, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: January 2024 to June 2024. Methods: Patients of age 18 years, of any gender diagnosed with cirrhosis and were endoscopy naïve with no previous history of intervention for varices were included. After an overnight fast, the gall bladder (GB) thickness was measured twice at two distinct places, and an average value was determined. Results: Total 210 patients were enrolled into the study with mean age of 56.3 ± 11.8 years. Majority were males (57.1%). Patients had comorbidity of hypertension (17.1%) and diabetes (16.2%). Median gall bladder thick was 2.3 (IQR=1.2-2.9) cm. AUC for GB to predict EV was found to be 0.983 (95% CI: 0.96-1, p<0.001) which shows excellent predictive ability of GB thickness. The optimal cut-off value of GB thickness was found to be ≥1.95 cm. On multivariable regression analysis, increasing gall bladder thickness was found to be associated with higher odds of esophageal varices. Conclusion: The present demonstrated that GB thickness is a promising parameter with excellent predictive ability for prediction of EV among cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension, which should be included in part of routine evaluation in such cohort of patients for timely detection of EV.

Spray pyrolysis–derived V2O5 thin films as an alternative electrochromic layer for electrochromic devices

In this study, vanadium oxide films were produced in the vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) films phase as an alternative electrochromic layer for electrochromic devices by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique at 300°C. The V2O5 films were subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures (400°C–450°C–500°C) and the ellipsometric, structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of the films were investigated. The optical parameters of the V2O5 films were calculated by different theoretical methods and compared with the ellipsometric results. The average thickness and refractive index values are 172 nm and 2.29, respectively. The V2O5 films showed high optical absorbance in the visible region and bandgap energy values ranged from 2.10 to 2.44 eV. The resistivity and roughness of the films decreased. The average roughness was determined to be 45 nm on average. These results suggest that V2O5 phase films, whose physical properties are improved by annealing without phase change, can be considered as promising electrochromic layers for electrochromic devices applications.

The mechanical properties of aged PA-12 FS3300PA powder: influence of layer thickness, sintering orientations, and laser power

Abstract This research investigates the influence of layer thickness, laser power, and sintering orientation on the mechanical properties of aged Polyamide-12 (PA-12) FS3300PA using the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing method. Specimens were sintered with three different layer thicknesses, laser powers, and sintering orientations using SLS. The study also aimed to examine the resulting powder morphology, mechanical properties, and tensile fracture behaviors of the aged (more than eight continuously sintering cycles) and virgin FS3300PA powders. The specimens divided into ten groups: nine groups of aged powder and one group of virgin powder as a benchmark. The nine groups of aged powder were sintered with three different layer thicknesses (0.07 mm, 0.12 mm, and 0.15 mm), laser powers (65 W, 70 W, and 75 W), and orientations (YZY 0°, YZY 90°, and XYY 0°). The selections of these laser power and layer thickness values for the sintering setting are due to machine and material parameter limitation. The results from these parameters then compared with those of the virgin powder, which sintered using the parameters provided by the manufacturer, in terms of powder morphology, mechanical properties, and tensile fracture behaviours. Observation made using scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that there were not many changes in shape, size, and distribution between the virgin and aged powder, but slightly larger sizes and the presence of cracks found in the aged powder. The tensile strength, elongation at break value, and Young’s modulus all shared a similar trend, increasing with higher laser power but decreasing with increased layer thickness. Regarding the fracture morphologies, the number of pores and dimples decreased with increased laser power but increased with thicker layer thickness. There was also the occurrence of un-molten powder, especially in specimens sintered at the YZY 90° orientation with lower laser power and thicker layer thickness.

Impact of Treatment Technique on Testicular Dose and Sexual Activity in Rectal Cancer Patients

Abstract Objective To estimate the incidental radiation dose delivered to the testicles in three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in rectal cancer patients and its impact on sexual activity using a quality-of-life questionnaire. Materials and Methods The present study included 40 male patients, aged between 25 and 50 years. with locally-advanced rectal cancer, who would undergo neoadjuvant radiotherapy at a dose of 45 Gray (Gy) in 25 fractions (fr) in the supine position. Planning was performed for three techniques: 3DCRT, IMRT, and VMAT. The testicular dose, testicular volume, planning target volume (PTV), the distance of the tumor from the anal verge, and tumor thickness and length in each plan were recorded. A quality-of-life questionnaire pertaining only to sexual activity by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer–Quality of Life in Colorectal (EORTC QLQ-CR29) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Colorectal (FACT-C) were used to assess the posttreatment effect on sexual life. Results The mean values for tumor length, thickness, and PTV were of 8.9 cm, 1.77 cm and 1,352 cm3 respectively. The mean dose to the right and left testicles (in centigray, cGy) were as follows: 3DCRT – 336.23 and 206.65; IMRT – 165.15 and 140.25; and VMAT – 209.2 and 229.2 respectively. A significant correlation was observed involving the PTV and testicular volume and the incidental testicular dose received. The questionnaire-based analysis of sexual activity included 31 patients who were alive, of whom 27 had resumed their normal sexual life 3 months after the treatment without difficulty (score 4). Conclusion The IMRT showed a significant reduction in the testicular dose when compared to 3DCRT and VMAT. The PTV and testicular volume presented a statistically significant impact on the testicular dose, and the main reason for abstinence was nervousness about disease recurrence.

Effects of ploidy level on leaf morphology, stomata, and anatomical structure of Hibiscus syriacus L.

BackgroundHibiscus syriacus L. is a deciduous shrub with a strong environmental resistance and wide application prospects. The genetic background and ploidy levels of Hibiscus cultivars are complex, and polyploid breeding has long been an important method for developing new Hibiscus cultivars. However, the relationship of ploidy levels with leaf morphology, stomatal characteristics, and leaf anatomy remains unclear.ResultsThis study analyzed three ploidy levels (triploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid) of Hibiscus syriacus. Flow cytometry confirmed the ploidy levels, and morphological traits were evaluated. Leaf length, leaf width, and petiole length decreased with increasing ploidy. Stomatal length, stomatal width, guard cell length, and guard cell width increased and stomatal number and density decreased with increasing ploidy. The hexaploids exhibited the highest midrib diameter and palisade tissue thickness values. Correlation analyses revealed that stomatal morphology served as a reliable marker for determining ploidy levels.ConclusionThis study highlights the impact of varying ploidy levels on the leaf and stomatal morphologies and leaf anatomy of Hibiscus syriacus. These findings can provide theoretical guidance for improving Hibiscus cultivars in terms of stress resistance, adaptability, and ornamental traits, and for developing new cultivars with enhanced characteristics. Future research should focus on utilizing these morphological markers to optimize breeding strategies for Hibiscus cultivars.

Justification and implementation of the layer thickness control method in ultrasonic spraying

Relevance. The need for the development and widespread use of the ultrasonic spraying method, which has unique advantages, to solve the most pressing problems of modern industry. In particular: minimal, of all known methods, energy consumption for the implementation of the process, the possibility of forming fine droplets without the use of gas under pressure, regulating the dispersion of the formed aerosol by the parameters of the emitter, etc. However, for widespread practical use of the ultrasonic spraying method, it is necessary to ensure spraying conditions with a specified dispersion and productivity. In this regard, there is a need to develop a method for controlling and maintaining the necessary and sufficient thickness of the liquid layer on the surface of the piezoelectric transducer of the atomizer, the spraying of which will ensure, at a given spraying performance, the formation of an aerosol with the smallest deviation in the size of the formed droplets relative to the average value. It is proposed to control the thickness of the liquid layer by identifying the dependence of the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric transducer of the atomizer on the thickness of the liquid film on the oscillating surface of the atomizer. Aim. To develop a method and means for controlling the thickness of the layer of sprayed liquid by changing the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic oscillatory system and maintaining the optimal value of the layer thickness by changing the amplitude of vibrations of the surface of the ultrasonic sprayer. Objects. Liquid atomizing with ultrasonic high-amplitude vibrations. Methods. Obtaining the frequency characteristics of ultrasonic oscillatory systems, analyzing changes in the amplitude-frequency characteristics of oscillating systems and identifying criteria that allow monitoring and managing the ultrasonic spraying. Results. The authors have proposed and developed the method for indirectly monitoring the thickness of a sprayed liquid layer on the oscillating surface of an ultrasonic atomizer, based on measuring the resonant frequency of an ultrasonic oscillating system. The possibility of implementing the method and its practical application is caused by the fact that in the working range of layer thicknesses of the sprayed liquid, the change in the resonant frequency can reach 100 Hz, and with a frequency measurement accuracy of 1 Hz, the accuracy of determining the layer thickness will be no more than 2% of the working layer thickness. The identified dependencies and certain values of possible ranges of changes in the controlled parameter made it possible for the first time to develop a method for automatically controlling ultrasonic spraying, ensuring the maintenance of optimal modes of ultrasonic influence (amplitude of vibrations of the spray surface) and the thickness of the layer of sprayed liquid.

Investigation of Gamma Radiation Shielding Properties of Bi2O3-TeO2-Li2O-Al2O3 Coated Glasses With Geant4-Monte Carlo Gate and XCOM Simulation

This article aims to investigate the effect of Bi2O3-TeO2-Li2O-Al2O3 coated glasses on radiation absorption properties and to develop alternative materials for radiation protection. The shielding properties of glass materials coated with oxides were calculated theoretically using the XCOM computer program and the Geant4-Monte Carlo-GATE simulation program. By calculating mass absorption coefficients (MAC) at 662 keV, 1173 keV, and 1332 keV energies, linear absorption coefficient (LAC), half-value thickness (HVL), and mean free path (MFP) values were calculated. In line with these results, it is seen that the radiation shielding feature of the LiAlTeBi4 mixture is better than other materials and can be an alternative shielding material.

Comparative Analysis of Physical and Engineering Properties of New Egyptian Paddy Rice (Giza 183) Adapted to Mitigate Effects of Climate Change

One of the major challenges for crop breeding scientists is climate change. Their task is to develop new crop varieties that can withstand this phenomenon. For this study, a new Egyptian paddy variety called Giza 183, which is designed to adapt to mitigate the effects of climate change, was chosen. We focused on examining the physical and engineering properties of this variety in order to design strategies for storage, handling, transportation, drying, parboiling, and processing equipment in rice mills. The goal was to minimize post-harvest losses during the milling process, thereby maximizing high-quality yields while reducing losses. The physical properties of the rice grains, such as the length, width, and thickness, were measured at an average moisture content of 13.7% ± 0.25% (wet basis). The results reveal that the mean values of length, width, and thickness averaged 7.50 mm, 3.18 mm, and 2.19 mm, respectively. Additionally, the geometric mean diameter, the equivalent mean diameter, surface area, arithmetic mean diameter, and volume were approximately 3.74 mm, 2.38 mm, 37.37 mm2, 4.29 mm, and 28.23 mm3, respectively. The mean of sphericity was 49.9%, and the grain shape (length/width) was 2.19. The true density was measured at 1218.28 kgm−3, while the bulk density was 572.17 kgm−3. The porosity was found to be 53.03%. Furthermore, the milling production rates for brown rice, hull, white rice, and broken rice were determined to be 76.83%, 23.15%, 67.97%, and 17.36%, respectively. The average weight of one thousand grains was 25.49 g. A linear regression model for describing the mass of rough rice grain was investigated. The mass was estimated with the single variable of the grain aspect ratio (width/length) with a determination coefficient of 0.9908. Information gained from the current study will be useful in designing post-harvest processing and storage structures in rice processing industries..

Effect of Shading on Leaf Anatomical Structure, Photosynthesis Characteristics and Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Soybean (Glycine max)

ABSTRACTThe present study aimed to investigate the effect of different shade treatments (0%, 35%, 50% and 75%) on physiological traits and yield attributes of two soybean genotypes namely JS 97‐52 and JS 95‐60. The results clearly showed that plants which were grown under control conditions exhibited the highest values for specific leaf weight, chlorophyll content, leaf thickness and stomatal density, whereas the lowest values were observed in plants subjected to 75% shading. Moreover, a significant reduction in photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and electron transport rate was observed with decreased solar radiation. Performance index, fluorescence area, Fv/Fo, Fo/fm, ABS/CSo, DIo/CSo, TRo/CSo and ETo/CSo were also reduced under heavy shade. Seed yield was reduced by 24%, 47% and 62% in JS 97‐52 and by 51%, 82% and 92% in JS 95‐60 under 35%, 50% and 75% shading, respectively, compared to the control conditions. Therefore, to enhance crop productivity under intercropping, the effects of shade should be taken into consideration.

Enzyme-Free Identification of Monosaccharide Enantiomers on TiO2 Nanotube Array-Based Fabry-Pérot Interferometer.

Chirality is a vital property across various domains, especially for biological activity. Herein, an enzyme-free sensing platform for monosaccharide enantiomer identification was developed by utilizing the Fabry-Pérot interferometer feature of TiO2 nanotube arrays modified with enantioselective metal-organic framework and glucose oxidase-mimicking Au NPs. In this design, optical property is monitored by reflective interferometric Fourier transform spectroscopy (RIFTS), a highly sensitive technique for detecting changes in the average refractive index within nanotubular structures. Using glucose (Glu) enantiomers as the model targets, after the recognition of L-/d-Glu on mesoporous homochiral MIL-101 (Fe), Au NPs anchored in MIL-101(Fe) catalyze the oxidation of Glu molecules to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Benefiting from the confinement effect of frameworks, MIL-101(Fe), as an artificial enzyme with excellent peroxidase-like activity, catalyzes the conversion of 4-chloro-1-naphthol (4-CN) into insoluble precipitates. These gathered precipitates effectively change the average refractive index of the interferometric substrate. Based on the variation of effective optical thickness (ΔEOT) values, the enantioselective determination of l-Glu and d-Glu can be achieved. Moreover, the proposed RIFTS sensor also presents broad applicability for the identification of other monosaccharide enantiomers. As the enzyme-free homochiral interferometer is directly constructed on a Ti-metal sheet, the RIFTS platform offers a robust, sensitive, and low-cost device for monosaccharide enantiomer recognition.

Optimizing non-toxic (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 perovskite solar cells by SCAPS-1D

Abstract Low-dimensional bismuth-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated some benefits over lead-based PSCs for nontoxicity and remarkable stability. These two factors are now the primary concerns in the photovoltaic community. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs using the lead Pb-free chemical methylammonium bismuth iodide (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 is severely limited due to the poor quality of the photoactive material. Herein, the photovoltaic performance of the (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 PSCs was investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the intrinsic impacts of (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 perovskite by using SCAPS-1D (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) to simulate the PSCs and the adjustment of relevant physical parameters to closely match experimental results. Moreover, the cells were optimized based on (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 film thickness, total defect density of (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9, optical bandgap, and interfacial defects. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of the current-voltage (J-V) plots and quantum efficiency feature, the best values of perovskite thickness, bandgap, and defect density were determined to be 100 nm, 1.6 eV, and 1014 cm-3, respectively. Furthermore, defects in the interfaces between the electron-transporting layer (ETL)/(CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 and hole transport layer (HTL)/(CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 were considered, and their influence on performance was also investigated. Accordingly, the optimized cell has realized a record PCE of 9.043% and a high quantum efficiency exceeding 60%, which is comparable to those of some Pb-free perovskite analogues. The operational temperature calucations showed that all parameters remain relatively constant with increasing temperature. Therefore, the results imply that the simulated Pb-free PSCs can be stable in a thermal environment. The proposed structural layout and optimization approach can encourage more study and actual applications for Pb-free organometallic perovskite solar cells.