bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment and Analysis of the Relationship Model between Macro-Texture and Skid Resistance Performance of Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Ji Jie , Ren Wanyan , Jiang Tianhao , Dong Yuanshuai , Hou Yun , Li Haimeng
Published: October 2022

Pavement surface texture evaluation is mainly analyzed based on elevation data in previous research, and attention also need to be paid to wavelength information. Furthermore, a well-established relationship model between surface texture and skid resistance for real road sections still needs further investigation to help provide useful information on appropriate maintenance time considering skid resistance attenuation. In this research, the macro-texture of asphalt pavement was evaluated from different aspects, including elevation, wavelength information, and geometry, and the relationship models between the macro-texture and skid resistance (at both low and high speeds) were established and compared using the multiple linear regression (MLR) and back propagation (BP) neural network to recommend a suitable one. In order to achieve this, this study monitored anti-skidding performance and the macro-texture of six road sections for 18 months. Firstly, the Dynamic Friction Coefficient (DFC) test and core drilling were conducted on site at three different service times. Additionally, a laboratory accelerated loading test was carried out on specimens prepared by similar material composition to one of the road sections, and the British Pendulum Number (BPN) was tested after different passes of loading. Secondly, 3D laser scanning was carried out on core samples from road sections and laboratory specimens after different passes of loading. The correlation degree between macro-texture indexes and anti-skidding performance was analyzed with the grey correlation entropy analysis method. Finally, the relationship models between the anti-skidding performance at high and low speeds and macro-texture were established based on the MLR and BP neural network. The results indicate that the macro-texture indexes calculated based on elevation data to characterize vertical irregularities have a good correlation with the skid resistance despite the different service times and pavement types. Compared with the BP neural network model, the MLR model has low correlation and noticeable error. The relationship model between F60 (DFC at the speed of 60 km/h) and macro-texture could be well established by the BP neural network. In addition, the relationship between F20, BPN, and pavement surface macro-texture is poor, making it impossible to establish a model with good correlation. Generally, it is recommended to use the BP neural network to establish the relationship model between macro-texture and skid resistance.
Hydrophobicity Improvement on Wood for a Better Application of This Bio-Based Material
Authors: Jiang Jun , Du Jingjing , Li Huixian , Mei Changtong , Gong Xuemei
Published: October 2022

The over-exploitation of fossil fuels and increasing global industrialization has precipitated the release of greenhouse gases, resulting in an increase in global temperature [...]
Stability of Supehydrophobic Layers Formed by Organic Acids on the Surface of Aluminum Alloy 6063
Authors: Semiletov Alexey M. , Chirkunov Alexander A. , Grafov Oleg Yu. , Kuznetsov Yurii I.
Published: October 2022

The paper discusses the possibility of obtaining a uniformly inhomogeneous surface of aluminum alloy 6063 as a result of alkaline etching and laser processing. Further surface treatment with ethanol solutions of octadecylphosphonic (ODPA) and stearic acids leads to its superhydrophobization (SHP). The study of the degradation kinetics of SHP coatings in water and under conditions of neutral salt spray showed the high stability of ODPA films obtained on a laser-textured surface with an irregularities height of 9.82 μm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed that ODPA is chemisorbed on the alloy surface. High corrosion resistance of the surface with superhydrophobic layers confirmed by polarization measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and corrosion tests.
Recent Advances in Superhydrophobic and Antibacterial Coatings for Biomedical Materials
Authors: Wang Leijie , Guo Xudong , Zhang Hongmei , Liu Yinxia , Wang Yongxin , Liu Kun , Liang Haofang , Ming Wuyi
Published: October 2022

In recent years, biomedical materials have been used in the response to the emergence of medical infections that pose a serious threat to the health and life of patients. The construction of superhydrophobic coatings and antimicrobial coatings is among the most effective strategies to address this type of medical derived infection. Firstly, this paper reviews the preparation methods of superhydrophobic surface coatings and their applications; summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of superhydrophobic surface preparation schemes based on the template method, spraying methods, etching methods, and their respective improvement measures; and focuses on the applications of superhydrophobic surfaces in self-cleaning and antibacterial coatings. Then, the action mechanisms of contact antibacterial coatings, anti-adhesion bacteriostatic coatings, anti-adhesion bactericidal coatings, and intelligent antibacterial coatings are introduced, and their respective characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages are summarized. The application potential of antimicrobial coatings in the field of biomedical materials is highlighted. Finally, the applications of superhydrophobic and antimicrobial coatings in medical devices are discussed in detail, the reasons for their current difficulties in commercial application are analyzed, and the future directions of superhydrophobic coatings and antimicrobial coatings are considered.
Experimental Study on Phase Change Material with Solar Heater System for Building Heating
Authors: Han Haijun , Zhou Hongyan , Dong Ouyang , Ma Junjie
Published: October 2022

An integrated solar heating system with a new type of phase change material (PCM), solar collectors and test building were developed. The exothermal and endothermal behaviors of the PCM were determined, and the stability and comfort of the solar heating system were researched. The integrated solar heating system was operated on the test building heating for one heating period, and the temperature of heating rooms, the outdoors, and the contrast rooms were recorded and collected by a data acquisition system. The collected temperature data indicated that the integrated solar heating system with PCM could produce heating stability and continuity; the average temperature of the heating rooms using PCM was 4.6 °C higher than the contrast rooms, which did not use PCM. Taking 16 °C as the lowest standard room temperature, the integrated solar heating system could save approximately 45% of energy during one heating period. The successful development of an integrated solar heating system, coupled with phase change materials and solar collectors for building heating will lay a solid foundation for achieving the goals of building energy conservation and “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”.
Young’s Modulus and Residual Stresses of Oxide-Free Wire Arc Sprayed Copper Coatings
Authors: Rodriguez Diaz Manuel , Raumel Selina , Wurz Marc Christopher , Szafarska Maik , Gustus René , Möhwald Kai , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: October 2022

Conventional thermal spraying processes are almost exclusively carried out in an air atmosphere, resulting in the oxidation of the particle surfaces and interfaces within the coating and between the substrate and coating. Furthermore, the initial process of surface activation conventionally takes place in an air atmosphere, preventing an oxide-free interfacial transition. Consequently, the application of spraying materials with high oxygen affinity represents a major challenge. To overcome these issues, the present study utilized silane-doped inert gases to create an environment in which the oxygen concentration was equivalent to the residual oxygen content in an extreme high vacuum. By transferring the corundum blasting and coating process (wire arc spraying) to this environment, materials with a high oxygen affinity can be applied without oxidation occurring. For industrial use, this is an interesting prospect, e.g., for repair coatings, as the homogeneity of the composite is improved by a non-oxidized coating. Using the example of arc-sprayed copper coatings, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the coatings were analysed. The results showed that the oxide-free, wire arc sprayed copper coatings exhibited an improved wetting behaviour resulting in a significant reduction of the coating porosity. Moreover, the improved wetting behaviour and led to an increase in the bonding rate and apparent Young’s modulus. Contrary to expectations, the residual stresses decrease although relaxation mechanisms should be inhibited, and possible reasons for this are discussed in the paper.
Research on Coarse-Grained Discrete Element Model and Optimization for Fine Particles
Authors: Jiang Xin
Published: October 2022

Optimization is important for the performance improvement of mechanical equipment. To advance this approach, a coarse-grained model for the discrete element method (DEM) is proposed with consideration of mechanical structure. This study identified a coarse-grained model that can be used in particle simulation, and designed a mixing equipment model, which was further optimized through combination with the coarse-grained model. The optimization and characteristics of a stirred mill were investigated. The novelty of this study is that the coarse-grained model was used for equipment optimization. Different results were obtained for different model structures. Concentration is related to the model. The average collision energy was obtained from media-to-wall or particle-to-wall collisions. The largest number of collisions that cause different string performance in different models was obtained. The optimized model had the largest average collision energy. The characteristics of different models combined with the coarse-grained model were determined, and useful results regarding the collision energy were obtained for future performance considerations. In summary, a suitable model was established and combined with an appropriate coarse-grained model to achieve performance improvement.
Development of a Novel Double-Sulfate Composite Early Strength Agent to Improve the Hydration Hardening Properties of Portland Cement Paste
Authors: Wang Yuli , Sun Luyi , Liu Songhui , Li Shuaijie , Guan Xuemao , Luo Shuqiong
Published: October 2022

A novel double-sulfate composite early strength agent (DSA) incorporating aluminum sulfate and sodium sulfate was developed to improve the early strength of Portland cement paste. The effect of the DSA dosage on the setting and hardening properties, hydration process, hydration product composition, microstructure, and pore structure of the Portland cement paste was investigated to reveal its synergistic enhancement mechanism. The results show that the 3 d and 28 d compressive strengths of the Portland cement paste incorporating with 1.0% aluminum sulfate and 1.5% sodium sulfate performed the best, with a 21.3% and 29.7% increase, respectively, compared to the control group. The heat of hydration, XRD, TG, SEM, and MIP tests showed that aluminum sulfate and sodium sulfate acted synergistically, with more AFt (Ettringite) being produced by the synergistic use of 1.0% aluminum sulfate and 1.5% sodium sulfate. Moreover, the hydration of C3S and C2S was accelerated, which resulted in a denser microstructure.
Design of 1D Photonic Crystals Sustaining Optical Surface Modes
Authors: Konopsky Valery
Published: October 2022

An impedance approach has been implemented to design truncated 1D photonic crystals, sustaining optical surface modes, with any predetermined wavelength and wavevector. The implementation is realized as a free Windows program that calculates both the thicknesses of the double layers and the thickness of the final truncated layer at given refractive indices of the layers. The dispersion of the refractive indices can be given in the form of the Sellmeier/Drude formulas or in the form of a wavelength-n-k table. For mixed layers, the Maxwell Garnett theory can be used. This approach is suitable for studying and visualizing the field distribution inside photonic crystals, dispersion, and other aspects of the designed structures that sustain optical surface modes. Therefore, this program should promote scientific development and implementation of practical applications in this area.
Screening of Essential Oils and Effect of a Chitosan-Based Edible Coating Containing Cinnamon Oil on the Quality and Microbial Safety of Fresh-Cut Potatoes
Authors: Sarengaowa  , Wang Liying , Liu Yumeng , Yang Chunmiao , Feng Ke , Hu Wenzhong
Published: October 2022

Fresh-cut potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are a popular food owing to their freshness, convenience, and health benefits. However, they might present a potentially high health risk to consumers during transportation, processing, and marketing. In the current study, 18 essential oils (EOs) were screened to test their antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes (LM), Salmonella typhimurium (ST), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EC O157:H7). The antibacterial effectiveness of a chitosan edible coating (EC) containing cinnamon oil was evaluated against microorganisms on fresh-cut potatoes. Fresh-cut potatoes were treated with chitosan EC and chitosan EC containing different concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6%, v/v) of cinnamon oil, and uncoated samples served as the control. The viability of naturally occurring microorganisms and artificially inoculated LM on fresh-cut potatoes was evaluated, as were the colour, weight loss, and firmness of potatoes, every 4 days for a total of 16 days at 4 °C. The results demonstrate that the inhibition zones of cinnamon, oregano, and pomelo oils were 16.33–30.47 mm, 22.01–31.31 mm, and 21.75–35.18 mm, respectively. The cinnamon oil exhibits the lowest MIC (0.313 μL/mL) for four foodborne pathogens compared with oregano and pomelo oils. The chitosan EC containing 0.2% cinnamon oil effectively maintains the quality of fresh-cut potatoes including inhibiting the browning, preventing the weight loss, and maintaining the firmness. The decline of total plate counts, yeast and mould counts, total coliform counts, lactic acid bacteria count, and Listeria monocytogenes in EC containing 0.2% cinnamon oil were 2.14, 1.92, 0.98, 0.73, and 1.94 log cfu/g, respectively. Therefore, the use of chitosan EC containing cinnamon oil might be a promising approach for the preservation of fresh-cut potatoes.
Experimental Study on Performance of Local Bond-Slip Test of Steel Strand Tendons and Concrete
Authors: Yang Rihua , Yang Yiming , Zhang Xuhui , Wang Xinzhong
Published: October 2022

In order to study the bond-slip constitutive model between prestressed tendons and concrete, the pull-out tests of single-strand and multi-strands specimens are carried out. The effect of the number of prestressed tendons on the failure mode, slip characteristics and concrete strain of the pull-out specimens are analyzed, and the constitutive models of bond-slip between for single- strand and multi-strand tendons are also proposed. The results show that the bond mechanism between steel strand and concrete is basically similar to that of deformed steel bar, but the slip process of steel strand along the axis direction is accompanied by rotation phenomenon because it is twisted. Moreover, compared with the single-strand prestressed tendon, the average ultimate bond stress of each tendon of the three-strand prestressed tendons decreases by 13.2%. In addition, the calculated result of the pull-out limit load for the single-strand prestressed tendon is only 2% higher than the experimental value, while the corresponding value of three-strand prestressed tendon is only 3.74% lower than the experimental value. This means that the proposed bond-slip models for single- strand and multi-strand tendons have high reliability.
A Regularized Real-Time Integrator for Data-Driven Control of Heating Channels
Authors: Ghnatios Chady , Champaney Victor , Pasquale Angelo , Chinesta Francisco
Published: October 2022

In many contexts of scientific computing and engineering science, phenomena are monitored over time and data are collected as time-series. Plenty of algorithms have been proposed in the field of time-series data mining, many of them based on deep learning techniques. High-fidelity simulations of complex scenarios are truly computationally expensive and a real-time monitoring and control could be efficiently achieved by the use of artificial intelligence. In this work we build accurate data-driven models of a two-phase transient flow in a heated channel, as usually encountered in heat exchangers. The proposed methods combine several artificial neural networks architectures, involving standard and transposed deep convolutions. In particular, a very accurate real-time integrator of the system has been developed.
User Analytics in Online Social Networks: Evolving from Social Instances to Social Individuals
Authors: Razis Gerasimos , Georgilas Stylianos , Haralabopoulos Giannis , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis
Published: October 2022

In our era of big data and information overload, content consumers utilise a variety of sources to meet their data and informational needs for the purpose of acquiring an in-depth perspective on a subject, as each source is focused on specific aspects. The same principle applies to the online social networks (OSNs), as usually, the end-users maintain accounts in multiple OSNs so as to acquire a complete social networking experience, since each OSN has a different philosophy in terms of its services, content, and interaction. Contrary to the current literature, we examine the users’ behavioural and disseminated content patterns under the assumption that accounts maintained by users in multiple OSNs are not regarded as distinct accounts, but rather as the same individual with multiple social instances. Our social analysis, enriched with information about the users’ social influences, revealed behavioural patterns depending on the examined OSN, its social entities, and the users’ exerted influence. Finally, we ranked the examined OSNs based on three types of social characteristics, revealing correlations between the users’ behavioural and content patterns, social influences, social entities, and the OSNs themselves.
An Exploratory Study to Identify the Gender-Based Purchase Behavior of Consumers of Natural Cosmetics
Authors: Tengli Anusha , Srinivasan Srivatsa Hosur
Published: October 2022

Consumers have become more open to the use of natural cosmetics. The production of natural cosmetics has grown in recent years because of demand from consumers who are concerned about skin health, product quality, and beauty. The presence of harmful chemicals in cosmetics has made consumers realize the importance of being “natural”. This paper focused on identifying the factors that influence Indian consumers’ purchase intentions and purchase behavior towards natural cosmetics. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to study the purchase intentions and purchase behavior of male and female consumers of natural cosmetics. In India, there has, in recent years, been a growing demand among males for cosmetics and specifically natural cosmetics. We studied the differences between male and female consumers’ purchase intentions and purchase behaviors by using the structural equation modeling of SmartPLS 3.0. A study of 335 women and men in India revealed that Attitude towards Environment and Natural Cosmetics had a positive influence on Purchase Intention and, subsequently, Purchase Behavior. There was also a positive influence of Perceived Behavioral Control on Purchase Intention. Product Knowledge had an indirect impact on Purchase Intention through Attitude towards Environment and Natural Cosmetics, as well as an indirect impact on Purchase Behavior through Purchase Intention. Subjective Norms was the only factor that did not have a significant positive impact on Purchase Intention and Purchase Behavior. However, the influences of the variables on Purchase Intention and Purchase Behavior did not differ between male and female consumers, thereby offering evidence of the similarity between men and women in their natural cosmetics purchase behavior.
Cryptographic Rational Secret Sharing Schemes over General Networks
Authors: Labao Alfonso , Adorna Henry
Published: October 2022

We propose cryptographic rational secret sharing protocols over general networks. In a general network, the dealer may not have direct connections to each player, and players may not have direct connections to each of the other players. We present conditions on the network topology for which our proposed protocols are computational strict Nash equilibria and (k−1)-resilient, along with analysis on their round and communication complexity. We also present new notions of equilibria such as Φ-resilient computational Nash equilibria, whereby a protocol is resilient to coalitions that satisfy conditions in Φ, regardless of the coalition’s size. We also propose (n−1)-key leakage-tolerant equilibria applicable to cryptographic protocols involving secret keys, whereby the equilibrium holds even if some players acquire (n−1) tuples of secret keys.
Tunable Band Alignment in the Arsenene/WS2 Heterostructure by Applying Electric Field and Strain
Authors: Zhang Fang , Dai Xianqi , Shang Liangliang , Li Wei
Published: October 2022

Arsenene has received considerable attention because of its unique optoelectronic and nanoelectronic properties. Nevertheless, the research on van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions based on arsenene has just begun, which hinders the application of arsenene in the optoelectronic and nanoelectronic fields. Here, we systemically predict the stability and electronic structures of the arsenene/WS2 vdW heterojunction based on first-principles calculations, considering the stacking pattern, electric field, and strain effects. We found that the arsenene/WS2 heterostructure possesses a type-II band alignment. Moreover, the electric field can effectively tune both the band gap and the band alignment type. Additionally, the band gap could be tuned effectively by strain, while the band alignment type is robust under strain. Our study opens up a new avenue for the application of ultrathin arsenene-based vdW heterostructures in future nano- and optoelectronics applications. Our study demonstrates that the arsenene/WS2 heterostructure offers a candidate material for optoelectronic and nanoelectronic devices.
Dual Optical Frequency Comb Generation with Dual Cascaded Difference Frequency Generation
Authors: Yin Yanli , Wang Kaiwu , Zhang Gege , Li Zhongyang , Bing Pibin , Yuan Sheng , Zhu Anfu , Xu Degang , Yao Jianquan
Published: October 2022

In this work, we propose a novel dual optical frequency comb (DOFC) generation scheme based on dual cascaded difference frequency generation (DCDFG). Feasible designs are introduced that enable the two sets of cascaded optical waves, initially generated by DCDFG in an aperiodically periodically poled lithium niobate (APPLN) crystal with a pump wave and two signal waves, then transferred to high-order Stokes waves by oscillations of cascaded Stokes waves and the optimization of phase mismatching of each-order DCDFG; finally, a DOFC was constructed. We demonstrate a high-performance DOFC with characteristics of high repetition frequency difference, tunable repetition frequency difference, high flatness, and a tunable spectral distribution range by providing a theoretical framework. We argue that the scheme proposed in this work is promising for achieving a high-quality DOFC.
Study on Microstructure and Properties of NM500/Q345 Clad Plates at Different Austenitization Temperatures
Authors: Zhao Guanghui , Zhang Ruifeng , Li Juan , Liu Cuirong , Li Huaying , Li Yugui
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the change in the mechanical properties of a composite plate was studied using the heat treatment method, and it was found that the performance of the composite plate was greatly improved under the process of quenching at 900 °C and tempering at 200 °C. The hot-rolled NM500/Q345 clad plates were subjected to heat treatment tests of 860 °C, 900 °C, and 940 °C austenitization + 200 tempering. With the help of an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, EBSD, and transmission electron microscope, the microstructure, interface element distribution, and defect composition at the composite bonding interface of hot rolling and heat treatment were analyzed. An analysis and friction and wear tests were carried out on the wear resistance of the clad NM500. It was found that the microstructure of the NM500/Q345 clad plate before austenitization was mainly pearlite and ferrite, and both were transformed into lath martensite after austenitization. As the austenitization temperature increased, the size of the martensitic lath bundle also became coarse. After austenitization at 900 °C and tempering at 200 °C, the lath-like martensite structure of NM500 contained high-density dislocations between the laths. With the increase in the austenitization temperature, the surface Rockwell hardness showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The wear was the worst when the material was not quenched. When the clad plate was quenched at 900 °C and tempered at 200 °C, the wear of NM500 was the lightest; the maximum depth of the wear scar was 14 μm; the width was the narrowest, 0.73 mm; and the wear volume was the smallest, 0.0305 mm3.
A TEM Study on a Polycrystalline Olivine Sample Deformed in a D-DIA under Mantle Conditions
Authors: Chen Tao , Hilairet Nadege , Wang Yanbin
Published: October 2022

We carried out an electron microscopy study on a polycrystalline olivine sample that was deformed with multiple deformation cycles under controlled differential stresses and strain rates at high pressures and high temperatures. Low-angle backscattered electron images thereof showed randomly oriented grains. Most of the grains were about 10–20 μm wide. The grains were irregular with wavy grain boundaries, indicating high grain boundary mobility during deformation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed complex dislocation microstructure characteristics of high temperature, high pressure, and high strain. Free dislocations were predominantly either short and straight screw dislocations or curved dislocations with mixed screw and edge characters. Many of them split into partial dislocations. The differential stress estimated with the free dislocations was ~780 MPa, which was close to the value of differential stress attained in the final deformation cycle. We also observed dense dislocation tangles, which formed dislocation cell substructures under high strain. The existence of dislocation loops and jogs indicated significant climbing activity, providing evidence for high-temperature creep as the dominant deformation mechanism. All of the dislocations observed in this study were exclusively with a [001] Burgers vector. Dislocations with a [100] Burgers vector were absent, suggesting that the activity of the a-slip (i.e., (010)[100] and (001)[100] slip systems) was completely suppressed. These observations support a conclusion that was reported based on an X-ray texture analysis, which considered that a high pressure promotes the activities of the c-slip (i.e., (010)[001] and (100)[001] slip systems). It appears that the transition from the a-slip to the c-slip was complete with multiple deformation cycles at a relatively lower pressure of 5.1 GPa than previously thought, corresponding to a depth of 165 km in the mantle.
Assessment of Structure and Properties Homogeneity after Repairing of a Nickel-Based Superalloy Product by the Electron Beam Additive Technology
Authors: Gurianov Denis , Fortuna Sergey , Nikonov Sergey , Kalashnikova Tatiana , Chumaevskii Andrey , Utyaganova Veronika , Kolubaev Evgeny , Rubtsov Valery
Published: October 2022

Repairing damaged products made of nickel-based superalloys is an urgent task because replacing them with new products is a costly and time-consuming process. The present work considers the method of electron-beam additive manufacturing as an approach to the repair process. First of all, the initial product was produced by layer-by-layer deposition. Hereon, a part of the surface was removed, and then several more layers were deposited. Thus, three areas were considered in the work: initial, transitional, and repaired areas. Each of the formed regions was defect-free. It was found that the transition region was difficult to identify since it did not differ in structural-phase composition from the initial and repaired regions. It is shown that the complex thermal history consisting of periodic thermal exposure and repeated melting of the newly crystallized layers does not lead to the formation of defects and undesirable phases. Moreover, in all three regions, there is a redistribution of the chemical element content of the γ′ and γ phases towards an increase in the mismatch of their lattice parameters. The mechanical properties of the transition and repaired regions are not significantly different from the initial area.
Conductive Covalent Organic Frameworks Meet Micro-Electrical Energy Storage: Mechanism, Synthesis and Applications—A Review
Authors: Qian Chengfei , Wang Ronghao , Yu Feng , Liu He , Guo Cong , Sun Kaiwen , Li Jingfa , Bao Weizhai
Published: October 2022

Conductive covalent organic frameworks (c-COFs) have been widely used in electrochemical energy storage because of their highly adjustable porosity and modifiable skeletons. Additionally, the fast carrier migration and ion catalysis requirements of micro-electrochemical energy storages (MEESs) are perfectly matched with c-COFs. Therefore, c-COFs show great potential and unlimited prospects in MEESs. However, the main organic component blocks electron conduction, and the internal active sites are difficult to fully utilize, which limits the application of c-COFs. In order to overcome these obstacles, a great deal of research has been conducted on conductivity enhancement. This review first focuses on the exploration of c-COFs in the field of electrical conductivity. Then, the mechanism and explanation of the effect of synthesis on electrical conductivity enhancement are discussed, which emphasizes the range and suitability of c-COFs in MEESs. Finally, the excellent performance characteristics of c-COFs are demonstrated from the MEES perspective, with key points and potential challenges addressed. This review also predicts the direction of development of c-COFs in the future.
Temperature Effects on the Deformation Mechanisms in a Ni-Co-Based Superalloys
Authors: Hu Rui , Zhao Jiaheng , Yang Cheng , Du Jinhui , Luo Xian , Bi Zhongnan , Gan Bin
Published: October 2022

The tensile properties of a Ni-Co-based superalloy were investigated from room temperature to 900 °C. From 25 to 650 °C, the yield strength and tensile strength of the alloy decreased slightly, while the elongation decreased sharply. From 760 °C to 900 °C, the yield strength and tensile strength were greatly reduced, while the elongation also had a low value. With the increase in temperature, the deformation mechanism transformed from anti-phase boundary shearing to stacking fault shearing, and then from deformation twinning to Orowan bypassing, respectively. Deformation twins were generated in the deformed alloy with high-density stacking faults and they can contribute to the high strength. The alloy in this study has good mechanical properties and hot working characteristics below 760 °C and can be used as a turbine disk, turbine blade, combustion chamber, and other aircraft structural parts.
High-Energy Heavy Ion Tracks in Nanocrystalline Silicon Nitride
Authors: Janse van Vuuren Arno , Mutali Alisher , Ibrayeva Anel , Sohatsky Alexander , Skuratov Vladimir , Akilbekov Abdirash , Dauletbekova Alma , Zdorovets Maxim
Published: October 2022

At present, silicon nitride is the only nitride ceramic in which latent ion tracks resulting from swift heavy ion irradiation have been observed. Data related to the effects of SHIs on the nanocrystalline form of Si3N4 are sparse. The size of grains is known to play a role in the formation of latent ion tracks and other defects that result from SHI irradiation. In this investigation, the effects of irradiation with high-energy heavy ions on nanocrystalline silicon nitride is studied, using transmission electron microscopy techniques. The results suggest that threshold electronic stopping power, Set, lies within the range 12.3 ± 0.8 keV/nm to 15.2 ± 1.0 keV/nm, based on measurements of track radii. We compared the results to findings for polycrystalline Si3N4 irradiated under similar conditions. Our findings suggest that the radiation stability of silicon nitride is independent of grain size.
Modeling of Spin Transport in Hybrid Magnetic Tunnel Junctions for Magnetic Recording Applications
Authors: Deb Debajit , Mahajan Bikram Kishore
Published: October 2022

We have demonstrated modeling of phonon and defect-induced spin relaxation length (LS) in Fe3O4 and organic semiconductor (OSC) Alq3. LS of Alq3 decreases with enhanced disorder and film thickness at a low film width regime. Exponential change of LS at low width regime is found for Alq3 which is, however, absent for Fe3O4 indicating comparable spin-dependent scattering and LS in Fe3O4. LS also decreases with spin-flip probability both for Alq3 and Fe3O4. Voltage-dependent tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) response in Fe3O4/Alq3/Co and La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO)/Alq3/Co hybrid magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices has been attributed to modified spin filter effect across magnetic/OSC junction at high bias regime. TMR reduction with Alq3 thickness for Fe3O4 device has been attributed to spin relaxation at the organic spacer layer. A low bias peak from differential TMR indicates spin-polarized injection for both MTJ devices. Enhanced in-plane spin transfer torque for both MTJ is associated with modified spin filtering at magnetic/OSC junctions. Lower TMR signal for LSMO device indicates reduced tunneling and enhanced carrier injection across the OSC, which is also supported by the band structure profile. The TMR response observed from simulation results matches well with previously reported experimental results. Higher TMR response for Fe3O4 device indicates the possibility of device employment in room temperature magnetic recording applications.
Pathological Reporting of Radical Prostatectomy Specimens Following ICCR Recommendation: Impact of Electronic Reporting Tool Implementation on Quality and Interdisciplinary Communication in a Large University Hospital
Authors: Richter Caroline , Mezger Eva , Schüffler Peter J. , Sommer Wieland , Fusco Federico , Hauner Katharina , Schmid Sebastian C. , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Weichert Wilko , Schwamborn Kristina , Pförringer Dominik , Schlitter Anna Melissa
Published: October 2022

Prostate cancer represents one of the most common malignant tumors in male patients in Germany. The pathological reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens following a structured process constitutes an excellent prototype for the introduction of software-based standardized structured reporting in pathology. This can lead to reports of higher quality and could create a fundamental improvement for future AI applications. A software-based reporting template was used to generate standardized structured pathological reports of radical prostatectomy specimens of patients treated at the University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar of Technische Universität München, Germany. Narrative reports (NR) and standardized structured reports (SSR) were analyzed with regard to completeness, and clinicians’ satisfaction with each report type was evaluated. SSR show considerably higher completeness than NR. A total of 10 categories out of 32 were significantly more complete in SSR than in NR (p < 0.05). Clinicians awarded overall high scores in NR and SSR reports. One rater acknowledged a significantly higher level of clarity and time saving when comparing SSR to NR. Our findings highlight that the standardized structured reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens, qualifying as level 5 reports, significantly increases objectively measured content quality and the level of completeness. The implementation of nationwide SSR in Germany, particularly in oncologic pathology, can serve pathologists, clinicians, and patients.
Precision Oncology in Canada: Converting Vision to Reality with Lessons from International Programs
Authors: Liu Geoffrey , Cheung Winson Y. , Feilotter Harriet , Manthorne Jackie , Stockley Tracy , Yeung ManTek , Renouf Daniel J.
Published: October 2022

Canada’s healthcare system, like others worldwide, is immersed in a process of evolution, attempting to adapt conventional frameworks of health technology assessment (HTA) and funding models to a new landscape of precision medicine in oncology. In particular, the need for real-world evidence in Canada is not matched by the necessary infrastructure and technologies required to integrate genomic and clinical data. Since healthcare systems in many developed nations face similar challenges, we adopted a solutions-based approach and conducted a search of worldwide programs in personalized medicine, with an emphasis on precision oncology. This search strategy included review articles published between 1 January 2016 and 1 March 2021 and hand-searches of their reference lists for relevant publications back to 1 December 2005. Thirty-nine initiatives across 37 countries in Europe, Australasia, Africa, and the Americas had the potential to lead to real-world data (RWD) on the clinical utility of oncology biomarkers. We highlight four initiatives with helpful lessons for Canada: Genomic Medicine France 2025, UNICANCER, the German Medical Informatics Initiative, and CANCER-ID. Among the 35 other programs evaluated, the main themes included the need for collaboration and systems to support data harmonization across multiple jurisdictions. In order to generate RWD in precision oncology that will prove acceptable to HTA bodies, Canada must take a national approach to biomarker strategy and unite all stakeholders at the highest level to overcome jurisdictional and technological barriers.
First- and Second-Line Treatments for Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in China: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Lan , Sun Junhui , Wang Kui , Zhao Haitao , Zhang Xijie , Ren Zhenggang
Published: October 2022

Chinese national guidelines recommend various systemic therapies for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but optimal treatment selection remains uncertain. To summarize the evidence supporting the systemic treatment of Chinese patients with advanced HCC, we performed a systematic review using a literature search of PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Chinese Scientific Journal Database between 1 January 2009 and 15 June 2021, and abstracts from ASCO 2020, ASCO GI 2021, ESMO 2020, and ESMO GI 2020. The inclusion criteria were: Chinese patients aged ≥18 years with advanced HCC; first- or second-line systemic therapy; an evaluation of the efficacy or safety outcomes; and a randomized controlled, non-randomized controlled, prospective, or retrospective design. Thirty reports were identified for the following therapies: the single-agent tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI; n = 10), single-agent programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor (n = 4), chemotherapy (n = 5), PD-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor plus TKI (n = 6), PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor plus bevacizumab or biosimilar (n = 4), and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy (n = 1). The heterogeneity between the studies precluded statistical analysis and the data were summarized using tables. In the first-line setting, evidence supported the use of atezolizumab or sintilimab plus bevacizumab or a biosimilar. There remains insufficient evidence to determine the optimal approved TKI-based therapeutic option, and active controlled trials in the second-line setting were lacking.
Prognostic Factors of Low-Grade Gliomas in Adults
Authors: Deacu Mariana , Popescu Steliana , Docu Axelerad Any , Topliceanu Theodor Sebastian , Aschie Mariana , Bosoteanu Madalina , Cozaru Georgeta Camelia , Cretu Ana Maria , Voda Raluca Ioana , Orasanu Cristian Ionut
Published: October 2022

Adult low-grade gliomas are a rare and aggressive pathology of the central nervous system. Some of their characteristics contribute to the patient’s life expectancy and to their management. This study aimed to characterize and identify the main prognostic factors of low-grade gliomas. The six-year retrospective study statistically analyzed the demographic, imaging, and morphogenetic characteristics of the patient group through appropriate parameters. Immunohistochemical tests were performed: IDH1, Ki-67, p53, and Nestin, as well as FISH tests on the CDKN2A gene and 1p/19q codeletion. The pathology was prevalent in females, with patients having an average age of 56.31 years. The average tumor volume was 41.61 cm3, producing a midline shift with an average of 7.5 mm. Its displacement had a negative impact on survival. The presence of a residual tumor resulted in decreased survival and is an independent risk factor for mortality. Positivity for p53 identified a low survival rate. CDKN2A mutations were an independent risk factor for mortality. We identified that a negative prognosis is influenced by the association of epilepsy with headache, tumor volume, and immunoreactivity to IDH1 and p53. Independent factors associated with mortality were midline shift, presence of tumor residue, and CDKN2A gene deletions and amplifications.
The Use of Breath Analysis in the Management of Lung Cancer: Is It Ready for Primetime?
Authors: Keogh Rachel J. , Riches John C.
Published: October 2022

Breath analysis is a promising non-invasive method for the detection and management of lung cancer. Exhaled breath contains a complex mixture of volatile and non-volatile organic compounds that are produced as end-products of metabolism. Several studies have explored the patterns of these compounds and have postulated that a unique breath signature is emitted in the setting of lung cancer. Most studies have evaluated the use of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify these unique breath signatures. With recent advances in the field of analytical chemistry and machine learning gaseous chemical sensing and identification devices have also been created to detect patterns of odorant molecules such as volatile organic compounds. These devices offer hope for a point-of-care test in the future. Several prospective studies have also explored the presence of specific genomic aberrations in the exhaled breath of patients with lung cancer as an alternative method for molecular analysis. Despite its potential, the use of breath analysis has largely been limited to translational research due to methodological issues, the lack of standardization or validation and the paucity of large multi-center studies. It is clear however that it offers a potentially non-invasive alternative to investigations such as tumor biopsy and blood sampling.
Neoadjuvant Chemo-Radiation Using IGRT in Patients with Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Shen Jing , Lian Xin , Guan Qiu , He Lei , Zhang Fuquan , Shen Jie
Published: October 2022

The goal of this study was to see how effective and safe neoadjuvant chemoradiation with image-guided IMRT was in patients with locally advanced resectable gastric cancer. Between January 2013 and June 2019, patients with locally advanced (cT3/cT4 or N+) gastric cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy at PUMCH (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) were retrospectively studied. Using concurrent chemotherapy (Capecitabine alone or XELOX*2 cycles), radiotherapy (IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) 45 Gy, 25#, 5 weeks) was delivered with IGRT (image-guided radiotherapy) before the start of each weeks therapy to ensure accuracy and repeatability. A total of 95 patients were enrolled in the study, 93 (97.9%) stage cT3/T4 and 85 (89.5%) stage N+. Of these, 85 patients (89.5%) had a tumor located in the upper 1/3 of the stomach, and 93/95 patients (97.9%) completed neoadjuvant chemoradiation, with 80 patients (84.2%) undergoing stomach resection (58 D2 and 22 D1 gastrostomies). Pathology downstaging was found in 68 patients (85.0%), with 66 patients (82.5%) receiving T downstaging and 56 patients (70.0%) receiving N downstaging. There were 11 individuals (13.8%) who had a pathological complete response (PCR). The average period of follow-up was 44.7 months (19–96 months). The 5-year OS (overall survival), LRFS (local recurrence-free survival), and DMFS (distant metastasis free survival) rates of patients were 47.0% (95% CI: 38.6–55.4), 86.55% (95% CI: 79.1–93.99) and 60.71% (95% CI: 51.49–69.93%), respectively. Thirteen (13.7%) patients had grade 3–4 leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, while 9 (9.5%) patients had grade 3–4 anemia, and 5 (5.3%) patients had grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia. PCR was found to be a significant predictive factor for OS in multivariate analysis (HR = 11.211, 95% CI: 1.500–83.813, p = 0.024). The method of using IGRT image-guided IMRT (45 Gy, 25 fractions, 5 weeks) combined with concurrent chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced resectable gastric cancer was equally effective when compared to the clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, with clinical outcomes achieving equal efficacy, with similar PCR rates and high rates of OS, LRFS, and DMFS, as well as good tolerances of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with acceptable side effects.
Classification of Brain Tumor from Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Vision Transformers Ensembling
Authors: Tummala Sudhakar , Kadry Seifedine , Bukhari Syed Ahmad Chan , Rauf Hafiz Tayyab
Published: October 2022

The automated classification of brain tumors plays an important role in supporting radiologists in decision making. Recently, vision transformer (ViT)-based deep neural network architectures have gained attention in the computer vision research domain owing to the tremendous success of transformer models in natural language processing. Hence, in this study, the ability of an ensemble of standard ViT models for the diagnosis of brain tumors from T1-weighted (T1w) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is investigated. Pretrained and finetuned ViT models (B/16, B/32, L/16, and L/32) on ImageNet were adopted for the classification task. A brain tumor dataset from figshare, consisting of 3064 T1w contrast-enhanced (CE) MRI slices with meningiomas, gliomas, and pituitary tumors, was used for the cross-validation and testing of the ensemble ViT model’s ability to perform a three-class classification task. The best individual model was L/32, with an overall test accuracy of 98.2% at 384 × 384 resolution. The ensemble of all four ViT models demonstrated an overall testing accuracy of 98.7% at the same resolution, outperforming individual model’s ability at both resolutions and their ensembling at 224 × 224 resolution. In conclusion, an ensemble of ViT models could be deployed for the computer-aided diagnosis of brain tumors based on T1w CE MRI, leading to radiologist relief.