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The formation of nanoscale junctions among nanoparticles in self-assembled nanostructures is crucial for improving both interfacial conductivity and structural integrity. However, the inherent reliance on weak van der Waals forces to hold nanoparticles together poses challenges in developing commercially viable devices due to their inefficient carrier transport characteristics. This study presents the successful integration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into highly porous nanomicrocluster arrays of ZnO, resulting in the formation of cohesive and crack-free highly porous ZnO/CNT heterojunction films. This integration marks a significant improvement in UV photodetection performance, demonstrating a record-high photocurrent to dark current ratio of 3.3 × 106and an exceptional responsivity of 18.5 A/W at a low bias of 0.5 V and under an ultra low light density of 25 μW/cm2. These findings underscore the efficacy of this high-performance structure as a versatile and scalable platform technology for the rapid, cost-effective fabrication of hybrid photodetectors in wearable and portable devices.

Objectives: Previous studies have shown that there may be a positive correlation between serum uric acid levels and hyperthyroidism. However, the relationship between thyroid function and serum uric acid in healthy people is unclear. This study analyzed the relationship between impaired thyroid hormone sensitivity and serum uric acid levels, and presented them in quantitative form. Research design and methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 4460 adults (male: 2300; female: 2160) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2010. Parameters representing central sensitivity to thyroid hormones were calculated as: thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQIFT4), thyroid stimulating hormone index (TSHI), and total thyroxine (T4) resistance index (TT4RI); Peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormone was evaluated by FT3/FT4 ratio. In addition, we have innovated total triiodothyronine (T3) resistance index (TT3RI) and TFQIFT3indexes based on FT3 and TSH. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the correlation between thyroid resistance index and serum uric acid, and the results were presented graphically as smooth curve fittings. Results: Higher levels of serum uric acid were associated with decreased sensitivity to thyroid hormones in euthyroid individuals. In conjunction with an increase in the thyroid hormone sensitivity index value, uric acid levels gradually increased as well. Furthermore, we found a segmented relationship between TT3RI and serum uric acid changes. The saturation and threshold analyses indicated that 18.85 was the turning point (logarithmic likelihood ratio test = 0.036). When TT3RI < 18.85, the relationship between serum uric acid and TT3RI was not significant [β(95% CI) 0.47 (− 0.05, 1.00), P= 0.077], but when TT3RI > 18.85, there was a significant rise in serum uric acid with an increase in TT3RI [β(95% CI) 3.94 (0.94, 6.95), P= 0.010]. A further finding of the interaction test was that impaired thyroid hormone sensitivity and uric acid changes vary among different age groups and BMI levels. Conclusions: Decreased sensitivity to thyroid hormones was associated with high levels of serum uric acid in people with normal thyroid function. The interaction test shows that different age groups and BMI groups impact the association between impaired thyroid hormone sensitivity and serum uric acid. Furthermore, smooth curve fitting revealed a segmental relationship between TT3RI and serum uric acid levels.

Basalt fiber-reinforced asphalt mixture has shown promising mechanical characteristics but is susceptible to bleeding, which can compromise driving comfort and safety. This paper investigates the bleeding mechanism of basalt fiber-modified asphalt mixtures and proposes mitigation techniques. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is used to observe the microstructure and spatial structure of the asphalt mixture with fibers, while microstructure, interface properties, and spatial structure are analyzed to determine the mechanism of bleeding. Mixed fibers composed of basalt and lignin fibers are proposed as a solution to alleviate bleeding, and comprehensive pavement performance is evaluated using the Efficiency Coefficient Method (ECF). The results show that the smooth surface, low surface energy, poor surface bonding ability, small specific surface area, and large void network structure of basalt fibers make the pavement susceptible to bleeding. Besides, the mixed fiber reinforced asphalt mixture exhibits a 16.7% increase in resistance to bleeding compared to the basalt fiber asphalt mixture. Furthermore, the comprehensive pavement performance has been enhanced by 9.09% according to ECF result.

This paper discusses the effects of process parameters in TIG based WAAM for specimens created using Hastelloy X alloy (Haynes International) welding wire and 304 stainless-steel plate as the substrate. The Taguchi method and ANOVA were used to determine the effects of travel speed, wire feed rate, current, and argon flow rate on the responses including bead shape and size, bead roughness, oxidation levels, melt through depth, and the microstructure. Travel speed and current were found to have the largest effect on the responses. Increasing travel speed or decreasing current caused a decrease in melt through depth and an increase in roughness. Printing strategies were tested using specimens of multiple layers and no significant difference was found between printing layers in the same direction and printing layers in alternating directions. No observable interface between the layers was present suggesting a complete fusion between layers with no oxidation. Three distinct zones were identified within the three- and eight-layer samples. The zones were characterized by the size and distribution of the molybdenum carbide formations within the matrix grain formations.

A Zr–Y alloyed layer was prepared onto the surface of ?-TiAl using double-glow plasma surface alloying technique (DG technique). The results showed that the Zr–Y alloyed layer was comprised of deposited sub-layer and diffused sub-layer, with a total layer thickness of about 20 µm. The nano-indentation test result showed that the nano-hardness of Zr–Y alloyed layer was 2.35 times that of ?-TiAl. The scratch test was carried to evaluate the adhesion strength of Zr–Y alloyed layer. The tribological behaviours were investigated both at ambient temperature and 500°C. Under dry sliding condition, the friction coefficient of the Zr–Y alloyed layer was lower than that of the ?-TiAl. The specific wear rate of ?-TiAl in the presence of Zr–Y alloyed layer was approximately one fifth that in the absence of the alloyed layer. The excellent wear resistance of Zr–Y alloyed layer could be attributed to the high hardness or load-carrying ability.