Dosimetric Comparison of Fixed and Flexible Geometry ICRT Applicators in Patients Treated for Carcinoma Cervix

In intracavitary radiotherapy (ICRT) for cancer cervix, applicator geometry has the potential to impact the doses to organs at risk (OARs) and the coverage of the target volume. At our centre two Varian made Fletcher-style applicator sets, namely defined (fixed) geometry and flexible geometry, are used for ICRT. In the present work, the two types of applicators were compared dosimetrically as per the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU-38) while delivering high dose rate brachytherapy. Twenty four patients who underwent ICRT were considered for this study. Radiographic method was used for treatment planning on Abacus planning system. ICRU-38 recommended parameters were estimated and compared. Flexible geometry applicator showed 8.8% and 16% higher bladder and rectum point doses as compared to the fixed geometry one but the difference was statistically not significant. The thickness of the pear-shaped isodose volume was larger for the flexible geometry implant also indicating towards higher doses to OARs. The higher bladder and rectum point doses in the case of flexible applicator will need to be validated by a larger data set.

Pseudo Central-Catheter Method for Asymmetrical Vaginal Prescription with Multi-Channel Cylindrical Applicators in Image-Guided High Dose-Rate Brachytherapy

Multi-channel cylindrical applicators for high dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy are utilized mainly for special gynecology cases often involving image-guidance high dose-rate (IG-HDR or IGBT) brachytherapy. In these cases, doses are prescribed to partial vaginal wall/depth where the disease is indicated by an MRI study scanned on the same day. These novel IG-HDR procedures are logistical challenges comparing to typical HDR out-patient treatments due to the complexity of planning for asymmetrical prescriptions as well as the extension of the whole procedure. Indeed the main advantages of HDR over LDR brachytherapy would be significantly weaken unless the IG-HDR procedures become more efficient in time, thus timely treatment planning becomes crucial. Based on our clinical experience, we propose the pseudo central-catheter method to reduce errors, to minimize uncertainty and to ensure efficiency. In this method, the central hollow path of the multi-channel cylindrical applicator is digitized into a pseudo catheter similar to other active catheters, and the asymmetrical prescription points could be generated corresponding to the pseudo dwelling points in the pseudo central-catheter. The pseudo dwelling points are later deleted after generating the prescription point arrays. This method is robust with minimal chance of errors or uncertainties, and demonstrates high efficiency with much less chance of uncertainty, which is significant for IG-HDR brachytherapy procedures utilizing multi-channel applicators.

Comparison of Three Single-Nozzle Operator-Carried Spray Applicators for Whitefly (<i>Bemisia tabaci</i>) Management on Squash

Whiteflies cause problems in vegetable production on a global scale. The primary worldwide whitefly pest is Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Insecticides are commonly used to mitigate the whitefly problem in vegetable crops. In limited-resource crop production, operator-carried spray applicators are commonly used for pesticide treatments. Three single-nozzle operator-carried spray applicators were assessed for their efficacies for whitefly (B. tabaci) control on summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) in Egypt. Each knapsack spray equipment was evaluated with five biorational and conventional insecticides. Counts of whitefly nymphs (first, second, third and fourth instars) on leaf samples were taken on 3, 9, 15 and 21 days after treatments with the insecticides. Nymphal mortality varied about 10% among the three spray equipment treatments. The Economy Micro Ulva sprayer resulted in significantly more nymphal mortality as compared with the Arimitsu sprayer and the CZP-3 sprayer, respectively. All insecticides greatly suppressed the whitefly populations;mean mortality ranged from 73% to 95% for all nymphs combined by day for a given treatment. These results provide pest management practitioners with performance assessment of the three operator-carried pesticide applicators for whitefly management with selected foliar insecticides.

Remnant fertilizer monitoring system for maize fertilizer applicators

A remnant fertilizer monitoring system utilizing three-dimensional(3D)reconstruction was proposed to detect the amount of remaining fertilizer in the applicator’s tank.Bench tests were carried out to compare the performance of four algorithms to estimate the remnant fertilizer amount:fertilizer remnant monitoring biharmonic spline algorithm(V4),natural nearest-neighbor algorithm(Natural),linear algorithm(Linear),cubic algorithm(Cubic).The average relative error for remnant fertilizer monitoring is 7.33%for the Linear algorithm,7.30%for the Natural algorithm,5.18%for the Cubic algorithm,and 4.30%for the V4 algorithm.Field tests are conducted at three fertilization rates to compare the performances of the V4 and Cubic algorithms.The average relative error for discharged fertilizer monitoring is 8.64%for the Cubic algorithm,which is 1.91%lower than that of the V4 algorithm.The results show that the Cubic algorithm has the best performance for remnant fertilizer monitoring.The average relative error of remnant fertilizer monitoring is 2.42%for the Cubic algorithm,which is 0.43%lower than that of the V4 algorithm.The response time of the remnant fertilizer monitoring system is 0.26 s.The results demonstrate that the proposed remnant fertilizer monitoring system is highly accurate and suitable for real-time applications.

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.

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.

先进压缩空气储能系统的基础研究与应用进展

Decarbonization of the electric power sector is essential for sustainable development.Low-carbon generation technologies,such as solar and wind energy,can replace the CO_(2)-emitting energy sources(coal and natural gas plants).As a sustainable engineering practice,long-duration energy storage technologies must be employed to manage imbalances in the variable renewable energy supply and electricity demand.Compressed air energy storage(CAES)is an effective solution for balancing this mismatch and therefore is suitable for use in future electrical systems to achieve a high penetration of renewable energy generation.This study introduces recent progress in CAES,mainly advanced CAES,which is a clean energy technology that eliminates the use of fossil fuels,compared with two commercial CAES plants at Huntorf and McIntosh which are conventional ones utilizing fossil fuels.Advanced CAES include adiabatic CAES,isothermal CAES,liquid air energy storage,supercritical CAES,underwater CAES,and CAES coupled with other technologies.The principles and configurations of these advanced CAES technologies are briefly discussed and a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art technologies is presented,including theoretical studies,experiments,demonstrations,and applications.The comparison and discussion of these CAES technologies are summarized with a focus on technical maturity,power sizing,storage capacity,operation pressure,round-trip efficiency,efficiency of the components,operation duration,and investment cost.Potential application trends were compiled.This paper presents a comprehensive reference for developing novel CAES systems and makes recommendations for future research and development to facilitate their application in several areas,ranging from fundamentals to applications.

Versatile MXene Gels Assisted by Brief and Low‑Strength Centrifugation

Due to the mutual repulsion between their hydrophilic surface terminations and the high surface energy facilitating their ran-dom restacking,2D MXene nanosheets usually cannot self-assemble into 3D macroscopic gels with various applications in the absence of proper linking agents.In this work,a rapid spontaneous gelation of Ti3C2Tx MXene with a very low dispersion concentration of 0.5 mg mL^(-1) into multifunctional architectures under moderate centrifugation is illustrated.The as-prepared MXene gels exhibit reconfigurable internal structures and tunable rheological,tribological,electrochemical,infrared-emissive and photothermal-conversion properties based on the pH-induced changes in the surface chemistry of Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) nanosheets.By adopting a gel with optimized pH value,high lubrication,exceptional specific capacitances(~635 and~408 F g^(-1) at 5 and 100 mV s^(-1),respectively),long-term capacitance retention(~96.7%after 10,000 cycles)and high-precision screen-or extrusion-printing into different high-resolution anticounterfeiting patterns can be achieved,thus displaying extensive potential applications in the fields of semi-solid lubrication,control-lable devices,supercapacitors,information encryption and infrared camouflaging.

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.

MXene-Based Elastomer Mimetic StretchableSensors: Design, Properties, and Applications

Flexible sensors based on MXene-polymer composites are highly prospective for next-generation wearable electronics used in human-machine interfaces.One of the motivating factors behind the progress of flexible sensors is the steady arrival of new conductive materials.MXenes,a new family of 2D nanomaterials,have been draw-ing attention since the last decade due to their high electronic conduc-tivity,processability,mechanical robustness and chemical tunability.In this review,we encompass the fabrication of MXene-based polymeric nanocomposites,their structure-property relationship,and applications in the flexible sensor domain.Moreover,our discussion is not only lim-ited to sensor design,their mechanism,and various modes of sensing platform,but also their future perspective and market throughout the world.With our article,we intend to fortify the bond between flexible matrices and MXenes thus promoting the swift advancement of flexible MXene-sensors for wearable technologies.

Driver at 10 MJ and 1 shot/30 min for inertial confinement fusion at high gain:Efficient,compact,low-cost,low laser-plasma instabilities,beam color selectable from 2ω/3ω/4ω,applicable to multiple laser fusion schemes

The achievement of ignition at the National Ignition Facility(NIF)has prompted a global wave of further research on inertial fusion energy(IFE).However,IFE requires a target gain G of 30-100,and it is hard to achieve fusion at such high gain with the energy,configuration,and technical approach of the NIF.Here,we present a conceptual design for a next-generation laser driver that is applicable to multiple laser fusion schemes and provides 10 MJ,2-3 PW at 3ω(or 2ω,in which case the energy and power can be higher),and one shot per 30 min,with the aim of achieving G>30.It is also efficient,compact,and low in cost,and it has low susceptibility to laser-plasma instabilities.

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.

基于改进DBSCAN和距离共识评估的分段点云去噪方法

针对点云数据中噪声点的剔除问题,提出了一种基于改进DBSCAN(density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise)算法的多尺度点云去噪方法。应用统计滤波对孤立离群点进行预筛选,去除点云中的大尺度噪声;对DBSCAN算法进行优化,减少算法时间复杂度和实现参数的自适应调整,以此将点云分为正常簇、疑似簇及异常簇,并立即去除异常簇;利用距离共识评估法对疑似簇进行精细判定,通过计算疑似点与其最近的正常点拟合表面之间的距离,判定其是否为异常,有效保持了数据的关键特征和模型敏感度。利用该方法对两个船体分段点云进行去噪,并与其他去噪算法进行对比,结果表明,该方法在去噪效率和特征保持方面具有优势,精确地保留了点云数据的几何特性。

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.

Heating of nanoparticles and their environment by laser radiation and applications

This review considers the fundamental dynamic processes involved in the laser heating of metal nanoparticles and their subsequent cooling.Of particular interest are the absorption of laser energy by nanoparticles,the heating of a single nanoparticle or an ensemble thereof,and the dissipation of the energy of nanoparticles due to heat exchange with the environment.The goal is to consider the dependences and values of the temperatures of the nanoparticles and the environment,their time scales,and other parameters that describe these processes.Experimental results and analytical studies on the heating of single metal nanoparticles by laser pulses are discussed,including the laser thresholds for initiating subsequent photothermal processes,how temperature influences the optical properties,and the heating of gold nanoparticles by laser pulses.Experimental studies of the heating of an ensemble of nanoparticles and the results of an analytical study of the heating of an ensemble of nanoparticles and the environment by laser radiation are considered.Nanothermometry methods for nanoparticles under laser heating are considered,including changes in the refractive indices of metals and spectral thermometry of optical scattering of nanoparticles,Raman spectroscopy,the thermal distortion of the refractive index of an environment heated by a nanoparticle,and thermochemical phase transitions in lipid bilayers surrounding a heated nanoparticle.Understanding the sequence of events after radiation absorption and their time scales underlies many applications of nanoparticles.The applicationfields for the laser heating of nanoparticles are reviewed,including thermochemical reactions and selective nanophotothermolysis initiated in the environment by laser-heated nanoparticles,thermal radiation emission by nanoparticles and laser-induced incandescence,electron and ion emission of heated nanoparticles,and optothermal chemical catalysis.Applications of the laser heating of nanoparticles in laser nanomedicine are of particular interest.Significant emphasis is given to the proposed analytical approaches to modeling and calculating the heating processes under the action of a laser pulse on metal nanoparticles,taking into account the temperature dependences of the parameters.The proposed models can be used to estimate the parameters of lasers and nanoparticles in the various applicationfields for the laser heating of nanoparticles.

A review on ultra-small undoped MoS_(2) as advanced catalysts for renewable fuel production

Molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2))has garnered significant attention in the field of catalysis due to the high density of active sites in its unique two-dimensional(2D)structure,which could be developed into numerous high-performance catalysts.The synthesis of ultra-small MoS2 particles(<10 nm)is highly desired in various experimental studies.The ultra-small structure could often lead to a distinct S-Mo coordination state and nonstoichiometric composition in MoSx,minimizing in-plane active sites of the 2D structure and making it probable to regulate the atomic and electronic structure of its intrinsic active sites on a large extent,especially in MoSx clusters.This article summarizes the recent progress of catalysis over ultra-small undoped MoS_(2) particles for renewable fuel production.Through a systematic review of their synthesis,structural,and spectral characteristics,as well as the relationship between their catalytic performance and inherent defects,we aim to provide insights into catalysis over this matrix that may potentially enable advancement in the development of high-performance MoS_(2)-based catalysts for sustainable energy generation in the future.

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.

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.

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.