bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated interoceptive deficits in individuals with eating disorders and self‐injurious thoughts and behaviors: A replication and extension
Authors: Velkoff Elizabeth A. , Perkins Natalie M. , Dodd Dorian R. , Brown Tiffany A. , Kaye Walter H. , Wierenga Christina E.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

People with eating disorders (EDs) frequently report self‐injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs). We aimed to replicate and extend findings demonstrating greater interoceptive deficits according to SITB severity. We predicted that interoceptive deficits would be greater among people with versus without lifetime SITBs and among those with multiple suicide attempts compared with single attempts or nonsuicidal self‐injury. We also predicted that interoception would be increasingly impaired with greater current suicidality severity.

Method

Adults (N = 118) seeking ED treatment reported current and lifetime SITBs upon admission to treatment. We used planned contrasts to compare interoceptive deficits (self‐reported using the Eating Disorders Inventory) by SITB and current suicidality groups (assessed by self‐report and clinical interview).

Results

Interoceptive deficits were greater among people with any SITB history compared to those without. People with multiple suicide attempts did not differ in interoceptive deficits from those with single attempts or only nonsuicidal self‐injury. Interoceptive deficits were elevated among those with any current suicidality compared to those with no suicidal symptoms; interoceptive deficits did not differ according to severity of suicidality.

Conclusion

Among those with EDs, interoceptive deficits are elevated among those with concurrent SITBs. Interventions aimed at improving interoception may reduce the risk for SITBs.
The effect of pre‐existing fabrics on plate bending and seismicity in Alaska subduction zone
Authors: Guo Zonglin , Lin Jian , Zhang Jiangyang , Zhang Fan , Yang Xiaodong , Cheng Zihua , Zhou Pengcheng
Published: November 2023

Remnant fabrics inherited from mid‐ridge play a key role in variations of plate deformation, hydration and seismicity along subduction zones. However, the quantitative relationships between the orientation of these remnant faults, plate bending and seismic activity at subduction zones still remain unclear. Here, we investigated the flexure of the Alaska subducting plate and assessed the relations between plate flexural curvatures, trench–fabric angle and seismicity. The results show that the flexural curvature and seismicity have nearly linear relationships with the trench–fabric angle. We find that remnant faults are more likely to be reactivated by plate bending at low trench–fabric angle region, causing greater plate deformation, hydration, weakening and seismicity. Plate weakening in turn promotes flexural bending curvature, resulting in higher degree of fracture and more earthquakes. However, at the high trench–fabric angle region, it is inclined to form new trench‐parallel bending faults that have smaller bending curvature and less seismicity.
Serosurveillance of Trichinella sp. in wild boar and Iberian domestic suids in Mediterranean ecosystems of southwestern Spain
Authors: Buffoni Leandro , Cano‐Terriza David , Jiménez‐Martín Débora , Jiménez‐Ruiz Saúl , Martínez‐Moreno Álvaro , Martínez‐Moreno Francisco Javier , Zafra Rafael , Pérez‐Caballero Raúl , Risalde María Ángeles , Gómez‐Guillamón Félix , García‐Bocanegra Ignacio
Published: November 2023

Aims

A cross‐sectional study was carried out to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Trichinella spp. exposure in wild boar and Iberian domestic pigs from Mediterranean ecosystems of southwestern Spain.

Methods and Results

Serum samples from 1360 wild boar and 439 Iberian domestic pigs were obtained during 2015–2020, from regions where Iberian pigs are raised under extensive conditions, hence sharing habitat with wild boar. Seropositivity was found in 7.4% (100/1360; 95% CI: 6.1–8.9) of the wild boar analysed. In this species, the individual seroprevalence ranged from 3.6% (8/223) (hunting season 2016–2017) to 11.4% (37/326) (2018–2019). A significant higher seropositivity was observed during the hunting season 2018–2019 (p < 0.009: OR = 3.07; 95% CI = 1.32–7.18) and one statistically significant cluster was detected within the studied area, in south central Andalusia [Relative Risk (RR) = 2.9; p = 0.037]. Females showed a significantly higher seroprevalence than males (8.7% vs. 5.8%) (p < 0.001: OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.08–2.32). No seropositivity to Trichinella spp. was detected in Iberian domestic pigs (0.0%; 95% CI: 0.0–0.9).

Conclusions

Although wild boar play an important role as a reservoir of Trichinella sp. in the Mediterranean ecosystems of southwestern Spain, our results suggest that the wild boar production system does not seem to pose a risk of Trichinella exposure to domestic pigs, despite sharing habitats in these ecosystems.
Digital Inclusion: Analyzing Social Media Accessibility Features for Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Khasawneh Mohamad Ahmad Saleem
Published: November 2023

The present research endeavors to investigate the efficacy and user-friendliness of accessibility functionalities on widely used social media platforms, with a specific focus on their impact on visually impaired students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This research endeavor undertakes a comprehensive quantitative analysis encompassing a sample size of 150 individuals. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the perceptions surrounding the accessibility of three prominent social media platforms, namely Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The results of the study unveil notable disparities in the perceived efficacy ratings, with Facebook emerging as the frontrunner, closely trailed by Instagram, while Twitter falls behind in comparison. The aforementioned disparities serve to highlight the significance of conducting personalized accessibility assessments and implementing ongoing enhancements to foster a more inclusive digital environment. In light of the burgeoning progress in digital inclusion endeavors, this research endeavor serves as a commendable contribution by offering invaluable perspectives to augment the accessibility of social media platforms for individuals with visual impairments.
Decommissioning of the MAU Facility at La Hague: How a Good Association of Milling Tools Can Facilitate the Decommissioning of Nuclear Areas?
Authors: Scelles Fabien , Kettering Yves , Damerval Frédérique
Published: November 2023

It is often the case, in reprocessing facilities and waste repositories, that surface decontamination requires mechanical milling techniques on concrete, cement or brick surfaces (coated or uncoated). Integrated and compliant techniques for the efficient milling of these surfaces are in demand in a growing decommissioning sector, due to a large number of these scenarios which present challenging geometries.

This is the case for the dismantling of the MAU building which is part of Orano La Hague’s UP2 400 fuel recycling plant.

Mechanical processes proved to work since facilities are being decommissioned; however, the capability of such applications to fulfill the requirement in term of economics, techniques and environment/social need to be confirmed. Particularly, the speed rate, the strenuous working conditions, the dust’s capture’s efficiency, the possibility to obtain a final surface state that allows final surface radiological measurements have often been criticized in the various feedbacks from the work sites.

To improve clean-up operations on dismantling sites, ORANO DS collaborated with the company Astillo. Specialized in the design and manufacture of machine and tool for the surface removal of pollutants, Astillo benefits from experience in the surface treatment’s sector.

Particularly, the possibility to work with no detectable increase in airborne exposures (efficient vacuum attachments), the guarantee that all workers’ exposition to dose is kept as low as possible (semi-remote operation), the potential to accommodate a wide range of surfaces geometry and types by adaptable tools will be described.
Environmental Radiological Risk Assessment From the Hypothetical LOCA-Type Accident With the Release of Iodine-131 Into the Atmosphere, From Two Electrical Installations Simultaneously
Authors: Sanchez Juliana , Dos Santos Nicolau Andressa , Salgado César
Published: November 2023

The aims of this article is to estimate the dose of gamma-emitting radionuclides resulting from the atmospheric release of radioactive material Iodine-131 from an accident at two nuclear facilities simultaneously. HotSpot Health Physics Codes 3.1.2 software was utilized for this purpose. Monitoring the dispersion of Iodine-131 in the atmosphere after an accident in nuclear installations is essential for nuclear safety. This monitoring involves not only the amount of material that will be released, but also understanding its dispersion in the atmosphere and the areas that may be affected. The data collected form such monitoring is extremely relevant to assess accumulation, exposure and its consequences, as well as in making decision about mitigation requirements in contaminated sites. In this article, data from a hypothetical Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) at two Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) nuclear power plants were used in order to study the behavior of radioactive plumes in the event of radiation release into the atmosphere of both plants. The results show that in most of the tests carried out, the Gaussian model used for plume modeling assumed different values and fluctuations, directly related to the atmospheric stability class. This factor influenced the estimate of the final dose. The atmospheric stability class F (moderately stable) stood out in tests conducted, as it influenced the formation of narrower plumes, and, resulted in higher dose concentrations. Consequently, there is a greater risk of manifestation of the symptoms of acute irradiation syndrome depending on the absorbed dose.
Impact of Immersion Cooling on Thermomechanical Properties of Halogen-Free Substrate Core
Authors: Bansode Pratik , Ramalingam Mohan Sai , Suthar Rohit , Bhandari Rabin , Lakshminarayana Akshay Boovanahally , Gupta Gautam , Simon Vibin Shalom , Modi Himanshu , Nair Vivek , Sivaraju Krishna Bhavana , Shahi Pardeep , Saini Satyam , Agonafer Dereje
Published: November 2023

The data center’s server power density and heat generation have increased exponentially because of the recent, unparalleled rise in the processing and storing of massive amounts of data on a regular basis. One-third of the overall energy used in conventional air-cooled data centers is directed toward cooling information technology equipment (ITE). The traditional air-cooled data centers must have low air supply temperatures and high air flow rates to support high-performance servers, rendering air cooling inefficient and compelling data center operators to use alternative cooling technology. Due to the direct interaction of dielectric fluids with all the components in the server, single-phase liquid immersion cooling (Sp-LIC) addresses mentioned problems by offering a significantly greater thermal mass and a high percentage of heat dissipation. Sp-LIC is a viable option for hyper-scale, edge, and modular data center applications because, unlike direct-to-chip liquid cooling, it does not call for a complex liquid distribution system configuration and the dielectric liquid can make direct contact with all server components. Immersion cooling is superior to conventional air-cooling technology in terms of thermal energy management however, there have been very few studies on the reliability of such cooling technology. A detailed assessment of the material compatibility of different electronic packaging materials for immersion cooling was required to comprehend their failure modes and reliability. For the mechanical design of electronics, the modulus, and thermal expansion are essential material characteristics. The substrate is a crucial element of an electronic package that has a significant impact on the reliability and failure mechanisms of electronics at both the package and the board level. As per Open Compute Project (OCP) design guidelines for immersion-cooled IT equipment, the traditional material compatibility tests from standards like ASTM 3455 can be used with certain appropriate adjustments. The primary focus of this research is to address two challenges: The first part is to understand the impact of thermal aging on the thermo-mechanical properties of the halogen-free substrate core in the single-phase immersion cooling. Another goal of the study is to comprehend how thermal aging affects the thermo-mechanical characteristics of the substrate core in the air. In this research the substrate core is aged in synthetic hydrocarbon fluid (EC100), Polyalphaolefin 6 (PAO 6), and ambient air for 720 hours each at two different temperatures: 85°C and 125°C and the complex modulus before and after aging are calculated and compared.
Process Performance Interactions for Additively Printed Water-Based Nanoparticle Sustainable Silver-Ink With Ultrasonic Atomization on Aerosol Jet Printer
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Karakitie Daniel , Miller Scott
Published: November 2023

Environmental, social, and governmental factors have received increased attention in the design and manufacture of electronics. Additive printed electronics processes reduce the waste streams from electronics manufacturing by eliminating plate and etch processes, which involve the selective removal of masks and conductive copper to fabricate circuits. In addition, the transition to additive print processes also allows for the elimination of hard tooling, with design changes limited to those that can be implemented quickly, reducing the time involved with design iterations. The earlier versions of additive inks involved using volatile solvents as carrier mediums for nanoparticle inks. Sustainable inks use water as the carrier medium in place of volatile solvents. Owing to the recent introduction of these formulations, less is known about the ability to form functional circuits with sustainable inks or their performance relative to the incumbent non-sustainable volatile organic solvent-based inks. In this paper, the performance of sustainable water-based solvent inks has been studied and compared with that of volatile solvent inks. The Aerosol Jet printer was used in this work to print and develop process parameters for investigation, including ultrasonic atomizer mass flow rate, sheath flow control, and stage speed, with a water-based sustainable silver nanoparticle ink. Electrical and mechanical properties were tested at various sintering temperatures and times, including resistance and shear load to failure. The results show that the electrical properties are improved by varying these parameters, and optical methods have also been used to characterize the results of the printed trace and fitted regression models that have been developed for process optimization.
High-G Level Shock Damage-Accrual in Doped/Undoped SnAgCu Solders Under 100°C Sustained Operation Up to 1-Year
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Mehta Vishal , Suhling Jeff , Blecker Ken
Published: November 2023

In the automotive, oil & gas, aerospace, and medical technology sectors, electronic parts are frequently subjected to higher strain loads as a result of shocks, vibrations, and drop-impact circumstances. The electrical parts in such applications are frequently exposed to severe low and high temperatures ranging from −65°C to 200°C. Furthermore, in the critical environment, these electronic equipment can be exposed to high strain rates ranging from 1 to 100 per second. SAC solder alloys are the primary alloys used to replace tin-lead solders in electronic assembly applications. Surface mount, wave soldering, and hand soldering applications have all demonstrated the effectiveness of SAC solder alloys. Numerous doped solder alloys, such as SAC-Q, SAC-R, Innolot, M758 etc. have recently been introduced in electronic components. Mechanical characteristics and statistics for lead-free solder alloys are critical for enhancing electronic package durability at high temperatures and strain rates. Additionally, thermal aging causes microstructure changes, and can significantly affect the mechanical characteristics of solder alloys. There are not enough results are available for the mechanical properties of solder alloys with extreme low to high working temperatures. Additionally, there is currently a lack of published literature on the mechanical performance of lead-free alloys under the harsh conditions of high-temperature vibration, drop, and shock. SAC Solders are tested and examined for this study at working temperatures ranging from −65°C to 200°C and at strain rates of up to 75 per second for up to 1 year of isothermal aging with a storage temperature of 100°C. Also, the obtained experimental findings and data were fitted to the Anand viscoplasticity model, and the Anand constants were determined by calculating the stress-strain behavior reported for operating temperatures ranging from −65°C to +200°C. In addition, FE analysis for drop/shock events for 1500g, for BGA package assembly with PCB has been performed. Hysteresis stress-strain curves and plastic work density curves for the solder ball joints are examined under various thermal aging circumstances for drop/shock events. Effect of various operating temperatures and aging durations on hysteresis loops and plastic work densities have been studied.
Comparison of Machine Learning Approaches for Correlating Print Process Parameters to Realized Physical and Electrical Characteristics of Printed Electronics Using Inkjet Platform
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Soni Ved , Kulkarni Shriram , Miller Scott
Published: November 2023

Throughout the past decade, the field of printed electronics has gained increased research impetus and has started to make entryways into the consumer electronics product market. The main advantage of additive printed electronics is that it allows for the creation of lightweight and flexible electronic components that can be produced at a lower cost compared to traditional manufacturing methods. There are several printing techniques, conductible inks, dielectrics, solder pastes, electrically conductive adhesives, etc. that have been investigated in the literature to find the best solutions for several use cases. However, one issue that is prevalent across printing techniques and materials is the difference between the designed and actualized geometrical and electrical characteristics of printed traces. Owing to these differences, the overall achieved circuit performance differs slightly than the idealized one, and in some cases, significant differences might also be observed. To this end, the current study aims at developing a closed-loop control process for process parameter adjustment to achieve the desired electrical and physical characteristics of printed traces. In closed loop control, the output is compared to a desired setpoint, and any differences between the two are used to adjust the input. The first step in developing a closed-loop control algorithm to establish a relation between print process parameters and realized print characteristics. An inkjet printer and a particle free silver ink are used for this study. Particle-free inks are a liquid solution containing dissolved silver ions, which are beneficial for inkjet printing as they can help prevent printhead clogging. The aforementioned ink will be used for printing lines with different process parameters to establish the process parameter relation with the line geometry. This has been achieved by different machine learning methods including nonlinear regression, k-nearest neighbor regression, and Gaussian process regression. Each of these methods have been analyzed and further optimized to improve their accuracy and provide lower line width estimation errors. Ultimately a GUI for closed-loop control algorithm, which returns corrective print parameters given the desired and realized print characteristics and current print parameters, has been developed and validated.
Additive Manufacturing of Fe-Mn-Al-Ni Shape Memory Alloy: Microstructure and Phase Transformation Characteristics
Authors: Algamal Anwar , Alhamdi Ismail , Ali Majed , Almotari Abdalmageed , Gandhi Umesh , Qattawi Ala
Published: November 2023

The development of additive manufacturing equipment and the accessibility of metal powders have recently generated considerable interest in the additive production of smart materials, often known as 4D printing. Recent research centered on ternary alloy systems of NiTi. However, iron shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA), which has outstanding superelasticity and consistent superplastic behavior across a wider temperature range, can provide a valuable counterpart for NiTi SMA. However, the viability and impact of manufacturing processing factors on Fe-SMA alloy are not well understood. The current study examines the impact of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processing parameters on Fe-Mn-Al-Ni shape memory alloy characteristics such as crack formation, surface roughness, laser-track morphology, density, dimensional accuracy, hardness, and phase transformation. To effectively capture thermal behavior and gather in-situ fabrication data, in-situ monitoring of sample printing was carried out utilizing a unique sensing system made up of a long wave infrared camera throughout a temperature range of −20 °C to 1500 °C. To characterize the microstructure and phase change of the manufactured samples with respect to manufacturing processing parameters, surface roughness testing, gas pycnometer, Vickers hardness testing, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used. The research showed that volumetric energy densities (VEDs) between 62 and 93 J.mm−3 produce higher-quality materials with fewer defects, which improved the densification and properties of manufactured Fe-SMA (hardness, density, and porosity).
Conceptual Design and Virtual Prototyping of a Compliant, Low-Cost Prosthetic Hand
Authors: Baggetta Mario , Margherita Vazzoler , Palli Gianluca , Melchiorri Claudio , Berselli Giovanni
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the development of an underactuated prosthetic hand that offers a cost-effective, functional, and human-like alternative for individuals with upper limb amputations. The design and virtual prototyping of the hand focus on achieving a size, weight, and appearance that closely resemble a human hand, aiming to enhance user acceptance. The prosthetic hand consists of ten degrees of freedom (DoF), with four of them being actuated. Among these, three degrees of actuation (DoA) are controlled by electric motors and a tendon transmission system, while the remaining DoA is manually actuated by the user through a spring plunger. The underactuated design incorporates compliant hinges based on springs and a mechanism that decouples the motors from the fingers, enabling more natural movements and greater adaptability to different objects. By incorporating a tendon transmission system and manual thumb actuation, users can easily accomplish basic grasping tasks without relying on complex control systems. To evaluate the gripping abilities and maximum gripping force of the hand, a virtual prototype has been created and tested in different grasping scenarios. This assessment allows for performance evaluation and refinement of the design. To improve affordability and accessibility for a wider range of users, the prosthetic hand has been designed with a focus on cost-effective components and widespread utilization of additively manufactured parts.
A Comparison of Mechanics Simplifications in Pose Estimation for Thermally-Actuated Soft Robot Limbs
Authors: Pacheco Garcia Juan C. , Jing Ran , Anderson Meredith L. , Ianus-Valdivia Miguel , Sabelhaus Andrew P.
Published: November 2023

Soft robots can be limited in applications when their pose in space is difficult to estimate, particularly when actuated by smart thermoelectric materials with difficult-to-model mechanics. This paper presents a comparative study of approximations and simplifications that could make pose estimation computationally practical in real-world settings. To do so, this article represents a planar soft robot arm as a discretized many-link rigid arm, mapping material stiffness and actuator states to torques at the robot’s joints. Four different sets of assumptions are proposed for these mappings, varying in how stiffness is distributed throughout the arm, as well the linearity and/or hystersis of the actuator torques. We demonstrate how to calibrate each model from experimental data in a soft arm powered by shape memory alloy (SMA) wires that contract via Joule heating. Then, we perform hardware tests to predict the robot’s pose in open-loop, using only actuator temperature, and compare model performance under each simplifying assumption. Results show that adding both nonlinearity and hystersis to the actuator model improves the pose predictions, and that open challenges remain in calibrating material parameters. This study provides a platform and an initial result toward real-time pose estimation of these robots.
Characterization of Wetting Properties of Magnetoactive Elastomer Surfaces
Authors: Kriegl Raphael , Kravanja Gaia , Hribar Luka , Jezeršek Matija , Drevenšek-Olenik Irena , Shamonin Mikhail
Published: November 2023

Commercially available contact angle (CA) measuring devices usually do not allow for the application of magnetic fields to the sample under test. A setup for measuring the CA of liquids on magnetosensitive surfaces has been developed specifically for investigating the surfaces of magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs). The addition of a programmable linear stage, which moves a permanent magnet, allows for fine control of the magnetic field applied to the MAE without the need for large and power-consuming electromagnets. Paired with a custom control and evaluation software, this measurement setup operates semiautomatically, limiting operator error and increasing precision, speed, as well as repeatability of static and dynamic CA measurements for different magnetoactive materials. The software is equipped with robust droplet fitting algorithms to avoid experimental challenges arising with soft magnetoactive materials, such as the curling of sample edges or diffuse non-reflective surfaces. Several application examples on MAE surfaces, both processed and unprocessed, are presented.
Morphing Turbofan Engine Inlet at Take-Off Cross-Wind Conditions
Authors: Abate Giada , Vasista Srinivas , Künnecke Sven Christian , Riemenschneider Johannes
Published: November 2023

Aeronautical engine inlets are designed as a compromise between low-drag configurations for cruise condition and high airflow incidence angle during take-off and landing. In order to fulfill all the requirements belonging to different operating points, adaptive or morphing structures could be a feasible solution, and they could potentially have a positive impact in terms of aerodynamic performance, therefore leading to a substantial reduction in fuel consumption. However, designing morphing inlets is challenging because of the coupling between aerodynamics and structural analysis which is crucial in order to consider both the feasibility of the adaptive structure and its effects on the aerodynamics of the nacelle. This paper outlines the structural design of an adaptive inlet which features hybrid elastomeric composite materials and a means of active actuation. Since the inlet geometry features both radial and circumferential axes, any change in one axis creates a change in the other resulting in the need of stretchable materials if unwanted steps and gaps are to be prevented for favorable laminar-turbulent transition. To evaluate the aerodynamic effects of such a morphing inlet, a computational fluid-dynamic analysis is coupled with the finite element analysis leading to a “one-way” fluid-structure interaction approach. The goal of the presented method is the definition of an automatic aero-structure coupling framework in order to ease the exploration of a variety of designs over the feasible design space. Results highlight pros and cons of three different design approaches with a particular focus on promising aerodynamic results despite some difficulties in the structural feasibility.
Resonant Suspended Beam Mechanism for Weight Measurement
Authors: Ju Shuai , Naghdi Masoud , Aslam Muhammad , Sreedharan Sreejith , Desai Mitali Hardik , Zhang Haifeng
Published: November 2023

As the demand for medicine or chemical crystals and powders increases in society, accurate weight control draws more attention from researchers and industries. Overdose of medicine or chemicals can lead to material waste or even health problems. Accurate and reliable weight determination of chemical powder is necessary. This study presents an innovative method of weight measurement based on the vibration of a suspended beam with different mass loading. In the proposed mechanism, both ends of the beam are attached to flexible strings with one string connected to a speaker, which works as a shaker to excite the vibration of the beam with a certain frequency. The other string is connected to a soft PVDF thin film, which detects the vibration of the beam and feeds it to the data acquisition system. Frequency sweep is carried out through a LabVIEW program, where the beam vibration can be captured, and the resonant frequency can be determined by analyzing the vibration spectrum. Results show that the proposed mechanism is sensitive to the adding mass load. A COMSOL simulation of the proposed mechanism was also performed, and the frequency shift data matched the experiments. The proposed mechanism also has the potential to develop MEMS weight measurement systems for high-temperature and hazardous chemicals.
Jelly-Z 2.0: 3D Printed Soft Jellyfish Robot Actuated With Self-Coiled CNT-C-Ni-PVA Coated TCPFL
Authors: Matharu Pawandeep Singh , Ovy S. M. Al Islam , Pratap Singh Abhishek , Song Yuyang , Gandhi Umesh , Tadesse Yonas
Published: November 2023

Biologically inspired soft robots that are mass manufacturable and have silent operation are needed for safe robot-animal interactions. Although electrothermal soft actuators employed in jellyfish-inspired robots have shown promise, they suffer major drawbacks like high power consumption and low actuation frequency. Here, we present a 3D printed jellyfish robot, Jelly-Z 2.0, actuated with three novel self-coiled twisted and coiled polymer (TCPFL) coated with a solution composed of carbon nanotube/mesoporous carbon/ nickel / polyvinyl alcohol (CNT-C-Ni-PVA). The soft structure of the jellyfish is additively manufactured using silicone 3D printing in a custom-made 3D printer and embedding with inelastic membrane. Silicone additive manufacturing technology requires ∼70 % less manufacturing time and allows for the mass manufacturing of controlled geometry of jellyfish robot bell, which is superior to traditional casting methods. The novel actuators, CNT-C-Ni-PVA coated self-coiled TCPFL are characterized both in air and underwater. It is ∼140 % more efficient than non-coated TCPFL in water and ∼53 % more efficient in air. These actuators are capable of fast actuation at 2 Hz, producing cyclic actuation while consuming ∼35 % less power and actuating ∼83 % more in water for same power input than non-coated. This actuator has an actuation contractile efficiency calculated is ∼0.012 % in underwater water conditions and 0.02% in air. Jelly-Z 2.0 was tested at five different frequencies (0.33 Hz, to 2 Hz), showing a maximum swimming speed of 7.4 mm/s. In terms of cost of transport (COT), this jellyfish robot performs as one of the best amongst all electrothermally actuated jellyfish robots in the literature. A closed-loop PID control system on these novel actuators has also been investigated as well.
Additive Manufacturing of Photocurable PVDF-Based Capacitive Sensor
Authors: Srinivasaraghavan Govindarajan Rishikesh , Ren Zefu , Madiyar Foram , Kim Daewon
Published: November 2023

The demand for the capacitive sensor has attracted substantial attention in monitoring pressure due to its distinctive design and passive nature with versatile sensing capability. The effectiveness of the capacitive sensor primarily relies on the variation in thickness of the dielectric layer sandwiched between conductive electrodes. Additive manufacturing (AM), a set of advanced fabrication techniques, enables the production of functional electronic devices in a single-step process. Particularly, the 3D printing approach based on photocuring is a tailorable process in which the resin consists of multiple components that deliver essential mechanical qualities with enhanced sensitivity towards targeted measurements. However, the availability of photocurable resin exhibiting essential flexibility and dielectric properties for the UV-curing production process is limited. The necessity of a highly stable and sensitive capacitive sensor demands a photocurable polymer resin with a higher dielectric constant and conductive electrodes. The primary purpose of this study is to design and fabricate a capacitive device composed of novel photocurable Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin utilizing an LCD process exhibiting higher resolution with electrodes embedded inside the substrate. The embedded electrode channels in PVDF substrate are filled with conductive silver paste by an injection process. The additively manufactured sensor provides pressure information by means of a change in capacitance of the dielectric material between the electrodes. X-Ray based micro CT-Scan ex-situ analysis is performed to visualize the capacitance based sensor filled with conductive electrodes. The sensor is tested to measure capacitance response with changes in pressure as a function of time that are utilized for sensitivity analysis. This work represents a significant achievement of AM integration in developing efficient and robust capacitive sensors for pressure monitoring or wearable electronic applications.
Morphing Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite Coated With Magnetic Alginate Spheres
Authors: Alexandrino Luis Pedro Vieira , Porrari Alessandro , Fontanella Stefania , Lanzara Giulia
Published: November 2023

In the last two decades, there has been a growing interest in the use of smart materials or stimuli-responsive materials in high-tech industries and material science technologies. Current trends are working towards the development of materials that can be controlled and/or act in a predicted manner, undergoing significant macroscopic deformations when an external stimulus is applied (e.g., heat, electricity, light, pH value, moisture, and magnetism). Here an exotic carbon fiber-reinforced composite design is presented. This composite consists of a laminate integrated with alginate-based magnetic microspheres placed in strategic locations so that, upon exposure to a magnetic field the composite response can be finely controlled. Alginate is a biopolymer composed of two sugar residues. The formation of microspheres integrated with magnetite particles is created by fast crosslinking while the size of the microspheres is controlled with a fine-tuned fabrication process. The immobilized Fe3O4 particles are found to be extremely reactive when exposed to the field. The study analyzes the scenario in which such microspheres are surface mounted in the composite. It is shown that the obtained stimuli responsive composite allows for enhancing and largely tune the damping coefficient of the material.
Investigation of Yarn Pullout As a Mechanism of Ballistic Performance Enhancement in Silica Nanoparticle-Impregnated Kevlar Fabric
Authors: Nowak Nicholas , Bablu Muhammad Ali , Manimala James
Published: November 2023

Impregnating Kevlar fabric with silica nanoparticles is known to augment its mechanical properties, especially under shear deformation. Silica nanoparticle-impregnated Kevlar (SNK) fabric could therefore display improved ballistic performance. In this study, firstly, the ballistic performance of SNK with various percentages by weight of nanoparticle addition and number of layers is investigated utilizing compressed air gun experiments. A colloid-based process is used to impregnate spherical silica nanoparticles having 80–100 nm diameter into Kevlar 29-based K745 style plain woven fabric in a dry state. It was found that the addition of nanoparticles provided about 17.3 % mass advantage (owing to three fewer layers) for the 40 wt.% SNK over neat Kevlar for the non-penetrative case. The area of the damaged zone also showed a strong positive correlation with the kinetic energy absorbed at higher treatment levels. Further, SEM imaging revealed that at higher treatment levels the nanoparticles tend to agglomerate in the interstitial spaces of yarn crossover points. This indicated that the nanoparticles restrict yarn mobility and could improve inter-yarn friction, contributing to the engagement of secondary yarns away from the primary impact zone in the impact mitigation mechanism. In order to understand this mechanism better, yarn pullout tests are conducted on neat and treated fabrics under various conditions. Quasistatic and dynamic loading for in-plane and out-of-plane yarn pullout configurations are examined using customized experimental rigs. Factors such as yarn direction, lateral tension, pullout rate, nanoparticle size, shape, material and treatment level are being considered. For each case, the pullout force versus displacement history is recorded and critical features are extracted. In addition, digital footage is used to analyze pullout kinematics. It is noted that the peak pullout force increases with nanoparticle addition until a threshold treatment level is reached. For a given fabric style and weave, an optimal nanoparticle type and treatment level helps maximize peak pullout force and inter-yarn friction. Coefficients for linear, quadratic, and exponentially decaying sinusoidal fitting functions for various pull-out regimes are calibrated to model yarn pull-out behavior vis-à-vis the treatment parameters. Further analysis of the yarn pullout mechanisms is underway to better understand the ballistic performance enhancement displayed by SNK. It is anticipated that nanoparticle treated flexible armors would not only enhance ballistic protection, but also be amenable to integration with multifunctional capabilities such as wearable electronics, wound coagulation, or smart camouflage.
Fabrication and Characterization of Mesoporous Carbon-Nickel Silver Powder- Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Coated Mandrel-Coiled TCPFL Artificial Muscles for Enhanced Performance
Authors: Matharu Pawandeep Singh , Song Yuyang , Gandhi Umesh , Tadesse Yonas
Published: November 2023

Efficient and powerful actuation technologies that are biomimetic and compliant are required for robotic applications, which might be used for human augmentations. Twisted and coiled polymer fishing line actuators (TCPFL) have attracted a great deal of attention for their use as soft actuators in various robotic applications due to high actuation stroke, high power to weight ratio, low cost and minimal hysteresis. However, they have drawbacks such as low actuation frequency due to slow cooling, high power consumption and low efficiency. In this paper, we have described the fabrication and characterization of novel nanomaterial coating consisting of mesoporous carbon, nickel and silver powder with poly vinyl alcohol (C-NiAg-PVA) for mandrel-coiled twisted and coiled artificial muscles from fishing line. Addition of nickel and silver (NiAg) powder in mesoporous carbon nanoparticles, improves thermal contacts and enhances the actuator performance with better dynamic actuation (∼25 % more actuation) and better cooling for cyclic actuation. Different input currents (0.25 A, 0.26 A, 0.27 A) were provided to the coated and non-coated TCPFL (50 mm in length, 3.3 mm in diameter) and it was observed that the coated actuators consume at least ∼10 % less power than the non-coated actuators when tested in air. This research shows great potential for simple nanomaterial coating of carbon-based and metallic nanomaterials to produce high performing electrothermal actuators.
MOCVD grown ultraviolet microlight-emitting diodes with an InGaN/GaN/AlGaN active region design
Authors: Wang Guangying , Li Yuting , Liu Cheng , Lin Qinchen , Sanyal Surjava , Gupta Chirag , Pasayat Shubhra S.
Published: November 2023

In this work, we present an InGaN/GaN/AlGaN active region design for high-efficiency UV LED grown by MOCVD. The use of the GaN layer allows the AlGaN layer to be grown in optimized conditions which will enhance the overall crystal quality and device performance. The InGaN/GaN/AlGaN structure showed an improvement in the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) simulation in comparison with the conventional InGaN/AlGaN structure, with 15% and 14% at operating current density of 20 and 30 A/cm2, respectively. The IQE advantage remains at more than 10% in the operating current density range from 0 to 100 A/cm2 due to an enhanced electron-hole wavefunction overlap. The InGaN/GaN/AlGaN quantum wells were utilized to grow UV-A structures and micro-LEDs with sizes ranging from 20 × 20 to 100 × 100 μm2 were fabricated. The fabricated micro-LEDs showed a reliable emission at around 372 nm with 9 nm FWHM. Micro-LED devices with smaller sizes showed an improvement in relative external quantum efficiency due to its advantage in current spreading. This manuscript presents the potential to achieve both improved crystal quality and high-efficiency device using InGaN/GaN/AlGaN active region design.
Comparative genomics of the niche-specific plant pathogen
Streptomyces ipomoeae
reveal novel genome content and organization
Authors: Soares Natasha R. , Huguet-Tapia José C. , Guan Dongli , Clark Christopher A. , Yang Kuei-Ting , Kluchka Olivia R. , Thombal Raju S. , Kartika Rendy , Badger Jonathan H. , Pettis Gregg S.
Published: November 2023

The sweet potato soil rot pathogen
Streptomyces ipomoeae
differs in disease pathology, host range, and virulence factor production from
Streptomyces
species that cause scab diseases on potato and other plant hosts. Nevertheless, previous phylogenomic analysis suggested
S. ipomoeae
and the oldest scab species,
Streptomyces scabiei
, are derived from a common ancestor. While genomes of scab pathogens have been described in some detail, similar knowledge of
S. ipomoeae
has been lacking. Here, we performed comparative genomic analyses involving both virulent and avirulent strains of
S. ipomoeae,
along with other plant-pathogenic and saprophytic
Streptomyces
spp. The
txt
gene cluster for the phytotoxin thaxtomin C was found in all virulent strains of
S. ipomoeae
, but, contrary to scab species, the thaxtomin locus does not appear to reside within a genomic island and has diverged from its scab pathogen counterparts. Increased TTA rare codon usage appears to be a hallmark of
S. ipomoeae
, and in particular, for its
txt
locus. The
txtR
activator gene, which we show here is essential for pathogenicity, appears to be subject to exceptional
bldA
translational control. Ortholog group searches identified genes found only in virulent
S. ipomoeae
strains in our analysis, and genome mining revealed secondary metabolite gene clusters of
S. ipomoeae
, which are not shared with scab species. Overall, we have identified novel aspects of genome organization and gene content consistent with niche development by
S. ipomoeae
, and the results here will facilitate the elucidation of the mechanisms governing its virulence and ecology.

IMPORTANCE

While most plant-pathogenic
Streptomyces
species cause scab disease on a variety of plant hosts,
Streptomyces ipomoeae
is the sole causative agent of soil rot disease of sweet potato and closely related plant species. Here, genome sequencing of virulent and avirulent
S. ipomoeae
strains coupled with comparative genomic analyses has identified genome content and organization features unique to this streptomycete plant pathogen. The results here will enable future research into the mechanisms used by
S. ipomoeae
to cause disease and to persist in its niche environment.
Linoleic acid: a natural feed compound against porcine epidemic diarrhea disease
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Huang Xin , Li Shuxian , Wang Caiying , Jansen Christine A. , Savelkoul Huub F. J. , Liu Guangliang
Published: November 2023

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a pig coronavirus that causes severe diarrhea and high mortality in piglets, threatening the global pig industry. Clinically effective medicines against this virus are still not available. To find an optional natural feed compound, viral titers were detected, and the intestinal contents of specific pathogen-free pigs more effectively blocked PEDV invasion than those of the other two breeds investigated. Based on proteomic and metabolic analyses of the intestinal content, 10 metabolites were selected for further investigation, and linoleic acid (LA) was the most promising according to the selectivity index. By detecting viral gene expression, LA inhibited viral replication and release from Vero-E6 cells, mainly by influencing the PI3K pathway and, in particular, inhibiting AKT phosphorylation. In addition, LA bound to viral NSP5 and attenuated NSP5-activated AKT phosphorylation. In the
in vivo
pig experiment, oral administration of the higher dose of LA protected two-thirds of pigs from death, both of which completely recovered from the infection, while the lower dose of LA protected one-third of pigs from death but with the induction of severe diarrhea. In conclusion, LA can be used as a candidate medicine for the clinical prevention and treatment of PEDV, and its mechanism of inhibiting the PI3K signaling pathway provides some data support for the subsequent exploration of antiviral drugs for coronavirus infections.

IMPORTANCE

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a pig coronavirus that causes severe diarrhea and high mortality in piglets, but as no effective drugs are available, this virus threatens the pig industry. Here, we found that the intestinal contents of specific pathogen-free pigs effectively blocked PEDV invasion. Through proteomic and metabolic analyses of the intestinal contents, we screened 10 metabolites to investigate their function and found that linoleic acid (LA) significantly inhibited PEDV replication. Further investigations revealed that LA inhibited viral replication and release mainly by binding with PEDV NSP5 to regulate the PI3K pathway and, in particular, inhibiting AKT phosphorylation.
In vivo
experiments illustrated that orally administered LA protected pigs from PEDV challenge and severe diarrhea. These findings provide strong support for exploring antiviral drugs for coronavirus treatment.