De Novo Synthesis of Biopaint Using Transformed Bacteria: Analysis of Spectral Intensity Trends and Comparison to Commercial Paint

Background: Commercial paint pigments contain toxic heavy metals that harm humans and pollute the environment. To mitigate these harms, ecologically safe pigments are necessary. Objective: This experiment aims to create a biopaint de-novo using transformed Escherichia coli bacteria and compare it to commercial paint. Methods: Genetically engineered E. coli bacteria producing magenta pigment were grown in petri dishes. The pigment protein was extracted, filtered, and dehydrated into a crystalline powder. This was mixed with acrylic medium to make biopaint. The biopaint and commercial paint were applied on acrylic paper;red, green, blue, and total spectral intensities were measured daily under different testing conditions. Spectral intensity variability was measured and compared using the Coefficient of Variation (CV). Trends in spectral intensity were analyzed using regression analysis. Results: The differences in the CV of biopaint to commercial paint were less than 20% under all testing conditions. Spectral intensities for both biopaint and commercial paint did not show any significant change during the testing period under the conditions of room temperature, heat, and humidity. However, under the cold testing condition, biopaint showed a slight but statistically significant (p-value Conclusion: This experiment proves that E. coli-derived pigments can be used to make biopaint which has a similar durability to commercial paint as measured by the spectral intensities.

Investigation of the Film Formation in Dynamic Air Spray Painting

To accurately predict the film thickness distribution during dynamic spraying performed with air guns and support accordingly the development of intelligent spray painting,the spray problem was analyzed numerically.In particular,the Eulerian-Eulerian approach was employed to calculate the paint atomization and film deposition process.Different spray heights,spray angles,spray gun movement speeds,spray trajectory curvature radii,and air pressure values were considered.Numerical simulation results indicate that the angle of spray painting significantly affects the velocity of droplets near the spray surface.With an increase in the spraying angle,spraying height and spray gun movement speed,the maximum film thickness decreases to varying degrees,and the uniformity of the film thickness also continuously worsens.When the spray gun moves along an arc trajectory,at smaller arc radii,the film thickness on the inside of the arc is slightly greater than that on the outside,but the impact on the maximum film thickness is minimal.Increasing air pressure expands the coating coverage area,results in finer atomization of paint droplets,and leads to a thinner and a more uniform paint film.However,if the pressure is too high,it can cause paint splattering.Using the orthogonal experimental method,multiple sets of simulation calculations were conducted,and the combined effects of spraying height,spray angle,and spray gun movement speed on the film thickness distribution were comprehensively analyzed to determine optimal configurations.Finally,the reliability of the numerical simulations was validated through dynamic spray painting experiments.

Remaining Useful Life for Heavy-Duty Railway Cast Steel Knuckles Based on Crack Growth Behavior with Hypothetical Distributions

The current research on the integrity of critical structures of rail vehicles mainly focuses on the design stage,which needs an effective method for assessing the service state.This paper proposes a framework for predicting the remaining useful life(RUL)of in-service structures with and without visible cracks.The hypothetical distribution and delay time models were used to apply the equivalent crack growth life data of heavy-duty railway cast steel knuckles,which revealed the evolution characteristics of the crack length and life scores of the knuckle under different fracture failure modes.The results indicate that the method effectively predicts the RUL of service knuckles in different failure modes based on the cumulative failure probability curves for different locations and surface crack lengths.This study proposes an RUL prediction framework that supports the dynamic overhaul and state maintenance of knuckle fatigue cracks.

Drishti Paint 3.2:a new open-source tool for both 2D and 3D segmentation

X-ray computed tomography(CT)has been an important technology in paleontology for several decades.It helps researchers to acquire detailed anatomical structures of fossils non-destructively.Despite its widespread application,developing an efficient and user-friendly method for segmenting CT data continues to be a formidable challenge in the field.Most CT data segmentation software operates on 2D interfaces,which limits flexibility for real-time adjustments in 3D segmentation.Here,we introduce Curves Mode in Drishti Paint 3.2,an open-source tool for CT data segmentation.Drishti Paint 3.2 allows users to manually or semi-automatically segment the CT data in both 2D and 3D environments,providing a novel solution for revisualizing CT data in paleontological studies.

Real-Time Co-optimization of Gear Shifting and Engine Torque for Predictive Cruise Control of Heavy-Duty Trucks

Fuel consumption is one of the main concerns for heavy-duty trucks.Predictive cruise control(PCC)provides an intriguing opportunity to reduce fuel consumption by using the upcoming road information.In this study,a real-time implementable PCC,which simultaneously optimizes engine torque and gear shifting,is proposed for heavy-duty trucks.To minimize fuel consumption,the problem of the PCC is formulated as a nonlinear model predictive control(MPC),in which the upcoming road elevation information is used.Finding the solution of the nonlinear MPC is time consuming;thus,a real-time implementable solver is developed based on Pontryagin’s maximum principle and indirect shooting method.Dynamic programming(DP)algorithm,as a global optimization algorithm,is used as a performance benchmark for the proposed solver.Simulation,hardware-in-the-loop and real-truck experiments are conducted to verify the performance of the proposed controller.The results demonstrate that the MPC-based solution performs nearly as well as the DP-based solution,with less than 1%deviation for testing roads.Moreover,the proposed co-optimization controller is implementable in a real-truck,and the proposed MPC-based PCC algorithm achieves a fuel-saving rate of 7.9%without compromising the truck’s travel time.

Indoor Formaldehyde Removal Techniques through Paints: Review

Due to its ability to cause illnesses and discomfort even at low concentrations, formaldehyde pollution of indoor air poses a significant risk to human health. Sources of formaldehyde in indoor environments include textiles, paints, wallpapers, glues, adhesives, varnishes, and lacquers;furniture and wooden products like particleboard, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard that contain formaldehyde-based resins;shoe products;cosmetics;electronic devices;and other consumer goods like paper products and insecticides. According to the World Health Organisation, indoor formaldehyde concentrations shouldn’t exceed 0.1 mg/m3. The methods include membrane separation, plasma, photocatalytic decomposition, physisorption, chemisorption, biological and botanical filtration, and catalytic oxidation. Materials based on metal oxides and supported noble metals work as oxidation catalysts. Consequently, a paint that passively eliminates aldehydes from buildings can be developed by adding absorbents and formaldehyde scavengers to the latex composition. It will be crucial to develop techniques for the careful detection and removal of formaldehyde in the future. Additionally, microbial decomposition is less expensive and produces fewer pollutants. The main goal of future research will be to develop a biological air quality control system that will boost the effectiveness of formaldehyde elimination. The various methods of removing formaldehyde through paints have been reviewed here, including the use of mixed metal oxides, formaldehyde-absorbing emulsions, nano titanium dioxide, catalytic oxidation, and aromatic formaldehyde abating materials that can improve indoor air quality.

A human-sensitive frequency band vibration isolator for heavy-duty truck seats

In this study,a human-sensitive frequency band vibration isolator(HFBVI)with quasi-zero stiffness(QZS)characteristics for heavy-duty truck seats is designed to improve the comfort of heavy-duty truck drivers on uneven roads.First,the analytical expressions for the force and displacement of the HFBVI are derived with the Lagrange equation and d'Alembert's principle,and are validated through the prototype restoring force testing.Second,the harmonic balance method(HBM)is used to obtain the dynamic responses under harmonic excitation,and further the influence of pre-stretching on the dynamic characteristics and transmissibility is discussed.Finally,the experimental prototype of the HFBVI is fabricated,and vibration experiments are conducted under harmonic excitation to verify the vibration isolation performance(VIP)of the proposed vibration isolator.The experimental results indicate that the HFBVI can effectively suppress the frequency band(4-8 Hz)to which the human body is sensitive to vertical vibration.In addition,under real random road spectrum excitation,the HFBVI can achieve low-frequency vibration isolation close to 2 Hz,providing new prospects for ensuring the health of heavy-duty truck drivers.

Co-pyrolysis of Sewage Sludge with Paint Sludge: Kinetics and Thermodynamic Analysis via Iso-conversional Methods

This study explored the synergistic interaction of sewage sludge(SS)and automotive paint sludge(PS)during co-pyrolysis for the optimized treatment of sewage sludge in cement kiln systems,utilizing thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)and thermogravimetric-mass spectrometry(TGA-MS).The result reveals the coexisting synergistic and antagonistic effects in the co-pyrolysis of SS/PS.The synergistic effect arises from hydrogen free radicals in SS and catalytic components in PS,while the main source of the antagonistic effect is that,during the mechanical mixing process,the SS/PS is converted from the particulate form into a dough-like rubbery which contributes to the film-forming effect,hindering the volatilization of volatile components.SS/PS co-pyrolysis reduces the yielding of tar production while increasing coke and gas.This study will provide some in-depth insights into the co-pyrolysis of SS/PS,and offer theoretical support for the subsequent research on the collaborative disposal processes in cement kilns.

Improved Scatter Search Algorithm for Multi-skilled Personnel Scheduling of Ship Block Painting

This paper focuses on the optimization method for multi-skilled painting personnel scheduling.The budget working time analysis is carried out considering the influence of operating area,difficulty of spraying area,multi-skilled workers,and worker’s efficiency,then a mathematical model is established to minimize the completion time. The constraints of task priority,paint preparation,pump management,and neighbor avoidance in the ship block painting production are considered. Based on this model,an improved scatter search(ISS)algorithm is designed,and the hybrid approximate dynamic programming(ADP)algorithm is used to improve search efficiency. In addition,the two solution combination methods of path-relinking and task sequence combination are used to enhance the search breadth and depth. The numerical experimental results show that ISS has a significant advantage in solving efficiency compared with the solver in small scale instances;Compared with the scatter search algorithm and genetic algorithm,ISS can stably improve the solution quality. Verified by the production example,ISS effectively shortens the total completion time of the production,which is suitable for scheduling problems in the actual painting production of the shipyard.

The Study of “Imitation” Aesthetics in Ancient Painting Theory-Taking the Chinese and Western Sources as an Example

The theory of“imitation”in painting occupies a leading position in western art,which originated from the theory of“imitation”in ancient Greece,and has become one of the art theories affecting the world through the continuous development of later generations.Through the exploration of the source of“imitation”in China and the West,there are some comments on the meaning of“imitation”in Chinese classical painting theory,such as“transfer model writing”and“image form”,which is obvious differences from the west.Traditional Chinese painting is a combination of careful observation of natural things and subjective emotions to express their own aesthetic feelings,and ultimately form a vivid artistic conception.Modern imitation is borrowed from Western imitation.In fact,imitation in traditional painting has its own meaning,which contains Chinese aesthetic thought.“Imitation”aesthetics is unique in traditional Chinese painting and is the most important form of painting art.

Analysis of Color and Artistic Conception in Painting Art

The charm of painting,as a bright pearl in the treasure house of culture,lies in its visual language constructed through colors and lines,which conveys the artist’s unique perception of life and profound emotions.Color,as the most intuitive and expressive language in painting,is not only a simple reproduction of material colors but also a projection of the artist’s inner world.Artistic conception,as a core concept in traditional Chinese painting theory,refers to the emotional atmosphere and spiritual mood embedded in paintings.The purpose of this paper is to discuss the interaction between color and mood in painting art,to analyze the techniques of using color in different painting styles and their influence on the creation of mood,and to provide new perspectives and methods for the creation of paintings.

Exploration of the Expression of Color Emotion in Oil Painting Sketch Creation

This paper deeply analyzes the expression of color emotion in oil painting sketch creation.Starting with the three basic attributes of color theory(hue,lightness,and purity),this paper discusses its emotional symbolic significance and the relationship between contrast and harmony.By interpreting the works of artists such as Van Gogh’s Sunflower,Monet’s Rouen Cathedral,and Cézanne’s Mont Sainte-Victoire,this paper shows the unique charm of different colors in conveying emotions,creating atmosphere,and expressing themes.At the same time,it is expounded that in the creation of an oil painting sketch,the effective expression of color emotion can be realized by observing nature,using subjective colors,and reasonable composition and layout of colors,so as to enhance the artistic value of the works.

Analysis of Viewing Paintings from the Perspective of Iconography

Distinguished from purely formalistic research methods,iconography pursues the interpretation of the hidden historical and humanistic connotations behind artworks,and is a discipline that combines visual text and content analysis methods.Combining the three stages of iconography proposed by Panofsky,the paper studies Shizeng Chen’s Viewing Paintings from the perspective of iconography,summarizing the formation and change of the images and contents of the artworks in the cultural system and civilization at that time,as well as their implied ideology,and analyzing the hidden spirit of the times and the historical significance behind them,so as to expound their iconographic significance.Through an in-depth discussion at three levels:pre-pictorial iconographic description,iconographic analysis,and iconographic interpretation,the facts and surface contents reproduced in the images,the traditional level of literary,artistic,and cultural knowledge,as well as the interpretation of the potential meanings are revealed.

Color Expression and Mood Creation in Imagery Oil Painting

Oil painting is a traditional Western painting form.With the introduction of China and the influence of China’s traditional painting and aesthetics,the painting style became more distinctive,expanding a new development direction of oil painting,and thus imagery oil painting came into being.Color,as the most important element in imagery oil painting,mainly plays the role of mood creation and emotional expression.Many creators are good at injecting their thoughts and emotions into the paintings through color matching,so as to enhance the artistic expression of the paintings.This paper analyzes the color expression characteristics of imagery oil painting and explores the color expression techniques in imagery oil painting and mood creation of imagery oil painting from several aspects.

Investigation of paint removal by atmospheric pressure plasma jet

Acrylic polyurethane paint on the surface of 2A12 Al alloy was cleaned utilizing an atmospheric pressure plasma jet in this work.The dynamic evolution of the paint removal process during plasma treatment with time was explored through analysis of morphology and chemical states.The results showed that although the thickness of paint could be reduced effectively with an increase in cleaning time,the removal rate of paint gradually decreased with time.During the initial cleaning process range,its original smooth morphology of paint turned rugged quickly and was almost unchanged with further plasma treatment.Element and chemical state analysis showed that the content of C in the paint layer decreased obviously after plasma treatment.In contrast,the O content increased remarkably.The cleaning mechanism could be mainly attributed to the reaction between active O-containing species in air plasma and organic components in the paint.After removal of superficial organic matter,residue inorganic metal oxide substances aggregated on the base.The exposed metal oxides on the one hand elevated the superficial O content,but on the other hand hindered further plasma penetration,resulting in a gradual decrease in cleaning rate with cleaning time.Therefore,physical wiping was proposed to be incorporated with the plasma method and effective removal of paint was realized.

Optimization of Engine Control Strategies for Low Fuel Consumption in Heavy-Duty Commercial Vehicles

The reduction of fuel consumption in engines is always considered of vital importance.Along these lines,in this work,this goal was attained by optimizing the heavy-duty commercial vehicle engine control strategy.More specifically,at first,a general first principles model for heavy-duty commercial vehicles and a transient fuel consumptionmodel for heavy-duty commercial vehicles were developed and the parameters were adjusted to fit the empirical data.The accuracy of the proposed modelwas demonstrated fromthe stage and the final results.Next,the control optimization problem resulting in low fuel consumption in heavy commercial vehicles was described,with minimal fuel usage as the optimization goal and throttle opening as the control variable.Then,a time-continuous engine management approach was assessed.Next,the factors that influence low fuel consumption in heavy-duty commercial vehicles were systematically examined.To reduce the computing complexity,the control strategies related to the time constraints of the engine were parametrized using three different methods.The most effective solution was obtained by applying a global optimization strategy because the constrained optimization problem was nonlinear.Finally,the effectiveness of the low-fuel consumption engine control strategy was demonstrated by comparing the simulated and field test results.

Chinese Sources for AfterWards:From Premodern Poetry,Paintings,and Medical Texts to Modern Novels,Film,and Documentaries

This paper focuses on Chinese sources suggested for a narrative medicine(NM)program,called AfterWards.Dr Lauren Small established AfterWards in 2014 and has been coordinating it since out of the Pediatrics Department at Johns Hopkins Medicine.In early 2019,she started giving a series of lectures and workshops about AfterWards to Chinese medical educators and clinicians in Beijing and Shanghai.She created an AfterWards Facilitator’s Guide based on Western-language sources for workshop participants.She also started to organize with Jiang Yuhong(Peking Union Medical College)a workshop for Chinese colleagues to be held at Johns Hopkins Medicine in October 2019.They invited the author to participate.The idea was hatched then to develop Chinese source materials following the AfterWards structure for an updated Facilitator’s Guide that Dr Small had initially written.A typical one-hour AfterWards session consists of a specific five-part structure:a literary text or artwork,an associated theme,discussion topics,a writing exercise,and shared reflection.While the content of the program always changes from session to session,the basic structure remains the same.This paper summarizes the types of Chinese sources and their related narrative-medicine themes that were originally selected for inclusion in the updated AfterWards Facilitator’s Guide intended for Chinese colleagues.These sources about coping with sick family members,aging,and illness ranged from the textual(classical Chinese poems on aging and diagnostic forms for training students)and visual(premodern Chinese paintings and murals of medical encounters)to the fictive(novels)and performative(contemporary Asian-American film in English and Chinese-language film and documentaries).

APST-Flow: A Reversible Network-Based Artistic Painting Style Transfer Method

In recent years,deep generative models have been successfully applied to perform artistic painting style transfer(APST).The difficulties might lie in the loss of reconstructing spatial details and the inefficiency of model convergence caused by the irreversible en-decoder methodology of the existing models.Aiming to this,this paper proposes a Flow-based architecture with both the en-decoder sharing a reversible network configuration.The proposed APST-Flow can efficiently reduce model uncertainty via a compact analysis-synthesis methodology,thereby the generalization performance and the convergence stability are improved.For the generator,a Flow-based network using Wavelet additive coupling(WAC)layers is implemented to extract multi-scale content features.Also,a style checker is used to enhance the global style consistency by minimizing the error between the reconstructed and the input images.To enhance the generated salient details,a loss of adaptive stroke edge is applied in both the global and local model training.The experimental results show that the proposed method improves PSNR by 5%,SSIM by 6.2%,and decreases Style Error by 29.4%over the existing models on the ChipPhi set.The competitive results verify that APST-Flow achieves high-quality generation with less content deviation and enhanced generalization,thereby can be further applied to more APST scenes.

Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Held 2022"Colourful World"International Youth Painting Invitational Exhibition——Mauritian Exhibition and Award Ceremony

On January 7,the 2022"Colourful World"International Youth Painting Invitational Exhibition——Mauritian Exhibition and"Chinatown Light"Award Ceremony was held at the Chinatown Art Centre in Mauritius.The exhibition was co-organised by Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and other organisations.

An Exploration of the Water Painting Method in Ancient China

In traditional landscape painting in China,water has always occupied an important artistic position and space,and painters in different ages had different ways to express water.Systematically sorting out the methods of water painting in Chinese painting is of great significance for us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the artistic styles,cultures and artistic languages of different times.It is also of great reference value for those learning Chinese painting.