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Traditional co-firing processes involving noble metals are costly, thereby prompting a shift to base metals, such as Cu, to reduce manufacturing expenses. This study explored the use of Cu as an internal electrode for fabricating piezoelectric multilayer devices using a Pb 0.98 Sr 0.02 (Zr 0.48 Ti 0.52)O 3 (PSZT) ceramic material. The compatibility of Cu with PSZT in ambient air and the subsequent wet-reduction was investigated. The addition of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to the Cu electrode expedited the reduction process; however, this prompted void formation. Thus, epoxy resin was injected to post-reduction to enhance its mechanical property and address this issue. The impact of the PVDF content on the reduction rates, microstructure, and electrical/mechanical properties was analyzed. The experimental results highlighted the successful fabrication of Cu/PSZT devices with performances comparable to those of traditional noble metal (AgPd) counterparts. The polarization and strain of the Cu/PSZT device with 10% PVDF were comparable to those of the AgPd/PSZT. Subsequently, the incorporation of epoxy resin and Cu electroplating greatly improved the mechanical strength of Cu/PSZT to values comparable to that of AgPd/PSZT, as confirmed by the successful fabrication of a piezoelectric ultrasonic device and vibration measurement at 60 kHz. Therefore, this proposed process is a viable alternative for fabricating low-cost and stable multilayer ceramic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic gauging and defect detection of metallic pipes is a multi-disciplinary task, as it has to be performed in situ and involves several difficulties due to their curvature, limited access and corroded/eroded surface roughness due to harsh operating conditions. This research paper focuses on the investigation of employing a focused piezoelectric transducer in an immersion pulse-echo (PE) mode to measure the wall thickness (WT) from the inner side of the metallic pipes and to detect defects in the pipes. This paper also provides advances for understanding ultrasonic wave propagation in metallic pipes by simulation study using modern finite element technology and validating the results experimentally using battery-operated, water-immersible, IP67-grade stand-alone two-channel ultrasonic instrumentation that can move inside the pipe under test in flowing liquids such as water or oil. A simulation model has been established for time-of-flight (TOF) measurements for metallic pipes with various wall thicknesses, detection of standard defects and wall-thinning by inspecting the inner diameter (ID) surface of pipes and the pipe filled with water. The simulated results for the metallic pipes are in good agreement with the experimental data, providing an accurate and quantitative assessment of WT in the presence or absence of defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent advances in ultrasound technology have led to widespread adoption of ultrasonic energy devices in liver resections. While various studies have assessed the comparative advantages of ultrasonic devices and traditional clamp-crushing, their findings vary. Moreover, a specific systematic review on this topic has not yet been conducted. Objectives: This study aims to present a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis comparing outcomes between ultrasonic devices and conventional clamp-crushing methods in liver resection, based on currently available literature. Patients and methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI up to November 2023. Studies that compared the efficacy or safety of ultrasonic devices against traditional clamp-crushing methods in hepatectomy were included. The analysis covered intraoperative outcomes like operating time, blood loss, and transfusion rate, as well as postoperative outcomes such as complication rate, mortality, postoperative bleeding, and bile leakage. Review Manager version 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) and Stata 17.0 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA) were used for data analysis. Results: Thirteen studies, involving a total of 1,417 patients (630 using ultrasonic devices and 787 using clamp-crushing methods), were included. The clamp-crush method resulted in a shorter operation time. Contrarily, the ultrasonic device group experienced reduced blood loss and lower transfusion rates. Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in mortality or postoperative bleeding between the groups. However, the ultrasonic group had a lower overall complication rate, particularly a reduced incidence of bile leakage. Overall, the ultrasonic devices were associated with improved perioperative outcomes. Conclusions: The findings suggest that ultrasonic devices provide better outcomes in hepatectomy compared to traditional clamp-crushing techniques. Nonetheless, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results due to potential heterogeneity and biases. The choice of using ultrasonic devices should consider the surgeon's experience and individual patient circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the direct and indirect thermal effects of various surgical energy devices using an ex-vivo model. Two types of three devices were evaluated: ENSEAL™ X1 Curved Jaw Tissue Sealer (X1) and ENSEAL™ G2 Curved Tissue Sealer (G2) as vessel sealing systems (VSSs), and HARMONIC® HD1000i Shears (HA) as an ultrasonic activating device (USAD). Each device was activated once under DRY or WET conditions. The tissue's maximum temperature (MT), steam MT surrounding the activation site, and steam spread area (SSA) were measured. Under WET conditions, the median MT of a porcine common carotid artery at 1 mm from the activation site by X1, G2, and HA were 84.4, 83.3, and 50.5 °C, respectively. The direct thermal effect of HA was the lowest among the three devices. VSSs showed higher tissue MT under WET conditions compared with DRY conditions. Conversely, USAD showed the opposite trend. G2 demonstrated a significantly higher MT than X1 and HA (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in SSA was observed with decreasing grasping range. In conclusion, VSSs generated higher temperatures than USAD, especially under WET conditions. Surgeons should consider minimizing thermal effects by creating DRY conditions or performing gradual incisions when using VSS devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practical Application Browning, caused by enzymatic activity and storage conditions, affects cabbage during cold storage and is crucial for customer acceptance. This study investigated the effect of cardboard packaging containing low concentrations of nano‐orange oil (ONE) at 0.006% in palm wood waste powder for anti‐browning and extending the shelf life of cabbage. The incorporation of ONE into palm wood powder (PWP) using different methods (soaking, vapor, vapor with ultrasonic device, and control) was examined before using the active PWP to develop cardboard cabbage packaging. The reuse of the active cabbage box packaging was also investigated for up to three reuses. The results showed that a greater anti‐browning effect was achieved with cardboard packaging made from active PWP with orange oil vapor and an ultrasonic device compared to other adsorption methods, with significantly higher inhibition of the key browning enzyme activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD). Additionally, antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds were improved, maintaining the bright green color of cabbage after 21 days of storage. The shelf life of cabbage stored in active cardboard was extended to at least 21 days compared to 5 days for the control. The active cabbage box with PWP and ONE vapor with an ultrasonic device showed potential for reuse at least two times. Limonene was found on the surface of stored cabbage and may be a key factor in antimicrobial activity, helping to control microbial growth on the cabbage surface within standard limits during long‐term storage. This finding provides valuable guidance for reducing cabbage waste during transportation and storage from farm to market.This research offers new insights into active cardboard packaging made from palm wood powder with a low concentration of orange oil vapor to prevent browning and microbial growth in storage boxes. The optimal method for producing this packaging uses nano‐orange oil vapor at 0.006% with an ultrasonic device, which could be feasible for large‐scale production. The packaging effectively reduced PPO and POD enzyme activity, delaying browning and extending cabbage shelf life by at least threefold compared to the control, while maintaining color and freshness. This cost‐effective method promotes the sustainable use of agricultural waste in the fresh vegetable industry, as it can be reused at least twice, benefiting farmers and reducing cabbage waste [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Aim Methods Results Conclusion Energy‐based photoelectric and ultrasonic devices are essential for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing in the field of plastic surgery and dermatology. Both functionality and appearance are impacted by factors that cause skin to age, and various energy types have variable skin penetration depths and modes of transmission.The objective is to advise safe and efficient antiaging treatment while precisely and sensitively controlling and assessing the extent of thermal damage to tissues caused by different kinds of energy‐based devices.A literature search was conducted on PubMed to review the mechanisms of action and thermal effects of photoelectric and ultrasonic devices in skin remodeling applications.This paper reviews the thermal effects of energy‐based devices in skin resurfacing applications, including the tissue level and molecular biochemical level. It seeks to summarize the distribution form, depth of action, and influencing factors of thermal effects in combination with the mechanisms of action of various types of devices.Accurate control of thermal damage is crucial for safe and effective skin remodeling treatments. Thorough investigation of molecular biochemical indicators and signaling pathways is needed for real‐time monitoring and prevention of severe thermal injury. Ongoing research and technological advancements will improve the accuracy and control of thermal damage during treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective was to evaluate and compare the crack formation induced by ultrasonic tips and lasers with conventional burs during root-end preparation. Materials and Methods: The PROSPERO registration code for this study is CRD42023470898. Both manual and electronic database searches were performed up to 2023, August in three databases, namely, the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Google Scholar. In vitro or laboratory studies that employed the use of ultrasonic tips, LASER and conventional burs for root-end preparation on extracted teeth were collected. The data were extracted by two independent reviewers using a predesigned template. Information about the study design, year, full-text publications, inclusion and exclusion criteria were gathered. The PRISMA guidelines 2020 were followed in the reporting and execution of the systematic review and meta-analysis. To evaluate statistical heterogeneity, χ ² values and I ² values were employed in conjunction with a random-effects model for the meta-analysis. Results: A total of 689 articles were identified. After removing the duplicates in total 567 articles were screened. Finally, six articles were included in the meta-analysis. QUIN Risk of Bias tool showed an overall moderate risk of bias in the included studies. The pooled odds ratio for crack formation was 1.77 (0.82, 3.82) for ultrasonic tips and conventional burs suggesting higher odds of crack formation for ultrasonic tips. Conclusion: None of the included studies provided information on sample size calculation, sampling technique, randomization or blinding. The meta-analysis suggests higher chances of crack formation from ultrasonic followed by laser and conventional burs preparation. Therefore, efforts to standardize an acceptable procedure for root-end cavity preparation should be made in future study, along with encouragement of the clinical application of the same, taking into account issues like economic feasibility and convenience of usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of artificial intelligence in diverse diagnosis areas has significantly increased in the past few years because of the advantages it represents in clinical routine. Among the diverse diagnostic techniques, the use of ultrasounds is often preferred because of their simplicity, low cost, non-invasiveness, and non-ionizing characteristic. However, obtaining an adequate number of patients and data for training and testing machine learning models is challenging. To overcome this limitation, a novel approach is proposed for simulating data produced by ultrasonic diagnostic devices. The implemented method was based on a clinical prototype for eye cataract diagnosis, although the method can be extended to other applications as well. The proposed model encompasses the electric-to-acoustic signal conversion in the ultrasonic transducer, the wave propagation through the biological medium, and the subsequent acoustic-to-electric signal conversion in the transducer. Electrical modelling of the transducer was performed using a two-port network approach, while the acoustic wave propagation was modelled by using the k-Wave MATLAB toolbox. It was verified that the holistic modelling approach enabled the generation of synthetic data augmentation, presenting high similarity with real data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusion This study aimed to assess the effect of an oscillating chitosan brush (OCB) compared with an ultrasonic device with PEEK tip (US‐PEEK) for mechanical implant surface decontamination using an in vitro model combining 3D models and a validated dynamic multispecies biofilm.A multispecies biofilm using six bacterial strains (Streptococcus oralis, Veillonella parvula, Actinomyces naeslundii, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) was seeded on dental implants with machined and sandblasted, large‐grit and acid‐etched (SLA) surfaces. These were installed in 3D models depicting peri‐implant defect. Mechanical decontamination was performed for 120 s using either an OCB or a US‐PEEK. A negative control group received no treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the bacterial composition and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyzed the number of each bacterial species [colony‐forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL)].Well‐structured biofilms with a dense microbial distribution were observed on the negative control implants after 72 h. qPCR following mechanical decontamination showed a scarce bacterial reduction in the OCB group. The US‐PEEK group exhibited a significant decrease in bacterial species compared to both OCB and control groups (p < 0.05). A biofilm removal effect was also observed in the OCB group for the machined implant surfaces.In vitro assessment using an anatomical 3D model showed that mechanical decontamination effectively reduced biofilm. The US‐PEEK group demonstrated biofilm reduction on the SLA surface, while the OCB group showed a reduction on the machined implant surface. Additionally, the US‐PEEK group demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing bacterial numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS) with sonic- and ultrasonically activated irrigation systems in removing Enterococcus faecalis biofilm from the root canal system. Methodology: Fifty human single-canalled mandibular premolars were included in the study. After access cavity preparation, the root canals were prepared to a standardized size and taper. Then, the entire root surface was covered with two layers of resin, and the root apices were sealed before sterilization. All root canals were inoculated with E. faecalis biofilm, and the samples were incubated aerobically for 2 weeks at 37 °C. Biofilm formation was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. All samples were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10 each) based on their irrigation activation method as A (no treatment or negative control), B (no irrigation or positive control), C (sonically activated irrigation (SAI)), D (ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI)), and E (needle irrigation activated by an Er: YAG laser device using a SWEEPS quartz tip (SWEEPS)). Then, dentine chips were retrieved, vortexed, and diluted for colony-forming unit counts. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey tests (α = 5%). Results: All methods could significantly reduce E. faecalis biofilm compared with control so that the UAI, SWEEPS, and SAI groups indicated a 23.54%, 14.89%, and 7.81% biofilm reduction, respectively. UAI demonstrated a significantly more effective reduction of E. faecalis biofilm than SAI (p = 0.004). Conclusions: All irrigation activation methods significantly reduced E. faecalis biofilm, with ultrasonic use being the most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the potential of erbium, chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation to modify the titanium surface for optimal seeding of fibroblasts and osteoblasts in the treatment of peri-implantitis. Titanium discs were treated using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser, an ultrasonic device with a stainless tip, or titanium scalers. Changes in surface properties were analyzed by profilometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Murine fibroblast and osteoblast adhesion and proliferation were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively at 24 and 72 h. Profilometric surface topography and SEM showed that titanium scalers and ultrasonic debridement techniques significantly changed the structure of the machined and rough titanium surfaces. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation, on the other hand, did not alter titanium microstructures. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with the 40 Hz group showed a significantly higher attached fibroblast cell numbers than the titanium scaler group at 72 h after treatment (p = 0.023). Additionally, the number of the attached osteoblasts in the Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with the 40 Hz group was significantly higher than that of the no-treatment groups 24 h after treatment (p = 0.045). The Er,Cr:YSGG laser effectively promoted adherence of fibroblasts and osteoblasts to the titanium surface without significantly altering the titanium surface, suggesting its superiority for treating peri-implantitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High integrity cast aluminum components require the use of molten metal processing technologies prior to casting. These include processes such as degassing to reduce porosity, filtration to reduce inclusion content, addition of grain refiners to refine the grain structure, and the addition of chemical modifiers to alter the morphology of eutectic phases. Ultrasonic treatment (UST) is a novel processing method through which ultrasonic energy is introduced into molten metal for the purpose of degassing as well as modifying the cast microstructure. To optimize the use and applications of UST, it is necessary to examine the fundamental mechanisms and the limiting values of controlling parameters. The effectiveness of UST to perform a desired application within a molten metal is highly dependent on temperature, volume of liquid metal, and the state of the frequency in use. The mechanisms of ultrasonic energy imparted within molten metal will be discussed as well as the benefits of UST during molten metal processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop damage and vehicle collisions caused by wild ungulates require effective deterrents. Many commercial acoustic devices use ultrasonic signals, presenting them as aversive to these animals. However, unconvincing results reported in previous studies using (non-frequency modulated) ultrasounds bring their effectiveness as deterrent signals into question. Here, we explored the deterrent effectiveness of ultrasounds in several large mammalian species that are expected to perceive these high frequencies. Specifically, we tested the effect of different ultrasonic signals on red deer, peccaries, and wolves. Animals were exposed to sequences of nine acoustic signals in the 20–30 kHz frequency range, and to a lower-pitched signal (2–3 kHz). While red deer showed no aversion to ultrasonic signals (inaudible for humans), lower frequency (audible for humans) modulations increased aversive responses. Conversely, peccaries showed strong flight responses to several ultrasonic signals. Wolves also reacted to ultrasounds but did not flee. Our study confirms that ultrasonic signals are not suitable for deterring European red deer. However, our results suggest that their effectiveness in other species should be systematically tested, without assuming that their hearing frequency range is a reliable predictor of their behavioural responses to ultrasonic signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before initiating therapy for patients with periodontitis, clinicians need to consider diagnostic issues in light of current knowledge regarding a number of factors, including the etiology of periodontal diseases, patterns of periodontal disease progression, interpretations of bleeding on probing, hypermobility, radiographs, and probing assessments. Scaling and root planing to reduce biofilms and the bacterial challenge is an effective mode of therapy for treating many cases of periodontitis. Subsequent to tooth instrumentation, signs of gingival inflammation are reduced, and the magnitude of probing depth reductions and clinical attachment gains are related to initial pocket depths. Root debridement can be accomplished with manual instrumentation or power devices (eg, ultrasonic) in one quadrant at a time or via full-mouth debridement. Root planing should be limited to areas that are inflamed or have calculus to avoid removal of cementum and inducing root sensitivity. Endotoxins can be decreased through washing or use of an ultrasonic device. Periodic professional maintenance visits should be based on the patient's periodontal status and his or her ability to comply with maintenance protocols. Practical application of current concepts with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis enhances periodontal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bearings play a key role in rolling mills, and the uniformity of their lubricant film directly affects the degree of wear of bearings and the safety of equipment. Due to long-term stress, the lubricant film inside the bearing is not uniformly distributed, resulting in uneven wear between the journal and the shaft tile, which increases the potential safety hazards in production. Traditional disassembly inspection methods are complex and time-consuming. Ultrasonic nondestructive testing technology, which has the advantages of nondestructive and adaptable, has become an effective means of assessing the thickness of the oil film in bearings. In this study, an experimental platform for calibrating the lubricant film thickness in bearings was constructed for the first time, and the acoustic characteristics of different thicknesses of the oil film were measured using ultrasonic detection equipment to verify the accuracy of the simulation process. The experimental results show that after discrete Fourier transform processing, the main features of the frequency channels of the reflected acoustic signals of different thicknesses of the oil film are consistent with the finite element simulation results, and the errors of the oil film thicknesses calculated from the reflection coefficients are within 10% of the set thicknesses, and the measurement ranges cover from 5 μm to 250 μm. Therefore, the above method can realize the accurate measurement of the thicknesses of the oil film in bearings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treating peri‐implantitis with reconstructive means has been largely unpredictable due to access limitations for surface decontamination, unfavorable bony topography, difficulty in achieving wound stability, and inferior soft tissue qualities. A microsurgical approach with the use of the operating microscope (OM) that provides adjustable higher magnification (∼5–30 times) and coaxial illumination, coupled with the use of microsurgical instruments, may overcome, or alleviate some of the abovementioned obstacles, resulting in more predictable outcomes. Methods: Three patients received reconstructive therapy for correcting peri‐implant defects under OM in private practice settings. After precise incisions to preserve soft tissue volume, the flaps were dissected prudently from underlying granulomatous tissues, which were subsequently removed, followed by controlled flap releasing under ∼10–15x magnification. Surface decontamination was performed using a piezoelectric ultrasonic device, air polishing, and hand instruments at ∼30x magnification. The biomaterial selections were dehydrated human de‐epithelialized amnion‐chorion membrane with mineralized allograft particulates in two cases and xenografts in one case, based on the surgeons' preference. Wound closure followed the non‐submerged approach. Results: These cases demonstrated uneventful soft tissue healing, favorable radiographic bone fill, and disease resolution with follow‐ups ranging from 2 to 4 years. Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest encouraging outcomes after the microsurgical approach following biological as well as biomechanical principles for peri‐implant defect reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this research, a brewer's yeast suspension was used to biotreat raw linen fibers under a range of different circumstances utilizing an ultrasonic cleaner device. In order to optimize circumstances for the treatment process, this extensive work is focused on examining the variables that could affect the biotreatment, such as the amount of brewer's yeast used, the duration, the temperature of the treatment, and the pH throughout the treatment. After enzymatic treatment, the printing process utilizing turmeric natural dye was used. Variable assesses were conducted to determine the steaming time, thermofixation time, pH of the printing paste, types of dyes, and types of fabrics. How these elements affected the wettability and fabric color strength is investigated. To better comprehend, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the morphology of treated and untreated linen samples. The effects of treating the fibers with yeast enzyme on their multifunctional qualities, such as color and antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcusaureus and gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli, were assessed. Results: Results demonstrated that the enzyme extract, which predominantly contains lipase, amylase, and protease enzymes that develop the fabric printability, is responsible for the increase of color strength which increased by about 152.27% with good fastness properties compared by the untreated printed samples. Conclusions: The overall findings showed that the treated fabrics have superior color fastness and antibacterial properties when compared to the untreated fabrics, demonstrating that the procedure of production used to create these multifunctional linen fabrics is environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Using the Senhance robotic system and Senhance ultrasonic energy device for robotic‐assisted radical nephrectomy with hilum lymph node dissection demonstrated safety and feasibility in managing a large renal tumor without the need for open conversion or transfusion, offering a cost‐effective solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assuming different types of imperfect interfaces composed of a magnetoelectroelastic (MEE) structure, the current work investigates the transmission of a Love-type wave in a MEE solid cylindrical structure. The spatially variable quasi-classical technique is applied to derive the analytical solution of the layers. The substantial impact of factors related to the imperfect interface on the wave phase velocities is illustrated numerically. The Love-type wave's dispersion relation has been established as the determinant for electrically and magnetically open and short cases. Moreover, the article investigates the consequences of six different imperfect parameters namely mechanical imperfection, electrical imperfection, magnetic imperfection, magneto-mechanical imperfection, electro-mechanical imperfection, and magneto-electrical imperfection parameters in magnetically and electrically open and short scenarios are covered. The findings demonstrate that, in comparison to the short case, the electric and magnetic open case has a higher phase velocity. Here are some key findings: imperfection parameters strongly affect the phase velocity and attenuation coefficient curves and the bonding parameter's prominent influence is inversely proportional to the attenuation coefficient and well-proportional to the phase velocity. Identifying the piezoelectric and piezomagnetic connection and its possible use in the construction of sensors, actuators, energy harvesters, and nano-electronics is the result of this theoretical investigation. This is the first time that a polar coordinate system was used in the quasi-classical method of solving differential equations. The results argue that the outcomes of this specific model have an immense ability to deal with various commercial and industrial applications in acoustical engineering, geotechnical design, ultrasonic technology, and SAW devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, to develop the composition ceramics for the application of an ultrasonic transducer device for alleviating temporomandibular joint disorder pain, Pb0.88 (La0.6 Sm0.4)0.08(Mn1/3 Sb2/3)0.02Ti0.98 O3 ceramics were manufactured using CuO as sintering aids, and their piezoelectric and resonant properties were investigated. For the specimen sintered at 1200 °C, excellent values of piezoelectric properties appeared: the dielectric constant (εr) of 202, piezoelectric constant (d33) of 56 pC/N, first and third overtone electromechanical coupling factors kt of 0.548 and kt3 of 0.219, and first and third overtone mechanical quality factors Qmt1 of 345 and Qmt3 of 292, respectively, made the device suitable for application as an ultrasonic transducer. When the length of the piezoelectric device was 7.7 mm, the first and third overtone electromechanical coupling factors kt1 of 0.555 and kt3 of 0.196, first and third overtone mechanical quality factors Qmt1 of 381 and Qmt3 of 393, and first and third overtone dynamic ratios (D.Rs) of 63.7 (dB) and 37.7 (dB) were suitable for device applications as an ultrasonic transducer and facial skin massage, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's goal was to compare and evaluate the benefits of deep friction massage and ultrasonic therapy (US) vs extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for people with lateral epicondylitis. This double-blind, parallel-arm randomized clinical trial was conducted after ethical approval on a sample of 80 subjects with lateral epicondylitis. Participants were enrolled based on predefined eligibility criteria. They were randomly allocated to groups A and B. Group A received ESWT, while Group B received the US combined with deep friction massage. Data was collected using the Numeric Pain Rating Score (NPRS) and Patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation questionnaire (PRTEE) at baseline, at 3rd, and at 7th week of treatment. On the basis of the normality of the data, a non-parametric test was applied to evaluate between-group and within-group differences. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. There was a significant difference between groups (p < 0.001). Comparisons of PRTEE scores at 3rd week and 7th week of intervention were found significant for both groups (p < 0.001). While considering between-group comparisons based on percentile scores of PRTEE at baseline, 3rd and 7th week of intervention, in group A Median (IQR) at the baseline was 24.00 (5.00), at 3rd week, 10.00 (5.00) and 7th week was 1.50 (2.50) and in group B Median (IQR) at the baseline was 25.00 (4.00), at 3rd week 19.50 (4.50) and at 7th week was 11.50 (2.50). The results were significant in both groups (p = 0.000), but between-group analysis revealed that ESWT is more effective in patients with lateral epicondylitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) as a sustainable technology has gained popularity in addressing the conflict between environmental protection and the machining requirements during cutting processes. However, conventional MQL systems employ pneumatic atomization, resulting in the generation of oil droplets with large particle sizes and uneven distribution, eventually leading to the inadequate lubrication performance of the MQL jet. In this case, the present study employed a combination of ultrasonic atomization and MQL technique to propose a novel cooling and lubrication approach and fabricate the ultrasonic vibration–assisted MQL (UVMQL) device. Geometric parameters of the ultrasonic vibrator of this device were designed and optimized using the theoretical design and finite element simulation techniques. Additionally, the impedance and amplitude detected to evaluate the performance of the UVMQL device. Subsequently, the comparative experiments were carried out under five cooling and lubrication conditions in machining of ultra-high strength steels: dry cutting, wet cutting, high-pressure air cooling, MQL, and UVMQL. Then, the machining performance of the UVMQL was discussed, in terms of cutting forces, cutting temperature, surface roughness, surface topography, and chips. Results demonstrate that in comparison to MQL, UVMQL has a lower cutting force by 5.3 N, leading to the formation of a more effective oil film lubrication layer. Due to the excellent penetration of fine oil droplets, UVMQL possesses a slightly higher cutting temperature than that of wet cutting by 43 °C, whereas results in optimal surface roughness value (Ra = 0.3 µm) and surface topography of the workpiece. Additionally, under UVMQL condition, the length of chip bonding zone is reduced by 39.8%, and the sawtooth height of chip is decreased by 35.9% compared to dry cutting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ultrasonic scalpel is widely used during surgery. It is safe and effective to close the pulmonary artery branch vessels of 7 mm or below with an ultrasonic energy device as reported. However, there have been no multicenter randomized clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of using ultrasonic scalpel to coagulate 5–7 mm blood vessels in thoracic surgery. Methods: This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, parallel controlled, non-inferiority clinical trial. A total of 144 eligible patients planning to undergo lung or esophageal surgery will be randomly allocated to the experimental group and the control group. The investigational product (Disposable Ultrasonic Shears manufactured by Reach Surgical, Inc.) and the control product (Harmonic Ace + 7, 5 mm Diameter Shears with Advanced Hemostasis) will be used in each group. The primary endpoint is the success rate of coagulating target blood vessels during surgery. Secondary endpoints include postoperative rebleeding, intraoperative bleeding volume, drainage volume, surgical duration, etc. Postoperative follow-up before and after discharge will be performed. Discussion: This clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of using the investigational product (Disposable Ultrasonic Shears manufactured by Reach Surgical, Inc.) and that of the control product (Harmonic Ace + 7, 5 mm Diameter Shears with Advanced Hemostasis) to coagulate 5–7 mm blood vessels in thoracic surgery. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06002737. The trial was prospectively registered on 16 August 2023, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06002737. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freeze-thaw process is a weathering phenomenon that occurs in rocks and stones when water enters small cracks and pores within the stone. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside the rock expands as it freezes, exerting pressure on the rock from within. In this study the effect of freeze thaw on mechanical parameter uniaxial compression strength (UCS) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of 47 oolitic samples were considered. At first, capillary absorption for cylindrical and prismatic oolitic samples were measured and then freeze-thaw experiment with 23 cycles were applied to the samples. UPV of samples before and after freeze-thaw was analysed by two ultrasonic devices including Geotron and Pundit. It was observed that freeze thaw decreases primary velocity (Vp) and secondary velocity (Vs) by around 20 and 7% respectively. However, average UCS of 1.6 MPa indicates strength decrease of samples, which represent negative effect of pore expansion due to freeze thaw on strength parameter of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic haptic technology is one of the more interesting novel technologies being intensively developed in recent years. Such technology has a number of undoubted advantages and potential applications, but it can also be a source of ultrasonic noise. Pursuant to the provisions of the labor law, ultrasonic noise at a high sound pressure level can be a harmful factor for human health. The article presents the results of the assessment of ultrasonic noise emitted by an ultrasonic haptic device and the assessment of exposure to noise of a person using the device. The tests were carried out using one of the haptic devices readily available on the market. Ultrasonic noise emission tests were carried out around the device, at selected points placed on the surface of a hemisphere of a radius of 0.5 m, for various haptic objects. The analyzed parameter was the equivalent sound pressure level in the 1/3 octave band with a center frequency of 40 kHz. Variable sound pressure levels ranged from 96 dB to 137 dB. Noise exposure tests were carried out both using the KEMAR measurement dummy and with test participants of different heights. In most cases, the sound pressure level exceeded 110 dB, and in the worst case it exceeded 131 dB. Comparison of the results of ultrasonic noise assessments with the permissible values of this noise in the working environment shows that in the case of prolonged or improper use of the device, the permissible values may be exceeded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes an improved approach to research the traditional method of breaking oil-based drilling cuttings coke (OBDCC). It delves into the damage characteristics of OBDCC when subjected to ultrasonic vibrations. The mechanism underlying the fracture of OBDCC due to ultrasonic vibration is scrutinized through theoretical analysis and finite element simulation, in conjunction with experimental research aimed at validating the viability of ultrasonic-assisted OBDCC crushing and exploring the factors influencing crushing efficiency. The analysis results indicate that through the resonant interaction and energy transmission of ultrasonic vibration, internal crack defects within OBDCC experience damage, rupture, and expansion. Ultrasonic makes the mechanical properties of OBDCC worse, which is reflected in the decrease of compressive strength. The experiment uses an ultrasonic vibration device with a frequency of 30 kHz, and ultrasonic vibration is applied to the OBDCC for 10 min. In comparison to the control group, the maximum destructive strength of the two experimental sets of OBDCC reduced by 29.43% and 29.97%, respectively. Highlights: The method of crushing oil-based drilling cuttings coke is studied innovatively. Through experiments, it is found that ultrasonic vibration increases the damage defects of the oil-based drilling cuttings coke and also reduces its compressive capacity. The results of this study provide important reference and guidance for ultrasonic-assisted oil-based drilling cuttings coke breaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Langevin transducer is a widely used power ultrasonic device across both medical and industrial applications, from orthopaedic surgery to drilling and welding. It is a sandwich-type device which typically consists of piezoelectric ceramic rings between two metallic end-masses. The transducer is commonly operated at a particular resonant mode to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to a target structure of interest, and is generally modelled using approaches including the transfer matrix method and electromechanical equivalent circuit methods. Here, we propose a variational framework to study the dynamics of the Langevin transducer based on the Timoshenko-Ehrenfest beam theory and Hamilton's principle. The variational equation derived from this model is then discretized by the standard finite element method with spectral elements. To verify the proposed one-dimensional electromechanical model, the computed resonance frequencies, or natural frequencies, of the one-dimensional model are compared to those of a three-dimensional finite element model with respect to varying geometry parameters characterizing the transducer. The results of the reduced one-dimensional and full three-dimensional models are then compared to those measured through an experimental investigation consisting of laser Doppler vibrometry. This is undertaken for the first ten eigenfrequencies, including longitudinal and bending modes, where normalized amplitudes and vibration mode shapes are reported. The close correlation between modelling and experiment demonstrates that the proposed one-dimensional electromechanical model can deliver results consistent with the full three-dimensional model and from experiment, thus verifying a rapid and reliable method for studying the free vibrations and dynamics of the Langevin transducer which accounts for the axial vibrations of the piezoelectric ceramic stack in all cases. • Created a variational framework based on the Timoshenko-Ehrenfest beam theory. • Proposed one-dimensional electromechanical model. • The model was solved by the spectral element method. • Verified the robustness of 1D model by comparing it to 3D models and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using apples as a raw material and its by-products, such as pomace, in the development of innovative products and drinks, contributes to the production chain of this fruit. The objective of this research was to evaluate physicochemical characteristics, phenolic and profile sensory in aged apple liqueur, prepared with different formulations. Liqueurs were produced using depectinized apple juice, integral apple juice, pectinolytic enzyme and dehydrated apple pomace, all with a final sugar concentration of 100 g/L and an alcohol content of 20% v/v. All received chips (1 cm³) of untoasted oak wood (5 g/L), for maturation for 120 days. The use of an ultrasonic probe was tested in the pre-treatment of wood chips as well as dehydrated apple pomace. Analyzes of acidity, pH, density, total sugar, individual compound profile, total phenols, antioxidant activity and color parameters were carried out. Sensory analysis was applied using the JAR methodology along with acceptability. The results showed that liqueurs made with depectinized juice presented the highest values of total phenols (191.03 mg EAC/L) and antioxidant activity (1001.32 µmol TE/L by DPPH, 1376.70 by FRAP and 1857.41 by ABTS). The liqueurs that received pomace, at the end of the maturation period, showed high luminosity (L* = 96.1) and a light-yellow tone (b* = 35.31). The action of the ultrasonic probe under the wood chips was evidenced with a 3% increase in total phenols and a 5% increase in antioxidant activity. The liqueur that used integral juice and pectinolytic enzyme in the formulation had greater color intensity (C* = 42.6) and a more prominent shade of yellow (b*= 42.66). Finally, formulating the liqueurs with depectinized juice contributes to greater color intensity and maturing the liqueurs with wood chips pre-treated with an ultrasonic device contributed to the incorporation of compounds, improving the concentration of total phenols, and increasing antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve the resource utilization of residual sludge, this study used an ultrasonic cracking device to release C and P from the residual sludge. The ultrasonic cracking parameters was optimized, and the compositions of the solid and solution before and after crushing were analyzed. The results showed that at ultrasound power of 720 W, carbon and phosphorus were completely released from the sludge in 22 minutes. Three dimensional fluorescence and phosphorus morphology analysis showed that the main components in the supernatant after ultrasonic cracking were organic carbon and organic phosphorus, and the bottom layer was an inorganic dehydrated solid. Microscopic analysis of sludge morphology showed that ultrasound could effectively break down the structure of biological sludge flocs, achieving the separation of sludge flocs and inorganic solid particles. Research has found that, ultrasonic cracking can achieve the separation of organic and inorganic components in sludge, which helps to achieve the recycling and utilization of sludge resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative, sensitive, and accurate method for liquid-liquid extraction using an ultrasonic device is presented in this work. A working system was created, consisting of two basic components: the ultrasonic device and the pump device, to pump or withdraw the organic layer. a study of the key variables derived from the liquid-liquid system was carried out in the system containing Dithizone ( 1 x 10ˆ-3 M) in (Chloroform) CHCl3 solvent. and aqueous copper (II) chloride(CuCl2.2H2O) ( 6 M) solution to determine the degree to which they affect the extraction performance attained in this manner. The effect of initial sample copper concentration and ultrasonic time, temperature effect, and pump speed, were studied, establishing the best conditions for a sample of (10 mL) aqueous solution of Cu (II) chloride, the optimum copper (II) concentration in the analyzed sample is (1x 10ˆ-6 M), the ultrasonic time for the device is (8 min), and the flow rate of the pump is (3mL/30sec) and a temperature (27ºC) and (pH=1). The extraction degree was optimum under these conditions (96±2%) and the relative standard deviation (RSD)% (0.29%), In this work, a simple method is proposed to extract and concentrate copper in aqueous copper chloride using an ultrasonic device in the presence of dithizone solvent. The main parameters affecting the extraction method such as copper ion concentration, pump speed, temperature, device time, and the effect of equal and different volumes were evaluated. The proposed method was applied for the determination of copper in aqueous copper chloride samples. Accuracy was assessed by comparing the results with a conventional extraction method (traditional methods). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided wave ultrasonic testing (GWUT) within the realm of pipeline inspection is an efficacious approach; however, current GWUT systems are characterized by high costs and power consumption, and their detection results are significantly susceptible to noise interference. Addressing these issues, this study introduces a GWUT system predicated on adaptive wavelet threshold denoising, centered around a low-power main controller, achieving cost-effective and low-power-consumption pipeline non-destructive testing (NDT) with clear results. The system employs an STM32 as the main controller and utilizes direct digital frequency synthesis (DDS) technology to generate ultrasonic excitation signals. These signals, after power amplifier processing, ensure high-stability output for the driving signal. In conjunction with the signal acquisition module, digital filtering of the collected signals is executed via the host computer. Empirical validation has demonstrated that the system can achieve an output amplitude of up to 90 Vpp within an excitation frequency range of 20 kHz–400 kHz, directly driving piezoelectric transducers. The optimal threshold is identified using the butterfly optimization algorithm, enabling the wavelet threshold function to adaptively denoise the echo signals, thereby significantly enhancing the capability to identify pipeline damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Destructive tests are not usually allowed in historic buildings; only non-destructive tests can be performed there. The obtained results should deliver the repair solutions that do not interfere into the historic layout of the church architecture and structure. One of the rarest areas subjected to non-destructive testing is diagnostic testing of wooden structures. However, calculations of strength verification cannot be performed if the wood class and quality are not determined. This paper describes in situ non-destructive testing of timber structural components of the roof truss system in the 19th century church in Osiecznica. The applied techniques were the standard ultrasonic and sclerometric methods, and additionally the original ultrasonic method with an instrument for analyzing the flow velocity of transverse waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial discusses the lacrimal drainage contributions of Mikhail Krasnov and Vladimir Beloglazov, two influential figures in Russian Dacryology. Krasnov, a leading ophthalmologist, founded a research institute that later bore his name, while Beloglazov, an otorhinolaryngologist, collaborated with Krasnov on important works in lacrimal sciences. Their partnership led to advancements in lacrimal procedures, including the introduction of ultrasonic energy and endonasal approaches, shaping the practice of Dacryology in Russia and beyond. [Extracted from the article]

Electrosurgical and ultrasonic devices are used in surgical procedures for hemostatic sealing and bisection of vascular tissues. Previous benchtop studies alternatively demonstrated successful infrared laser sealing and cutting of blood vessels, in a sequential, two-step approach. This study describes a smaller, laparoscopic device compatible design, and simultaneous approach to sealing and bisection of vessels, with potential optical feedback. A 1470-nm infrared diode laser sealed and bisected 40 porcine renal arteries, ex vivo. A reciprocating, side-firing, optical fiber, housed in a transparent square quartz optical chamber (2.7 × 2.7 × 25 mm outer dimensions), delivered laser energy over an 11 mm scan length, with a range of incident powers (41–59 W) and treatment times (5–21 s). Vessel diameters ranged from 2.5 to 4.8 mm. Vessel burst pressure measurements were performed on each cut end (n = 80) with success indicated by pressures exceeding 360 mmHg. All vessel ends were successfully sealed and bisected (80/80). The highest incident power, 59 W, yielded short treatment times of 5–6 s. Peak temperatures on the external chamber surface reached 103 oC. Time to cool down to body temperature measured 37 s. Infrared lasers simultaneously seal and bisect blood vessels, with treatment times comparable to, and temperatures and cooling times lower than reported for conventional devices. Future work will focus on integrating the fiber and chamber into a standard 5-mm-outer-diameter laparoscopic device. Customization of fiber scan length to match vessel size may also reduce laser energy deposition, enabling lower peak temperatures, treatment times, and cooling times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, underwater wireless ultrasonic energy transmission technology (UWUET) has attracted much attention because it utilizes the propagation characteristics of ultrasound in water. Effectively evaluating the performance of underwater ultrasonic wireless energy transmission is a key issue in engineering design. The current approach to performance evaluation is usually based on the system energy transfer efficiency as the main criterion, but this criterion mainly considers the overall energy conversion efficiency between the transmitting end and the receiving end, without an in-depth analysis of the characteristics of the distribution of the underwater acoustic field and the energy loss that occurs during the propagation of acoustic waves. In addition, existing methods focusing on acoustic field analysis tend to concentrate on a single parameter, ignoring the dynamic distribution of acoustic energy in complex aquatic environments, as well as the effects of changes in the underwater environment on acoustic propagation, such as spatial variability in temperature and salinity. These limitations reduce the usefulness and accuracy of models in complex marine environments, which in turn reduces the efficiency of acoustic energy management and optimization. To solve these problems, this study proposes a method to evaluate the performance of underwater ultrasonic energy radiation based on the spatial distribution characteristics of acoustic power. By establishing an acoustic power distribution model in a complex impedance–density aqueous medium and combining numerical simulation and experimental validation, this paper explores the spatial variation of acoustic power and its impact on the energy transfer efficiency in depth. Using high-resolution spatial distribution data and actual environmental parameters, the method significantly improves the accuracy of the assessment and the adaptability of the model in complex underwater environments. The results show that, compared with the traditional method, this method performs better in terms of the accuracy of the acoustic energy radiation calculation results, and is able to reflect the energy distribution and spatial heterogeneity of the acoustic source more comprehensively, which provides an important theoretical basis and practical guidance for the optimal design and performance enhancement of the underwater ultrasonic wireless energy transmission system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A device combining ultrasonic vibration plastic processing technology and single point incremental forming was developed in this work, with maximum power output of 2 kW at frequency of 20 kHz. On this basis, together with theoretical study, experiments and finite element simulation on forming force with aluminum alloy sheet 1060, the results showed that the forming force reduced evidently by appropriate selection of amplitude and frequency, meanwhile, the change of them had a remarkable influence on plastic behavior which can be summarized into two opposite aspects: the softening and the hardening effect. When a lower amplitude and frequency was applied to the forming process, the softening effect dominated, leading to a decrease of forming force, however, under the application of a high-vibrating amplitude and frequency, the harden effect dominated resulting in the decline of plasticity and the increase of flow resistance. The theoretical analytical results and the finite element simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results, which verified the accuracy of the theoretical model and simulation model. The research results provide theoretical and technical basis for selecting vibration parameters of ultrasonic vibration single point incremental forming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Phenothiazine and its derivatives have many biological effects, such as killing bacteria, protecting cells from damage, fighting cancer, and other drug-related effects. Methods: Phenothiazine-containing chalcone derivatives were tested for antibacterial activity using the agar-well diffusion method. For COVID-19, a molecular docking investigation of produced molecules was performed using AutoDock 2.0 software. Results and Discussion: Phenothiazine derivatives were characterized using spectral techniques such as IR, NMR, and mass spectral data. All the synthesized derivatives shown good antibacterial studies against various bacterial strains. The docking results of the synthesized ligand possesses good binding energy with 2AJF protein. Conclusions: This work presented standard procedures and focused on the synthesis and spectrum characterization of a series of phenothiazine integrated Chalcone derivatives employing ultrasonic irradiation. Phenothiazine and chalcone compounds have been shown to have potent antibacterial activity. The phenothiazine-based chalcone moieties in the drug's formation of hydrogen bonds with the target enzyme make it an efficient antiviral agent, according to the docking finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic elliptical vibration-assisted cutting (UEVC) has been successfully applied in the precision and ultra-precision machining of hard and brittle materials due to its advantages of a low cutting force and minimal tool wear. This study developed a novel double-excitation ultrasonic elliptic vibration-assisted cutting (D-UEVC) device by coupling ultrasonic vibrations in orthogonal dual paths. A two-degree-of-freedom vibration system of the D-UEVC was modeled, form which the elliptical trajectory of the end under different phase angle φ values was derived. The initial dimensions of the D-UEVC device were obtained through theoretical calculations. Subsequently, with the aid of finite element analysis methods, structural dynamic analysis of the device was conducted to obtain the elliptical vibration trajectory under different phase differences of the excitation source. In order to verify the cutting trajectory and cutting performance of the D-UEVC device, a prototype of the device was developed, and a series of vibration performance tests as well as the Inconel 718 cutting experiment were conducted. The experimental results illustrated that the D-UEVC device can achieve the elliptical vibration trajectory at the tool tip with a resonant frequency of 36.5 KHz. The adjustable elliptical vibration trajectories covered a range of ±4 μm in the axial and radial directions. Compared with the surface roughness Ra = 0.36 μm under the conventional cutting, the surface roughness of Inconel 718 under D-UEVC was Ra = 0.215 μm. Thus, the surface quality can be significant improved by utilizing the D-UEVC device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-contact ultrasonic atomization based on the Fabry--Pérot resonator is proposed to obtain atomized droplets with a reduced droplet diameter and concentrated droplet distributions. To better understand the mechanism inside the acoustic chamber, the acoustic--fluid interactions are numerically explored inside the Fabry--Pérot resonator to achieve the precise modulation of droplets. The influence of the acoustic chamber's geometry and the ultrasonic properties on the atomized droplet diameter and distributions is investigated, aiming to establish matching relationships between the atomized droplet diameter and the geometry of the acoustic chamber. The dynamic behaviors of droplet breakup are observed with a high-speed camera to reveal the atomization mechanism of liquid droplets in high-intensity acoustic fields. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed non-contact atomization can achieve atomized water droplets with a median diameter of ~24 μm, providing an alternative to ultrasonic spray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The layered structures of elastic solids have wide applications in various fields of engineering related to natural phenomena, foundations, composite structures, and ultrasonic devices, among others. To have a better understanding of the propagation characteristics of axisymmetric generalized Stoneley waves in a layered structure, the displacement is constructed using the Helmholtz decomposition method with the cylindrical formulation, and then the displacement and stress in the layered structure are presented with potential functions in the wave equations. The transfer matrix method is used to derive the equations of the axisymmetric Stoneley waves in layered elastic solids in the cylindrical coordinates for solutions of wave velocity and amplitudes. With a new formulation in cylindrical coordinates, numerical examples are presented for the dispersion and displacement characteristics of the generalized Stoneley wave of layered solids. The results show that if a low-speed interlayer is added between two semi-infinite media where Stoneley waves do not exist, a wave similar to the Stoneley wave, with displacement decaying exponentially in the semi-infinite direction, can exist. We refer to the Stoneley-like waves that exist in structures with several interlayers between two semi-infinite media as generalized Stoneley waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sour cherry has unique anthocyanin content, and it is rich in phenolic compounds. Dried sour cherry has a long shelf life and therefore may be a fine alternative to fresh fruit all year round. Aims: In this research, it was tried to evaluate the ability of ultrasonic method in reducing the drying time of sour cherry, while also introducing a mathematical model that best describes the drying kinetics. Methods: To apply ultrasound pre-treatment, the sour cherries were placed inside the ultrasonic bath device for 0, 4, 8, and 12 min, and after leaving the device and removing extra moisture, the samples in thin layers were placed in the dryer. In order to investigate the kinetics and predict the drying process of treated sour cherries, kinetic modeling was done with the help of experimental data and using the mathematical models. Results: The results showed that sonication treatment, causes an increase in moisture removal rate from the sour cherries, an increase in the effective moisture diffusivity coefficient, and as a result, reduces the drying time. By increasing the sonication time from 0 to 12 min, the average drying time of sour cherries in the hot-air dryer was decreased by approximately 27%. Also, increasing the sonication time from 0 to 12 min increased the average effective moisture diffusivity coefficient by 38%. The sonication time had no significant effect on the rehydration of dried sour cherries, and increasing pretreatment time from 4 to 12 min only increased the rehydration of the samples by 7%. The Page model was selected as the best model to predict moisture ratio changes under the selected experimental conditions. Conclusion: Generally, it is recommended to apply 12 min of ultrasound before the sour cherry drying process due to increasing the mass transfer rate and reducing the drying time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruit fiber of Borassus flabellifer (Lontar) is used by the local people in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, to treat various illnesses due to its various bioactive compounds. The extraction methods of bioactive compounds have become one of the factors that significantly affect the activity of a sample. This study aims to identify the extraction method that impacts the antioxidant and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity in a 96% ethanol extract from young lontar fruit fiber (YLFF) and old lontar fruit fiber (OLFF). The extraction methods used in this study were maceration (M), soxhlet (S), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Spectrophotometric analysis was performed to determine the total phenolics content, total flavonoid content, the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The result showed that the OLFF sample extracted by Soxhlet (OLFF-S) had the highest total phenolic content of 18.334 mg GAE/g extract and showed more significant activity in inhibiting the alpha-glucosidase enzyme than other samples. At 100 μg/mL, the OLFF-S sample exhibited a 2.441% inhibition of the alphaglucosidase enzyme, and at 2000 μg/mL, the inhibition increased to 23.087%. Meanwhile, the OLLF sample extracted using the MAE method (OLFF-MAE) had the highest total flavonoid content of 4.99 mg QE/g extract. It also showed the highest DPPH radicals scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 1435.70 μg/mL. In conclusion, the extraction method can impact the phenolic and flavonoid levels of ethanol extracts of both young and old fruit fibers of B. flabellifer, as well as their antioxidant properties and effectiveness as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On‐demand controlled drug delivery is essential for the treatment of a wide range of chronic diseases. As the drug is released at the time when required, its efficacy is boosted and the side effects are minimized. However, so far, drug delivery devices often rely on the passive diffusion process for a sustained release, which is slow and uncontrollable. Herein, a miniaturized microfluidic device for wirelessly controlled ultrafast active drug delivery is presented, driven by an oscillating solid–liquid interface. The oscillation generates acoustic streaming in the drug reservoir, which opens an elastic valve to deliver the drug. High‐speed microscopy reveals the fast response of the valve on the order of 1 ms, which is more than three orders of magnitude faster than the start‐of‐the‐art. The amount of the released drug exhibits a linear relationship with the working time and the electric power applied to the ultrasonic resonator. The trigger of the release is wirelessly controlled via a magnetic field, and the system shows stable output in a continuous experiment for two weeks. The integrated system shows great promise as a long‐term controlled drug delivery implant for chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel, high content technique using a cylindrical acoustic transducer, stroboscopic fast imaging, and homodyne detection to recover the mechanical properties (dynamic shear modulus) of living adherent cells at low ultrasonic frequencies is presented. By analyzing the micro‐oscillations of cells, whole populations are simultaneously mechanotyped with sub‐cellular resolution. The technique can be combined with standard fluorescence imaging allowing to further cross‐correlate biological and mechanical information. The potential of the technique is demonstrated by mechanotyping co‐cultures of different cell types with significantly different mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, remote control application of an ultrasonic motor (USM) has been achieved over the power line communication (PLC) system. Fast, practical, affordable and effective operating mode is essential for the USM. This study aimed to develop an original, efficient, effective and economical method. Drive and control of USM control has been succeeded with the developed PLC control system. A two-phase high-frequency inverter, a power line transmitter, and a power line receiver circuits have been designed to drive and control of the ultrasonic motor. Required measurements are acquired from the power line to select the most suitable communication frequency and coupling circuit impedance for the PLC system. For the communication frequency and impedance value measurements the receiver and the transmitter circuits have been designed. The PLC-controlled system has been tested for different operating conditions of the ultrasonic motor. USM control has been accomplished over the existing power line without using extra cables and interfaces for communication. The obtained results show that the PLC-controlled system is practical, reliable, cost-effective, and feasible for the remote control of the USM. This research contributes a new and essential perspective for the PLC-based remote control studies in addition to the USM drive and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares conventional turning (CT) and ultrasonic vibration-assisted turning (UVAT) in machining hardened AISI 52100 steel (62 HRC) with a PVDcoated TiAlSiN carbide tool. UVAT experiments, utilizing an ultrasonic frequency of 20 kHz and vibration amplitude of 20 µm, varied the cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut. Remarkably, UVAT reduced tool wear, extending tool longevity. Surprisingly, power consumption showed no significant differences between CT and UVAT. Mathematical models based on experimental data highlight the substantial impact of the cutting speed on tool wear, followed closely by the depth of cut. For power consumption, the depth of cut took precedence, with the cutting speed and feed rate playing pronounced roles in UVAT. This emphasizes the potential for further research on machinability, particularly exploring different vibration directions on the tool in feed, tangential, and radial aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cavitation effect is an important geochemical phenomenon, which generally exists under strong hydrodynamic conditions. Therefore, developing an economical and effective sonocatalyst becomes a vital method in capitalizing on the cavitation effect for energy generation. In this study, we first report a novel Fe3O4 sonocatalyst that can be easily separated using a magnetic field and does not require any additional cocatalysts for H2 production from H2O. When subjected to ultrasonic vibration, this catalyst achieves an impressive H2 production rate of up to 175 μmol/h/USD (where USD stands for dollars), surpassing most previously reported mechanical catalytic materials. Furthermore, the ease and efficiency of separating this catalyst using an external magnetic field, coupled with its effortless recovery, highlight its significant potential for practical applications. By addressing the key limitations of conventional sonocatalysts, our study not only demonstrates the feasibility of using Fe3O4 as a highly efficient sonocatalyst but also showcases the exciting possibility of using a new class of magnetically separable sonocatalysts to productively transform mechanical energy into chemical energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]