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A significant fraction of the energy generated for industrial and domestic applications is lost in the form of heat. Because of this, thermal-energy storage materials are receiving increasing attention as a means of storing the generated heat for later use. In this paper, a brief description is given of two types of materials used in thermal-energy-storage devices – phase change materials for latent heat storage and photoswitches for chemical energy storage. In addition, we provide a succint account of the experimental and computational tools needed to understand the microscopic mechanisms of energy storage and to facilitate the rational design of new materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the isotopes of Se, Zr, Mo and Nd in the regions with N = 40, 60 and 90, where a first-order shape / phase transition, from spherical to deformed, can be observed. The signs of phase transitional behavior become evident by examining structure indicators, such as certain energy ratios and B(E2) transition rates and, in particular, how they evolve with neutron number. Microscopic mean-field calculations using the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock + Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer framework also reveal structural changes when considering the evolution of the resulting potential energy curves as functions of deformation. Finally, macroscopic calculations, using the Algebraic Collective Model, specifically for 74Se, 102Mo and 150Nd, after fitting its parameters to experimental spectra, result in potentials that resemble some of the potentials proposed in the framework of the Bohr Hamiltonian to describe shape transitions in nuclei. A more detailed account can be found in [1]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In any experiment involving the interaction of two hadronic, many-body systems, the underlying interaction is conventionally described by an optical potential. Usually, this is of phenomenological, local, form, with real and imaginary parts each of which has parameters which are determined by fits to elastic scattering data. In order to predict observables for a wide range of targets, those data must cover a wider range of nuclei so that experiments with individual targets may be described appropriately. Further, for other experiments, obtaining the relative wave functions between the interacting systems requires the optical potential. Unfortunately, for nuclei far from the valley of stability such a global approach is inappropriate given the large differences in density at the surfaces due to halos and skins. In that case, phenomenology requires the measurements of elastic scattering data for the specific interacting systems. An alternative approach is to use microscopic formulations of the optical potential, such as the Melbourne g-folding potential. Aspects of both of these approaches for intermediate energies, given the interest in establishing facilities for exotic nuclear experiments at intermediate energies, will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent observation of a compact star with the lowest observable mass of 0.77+0.20 –0.17 M⊙ within the supernova remnant HESS J1731-347 has redefined our understanding for the dense nuclear matter equation of state and enhances the existence of exotic matter. In the present work, we investigate the possible existence of kaon condensation in hadronic neutron stars through the framework of the Momentum-Dependent Interaction nuclear model describing the dense nuclear matter. We concentrate on the strangeness content of the proton and its implications on both the microscopic and macroscopic properties of neutron stars. The aforementioned quantity is of interest as it is also directly related to the location of the phase transition to kaons. The simultaneous description of the compact object within the HESS J1731-347 and the maximum observable neutron star mass imposes severe constraints on the strangeness content of the proton and the critical density for kaon condensation. The present study along with observations of neutron stars, may help to provide tighter constraints on the equation of state of dense nuclear matter and, even more, to shed light to the existence of an exotic core in neutron stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhenium Alloys Inc. performed a comprehensive metallurgical study of the chemical, physical, and electrical properties of ultra-high temperature Type C thermocouples (tungsten 5% rhenium/ tungsten 26% rhenium (by weight) wires and related components in the thermocouple assembly). All thermocouple components (wire, ceramic insulators, and molybdenum sheath) were examined with optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy before and after elevated temperature exposure in a hydrogen atmosphere. Temperature measuring comparisons and detections were performed for Type C thermocouples using an optical pyrometer and an assembled Type C thermocouple to understand the limitations of both temperature measuring systems. Finally, we will discuss the potential of a new Type C thermocouple wire that is stable at temperatures beyond 2200°C (3992°F). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, experimental and analysis temperature distribution during Nd: YAG laser surface interaction with biomaterial implant type stainless steel type 316 L. Experimentally, the specifications of laser beam conditions were energy 3, 6 and 9 J pulses duration 2.85, 3.55 and 9.76 ms, wavelength 1604nm, and laser spot diameter 0.1065, 0.1077 and 0.1092 mm. The numerical analysis applied the enthalpy method to predict the heating and cooling cycles during laser interaction with biomaterial stainless steel type 316 L. (SEM) scanning electron microscope and (OM) Optical microscopy tests, respectively, study the molted area depth and size and study the change of microstructures. Also, the hardness test was done by Microhardness (HV) Kg/mm2 to evaluate the metal surface hardening after laser surface treatment. The result showed that theoretical analysis highly matched the experimental result, an increase in the depth and size of the fusion zone of biomaterial due to an increase in laser energy. The mathematical models of laser heating and cooling cycles estimated the cooling rate in the laser spot area. Also, there is an increase in microhardness with an increase in laser Pulse duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory of Double Charge Exchange (DCX) reactions between nuclei requires both the description of the reaction mechanism, which consists of the exchange of nucleons between the target and the projectile, as well as the structure of the matrix elements of the operators which mediate the transitions. From the point of view of the nuclear structure theory it requires the use of microscopic models for light and heavy mass nuclei. The reaction sector requires the use of momentum-dependent operators. It has been argued that these matrix elements could be associated to decay channels like the neutrinoless nuclear double beta decay (0νββ)(DBD). The motivation related to this claim is the need to determine, as accurately as possible, the values of the matrix elements of operators responsible for 0νββ. We shall focus the attention on the possible relationship between DBD and DCX nuclear matrix elements, by studying the dependence of the participant operators upon the momentum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological human embryo assessment is a critical process to assess human embryo quality for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Embryo morphology assessments are conventionally performed through manual microscopic analysis by embryologists. However, this process leads to a subjective result that depends on how they visually inspect the morphological structures of the embryo under microscopes. Deep learning can help with the problem of assessing the image of the human embryo. But the availability of human embryo image data is not always sufficient. This result causes a limited amount of data and imbalanced data. In this study, we propose a 2D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for embryo grading. In addition, we use Resampling methods and Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) to overcome imbalanced dataset problems and improve embryo grading performance. We conducted a 10-fold cross-validation to measure model performance. Our proposed method achieved an F1-Score of 0.95, 0.81, and 0.95 for classifying embryo expansion, ICM quality, and Trophectoderm quality, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to studying the effect of adding different weight ratios of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles powder on the mechanical properties of Al6061. Composite materials containing different proportions of TiO2:SiO2 (0.1, 0.3, 0.5)wt% were poured by the stirring method. The microstructure and phases are achieved through optical microscopy, SEM, and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that a large degree of homogeneity was obtained in the distribution of the addition of nanoparticles in the microstructure of the base alloys. The mechanical properties tests were carried out by tensile and hardness. The final tensile strength and yield strength were increased slightly until reached a maximum value of 151.12 Mpa and yield strength of 74.72 Mpa and show a decrease in elongation to 29.85. The hardness test results showed that the hybrid composite containing 0.5 wt% of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles had a higher hardness of 87.08 compering with the single and dual reinforcement of other nanocomposites and base Al 6061 alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a physical and chemical study of the crystallization processes of the melt obtained on the basis of the "basalt-dolomite-slag" composition during heat treatment. X-ray phase and electron microscopic analysis determined that the crystallization process did not begin until a temperature of 600℃ during heat treatment of the melt, and when the temperature increased to 850-1050℃, the formation of minerals such as augite, diopside and a small amount of α-quartz was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the emblematic historical monuments from Romania, the Banloc complex includes five buildings: the manor, the kitchen, the stall, the hunting pavilion and the house of the housekeeper. The focus of this paper is to investigate the kitchen building, which is fully covered by mosaics (exterior and interior at the windows). Some analytical techniques, as: X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Wavelength Dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), optical microscopy (OM), zoom microscopy, Infrared spectroscopy with Fourier Transformed (FTIR), have been used in order to clarify the main aspects about the structure, composition and morphological of the investigated samples. By X-ray diffraction (XRD), for the investigated samples, silica, quartz, calcite, dolomite, have been determined. All of them are proved by X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) and FTIR spectra, too. The morphology has been investigated by optical, and zoom microscopy, which revealed the colors, fissures, cracks and even holes of these samples due to the time weathering processes, and damages they suffered in time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing processes offer significant advantages over conventional processes. In particular, there are fewer limits to the design freedom of additive manufacturing processes. In contrast additive manufacturing processes also have disadvantages that must be taken into account. For example, highly filled material systems cannot be processed in additive manufacturing, especially in powder bed-based processes such as selective laser sintering. However, it has already been shown that manufacturing with low-filled material systems can succeed. So far, the main goal has been functionalization with a view to improving mechanical properties on a global scale. In this study, the functionalization possibility with regard to the generation of locally electrically conductive paths by means of an x-y positioning system is to be investigated. In addition to various material systems, copper and solder powders will be used for this purpose. The copper powder is mixed volumetrically with the polyamide 12 powder (PA12) used in the process before discharge to ensure process capability, while the solder powder is used unmixed. The powders are then fed into the nozzle intended for discharge. In order to investigate the influence of the track width on the electrical conductivity, the process parameters of the x-y positioning system are also varied. This allows for an active influence to be exerted on the track geometry in terms of its width. The adjustable parameters include above all the traversing speed, the adjustable height between the powder bed and the nozzle, and the frequency and amplitude of the piezo element. The deposited tracks, which are processed into individual layers in selective laser sintering, are examined by means of microscopy for geometric and morphological formation as well as the connection of the track to the individual layer. The morphological and light microscopic analysis is followed by the examination of the electrical conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach to reducing the environmental impact of plastic is the use of mono-material parts, which are made entirely of a single material and can be 100% recycled. This study focuses on controlling the properties of parts produced through microinjection molding (μIM). In particular, in this work, the filling and packing stages were carried out at a mold temperature of 413K, followed by annealing steps while the sample remained in the mold. A comparison was also made with parts produced under a constant mold temperature, as in standard injection molding. Morphological characterization was performed using optical and electron microscopy. The injection molding tests were simulated by means of a two-steps procedure: the first step uses Moldflow to describe the temperature and flow fields that occur during the process, while the second step utilizes the outputs from the first step to describe the formation of fibrils and spherulites by a recently proposed model for flow-induced crystallization. The simulation results, successfully align with the experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The melt memory effect of a commercially available thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) was investigated. Although a main melting peak of TPEE used in this study was located at 208 °C in the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) heating curve, some crystals still existed even at 220 °C. This was detected as a tail of the DSC endothermic peak. However, these crystals did not affect the extrusion processability; i.e., good extrusion processability was detected at 220 °C without any flow instability, which was evaluated using a capillary rheometer. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) images and two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) patterns showed that the strand extruded at 220 °C exhibited a highly oriented structure, whereas the strands obtained at 230-240 °C showed spherulite texture without any deformation. Moreover, polymer chains in the strand extruded at 220 °C oriented perpendicular to the flow/stretching direction. This anomalous orientation was attributed to the parallel orientation of lamellae, which affected the mechanical properties in the solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While for several decades composites have been manufactured mainly from thermosets, such as epoxy- or polyester-based resins, a clear trend towards using thermoplastic matrix systems has recently emerged. Their reversible melting behavior gives them several advantages, including better recyclability and faster and more easily automated production. Increasing the productivity of thermoplastic composite manufacturing processes requires appropriate, reliable inline quality assurance systems. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), originally developed for biomedical applications, has been proven to be a powerful tool for non-destructive testing and characterization of unidirectional (UD) fiber-reinforced thermoplastic tapes made from glass fibers. Previous offline OCT measurements on a test rig demonstrated the reliability and robustness of the method in detecting visually apparent tape defects, such as gaps and fiber breakages and – one of the most critical bulk defects – insufficiently impregnated fiber regions. In this work, inline OCT measurements were performed on stationary Polycarbonate (PC)/glass fibers (GF) UD tapes in an industrial-scale production line. Systematic experimental analyses were carried out in which the OCT sensor was moved across the tape width, and the influences of (i) single scan sampling rate, (ii) single scan averaging, and (iii) sensor travel speed on measurement accuracy and data size were evaluated. Measurement accuracy was validated using optical microscopy. Optimal sensor settings were derived to improve the inline capability of the measurement approach under real production conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A way to improve sustainability of plastic products is to obtain a mono-material part, tuning the final properties by the transformation process. In the injection molding process, mold temperature cycle is recognized as a key parameter in determining the final characteristics of the part. In this work, injection molding tests coupled with in-mold annealing were conducted on an isotactic polypropylene. The polymer is injected in the cavity at high temperature (140°C and 160°C) and this temperature is kept for 5 minutes (annealing step); afterwards, the mold temperature is cooled down at room temperature. The samples are characterized by optical and electronic microscopy; furthermore, atomic force microscopy coupled with HarmoniX tool allows to characterize simultaneously the local morphology and the elastic modulus. Final morphology distribution along the sample thickness is significantly influenced by the adopted in-mold annealing conditions, in particular, an oriented zone forms close to the cavity surface, a spherulitic part in the core, and a transition zone in between. The extension of the oriented layer decreases in the presence of annealing. On its turn, morphology greatly affects mechanical properties: the oriented layer shows the highest values of elastic modulus, the transition zone shows the minimum value of elastic modulus; the elastic modulus of the spherulitic layers depends on spherulite dimensions. X-ray WAXS analyses were performed on the surface of the sample along the flow path to investigate the orientation and the crystalline phases that form during the process and to relate them with morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation recast layer after laser cutting is responsible for characterizing the surface quality of the cutting zone. Moreover, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) shifts the surface properties of materials. This current study presents the effect of cutting speed of laser cutting towards the formation of the recast layer and HAZ in SUS 304 plate. The microstructural analyses through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy were utilized to measure the geometrical feature of the formed recast layer and HAZ. The results indicate that the formation mode of the recast layer varies in the inlet and outlet of the cutting direction. The higher cutting speed resulted in a thicker recast layer in the inlet zone, however, it formed a thinner layer in the outlet one. In parallel, the optical microscope measurement showed that larger HAZ was formed by longer heat exposure induced by lower cutting speed. Moreover, the thickness of the HAZ observed in the outlet zone is relatively larger than that in the input zone. The gas pressure during cutting played a dominant role in determining the recast layer characteristics by modifying the metal melt removal during cutting while the heat input was the major aspect in determining HAZ width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the neck rupture stage of fission and the emission of particles afterwards, two extremely rapid and highly non-equilibrium processes. Currently, the neck rupture cannot be directly probed by experiment, highlighting the importance of reliable theoretical predictions for this stage of fission. Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) is used to simulate the spontaneous fission of 252Cf. In conjunction with statistical models, inputs from microscopic calculations can be used to make predictions for prompt neutron and gamma emission spectra, quantities which can be experimentally measured. Here we characterize the scission mechanism within TDDFT and estimate the number of scission neutrons and their kinetic energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a predictive capability for inelastic scattering will find applications in multiple areas. Experimental data for neutron-nucleus inelastic scattering is limited and thus one needs a robust theoretical framework to complement it. Charged-particle inelastic scattering can be used as a surrogate for (n, γ) reactions to predict capture cross sections for unstable nuclei. Our work uses microscopic nuclear structure calculations for spherical nuclei to obtain nucleon-nucleus scattering potentials and calculate cross sections for these processes. We implement the Jeukenne, Lejeune, Mahaux (JLM) semi-microscopic folding approach, where the medium effects on nuclear interaction are parameterized in nuclear matter to obtain the nucleon-nucleon (NN) interaction in a medium at positive energies. We solve for the nuclear ground state using the Hartree-Fock-Bogliubov (HFB) many-body method, assuming the nucleons within the nucleus interact via the Gogny-D1M potential. The vibrational excited states of the target nucleus are calculated using the quasi-particle random phase approximation (QRPA). We demonstrate our approach for spherical nuclei in the medium-mass region, showing scattering results for the 90Zr nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a microscopic modeling of the first order of multistep direct emission based on one phonon excitations, given by the QRPA model, and an effective in-medium nucleon nucleon interaction, described within the JLM folding model. The results of our coupled channels framework for deformed target are illustrated in the case of low energy discrete state excitations in 152Sm. Pre-equilibrium predictions and their impact on inclusive and exclusive (n,xn) cross sections and fission cross sections are discussed for actinides. We discuss the importance of i) collective excitations to describe the neutron emission spectra and of ii) spin distribution of the residual nucleus formed after the neutron pre-equilibrium emission, that is a key ingredient to model the residual nucleus decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is part of an ongoing effort to build microscopicallydriven nonlocal optical potentials easily tracktable in scattering codes. Based on the separable 'JνH' structure proposed recently [1], where the potential can be cast as the product of a radial and nonlocality form factors, we investigate its angular dependence in momentum space. We find that scattering observables have a weak angular dependence between the momentum transfer q = k − k′, and K = (k + k′)/2. The study is focussed on proton elastic scattering off 40Ca at 200 MeV, where the JνH structure is found to be inadequate. We conclude that any improvement of the JνH structure of the potential can be made to the lowest order in multipole expansions in Kq−representation of the potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An advanced microscopic approach based on energy-density functional theory and the quasiparticle-phonon model has been used to study nuclear excitations up to giant dipole resonance energies. In addition, our nuclear structure model has been extended to include reaction theory. The theoretical spectral distributions compared with experimental data performed with different probes and techniques are able to provide us with information about the microscopic structure of the pygmy dipole resonance as well as its collectivity. Evaluations of electric dipole (E1) transition strengths and branching ratios at low energy reveal different properties of the nuclear excitations and the effect of quasi-continuum coupling. The present studies will support above-neutronthreshold γ experiments at ELI-NP targeting γ decays of giant and pygmy resonances, as well as studies on multi-step γ decays by low-lying states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effect of tool tilt angle during the Friction Stir Processing was investigated. A tool having a tilt angle of 1˚, 2˚, 3 ˚, and 4˚ were employed to produce the AA5083/(SiC-Gr) hybrid surface composite. A uniform tool traverse speed of 50 mm/min, 1000rpm rotating speed, and 2 passes of FSP were used to process the material. Optical Microscopy, Microhardness, Coefficient of Friction and Wear Rate were investigated to analyze the influence of the FSP tool tilt angle on the produced hybrid surface composite. It was found that the best microhardness and tribological results were found in the specimens with a 2˚ tool tilt angle. It is because of the reason that the material movement during the 2˚ tool tilt angle provides the optimum flow to disperse the reinforcement particles into the parent material. A lower tilt angle of 1˚ did not provide enough angle for the material flow whereas higher tilt angles of 3˚ and 4˚ resulted in clustering and agglomeration of reinforcement material in the base material. Optical Microscopy displayed that the FSP with a 2˚ tool tilt angle provided a homogeneous distribution of the reinforcement material in the parent material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous solution of Benzoyl bromide (C6H5COBr), Sodium bromide (NaBr) and (BrOH) were used for treated the sawdust for 1 hr. Different weight ratios of sawdust (15, 25, and 35%) wt. were added to polypropylene and the specimens were extruded under 260oC to prepare the composites samples as well as the pure polypropylene. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to study the structural properties of treated and untreated samples. Morphology of samples was investigated using optical microscopy. Impact strength was studded. Water absorption of treated sawdust composites and untreated sawdust composites also studied Results of Optical Microscopy results showed that the treated specimens have more homogeneous structure than untreated sawdust sample. Impact strength of composite samples improved via chemically treated sawdust and it also improved via increasing the sawdust ratio. Water absorption ratio of composite samples decreased via treated sawdust. Contact Angle of composite samples increased via treated sawdust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its superior biocompatibility and exceptional esthetics, among other factors, Poly Methyl Methacrylate was widely acknowledged as the denture base material utilized most frequently in dentistry and medical applications. On the other hand, Poly ether ether ketone PEEK could considered as a potential denture base material with modified properties compared to acrylic resins alone due to outstanding biological, thermal, mechanical properties. In this study, binary blends made of PMMA/PEEK was manufactured and tested for investigate the enhancement potential compared to PMMA risen. The selected ratio for the added PEEK were (5, 10, 15, 20) wt.%. Test as Thermal conductivity, Flexural strength, Surface roughness were tested and SEM microscopic analysis was performed on the selected samples. Results demonstrate that for thermal conductivity an improvement determined clearly until 15wt.% PMMA/PEEK ratio from 0.495 to 0.715 (W/m.OK), which mean 44% enhancement compare to neat sample. While a slight decrease observed for Flexural Strength value, from (59.82MPa) to (49.4MPa) at the maximum PEEK addition 20wt.%. For surface roughness, a graduate increase in the determined value from 1.30 to 3.88 µm as the PEEK ratio increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) is an emerging solid-state additive manufacturing technique where material is deposited layer-by-layer. Unlike fusion-based additive manufacturing processes, AFSD relies on a rotating tool to extrude and bond feedstock material through frictional heat and pressure, keeping the material below its melting point to eliminate fusion-related defects. It is suitable for large structure fabrication due to its high deposition rate. However, AFSD is still in development, with questions concerning hardness variation along the build height, defect formation, and residual stress distribution. In this research, an AFSDmanufactured structure is examined using optical microscopy, Vickers hardness testing, and neutron diffraction. Optical microscopy reveals defects at first layer and substrate interface as well as deposit edges, while hardness testing indicates deposit hardness decreases from final layer to first layer. Neutron diffraction shows tensile residual stress near the fusion zone in the substrate with compressive residual stress in majority of deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their rapid reproduction, development, and similar genetic structure to humans, zebrafish are popular animals in various biological research. Their small size and body transparency make them convenient to examine under a bright-field light microscope. However, these provide 2-dimensional projected images, which makes 3D measurements difficult. Usual approaches try to reconstruct 3D structures from series of projected images, that is not always an option. In our paper we propose an approach to model the images acquisition process including the 3D parametric deformable model of the zebrafish and the light conditions in the microscopy environment. Our goal is to simulate images that look similar to the real ones using only a few parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the results of the macroscopic and petrographic analysis of the ceramics of the site of Yughbī are presented. This site was excavated in 2018, during the final fieldwork campaign of The Crowded Desert Project. It is so far the earliest Islamic site known in Qatar and one of the earliest ones in the Gulf, and it features a very well contextualized ceramic assemblage of 697 sherds, most of which date to a period between AD 660s and 770s. The ceramics of Yughbī have been studied both macroscopically and with petrographic microscopy. The combination of both analyses shows the presence of South Iraqi, Eastern Arabian, and Indian wares, but an almost total lack of Iranian wares. The comparison of connectivity profiles between the ceramics of Yughbī and those of other sites of the same period (late Sasanian and early Islamic) indicate a certain similarity with -ohār and, to a lesser extent, with Kush and Bushehr. The ceramic assemblage of Yughbī is much less similar to that of closer sites, such as -īr Banī Yās, Sīrāf, or Bilād al-Qadīm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

17C structure is studied within a two-body model, a weakly bound neutron moving in a deformed potential generated by the core. A semi-microscopic method has been used to generate the deformed valencecore potential. The method consists of the convolution of a realistic nucleon-nucleon (NN) interaction with the core transition densities, which are obtained by antisymetrized molecular dynamics (AMD). The results highlight the important role of deformation for this nucleus and can be easily applied to reaction calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpreting high-energy, astrophysical phenomena, such as supernova explosions or neutronstar collisions, requires a robust understanding of matter at supranuclear densities. However, our knowledge about dense matter explored in the cores of neutron stars remains limited. Fortunately, dense matter is not probed only in astrophysical observations, but also in terrestrial heavy-ion collision experiments. In a novel approach, using Bayesian inference, we combine data from astrophysical multi-messenger observations of neutron stars [1-9] and from heavy-ion collisions at relativistic energies [10,11] with microscopic nuclear theory calculations [12-17] to improve our understanding of dense matter. We find that the inclusion of heavy-ion collision data indicates an increase in the pressure in dense matter relative to previous analyses, shifting neutron-star radii towards larger values, consistent with recent observations by the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer mission [5-8,18]. It is found in addition that constraints from heavy-ion collision experiments show a remarkable consistency with multi-messenger observations and provide complementary information on nuclear matter at intermediate densities. This work combines nuclear theory, nuclear experiment and astrophysical observations, and shows how joint analyses can shed light on the properties of neutron-rich supranuclear matter over the density range probed in neutron stars. (Work primarily published in Ref. [44]: S. Huth, et al., Nature 606 (2022)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replica testing is metallography analysis which has potential to become high demand in oil and gas industry. It is considered critical for assessing the integrity health of the equipment, which operates under various plant conditions. Replication methods can be beneficial in microstructure assessments for monitoring in-service degradation of critical components of oil and gas industry. The purpose of this research is to apply replication method to evaluate the properties of microstructure, identifying intergranular/transgranular crack propagation and identifying the best etching time. The replication method was successfully conducted on the pipe elbow and the replica sample was obtained. Then the replica sample was observed under optical microscopy. In microstructure analysis, there is a crack propagated intergranularly along the weld joint and it was confirmed that there is presence of crack along circumferential weld joint between pipe and elbow. The etching process is accomplished by applying Nital solution to the specimen surface are for 5 seconds to 15 seconds. The results obtained in the microstructure assessment show that the replication method can be exceptionally efficient in industry. To be concluded, replica can be needed as NDT technique to identify microstructure and crack propagation on 'live' assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal-origin glues are adhesives made by boiling animal tissues for a long time, and from the chemical point of view they are gelatinous and albuminoid protein substances bearing different names. The most frequently used are gelatins. They are extracted from raw animal hide residues, from cartilages, tendons, and from the gelatinous matter extracted from bones, on which the name and quality of gelatin depends. The gelatin extracted from unhaired hide waste/pelt waste resulting from unhairing bovine hide from tanneries was used in this article to study the behaviour to accelerated ageing of two types of gelatins used for gilding some wood samples with gold leaf. In this paper we aimed to find the damaging effects of heat and relative humidity on the gelatines (extracted from bovine hide and rabbit skin) based adhesives used for wood gilding. Therefore, a gold leaf was applied to a fir wood (pine tree) conditioned for ten years using commercial gelatin extracted from rabbit skin as well as gelatin extracted from bovine hide by-products. The gilding technique followed the traditional recipe in which adhesive, multiple layers of plaster, bolus were employed in order to fix the gold leaf. The gilded wood prepared as such was artificially aged in a special Binder-type aging chamber at 60 for 7 days, followed by conditioning in an incubator at 70% R.H., at 25 for 2 days, in nine cycles. The physical-chemical changes of gelatin-based adhesives resulting from these conditions, as well as stratigraphic and microstructural characteristics of gilding layers were analyzed by applying optical microscopy, colorimetric measurements and infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR). The obtained results showed that both gelatins have very good adhesive and structural properties and could be successfully used in the field of conservation and restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) has been applied broadly in many applications due to its lightweight property, high corrosion resistance and good impact resistance as well. The epoxy-based GFRPs containing different nano clay content of 0%, 3%, 5% and 10 % (by wt.) were prepared using the vacuum-assisted resin infusion method and the effect of nano clay loading level on the density, plate thickness, hardness, tensile and impact properties was examined. In general, the results showed that increasing the nano clay content up to 5% (by wt.) significantly improved the mechanical properties of fabricated GFRPs. The higher thickness of GFRP was obtained by the incorporation of the nano clay from 2.0 mm to 2.6 mm compared to the neat GFRP (1.8 mm). Whereas, the hardness showed the contrary result in which the higher content of nano clay has the lower hardness of GFRP with 179 N/mm2, 167 N/mm2, 149 N/mm2 and 139 N/mm2 for GFRP containing 0%, 3%, 5% and 10% (by wt.) of nano clay, respectively. The tensile modulus of GFRP containing nano clay 3% and 5% (by wt.) enhanced 10.46 GPa and 10.22 GPa which is a higher modulus compared to the neat GFRP (9.68 GPa), while the tensile strength has comparable values between GFRP- filled and -unfilled nano clay. Furthermore, the impact resistance test using the Charpy impact method showed the GFRPs containing 3% and 5% (by wt.) nano clay have higher impact strength by 54% and 53% than the neat GFRP. In addition, there are still no clear appearances related to the adhesion between nano clay and epoxy matrix under microscopic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cauterization process is a method for heating a portion of tissue to close the wound and mitigate the bleeding by tissue coagulation prior to the tissue's cutting. In this study, a new concept of thermomechanical cautery was proposed through the idea of combining the thermal element (Kanthal A-1 Wire) and mechanical element (DC Motor) as one complete system. Thermal cautery and ultrasonic cautery are commercially used for the surgery of tissue cutting and haemostasis. The lateral thermal spread across these 3 cautery devices was compared. Thermomechanical cautery was developed in SolidWorks, followed by the Finite Element Analysis in ANSYS Workbench. A thermal element was first tested on the chicken skin sample to determine its minimum baseline for cauterization and cutting in a static condition. Once the fabrication of the thermomechanical cautery is done, testing with the complete system was carried out in a dynamic manner with the presence of the mechanical element. By using light microscopy, the image of the dissection site was captured, and the image will undergo an image processing technique in MATLAB R2021b to measure its lateral thermal spread. The minimum baseline for cauterization and dissection is 180.1°C with a power supply of 10.96 W for the thermal element and 0.69 W for the mechanical element. It took about 30 seconds for a 10 mm cut length. After the dissection, the mean of the thermal spread on one side for thermomechanical cautery, existing thermal cautery and ultrasonic cautery were 0.712 mm, 1.436 mm, and 1 mm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a technique for studying the structures of destruction of polymeric materials (crazes) using computer microscopy methods. Craze structure images were processed in two ways, one of which is based on image segmentation, and the second one is based on processing the image as a whole using the autocorrelation function method. The segmentation method made it possible, using threshold separation, to identify microvoids, which are typical for a craze structure, to determine their geometric characteristics, in particular, the area, to construct approximating ellipses, to determine the angle of inclination of the major semiaxis and the ratio of the lengths of the semiaxes. The display of these characteristics using histograms indicates the formation of a highly ordered structure in terms of angular distribution. Two characteristics - the ratio of the semiaxes of the approximating ellipse and the angle of its inclination are proposed as inplicators of internal deformations that have arisen during the formation of voids in the material. The implementation of the second method for studying images of a craze structure using the autocorrelation function confirmed the high orderliness of the structure of an individual craze. In addition, the results of the mapping of the autocorrelation function indicate the formation of a short-range order structure, the elements of which are individual crazes - a craze ensemble. The advantages of whole image methods for detecting weakly ordered structures in materials are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key benefit of the simulated PZT type-8 material two axis MEMS Scanner for LIDAR Applications is cost and size reduction. Microscopy, LiDAR, and biological imaging all use MEMS technology in conjunction with the proper mirrors and control systems. A low voltage scanning mirror is proposed in this article to take into account applications like LiDAR, particularly for UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and gesture recognition. A lever structure made of suitable materials, such as PZT ceramic, can achieve Low Power Consumption although the scanning mirror should have a respectable FOV (Field Of View). To achieve a wide FOV and dual axis MEMS mirror acquisition, the proper activation mechanisms are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High harmonic generation (HHG) stands as one of the most complex processes in strong-field physics, as it enables the conversion of laser light from the infrared to the extreme-ultraviolet or even the soft x-rays, enabling the synthesis and control of pulses lasting as short as tens of attoseconds. Accurately simulating this nonlinear and non-perturbative phenomena requires the coupling the dynamics of laser-driven electronic wavepackets, described by the three-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation (3D-TDSE), with macroscopic Maxwell's equations. Such calculations are extremely demanding due to the duality of microscopic and macroscopic nature of the process, thereby requiring the use of approximations. We develop a HHG method assisted by artificial intelligence that facilitates the simulation of macroscopic HHG within the framework of 3D-TDSE. This approach is particularly suited to simulate HHG driven by structured laser pulses. In particular, we demonstrate a self-interference effect in HHG driven by Hermite-Gauss beams. The theoretical and experimental agreement allows us to validate the AI-based model, and to identify a unique signature of the quantum nature of the HHG process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a very powerful tool to study artworks in a non-contact way. Nevertheless, typical HSI systems, which rely on spatial-scanning and dispersive spectrometers, suffer from high-light losses and are difficult to operate for analysing complex artworks. Here we review the capabilities of a HSI system based on TWINS, an innovative Fourier Tranform (FT) spectrometer, which allows wide-field imaging. We demonstrate how, by coupling the TWINS to different imaging systems, it is possible to achieve multi-scalar configurations from very large field-of-view (FOV) acquisition to microscopy. Further, we show how the high-collection throughput of the device allows for the sequential and fast detection of multi-modal signals', as diffuse reflectance, transmittance, photoluminescence (PL) and Raman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With continuously improving resolution of today's (super-resolution) microscopes, a major technical limitation of light microscopy based image analysis is linkage error – a visualization error that is measured by the distance between the cellular target to be detected and the fluorescence emitter used for detection. The linkage error of standard labelled antibodies is caused by the size of the antibody and the random distribution of fluorescent emitters on the antibody surface. In this study, we describe a class of staining reagents that effectively reduce the linkage error by more than five-fold when compared to conventional staining techniques. We believe this class of reagents realize an unmet need in cell biological super resolution imaging studies where the precise localization of the target of interest is crucial for the understanding of complex biological phenomena [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-precision biosensors for single or few molecules detection play a central role in numerous key fields, such as environmental monitoring and healthcare for early-stage disease diagnosis. In the last decade, laser biosensors have been investigated as proofs of concept, and several technologies have been proposed. Here we propose a demonstration of polymeric whispering gallery microlasers as biosensors for detecting proteins at low concentrations. Free space microlasers have the great advantage of working without any need for waveguiding for input excitation or output signal detection. The photonic microsensors can be easily patterned on microscope slides and operate in air and solution. We could detect down to 400 pg of protein without specific binding, and few tens of pg/mL with specific binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crossed arrangement of excitation and collection optics is the defining feature of selective plane illumination microscopes. It results in an axial sectioning given by the thickness of the light sheet, whereas the lateral resolution depends on the numerical aperture of the collection optics. One disadvantage of this optical scheme is that it has been difficult to image large fields-of-view at high spatial resolution. Yet, it is often not necessary to image the entire sample at high resolution. Instead, a zoom from mm-scale over-views to regions-of-interest that are imaged at μm is often sufficient, e.g., for studying neuronal networks that simultaneously comprise cm-long connections and tiny (sub-μm) synaptic contacts, spanning 6 orders of magnitude. Observations over such different spatial scales typically require the use of different instruments. We here describe our ongoing efforts to build and characterise a compact light-sheet module designed for correlative micro- meso- and macroscopic imaging. Its particularity is that moves with the sample between micro- and macroscopic imaging arms. Based on a compact illuminator and flexible sample carrier the module is mounted on a motorised long-range, high-precision microscope table. The ability to perform seamless back-and-forth multi-scale imaging comes from a strict registering of image coordinates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous field- and aperture-plane (back-focal plane, BFP) imaging enriches the information content of fluorescence microscopy. In addition to the usual density and concentration maps of sample-plane images, BFP images provide information on the surface proximity and orientation of molecular fluorophores. They also give access to the refractive index of the fluorophore-embedding medium. However, in the high-NA, wide-field detection geometry commonly used in single-molecule localisation microscopies, such measurements are averaged over all fluorophores present in the objective's field of view, thus limiting spatial resolution and specificity. We here solve this problem and demonstrate how an oblique, variable-angle, coherent ring illumination can be used to generate a Bessel beam that - for supercritical excitation angles - produces an evanescent needle of light. Scanning the sample through the this evanescent needle enables us to acquire combined sample-plane and BFP images with sub-diffraction resolution and axial localisation precision. Background, resolution and polarisation considerations will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the use of wavefront coding (WFC) combined with machine learning in a light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) system. We visualize the 3D dynamics of sperm flagellar motion at an imaging speed up to 80 volumes per second, which is faster than twice volumetric video rate. By using the WFC technique we achieve to extend the depth of field of the collection objective with high numerical aperture (NA=1) from 2.6 μm to 50 μm, i. e., more than one order of magnitude. To improve the quality of the final images, we applied a machine learning-based algorithm to the acquired sperm raw images and to the point spread function (PSF) of the generated cubic phase masks previous to the deconvolution process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topographical as well as microscopic imaging of nanoscale surfaces plays a pivotal role across various disciplines. Nevertheless, achieving fast, label-free, and accurate characterization of laterally expanded structures below the diffraction limit remains challenging. Recent studies highlight the use of microsphere assistance for resolution improvement. Confocal microscopy, augmented by microspheres, enables the imaging of small structures that were previously inaccessible. This is experimentally compared with microsphere-assisted microscopy (MAM) to underline the decisive role of the confocal effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a two-wavelength digital holographic microscopy setup for surface topography measurement with single-point illumination and a method for correction of unwanted phase drifts using secondary reference waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an all-fiber, portable setup for multiphoton microscopy with reduced frep employing a high-energy Yb:fiber NALM laser producing 10 ps pulses. Longer pulses are less susceptible to chromatic dispersion, enhancing image brightness and contrast over conventional femtosecond pulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Si3N4 waveguide-based optical parametric oscillator is presented that generates narrowband output pulses down to 1.44 nm and with up to 211 pJ pulse energy, allowing coherent Raman scattering spectroscopy and microscopy with sufficient spectral resolution and high contrast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By X-ray diffraction analysis, optical and electron microscopy the microstructure of samples of the alloy of hypereutectic composition Al86Ni6Co4Gd2Tb2 was studied. The samples were obtained by rapid cooling of the melt under a high pressure of 10 GPa and at normal atmospheric pressure. Under 10 GPa, new highly symmetrical crystalline phases are formed in the alloy, which are stable for a long time under normal conditions. The obtained samples are homogeneous, dense and non-porous; they are characterized by a finely dispersed structure and improved physical and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermochemical treatments applied to stainless steel have gained the attention of most engineering applications due to their impact on the mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties. The material properties are improved at the surface without affecting the core matrix. This study highlights the influence of liquid nitriding treatment on martensitic grade AISI-420, and ferritic grade AISI-430 stainless steels, treated at different nitriding temperatures (480°C and 580°C) for both nitriding periods of 4 hours and 8 hours. Morphologies of nitride layers were investigated and the development of nitrided case depth, at the surface regions of the cross-section of the specimens, is confirmed by optical microscopy. The maximum nitride surface hardness was determined for both the steels, & variation in hardness from surface to bulk of the material is presented that is measured with a Vickers hardness testing setup. The formation of expanded phases & alloying element nitride phases developed in the nitride layers of the treated steels at different nitriding conditions were determined by X-ray diffractometry for the stainless-steel grades considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]