UAV communications have seen a rapid rise in the last few years. The drone class of UAV has particularly become more widespread around the world, and illicit behavior using drones has become a problem. Therefore, localization, tracking, and even taking control of drones have also gained interest. Knowing the frequency of a target signal, its position can be determined (as the angle of arrival with respect to a fixed receiver point) using radio frequency-based localization techniques. One such technique is represented by the subspace-based algorithms that offer highly accurate results. This paper presents the implementation of the MUSIC algorithm on an SDR-based system using a uniform circular antenna array and its experimental evaluation in relevant outdoor environments for drone localization. The results show the capability of the system to indicate the AoA of the target signal. The results are compared with the actual direction computed from the log files of the drone application and validated with a professional direction-finding solution (i.e., Narda SignalShark equipped with the automatic direction-finding antenna). Full article

Background: The biomechanical analysis of spine and postural misalignments is important for surgical and non-surgical treatment of spinal pain. We investigated the examiner reliability of sagittal cervical alignment variables compared to the reliability and concurrent validity of computer vision algorithms used in the PostureRay^® software 2024. Methods: A retrospective database of 254 lateral cervical radiographs of patients between the ages of 11 and 86 is studied. The radiographs include clearly visualized C1–C7 vertebrae that were evaluated by a human using the software. To evaluate examiner reliability and the concurrent validity of the trained CNN performance, two blinded trials of radiographic digitization were performed by an extensively trained expert user (US) clinician with a two-week interval between trials. Then, the same clinician used the trained CNN twice to reproduce the same measures within a 2-week interval on the same 254 radiographs. Measured variables included segmental angles as relative rotation angles (RRA) C1–C7, Cobb angles C2–C7, relative segmental translations (RT) C1–C7, anterior translation C2–C7, and absolute rotation angle (ARA) C2–C7. Data were remotely extracted from the examiner’s PostureRay^® system for data collection and sorted based on gender and stratification of degenerative changes. Reliability was assessed via intra-class correlations (ICC), root mean squared error (RMSE), and R² values. Results: In comparing repeated measures of the CNN network to itself, perfect reliability was found for the ICC (1.0), RMSE (0), and R² (1). The reliability of the trained expert US was in the excellent range for all variables, where 12/18 variables had ICCs ≥ 0.9 and 6/18 variables were 0.84 ≤ ICCs ≤ 0.89. Similarly, for the expert US, all R² values were in the excellent range (R² ≥ 0.7), and all RMSEs were small, being 0.42 ≤ RMSEs ≤ 3.27. Construct validity between the expert US and the CNN network was found to be in the excellent range with 18/18 ICCs in the excellent range (ICCs ≥ 0.8), 16/18 R² values in the strong to excellent range (R² ≥ 0.7), and 2/18 in the good to moderate range (R² RT C6/C7 = 0.57 and R² Cobb C6/C7 = 0.64. The RMSEs for expert US vs. the CNN network were small, being 0.37 ≤ RMSEs ≤ 2.89. Conclusions: A comparison of repeated measures within the computer vision CNN network and expert human found exceptional reliability and excellent construct validity when comparing the computer vision to the human observer. Full article

Pigments within polysaccharides pose significant challenges when analyzing their structural characteristics and evaluating their biological activities, making decolorization a crucial step in purifying these biomolecules. In this research, a novel approach using ultrasound-assisted static adsorption with macroporous resins was employed to decolorize polysaccharides extracted from seedless chestnut rose (Rosa sterilis S. D. Shi) fruit (RSP). Among the fourteen tested resins, AB-8, D101, D4020, HPD100, and S8 were identified as the most effective, demonstrating superior decoloration efficiency and polysaccharide recovery. Further examinations of RSPs treated with these five resins revealed distinct effects on their uronic acid levels, monosaccharide makeup, molecular weight, surface structure, and hypoglycemic properties. The RSP treated with HPD100 resin stood out for having the highest uronic acid content, smallest particle size, and lowest molecular weight, leading to the most notable inhibition of α-glucosidase activity through a mixed inhibition model. The application of HPD100 resin in the decolorization process not only potentially preserved the macromolecular structure of RSP but also enhanced its hypoglycemic efficacy. These findings provide a solid theoretical basis for further exploring RSP as a component of functional foods, underscoring the effectiveness of the ultrasound-assisted resin adsorption method in polysaccharide purification. Full article

On 21 May 2023, a hidden eruption occurred at the Southeast Crater (SEC) of Etna (Italy); indeed, bad weather prevented its direct and remote observation. Tephra fell toward the southwest, and two lava flows propagated along the SEC’s southern and eastern flanks. The monitoring system of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia testified to its occurrence. We analyzed the seismic and infrasound signals to constrain the temporal evolution of the fountain, which lasted about 5 h. We finally reached Etna’s summit two weeks later and found an unexpected pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposit covering the southern lava flow at its middle portion. We performed unoccupied aerial system and field surveys to reconstruct in 3D the SEC, lava flows, and PDC deposits and to collect some samples. The data allowed for detailed mapping, quantification, and characterization of the products. The resulting lava flows and PDC deposit volumes were (1.54 ± 0.47) × 10⁶ m³ and (1.30 ± 0.26) × 10⁵ m³, respectively. We also analyzed ground-radar and satellite data to evaluate that the plume height ranges between 10 and 15 km. This work is a comprehensive analysis of the fieldwork, UAS, volcanic tremor, infrasound, radar, and satellite data. Our results increase awareness of the volcanic activity and potential dangers for visitors to Etna’s summit area. Full article

Small-cell neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma (SCNCC) is a rare yet aggressive gynecological malignancy associated with dismal clinical outcomes. Its rarity has led to a limited number of retrospective studies and an absence of prospective research, posing significant challenges for evidence-based treatment approaches. As a result, most gynecologic oncology centers have limited experience with this tumor, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive review and summary. This article systematically reviews the pathogenesis, immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics, prognostic factors, and clinical management of gynecologic SCNCC. We specifically focused on reviewing the distinct genomic characteristics of SCNCC identified via next-generation sequencing technologies, including loss of heterozygosity (LOH), somatic mutations, structural variations (SVs), and microRNA alterations. The identification of these actionable genomic events offers promise for discovering new molecular targets for drug development and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, we delve deeper into key clinical challenges, such as determining the optimal treatment modality between chemoradiation and surgery for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I phase patients within a precision stratification framework, as well as the role of targeted therapy within the homologous recombination (HR) pathway, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in the management of SCNCC. Finally, we anticipate the utilization of multiple SCNCC models, including cancer tissue-originated spheroid (CTOS) lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), to decipher driver events and develop individualized therapeutic strategies for clinical application. Full article

Inspired by the principles of quantum mechanics, we constructed a model of students’ misconceptions about heat and temperature, conceptualized as a quantum system represented by a density matrix. Within this framework, the presence or absence of misconceptions is delineated as pure states, while the probability of mixed states is also considered, providing valuable insights into students’ cognition based on the mental models they employ when holding misconceptions. Using the analysis model previously employed by Lei Bao and Edward Redish, we represented these results in a density matrix. In our research, we utilized the Zeo and Zadnik Thermal Concept Evaluation among 282 students from a private university in Northeast Mexico. Our objective was to extract information from the analysis of multiple-choice questions designed to explore preconceptions, offering valuable educational insights beyond the typical Correct–Incorrect binary analysis of classical systems. Our findings reveal a probability of 0.72 for the appearance of misconceptions, 0.28 for their absence, and 0.43 for mixed states, while no significant disparities were observed based on gender or scholarship status, a notable difference was observed among programs (p < 0.05). These results are consistent with the previous literature, confirming a prevalence of misconceptions within the student population. Full article

The monitoring of beach topographical changes and recovery processes under typhoon storm influence has primarily relied on traditional techniques that lack high spatial resolution. Therefore, we used an unmanned aerial vehicle light detection and ranging (UAV LiDAR) system to obtain the four time periods of topographic data from Tantou Beach, a sandy beach in Xiangshan County, Zhejiang Province, China, to explore beach topography and geomorphology in response to typhoon events. The UAV LiDAR data in four survey periods showed an overall vertical accuracy of approximately 5 cm. Based on the evaluated four time periods of the UAV LiDAR data, we created four corresponding DEMs for the beach. We calculated the DEM of difference (Dod), which showed that the erosion and siltation on Tantou Beach over different temporal scales had a significant alongshore zonal feature with a broad change range. The tidal level significantly impacted beach erosion and siltation changes. However, the storm surge did not affect the beach area above the spring high-tide level. After storms, siltation occurred above the spring high-tide zone. This study reveals the advantage of UAV LiDAR in monitoring beach changes and provides novel insights into the impacts of typhoon storms on coastal topographic and geomorphological change and recovery processes. Full article

Micro-pits are widely used in the aerospace and tribology sectors on cylindrical surfaces and electrochemical micromachining which are of great significance for the high material removal rate, absence of tool wear, and mechanical stress, while facing significant challenges such as stray corrosion and low machining efficiency. Aiming at the above problems, this paper proposes a comprehensive method called radial ultrasonic rolling electrochemical micromachining (RUREMM) in which an ultrasonic field has been added onto the cylindrical surface. First, a theoretical model was created to gain the rules of the formation and collapse of bubbles in the liquid medium. Second, to analyze the optimal size of the cathode electrode, the COMSOL5.2 simulation software was proposed to research the influence of the electric field on the different dimensions, and the influences of different parameters in RUREMM on material depth/diameter ratio and roughness are explored through processing experiments. Research results found that the cavitation bubble undergoes expansion, compression, collapse and oscillation, where the max deviation is less than 12.5%. The optimized size was chosen as 200 × 200 μm² and an electrode spacing of 800 μm through a series of electric field model simulation analyses. Relevant experiments show that the minimum pits with a width of 212.4 μm, a depth of 21.8 μm, and a surface roughness (Ra) of 0.253 μm were formed due to the optimized parameters. The research results can offer theoretical references for fabricating micro-pits with enhanced surface quality and processing precision on cylindrical surfaces. Full article

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) encompasses various acquired or genetic diseases sharing a common phenotype. The understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms and the determination of the functional effects of each etiology may allow for tailoring different therapeutic strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in cardiovascular diseases, including DCM. However, their specific roles in different DCM etiologies remain elusive. Here, we applied mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq to identify the gene and miRNA signature from myocardial biopsies from four patients with DCM caused by volume overload (VCM) and four with ischemic DCM (ICM). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were used for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The miRNA–mRNA interactions were identified by Pearson correlation analysis and miRNA target-prediction programs. mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq were validated by qRT-PCR and miRNA–mRNA interactions were validated by luciferase assays. We found 112 mRNAs and five miRNAs dysregulated in VCM vs. ICM. DEGs were positively enriched for pathways related to the extracellular matrix (ECM), mitochondrial respiration, cardiac muscle contraction, and fatty acid metabolism in VCM vs. ICM and negatively enriched for immune-response-related pathways, JAK-STAT, and NF-kappa B signaling. We identified four pairs of negatively correlated miRNA–mRNA: miR-218-5p-DDX6, miR-218-5p-TTC39C, miR-218-5p-SEMA4A, and miR-494-3p-SGMS2. Our study revealed novel miRNA–mRNA interaction networks and signaling pathways for VCM and ICM, providing novel insights into the development of these DCM etiologies. Full article

Data input within mixed reality environments poses significant interaction challenges, notably in immersive visual analytics applications. This study assesses five numerical input techniques: three benchmark methods (Touch-Slider, Keyboard, Pinch-Slider) and two innovative multimodal techniques (Bimanual Scaling, Gesture and Voice). An experimental design was employed to compare these techniques’ input efficiency, accuracy, and user experience across varying precision and distance conditions. The findings reveal that multimodal techniques surpass slider methods in input efficiency yet are comparable to keyboards; the voice method excels in reducing cognitive load but falls short in accuracy; and the scaling method marginally leads in user satisfaction but imposes a higher physical load. Furthermore, this study outlines these techniques’ pros and cons and offers design guidelines and future research directions. Full article

The use of machine learning and deep learning has become prominent within various fields of bioprocessing for countless modeling and prediction tasks. Previous reviews have emphasized machine learning applications in various fields of bioprocessing, including biomanufacturing. This comprehensive review highlights many of the different machine learning and multivariate analysis techniques that have been utilized within Chinese hamster ovary cell biomanufacturing, specifically due to their rising significance in the industry. Applications of machine and deep learning within other bioprocessing industries are also briefly discussed. Full article

Non-muscle-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma (NMIPUC) of the urinary bladder is the most common type of bladder cancer. Intravesical Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy is applied in patients with a high risk of recurrence and progression of NMIPUC to muscle-invasive disease. However, the tumor relapses in about 30% of patients despite the treatment, raising the need for better risk stratification. We explored the potential of spatial distributions of immune cell subtypes (CD20, CD11c, CD163, ICOS, and CD8) within the tumor microenvironment to predict NMIPUC recurrence following BCG immunotherapy. Based on analyses of digital whole-slide images, we assessed the densities of the immune cells in the epithelial–stromal interface zone compartments and their distribution, represented by an epithelial–stromal interface density ratio (IDR). While the densities of any cell type did not predict recurrence, a higher IDR of CD11c (HR: 0.0012, p-value = 0.0002), CD8 (HR: 0.0379, p-value = 0.005), and ICOS (HR: 0.0768, p-value = 0.0388) was associated with longer recurrence-free survival (RFS) based on the univariate Cox regression. The history of positive repeated TUR (re-TUR) (HR: 4.93, p-value = 0.0001) and T1 tumor stage (HR: 2.04, p-value = 0.0159) were associated with shorter RFS, while G3 tumor grade according to the 1973 WHO classification showed borderline significance (HR: 1.83, p-value = 0.0522). In a multivariate analysis, the two models with a concordance index exceeding 0.7 included the CD11c IDR in combination with either a history of positive re-TUR or tumor stage. We conclude that the CD11c IDR is the most informative predictor of NMIPUC recurrence after BCG immunotherapy. Our findings highlight the importance of assessment of the spatial distribution of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Full article

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional relationship between the microbiota and the brain; genes related to the brain and gut synaptic formation are similar. Research on the causal effects of gut microbiota on human behavior, brain development, and function, as well as the underlying molecular processes, has emerged in recent decades. Probiotics have been shown in several trials to help reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Because of this, probiotic combinations have been tested in in vitro models to see whether they might modulate the gut and alleviate depression and anxiety. Therefore, we sought to determine whether a novel formulation might affect the pathways controlling anxiety and depression states and alter gut barrier activities in a 3D model without having harmful side effects. Our findings indicate that B. bifidum novaBBF7 10 mg/mL, B. longum novaBLG2 5 mg/mL, and L. paracasei TJB8 10 mg/mL may influence the intestinal barrier and enhance the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids. Additionally, the probiotics studied did not cause neuronal damage and, in combination, exert a protective effect against the condition of anxiety and depression triggered by L-Glutamate. All these findings show that probiotics can affect gut function to alter the pathways underlying anxiety and depression. Full article

Characterizing changes in rock properties is essential for the hydraulic fracture and re-fracture parameter optimization of shale formations. This paper proposed a hydraulic fracturing model to investigate the changes in rock properties during hydraulic fracturing using SPH, and the changes in the stress field and rock properties were quantitatively characterized. The simulation results indicated that the minimum horizontal principal stress increased by 10 MPa~15 MPa during fracture propagation, which is the main reason for the uneven propagation in multi-fracture propagation. Affected by the stress disturbance, the stimulated area was divided into four parts based on the changes in Young’s modulus and permeability; the more seriously the stress disturbance was affected, the higher the permeability of the stimulated zone was, and the smaller the stimulated zone was. Meanwhile, a zone with reduced permeability appeared due to the compression effect caused by the high injection pressure, and this increased with the increase in stress disturbance. The main reason for this was that strain formed because of the compression effect from the high injection pressure. The higher the stress disturbance, the higher the accumulated strain. This new model provides a new method for fracture parameter optimization, which also provides a foundation for the re-fracture parameter optimization of shale formations. Full article

The consumption of natural foods is increasingly high, and in recent years, consumers have preferred foods from systems with responsible management of natural resources (organic, hydroponic). However, there are still contradictions regarding the nutritional content of products from these different types of crops. Our study aims to compare, for the first time, the content of antioxidants (ascorbic acid, lycopene, total phenolics, essential fatty acids), micronutrients (copper, iron, manganese, zinc), contaminants (cadmium and lead), and free radical scavenging activity between conventional, organic, and hydroponic tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) sold in markets in Quito, Ecuador. Ascorbic acid and lycopene were determined by HPLC/UV-Vis. Total phenolics (Folin–Ciocalteu method) and free-radical scavenging activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method) were determined via UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Lipid profiles were determined as fatty acid methyl esters through a GC-FID. Trace metals were determined using FAAS (micronutrients), and GFAAS (pollutants). No significant differences (p > 0.05) between antioxidant and micronutrient content among the three types of tomatoes were found. Regarding cadmium and lead, the contents were below the Codex Alimentarius threshold limits. Finally, free radical scavenging activity varied slightly (organic > hydroponic > conventional). Although the samples showed certain differences in antioxidant content, none of the tomato types could be considered nutritionally better because of the high variability of the results. Full article

Paramedics are increasingly being subjected to violence, creating the potential for significant physical and psychological harm. Where a patient has a history of violent behavior, hazard flags—applied either to the individual, their residential address, or phone number—can alert paramedics to the possibility of violence, potentially reducing the risk of injury. Leveraging a novel violence reporting process embedded in the electronic patient care record, we reviewed violence reports filed over a thirteen-month period since its inception in February 2021 to assess the effectiveness of hazard flagging as a potential risk mitigation strategy. Upon reviewing a report, paramedic supervisors can generate a hazard flag if recurrent violent behavior from the patient is anticipated. In all, 502 violence reports were filed, for which paramedic supervisors generated hazard flags in 20% of cases (n = 99). In general, cases were not flagged either because the incident occurred at a location not amenable to flagging or because the supervisors felt that a hazard flag was not warranted based on the details in the report. Hazard flagging was associated with an increased risk of violence during subsequent paramedic attendance (Odds Ratio [OR] 6.21, p < 0.001). Nevertheless, the process appears to reliably identify persons who may be violent towards paramedics. Full article

Submerged floating tunnels (SFTs), also known as the Archimedes Bridge, are new transportation structures designed for crossing deep waters. Compared with cross-sea bridges and subsea tunnels, SFTs offer superior environmental adaptability, reduced construction costs, and an enhanced spanning capacity, highlighting their significant development potential and research value. This paper introduces a new type of SFT scale model for hydrodynamic experiments, adhering to the criteria for geometric similarity, motion similarity, and dynamic similarity principles, including the Froude and Cauchy similarity principles. This model enables the accurate simulation of the elastic deformation of the tunnel body and complex hydrodynamic phenomena, such as fluid–structure interactions and vortex–induced vibrations. Moreover, this paper details the design methodology, fabrication process, and method for similarity evaluation, covering the mass, deflection under load, natural frequency in air, and the natural frequency of the various underwater motion freedoms of the model. The results of our experiments and numerical simulations demonstrate a close alignment, proving the reliability of the new SFT scale model. The frequency distribution observed in the white noise wave tests indicates that the SFT equipped with inclined mooring cables experiences a coupled interaction between horizontal motion, vertical motion, and rotation. Furthermore, the design methodology of this model can be applied to other types of SFTs, potentially advancing technical progress in scale modeling of SFTs and enhancing the depth of SFT research through hydrodynamic experiments. Full article

Most finite element model updating (FEMU) studies on bridges are acceleration-based due to their lower cost and ease of use compared to strain- or displacement-based methods, which entail costly experiments and traffic disruptions. This leads to a scarcity of comprehensive studies incorporating strain measurements. This study employed the strain- and acceleration-based FEMU analyses performed on a more than 50-year-old multi-span concrete highway viaduct. Mid-span strains under heavy vehicles were considered for the strain-based FEMU, and frequencies and mode shapes for the acceleration-based FEMU. The analyses were performed separately for up to three variables, representing Young’s modulus adjustment factors for different groups of structural elements. FEMU studies considered residual minimisation and the error-domain model falsification (EDMF) methodology. The residual minimisation utilised four different single-objective optimisations focusing on strains, frequencies, and mode shapes. Strain- and frequency-based FEMU analyses resulted in an approximately 20% increase in the overall superstructure’s design stiffness. This study shows the benefits of the intuitive EDMF over residual minimisation for FEMU, where information gained from the strain data, in addition to the acceleration data, manifests more sensible updated variables. EDMF finally resulted in a 25–50% overestimated design stiffness of internal main girders. Full article

Electrical bearing currents may disturb the performance of the bearings via electro-corrosion if they surpass a limit of ca. 0.1 to 0.3 A/mm². A continuous current flow, or, after a longer time span, an alternating current or a repeating impulse-like current, damages the raceway surface, leading in many cases to a fluting pattern on the raceway. Increased bearing vibration, audible noise, and decreased bearing lubrication as a result may demand a replacement of the bearings. Here, an electrically corroded axial ball bearing (type 51208) with fluting patterns is investigated. The bearing was lubricated with grease lubrication and was exposed to 4 A DC current flow. It is shown that the electric current flow causes higher concentrations of iron oxides and iron carbides on the bearing raceway surface together with increased surface roughness, leading to a mixed lubrication also at elevated bearing speeds up to 1500 rpm. The “electrically insulating” iron oxide layer and the “mechanically hard” iron carbide layer on the bearing steel are analysed by WLI, XPS, SEM, and EDS. White Light Interferometry (WLI) is used to provide an accurate measurement of the surface topography and roughness. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements are conducted to analyze the chemical surface composition and oxidation states. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is applied for high-resolution imaging of the surface morphology, while the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) is used to cut a trench into the bearing surface to inspect the surface layers. With the Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), the presence of composing elements is identified, determining their relative concentrations. The electrically-caused iron oxide and iron carbide may develop periodically along the raceway due to the perpendicular vibrations of the rolling ball on the raceway, leading gradually to the fluting pattern. Still, a simulation of this vibration-induced fluting-generation process from the start with the first surface craters—of the molten local contact spots—to the final fluting pattern is missing. Full article

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a worldwide disease of small ruminants caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, a facultative intracellular pathogen that is able to survive and multiply in certain white blood cells of the host. In this study, 33 strains of C. pseudotuberculosis were isolated from sheep and goats suffering from CLA on nine farms in the Czech Republic. All these strains were tested for their antibiotic susceptibility, ability to form a biofilm and resistance to the effects of commonly used disinfectant agents. To better understand the virulence of C. pseudotuberculosis, the genomes of strains were sequenced and comparative genomic analysis was performed with another 123 genomes of the same species, including ovis and equi biovars, downloaded from the NCBI. The genetic determinants for the virulence factors responsible for adherence and virulence factors specialized for iron uptake and exotoxin phospholipase D were revealed in every analyzed genome. Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes were compared, revealing the presence of genetic determinants encoding exo-α-sialidase (GH33) and the CP40 protein in most of the analyzed genomes. Thirty-three Czech strains of C. pseudotuberculosis were identified as the biovar ovis on the basis of comparative genome analysis. All the compared genomes of the biovar ovis strains were highly similar regardless of their country of origin or host, reflecting their clonal behavior. Full article

An abnormal level of dopamine (DA), a kind of neurotransmitter, correlates with a series of diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Willis-Ekbom disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. Hence, it is imperative to achieve a precise, rapid detection method in clinical medicine. In this study, we synthesized nanocomposite carbon aerogels (CAs) doped with iron and iron carbide, based on algae residue-derived biomass materials, using Fe(NO₃)₃ as the iron source. The modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for DA detection, denoted as CAs-Fe/GCE, was prepared through surface modification with this composite material. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction characterization confirmed the successful doping of iron into the as-prepared CAs. Additionally, the electrochemical behavior of DA on the modified electrode surface was investigated and the results demonstrate that the addition of the CAs-Fe promoted the electron transfer rate, thereby enhancing their sensing performance. The fabricated electrochemical DA biosensor exhibits an accurate detection of DA in the concentration within the range of 0.01~200 µM, with a detection limit of 0.0033 µM. Furthermore, the proposed biosensor is validated in real samples, showing its high applicability for the detection of DA in beverages. Full article

It remains a popular question whether rare earth oxides encourage reinforcing phases to the uniform distribution in cermet coating to improve the mechanical properties. This study applied laser cladding to prepare the TiAl/WC/CeO₂ MMC cermet coatings on the TC21 alloy substrate. The effects of CeO₂ content on the phase composition, microstructure formation, evolution mechanism, and properties of cermet coatings were investigated. Results show that the incorporation of CeO₂ did not change the phase of composite coating, but the shape of the TiC phase has a close relation to the CeO₂ content. CeO₂ enhanced the fluidity of the molten pool, which further encouraged the TiC/Ti₂AlC core-shell reinforcement phase. With the increase in CeO₂ content, the optimized coating contributed to homogenous microstructure distribution and fine grain size. Owing to the hard phases strengthening and dispersion strengthening effects of CeO₂, the microhardness of the composite coatings was all significantly higher (almost 1.6 times) than that of the substrate. Importantly, the addition of CeO₂ significantly improved the wear resistance of the composite coating. This work provides a certain reference value for the study of surface strengthening of key parts in the aerospace field. Full article