Search Results (212)

This paper evaluates the current maturity of automatic code-generation workflows for deploying modern CNN-based object detectors on embedded GPU platforms. We compare a native pipeline against a code generation pipeline through a Model-Based Engineering (MBE) approach, using YOLOv8/YOLOv9 inference on NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano and Jetson AGX Orin as representative edge-GPU workloads. We report detection-quality metrics (mAP, PR curves) and system-level metrics (latency distribution and initialization overhead) under a controlled single-class scenario based on a CARLA-generated sequence with frame-level annotations. Absolute accuracy and latency values are scenario-dependent and may vary under different camera optics, illumination, motion blur, sensor noise, occlusion patterns, and multi-class scene. Results quantify the performance gap between code generation and native pipelines and show that, for the evaluated workloads, the automated pipeline remains less competitive in both latency and accuracy. We discuss the implications of this gap for deployment workflows in safety-oriented domains, and we outline bottlenecks that should be addressed. The study is intended as a controlled traffic-light detection micro-benchmark and does not aim to validate full ADAS perception stacks. Full article

Biomimetic anisotropy is defined as intentionally engineered, nature-inspired directional differences in structure, chemistry, roughness, stiffness, or pore architecture. These directional differences lower transport resistance in one direction relative to the opposite direction, which results in rectified transport. In this review, anisotropy design is synthesized across surfaces, porous materials, and soft systems, with transport considered for droplets, low-surface-tension liquids, particles, and soft objects. Biological inspirations are summarized first, and the design lessons that can be transferred to engineered platforms are then extracted. Key anisotropic architectures are classified next, including ratchets and sawtooth textures, bristle- or setae-like fibrillar arrays, grooves and wedges, asymmetric pores and membranes, chemically patterned surfaces, and hierarchical micro–nano combinations. Practical fabrication methods and material choices are reviewed thereafter, spanning micro- and nanofabrication, additive manufacturing, coatings and surface modification, and responsive soft matter. The field is then organized mechanistically around how anisotropy generates directionality through contact-line pinning asymmetry, curvature-driven capillary pressure bias, compliance and elastocapillary coupling, and active rectification under oscillatory forcing. Finally, these mechanisms are connected to application needs in pump-free microfluidics and sampling, long-distance open transport, environmental water management, and fouling-prone self-cleaning systems. Throughout the review, design-to-function links are emphasized, and open challenges are highlighted, including durability under real fluids and contaminants as well as scalable manufacturing and integration. Full article

Cleft palate only (CPO) is a multifactorial craniofacial malformation with significant genetic and epigenetic contributions. Among these, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of palate development, although their alterations in CPO remain incompletely characterized. In this study, we performed a comprehensive miRNA expression analysis on palatal tissues from an Italian cohort of non-syndromic CPO patients, compared with a human embryonic palatal mesenchymal (HEPM) cell line. Using the NanoString^® nCounter^® platform for miRNA profiling, we identified significant deregulation of several miRNAs, notably the upregulation of miR-205-5p and miR-200c-3p and the downregulation of miR-125a-5p in CPO tissues. Based on these expression changes, a functional analysis was carried out to identify potential target genes. Validation in primary cell cultures derived from patient tissues confirmed these expression patterns. Functional analyses and target predictions implicated PAX9, a key transcription factor essential for palatogenesis, as a probable target of miR-205-5p, while miR-125a-5p was associated with the regulation of PRTG and PRSS35—genes involved in neural crest cell biology and extracellular matrix remodeling, respectively. Although modulation of certain predicted targets of miR-200c-3p was observed, in vitro inhibition experiments did not show significant changes in gene expression, highlighting the complexity of miRNA regulatory networks and the need for further studies to unravel these interactions. These findings identify miRNA alterations associated with CPO tissue and fibroblasts, highlighting novel candidate pathways for further mechanistic and therapeutic investigation. Full article

In this research, an innovative scheme to generate heterogeneous acoustofluidic distributions in various pseudo-Sierpiński-carpet-shaped chambers with different filling fractions and cross-sectional configurations has been proposed and calculated for topographical manipulation of large-scale micro-particles. All of the structural components positioned in the pseudo-fractal chambers are symmetrically distributed in space, and all ultrasonic radiation surfaces hold the unified settings of input frequency point, oscillation amplitude, and initial phase distribution along their respective normal directions. A large number of fascinating acoustofluidic patterns can be generated in the originally-static pseudo-Sierpiński-carpet-shaped chambers at different recursion levels without complicated vibration parameter modulation. The simulation results of acoustofluidic distributions and particle motion trajectories under different radiation surface arrangements further demonstrate the manipulation performance of these specially designed devices, and indicate that controllable spatial partitioning and intensity modulation of the acoustofluidic field can be achieved by adjusting the hierarchical order, cross-sectional configuration and combination mode of the radiation surfaces. Unlike the existing device construction method of miniaturized microfluidic systems, the artificial introduction of fractal elements like Sierpiński carpet/triangle, Koch snowflake, Mandelbrot set, Pythagoras tree, etc., can provide extraordinary perspectives and expand the application range of the acoustofluidic effect, which also makes ultrasonic micro/nano-scale manipulation technology more abundant and diversified. This exploratory research indicates the potential possibility of applying fractal structures as alternative component parts to purposefully customize acoustofluidic distributions for the further research of patterned manipulation of bio-organisms and navigation of micro-robot swarms in brand new ways that cannot be achieved through traditional methods. Full article

In mechanical engineering, interest in reliable and practicable technologies for nano- and microstructuring of tool surfaces is increasing. Femtosecond laser structuring offers a promising approach that combines high processing speeds with high precision. However, a knowledge gap remains regarding the optimal process parameters for achieving specific surface patterns on hot-work tool steel substrates. The current study aims to investigate the effects of laser scanning parameters on the formation of self-organized surface structures and the resulting topography and morphology. Therefore, samples were irradiated using a 300 fs laser with linearly polarized light (λ = 1030 nm). Scanning electron microscopy revealed four structure types: laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSSs), micrometric ripples, micro-crater structures, and pillared microstructures. The results for surface area and line roughness indicate that high laser pulse overlaps lower the strong ablation threshold more effectively than high scanning line overlaps, promoting the formation of pillared microstructures. For efficient ablation and increased surface roughness, higher pulse overlaps are therefore advantageous. In contrast, at low fluences, higher scanning line overlaps support a more homogeneous formation of nanostructures and reduce waviness. Full article

Large-area metasurfaces were fabricated via a tunable pyramidal interference lithography (PIL) technique, which uses custom-built 2-faced, 3-faced, and 4-faced pyramidal prisms to create metasurfaces with customizable nano- and micro-scale surface feature periodicities. The 2-faced prism produced linear surface relief diffraction gratings, while the 3-faced prism produced metasurfaces with triangular lattices and the 4-faced prism produced metasurfaces with square lattices, all on azobenzene thin films. A double inline prism set-up enabled control over the metasurface feature periodicity, allowing systematic increase in the pattern size. Additional tunability was achieved by placing a prism inline with a lens, allowing precise control over the metasurface feature periodicity. A theoretical model was derived and successfully matched to the experimental results. The resulting metasurfaces were coated with gold and exhibited distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) responses, confirming their functionality. Overall, this work establishes PIL as a cost-effective and highly adaptable metasurface fabrication method for producing customizable periodic metasurfaces for photonic, plasmonic, and sensing applications. Full article

Emerging research indicates that neuronal activity is maintained by an architectural system of protons in a multi-scale fashion. Proton architecture is formed when organelles (such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, synaptic vesicles, etc.) are coupled together to produce dynamic energy domains. Techniques have been developed to visualize protons in neurons; recent advances include near-atomic structural imaging of organelle interfaces using cryo-tomography and nanoscale resolution imaging of organelle interfaces and proton tracking using ultra-fast spectroscopy. Results of these studies indicate that protons in neurons do not diffuse randomly throughout the neuron but instead exist in organized geometric configurations. The cristae of mitochondrial cells create oscillating proton micro-domains that are influenced by the curvature of the cristae, hydrogen bonding between molecules, and localized changes in dielectric properties that result in time-patterned proton signals that can be used to determine the metabolic load of the cell and the redox state of its mitochondria. These proton patterns also communicate to the rest of the cell via hydrated aligned proton-conductive pathways at the mitochon-dria-endoplasmic reticulum junctions, through acidic lipid regions, and through nano-tethered contact sites between mitochondria and other organelles, which are typically spaced approximately 10–25 nm apart. Other proton architectures exist in lysosomes, endosomes, and synaptic vesicles. In each of these organelles, the V-ATPase generates steep concentration gradients across their membranes, controlling the rate of cargo removal from the lumen of the organelle, recycling receptors from the surface of the membrane, and loading neurotransmitters into the vesicles. Recent super-resolution pH mapping has indicated that populations of synaptic vesicles contain significant heterogeneity in the amount of protons they contain, thereby influencing the amount of neurotransmitter released per vesicle, the probability of vesicle release, and the degree of post-synaptic receptor protonation. Additionally, proton gradients in each organelle interact with the cytoskeleton: the protonation status of actin and microtubules influences filament stiffness, protein–protein interactions, and organelle movement, resulting in the formation of localized spatial structures that may possess some type of computational significance. At multiple scales, it appears that neurons integrate the proton micro-domains with mechanical tension fields, dielectric nanodomains, and phase-state transitions to form distributed computing elements whose behavior is determined by the integration of energy flow, organelle geometry, and the organization of soft materials. Alterations to the proton landscape in neurons (e.g., due to alterations in cristae structure, drift in luminal pH, disruption in the hydration-structure of the cell, or imbalance in the protonation of cytoskeletal components) could disrupt the intracellular signaling network well before the onset of measurable electrical or biochemical pathologies. This article will summarize evidence indicating that proton–organelle interaction provides a previously unknown source of energetic substrate for neural computation. Using an integrated approach combining nanoscale proton energy, organelle interface geometry, cytoskeletal mechanics, and AI-based multiscale models, this article outlines current principles and unresolved questions related to the subject area as well as possible new approaches to early detection and precise intervention of pathological conditions related to altered intracellular energy flow. Full article

This study investigates the Serial Discontinuity Concept (SDC) by analyzing the size of phytoplankton structures across 13 cascade dams in the fragmented East River, China. The results showed that dam flow-regulation minimized seasonal differences in total chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). Spatially, midstream Chl-a was higher during the dry period, whereas increased wet periods were linked to reservoir effects and nutrient conditions. Nano-phytoplankton dominated during both periods, while micro-phytoplankton declined during wet periods due to higher pH and transparency. Micro-Chl-a increased downstream in dry periods as a result of dissolved oxygen levels and silicate. Self-organizing maps revealed greater size–class variability during dry periods, with pH and conductivity identified as key regulators. Aulacoseira granulata (micro-phytoplankton) and Anabaena oscillarioides (also micro-phytoplankton) were co-dominant. This pattern suggests that the flow regulation and water impoundment by cascade dams during the wet period created localized lentic conditions with enhanced water stability, which favored the proliferation of these species, despite the increased seasonal discharge at the basin scale. These findings support the SDC in that (1) longitudinal Chl-a variations empirically validated SDC, especially during dry periods, and (2) a spatially periodic Chl-a pattern was identified, termed the Cascade Cycle of SDC (CC-SDC). Full article

Nanomaterials are usually associated with modern technologies and advanced processing methods. Three silver Dacian bracelets within Cehei hoard (Salaj County, Romania) are tougher than they should be according to the apparently higher silver content. The microstructural investigation reveals that all three bracelets have silver content of about 90 wt.%. The metallographic inspection of a bracelet sample reveals a very refined microstructure of α grain while fewer eutectic grains are almost undetectable, indicating intensive plastic deformation. XRD patterns of the bracelets reveal relevant peaks for silver (without copper) having a much-broadened aspect indicating nanostructural level. The nano-grains were evidenced at high magnification of SEM imaging: 55 nm for bracelet 1, 95 nm for bracelet 2 and 75 nm for bracelet 3. Elemental maps reveal that the nanograins are basically formed by α phase; the finest eutectic traces are situated and uniformly dispersed within α phase, appearing as small red spots. Vickers µHV10 micro indentation was calibrated on a pure silver 999.9 ‰ in annealed state, resulting in 37 HV10. The nanostructured bracelets have about 56 µHV10 for bracelet 1; 50 µHV10 for bracelet 2 and 52 µHV10 for bracelet 3. Dyrrachium drachmas have Vickers microhardness of about 37 µHV10. The obtained results confirm the historian’s supposition that Dyrrachium drachmas could be the source for silver but also clearly indicate that the final steps of bracelets manufacturing were effectuated by cold deformation with intensive cold hardening. It results that cold deformation of the bracelets rods induces a nanostructural state that significantly increases their microhardness instead of their higher silver title. Full article

The treatment of olive mill wastewater (OMW) remains a major environmental challenge due to its high organic load and phenolic content. This study investigates a combined approach using lime pretreatment and limestone (LS)-based adsorption for cost-effective and sustainable OMW remediation. Locally sourced limestone was used in both micro- and nanoscale forms, while lime (CaO) was produced by calcination. The materials were characterized using X-ray Diffraction pattern (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Point of Zero Charge (pH_PZC) analyses to evaluate surface properties relevant to adsorption. Lime pretreatment achieved notable reductions in total suspended solids (TSS, 99%), chemical oxygen demand (COD, 43%), and total phenolic content (TPC, 48%). Subsequent adsorption with nano-limestone (particles obtained through high-energy ball milling, followed by sieving, with a size distribution 400–500 nm) further enhanced pollutant removal, achieving up to 72% COD and 89% TPC reduction in batch experiments. Column studies confirmed the synergistic effect of mixed particle sizes, yielding 65% COD and 76% TPC removal. The combined process demonstrates the potential of lime–limestone composites as locally available and eco-friendly materials for OMW treatment. While promising, the results represent laboratory-scale findings; further optimization and long-term assessments are recommended for field applications. Full article

This paper investigates the laws governing the evolution of nanostructures on pre-patterned fused silica surfaces by energetic ion erosion. First, regular nanostructures are fabricated with the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) operating at optimized processing parameters. Then, as a function of the different ion fluences, the surface morphology evolution is studied on a surface with newly formed nanostructures. An experimental phenomenon of inter-transformation between nano-ripples and random dot-like structures is observed. In addition, the principles of the development of the nanostructures are analyzed theoretically. The simulation results fit well with the experiments. This work deeply studies the influence of the initial surface micro-morphology on the evolution of nanostructures, and is of great significance for the control of surface nanostructures generated by energetic ion sputtering. Full article

Microfluidic chips made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) have shown significant application potential in aquatic environments with high microbial density, such as “marine ranches”, due to their high-throughput, high-efficiency and high-precision detection capabilities. This technology can rapidly identify pathogenic microorganisms or harmful particles in aquaculture systems, thereby providing urgently needed innovative methods for implementing preventive measures and enhancing aquaculture productivity. By regulating the micro-nano scale channel structure, microfluidic technology can precisely control fluid flow patterns, offering new insights and effective solutions for microbiological research and the separation and analysis of particulate matter. This paper first provides a concise overview of the application of microfluidic chip technology in the analysis of marine microorganisms. Subsequently, it focuses on the “compliance” phenomenon in PDMS-based microfluidic systems, systematically reviewing the potential mechanisms, latest progress and impacts of compliance behavior in mechanically elastic materials such as PDMS. Additionally, this article also investigates the role of “compliance” in key processes of microfluidic technology application, including the capture, separation, enrichment and detection of microorganisms and particles. Moreover, the relationship between surface wettability engineering and compliance phenomena is also explored. We believe that this review will contribute to enhancing the understanding and control of the mechanical behavior of microfluids and the particles they carry within microfluidic systems, providing valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for researchers in this field. Full article

To investigate the influence patterns and underlying mechanisms of solid waste-derived Nano-Micro-Powder (NMP) materials on asphalt performance, this study selected nano-sized silica fume (a typical industrial solid waste) along with conventionally used hydrated lime and cement powders as representative modifiers. Based on material type, dosage, and particle size, the high-temperature rheological properties, low-temperature rheological behavior, and nano-scale mechanical characteristics of NMP-modified asphalt were systematically evaluated through dynamic shear frequency tests, Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) tests, Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements. Additionally, the grey relational analysis method was employed to quantify the impact of key nanoparticle characteristics on modified asphalt performance. The results demonstrate the following: (1) With increasing NMP dosage and decreasing particle size, the complex modulus (G*) of modified asphalt increases significantly, while the creep recovery rate (R) rises and non-recoverable creep compliance (J_nr) decreases. The creep stiffness slope (m-value) diminishes under low-temperature conditions. (2) Among different NMP types, silica fume-modified asphalt exhibits the highest G*, R, and m-value parameters. (3) At the nanoscale, adhesion force, modulus, and surface roughness all increase with higher NMP dosage and smaller particle size. Silica fume demonstrates superior performance in these nano-mechanical properties compared to hydrated lime and cement powders. (4) Grey relational analysis reveals that specific surface area shows the strongest correlation with the overall performance of NMP-modified asphalt. Full article

Polymer gel-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as versatile platforms for self-powered sensing due to their inherent softness, stretchability, and tunable conductivity. This review comprehensively explores the roles of polymer gels in TENG architecture, including their function as triboelectric layers, electrodes, and conductive matrices. We analyze four operational modes—vertical contact-separation, lateral-sliding, single-electrode, and freestanding configurations—alongside key performance metrics. Recent studies have reported output voltages of up to 545 V, short-circuit currents of 48.7 μA, and power densities exceeding 120 mW/m², demonstrating the high efficiency of gel-based TENGs. Gel materials are classified by network structure (single-, double-, and multi-network), matrix composition (hydrogels, aerogels, and ionic gels), and dielectric medium. Strategies to enhance conductivity using ionic salts, conductive polymers, and nanomaterials are discussed in relation to triboelectric output and sensing sensitivity. Morphological features such as surface roughness, porosity, and micro/nano-patterning are examined for their impact on charge generation. Application-focused sections detail the integration of gel-based TENGs in health monitoring (e.g., sweat, glucose, respiratory, and tremor sensing), environmental sensing (e.g., humidity, fire, marine, and gas detection), and tactile interfaces (e.g., e-skin and wearable electronics). Finally, we address current challenges, including mechanical durability, dehydration, and system integration, and outline future directions involving self-healing gels, hybrid architectures, and AI-assisted sensing. This review expands the subject area by synthesizing recent advances and offering a strategic roadmap for developing intelligent, sustainable, and multifunctional TENG-based sensing technologies. Full article

Tight sandstone gas is currently one of the largest unconventional oil and gas resources being developed. In actual reservoir development, the complex pore structure affects the distribution of residual gas and water during the displacement process. However, there is still a lack of experimental research on the multi-scale visualization of pore structures in high-water-content tight gas reservoirs. Therefore, based on the porosity and permeability properties of reservoir cores and the micropore throat structural characteristics, this study designs and prepares three micro-physical models with different permeability ranges. Through micro-experiments and visualization techniques, the microscopic flow phenomena and gas–water distribution in the pore medium are observed. When the water–gas ratio exceeds 5, the produced water type is free water; when the water–gas ratio is between 2 and 5, the produced water type is weak capillary water; and when the water–gas ratio is less than 2, the produced water type is strong capillary water. The latter two types are collectively referred to as capillary water. In the Jin 30 well area, the main types of produced water are first free water, followed by capillary water, accounting for 58.5%. The experimental results of the micro-physical models with different permeability levels show that the production pattern of formation water varies due to differences in pore connectivity. In the low-permeability model, the high proportion of nano-pores and small pore throats requires a large pressure difference to mobilize capillary water, resulting in a higher proportion of residual water. Although the pores in the medium-permeability model are larger, the poor connectivity of nano-pores leads to local water phase retention. In the high-permeability model, micro-fractures and micropores are highly developed with good connectivity, allowing for rapid mobilization of multi-scale water phases under low pressure. The connectivity of nano-pores directly impacts the mobilization of formation water in micron-scale fractures, and poor pore connectivity significantly increases the difficulty of capillary water mobilization, thus changing the production mechanism of formation water at different scales. Full article