Unique Parameter Research Articles

Classification and Identification of Individuals Using Analysis Lip Prints

Identifying individuals is a major challenge for forensic investigators, as DNA and fingerprints are highly valuable, but are not always readily available at crime scenes. Lip prints could be used in this context since they are unique to each individual. Lip-print study (Cheiloscopy) is a reliable biometric technology and is considered a unique parameter for identification. This study was determined lip print patterns among samples of the Salah El-Din population in Iraq and distribution their pattern type of lip print by using a program in MATLAB. In this study, it was established that there are significant differences between populations, countries, and genders when it comes to the distribution of lip prints. Materials and Methods: A total of participants was 100 (50 females & 50 males) their ages more than 10 years old. The lip print was divided into six quadrants on white copy paper then examined with technology using the program in MATLAB to determine the classification of lip print types for pattern distribution. Lip print was recorded by the usage of red natural color and healthy, white copy papers, and tissue paper, the obtained prints were first examined and later analyzed and interpreted.Results: This study discovered that no two samples from the same family have identical lip-print patterns. Females had the greatest recorded pattern of groove type I (long vertical grooves), whereas males had the highest recorded pattern of groove type II (branched grooves). This pattern was most observed in the lower middle region. The present study proved that lip prints of males and females are different types in different countries.Conclusion: lip prints are unique for every individual even in between the family. Hence, Lip prints play a vital role as a supplementary tool in the personal identification of suspects or unknown identity.

Development of low-cost air quality stations for next-generation monitoring networks: calibration and validation of NO2 and O3 sensors

Abstract. A pre-deployment calibration and a field validation of two low-cost (LC) stations equipped with O3 and NO2 metal oxide sensors were addressed. Pre-deployment calibration was performed after developing and implementing a comprehensive calibration framework including several supervised learning models, such as univariate linear and non-linear algorithms, and multiple linear and non-linear algorithms. Univariate linear models included linear and robust regression, while univariate non-linear models included a support vector machine, random forest, and gradient boosting. Multiple models consisted of both parametric and non-parametric algorithms. Internal temperature, relative humidity, and gaseous interference compounds proved to be the most suitable predictors for multiple models, as they helped effectively mitigate the impact of environmental conditions and pollutant cross-sensitivity on sensor accuracy. A feature analysis, implementing dominance analysis, feature permutations, and the SHapley Additive exPlanations method, was also performed to provide further insight into the role played by each individual predictor and its impact on sensor performances. This study demonstrated that while multiple random forest (MRF) returned a higher accuracy than multiple linear regression (MLR), it did not accurately represent physical models beyond the pre-deployment calibration dataset, so a linear approach may overall be a more suitable solution. Furthermore, as well as being less computationally demanding and generally more suitable for non-experts, parametric models such as MLR have a defined equation that also includes a few parameters, which allows easy adjustments for possible changes over time. Thus, drift correction or periodic automatable recalibration operations can be easily scheduled, which is particularly relevant for NO2 and O3 metal oxide sensors. As demonstrated in this study, they performed well with the same linear model form but required unique parameter values due to intersensor variability.

Independent-regulated double-edge Janus angular absorber for terahertz waves based on photonic edge band gaps and graphene wide-angle absorption

In this paper, three categories of Janus angle absorption structures for terahertz (THz) waves are realized by operating the edge hopping property of the photonic band gaps (PBGs) and the wide-angle absorption of graphene heterostructure. The left and right edges of the angle window are determined by the PBGs generated by photonic crystals 1 (PC1) and photonic crystals 2 (PC2), respectively. The appropriate combination of the two can obtain a transmission angle window (TAW), and the edges can be independently manipulated, which makes it possible to construct arbitrary angle filtering structures, making up for the shortage of rigid angle windows in traditional research. Graphene material has absorption potential, and when it is introduced into ternary photonic crystals 3 (PC3), high absorption at large angles will occur. The combination of PC3 and TAW will produce an absorption angle window (AAW) by using the energy cascade transmission features of photonic crystals (PCs). Contributing to the strong absorption properties, the energy transfer on both sides of PC3 is isolated. Consequently, the Janus angle absorption phenomenon will be remarkable by mirroring the PCs structures with different TAWs on both sides of PC3. Through the unique parameter design, the three relationships between the forward AAW and the backward one are investigated, that is inclusion, partial coincidence, and incoherence.

Learning Person-Specific Cognition From Facial Reactions for Automatic Personality Recognition

This paper proposes to recognise the true (self-reported) personality traits from the target subject's cognition simulated from facial reactions. This approach builds on the following two findings in cognitive science: (i) human cognition partially determines expressed behaviour and is directly linked to true personality traits; and (ii) in dyadic interactions, individuals' nonverbal behaviours are influenced by their conversational partner's behaviours. In this context, we hypothesise that during a dyadic interaction, a target subject's facial reactions are driven by two main factors: their internal (person-specific) cognitive process, and the externalised nonverbal behaviours of their conversational partner. Consequently, we propose to represent the target subject's (defined as the listener) person-specific cognition in the form of a person-specific CNN architecture that has unique architectural parameters and depth, which takes audio-visual non-verbal cues displayed by the conversational partner (defined as the speaker) as input, and is able to reproduce the target subject's facial reactions. Each person-specific CNN is explored by the Neural Architecture Search (NAS) and a novel adaptive loss function, which is then represented as a graph representation for recognising the target subject's true personality. Experimental results not only show that the produced graph representations are well associated with target subjects' personality traits in both human-human and human-machine interaction scenarios, and outperform the existing approaches with significant advantages, but also demonstrate that the proposed novel strategies help in learning more reliable personality representations.

Cochlear Implant Stimulation Parameters Play a Key Role in Reducing Facial Nerve Stimulation.

A percentage (i.e., 5.6%) of Cochlear Implant (CI) users reportedly experience unwanted facial nerve stimulation (FNS). For some, the effort to control this problem results in changing stimulation parameters, thereby reducing their hearing performance. For others, the only viable solution is to deactivate the CI completely. A growing body of evidence in the form of case reports suggests that undesired FNS can be effectively addressed through re-implantation with an Oticon Medical (OM) Neuro-Zti implant. However, the root of this benefit is still unknown: is it due to surgical adjustments, such as varied array geometries and/or positioning, or does it stem from differences in stimulation parameters and/or grounding? The OM device exhibits two distinct features: (1) unique stimulation parameters, including anodic leading pulses and loudness controlled by pulse duration-not current-resulting in lower overall current amplitudes; and (2) unconventional grounding, including both passive (capacitive) discharge, which creates a pseudo-monophasic pulse shape, and a 'distributed-all-polar' (DAP) grounding scheme, which is thought to reduce current spread. Unfortunately, case reports alone cannot distinguish between surgical factors and these implant-related ones. In this paper, we present a novel follow-up study of two CI subjects who previously experienced FNS before re-implantation with Neuro-Zti implants. We used the Oticon Medical Research Platform (OMRP) to stimulate a single electrode in each subject in two ways: (1) with traditional monopolar biphasic cathodic-first pulses, and (2) with distinct OM clinical stimulation. We progressively increased the stimulation intensity until FNS occurred or the sound became excessively loud. Non-auditory/FNS sensations were observed with the traditional stimulation but not with the OM clinical one. This provides the first direct evidence demonstrating that stimulation parameters and/or grounding-not surgical factors-play a key role in mitigating FNS.

Identification of potential phytochemical inhibitors for the proven six chronic obstructive pulmonary disease biomarkers – A molecular dynamics study

COPD is a multifactorial lung disease causing breathing difficulties in individuals and is becoming a major health concern worldwide. The unclear pathogenic mechanism and high mortality rate urge the development of drugs against this disease. In this study, around six COPD biomarkers identified from the preceding research through integrated gene expression analysis were taken as COPD target proteins. A total of 3307 phytocompounds were included in the COPD phytocompound library from 59 therapeutic plant sources. Furthermore, a crucial three-step virtual screening process (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion, respiratory nontoxicity, less harmful and nontoxic compound category) was implemented to filter the potential drug-like phytocompounds. As a result, 160 phytocompounds were filtered with desired Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity properties. The filtered 160 phytocompounds were docked against six COPD target proteins and the best-docked complexes were identified through visual inspection based on six unique parameters in SeeSAR. Furthermore, the best docked complexes were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation studies to assess the stability and conformational changes of the complexes. The presence of few amino acid residues within the crucial active, allosteric and catalytic sites of the six target proteins were revealed from the binding interaction types and major residual fluctuations from molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies respectively. This is indicative of the potential inhibitory activity of phytocompounds against the COPD biomarkers. Here we report the identified phytocompounds as a promising lead molecule for the six COPD biomarkers through in silico analysis opening new avenues in COPD pathogenesis and treatments. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Novel Method for the Arsenic Removal Experiment and Mechanism Analysis.

This study focuses on the hydrothermal synthesis of magnetically activated carbon and its efficacy in As(III) adsorption. The successful incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles within the porous carbon structure was confirmed, enriching the adsorbent's properties. Comprehensive characterization was performed to analyze the pore size distribution, zeta potential at varying pH levels, and thermostability using thermogravimetric analysis. These adsorbents exhibited high As(III) removal efficiency with a uniform pore distribution. The zeta potentials were observed to decrease with an increase in pH, suggesting a relationship between adsorbent charge and pH. Adsorption dynamics were rigorously modeled using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion models for different adsorbents labeled as a,b,c, and d. Each adsorbent displayed unique fitted parameters, revealing varied adsorption capabilities. The study further explored the adsorption kinetics and found that the pseudo-second-order kinetics model and the Langmuir model were most appropriate for describing the adsorption process. Adsorption thermodynamics was also fitted to elucidate the underlying adsorption mechanisms. For the a,b,c, and d adsorbents, the pseudo-first-order model, the qe(cal) values for the four adsorbents were 434.2, 418.4, 283.5, and 279.5 μg/g, respectively. Take adsorbent a as an example; the qm values for 298, 303, 308, and 313 K were 702, 673, 605, and 589 μg/g, respectively, and KL values of these temperatures were 0.021, 0.031, 0.018, and 0.009 L/μg, respectively. For the Langmuir model, the R2 values at the four temperatures were 0.999, 0.978, 0.985, and 0.993, respectively, which indicated that the Langmuir model showed higher fitness. For the Freundlich model, the KL values (L/μg) at the parameters of these temperatures are 432, 409, 328, and 294, respectively. For the Freundlich model, the 1/n values at temperatures of 298, 303, 308, and 313 K are 0.049, 0.045, 0.052, and 0.035, respectively. For the Freundlich model, the R2 values at parameters of 298, 303, 308, and 313 K are 0.986, 0.989, 0.982, and 0.872, respectively. For the Temkin model, the B values (in J/mol) are 30.93, 0.894, 0.824, and 0.782 at these temperatures, respectively. The KT values (in L/μg) are 1.02 × 106, 0.07 × 106, 0.003 × 106, and 0.002 × 106, respectively. The R2 values are 0.973, 0.958, 0.972, and 0.894, respectively. In the end, the ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG values for different adsorbents were calculated. Collectively, these findings contribute significant insights into the design and application of magnetically activated carbon adsorbents for effective As(III) removal.

Laser Fluence Dependent Modulation of Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Photoluminescence

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) have a unique, non-photobleaching, bandgap photoluminescence (PL) that has been of interest for sensor development. Take advantage of these properties, colloidal dispersions of single SWCNTs in aqueous solvents are often formed by creating a surface corona phase (CP) using amphiphilic materials. As SWCNT PL emission following photoexcitation can be significantly dependent on its local environment, the CP can be used to tune its photophysical properties, often as a design parameter for sensor development. Recent sensor experiments have shown that reporting and controlling laser excitation can be a method to significantly reduce measurement variability. In this work, we study this phenomenon of excitation fluence (EF) (mW/area) dependent PL modulation for aqueous dispersed SWCNTs. By using a continuously stirred chamber excited at a single location, the stirring rate can be a means of controlling SWCNT excitation exposure. SWCNT wrapped in both DNA and SDS SWCNT CPs showed a decreased quantum yield of nearly 40% with increasing EF while those with sodium cholate and phospholipid-PEG CPs remain invariant. Through spectroscopy and heat transfer modeling, we determined that the observed effect is unlikely to have a significant direct local solution heating contribution from SWNCT photoabsorption. Finally, we used previously studied SWCNT sensor constructs, for ascorbic acid and dopamine, to show how EF can affect calibration and eventual sensor applications. This work highlights the importance of measuring, testing, reporting and controlling for EF while developing SWCNT based photophysical sensors. This newly characterized property can also serve as a unique parameter to tune optical responsivity.

High-average-power thin-tapered-rod ultrafast laser amplifier with gradient-doped Yb:YAG crystal

Gradient doping in thin-rod and thin-tapered-rod active elements was proposed and implemented. Thermal and laser processes in such elements were studied theoretically and experimentally. It was shown that the use of tapered active elements with gradient doping enables simultaneous gain enhancement and reduction of the temperature of the active medium, thereby increasing amplification efficiency and improving beam quality. An amplifier with unique cumulative parameters: an average power of 150 W and an amplification efficiency of 35% with beam quality parameter M2=1.62×1.53 was developed.

A mean-field micromechanical incremental approach for brittle damage in particulate microstructures under monotonic loading, using a piecewise uniform damage field

In this work, a mean-field micromechanical approach is proposed to determine the effective behaviour of a microstructure where damage occurs in one phase. Our approach fits into the framework of generalised standard materials proposed by Germain et al. (1983) by defining an incremental potential in the spirit of Lahellec and Suquet (2007), made up of two potentials: the free energy and the dissipation, given in this work by Lorentz and Andrieux (2003). It results in the definition of an elastic nonlinear problem at each time increment but, due to the damage evolution, this incremental potential is non convex. The proposed incremental approach also deviates from Lahellec and Suquet (2007) by considering in the damaged phase two sub-phases characterised by two damage states at the beginning of each time step. Next, this elastic nonlinear problem is regularised by introducing a linear comparison composite whose features are optimised by taking inspiration from the Full Optimised Second Order approach of Ponte-Castañeda (2016). However, the reduction of the number of degrees of freedom of the problem is realised by considering an isotropic linear comparison medium.The abilities of the proposed approach are assessed through a particular case. The composite is made up of two elastic phases : the matrix and the inclusions. The inclusions are subjected to a monotonous increasing swelling while the boundary of the RVE is stress free. For this problem, the resulting solution is given by closed-form expressions. These analytical developments are then used to obtain the effective response of the composite whose dependency on physical parameters (volume fraction of inclusions, toughness of the matrix, elastic contrast ...) is then analysed. The analysis is essentially based on an energy balance between the relaxed stored elastic energy and the dissipated energy. Explicit expressions of the critical values of the unique loading parameter (swelling of the inclusions) related to the onset of damage and the failure of the matrix phase are also given. The theoretical effective response compares well with the results of full fields calculations.

Non-Conjugated Poly(Diphenylene Phthalide)-New Electroactive Material.

In organic electronics, conjugated conductive polymers are most widely used. The scope of their application is currently very wide. Non-conjugated polymers are used much less in electronics and are usually used as insulation materials or materials for capacitors. However, the potential of non-conjugated polymers is much wider, due to the fact that new electronic materials with unique electronic properties can be created on the basis of non-conjugated polymers, as well as other inorganic dielectrics. This article demonstrates the possibilities of creating electrically conductive materials with unique electronic parameters based on non-conjugated polymers. The results of the study of the sensory properties of humidity are given as examples of the practical application of the structure. The abnormal electronic properties are realized along the interface of two polymer dielectrics with functional polar groups. The submicron films of polydiphenylenephthalide were used as a dielectric. It is shown that a quasi-two-dimensional electronic structure with abnormally large values of conductivity and mobility of charge carriers occurs along the interface. These structures are often called quasi-two-dimensional electron gas (Q2DEG). This article describes the manufacturing processes of multielectrode devices. Polymer films are deposited via the spin-coating method with polymer solutions in cyclohexanone. The metal electrodes were manufactured through thermal deposition in a vacuum. Three types of metal electrodes made of aluminum, copper and chromium were used. The influence of the electron work function of contacting metals on the electronic parameters of the structure was studied. It was established that the work function decrease leads to an increase in the conductivity and mobility of charge carriers. The charge carrier parameters were estimated based on the analysis of the current-voltage characteristics within the space-charge-limited current technique. The Richardson-Schottky thermionic emission model was used to evaluate values a potential barrier at metal/organic interfaces. It was established that the change in ambient humidity strongly affects the electronic transport properties along the polymer/polymer interface. It is demonstrated that the increase in conductivity with an increase in humidity occurs due to an increase in the mobility of charge carriers and a decrease in the height of the potential barrier at the three-dimensional metal contact with two-dimensional polymer interface. The potential barrier between the electrode and the bulk of the polymer film is significantly higher than between the electrode and the quasi-two-dimensional polymer structure.

Liver Cancer Vascularity Driven by Extracellular Matrix Stiffness: Implications for Imaging Research.

Extracellular matrix stiffness represents a barrier to effective local and systemic drug delivery. Increasing stiffness disrupts newly formed vessel architecture and integrity, leading to tumor-like vasculature. The resulting vascular phenotypes are manifested through different cross-sectional imaging features. Contrast-enhanced studies can help elucidate the interplay between liver tumor stiffness and different vascular phenotypes. This study aims to correlate extracellular matrix stiffness, dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and dynamic contrast-enhancement ultrasound imaging features of 2 rat hepatocellular carcinoma tumor models. Buffalo-McA-RH7777 and Sprague Dawley (SD)-N1S1 tumor models were used to evaluate tumor stiffness by 2-dimensional shear wave elastography, along with tumor perfusion by dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Atomic force microscopy was used to calculate tumor stiffness at a submicron scale. Computer-aided image analyses were performed to evaluate tumor necrosis, as well as the percentage, distribution, and thickness of CD34+ blood vessels. Distinct tissue signatures between models were observed according to the distribution of the stiffness values by 2-dimensional shear wave elastography and atomic force microscopy ( P < 0.05). Higher stiffness values were attributed to SD-N1S1 tumors, also associated with a scant microvascular network ( P ≤ 0.001). Opposite results were observed in the Buffalo-McA-RH7777 model, exhibiting lower stiffness values and richer tumor vasculature with predominantly peripheral distribution ( P = 0.03). Consistent with these findings, tumor enhancement was significantly greater in the Buffalo-McA-RH7777 tumor model than in the SD-N1S1 on both dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography ( P < 0.005). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between tumor perfusion on dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography in terms of the total area under the curve and % microvessel tumor coverage ( P < 0.05). The stiffness signatures translated into different tumor vascular phenotypes. Two-dimensional shear wave elastography and dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography adequately depicted different stromal patterns, which resulted in unique imaging perfusion parameters with significantly greater contrast enhancement observed in softer tumors.

К программе фотоядерных исследований на пучке обратных комптоновских квазимонохроматических 𝛾–квантов с перестраиваемой энергией E𝛾 ≲ 40 МэВ

Based on the analysis of development of photonuclear reaction studding at 𝐸𝛾 ≲ 40 MeV and the unique parameters of the Compton source of 𝛾–quanta under projecting, a program of priority photonuclear research using this source is proposed. The program includes research on: structures of giant E1 resonances and pygmy resonances; cross sections for partial photonucleon reactions; nuclear resonant fluorescence; photofission; problems of astrophysics and nucleosynthesis.

ОСМИСЛЕННЯ КАТЕГОРІЇ «ПРОСТІР» У ГУМАНІТАРИСТИЦІ

The paper analyzes the contribution of many linguists to the study of the concept of "space", its properties, and the words, that denotes it, outlines existing scholarly approaches to the space semantics study. As a result of consideration of the achievements of scientists in the study of spatial semantics, differences in their views on issues of terminological, identification and classification nature were revealed. Also, considering the lack of a single approach to the identification and classification of the space nominations characteristics in modern linguistics, the paper carries out the analysis and develops unique identification and differential loci parameters which underlie the concept of space, i.e. a fundamental division of the lexical units semantics into two major groups “real space” and “virtual space”; principles of loci classification are proposed. Also, the research outlines the loci potential implementation spheres and their reflection in the language, types of space, classification criteria, and a wide range of basic identification and distinctive features, which are further on grouped into blocks: recognition signs (what-system)– organisation signs or space types; location and dynamic signs (where-system). In their turn, the distinctive features enable to single out the nominations in question from the empirical material; applying the developed criteria for differentiating the empirical database, it becomes possible to categorise the loci on the basis of recognition, space organisation, and location (opposition between the real / virtual substance based on the features of objective / subjective, individual / social, natural / sociocultural markers, taking into account the space type within its horizontal and vertical localisation: vertical spatial trichotomy (an overland, extraterrestrial world / real world, terrestrial / underground world); three-dimensional spatial trichotomy (close world / transitional world / distant alien world); universal space dichotomy (internal world / external world), etc.).The main criterion when evaluating whether the lexeme belongs to the loci group nucleus or periphery is the degree of the spatial semantics explicitness in the structure of its lexical meanings.

Structure and equation of state of Bi2Sr2Can−1CunO2n+4+δ from x-ray diffraction to megabar pressures

Pressure is a unique tuning parameter for probing the properties of materials, and it has been particularly useful for studies of electronic materials such as high-temperature cuprate superconductors. Here we report the effects of quasihydrostatic compression produced by a neon pressure medium on the structures of bismuth-based high-Tc cuprate superconductors with the nominal composition Bi2Sr2Can−1CunO2n+4+δ (n=1,2,3) up to 155 GPa. The structures of all three compositions obtained by synchrotron x-ray diffraction can be described as pseudotetragonal over the entire pressure range studied. We show that previously reported pressure-induced distortions and structural changes arise from the large strains that can be induced in these layered materials by nonhydrostatic stresses. The pressure-volume equations of state (EOS) measured under these quasihydrostatic conditions cannot be fit to single phenomenological formulation over the pressure ranges studied, starting below 20 GPa. This intrinsic anomalous compression as well as the sensitivity of Bi2Sr2Can−1CunO2n+4+δ to deviatoric stresses provide explanations for the numerous inconsistencies in reported EOS parameters for these materials. We conclude that the anomalous compressional behavior of all three compositions is a manifestation of the changes in electronic properties that are also responsible for the remarkable nonmonotonic dependence of Tc with pressure, including the increase in Tc at the highest pressures studied so far for each. Transport and spectroscopic measurements up to megabar pressures are needed to fully characterize these cuprates and explore higher possible critical temperatures in these materials.1 MoreReceived 15 December 2022Accepted 5 May 2023DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.7.064803©2023 American Physical SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasEquations of stateHigh-pressure studiesPhysical SystemsCupratesTechniquesX-ray diffractionCondensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION UTILIZING CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS

Relevance. Cryptographic algorithms and protocols are important tools in modern cybersecurity. They are used in various applications, from simple software for encrypting computer information to complex information and telecommunications systems that implement various electronic trust services. Developing complete biometric cryptographic systems will allow using personal biometric data as a unique secret parameter instead of needing to remember cryptographic keys or using additional authentication devices. The object of research the process of generating cryptographic keys from biometric images of a person's face with the implementation of fuzzy extractors. The subject of the research is the means and methods of building a neural network using modern technologies. The purpose of this paper to study new methods for generating cryptographic keys from biometric images using convolutional neural networks and histogram of oriented gradients. Research results. The proposed technology allows for the implementation of a new cryptographic mechanism - a technology for generating reliable cryptographic passwords from biometric images for further use as attributes for access to secure systems, as well as a source of keys for existing cryptographic algorithms.

Algorithmic detection and categorization of partially attached particles in AM structures: a non-destructive method for the certification of lattice implants

PurposeThis paper aims to present a methodology for the detection and categorisation of metal powder particles that are partially attached to additively manufactured lattice structures. It proposes a software algorithm to process micro computed tomography (µCT) image data, thereby providing a systematic and formal basis for the design and certification of powder bed fusion lattice structures, as is required for the certification of medical implants.Design/methodology/approachThis paper details the design and development of a software algorithm for the analysis of µCT image data. The algorithm was designed to allow statistical probability of results based on key independent variables. Three data sets with a single unique parameter were input through the algorithm to allow for characterisation and analysis of like data sets.FindingsThis paper demonstrates the application of the proposed algorithm with three data sets, presenting a detailed visual rendering derived from the input image data, with the partially attached particles highlighted. Histograms for various geometric attributes are output, and a continuous trend between the three different data sets is highlighted based on the single unique parameter.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel methodology for non-destructive algorithmic detection and categorisation of partially attached metal powder particles, of which no formal methods exist. This material is available to download as a part of a provided GitHub repository.

The Invisible Beauty of the Zeiss-Dywidag Domes: Topology Optimization of the Triangulated Rebar Grids

ABSTRACT The Zeiss-Dywidag system was a pioneer in the history of thin concrete shells, which impacted and advanced theory and praxis worldwide. This study explains its relevance for the history of gridshells: the first ever built Zeiss-Dywidag dome started out as a geodesic gridshell, sprayed over by concrete. Walther Bauersfeld abandoned his own ingenious design for the first Planetarium in Jena in favour of a lamella-type topology for the equally self-bearing reinforcing grid of the later Zeiss-Dywidag domes. We reconstruct the optimization of the geometry and tessellation of the first built example of the latter, the Schott dome, and suggest possible motivations for the change. Bauersfeld’s strikingly advanced theory of equivalent membrane shells, which played an essential role in the process, is published here for the first time. The significance of a unique benchmarking parameter, the so-called bar density (D-value), introduced by Bauersfeld is investigated. Its applicability to assess geometric fitness is assessed by a comparative study of selected grid topologies and geometries.

MXenes and Their Derivatives for Advanced Solid‐State Energy Storage Devices

AbstractSolid‐state energy storage devices (SSESDs) are believed to significantly improve safety, long‐term electrochemical/thermal stability, and energy/power density as well as reduce packaging demands, showing the huge application potential in large‐scale energy storage. Nevertheless, some key issues like low ionic conductivities, poor interface contact, and dendrites growth limit the practical application of SSESDs. In recent years, MXenes for SSESDs have received reassuring advances on account of unique parameters. Nevertheless, overall reviews about the subject are seldom. In this review, current advances of MXenes and their derivatives in solid‐state Li–metal, Li‐ion, Li–I/S, Na‐ion, Zn–air, Zn–metal batteries, and supercapacitors in cathode/anode optimization, interface medication, and electrolyte fillers, etc., are comprehensively reviewed. First of all, essential principles of MXenes are shown, such as precursors, etching/delamination strategies, as well as superior properties for energy storage systems. Meanwhile, the classification and evaluation parameters of solid‐state electrolytes are summarized. Subsequently, the application, modification mechanism, and design strategy of MXenes for boosting electrochemical behaviors of SSESDs are systematically reviewed and discussed. At last, perspectives and challenges about the future construction strategies of MXenes for SSESDs are recommended. This review shall assist scientists design and build advanced SSESDs with superior energy density along with safety.

Wavelet coherence phase analysis decodes the universal switching mechanism of Ras GTPase superfamily

The Ras superfamily of GTPases regulate critical cellular processes by shuttling between GTP-bound ON and GDP-bound OFF states. This switching mechanism is attributed to the conformational changes in two loops, SWI and SWII, upon GTP binding and hydrolysis. Since these conformational changes vary across the Ras superfamily, there is no generic parameter to define their functional states. A unique wavelet coherence (WC) analysis-based approach developed here shows that the structural changes in switch regions could be mapped onto the wavelet coherence phase couplings (WPCs). Thus, WPCs could serve as unique parameters to define their functional states. Disentanglement of WPCs in oncogenic GTPases shows how breakdown of structural allostery leads to their aberrant function. These observations stand out even for simulated ensemble of switch region conformers. Overall, for the first time, we show that WPCs could unravel the latent structural deviations in Ras proteins to decode their universal switching mechanism.