Phase Values Research Articles

Trace Element and Sulfur Isotope Signatures of Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) Mineralization: A Case Study from the Sunnhordland Area in SW Norway

The Sunnhordland area in SW Norway hosts more than 100 known mineral occurrences, mostly of volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) and orogeny Au types. The VMS mineralization is hosted by plutonic, volcanic and sedimentary lithologies of the Lower Ordovician ophiolitic complexes. This study presents new trace element and δ34S data from VMS deposits hosted by gabbro and basalt of the Lykling Ophiolite Complex and organic-rich sediments of the Langevåg Group. The Alsvågen gabbro-hosted VMS mineralization exhibits a significant Cu content (1.2 to >10 wt.%), with chalcopyrite and cubanite being the main Cu-bearing minerals. The enrichment of pyrite in Co, Se, and Te and the high Se/As and Se/Tl ratios indicate elevated formation temperatures, while the high Se/S ratio indicates a contribution of magmatic volatiles. The δ34S values of the sulfide phases also support a substantial influx of magmatic sulfur. Chalcopyrite from the Alsvågen VMS mineralization shows significant enrichment in Se, Ag, Zn, Cd and In, while pyrrhotite concentrates Ni and Co. The Lindøya basalt-hosted VMS mineralization consists mainly of pyrite and pyrrhotite. Pyrite is enriched in As, Mn, Pb, Sb, V, and Tl. The δ34S values of sulfides and the Se/S ratio in pyrite suggest that sulfur was predominantly sourced from the host basalt. The Litlabø sediment-hosted VMS mineralization is also dominated by pyrite and pyrrhotite. Pyrite is enriched in As, Mn, Pb, Sb, V and Tl. The δ34S values, which range from −19.7 to −15.7 ‰ VCDT, point to the bacterial reduction of marine sulfate as the main source of sulfur. Trace element characteristics of pyrite, especially the Tl, Sb, Se, As, Co and Ni concentrations, together with their mutual ratios, provide a solid basis for distinguishing gabbro-hosted VMS mineralization from basalt- and sediment-hosted types of VMS mineralization in the study area. The distinctive trace element features of pyrite, in conjunction with its sulfur isotope signature, have been identified as a robust tool for the discrimination of gabbro-, basalt- and sediment-hosted VMS mineralization.

Value exchanges within stakeholder networks throughout a megaproject's lifecycle

Megaprojects are complex projects with huge investments and numerous stakeholders. Megaproject value is created by networks of multiple stakeholders conducting value exchange, which refers to the processes involved in satisfying stakeholders’ various needs reciprocally. To understand this intricate dance, by integrating the new stakeholder theory (NST) into the stakeholder value network (SVN) concept, this study proposes a theoretical framework of megaproject stakeholder value network (MSVN) to unravel the underlying processes driving reciprocal value exchange and explore how they change throughout the megaproject lifecycle. Moreover, this study adopts an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design to develop a novel network approach to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze MSVN and identify the critical value exchanges for value creation. An empirical investigation was undertaken on Chinese transportation megaprojects. The results indicate that owners and market stakeholders (especially designers) create the most value in the implementation phase, while the collaboration between owners and nonmarket stakeholders (especially governmental bodies) delivers the most value during the front-end and operation stages. Of the six categorized value flow types identified, communication/evaluation is the most significant for the front-end and operation phases. At the same time, support/opportunity comes to the fore in the implementation phase. These findings shed new light on the value exchange process of megaprojects and guide stakeholders engaged in value creation.

The maximum (relative) strength of the arms, trunk, and legs and its relationship with the speed at which weight reaches its highest value in the clean phase

The maximum (relative) strength of the arms, trunk, and legs and its relationship with the speed at which weight reaches its highest value in the clean phase

A comparative evaluation on energy consumption of a building using bio-based and paraffin-based phase change materials integrated to external building envelope

Using thermal energy storage such as phase change materials (PCMs) is a suitable solution to reduce energy consumption in order to maintain thermal comfort conditions inside the building. There is a wide range of phase change materials according to their different characteristics such as melting temperature, freezing temperature, latent heat capacity, specific heat value of solid and liquid phase, thermal conductivity coefficient, and charge and discharge range, which makes it difficult to choose the right PCM. In this research, two common groups of phase change materials that are used commercially are studied and after performing a sensitivity analysis on them, a suitable temperature range is selected. Then the selected PCMs are placed in different parts of the external envelopes of the building and various parameters such as air conditioning system energy consumption, thermal comfort, heat balance, etc. are examined. It should be noted that in this study, the use of PCMs in buildings with cooling and heating systems is investigated. In order to carry out the simulation, a two-story office building located in Arak, Iran was modeled in Design Builder software along with all the details. The outputs show that if Bio PCM is used in the outer layer of the wall in the summer season, it is possible to save up to 154 w/m2 in the energy required for cooling the building. While the use of Bio PCM M91 Q21 material in the inner layer of the wall will reduce the load of the cooling system by 246.15 Wh/m2. Also, if RT PCM is used, it is possible to reduce the heat load by 80%. Furthermore, by analyzing the optimal cases, it can be concluded that increasing the thickness of the PCM layer cannot effectively improve the thermal performance of the building. On the contrary, their reduction in some cases leads to a reduction in energy demand in the building. Finally, in order to generalize the results, the optimal situation was compared with two similar climates of Arak city.

Parametrical synthesis of various radio devices with the set quantity of cascades of type «the mixed two-port network – nonlinear part»

Background. Presence of possibility of analytical definition of a part of parametres of various radio devices, optimum by criterion of maintenance of preset values of modules and phases of transfer functions on necessary quantity of frequencies, considerably reduces time of numerical optimisation of other part of parametres by criterion of formation demanded PFC and FFC in a strip of frequencies. Till now such problems dared concerning radio devices only with one cascade of type «a nonlinear part - the coordination the device» or «the coordination the device - a nonlinear part». In quality coordination devices were used the jet, resistive, complex or mixed two-port networks. The problem of multicascade radio devices with jet two-port networks is solved also. Change of basis for the coordination two-port networks and a place of inclusion of a nonlinear part leads to change of area of a physical realizability.
 Aim. Working out of algorithms of parametrical synthesis of radio devices with any quantity of identical and unequal cascades of type «the coordination the mixed two-port network – a nonlinear part» by criterion of maintenance of the set frequency characteristics. Nonlinear parts are presented in the form of a nonlinear element and parallel either consecutive on a current or pressure of a feedback.
 Methods. The theory of two-port networks, matrix algebra, a decomposition method, a method of synthesis of actuation microwave devices, numerical methods of optimisation.
 Results. In interests of achievement of the specified purpose systems of the algebraic equations are generated and solved. Models of optimum two-port networks in the form of mathematical expressions for definition of interrelations between elements of their classical matrix of transfer and for search of dependences of mixed of two-poles from frequency are received. It is shown, that at certain parities between quantity of identical cascades and values of resistance of a source of a signal and loading of the one-cascade radio device frequency characteristics of one-cascade and multicascade radio devices appear identical or similar. Such schemes are named by equivalent. Use of unequal cascades leads to substantial growth of a working strip of frequencies.
 Conclusion. The comparative analysis of theoretical results (PFC and FFC radio devices, value of parametres), received by mathematical modelling in system «MathCad», and the experimental results received by scheme modelling in systems «OrCad» and «MicroCap», shows their satisfactory coincidence.

Confirming the attainment of maximal oxygen uptake within special and clinical groups: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiopulmonary exercise test and verification phase protocols.

A plateau in oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) during an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to volitional exhaustion appears less likely to occur in special and clinical populations. Secondary maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) criteria have been shown to commonly underestimate the actual [Formula: see text]. The verification phase protocol might determine the occurrence of 'true' [Formula: see text] in these populations. The primary aim of the current study was to systematically review and provide a meta-analysis on the suitability of the verification phase for confirming 'true' [Formula: see text] in special and clinical groups. Secondary aims were to explore the applicability of the verification phase according to specific participant characteristics and investigate which test protocols and procedures minimise the differences between the highest [Formula: see text] values attained in the CPET and verification phase. Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and EMBASE) were searched using specific search strategies and relevant data were extracted from primary studies. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed. Meta-analysis techniques were applied to quantify weighted mean differences (standard deviations) in peak [Formula: see text] from a CPET and a verification phase within study groups using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses investigated the differences in [Formula: see text] according to individual characteristics and test protocols. The methodological quality of the included primary studies was assessed using a modified Downs and Black checklist to obtain a level of evidence. Participant-level [Formula: see text] data were analysed according to the threshold criteria reported by the studies or the inherent measurement error of the metabolic analysers and displayed as Bland-Altman plots. Forty-three studies were included in the systematic review, whilst 30 presented quantitative information for meta-analysis. Within the 30 studies, the highest mean [Formula: see text] values attained in the CPET and verification phase protocols were similar (mean difference = -0.00 [95% confidence intervals, CI = -0.03 to 0.03] L·min-1, p = 0.87; level of evidence, LoE: strong). The specific clinical groups with sufficient primary studies to be meta-analysed showed a similar [Formula: see text] between the CPET and verification phase (p > 0.05, LoE: limited to strong). Across all 30 studies, [Formula: see text] was not affected by differences in test protocols (p > 0.05; LoE: moderate to strong). Only 23 (53.5%) of the 43 reviewed studies reported how many participants achieved a lower, equal, or higher [Formula: see text] value in the verification phase versus the CPET or reported or supplied participant-level [Formula: see text] data for this information to be obtained. The percentage of participants that achieved a lower, equal, or higher [Formula: see text] value in the verification phase was highly variable across studies (e.g. the percentage that achieved a higher [Formula: see text] in the verification phase ranged from 0% to 88.9%). Group-level verification phase data appear useful for confirming a specific CPET protocol likely elicited [Formula: see text], or a reproducible [Formula: see text], for a given special or clinical group. Participant-level data might be useful for confirming whether specific participants have likely elicited [Formula: see text], or a reproducible [Formula: see text], however, more research reporting participant-level data is required before evidence-based guidelines can be given. PROSPERO (CRD42021247658) https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero.

Low complexity hybrid beamforming for downlink multi-user MIMO OFDM systems

Hybrid beamforming is critical for massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) to achieve high spectral efficiency at reduced hardware cost. Existing hybrid beamforming schemes either design the analog beamforming and digital beamforming separately, or jointly optimize them through alternating optimization. Such strategies incur non-negligible performance degradation or huge computational complexity in optimization, which is especially evident with the partially connected architecture. In this work, we consider a general downlink multi-user MIMO orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system with the hybrid beamforming architecture, where finite-resolution phase shifters are adopted. We propose an efficient beamforming strategy on the sum rate maximization criterion. Rather than eliminating the interference entirely by digital beamforming, we optimize the analog beamforming by considering the interference at the same time. We consider a fixed digital beamforming structure to reduce the overall complexity. Given the fact of finite-resolution phase shifters, the analog beamforming is optimized over discrete phase values. Compared to existing hybrid beamforming designs, the proposed algorithm achieves much improved performance. By applying the average channel covariance to the analog beamforming design, the computational complexity of the proposed algorithm is further reduced. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm is applicable to both fully and partially connected architectures.

Verification of tidal trends in Cananeia (SP) and Santos (SP)

Recent studies indicate an imminent global rise in mean sea level. However, comprehending variations in tidal patterns is imperative before analyzing the scenario of extreme events, typically associated with the combination of high tides and intense meteorological influences. This study presents local trends in sea level, amplitude, and phase of the two main tidal components in Cananeia (SP) and Santos (SP), utilizing tide gauge data from records of sufficient length to avoid the need for nodal correction in the tide components. Using more up-to-date tide gauge data allowed the investigation of observed trends. Long-term tidal data series revealed an upward trend in mean level of approximately 4,324 mm/year in Cananeia and 0,538 mm/year in Santos. Both locations were affected by human activities along their estuaries, with Santos experiencing significant variations in the amplitude and phase values of the tidal constituents annually.

Density functional theory study of Fe(CO)5 and [Fe(CO)6]2+ complexes catalyzed the water gas shift reaction extended to the aqueous phase

The WGSR with Fe(CO)5 and [Fe(CO)6]2+ complexes were investigated using DFT in both gaseous and aqueous phases. Thermodynamic analyses indicated that the high dielectric constant of water inhibits the activity of OH− and [Fe(CO)6]2+ ions, leading to a substantial decrease in the energy released during the nucleophilic attack of OH− on Fe(CO)5 and [Fe(CO)6]2+ in the aqueous phase. In addition, a potential low energy pathway has been discovered by designing new transition states for the final step of Fe(CO)5-catalyzed WGSR: 1 → 6 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5(a) → 5(b) → 6. According to the results of the ESM, [Fe(CO)6]2+ possesses the highest gaseous phase TOF value (1.27×10−18 s–1), both Fe(CO)5 and [Fe(CO)6]2+ have higher TOF values in the gaseous phase compared to the aqueous phase, which increases with rising temperature. Therefore, these results suggest that [Fe(CO)6]2+ serves as the advantageous catalyst involved WGSR in the aqueous phase.

Contrast-enhanced CT in the differential diagnosis of bladder cancer and paraganglioma.

We sought to summarize the value of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in the differential diagnosis of bladder paraganglioma (BPG) and bladder cancer. The medical records of 19 patients with BPG (13 males, 6 females) and 56 patients with bladder cancer (49 males, 7 females) between November 2007 and June 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT scanning. Patient age (46.4 ± 11.1years vs. 58.6 ± 16.0years), tumor calcification (1/19 vs. 18/56), stalk (0/19 vs. 10/56), internal vessels (15/19 vs. 19/56) and the enlarged adjacent supplying artery (14/19 vs. 10/56) were significantly different between BPG and bladder cancer (P < 0.05). The CT value in the corticomedullary phase (92.4 ± 16.6HU vs. 64.0 ± 14.5HU) and the contrast-enhanced value in the corticomedullary phase (54.5 ± 17.4HU vs. 28.5 ± 12.8HU) were significantly greater in BPG patients than in bladder cancer patients (P < 0.001), with corresponding area under the curve values of 0.930 and 0.912, respectively. The optimal cutoff values were 83.2HU and 38.5HU, respectively. A CT value > 83.2HU in the corticomedullary phase and a contrast-enhanced CT value > 38.5 HU in the corticomedullary phase were used to indicate BPG with sensitivities of 78.9% and 89.5%, respectively, and specificities of 94.6% and 75.0%, respectively. The corticomedullary phase of CECT plays an important role in the preoperative differential diagnosis of BPG and bladder cancer.

Theoretical and Experimental Determinations of the Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance (HLB) of Representative Oils and Lecithins

The hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) is a valuable parameter used to determine the relative hydrophobicity of a compound based on its chemical structure. This semi-empirical parameter has been instrumental in formulating oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions using well-characterized ingredients with known HLB values. However, recent trends toward the use of minimally processed “virgin” oils of therapeutic or nutritional value may render the reported “required HLB” values inaccurate. Minimally processed oils can contain numerous compounds at varying or unknown concentrations, rendering the HLB value incalculable. Factors such as regional source, growing season, and processing method contribute to the variability in oil composition. Furthermore, the solubilization of lipophilic bioactives in oils can significantly alter the HLB of the oil phase in a concentration-dependent manner. This complicates the formulation of emulsions, as the HLB values of both the oil phase and emulsifiers must be closely matched to achieve stable formulations. This study presents a simple and efficient experimental method to determine an HLB value of a complex ingredient without resorting to lengthy Design-of-Experiment (DoE) matrices and trial-and-error approaches. The optimal HLB of a formulation can be determined from a series of experiments in which two well-characterized surfactants of known HLB values are mixed at varying proportions with an unknown oil phase, where the HLB of the oil is considered to match the HLB value of the surfactants combined at the proportion at which nanoemulsions with the smallest, most stable oil droplets are formed. Similarly, when the HLB values of the oil phase and other contributing components are precisely known, the unknown HLB of a complex natural surfactant can be calculated. These calculations assist in formulating emulsions efficiently and effectively by ensuring optimal compatibility among all the components.

Spatiotemporal clustering of dam settlement monitoring using instrumentation data (case study: Eyvashan Earth Dam)

The integrity of monitoring data is important for studying the amount and location of deformation in earth dams. In this research, the meeting of the Eyvashan Earth Dam was analyzed using the results of precision instruments over a period of eight years during three periods of construction, first impoundment, and exploitation. To verify the accuracy of the results, the numerical model of the largest section of the dam was constructed with Plaxis software and analyzed according to the Mohr–Coulomb behavior model. The results showed that since the beginning of construction, the occurrence of settlements in the core of the dam has been increasing, and with the passage of time, settlements reach a constant value in the operation phase. The maximum settlement of the dam core at the end of the construction stage was 809 mm, which was equal to 1.2% of the dam height in the middle level. Additionally, an approach based on spatiotemporal clustering has been presented to improve the interpretability of the settlement behavior of earth dams. Clustering analysis of spatiotemporal data is used as a measure to determine the similarity of settlements and to select relevant data. Therefore, k-means clustering algorithms and two-step clustering were used to determine the displacement of earth dams. By comparing the correlation results, the proposed method of detecting settlement areas using a spatiotemporal clustering model can be considered a reliable method for monitoring the settlement of earth dams.

Absolute phase retrieval based on spatial ternary phase coding with circular fringe projection

Fringe projection profilometry (FPP) based on temporal phase unwrapping (TPU) plays a vital role due to its high precision and fast speed in three-dimensional (3D) measurements. However, a fundamental contradiction arises between the necessity for numerous auxiliary patterns and the goal of enhancing measurement efficiency, particularly when ensuring a big codeword space for fringe order. Thus, a spatial ternary phase coding (STPC) method is proposed, which achieves a big codeword space by projecting just one auxiliary coding pattern while ensuring a robust decoding. By equally dividing each fringe period into several segments, ternary coding of fringe order is accomplished using an arccosine operation to code three distinct phase values within each segment. Meanwhile, circular grating is adopted due to its excellent performance in phase sensitivity, which offers a higher measuring accuracy in 3D reconstruction. Accordingly, a robust TPU is achieved by combining the introduced phase unwrapping scheme and the circle center-cosine theorem (CCCT) strategy. Furthermore, high-efficiency measurements are attained through projecting three phase-shifting circular gratings and one STPC grating, rendering it suitable for real-time measurements. Experimental results with various static objects and real-time scene demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.

Acceleration model of online educational games based on improved ensemble ML algorithm

Online educational games are easy to be affected by hardware and network status and have delay problems, which will affect students' learning interest and enthusiasm. Therefore, in this study, Bayesian optimization method is used to optimize the parameters of the “gradient boosting + category features” algorithm, and an improved “gradient boosting + categorical features” ensemble algorithm is designed using the integration framework of RF. And based on this, an online education game acceleration model is designed. The experimental results showed that the improved “gradient boosting + categorical features” algorithm, which combines Bayesian optimization and RF integration framework, was superior to the partially improved and traditional “gradient boosting + categorical features” algorithm in online education game recognition. The former's Accuracy mean and Precision mean in various online education games were 98.9 % and 99.3 %, respectively. Compared with other common ensemble algorithms and deep learning algorithms, the research outcomes expressed that the Accuracy of the algorithm designed in this study in the training phase and the F1 value in the testing phase were 98.6 % and 99.0 %. respectively, which were significantly higher than other intelligent algorithms. The test results of the game acceleration model constructed based on this algorithm and other comparative algorithms indicated that the online education game acceleration model constructed based on the improved “gradient boosting + categorical features” algorithm could minimize the delay phenomenon generated during game operation to the greatest extent. The model designed in this study has the potential to solve the problems of running lag and delay in online education games, which is beneficial for improving students' user experience and learning absorption effect in such game applications.

Multi-objective optimization and machine learning assisted design and synthesis of magnesium based novel non-equiatomic medium entropy alloy

Non equiatomic compositionally complex alloys have gained significant attention due to their unique combinations of properties including high strength, good ductility, excellent thermal stability and corrosion resistance. The non equiatomic compositions provide flexibility in tailoring the mechanical, thermal, magnetic, biomedical and other functional properties to meet the specific application requirements. In this study, a novel design approach was proposed to identify quaternary non equiatomic medium entropy alloy for biomedical application. The design methodology employs multi-objective optimization of empirical phase formation parameters and ML algorithm to design solid solution containing non equiatomic medium entropy alloy. The suggested approach scans over a large composition space to find possible non-equiatomic compositionally complex alloy compositions (CCA) with desired phases. The proposed methodology is an alternative to trial-and-error alloy fabrication and CCA design approach reported in the literature. This step significantly reduced the time and resources utilized in CCA design by decreasing the number of experimental runs. Based on the design strategy, Mg60Ti24.24Zn9.66Nb6.1 alloy was designed and selected for fabrication through powder metallurgy route by employing microwave sintering. The Mg rich alloy exhibited the presence of two solid solution phases viz HCP and BCC in both prealloyed powder and final sintered specimen. The developed alloy showed a high microhardness value of 153.9 ± 0.85HV with a measured density of 2.82 ± 0.03 g/cm3. The mechanical properties such as yield strength, ultimate compressive strength, elastic modulus and fracture strain of the developed alloy were found to be superior to that of pure Mg and AZ31 fabricated through the same manufacturing route. Mechanical properties of local phases present within the alloy were assessed through nanoindentation technique. Elastic modulus (E) and hardness (H) values for the Ti rich BCC phase were 118.9±7.2 GPa and 4.65±1.1 GPa, respectively, whereas the Mg rich HCP phase showed values of 65.2±7 GPa and 1.6±0.43 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, with minor changes to the constraint equations and correct ML dataset selection, the suggested design technique can be applied to any multi-principal element alloy system to design non-equiatomic compositions.

Development of a Novel Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound-Based Nomogram for Superficial Lymphadenopathy Differentiation: Postvascular Phase Value

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and prospectively validate a prediction model for superficial lymphadenopathy differentiation using Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with ultrasound (US) and clinical data. MethodsThe training cohort comprised 260 retrospectively enrolled patients with 260 pathological lymph nodes imaged between January and December 2020. Two clinical US-CEUS models were created using multivariable logistic regression analysis and compared using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis: Model 1 included clinical and US characteristics; Model 2 included all confirmed predictors, including CEUS characteristics. Feature contributions were evaluated using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithm. Data from 172 patients were prospectively collected between January and May 2021 for model validation. ResultsAge, tumor history, long-axis diameter of lymph node, blood flow distribution, echogenic hilus, and the mean postvascular phase intensity (MPI) were identified as independent predictors for malignant lymphadenopathy. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MPI alone was 0.858 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.817–0.891), 86.47%, 74.55%, and 81.2%, respectively. Model 2 had an AUC of 0.919 (95% CI, 0.879–0.949) and good calibration in training and validation cohorts. The incorporation of MPI significantly enhanced diagnostic capability (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.002 for training and validation cohorts, respectively). Decision curve analysis indicated Model 2 as the superior diagnostic tool. SHAP analysis highlighted MPI as the most pivotal feature in the diagnostic process. ConclusionThe employment of our straightforward prediction model has the potential to enhance clinical decision-making and mitigate the need for unwarranted biopsies.

Opportunistic screening with multiphase contrast-enhanced dual-layer spectral CT for osteoblastic lesions in prostate cancer compared with bone scintigraphy

Our study aimed to compare bone scintigraphy and dual-layer detector spectral CT (DLCT) with multiphase contrast enhancement for the diagnosis of osteoblastic bone lesions in patients with prostate cancer. The patients with prostate cancer and osteoblastic bone lesions detected on DLCT were divided into positive bone scintigraphy group (pBS) and negative bone scintigraphy group (nBS) based on bone scintigraphy. A total of 106 patients (57 nBS and 49 pBS) was included. The parameters of each lesion were measured from DLCT including Hounsfield unit (HU), 40–140 keV monochromatic HU, effective nuclear numbers (Zeff), and Iodine no water (InW) value in non-contrast phase (N), the arterial phase (A), and venous phase (V). The slope of the spectral curve at 40 and 100 keV, the different values of the parameters between A and N phase (A-N), V and N phase (V-N), and hybrid prediction model with multiparameters were used to differentiate pBS from nBS. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to compare the area under the curve (AUC) for differentiating the pBS group from the nBS group. The value of conventional HU values, slope, and InW in A-N and V-N, and hybrid model were significantly higher in the pBS group than in the nBS group. The hybrid model of all significant parameters had the highest AUC of 0.988, with 95.5% sensitivity and 94.6% specificity. DLCT with arterial contrast enhancement phase has the potential to serve as an opportunistic screening tool for detecting positive osteoblastic bone lesions, corresponding to those identified in bone scintigraphy.

A control algorithm to follow the limitations of an electric vehicle motor using the Tm4 Sumo drive as an example

A control algorithm to follow the limitations of an electric vehicle motor using the Tm4 Sumo drive as an example

Hydrodynamic features of pulsed solvent extractor for separation of two metals by using the antagonistic effect of solvents

Separating copper and cobalt ions is crucial due to the industry’s strategic reliance on both these elements. When the extraction process is able to significantly increase the separation factor, it becomes favorable to separate two ions. However, the presence of Cu(II) ions together with Co(II) hinders the achievement of optimum efficiency when using commonly available extractants. This study conducted the separation of the two elements using both batch and continuous methods in a pilot plant pulsed column equipped with a disc and doughnut structure. The initial step involved optimizing the key variables to maximize the separation factor using the central composite design procedure. The optimization of Cyanex272, Cyphos IL 101 concentrations, and the pH value of the aqueous phase were all adjusted to 0.024 M, 0.046 M, and 7.3, correspondingly. In the following step, the hydrodynamic characteristics and extraction performance were examined in the pulsed column of the pilot plant. The findings indicated that the presence of Cyphos IL 101 resulted in an increased separation factor and efficiency within the column. As a result, the ionic liquid enhances performance without encountering any operational issues. This additive is considered an environmentally friendly solvent and does not cause any negative impacts. Consequently, it is suggested for utilization in continuous industrial processes.

Terahertz in vivo imaging of human skin: Toward detection of abnormal skin pathologies.

Terahertz (THz) imaging has long held promise for skin cancer detection but has been hampered by the lack of practical technological implementation. In this article, we introduce a technique for discriminating several skin pathologies using a coherent THz confocal system based on a THz quantum cascade laser. High resolution in vivo THz images (with diffraction limited to the order of 100 μm) of several different lesion types were acquired and compared against one another using the amplitude and phase values. Our system successfully separated pathologies using a combination of phase and amplitude information and their respective surface textures. The large scan field (50 × 40 mm) of the system allows macroscopic visualization of several skin lesions in a single frame. Utilizing THz imaging for dermatological assessment of skin lesions offers substantial additional diagnostic value for clinicians. THz images contain information complementary to the information contained in the conventional digital images.