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The fuel cell vehicle is one of the essential directions for developing new energy vehicles. But heat dissipation is a critical technical difficulty that needs to be solved urgently. Nano-coolant is a promising coolant that can potentially replace the existing coolant of a fuel cell. However, its thermal conductivity has a significant impact on heat dissipation performance, which is closely related to nanoparticles' thermal conductivity, nanoparticles' volume fraction, and the nano-coolant temperature. Many scholars have created the thermal conductivity models for nano-coolants to explore the mechanism of nano-coolants' thermal conductivity. At present, there is no unified opinion on the mechanism of the micro thermal conductivity of the nano-coolant. Hence, this paper proposed a novel model to predict the thermal conductivity of ethylene glycol/deionized water-based nano-coolants. A corrected model was designed based on the Hamilton & Crosser model and nanolayer theory. Finally, a new theoretical model of nano-coolant thermal conductivity suitable for fuel cell vehicles was constructed based on the base fluid's experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shortage of available freshwater has been becoming a critical issue, recently. For this matter, different types of solar still have been used to supply freshwater in rural places; however, their low performance is the main restriction. In this research, a stepped solar still is designed and built, and the steps are covered by wick porous material. This is a novel strategy for the stepped solar still. The distilled water productivity, the temperature of the internal space, first, middle and bottom steps as well as energy and exergy efficiencies are investigated experimentally. Experiments are carried out with porous material thicknesses of 4, 6, 8, and 12 mm and without porous materials in winter. Results indicate that the stepped solar still with a thicker porous medium has higher freshwater productivity and efficiency, and the temperature of internal space is affected by the presence of porous material as compared to no porous material. In addition, results show that the efficiency of stepped solar still with porous material thickness of 4, 8, 10, and 12 mm is 2.41%, 2.7%, 6.44% and 7.02% higher than the efficiency of the unmodified solar still, respectively. As a result, the porous material with a thickness of 12 mm is the optimal porous medium with productivity of one liter and thermal and exergy efficiencies of 24.71% and 3.528%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water recycling is a convenient way to get around the water shortage and wastewater analysis. The water can be reused for domestic purposes by eliminating organic pollutants through a photocatalytic process. For this aim, the sol-gel dip coating process synthesized ZrO2 nanostructured thin films with tunable structural, morphological, and optical properties and photocatalytic activities. Zr sources (acetate, nitrate, and chloride), annealing temperature (TA), and thickness (d)-dependent structural, morphological, optical, and photocatalytic performances of the ZrO2 films were scrutinized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), mapping technique, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The XRD, SEM, EDS, and mapping analyses confirmed the formation of nanostructured ZrO2 thin film. The results revealed that ZrO2 film had a tetragonal phase with various crystallite sizes and different surface morphologies as the Zr sources, TA, and d varied. There were significant variations in the optical absorbance, band gap, refractive index, and absorption coefficient based on Zr sources, TA, and d. Among all ZrO2 films, the film sample synthesized by the Zr-acetate source annealed at TA of 500 °C and with d of 940 nm was found to be the most effective film in terms of optical and crystalline quality as well as photocatalytic performance (94% efficiency in 150 min) for the degradation of methylene blue dye. The enhanced light utilization capability suppressed charge recombination, surface morphology, grain size, defect concentration, and optical band gap values of the nanostructured zirconia thin films are the key factors corresponding to enhanced photocatalytic performance. Highlights: Tunable funtionalities of sol-gel derived ZrO2 nanostructures by Zr sources. The Zr sources leads to variant ZrO2 grain morphologies. A relatively higher crystalline/optical quality owing to using Zr-acetate. The optimum annealing temperature (TA) is 500 °C and the film thickness (d) is 940 nm. Amongest all, the highest photocatalytic performance in zirconia film derived by Zr-acetate source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the impact of degreasing temperature in the degreasing mixture PRAGOLOD 57N on cataphoretic painting using design of experiments (DoE). Key technological factors such as degreasing deposition time, concentration, cataphoretic deposition time, and voltage are examined for their effect on the thickness of the formed anti-corrosion layer. Cataphoretic painting, an economical and eco-friendly method, is widely used for treating metal parts in automotive and engineering industries. The study involves testing 88 samples, with thickness measurements taken via Elcometer 456C according to the ISO standards and graphical analysis performed using statistical software to optimize the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Materials and Methods Results Conclusions The thickness of the mouthguard is a crucial factor in its protective ability for athletes. This study aimed to investigate the final thickness of double‐layered sports mouthguards, which were fabricated using different methods before pressing the second layer.Seven upper working models (n = 7 per group) were prepared for mouthguard fabrication. The first 3‐mm mouthguard sheet underwent heating, pressing, and vacuuming onto the model, followed by various protocols before the second 3‐mm sheet was pressed. Group 1: The second sheet was pressed immediately. Group 2: The first sheet underwent a 1‐h cooldown period before pressing the second sheet. Group 3: The interproximal areas of the first sheet were punctured followed by immediate pressing of the second sheet. Group 4: The first sheet was punctured followed by a 1‐h cooldown before pressing the second sheet. After 24 h, the mouthguard thickness was measured at various points on the left and right central incisors and first molars using a digital caliper. The thickness analysis was performed using SPSS 29.0 with one‐way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc analysis.At the labial surface of the central incisors, Group 4 exhibited the highest thickness, while Group 3 had the lowest (p < 0.001). Groups 1 and 2 did not show significant differences in thickness. At the incisal edges, Group 3 again had the lowest thickness (p < 0.05), with no significant differences observed among the other groups. There were no significant differences in thickness across all areas at the first molars, including cusp tips, pits, and buccal surfaces (p > 0.05). Group 4 demonstrated greater uniformity at the central incisors in thickness compared with the other groups.Using the puncturing method at interproximal areas combined with a cooldown period could enhance mouthguard thickness at the labial surfaces of the central incisors and improve its thickness uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the San Gavain hydroelectric power station diversion tunnel project in Peru, this paper studies the surrounding rock instability mechanism using a combination of numerical simulation methods and model test and presents the enclosing rock instability criterion based on the catastrophe model. The study demonstrates that the distribution of stress and displacement during tunnel excavation is more affected by the presence of laminated joints; the thinner the layer thickness, the more prominent the influence of laminations, and the higher the deformation of the surrounding rock. With the increase in layer thickness, the resultant displacement shows the law of gradual decrease; when the layer thickness is greater than 16 cm, the rate of decrease gradually slows down, and the maximum displacement is 0.201 mm. The failure mode of the layered perimeter rock tunnel with a 45° inclination angle primarily shows up as tensile deformation at the left arch shoulder and shear slip deformation at the right arch foot under the combined action of blasting disturbance load and excavation. Based on the instability analysis of the fold catastrophe model and cups catastrophe model, the influence of bending deformation between layers of surrounding rock is generally greater than shear slip deformation. The instability criterion Δ＜0 exists in all working conditions, bending instability damage may occur in all cases. When the layer thickness is greater than 24 cm, the shear slip instability criterion is greater than zero for 0–2 ms, and the system is always in a stable state, and when the layer thickness is less than 24 cm, the system may be destabilized at 1.5 ms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) with tunable bandgaps in the NIR‐SWIR range are highly valued for infrared applications including LiDAR, interactive displays, and biometrics. Particularly, for environmental considerations, photodetectors (PDs) using InAs CQDs are actively being explored. However, their performance still lags behind that of Pb‐based devices. Herein, an effective strategy to improve the photodetection characteristics of InAs CQD PDs by enhancing the incident photon usage is presented. By engineering the solvent of InAs CQD ink to increase volatility, the controllable range of absorber layer thickness is substantially extended. Then, the thickness‐ and bias‐dependent performance of InAs CQD PDs are systematically studied, guided by optical simulations. Under optimal conditions, an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 79%, a responsivity of 0.6 AW−1–the highest reported for InAs CQD photodiodes, and a detectivity of 3.1 × 1011 Jones at 940 nm are achieved. Furthermore, it is found that increasing the absorber layer thickness reduces device capacitance, resulting in a faster response time of 46 ns. This study provides optical and electrical insights into how absorber layer thickness affects InAs CQD PD performance and outlines design principles for high‐performance optoelectronic devices with specified light‐absorbing layers, paving the way for the development of advanced optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the comprehensive effect of translucency, thickness, cement shades, and background color on the masking ability of resin-matrix ceramic veneer restorations. Methods: Resin-matrix ceramic specimens with 2 translucencies (LT, HT) and 3 thicknesses (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm) were made of Upcera Hyramic (A2 shade). Cement specimens were made of Variolink N in 4 shades (yellow, white, transparent, and bleach XL). Five background specimens were made of IPS Natural Die Material in 5 shades (ND1, ND2, ND3, ND4, and ND5). Color coordinates of 120 subgroups (n = 5) of combined specimens composed of different ceramic, cement, and background specimens were obtained using a spectroradiometer. Color difference (ΔE00) compared with a 4-mm thick specimen of LT and HT ceramics was calculated and four-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05). Results: Translucency, thickness, cement shade, background color, and their interaction had significant effects on ΔE00 (p < 0.001). ΔE00 values of HT groups were always higher than that of LT groups and were greater than 1.8 against all background colors. ΔE00 values of LT groups could be achieved to be less than 1.8 with appropriate thickness and cement shade. ΔE00 value decreased with increasing ceramic thickness. The effect of cement shade on ΔE00 had no obvious regularity, but ΔE00 values of bleach XL cement shade group were always lower than other cement shade groups under ND3 and ND5 background color. Conclusions: The masking ability of CAD-CAM resin-matrix ceramics can be simultaneously affected by translucency, thickness, cement shade, and background color. Resin-matrix ceramics with low translucency has a better masking ability than that with high translucency. The masking ability of CAD-CAM resin-matrix ceramics increase with increasing thickness. Cement shade has less impact on the final color of resin-matrix ceramic restorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of direct maternal deaths. Ectopic pregnancy and corpus luteum cyst are two most common differential diagnoses in a patient with urine pregnancy test (UPT) positive and no sonographic evidence of intrauterine pregnancy. Internal echotexture and color Doppler features of the cyst wall are also considered in an attempt to differentiate the tubal ring of an ectopic pregnancy from that of a corpus luteum. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to diagnose the presence of ectopic pregnancy and to differentiate ectopic pregnancy from corpus luteum cyst using grayscale ultrasound and color Doppler findings. Materials and Methods: The prospective study was conducted in 46 patients who were referred to the Department of Radiodiagnosis in R.L Jalappa Hospital with UPT positive and clinical features suggestive of ectopic pregnancy. Results: Out of 46 patients, 33 were diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and 13 with corpus luteum cyst. Ectopic pregnancies had thicker walls as compared to corpus luteum cysts. Most of the ectopic pregnancies had hyperechoic walls as compared to ovaries (63.6%) and endometrium (60.6%). Free fluid with echoes was seen in the pelvis in 59.4% ectopic pregnancies whereas most of the corpus luteum cysts (69.2%) had no free fluid. Most of the corpus luteum cysts (61.5%) had clear internal echotexture whereas ectopic pregnancies were mostly lacy or solid. Yolk sac was seen exclusively in ectopic pregnancy (30.3%). RI 0.7 was found to be highly specific for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy. Conclusion: Significant ultrasound parameters that aid in differentiating between the two include the thickness of the mass's wall, the wall's echogenicity in relation to the ovary and endometrium, the internal echotexture of the cystic mass, the presence of the yolk sac, and the presence of free fluid with echoes. It was shown that RI 0.7 has a very good specificity in identifying ectopic pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the attempts of measuring the thickness of a steel operation pipe occurring in the salt cavern and its geometry using an ultrasonic probe in the stage of computer simulation and laboratory are presented. The pipe makes as an obstacle for ultrasonic waves. In order to resolve this task, we need to determine the thickness of the pipe and choose the appropriate resonant ultrasonic wave. Determination of the thickness of the industrial steel pipes was carried out using the resonant frequency of reflected ultrasound waves and the relationship coefficients. The thicknesses of the industrial pipes measured by the resonant ultrasound wave method are in good agreement with those measured using an electronic caliper. Measurements of the cavern geometry with presence of the operation pipe using the resonant frequency of ultrasonic wave were well verified in a physical model and will be able in application to determine the real salt caverns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we obtain the thickness for some complete k–partite graphs for k = 2, 3. We first compute the thickness of Kn,n+8 by giving a planar decomposition of K4k−1,4k+7 for k ≥ 3. Then, two planar decompositions for K1,g,g(g−1) when g is even and for K 1 , g , 1 2 (g − 1) 2 when g is odd are obtained. Using a recursive construction, we also obtain the thickness for some complete tripartite graphs. The results here support the long-standing conjecture that the thickness of Km,n is ⌈ m n 2 (m + n − 2) ⌉ for any positive integers m, n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that products of sufficiently thick Cantor sets generate trees in the plane with constant distance between adjacent vertices. Moreover, we prove that the set of choices for this distance has non-empty interior. We allow our trees to be countably infinite, which further distinguishes this work from previous results on patterns in fractal sets. This builds on the authors' previous work on graphs and distance sets over products of Cantor sets of sufficient Newhouse thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea (CPPU) on fruit splitting of 'Murcott' tangor fruit (Citrus reticulate × Citrus sinensis) was analyzed throughout two successive seasons during 2020 and 2021. 'Murcott' trees were treated with various concentrations of CPPU, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mg·L−1, which significantly reduced the splitting of fruit compared with the control fruit and the gibberellic acid (GA3)-treated fruit (20.0 mg·L−1). The fruit treated with 5.0 mg·L−1 CPPU exhibited higher levels of fruit weight, longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, peel strength, and peel thickness compared to the control fruit. In addition, the tree sprayed with 5.0 mg·L−1 CPPU had the greatest number of cellular layers and cells at the stylar end calculated in fruit. However, there were no other fruit quality characteristics significantly affected by CPPU and GA3 treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare and investigate the effects of intraoral ageing on the thickness of one group of directly printed and two groups of thermoformed aligners on the labial surface of maxillary central incisors. Materials and Methods: Six groups (12 samples per group) were included in this prospective in vivo experiment. Groups DP‐Clin, INV‐Clin and CA‐Clin consisted of directly printed (Tera Harz TC‐85 DAC resin), thermoformed (Invisalign, PU based polymer) and in house thermoformed (CA‐Pro, PET‐G based polymer) aligners, retrieved after 1 week of intraoral service. Groups DP‐Ctr, INV‐Ctr and CA‐Ctr included unused aligners samples. Thickness measurements were conducted using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data that underwent log‐10 transformation was analysed by multiple linear regression analysis (p <.05). Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the materials in both Clin and Ctr categories (p <.001). Group DP had the highest thickness among the groups and the least thickness was observed in the CA group (p <.001). However, intraoral ageing did not significantly affect the aligner thickness of any groups. Conclusions: Both thermoforming and direct printing of clear aligners led to thickness deviations in terms of increase for printed aligners and decrease for thermoformed aligners. Intraoral ageing did not affect the aligner thickness in any of the groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work exposits a hybrid perovskite-based solar cell consisting of NiOx as an electron-blocking material and TiO2 as a hole-blocking material to enhance its performance. Because the EBL material is critical to increasing efficiency and stability in a perovskite-based photovoltaic device, NiOx is being taken as a blocking material for improved reliability. It is also cost-effective and shows less hysteresis in contrast with alternative EBL materials. In addition, a wide band gap material like TiO2 as HBL is considered for enhancing carrier transportation phenomena that improve device performance. The efficiency of the suggested photovoltaic device is assessed in terms of solar parameters using the TCAD numerical simulation tool, accounting for the impacts of the thickness of the perovskite material, the density of defects, and the blocking material doping concentration. Also, the temperature reliability study is thoroughly investigated, considering all the optimised thicknesses of different layers and their optimised doping level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HfO2-based ferroelectric materials as the most promising candidate for the ferroelectric memories, have been widely studied for more than a decade due to their excellent ferroelectric properties and CMOS compatibility. In order to realize its industrialization as soon as possible, researchers have been devoted to improving the reliability performance, such as wake up, imprint, limited endurance, et al. Among them, the breakdown characteristic is one of main failure mechanisms of HfO2-based ferroelectric devices, which limits the write/read reliability of the devices. Based on this, we systematically studied the effect of thickness on the time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) tolerate capability of HfO2–ZrO2 (HZO) FE films under both forward and reverse electrical stress conditions. The thickness of HZO FE film ranged from 6 to 20 nm. Our findings reveal that decreasing the thickness of the HZO FE film leads to an improvement in TDDB tolerance capability which is attributed to the fact that higher density of oxygen vacancies in thinner HZO FE films can effectively inhibit the generation of new oxygen vacancies and the growth of conductive filaments, thus effectively improving the TDDB characteristics. These results provide a potential solution for mitigating breakdown characteristics of HfO2-based ferroelectric devices in memory applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unclear whether the response in femoral cartilage to running at different intensities is different. To examine the acute patterns of deformation and recovery in femoral cartilage thickness during and after running at different speeds. Crossover study. Laboratory. A total of 17 healthy men (age = 23.9 ± 2.3 years, height = 173.1 ± 5.5 cm, mass = 73.9 ± 8.0 kg). Participants performed a 40-minute treadmill run at speeds of 7.5 and 8.5 km/h. Ultrasonographic images of femoral cartilage thickness (intercondylar, lateral condyle, and medial condyle) were obtained every 5 minutes during the experiment (40 minutes of running followed by a 60-minute recovery period) at each session. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Bonferroni- and Dunnett-adjusted post hoc t tests. To identify patterns of cartilage response, we extracted principal components (PCs) from the cartilage-thickness data using PC analysis, and PC scores were analyzed using t tests. Regardless of time, femoral cartilage thicknesses were greater for the 8.5-km/h run than the 7.5-km/h run (intercondylar: F1,656 = 24.73, P <.001, effect size, 0.15; lateral condyle: F1,649 = 16.60, P <.001, effect size, 0.16; medial condyle: F1,649 = 16.55, P <.001, effect size, 0.12). We observed a time effect in intercondylar thickness (F20,656 = 2.15, P =.003), but the Dunnett-adjusted post hoc t test revealed that none of the time point values differed from the baseline value (P >.38 for all comparisons). Although the PC1 and PC2 captured the magnitudes of cartilage thickness and time shift (eg, earlier versus later response), respectively, t tests showed that the PC scores were not different between 7.5 and 8.5 km/h (intercondylar: P ≥.32; lateral condyle: P ≥.78; medial condyle: P ≥.16). Although the 40-minute treadmill run with different speeds produced different levels of fatigue, morphologic differences (<3%) in the femoral cartilage at both speeds seemed to be negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous population-based studies have reported that the majority of melanoma mortality is related to patients with thin (≤1 mm Breslow thickness) melanomas. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relative proportion of melanoma-specific deaths across all stages of melanoma at diagnosis over the past 20 y in the United States. A review of all cutaneous melanoma cases in the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry from 2004 to 2020 was performed. Breslow thickness was categorized as thin (≤1.0 mm), intermediate (>1-4 mm), or thick (>4 mm). All-cause deaths and melanoma-specific deaths were compared across tumor thickness and stage groups at diagnosis. Survival analysis was performed with nonmelanoma deaths considered as a competing risk to estimate the cumulative incidence of melanoma-specific death. Most melanoma deaths occurred in patients who initially presented with local disease (53%) compared to regional (36%) or distant (11%) disease (P < 0.001). However, most (66%) of the melanoma-specific deaths in patients who presented with localized disease were in those with intermediate or thick (i.e., Breslow thickness >1.0 mm) primary tumors compared to those with thin melanomas (34%). The cumulative incidence of melanoma-specific death at 10 y in patients with localized thin melanomas at the time of diagnosis was 2.6% (95% confidence intervals 2.5%-2.7%). The public health burden in terms of melanoma-specific mortality is related to patients with tumors >1 mm Breslow thickness, many of whom have regional and distant metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, not patients with thin melanomas. • Melanoma-specific deaths from 2004 to 2020 are predominately due to T2-T4, localized disease at diagnosis. • Melanoma-specific deaths are due to regional and distant metastatic disease at diagnosis in 47% of cases. • Cumulative incidence of melanoma-specific death of T1, localized melanoma is 2.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To assess the thickness of each layer of the gallbladder wall with different diseases in dogs. SAMPLE 72 gallbladders. METHODS Retrospective study of dogs that underwent cholecystectomy. Histopathological specimens of the gallbladders were reviewed. Histopathological diagnosis was made as gallbladder mucocele or cholecystitis, and cholecystitis was further categorized into chronic cholecystitis, acute-on-chronic cholecystitis, acute cholecystitis, and necrotic cholecystitis. The thickness of each layer of the gallbladder wall was measured. RESULTS 22 dogs were diagnosed with gallbladder mucocele without cholecystitis, 24 with gallbladder mucocele and cholecystitis, 20 with only cholecystitis, and 6 as normal. Histopathological subclassification of cholecystitis in 44 gallbladders led to diagnosis of chronic cholecystitis in 21 gallbladders, acute-on-chronic cholecystitis in 10 gallbladders, acute cholecystitis in 6 gallbladders, and necrotic cholecystitis in 7 gallbladders. The thickness of the entire wall of the gallbladder (P < .0001) and the thickness of the mucosa (P < .0001) and subserosa (P < .0001) were affected by the different disease processes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Layers of the gallbladder wall were affected by diseases present in the gallbladder. It resulted in a difference in the thickness of the wall of the gallbladder among the gallbladder diseases in this study. Histopathological changes should be taken into consideration before surgery while deciding what technique to use to perform a cholecystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fracture resistance of adhesive joints depends on the bondline thickness, especially in the toughest systems. While increasing the adhesive thickness to operate at peak fracture toughness is anticipated to be attractive, it leads to a mass increase and to a decrease of the effective shear stiffness and strength, calling for a trade-off. Here, we follow a rational materials selection approach for mechanical design to address different sets of objectives and constraints representative of different classes of applications. The approach is applied to select the best conventional adhesive based on a novel database. Mechanical analysis with two different degrees of complexity is considered. The elementary level only accounts for the influence of thickness on toughness, while more advanced models introduce the dependence of shear strength on thickness as well as the stiffness mismatch with the adherends. The best adhesive choice strongly depends on the objectives, constraints, and loading configuration. However, the ranking is not drastically affected by the adherends' stiffness. Gaps found for stiff/strong and tough adhesives motivate the development of architected joints. Inserting stop holes improves damage tolerance and density but reduces the shear strength and stiffness, requiring an optimum design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studies the influence of the thickness of oak alternatives on the composition and quality of red wines. A red wine was aged in control conditions and also in contact with oak chips, and with thin and thick oak staves for 12 months. As expected, all the wines aged in contact with all the oak alternatives were enriched in total polyphenols and had a higher colour intensity. In addition, the contact with all the oak alternatives enriched the wine in furfural and total furans, vanilla and total aldehydes and ketones, eugenol and total volatile phenols, and in β-methyl-γ-octalactones. However, the thickness of the oak alternative seems to play an important role in the composition and quality of the wine. Specifically, the wines aged in contact with the two types of staves had a more intense colour than the wine aged with oak chips, as well as a higher total phenolic index and higher eugenol concentration. Moreover, the β-methyl-γ-octalactones concentration was higher in the wine supplemented with thick staves. Finally, the wines supplemented with the two types of staves had a higher intensity of the spicy attribute than the wine aged with oak chips. The wine supplemented with thick staves had a higher intensity of candy/pastry, toasted, smoked, complexity, aromatic intensity, sweetness, structure, and persistence. Finally, the panel preferred the wine aged with thick staves followed by, in descending order, the wines aged with thin staves, oak chips, and the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanistic response of rotator cuff tendons to exercises within the context of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) remains a significant gap in current research. A greater understanding of this response can shed light on why individuals exhibit varying responses to exercise interventions. It can also provide information on the influence of certain types of exercise on tendons. The primary aim of this article is to explore if changes in supraspinatus tendon thickness (SSTT) ratio differ between exercise interventions (high load vs. low load). The secondary aims are to explore if changes in SSTT ratio differ between ultrasonographic tendinopathy subgroups (reactive vs. degenerative) and if there are associations between tendinopathy subgroups, changes in tendon thickness ratio, and clinical outcomes (disability). This study comprises secondary analyses of the combined dataset from two randomized controlled trials that compared high and low-load exercises in patients with RCRSP. In those trials, different exercise interventions were compared: 1) progressive high-load strengthening exercises and 2) low-load strengthening with or without motor control exercises. In 1 trial, there was also a third group that was not allocated to exercises (education only). Ultrasound-assessed SSTT ratio, derived from comparing symptomatic and asymptomatic sides, served as the primary measure in categorizing participants into tendinopathy subgroups (reactive, normal and degenerative) at baseline. Data from 159 participants were analyzed. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant Group (P <.001) and Group × Time interaction (P <.001) effects for the SSTT ratio in different tendinopathy subgroups, but no Time effect (P =.63). Following the interventions, SSTT ratio increased in the "Degenerative" subgroup (0.14 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.09-0.19]), decreased in the "Reactive" subgroup (−0.11 [95% CI: −0.16 to −0.06]), and remained unchanged in the "Normal" subgroup (−0.01 [95% CI: −0.04 to 0.02]). There was no Time (P =.21), Group (P =.61), or Group × Time interaction (P =.66) effect for the SSTT ratio based on intervention allocation. Results of the linear regression did not highlight any significant association between the tendinopathy subgroup (P =.25) or change in SSTT ratio (P =.40) and change in disability score. Findings from this study suggest that, over time, SSTT in individuals with RCRSP tends to normalize, compared to the contralateral side, regardless of the exercise intervention. Different subgroups of symptomatic tendons behave differently, emphasizing the need to potentially consider tendinopathy subtypes in RCRSP research. Future adequately powered studies should investigate how those different tendinopathy subgroups may predict long-term clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a reliable method for simultaneously determining the thickness, slope, and ultrasonic velocities of slope plates using laser ultrasonic techniques without any damage in the thermoelastic regime. The method involves solving a system of Equations to determine the arrival times of multiple signals displayed on a waveform. Numerical simulations indicate that the velocity of the skimming longitudinal wave remains constant when the Rayleigh wave does not overlap with its signal. Consequently, a prediction model for aluminum alloy has been established, enabling the estimation of the constant ratio between the velocities of skimming longitudinal and bulk longitudinal waves based on the skimming longitudinal velocity obtained by scanning the generating laser along the material's surface. This ratio, approximately 0.950, facilitates the combination of the skimming longitudinal wave with the reflected and mode-converted waves from the specimen's back surface to deduce the desired parameters. The method successfully determined the thickness, slope, and wave velocities of several specimens with slopes ranging from 0% to 1.96% and a maximum thickness of about 10 mm. Evaluating the influence of the size of the disk ultrasound source produced by the unfocused laser beam, we found that the radius of the disk source should be considered when calculating the arrival time of the skimming longitudinal wave. The root mean square deviation in measuring thickness, slope, longitudinal wave velocity, and shear wave velocity were approximately 0.100 mm, 0.10%, 70 m/s, and 20 m/s, respectively. An assessment of the measured results, based on the root mean square deviation and uncertainty across all specimens, demonstrates the practical feasibility of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a hyperplane H supporting a convex body C in the hyperbolic space H d , we define the width of C determined by H as the distance between H and a most distant ultraparallel hyperplane supporting C. The minimum width of C over all supporting H is called the thickness Δ (C) of C. A convex body R ⊂ H d is said to be reduced if Δ (Z) < Δ (R) for every convex body Z properly contained in R. We describe a class of reduced polygons in H 2 and present some properties of them. In particular, we estimate their diameters in terms of their thicknesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Arc spraying is one of the most effective and cost-efficient thermal spraying technologies for creating high-quality protective coatings. This paper examines the influence of arc spraying process parameters on the properties of steel coatings. The parameters varied in this study included gas pressure, wire feed rate, and the distance from the spray gun to the substrate (standoff distance). Experimental evaluations focused on surface roughness, thickness, porosity, structure, and hardness of the coatings. The techniques used for these evaluations included profilometry for roughness measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural analysis, Vickers hardness testing, and optical microscopy. The results demonstrate a significant influence of arc spraying parameters on the characteristics of the resulting coatings. The analysis revealed that the coatings produced under different modes exhibit a layered structure and vary in thickness. A detailed examination of the coating structure identified defects such as unmelted particles, voids, and delamination in the interface zone. The study of coating thickness and porosity showed that increasing the wire feed rate and decreasing the standoff distance leads to the formation of thicker and denser coatings. Specifically, increasing the wire feed rate from 2 to 12 cm/s resulted in a decrease in porosity from 12.59% to 4.33% and an increase in coating thickness to 699 μm. The surface analysis highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to selecting the optimal roughness. While increasing the wire feed rate up to 12 cm/s can increase the Ra roughness parameter, gas pressure also significantly influences this parameter, reducing roughness from Ra = 18.63 μm at 6 MPa to Ra = 15.95 μm at 8 MPa. Additionally, it was found that varying the arc spraying parameters affects the hardness of the coatings, with all modes resulting in hardness values higher than that of the substrate. Therefore, optimizing these parameters enables the achievement of the best combination of mechanical and structural properties in the coatings. These findings can be valuable for further improvement of arc spraying technologies and the expansion of their application across various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Older to better and quickly detect the fiber content of clothing by near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and effectively project the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, cotton/ spandex, polyester/spandex and cotton/polyester fiber models with high stability of correction models were selected as the research object, and the influence of sample differences on the test results of NIR spectroscopy was analyzed and compared with conventional test methods. The results show that the cotton/spandex and polyester/spandex models were not affected by color, while the cotton/polyester models were different from the dark color samples. It was suggested to combine NIR with conventional test methods. The cotton/spandex, polyester/spandex, cotton/polyester models are affected by thickness, and The transparent samples are tested by 4 layers, and the results are more accurate. The results of cotton/spandex and polyester/spandex model tests are not affected by fabric structure, and the samples with uniform distribution of cotton/polyester fiber models can use NIR spectroscopy, and the samples with different structure and uneven distribution are not recommended to use NIR spectroscopy. Samples covered with film or containing adhesives are not suitable for rapid detection, and the film or adhesive must be removed first. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The double-arch tunnel has been widely used in traffic engineering. As a key parameter of the partition wall, its thickness is closely related to the wall's bearing capacity. In this study, we use a double-arch tunnel passing through pulverized coal ash as an example and establish a numerical simulation model to study how the partition wall's thickness influences the tunnel's bearing capacity. The results show that the presence of the partition wall can significantly improve the stress state of the tunnel, meanwhile, excessive thickness of the middle partition wall can cause an increase of the arch crown stress. Compared to tunnels without a partition wall, when the thickness of the partition wall increases to 0.025 D, the arch load will increase by more than 30%. Furthermore, the results indicate that the bearing capacity is strongest when the thickness of the partition wall d is 0.0625 D. For tunnels without a partition wall, tensile stress concentration at the junction of the left and right holes will easily lead to cracking, and the right sidewall of the left hole will become the main compression part in the subsequent loading, resulting in complex tensile-compression-shear failure. For double-arch tunnels with a partition wall, the spandrel and the wall footing of the sidewall are the weak points of stress and are prone to damage, so these parts should be strengthened appropriately in design and construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Marine & Coastal Science is the property of Universitas Airlangga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Bruno Barbosa Ribeiro,1 João Heitor Marques,1,2 Pedro Manuel Baptista,1,2 Paulo JM Sousa,1 Saúl Pires,1 Pedro Menéres,1,2 Irene Barbosa1,2 1Department of Ophthalmology, Unidade Local de Saúde Santo António, Porto, Portugal; 2School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, PortugalCorrespondence: Bruno Barbosa Ribeiro, Unidade Local de Saúde Santo António – Department of Ophthalmology, Largo Do Prof. Abel Salazar, Oporto, 4099-001, Portugal, Tel +351 222 077 500, Email brunot.barbosaribeiro@gmail.comPurpose: To study corneal epithelial thickness in patients with Dry Eye Disease (DED), according to symptomatology.Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional study in the outpatient clinic of the Ophthalmology Department of a tertiary hospital in Oporto, Portugal. Adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of dry eye disease were eligible for participation. Each patient underwent corneal epithelial thickness mapping with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT, Heidelberg Anterion®) and automated ocular surface analysis (IDRA® Ocular Surface Analyzer SBM Sistemi, Italy). Schirmer’s test, tear film osmolarity (by TearLab® Osmolarity System) and Dry-Eye Related Questionnaire (OSDI-12) were also evaluated. Patients were classified accordingly the severity of symptoms in the OSDI-12 in group 1 (mild disease) and group 2 (moderate to severe disease).Results: We enrolled 200 eyes (of 100 subjects): 65 in group 1 and 135 in group 2. Median OSDI and Schirmer’s test in group 1 was 7 vs 46 points, p< 0.001 and 15 vs 11 mm, p=0.007 in group 2. Eyes from group 2 showed higher mean epithelial thickness (48.4 vs 47.1 μm, p=0.027) and lower mean stromal thickness (522.0 vs 546.6 μm, p< 0.001) in comparison with group 1. OSDI score was positively correlated with the mean epithelial thickness (r=0.188, p=0.008) and epithelial variability index (r=0.277, p=0.004) and negatively correlated with the mean stromal thickness (r=− 0.313, p< 0.001). Patients in group 2 showed higher epithelial variability index (4.5 vs 3.2, p< 0.001).Conclusion: Our study suggests that patients with more severe DED symptoms have thicker corneal epithelia and thinner stroma, which may act as a compensatory response. Epithelial variability index is positively correlated with the OSDI score and may reflect DED severity. This is the first study to report stromal thinning in patients with DED, thereby proving novel information regarding the matter. More studies are needed to confirm these results.Plain Language Summary: We have conducted original research regarding the effects of Dry Eye Disease on corneal epithelial and stromal thickness, as evaluated by Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography (Heidelberg Anterion®). Our study is pioneer in showing that patients with more severe symptoms have thicker epithelia with an apparent compensatory stromal thinning. Besides, corneal epithelium seems to have higher variability index in these patients, which appears to correlate with Dry Eye symptom severity. Our results may be helpful to reveal the role of dry eye disease in corneal structural changes.Keywords: dry eye, cornea, epithelium, thickness, anterion

Abstract Background To evaluate the comprehensive effect of translucency, thickness, cement shades, and background color on the masking ability of resin-matrix ceramic veneer restorations. Methods Resin-matrix ceramic specimens with 2 translucencies (LT, HT) and 3 thicknesses (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm) were made of Upcera Hyramic (A2 shade). Cement specimens were made of Variolink N in 4 shades (yellow, white, transparent, and bleach XL). Five background specimens were made of IPS Natural Die Material in 5 shades (ND1, ND2, ND3, ND4, and ND5). Color coordinates of 120 subgroups (n = 5) of combined specimens composed of different ceramic, cement, and background specimens were obtained using a spectroradiometer. Color difference (ΔE00) compared with a 4-mm thick specimen of LT and HT ceramics was calculated and four-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05). Results Translucency, thickness, cement shade, background color, and their interaction had significant effects on ΔE00 (p

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of direct maternal deaths. Ectopic pregnancy and corpus luteum cyst are two most common differential diagnoses in a patient with urine pregnancy test (UPT) positive and no sonographic evidence of intrauterine pregnancy. Internal echotexture and color Doppler features of the cyst wall are also considered in an attempt to differentiate the tubal ring of an ectopic pregnancy from that of a corpus luteum. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to diagnose the presence of ectopic pregnancy and to differentiate ectopic pregnancy from corpus luteum cyst using grayscale ultrasound and color Doppler findings. Materials and Methods: The prospective study was conducted in 46 patients who were referred to the Department of Radiodiagnosis in R.L Jalappa Hospital with UPT positive and clinical features suggestive of ectopic pregnancy. Results: Out of 46 patients, 33 were diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and 13 with corpus luteum cyst. Ectopic pregnancies had thicker walls as compared to corpus luteum cysts. Most of the ectopic pregnancies had hyperechoic walls as compared to ovaries (63.6%) and endometrium (60.6%). Free fluid with echoes was seen in the pelvis in 59.4% ectopic pregnancies whereas most of the corpus luteum cysts (69.2%) had no free fluid. Most of the corpus luteum cysts (61.5%) had clear internal echotexture whereas ectopic pregnancies were mostly lacy or solid. Yolk sac was seen exclusively in ectopic pregnancy (30.3%). RI 0.7 was found to be highly specific for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy. Conclusion: Significant ultrasound parameters that aid in differentiating between the two include the thickness of the mass’s wall, the wall’s echogenicity in relation to the ovary and endometrium, the internal echotexture of the cystic mass, the presence of the yolk sac, and the presence of free fluid with echoes. It was shown that RI 0.7 has a very good specificity in identifying ectopic pregnancy.

In the context of the San Gavain hydroelectric power station diversion tunnel project in Peru, this paper studies the surrounding rock instability mechanism using a combination of numerical simulation methods and model test and presents the enclosing rock instability criterion based on the catastrophe model. The study demonstrates that the distribution of stress and displacement during tunnel excavation is more affected by the presence of laminated joints; the thinner the layer thickness, the more prominent the influence of laminations, and the higher the deformation of the surrounding rock. With the increase in layer thickness, the resultant displacement shows the law of gradual decrease; when the layer thickness is greater than 16 cm, the rate of decrease gradually slows down, and the maximum displacement is 0.201 mm. The failure mode of the layered perimeter rock tunnel with a 45° inclination angle primarily shows up as tensile deformation at the left arch shoulder and shear slip deformation at the right arch foot under the combined action of blasting disturbance load and excavation. Based on the instability analysis of the fold catastrophe model and cups catastrophe model, the influence of bending deformation between layers of surrounding rock is generally greater than shear slip deformation. The instability criterion Δ＜0 exists in all working conditions, bending instability damage may occur in all cases. When the layer thickness is greater than 24 cm, the shear slip instability criterion is greater than zero for 0–2 ms, and the system is always in a stable state, and when the layer thickness is less than 24 cm, the system may be destabilized at 1.5 ms.

The development of increasingly advanced food technology has resulted in various new food product innovations, one example of which is edible film. Edible films can be made from polysaccharides such as kappa carrageenan with the addition of sorbitol and glucose plasticizers to improve their physical characteristics. This research aims to determine the effect of adding glucose on the physical properties of edible film from kappa carrageenan and sorbitol plasticizer. The research carried out was experimental using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and five replications. Treatment consisted of glucose concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%. Data analysis used ANOVA, then continued with the DMRT test. The research results prove that glucose has a significant effect (p

Membranes play a critical role in the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Membrane thicknesses have posi-tive and negative effects on the characteristics of proton exchange membranes. In this study, sulfonated polysulfone (SPSf) pol-ymer-based membranes with thicknesses of 50 μm, 100 μm, and 150 μm were fabricated, and their characteristic properties were investigated. Water uptake capacity, swelling ratio, proton conductivity, contact angle, chemical stability, and mechanical strength tests were carried out on the membranes. Maximum water uptake capacity and swelling ratio were 45.81% and 13.1% for 100 μm SPSf membrane, respectively. The results of contact angle analysis proved that all synthesized membranes were hydrophilic. Proton conductivity values were measured at different temperatures and solution environments. Significant decreases in resistance values and increases in proton conductivity were observed with decreasing membrane thickness. The increase in temperature and acid in the measurement conditions caused an increase in the proton conductivity value. The highest proton conductivity value was obtained as 0.1971 S/cm in 65 °C and 1 mM hydrochloric acid (HCl) aqueous solution environment in 50 μm SPSf mem-brane. It was determined that the chemical stability and mechanical strength decreased with the decrease in membrane thickness but remained within the appropriate limits.

The effect of coating thickness (CT) on the microstructures, hardness, and wear of cold sprayed Ti-6Al-4V (CS-Ti64) coatings was systematically investigated since the prolonged high pressure CS deposition could change their microstructures and porosity levels. In addition, the CT was relatively important for their durability, performance, and service life. Therefore, the CS-Ti64 coatings with different CT of 100-3000 µm were prepared on commercially available Ti64 (CA-Ti64) substrates via high pressure CS processes. The CS-Ti64 coatings had low porosity levels wherewith severely deformed Ti64 particles with a crescent-shape could be seen in their cross-sectional microstructures. The hardness of the CS-Ti64 coatings increased with increased CT probably due to their lowered bulk porosity levels associated with longer high pressure CS deposition. As a result, the increased CT from 100 to 3000 µm resulted in a 9.8% decrease in the wear of the CS-Ti64 coatings. The wear of the CS-Ti64 coating with 3000 µm was 16.8% lower than that of the CA-Ti64 as all the CS-Ti64 coatings had lower wear than the CA-Ti64. It could be concluded that the prolonged high pressure CS deposition for the thick CS-Ti64 coatings had an influence on their porosity, hardness, and wear.

Background: The thickness of extraocular muscles (EOMs) is important in the management of several conditions associated with EOM enlargement. This study determined the normative values of EOM diameters in adult patients seen at a teaching hospital in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study measured the thickness of the EOMs and the interzygomatic line (IZL) on brain images of 300 patients with non-orbital conditions (150 computed tomography [CT] and 150 magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) archived in the radiological database of Delta State University Hospital, Nigeria, after ethical clearance. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 23) was used to obtain descriptive statistics and further compare the variables based on gender, age groups and laterality. The association between parameters was tested using Pearson’s correlation test. A probability value of

CeO 2 -HfO 2 solid solution thin films (Hf 1-x Ce x O 2) were deposited on Pt(111)/TiO 2 /SiO 2 /Si(100) substrates using the chemical solution deposition method. This study investigates the influence of CeO 2 content and annealing temperature on the structure and ferroelectric properties of Hf 1-x Ce x O 2 films. Ferroelectric behavior is demonstrated in polycrystalline Hf 0.80 Ce 0.20 O 2 films with thicknesses ranging from 163 to 524 nm. And the structure of the films is analyzed using glancing incidence X-ray diffraction. The comprehensive results indicate that Hf 0.80 Ce 0.20 O 2 films annealed at 850 °C exhibit excellent ferroelectricity. Square hysteresis loops associated with the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase are observed, even in the 524-nm-thick film. The remnant polarization (P r) and coercive field (E c) range from 16 to 18 μC/cm2 and 1100–1250 kV/cm, respectively, under a maximum applied electric field of 2 MV/cm for all Hf 0.80 Ce 0.20 O 2 films. Furthermore, the film presents thickness-insensitive characteristic. The current work paves the new way to design high-performance thick HfO 2 -based ferroelectric films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the challenges associated with initial point selection and to enhance the speed of analysis in ellipsometry data interpretation, this study introduces a novel algorithm based on whale optimisation. The algorithm is designed to accurately determine samples' thickness and refractive index across transparent wavelength ranges. Comparative analysis demonstrates that the Psi and Delta spectra generated by the proposed algorithm align more closely with those obtained through the traditional transfer matrix method (TMM), underscoring the algorithm's improved accuracy. Furthermore, the algorithm's efficacy is validated by the excellent agreement between the properties of the established sample model (thickness and refractive index) and those acquired by transfer matrix data. This validation confirms the utility of the proposed algorithm in fitting ellipsometry data, establishing it as a robust tool for extracting essential fitting parameters of samples with enhanced precision and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of titanium nitride (TiN) on AISI D2 tool steel, analyzing coating properties and TiN nanoparticle stability in the presence of polyethyleneimine as a dispersant in isopropyl alcohol. The parameters investigated were deposition time (5, 10, and 15 minutes), electric field strength (0.2, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 V/m), and suspension concentration (0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mg/L). Results indicated that a deposition time of 10 minutes with an electric field strength of 0.5 V/m and a suspension concentration of 0.2 mg/L provided optimal results in terms of thickness and micro-hardness. Higher deposition time led to increased thickness but decreased micro-hardness, while increasing electric field intensity for a constant deposition time led to increased deposition mass and thickness but lower quality at higher concentrations. Microstructural examination and micro-hardness testing confirmed these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Trunk muscle thickness and brightness are associated with injuries. OBJECTIVE: This study compared trunk muscle thickness and brightness between female college athletes with and without history of low back pain. METHODS: 15 sprinters, 22 volleyball-, and 18 basketball players, all females, were included. The participants were grouped based on the presence of low back pain. Short-axis ultrasound images of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, transverse abdominis, and lumbar multifidus were obtained. The muscle brightness was calculated after selecting the region of interest for each muscle. Muscle thickness and brightness in both groups were compared. RESULTS: In sprinters, the right lumbar multifidus thickness was significantly thinner in the low back pain group (24.66 ± 2.98 mm) than in the healthy group (28.13 ± 2.84 mm). Volleyball and basketball players showed no significant differences in muscle thickness between the two groups for any muscle type. In volleyball players, the right transverse abdominis thickness is inclined toward thinness in the low back pain group than in the healthy group, but the difference was not significant. In all sports, there were no significant differences in muscle brightness between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low back pain in female college athletes may not be related to trunk muscle thickness and brightness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Effects of the aging process on the flexural strength of Y-TZP and different Y-PSZ ceramics of different thicknesses were investigated. Methods 300 disc-shaped samples (12 mm diameter, 0.8 and 1.5 mm thicknesses) were made from 5 different zirconia materials 3Y-TZP LA, 4Y-PSZ, 5Y-PSZ, 3 + 5Y-PSZ and 4 + 5Y-PSZ. Experimental groups were artificially aged in an autoclave at 134 °C, 2 bar pressure for 1 and 5 h; control groups were not subjected to any treatment. Microstructural analysis was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction analysis determined the crystalline phase content. The impact of aging on flexural strength was investigated with the use of the biaxial flexural strength test. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA tests with a significance level of p 0.05). The highest mean flexural strength values were recorded in the case of the 3 Y-TZP-1.5 mm–5 h group (744.1 ± 61.2 MPa), which was attributed to phase-transformation toughening. The lowest values were observed in the case of the 5 Y-PSZ-1.5 mm–5 h (338.3 ± 34.8 MPa) group. Conclusions Both material type and thickness significantly affect the flexural strength of zirconia ceramics, whereas aging time does not; thus, material selection and thickness are crucial considerations for clinicians.

Background: Translucency and optical characteristics significantly affect the aesthetics of ceramic restorations. The introduction of new virgilite crystals to novel ceramic advanced lithium disilicate through a matrix firing process enhances the material’s strength and aesthetic quality according to the manufacturer. Materials and Methods: Four types of CAD/CAM ceramics; lithium disilicate (LD), leucite reinforced (LR), advanced lithium disilicate (ALD), and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) exposed to different staining solutions (tea, cola, coffee, and distilled water). Each ceramic type had 120 specimens, divided into subgroups based on thickness (0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 1.5 mm). Color changes (ΔE00) and translucency parameters (TP00) were measured after thermocycling, and spectrophotometry was employed to evaluate ΔE00 and TP00 after 1, 7, and 30 days of exposure to the staining solutions. Results: ZLS exhibited the lowest color stability, while lithium LD and ALD displayed the highest. Thickness significantly affected color stability, with 0.5 mm thickness showing the least change. The duration of exposure also impacted color changes, with 30 days causing the most significant shift. LD demonstrated the highest translucency. Coffee and tea induced more pronounced reductions in translucency and color stability compared to the control group. Conclusions: Material structure, thickness, staining solution, and exposure duration significantly influenced the color stability and translucency of CAD/CAM ceramics, with LD and ALD demonstrating superior color stability and LD exhibiting the highest translucency.

Desert biocrusts play an important role in the control of desertification and artificial inoculation can promote the formation and development of biocrusts. Physiological and growth responses of biocrusts inoculated on desert surfaces were investigated to assess the effect of mixture ratio, inoculation times, and water supply under laboratory conditions. The application of biological sand-fixing material prepared by cultivated algae crust and polymeric composites in a 1:1 ratio accelerated the most accumulation of chlorophyll a in 0.55 mg kg-1, thickness in 3.06 mm, and fresh mass in 0.69 g cm-1, was the most beneficial to formation and development of artificial biocrust. The water supply and cultivation time always significantly promoted the growth and accumulation of chlorophyll a and biomass under artificial cultivation and inoculation treatments. Artificial inoculation of biological sand-fixing material can lead to the formation of desert biocrust, which provides an engineering application method for desertification control.

Background This study examined the effect of thermocycling on the flexural strength properties of four CAD/CAM ceramic materials at different thicknesses. Methods Four CAD/CAM ceramics of different types: advanced lithium disilicate (ALD), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) lithium disilicate (LD), and leucite reinforced (LE), and at three varying thicknesses 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mm were examined. After subjecting all specimens to 5000 thermomechanical cycles, flexural strength was determined using a universal testing apparatus. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed for analysis. Two factorial ANOVA models assessed the association of different factors (ceramic type and thickness) with flexural strength and elastic modulus. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and adjusted means were computed. A p-value < 0.05 was designated significant. Results ZLS exhibited the highest flexural strength at 1.5 mm thickness, while LD showed the highest Young’s modulus of elasticity. The lowest flexural strength was observed in the 0.5 mm thickness group. There were notable variations in flexural strength across all ceramic materials, with the highest adjusted mean strength in the ZLS group, ALD, LD, and LE, respectively. Additionally, significant differences were noted in ceramic thickness, with 1.5 mm thickness showing the highest strength and 0.5 mm thickness the lowest. Conclusions Ceramic material thickness significantly impacts flexural strength, with 1.5 mm thickness deemed suitable for posterior restorations. Ceramic materials with zirconia fillers or matrix demonstrated higher flexural strength than other ceramics.

Friction has been recognized and studied for a long time due to its fundamental significance in the processes of human manufacturing and production. However, friction behavior at the nanoscale sometimes violates the conventional classical friction theory. Thickness-dependent friction behavior has been reported in nonpolar van der Waals materials but only within the few-layer range. Here, we report a wide thickness range of thickness-dependent friction behavior in functional van der Waals copper-deficient CuInP2S6 (Cu0.2In1.26P2S6), which exhibits spontaneous phase separation of ferroelectric and paraelectric phases. The friction gradually decreases with the increase of the thickness within the range of 20–230 nm. A higher adhesion force and phononic damping collectively contribute to higher friction in thinner nanoflakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effects of the aging process on the flexural strength of Y-TZP and different Y-PSZ ceramics of different thicknesses were investigated. Methods: 300 disc-shaped samples (12 mm diameter, 0.8 and 1.5 mm thicknesses) were made from 5 different zirconia materials 3Y-TZP LA, 4Y-PSZ, 5Y-PSZ, 3 + 5Y-PSZ and 4 + 5Y-PSZ. Experimental groups were artificially aged in an autoclave at 134 °C, 2 bar pressure for 1 and 5 h; control groups were not subjected to any treatment. Microstructural analysis was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction analysis determined the crystalline phase content. The impact of aging on flexural strength was investigated with the use of the biaxial flexural strength test. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA tests with a significance level of p < 0.05, applying Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results: Statistically significant differences in flexural strength were observed among the materials and the material thicknesses (p < 0.05), while there were no significant differences among the aging times (p > 0.05). The highest mean flexural strength values were recorded in the case of the 3 Y-TZP-1.5 mm–5 h group (744.1 ± 61.2 MPa), which was attributed to phase-transformation toughening. The lowest values were observed in the case of the 5 Y-PSZ-1.5 mm–5 h (338.3 ± 34.8 MPa) group. Conclusions: Both material type and thickness significantly affect the flexural strength of zirconia ceramics, whereas aging time does not; thus, material selection and thickness are crucial considerations for clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the shell thickness of table eggs using a destructive method with a focus on the technique of sampling from three locations in the equatorial plane, the sharp and the blunt end of the egg. The subject of the study was the eggshell thickness with membranes of the influence of the sample taken on the egg in equatorial plane 1, equatorial plane 2, equatorial plane 3, at the sharp end and the blunt end of the egg, and a laying hen of breed Dominant aged 61 weeks (3 small-breedings) and 104 weeks (1 small-breeding). The measurement of eggshell thickness was carried out using a DIAL INDICATOR deviation meter, with an accuracy of 0.01 mm and a maximum thickness of 30 mm. The SAS statistical package, version 8.2, was used for statistical evaluation of the results. The influence of the location of the eggshell sample taken in 3 locations of the equatorial plane, at the sharp and blunt end of the egg on its thickness in the range of average values of 0.32 to 0.40 mm was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The influence of laying hen age was statistically significant (P=0.05) by a higher eggshell thickness in the range of average values of 0.38 to 0.40 mm at 104 weeks compared with eggshell thickness of average values of 0.32 to 0.35 mm at 61 weeks. A strong linear positive correlation in eggshell thickness was found between two variables at all investigated sample locations on eggs laid by laying hens Dominant regardless of age. The overall results of eggshell thickness indicate that its evaluation is a complex process as an indicator of eggshell quali ty due to multifactorial external and internal influence. Considering the trend of lengthening the laying cycle in laying hens for environmental reasons, it is important to address the influence of age, housing system and breed suitability in relation to optimizing the uniformity of the thickness as part of the shell quality of the eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the optical properties of the electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer (HTL), inverted perovskite solar cells can perform better than traditional perovskite solar cells. It is essential to compare both types to understand their efficiencies. In this article, we studied inverted perovskite solar cells with NiOx/CH3NH3Pb3/ETL (ETL = MoO3, TiO2, ZnO) structures. Our results showed that the optimal thickness of NiOx is 80 nm for all structures. The optimal perovskite thickness is 600 nm for solar cells with ZnO and MoO3, and 800 nm for those with TiO2. For the ETLs, the best thicknesses are 100 nm for ZnO, 80 nm for MoO3, and 60 nm for TiO2. We found that the efficiencies of inverted perovskite solar cells with ZnO, MoO3, and TiO2 as ETLs, and with optimal layer thicknesses, are 30.16%, 18.69%, and 35.21%, respectively. These efficiencies are 1.5%, 5.7%, and 1.5% higher than those of traditional perovskite solar cells. Our study highlights the potential of optimizing layer thicknesses in inverted perovskite solar cells to achieve higher efficiencies than traditional structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]