Search Results (45)

Accurate potentiometric sensing critically depends on the stability and reproducibility of the reference electrode potential. Conventional liquid-filled Ag/AgCl or calomel electrodes, though well-established, are poorly compatible with miniaturized, portable, or long-term in situ sensing devices due to electrolyte leakage, junction potential instability, and maintenance requirements. Recent advances in solid-state and membrane-based reference electrodes offer a promising alternative by eliminating the liquid junction while maintaining stable and well-defined potential. This review summarizes the advancements in polymer-based and composite reference membranes, focusing on material strategies, stabilization mechanisms, and integration approaches. Emphasis is placed on ionic-liquid-doped membranes, conducting polymers, lipophilic salts, and carbon nanomaterials as functional components enhancing interfacial stability and charge transfer. The performances of various architectures, solid-contact, liquid-junction-free, and quasi-reference systems, are compared in terms of potential drift, matrix resistance, biocompatibility, and manufacturability. Furthermore, recent developments in printed, microfluidic, and wearable potentiometric platforms demonstrate how reference membrane innovations enable reliable operation in compact, low-cost, and flexible analytical systems. The review outlines current trends, challenges, and future directions toward universal, miniaturized, and leak-free reference electrodes suitable for innovative sensing technologies. Full article

To address the challenge of asymmetric deformation and failure in the surrounding rock of main roadways within extra-thick coal seams caused by level differences under intense mining disturbance, this study systematically analyzed the evolution laws of principal stress fields, deviatoric stress fields, and their impact on surrounding rock stability in upper-, middle-, and lower-level roadways within a 20 m extra-thick coal seam during mining retreat. The analysis employed numerical simulation, similarity simulation, and field monitoring. Key findings include the following: ① As the working face advances, the principal stress vector lines deflect following a bias-unloading pattern, while the peak value of the deviatoric stress field (PVDSF) exhibits asymmetric bias-loading characteristics. The lower-layer roadway emerges as the primary load-bearing layer controlling surrounding rock stability. ② The evolution trend of the maximum principal stress vector orientation is consistent across different layers. The deflection trajectory manifests as “the deflection of the goaf side → the near layer orientation → the deflection of the solid coal side”. ③ The deviatoric stress peak zones (DSPZs) at all layers exhibit a characteristic “three-stage” evolution. The deviatoric loading pattern for the lower-layer roadway surrounding rock is the following: initial state double peak region crescent-shaped non-layer distribution type → the range of the bimodal region and the extreme value increased simultaneously, distributed in a non-layer manner → the asymmetrical distribution type of steep drop in the peak area of non-mining deviator stress. ④ The junctions between the mining-side rib and floor and the non-mining-side rib and roof were identified as critical control zones. An innovative zonal asymmetric directional anchoring control technology, “anchor cable foundation support + concrete floor + asymmetric reinforcing anchor cable support”, along with a “One Directional Penetration and Three Synergies” control methodology, was proposed. Field monitoring confirmed the significant effectiveness of the optimized support system. Full article

This paper investigated and experimentally analyzed the penetration behavior of liquid copper along austenite grain boundaries (GBs) at high temperatures. The microstructure of the liquid copper channel network along GBs and triple junctions (TJs), as well as the TJ wetting, was observed and interpreted through diffusion-controlled premelted GB formation. The concentration distribution results along GBs show that copper diffusion in both the near-surface premelted GBs and the non-surface-layer solid-state GBs conform to the diffusion equation, though the diffusion coefficients differ by approximately one order of magnitude. However, the copper concentration at premelted GBs cannot be fully described by an error solution. Using a modified diffusion equation when considering the concentration dependence of the GB diffusion coefficient provides a more accurate description, aligning better with experimental characteristics. Electron backscatter diffraction measurements indicate that the copper orientation at premelted GBs remains consistent with that of surface copper coating, whereas that at solid-state GBs undergoes significant changes. This finding is consistent with the argument that the corresponding material states at premelted GBs are different from those at solid-state GBs, thus providing experimental evidence for the diffusion equation solutions presented above. It provides a theoretical reference for understanding and preventing liquid metal embrittlement. Full article

The welded pipeline structure of aircraft fuel is a complex and diverse entity, significantly influenced by fluid–solid coupling. The refined aviation fuel-welded pipeline model plays a pivotal role in the investigation of its fluid–solid coupling mechanical properties. However, the mechanical analyses of pipelines with welded structures frequently simplify or ignore the influence of the weld zone (WZ). Consequently, these analyses fail to reveal the complex interactions between different weld zones in detail. In this study, a comprehensive and precise fuel-welded pipeline refinement model is developed through the acquisition of microstructural dimensions and mechanical parameters of the weld zone via metallographic inspection and microtensile testing. Additionally, the influence of clamps and brackets under airborne conditions is fully considered. Furthermore, the numerical simulation results are compared and verified using modal and random vibration tests. This paper addresses the impact of diverse fluid characteristics on the velocity field, pressure field, and stress in disparate areas, and it also conducts an investigation into the random vibration characteristics of the pipeline. The results demonstrate that the fluid pressure and velocity exert a considerable influence on the fluid flow state and structural stress distribution within the pipeline. An increase in flow velocity and alteration to the pipeline geometry will result in a change to the local velocity distribution, which in turn affects the distribution of the fluid pressure field. The highest stresses are observed in the weld zone, particularly at the junction between the weld zone and the heat-affected zone (HAZ). In contrast, the stresses in the bend region exhibit a corrugated distribution in both the axial and circumferential directions. An increase in fluid pressure has a significant impact on the natural frequency of the pipeline. This study enhances our comprehension of the mechanical properties of aircraft fuel lines with fluid–solid coupling and provides a foundation and guidance for the optimal design of fuel-welded lines. Full article

In recent years, high-voltage analog switches have been widely used in various fields. To handle complex use scenarios, high-voltage analog switches need to achieve the goals of low on-resistance, high isolation performance, high response speed, and high voltage withstand range. Traditional high-voltage analog switches have issues such as low integration, large area, and slow response speed. This paper uses a super junction MOSFET (SJ-MOS) with a 0.18 μm SOI process and a solid-state relay (SSR) structure to implement a high-voltage analog switch. A gate drive circuit suitable for low gate-source breakdown voltage is proposed to maintain the gate-source voltage, achieving a low on-resistance of 24 Ω and high isolation. Compared with traditional high-voltage analog switches, it achieves higher performance with a smaller area. Full article

This study investigated the effects of solid-state fermentation with Clostridium butyricum on the microstructure of wheat bran, the release of dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity. Compared with unfermented wheat bran, insoluble dietary fiber and phytic acid content decreased, whereas soluble dietary fiber and water-extractable arabinoxylan content increased in C. butyricum culture. Because of the increased release of phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid and apigenin, and organic acids, such as isobutyric acid, the antioxidant capacity of the culture was considerably improved. Furthermore, the culture of C. butyricum treated with dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice enhanced the expression of intestinal mucus and tight-junction proteins, modulating the gut microbiota structure, increasing the levels of short-chain fatty acids in the intestine, and restoring the essential functions of the gut microbiota. These anti-inflammatory effects stemmed from the combined action of various effective components. Full article

Newly introduced Photovoltaic (PV) devices, featuring a built-in chip with an illuminating Light Emitting Diode (LED), have emerged in the commercial market. These devices are touted for their utility as both low- and high-side power switch drivers and for data acquisition coupling. However, comprehensive knowledge and experimentation regarding the limitations of these Photovoltaic Drivers in both switching and signal processing applications remain underexplored. This paper presents a detailed characterization of a Photovoltaic Driver, focusing on its performance under resistive and capacitive loads. Additionally, it delineates the device’s constraints when employed in signal processing. Through the analysis of switching losses across various power switches (Silicon and Silicon Carbide) in both series and parallel driver configurations, this study assesses the driver’s efficacy in operating Junction Field-Effect Transistors (JFETs). Findings suggest that Photovoltaic Drivers offer a low-cost, compact solution for specific applications, such as high-voltage, low-bandwidth measurements, and low-speed turn-on with fast turn-off power switching scenarios, including solid-state switches and hot-swap circuits. Moreover, they present a straightforward, cost-effective method for driving JFETs, simplifying the circuit design and eliminating the need for an additional negative power source. Full article

A solid-state repair technique based on surface friction welding is investigated in depth to achieve excellent mechanical properties of damaged 7A52 aluminum alloy. The results show that the yield strength and tensile strength along the repair direction are 436 MPa and 502 MPa, respectively, at a rotational speed of 1400 rpm and a travel speed of 300 mm/min, which are about 157.9% and 129.7% of those before the defects were repaired, respectively, while the elongation is 17.2% compared to the base material. Perpendicular to the repair direction, the yield strength and tensile strength are 254 MPa and 432 MPa, which are 111.4% and 129.7% of those before the defects were repaired, respectively, while the elongation is 11.8% compared to the base material. The mechanical properties of the repaired areas are still improved compared to those of the defect-free sheets. On the one hand, this is attributed to the dynamic recrystallization of the nugget zone due to the thermo-mechanical coupling, resulting in the formation of a fine, equiaxed grain structure; on the other hand, the precipitated Mg₂Si phase, which is incoherent within the base material, transforms into the Al₁₂(Fe, Mn)₃Si phase, as well as the precipitation of the Al₆Mn phase and η′ phase, resulting in the enhancement of the properties. The material fracture at the junction of the nugget zone and the heat-affected zone occurs after repair, which is attributed to the significant difference in the texture of the nugget zone and the heat-affected zone, as well as to the stress concentration at the junction. Full article

We discuss the concept and realization of a heat bath in solid state quantum systems. We demonstrate that, unlike a true resistor, a finite one-dimensional Josephson junction array or analogously a transmission line with non-vanishing frequency spacing, commonly considered as a reservoir of a quantum circuit, does not strictly qualify as a Caldeira–Leggett type dissipative environment. We then consider a set of quantum two-level systems as a bath, which can be realized as a collection of qubits. We show that only a dense and wide distribution of energies of the two-level systems can secure long Poincare recurrence times characteristic of a proper heat bath. An alternative for this bath is a collection of harmonic oscillators, for instance, in the form of superconducting resonators. Full article

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of various concentrations of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) on the growth and productivity of laying ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) subjected to heat stress during eight weeks of a feeding trial. A total of 150 one-day-old Brown Tsaiya ducks of both sexes were divided into five groups, with each group having three replicates and 10 ducks each for evaluation of growth performance. The treatment groups received dietary supplements of BLFP at levels of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%, along with a group receiving flavomycin (F) at 5 ppm, all over a 24-week period. The fermentation process in this study utilized a B. licheniformis strain (ATCC 12713) for the production of the spores through solid-state fermentation. The control group was given a basal diet consisting of yellow corn and soybean meal. The results showed that as compared to the flavomycin group, ducks in the 0.3% BLFP group had significantly higher body weights and better feed conversion rates. In addition, during the three weeks, the BLFP group showed higher feed consumption as compared to the control group. The jejunum villi length was significantly increased in the 0.2% BLPF group as compared to the control and flavomycin groups. This study also found that the flavomycin group had a significantly higher egg conversion rate, while the 0.1–0.3% BLFP groups had improved feed intake and the 0.3% group had significantly enhanced egg yolk color. Additionally, the 0.2% BLFP group showed substantial decreases in IL-1$\mathsf{\beta }$, TNF-$\mathsf{\alpha }$, IL-6, and IL-10 levels in the liver as well as an uptick in the tight junction protein Occludin gene expression in the colon when compared to the control group. Furthermore, the expression of the heat shock protein 70 in the gut upregulated in the 0.1% and 0.2% BLFP groups. In conclusion, these observations demonstrate that dietary supplementation of 0.2% BLFP is an ideal concentration to increase gut morphology, alleviate inflammatory response, and promote gut integrity in heat-stressed laying ducks. Full article

Improving the output power and efficiency of broad-area diode lasers is a prerequisite for the further development of fiber lasers, solid-state laser industries, and direct semiconductor laser applications. At present, the large amount of Joule heat generated by large drive currents and limited wall-plug efficiency presents the largest challenge for improving these lasers. In this paper, a multi-junction cascade laser with low Joule heat generation is demonstrated, showing large power and conversion efficiency. We fabricated devices with different junction numbers and compared their output power. We present double-junction lasers emitting at ~915 nm with an emitter width of 500 μm, delivering 132.5 W continuous wave output power at 70 A, which is the highest power reported so far for any single-emitter laser. The power conversion efficiencies are 66.7% and 60%, at 100 W and 132 W, respectively. Full article

Gallbladder carcinoma represents the most aggressive biliary tract cancer and the sixth most common gastrointestinal malignancy. The diagnosis is a challenging clinical task due to its clinical presentation, which is often non-specific, mimicking a heterogeneous group of diseases, as well as benign processes such as complicated cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, adenomyomatosis, porcelain gallbladder or metastasis to the gallbladder (most frequently derived from melanoma, renal cell carcinoma). Risk factors include gallstones, carcinogen exposure, porcelain gallbladder, typhoid carrier state, gallbladder polyps and abnormal pancreaticobiliary ductal junction. Typical imaging features on CT or MRI reveal three major patterns: asymmetric focal or diffuse wall-thickening of the gallbladder, a solid mass that replaces the gallbladder and invades the adjacent organs or as an intraluminal enhancement mass arising predominantly from the gallbladder fundus. The tumor can spread to the liver, the adjacent internal organs and lymph nodes. Depending on the disease stage, surgical resection is the curative treatment option in early stages and adjuvant combination chemotherapy at advanced stages. The purpose of this scientific paper is to fully illustrate and evaluate, through multimodality imaging findings (CT and MRI), different presentations and imaging scenarios of gallbladder cancer in six patients and thoroughly analyze the risk factors, patterns of spread and differential diagnosis regarding each particular case. Full article

IGBT power modules are usually used as circuit-breaking components in power systems, and are widely used in solid-state DC circuit breakers, hybrid DC circuit breakers, all-electric aircraft, high-speed railways, new energy vehicles, and power transmission systems. In these systems, IGBT power modules are usually faced with extremely harsh working conditions and there is a failure risk. Insulation degradation should be a cause for concern as a potential path of power module failure. In this paper, the discharge phenomena of the IGBT power module were observed based on Intensified Charge Coupled Devices (ICCD), and the triple junctions composed of copper–ceramic–silicone gel inside IGBT were found as the discharge points. Furthermore, the directed bonded copper (DBC) ceramic filled with silicone gel was used as a test sample to study the discharge failure process, including the partial discharge (PD), surface charges, and electric trees. The mechanism of discharge failure is discussed and analyzed. The insulation degradation process is accompanied by phenomena such as severe partial discharge and rapid electric tree growth. This research provides support for the analysis idea and guidance of the research method for the cause of power module failure. Full article

The influence of different processing routes and grain size distributions on the character of the grain boundaries in Li${}_7$La${}_3$Zr${}_2$O${}_{12}$ (LLZO) and the potential influence on failure through formation of percolating lithium metal networks in the solid electrolyte are investigated. Therefore, high quality hot-pressed Li${}_7$La${}_3$Zr${}_2$O${}_{12}$ pellets are synthesised with two different grain size distributions. Based on the electron backscatter diffraction measurements, the grain boundary network including the grain boundary distribution and its connectivity via triple junctions are analysed concerning potential Li plating along certain susceptible grain boundary clusters in the hot-pressed LLZO pellets. Additionally, the study investigates the possibility to interpret short-circuiting caused by Li metal plating or penetration in all-solid-state batteries through percolation mechanisms in the solid electrolyte microstructure, in analogy to grain boundary failure processes in metallic systems. Full article

In this paper, a novel ferroelectric-based electrostatic doping (Fe-ED) nanosheet tunneling field-effect transistor (TFET) is proposed and analyzed using technology computer-aided design (TCAD) Sentaurus simulation software. By inserting a ferroelectric film into the polarity gate, the electrons and holes are induced in an intrinsic silicon film to create the p-source and the n-drain regions, respectively. Device performance is largely independent of the chemical doping profile, potentially freeing it from issues related to abrupt junctions, dopant variability, and solid solubility. An improved ON-state current and I_ON/I_OFF ratio have been demonstrated in a 3D-calibrated simulation, and the Fe-ED NSTFET’s on-state current has increased significantly. According to our study, Fe-ED can be used in versatile reconfigurable nanoscale transistors as well as highly integrated circuits as an effective doping strategy. Full article