The evolution of robotics:research and application progress of dental implant robotic systems

The use of robots to augment human capabilities and assist in work has long been an aspiration.Robotics has been developing since the 1960s when the first industrial robot was introduced.As technology has advanced,robotic-assisted surgery has shown numerous advantages,including more precision,efficiency,minimal invasiveness,and safety than is possible with conventional techniques,which are research hotspots and cutting-edge trends.This article reviewed the history of medical robot development and seminal research papers about current research progress.Taking the autonomous dental implant robotic system as an example,the advantages and prospects of medical robotic systems would be discussed which would provide a reference for future research.

Drilling-based measuring method for the c-φ parameter of rock and its field application

The technology of drilling tests makes it possible to obtain the strength parameter of rock accurately in situ. In this paper, a new rock cutting analysis model that considers the influence of the rock crushing zone(RCZ) is built. The formula for an ultimate cutting force is established based on the limit equilibrium principle. The relationship between digital drilling parameters(DDP) and the c-φ parameter(DDP-cφ formula, where c refers to the cohesion and φ refers to the internal friction angle) is derived, and the response of drilling parameters and cutting ratio to the strength parameters is analyzed. The drillingbased measuring method for the c-φ parameter of rock is constructed. The laboratory verification test is then completed, and the difference in results between the drilling test and the compression test is less than 6%. On this basis, in-situ rock drilling tests in a traffic tunnel and a coal mine roadway are carried out, and the strength parameters of the surrounding rock are effectively tested. The average difference ratio of the results is less than 11%, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method for obtaining the strength parameters based on digital drilling. This study provides methodological support for field testing of rock strength parameters.

A 30-year overview of sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries(NIBs)have emerged as a promising alternative to commercial lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)due to the similar properties of the Li and Na elements as well as the abundance and accessibility of Na resources.Most of the current research has been focused on the half-cell system(using Na metal as the counter electrode)to evaluate the performance of the cathode/anode/electrolyte.The relationship between the performance achieved in half cells and that obtained in full cells,however,has been neglected in much of this research.Additionally,the trade-off in the relationship between electrochemical performance and cost needs to be given more consideration.Therefore,systematic and comprehensive insights into the research status and key issues for the full-cell system need to be gained to advance its commercialization.Consequently,this review evaluates the recent progress based on various cathodes and highlights the most significant challenges for full cells.Several strategies have also been proposed to enhance the electrochemical performance of NIBs,including designing electrode materials,optimizing electrolytes,sodium compensation,and so forth.Finally,perspectives and outlooks are provided to guide future research on sodium-ion full cells.

Response to Commentary by Dr. Matthew J. Clarkson on

Dear editor:We sincerely thank Matthew J.Clarkson for his insightful commentary1 on our recent publication in the Journal of Sport and Health Science.2 Clarkson's pioneering work in the development and application of blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise protocols has undeniably laid the groundwork for subsequent investigations in this field,including our own.(3-6)His commentary not only highlights the relevance and timeliness of our study but also offers valuable perspectives on refining safety considerations for intradialytic BFR exercise among hemodialysis patients.

Improving the nutritional values of yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae as an animal feed ingredient: a review

Yellow mealworm larvae(YML;Tenebrio molitor) are considered as a valuable insect species for animal feed due to their high nutritional values and ability to grow under different substrates and rearing conditions. Advances in the understanding of entomophagy and animal nutrition over the past decades have propelled research areas toward testing multiple aspects of YML to exploit them better as animal feed sources. This review aims to summarize various approaches that could be exploited to maximize the nutritional values of YML as an animal feed ingredient. In addition, YML has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial or bioactive agent to improve animal health and immune function in production animals. The dynamics of the nutritional profile of YML can be influenced by multiple factors and should be taken into account when attempting to optimize the nutrient contents of YML as an animal feed ingredient. Specifically, the use of novel land-based and aquatic feeding resources, probiotics, and the exploitation of larval gut microbiomes as novel strategies can assist to maximize the nutritional potential of YML. Selection of relevant feed supplies, optimization of ambient conditions, the introduction of novel genetic selection procedures, and implementation of effective post-harvest processing may be required in the future to commercialize mealworm production. Furthermore, the use of appropriate agricultural practices and technological improvements within the mealworm production sector should be aimed at achieving both economic and environmental sustainability. The issues highlighted in this review could pave the way for future approaches to improve the nutritional value of YML.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Flower Border Application Value of New and Superior Plants in Hefei Area

An analytic hierarchy process(AHP)was employed to assess the applicability of 18 new and superior varieties of flowers in Hefei City flower border applications.A total of 12 indicators were selected from three distinct aspects of adaptability,ornamental characteristics and use traits,in order to establish a comprehensive evaluation model.The results demonstrate that grade I(J≥2.685)exhibits excellent application value,encompassing six species of plants,such asHydrangeamacrophylla‘Endless Summer’;grade II(2.684≤J≤2.420)is also of notable application value,encompassing five species of plants,such asCallistemonrigidus;grade III(2.419≤J≤2.615)is of average application value,including five species of plants,such asCrocosmiacrocosmiflora;grade IV(J≤2.16)is of relatively poor application value.The evaluation results may be utilized as a theoretical reference for the promotion of new and superior varieties in the flower border of Hefei.

The Application of Bilayer Artificial Dermis Combined with VSD Technology in Chronic Wounds

Background: Bilayer artificial dermis promotes wound healing and offers a treatment option for chronic wounds. Aim: Examine the clinical efficacy of bilayer artificial dermis combined with Vacuum Sealing Drainage (VSD) technology in the treatment of chronic wounds. Method: From June 2021 to December 2023, our hospital treated 24 patients with chronic skin tissue wounds on their limbs using a novel tissue engineering product, the bilayer artificial dermis, in combination with VSD technology to repair the wounds. The bilayer artificial dermis protects subcutaneous tissue, blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and tendons, and also promotes the growth of granulation tissue and blood vessels to aid in wound healing when used in conjunction with VSD technology for wound dressing changes in chronic wounds. Results: In this study, 24 cases of chronic wounds with exposed bone or tendon larger than 1.0 cm2 were treated with a bilayer artificial skin combined with VSD dressing after wound debridement. The wounds were not suitable for immediate skin grafting. At 2 - 3 weeks post-treatment, good granulation tissue growth was observed. Subsequent procedures included thick skin grafting or wound dressing changes until complete wound healing. Patients were followed up on average for 3 months (range: 1 - 12 months) post-surgery. Comparative analysis of the appearance, function, skin color, elasticity, and sensation of the healed chronic wounds revealed superior outcomes compared to traditional skin fl repairs, resulting in significantly higher satisfaction levels among patients and their families. Conclusion: The application of bilayer artificial dermis combined with VSD technology for the repair of chronic wounds proves to be a viable method, yielding satisfactory therapeutic effects compared to traditional skin flap procedures.

Chalcogenide-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts

The unique photocatalytic mechanism of S-scheme heterojunction can be used to study new and efficient photocatalysts.By carefully selecting semiconductors for S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts,it is possible to reduce the rate of photogenerated carrier recombination and increase the conversion efficiency of light into energy.Chalcogenides are a group of compounds that include sulfides and selenides(e.g.,CdS,ZnS,Bi_(2)S_(3),MoS_(2),ZnSe,CdSe,and CuSe).Chalcogenides have attracted considerable attention as heterojunction photocatalysts owing to their narrow bandgap,wide light absorption range,and excellent photoreduction properties.This paper presents a thorough analysis of S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts based on chalcogenides.Following an introduction to the fundamental characteristics and benefits of S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts,various chalcogenide-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst synthesis techniques are summarized.These photocatalysts are used in numerous significant photocatalytic reactions,in-cluding the reduction of carbon dioxide,synthesis of hydrogen peroxide,conversion of organic matter,generation of hydrogen from water,nitrogen fixation,degradation of organic pollutants,and sterilization.In addition,cutting-edge characterization techniques,including in situ characterization techniques,are discussed to validate the steady and transient states of photocatalysts with an S-scheme heterojunction.Finally,the design and challenges of chalcogenide-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts are explored and recommended in light of state-of-the-art research.

Recent progress in the research on magnesium and magnesium alloy foils:A short review

Magnesium and magnesium alloy foils have great potential for application in battery anodes,electromagnetic shielding,optics and acoustics,and biology because of their excellent specific damping,internal dissipation coefficients,magnetic and electrical conductivities,as well as high theoretical specific capacity.However,magnesium alloys exhibit poor deformation ability due to their hexagonal close-packed crystal structure.Preparing magnesium and magnesium alloy foils with thicknesses of less than 0.1 mm is difficult because of surface oxidation and grain growth at high temperatures or severe anisotropy after cold rolling that leads to cracks.Numerous methods have been applied to prepare magnesium alloy foils.They include warm rolling,cold rolling,accumulative roll bonding,electric plastic rolling,and on-line heating rolling.Defects of magnesium and magnesium alloy foils during preparation,such as edge cracks and breakage,are important factors for consideration.Herein,the current status of the research on magnesium and magnesium alloy foils is summarized from the aspects of foil preparation,defect control,performance characterization,and application prospects.The advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods and defect(edge cracks and breakage)mechanisms in the preparation of foils are identified.

The immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of magnesium-containing implants in bone regeneration:A review

Traditional designs and developments of bone biomaterials mostly concentrate on the positive regulation of osteoblast lineage cells,but often ignore the importance of immune responses and the equilibrium between bone resorption mediated by osteoclasts and bone formation mediated by osteoblasts.Immune dysregulation is associated with an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes,which may influence the efficacy of bone therapy.Therefore,implanted biomaterials should appropriately and precisely modulate subsequent immune responses.Magnesium(Mg)has been used to fabricate various Mg alloys for bone repair because of its favorable attributes such as osteogenic potential,immune regulation characteristics,biodegradability,and biocompatibility.Various basic research and clinical trials have been already conducted in many countries to explore the physical properties of Mg-containing implants and their clinical outcomes in bone fracture and defect repair.Therefore,this review summarizes the immune response to Mg-containing implants,and further organizes the current research and development progress of Mg-containing implants.The review aims to offer an overview of the current knowledge on immunomodulation of Mg-containing implants and future challenges in their clinical application,which could provide further insight in the development of better strategies for the treatment of bone defect and fracture.

Spatiotemporal variations of sand hydraulic conductivity by microbial application methods

The spatiotemporal distributions of microbes in soil by different methods could affect the efficacy of the microbes to reduce the soil hydraulic conductivity.In this study,the specimens of bio-mediated sands were prepared using three different methods,i.e.injecting,mixing,and pouring a given microbial so-lution onto compacted sand specimens.The hydraulic conductivity was measured by constant-head tests,while any soil microstructural changes due to addition of the microbes were observed by scan-ning electron microscope(SEM)and mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP)tests.The amount of dextran concentration produced by microbes in each type of specimen was quantified by a refractometer.Results show that dextran production increased exponentially after 5-7 d of microbial settling with the supply of culture medium.The injection and mixing methods resulted in a similar amount and uniform dis-tribution of dextran in the specimens.The pouring method,however,produced a nonuniform distri-bution,with a higher concentration near the specimen surface.As the supply of culture medium discontinued,the dextran content near the surface produced by the pouring method decreased dramatically due to high competition for nutrients with foreign colonies.Average dextran concentration was negatively and correlated with hydraulic conductivity of bio-mediated soils exponentially,due to the clogging of large soil pores by dextran.The hydraulic conductivity of the injection and mixing cases did not change significantly when the supply of culture medium was absent.

Study on the Application of Refined Nursing Care in The Care for Elderly Patients with Reflux Esophagitis

Objective: To investigate the application effect of refined nursing care in the care for elderly patients with reflux esophagitis. Methods: Following the difference in nursing style, 84 cases of elderly patients with reflux esophagitis admitted to our hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were randomly grouped into a control group and a research group, with 42 cases each. The control group was given conventional nursing care and the research group was given refined nursing care. The psychological state and treatment adherence of the two groups of patients after the nursing intervention were compared. Results: After the nursing intervention, the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores of the research group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The treatment compliance of the research group was better than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The implementation of refined nursing care for elderly patients with reflux esophagitis exhibited a significant effect on improving the patient’s psychological state, treatment compliance, and rehabilitation.

Cation effects in electrocatalytic reduction reactions:Recent advances

Electrocatalytic reduction reactions,powered by clean energy sources such as solar energy and wind,offer a sustainable method for converting inexpensive feedstocks(e.g.,CO_(2),N_(2)/NO_(x),organics,and O_(2))into high-value-added chemicals or fuels.The design and modification of electrocatalysts have been widely implemented to improve their performance in these reactions.However,bottle-necks are encountered,making it challenging to further improve performance through catalyst development alone.Recently,cations in the electrolyte have emerged as critical factors for tuning both the activity and product selectivity of reduction reactions.This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the role of cation effects in electrocatalytic reduction reactions.First,we introduce the mechanisms underlying cation effects.We then provide a comprehensive overview of their application in electroreduction reactions.Characterization techniques and theoretical calcula-tion methods for studying cation effects are also discussed.Finally,we address remaining challeng-es and future perspectives in this field.We hope that this review offers fundamental insights and design guidance for utilizing cation effects,thereby advancing their development.

Magnesium fertilizer application increases peanut growth and pod yield under reduced nitrogen application in southern China

This study investigated the effect of magnesium application on peanut growth and yield under two nitrogen(N)application rates in acidic soil in southern China.The chlorophyll content,net photosynthetic rate and dry matter accumulation of the N-sensitive cultivar decreased under reduced N treatments,whereas no effect was observed on the relevant indicators in the N-insensitive variety GH1026.Mg application increased the net photosynthetic rate by increasing the expression of genes involved in chlorophyll synthesis and Rubisco activity in the leaves during the pegging stage under 50%N treatment,while no effect on the net photosynthetic rate was observed under the 100%N treatment.The rate of dry matter accumulation at the early growth stage,total dry matter accumulation and pod yield at harvest increased after Mg application under 50%N treatment by increasing the transportation of assimilates from stems and leaves to pods in both peanut varieties,whereas no effect was found under 100%N treatment.Moreover,Mg application increased the NUE under 50%N treatment.No improvement of NUE in either peanut variety was found under 100%N treatment,while Mg application under the 50%N treatment can obtain a higher economic benefit than the 100%N treatment.In acidic soil,application of 307.5 kg ha^(-1)of Mg sulfate fertilizer under 50%reduced nitrogen application is a suitable fertilizer management measure for improving carbon assimilation,NUE and achieve high peanut yields in southern China.

Crystallinity-defect matching relationship of g-C_(3)N_(4): Experimental and theoretical perspectives

Good crystallinity can reduce the charge recombination centers caused by defects,whilst structures with strong polycondensation have high charge mobility,leading to more charge transfer to the material surface for reaction.Much effort has been put into the preparation of a highly efficient g-C_(3)N_(4) with defects to improve its application potential under the premise in high crystallinity.Hence,this review paper emphasizes the importance to balance the defect and crystallinity of g-C_(3)N_(4).In addition,detailed discussion on the relationship between defects and activity of g-C_(3)N_(4) was carried out based on its applications in environmental purification(e.g.,VOCs oxidation,NO_(x) oxidation,H_(2)O_(2) evolution,sterilization,pesticide oxidation)and energy conversion(H_(2) evolution,N_(2) fixation and CO_(2) reduction).Lastly,the challenge in developing more efficient defective g-C_(3)N_(4) photocatalytic materials is summarized.

Advancing 5G Network Applications Lifecycle Security:An ML-Driven Approach

As 5th Generation(5G)and Beyond 5G(B5G)networks become increasingly prevalent,ensuring not only networksecurity but also the security and reliability of the applications,the so-called network applications,becomesof paramount importance.This paper introduces a novel integrated model architecture,combining a networkapplication validation framework with an AI-driven reactive system to enhance security in real-time.The proposedmodel leverages machine learning(ML)and artificial intelligence(AI)to dynamically monitor and respond tosecurity threats,effectively mitigating potential risks before they impact the network infrastructure.This dualapproach not only validates the functionality and performance of network applications before their real deploymentbut also enhances the network’s ability to adapt and respond to threats as they arise.The implementation ofthis model,in the shape of an architecture deployed in two distinct sites,demonstrates its practical viability andeffectiveness.Integrating application validation with proactive threat detection and response,the proposed modeladdresses critical security challenges unique to 5G infrastructures.This paper details the model,architecture’sdesign,implementation,and evaluation of this solution,illustrating its potential to improve network securitymanagement in 5G environments significantly.Our findings highlight the architecture’s capability to ensure boththe operational integrity of network applications and the security of the underlying infrastructure,presenting asignificant advancement in network security.

Time Parameter Based Low-Energy Data Encryption Method for Mobile Applications

Various mobile devices and applications are now used in daily life.These devices require high-speed data processing,low energy consumption,low communication latency,and secure data transmission,especially in 5G and 6G mobile networks.High-security cryptography guarantees that essential data can be transmitted securely;however,it increases energy consumption and reduces data processing speed.Therefore,this study proposes a low-energy data encryption(LEDE)algorithm based on the Advanced Encryption Standard(AES)for improving data transmission security and reducing the energy consumption of encryption in Internet-of-Things(IoT)devices.In the proposed LEDE algorithm,the system time parameter is employed to create a dynamic S-Box to replace the static S-Box of AES.Tests indicated that six-round LEDE encryption achieves the same security level as 10-round conventional AES encryption.This reduction in encryption time results in the LEDE algorithm having a 67.4%lower energy consumption and 43.9%shorter encryption time than conventional AES;thus,the proposed LEDE algorithm can improve the performance and the energy consumption of IoT edge devices.

Thermal management by manipulating electromagnetic parameters

Electromagnetic absorbing materials may convert electromagnetic energy into heat energy and dissipate it.However,in a high-power electromagnetic radiation environment,the temperature of the absorbing material rises significantly and even burns.It becomes critical to ensure electromagnetic absorption performance while minimizing temperature rise.Here,we systematically study the coupling mechanism between the electromagnetic field and the temperature field when the absorbing material is irradiated by electromagnetic waves.We find out the influence of the constitutive parameters of the absorbing materials(including uniform and non-uniform)on the temperature distribution.Finally,through a smart design,we achieve better absorption and lower temperature simultaneously.The accuracy of the model is affirmed as simulation results aligned with theoretical analysis.This work provides a new avenue to control the temperature distribution of absorbing materials.

Selection and application of four QTLs for grain protein content in modern wheat cultivars

The grain protein content(GPC)is the key parameter for wheat grain nutritional quality.This study conducted a resampling GWAS analysis using 406 wheat accessions across eight environments,and identified four previously reported GPC QTLs.An analysis of 87 landraces and 259 modern cultivars revealed the loss of superior GPC haplotypes,especially in Chinese cultivars.These haplotypes were preferentially adopted in different agroecological zones and had broad effects on wheat yield and agronomic traits.Most GPC QTLs did not significantly reduce yield,suggesting that high GPC can be achieved without a yield penalty.The results of this study provide a reference for future GPC breeding in wheat using the four identified QTLs.

PDOL-Based Solid Electrolyte Toward Practical Application:Opportunities and Challenges

Polymer solid-state lithium batteries(SSLB)are regarded as a promising energy storage technology to meet growing demand due to their high energy density and safety.Ion conductivity,interface stability and battery assembly process are still the main challenges to hurdle the commercialization of SSLB.As the main component of SSLB,poly(1,3-dioxolane)(PDOL)-based solid polymer electrolytes polymerized in-situ are becoming a promising candidate solid elec-trolyte,for their high ion conductivity at room temperature,good battery elec-trochemical performances,and simple assembly process.This review analyzes opportunities and challenges of PDOL electrolytes toward practical application for polymer SSLB.The focuses include exploring the polymerization mechanism of DOL,the performance of PDOL composite electrolytes,and the application of PDOL.Furthermore,we provide a perspective on future research directions that need to be emphasized for commercialization of PDOL-based electrolytes in SSLB.The exploration of these schemes facilitates a comprehensive and profound understanding of PDOL-based polymer electrolyte and provides new research ideas to boost them toward practical application in solid-state batteries.