The defence sector is now at an advanced level,catering to the global scenario,and countries also invest heavily in research and development.Countries around the world have spent a lot of money on research and develop...The defence sector is now at an advanced level,catering to the global scenario,and countries also invest heavily in research and development.Countries around the world have spent a lot of money on research and development over the years in order to stay ahead of their competitors.Lightweight materials are critical in defence applications because they allow components to be lighter without sacrificing strength.This review provides an overview of the research related to defence applications.The book provides comprehensive details on current trends in the application of lightweight materials in defence.This review also includes historical and current perspectives on defence technologies.It discusses uses of lightweight materials such as metal matrix composites,polymer composites,ceramic matrix composites,fiber composites in defence sectors Finally,the review paper also emphasizes future military applications of lightweight materials.展开更多
Environmental management of military activities is of growing global concern by defence forces. As one of the largest landholders in Australia, the Australian Defence Force （ADF） is increasingly concerned with susta...Environmental management of military activities is of growing global concern by defence forces. As one of the largest landholders in Australia, the Australian Defence Force （ADF） is increasingly concerned with sustainable environmental management. This paper focuses on how the ADF is maintaining effective environmental management, especially in environmentally sensitive marine protected areas. It uses Shoalwater Bay Training Area （SWBTA） as a research example to examine environmental management strategies conducted by the ADF. SWBTA is one of the most significant Defence training areas in Australia, with a large number of single, joint and combined military exercises conducted in the area. With its maritime component contained in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park （GBRMP）, the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area （GBRWHA）, and abutting Queensland＇s State Marine Parks, it has high protection values. It is therefore vital for the ADF to adopt environmentally responsible management while they are conducting military activities. As to various tools employed to manage environmental performance, the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System （EMS） is widely used by the ADE This paper exanlines military activities and marine environmental management within SWBTA, using the Talisman Saber （TS） exercise series as an example. These are extensive joint exercises conducted by the ADF and the United States defence forces. The paper outlines relevant legislative framework and environmental policies, analyses how the EMS operates in environmental management of military activities, and how military activities comply with these regulations. It discusses the implementation of the ADF EMS, including risk reduction measures, environmental awareness training, consultation and communication with stakeholders. A number of environmental management actions used in the TS exercises are presented to demonstrate the EMS application. Our investigations to this point indicate that the ADF is complying with all relevant legislation and policies. Further research is required to confirm compliance and conclude that military activities have good accord with environmental management objectives.展开更多
This article deals with the relation between ethics and financial and budgetary discipline during economic and social recession in the Czech Republic. We find causes of economic and social recession in the Czech Repub...This article deals with the relation between ethics and financial and budgetary discipline during economic and social recession in the Czech Republic. We find causes of economic and social recession in the Czech Republic in the loss of democratic and human values. Czech Republic was ranked the 57th place in the Corruption Perceptions index 2013 out of the 177 countries assessed, which is the same result achieved by Bahrain, Croatia, and Namibia. Among the 31 European Union （EU） member states and Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland, the Czech Republic is on the 25th site. Market as well as public sector and public finances should follow unwritten rules of ethics and ethical behavior. Such rules should be followed especially by politicians, officials, soldiers, and businessmen. Do we need ethics in present time？ How is the role of the code of ethics in increasing financial and budgetary discipline in the defence sector？ Is it possible to measure efficiency of the code of ethics for financial and budgetary discipline？ We explain the importance of codes of ethics and formulate essential elements that each code of ethics must contain. Next, we deal with the main rules of both financial and budgetary disciplines. Furthermore, this article offers a comparison of several codes of ethics and describes the main problems in our implementation. In the end, we introduce our draft of Code of Ethics for Economic Service Officer in the Ministry of Defence and talk about possible influences of these codes on the quality of employee＇s performance.展开更多
The life of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber(NBR) O-ring seal having shore hardness of A70 and A90 under shock loading conditions was investigated by a specially designed pneumo-hydraulic shock test rig. Shock tests have been...The life of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber(NBR) O-ring seal having shore hardness of A70 and A90 under shock loading conditions was investigated by a specially designed pneumo-hydraulic shock test rig. Shock tests have been carried out on bare seals, seal with conventional polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) back-up rings and seal with newly developed carbon composite back-up rings to study its behaviour under different operating conditions until failure. Experiments were conducted by varying annular gap ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 mm, oil temperature from 30 ℃ to 70 ℃ and rate of pressure rise from 600 to 2400 MPa/s. Significant enhancement in seal life was observed with carbon composite back-up ring at reduced annular clearances compared to seal life with conventional PTFE back-up ring and without back-up rings.展开更多
An imbalance in adenosine-mediated signaling,particularly the increased A_(2A)R-mediated signaling,plays a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.Existing therapeutic approaches fail to alter disease prog...An imbalance in adenosine-mediated signaling,particularly the increased A_(2A)R-mediated signaling,plays a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.Existing therapeutic approaches fail to alter disease progression,demonstrating the need for novel approaches in PD.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive approach that has been shown to improve motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.However,the underlying mechanisms of the beneficial effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation remain unknown.The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which the beneficial effects of prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation in the 6-hydroxydopamine model of experimental parkinsonism are based on modulation of adenosine-mediated signaling.Animals with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions underwent intermittent theta burst stimulation for 3 weeks and were tested for motor skills using the Rotarod test.Immunoblot,quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,and biochemical analysis of components of adenosine-mediated signaling were performed on the synaptosomal fraction of the lesioned caudate putamen.Prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation improved motor symptoms in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned animals.A 6-hydroxydopamine lesion resulted in progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the caudate putamen.Treatment with intermittent theta burst stimulation began 7 days after the lesion,coinciding with the onset of motor symptoms.After treatment with prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation,complete motor recovery was observed.This improvement was accompanied by downregulation of the e N/CD73-A_(2A)R pathway and a return to physiological levels of A_(1)R-adenosine deaminase 1 after 3 weeks of intermittent theta burst stimulation.Our results demonstrated that 6-hydroxydopamine-induced degeneration reduced the expression of A_(1)R and elevated the expression of A_(2A)R.Intermittent theta burst stimulation reversed these effects by restoring the abundances of A_(1)R and A_(2A)R to control levels.The shift in ARs expression likely restored the balance between dopamine-adenosine signaling,ultimately leading to the recovery of motor control.展开更多
Friction stir lap welding(FSLW)was adopted to join successfully dissimilar AZ31B Mg alloy and TC4 Ti alloy with Sn foil addition of 30μm thickness.Interfacial microstructure,tensile shear performances and bonding mec...Friction stir lap welding(FSLW)was adopted to join successfully dissimilar AZ31B Mg alloy and TC4 Ti alloy with Sn foil addition of 30μm thickness.Interfacial microstructure,tensile shear performances and bonding mechanism of the joints obtained using three different rotation speeds were studied.High-performance FSLW Mg/Ti dissimilar joints with maximum tensile shear strength of 593.3 N/mm were produced at 1180 r/min,and which was mainly attributed to ultrastrong reaction interlayer consisting of 125.9 nm thick(Mg_(2)Sn+Mg)transition layer and discontinuous(Ti_(6)Sn_(5)+Ti_(3)Al)IMCs layer with 6.58 nm thickness at the interface.The formation of the reaction interlayer was beneficial for high interfacial strength,resulting in significantly improving the joint strength.The fracture of all FSLW joints located on AZ31B Mg stirred zone adjacent to(Mg_(2)Sn+Mg)transition layer or along the crack propagation direction of the AZ31B/TC4 interface with different fracture mechanisms,and which could be consistent with interfacial microstructure.展开更多
Smart materials with self-healing properties are highly desired.This study investigates graphene-incorporated styrene-isoprene-styrene(SIS)nanocomposites for their self-healing property assisted by Infrared(IR)and mic...Smart materials with self-healing properties are highly desired.This study investigates graphene-incorporated styrene-isoprene-styrene(SIS)nanocomposites for their self-healing property assisted by Infrared(IR)and microwave radiation.The good thermal conductivity and energy-absorbing capacity of graphene offer self-healing capability to SIS/GnP nanocomposites due to their exposure to IR and microwave radiation.The absorbed energy in graphene is transferred to the SIS matrix,facilitating the diffusion,re-entanglement,and restoration of the SIS polymer chains,resulting in multiple times self-healing capabilities using various external stimuli.All SIS/GnP nanocomposite samples exhibit self-healing behavior,and the healing efficiency rises with increasing GnP content in the nanocomposites and healing time.The cut mark on the SIS/GnP nanocomposite sample(having 10 wt.%of GnP)entirely disappears when the sample is placed in contact with IR radiation(at 250 W)for 10 min.In addition,the sample is completely healed when exposed to microwave radiation(at 900 W)for less than 30 s.The good dispersion of the graphene nanoplates in the SIS matrix was observed in SEM micrographs.Strong interfacial interactions between the SIS copolymer chains and exfoliated graphene(GnP)due toπ-πstacking stabilize graphene dispersion against agglomeration.The effect of graphene nanoplates on the SIS thermoplastic elastomer’s thermal stability and phase transition is also studied by Thermo-gravimetric analysis(TGA)and Differential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC)analysis.展开更多
Sliding electrical contact is a common phenomenon in electrical equipment and affects performance.In this paper,the mechanism of sliding electric contact pair transition and the moment when transition occurs are inves...Sliding electrical contact is a common phenomenon in electrical equipment and affects performance.In this paper,the mechanism of sliding electric contact pair transition and the moment when transition occurs are investigated using the railgun as an example.Transition is the phenomenon where the contact between the armature and rails changes from solid-solid contact to solid-arc-solid contact.In this paper,the finite element-boundary element coupling method(FE-BE method)is used to simulate the process of armature movement.Then,the force,thermal,and electrical parameters on the armature/rail contact surface are analyzed to explore the development of contact separation.Finally,the occurrence of the transition is judged based on the Townsend discharge model(improved by Rogowski).A Small-caliber railgun firing test was carried out to validate the methodology presented in this paper.Results show that the drop edge of the current will result in the armature/rail not being able to make full contact,and the contact gap may break down,leading to a sharp increase in contact resistance and deterioration of railgun performance.Judging the occurrence of transition based on the evolution of the contact gap and the Townsend discharge model is reliable.The research provides new ideas for studying railgun transition and sliding electric contact failure.展开更多
Merged satellite altimeter products are widely used in ocean-related fields.Currently,the altimeter merged products of archiving validation and interpretation of satellite oceanographic(AVISO)data are widely used inte...Merged satellite altimeter products are widely used in ocean-related fields.Currently,the altimeter merged products of archiving validation and interpretation of satellite oceanographic(AVISO)data are widely used internationally.Chinese National Satellite Ocean Application Service also released merged altimeter products(ALT MUL)in 2023.However,there are few studies on the quality assessment of ALT MUL.Based on the data of AVISO merged products,Jason3 satellite,tide gauge and drifter buoy,the quality assessment and effect analysis of ALT MUL merged products were carried out by means of error evaluation index,interpolation along rails,velocity inversion and power spectrum.The result shows that the average sea level anomaly(SLA)of ALT MUL is about 2 cm smaller than that of AVISO.And they are consistent with the large-scale characteristics and spatial distribution.These two SLA products are both in accordance with normal distribution.Results indicate a lesser congruence between ALT MUL and Jason3 satellite compared to AVISO.This difference may be attributed to the fact that AVISO products use Jason3 satellite as crosscalibrated reference satellite during the merged process.Comparing the matching effect of the two merged products with the tide gauge and drifter buoy,ALT MUL merged products are superior to AVISO in general.The energy spectral density was calculated by using Jason3 satellite data along the orbit,and the two merged products were interpolated to the data points along the orbit.The effective resolution of AVISO and ALT MUL merged products was 180 km and 210 km respectively through spectral calculation,indicating that AVISO merged products have higher effective resolution.展开更多
Rotary friction welding is a highly effective solid-state technique for joining dissimilar materials,which offers the potential for significant weight reduction without compromising strength.Traditionally,during rotar...Rotary friction welding is a highly effective solid-state technique for joining dissimilar materials,which offers the potential for significant weight reduction without compromising strength.Traditionally,during rotary friction welding,the severely deformed material,or flash,is expelled from the interface and machined away to achieve the desired joint geometry.However,this work introduces a novel approach:trapping the flash within the joint to improve joint properties.The study investigates two different interface geometry combinationsdflat-flat and flat-taper interfaces.Previous research shows that Ni interlayer between steel and titanium can enhance the joint strength.This study builds on the existing knowledge(effect of Ni interlayer)by examining the influence of interface geometry to further improve the dissimilar joint performance.The experimental results,including tensile testing and microstructural characterization,highlight the superior performance of the flat-taper interface.The modified geometry minimizes flash loss,providing a cavity that retains both the flash and the Ni interlayer within the joint.This retention promotes dynamic recrystallization,resulting in refined grain structures near the interface.Moreover,the trapped Ni interlayer effectively prevents the formation of brittle Fe-Ti intermetallic compounds at the dissimilar material interface.The findings reveal that the flat-taper interface improved joint strength by an impressive 105%compared to the flat-flat interface.This innovative geometry modification demonstrates the potential to enhance mechanical properties of dissimilar joints through better flash and interlayer management.展开更多
This study explores the impact of bismuth oxide(Bi_(2)O_(3))on the optical and radiation shielding properties of transparent,lead-free thulium-doped bismuth borotellurite radiation shielding glass.The investigated gla...This study explores the impact of bismuth oxide(Bi_(2)O_(3))on the optical and radiation shielding properties of transparent,lead-free thulium-doped bismuth borotellurite radiation shielding glass.The investigated glass composition follows the formula[(TeO_(2))_(75)(B_(2)O_(3))_(25)]_(98-x)(Bi_(2)O_(3))_x[Tm_(2)O_(3)]_(2),where x=0 mol%,5 mol%,10 mol%,15 mol%,20 mol%,25 mol%,and 30 mol%.All glass samples remain transparent,with an optical bandgap(E_(opt))exceeding 3.1 e V,ensuring visible light transmission.Radiation shielding data from Phy-X and XCom reveal interactions of the photoelectric effect,Compton scattering,and pair production,with minimal relative difference in mass attenuation coefficient(MAC)which is between0.05 and 0.56.At 0.662 Me V photon energy,the 20 mol%and 25 mol%Bi_(2)O_(3)glasses exhibit significantly higher Phy-X MAC values than other samples,except RS 520 glass,which contains 71%Pb O.Despite incorporating only up to 25 mol%Bi_(2)O_(3),these glasses outperform others in density,half-value layer(HVL),and mean free path(MFP).Correlating E_(opt)and MAC,the 20 mol%Bi_(2)O_(3)glass is the best candidate for transparent radiation shielding glass due to its wide optical bandgap which prevents ionization of trapped holes.Significantly,the linkage between MFP and molar refraction was also discovered based on the particle size influence on both parameters.展开更多
Background: Undergoing ultrasound scanning (USS) during the first trimester of pregnancy is highly imperative for expecting mothers, as it supports the early detection of any malformations, identifying the fetal numbe...Background: Undergoing ultrasound scanning (USS) during the first trimester of pregnancy is highly imperative for expecting mothers, as it supports the early detection of any malformations, identifying the fetal number, fetal growth, fetal sex, and calculation of delivery. Previous studies have shown that undergoing such prenatal screening procedures could reduce the antenatal anxiety levels of expectant mothers. The present study aimed to explore the impact of first-trimester ultrasound scanning towards the antenatal anxiety and identify the predictors of antenatal anxiety among expectant mothers in the first trimester. Methods: A repeated measure design study was conducted in Maternity Clinics of University Hospital KDU, Ninewells Care Hospital and Navy General Hospital over 4 months with one hundred and fifteen (n = 115) expectant mothers. Participants completed a general information sheet first and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (Spielberger et al., 1970) was administered before and after undergoing the USS. Results: Mean age of the participants was 28.84 ± 3.68. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test showed that there is a significant reduction of participants’ antenatal anxiety levels following the USS z = −5.658, p Conclusions: Findings suggest that undergoing the first trimester USS significantly reduces the antenatal state anxiety and partner’s support is an important factor in reducing the antenatal anxiety experienced by expectant mothers in the first trimester. Future studies can focus on how USS can contribute to alleviating antenatal anxiety in second and third trimesters.展开更多
To monitor nuclear and radiation emergencies,it is crucial to obtain accurate in situ measurements of the environmentalγ radiation dose rate from key radionuclides,particularly for large radioactive surface sources.T...To monitor nuclear and radiation emergencies,it is crucial to obtain accurate in situ measurements of the environmentalγ radiation dose rate from key radionuclides,particularly for large radioactive surface sources.The methods currently used for measuring dose rates are inadequate for obtaining the dose rates of key radionuclides and have large angular response errors when monitoring surface sources.To address this practical problem,this study proposes three methods for measuring the dose rate:the weighted peak total ratio,mean value regression,and numerical integration methods.These methods are based on energy-spectrum measurement data,and they were theoretically derived and numerically evaluated.Finally,a 1-m-long hexagonal radioactive surface source was integrated into a larger surface source.In situ measurement experiments were conducted on a large radioactive surface source using a dose-rate meter and a portable HPGespectrometer to analyze the errors of the three aforementioned methods and verify their validity.展开更多
The Clp/Hsp100 family,part of the ATPase associated with various cellular activities(AAA+)superfamily,includes caseinolytic peptidase B(ClpB),a highly conserved protein found in bacteria,fungi,protozoa,and plants.Nota...The Clp/Hsp100 family,part of the ATPase associated with various cellular activities(AAA+)superfamily,includes caseinolytic peptidase B(ClpB),a highly conserved protein found in bacteria,fungi,protozoa,and plants.Notably,ClpB is present in all ESKAPE pathogens:Enterococcus faecium,Staphylococcus aureus,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Acinetobacter baumannii,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Enterobacter spp.ClpB plays a crucial role in reactivating and disaggregating proteins,enabling pathogens to survive under host-induced stress and conferring thermotolerance to bacterial cells.Infections caused by ESKAPE pathogens are particularly challenging due to their resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics and biofilm formation,posing a significant global health threat as they are often multidrug-resistant,extensively drug-resistant,and pan-drug-resistant.Given its absence in human cells and its essential role in bacterial survival under stress,ClpB is a promising target for antimicrobial therapy.Targeting Hsp100 family proteins could lead to the development of novel antifungal and antiprotozoal treatments.This review explores the function of ClpB in the survival of ESKAPE pathogens and the protozoan Plasmodium falciparum.Relevant research findings were compiled using academic databases,and data analysis was performed using Clustal Omega Multiple Sequence Alignment and Boxshade tools.展开更多
Chemical warfare agents(CWAs)are extremely lethal substances used in warfare and terrorism,capable of causing permanent damage even in small doses,despite medical intervention.Therefore,detection,protection,and detoxi...Chemical warfare agents(CWAs)are extremely lethal substances used in warfare and terrorism,capable of causing permanent damage even in small doses,despite medical intervention.Therefore,detection,protection,and detoxification of CWAs are vital for the safety of first responders,military personnel,and civilians,driving significant research in this area.Herein,we designed and synthesized a poly(-diallyldimethylammonium chloride)(PDDA)mediated cupric oxide(CuO)functionalized activated carbon fabric(ACF),termed ACF@PDDA-CuO,as an adsorbent filter material for self-detoxifying chemical protective clothing.PDDA,a positively charged polyelectrolyte,effectively binds in-situ synthesized CuO to the negatively charged ACF surface,serving as a suitable binder.This study demonstrates the synergistic effects of PDDA-CuO functionalization on ACF,where PDDA treatment enhanced mechanical and comfort properties,and CuO crystal growth significantly improved detoxification efficacy against the CWA Nerve Agent Sarin.Comprehensive analyses,including FTIR,BET surface area analysis,SEM,EDS,TEM,STEM,TGA,XPS,and XRD,confirmed the uniform deposition of CuO and PDDA on the ACF surface.The Cu content on ACF@PDDA-CuO samples was measured via iodometric titration.The materials were evaluated for tensile strength,air permeability,water vapor permeability,nerve agent(Sarin)detoxification,and blister agent(Sulfur Mustard)breakthrough time to assess their applicability for protective clothing.The optimized PDDA-CuO on ACF detoxified 82.04%of Sarin within 18 h,compared to 25.22%by ACF alone,and enhanced tensile strength by 23.67%,air permeability by 24.63%,and water vapor permeability by 3.94%,while maintaining protection against Sulfur Mustard for 24 h.These findings indicate that ACF@PDDA-CuO is a promising candidate for CWA protective clothing,offering robust protection with enhanced comfort.展开更多
This paper aims to develop non-interacting ghost dark energy and generalized ghost dark energy models within the framework of f(Q)theory using the correspondence scheme.We use pressureless matter and a power-law scale...This paper aims to develop non-interacting ghost dark energy and generalized ghost dark energy models within the framework of f(Q)theory using the correspondence scheme.We use pressureless matter and a power-law scale factor.The cosmic implications of the resulting models are studied through the equation of state parameter and the phase planes.We also check the stability of the reconstructed models through the squared speed of sound parameter.The equation of state parameter exhibits a phantom era,the(ωD-ω'D)-plane indicates a freezing region,while the(r-s)-plane corresponds to the Chaplygin gas model for both models.It is also found that only the generalized ghost dark energy model remains stable throughout cosmic evolution.We conclude that our findings align well with current observational data.展开更多
BACKGROUND Current disinfection methods for gastrointestinal endoscopes consume a significant amount of water resources and produce a large volume of waste.AIM To achieve the objectives of efficiency,speed,and cost-ef...BACKGROUND Current disinfection methods for gastrointestinal endoscopes consume a significant amount of water resources and produce a large volume of waste.AIM To achieve the objectives of efficiency,speed,and cost-effectiveness,this study utilized vaporized hydrogen peroxide(VHP)generated from sodium percarbonate granules to conduct an anhydrous disinfection test on gastrointestinal endoscopes.METHODS The experimental device rapidly converts sodium percarbonate granules into VHP,and performs disinfection experiments on gastrointestinal endoscope models,disposable endoscopes,and various types of reusable gastrointestinal endoscopes.Variables such as the intraluminal flow rate(FR),relative humidity(RH),exposure dosage,and organic burden are used to explore the factors influencing the disinfection of long and narrow lumens with VHP.RESULTS The device generates a certain concentration of VHP that can achieve high-level disinfection of endoscope models within 30 minutes.RH,exposure dosage,and organic burden significantly affect the disinfection efficacy of VHP,whereas the intraluminal FR does not significantly impact disinfection efficacy.All ten artificially contaminated disposable endoscopes achieved satisfactory disinfection results.Furthermore,when this device was used to treat various types of reusable endoscopes,the disinfection and sterilization effects were not significantly different from those of automatic endoscope disinfection machines(using peracetic acid disinfectant solution)(P>0.05),and the economic cost of disinfectant required per endoscope was lower(1.5 China Yuan),with a shorter disinfection time(30 minutes).CONCLUSION The methods and results of this study provide a basis for further research on the use of VHP for the disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes,as well as for the development of anhydrous disinfection technology for gastrointestinal endoscopes.展开更多
A novel type of microcapsule-encapsulated corrosion inhibitor was prepared in a water-based solution with a pH range of 7-8,and it was applied to the composite organic coating of magnesium alloy plasma electrolytic ox...A novel type of microcapsule-encapsulated corrosion inhibitor was prepared in a water-based solution with a pH range of 7-8,and it was applied to the composite organic coating of magnesium alloy plasma electrolytic oxidation to enhance its corrosion resistance and self-healing properties.The morphology,chemical composition,structure,and functional properties of the composite coating were investigated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),polarization curve,alternating current impedance,and salt immersion test.The experimental results showed that,after immersion in a 3.5 wt%NaCl solution for 12 h,the coating could effectively protect AZ91D from corrosion.When the coating was damaged,the exposed alloy surface would release metal ions in the corrosive environment and react with the corrosion inhibitor 8-hydroxyquinoline to form a Mg(8-HQ)_(2) chelate,exhibiting significant self-healing behavior.The study results demonstrate the broad application prospects of microcapsule technology in the coating field,providing new ideas for the development of efficient anti-corrosion coatings.展开更多
文摘The defence sector is now at an advanced level,catering to the global scenario,and countries also invest heavily in research and development.Countries around the world have spent a lot of money on research and development over the years in order to stay ahead of their competitors.Lightweight materials are critical in defence applications because they allow components to be lighter without sacrificing strength.This review provides an overview of the research related to defence applications.The book provides comprehensive details on current trends in the application of lightweight materials in defence.This review also includes historical and current perspectives on defence technologies.It discusses uses of lightweight materials such as metal matrix composites,polymer composites,ceramic matrix composites,fiber composites in defence sectors Finally,the review paper also emphasizes future military applications of lightweight materials.
文摘Environmental management of military activities is of growing global concern by defence forces. As one of the largest landholders in Australia, the Australian Defence Force （ADF） is increasingly concerned with sustainable environmental management. This paper focuses on how the ADF is maintaining effective environmental management, especially in environmentally sensitive marine protected areas. It uses Shoalwater Bay Training Area （SWBTA） as a research example to examine environmental management strategies conducted by the ADF. SWBTA is one of the most significant Defence training areas in Australia, with a large number of single, joint and combined military exercises conducted in the area. With its maritime component contained in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park （GBRMP）, the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area （GBRWHA）, and abutting Queensland＇s State Marine Parks, it has high protection values. It is therefore vital for the ADF to adopt environmentally responsible management while they are conducting military activities. As to various tools employed to manage environmental performance, the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System （EMS） is widely used by the ADE This paper exanlines military activities and marine environmental management within SWBTA, using the Talisman Saber （TS） exercise series as an example. These are extensive joint exercises conducted by the ADF and the United States defence forces. The paper outlines relevant legislative framework and environmental policies, analyses how the EMS operates in environmental management of military activities, and how military activities comply with these regulations. It discusses the implementation of the ADF EMS, including risk reduction measures, environmental awareness training, consultation and communication with stakeholders. A number of environmental management actions used in the TS exercises are presented to demonstrate the EMS application. Our investigations to this point indicate that the ADF is complying with all relevant legislation and policies. Further research is required to confirm compliance and conclude that military activities have good accord with environmental management objectives.
文摘This article deals with the relation between ethics and financial and budgetary discipline during economic and social recession in the Czech Republic. We find causes of economic and social recession in the Czech Republic in the loss of democratic and human values. Czech Republic was ranked the 57th place in the Corruption Perceptions index 2013 out of the 177 countries assessed, which is the same result achieved by Bahrain, Croatia, and Namibia. Among the 31 European Union （EU） member states and Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland, the Czech Republic is on the 25th site. Market as well as public sector and public finances should follow unwritten rules of ethics and ethical behavior. Such rules should be followed especially by politicians, officials, soldiers, and businessmen. Do we need ethics in present time？ How is the role of the code of ethics in increasing financial and budgetary discipline in the defence sector？ Is it possible to measure efficiency of the code of ethics for financial and budgetary discipline？ We explain the importance of codes of ethics and formulate essential elements that each code of ethics must contain. Next, we deal with the main rules of both financial and budgetary disciplines. Furthermore, this article offers a comparison of several codes of ethics and describes the main problems in our implementation. In the end, we introduce our draft of Code of Ethics for Economic Service Officer in the Ministry of Defence and talk about possible influences of these codes on the quality of employee＇s performance.
文摘The life of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber(NBR) O-ring seal having shore hardness of A70 and A90 under shock loading conditions was investigated by a specially designed pneumo-hydraulic shock test rig. Shock tests have been carried out on bare seals, seal with conventional polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) back-up rings and seal with newly developed carbon composite back-up rings to study its behaviour under different operating conditions until failure. Experiments were conducted by varying annular gap ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 mm, oil temperature from 30 ℃ to 70 ℃ and rate of pressure rise from 600 to 2400 MPa/s. Significant enhancement in seal life was observed with carbon composite back-up ring at reduced annular clearances compared to seal life with conventional PTFE back-up ring and without back-up rings.
基金supported by a grant from Ministry of Science,Technological Development and Innovation,Serbia,No.451-03-68/2022-14/200178(to NN)University of Defence,No.MFVMA/02/22-24(to MN)。
文摘An imbalance in adenosine-mediated signaling,particularly the increased A_(2A)R-mediated signaling,plays a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.Existing therapeutic approaches fail to alter disease progression,demonstrating the need for novel approaches in PD.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive approach that has been shown to improve motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.However,the underlying mechanisms of the beneficial effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation remain unknown.The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which the beneficial effects of prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation in the 6-hydroxydopamine model of experimental parkinsonism are based on modulation of adenosine-mediated signaling.Animals with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions underwent intermittent theta burst stimulation for 3 weeks and were tested for motor skills using the Rotarod test.Immunoblot,quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,and biochemical analysis of components of adenosine-mediated signaling were performed on the synaptosomal fraction of the lesioned caudate putamen.Prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation improved motor symptoms in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned animals.A 6-hydroxydopamine lesion resulted in progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the caudate putamen.Treatment with intermittent theta burst stimulation began 7 days after the lesion,coinciding with the onset of motor symptoms.After treatment with prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation,complete motor recovery was observed.This improvement was accompanied by downregulation of the e N/CD73-A_(2A)R pathway and a return to physiological levels of A_(1)R-adenosine deaminase 1 after 3 weeks of intermittent theta burst stimulation.Our results demonstrated that 6-hydroxydopamine-induced degeneration reduced the expression of A_(1)R and elevated the expression of A_(2A)R.Intermittent theta burst stimulation reversed these effects by restoring the abundances of A_(1)R and A_(2A)R to control levels.The shift in ARs expression likely restored the balance between dopamine-adenosine signaling,ultimately leading to the recovery of motor control.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(Nos.52005240,52164045)Young Talent Program of Major Disciplines of Academic and Technical Leaders in Jiangxi Province(No.20212BCJ23028)Outstanding Youth Foundation in Jiangxi Province(No.20224ACB214012).
文摘Friction stir lap welding(FSLW)was adopted to join successfully dissimilar AZ31B Mg alloy and TC4 Ti alloy with Sn foil addition of 30μm thickness.Interfacial microstructure,tensile shear performances and bonding mechanism of the joints obtained using three different rotation speeds were studied.High-performance FSLW Mg/Ti dissimilar joints with maximum tensile shear strength of 593.3 N/mm were produced at 1180 r/min,and which was mainly attributed to ultrastrong reaction interlayer consisting of 125.9 nm thick(Mg_(2)Sn+Mg)transition layer and discontinuous(Ti_(6)Sn_(5)+Ti_(3)Al)IMCs layer with 6.58 nm thickness at the interface.The formation of the reaction interlayer was beneficial for high interfacial strength,resulting in significantly improving the joint strength.The fracture of all FSLW joints located on AZ31B Mg stirred zone adjacent to(Mg_(2)Sn+Mg)transition layer or along the crack propagation direction of the AZ31B/TC4 interface with different fracture mechanisms,and which could be consistent with interfacial microstructure.
文摘Smart materials with self-healing properties are highly desired.This study investigates graphene-incorporated styrene-isoprene-styrene(SIS)nanocomposites for their self-healing property assisted by Infrared(IR)and microwave radiation.The good thermal conductivity and energy-absorbing capacity of graphene offer self-healing capability to SIS/GnP nanocomposites due to their exposure to IR and microwave radiation.The absorbed energy in graphene is transferred to the SIS matrix,facilitating the diffusion,re-entanglement,and restoration of the SIS polymer chains,resulting in multiple times self-healing capabilities using various external stimuli.All SIS/GnP nanocomposite samples exhibit self-healing behavior,and the healing efficiency rises with increasing GnP content in the nanocomposites and healing time.The cut mark on the SIS/GnP nanocomposite sample(having 10 wt.%of GnP)entirely disappears when the sample is placed in contact with IR radiation(at 250 W)for 10 min.In addition,the sample is completely healed when exposed to microwave radiation(at 900 W)for less than 30 s.The good dispersion of the graphene nanoplates in the SIS matrix was observed in SEM micrographs.Strong interfacial interactions between the SIS copolymer chains and exfoliated graphene(GnP)due toπ-πstacking stabilize graphene dispersion against agglomeration.The effect of graphene nanoplates on the SIS thermoplastic elastomer’s thermal stability and phase transition is also studied by Thermo-gravimetric analysis(TGA)and Differential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC)analysis.
文摘Sliding electrical contact is a common phenomenon in electrical equipment and affects performance.In this paper,the mechanism of sliding electric contact pair transition and the moment when transition occurs are investigated using the railgun as an example.Transition is the phenomenon where the contact between the armature and rails changes from solid-solid contact to solid-arc-solid contact.In this paper,the finite element-boundary element coupling method(FE-BE method)is used to simulate the process of armature movement.Then,the force,thermal,and electrical parameters on the armature/rail contact surface are analyzed to explore the development of contact separation.Finally,the occurrence of the transition is judged based on the Townsend discharge model(improved by Rogowski).A Small-caliber railgun firing test was carried out to validate the methodology presented in this paper.Results show that the drop edge of the current will result in the armature/rail not being able to make full contact,and the contact gap may break down,leading to a sharp increase in contact resistance and deterioration of railgun performance.Judging the occurrence of transition based on the evolution of the contact gap and the Townsend discharge model is reliable.The research provides new ideas for studying railgun transition and sliding electric contact failure.
基金The National Key R&D Program of China under contract No.2021YFC3101503the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 42276205 and 42406195+1 种基金the Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China under contract No.2023JJ10053the Youth Independent Innovation Science Foundation under contract No.ZK24-54.
文摘Merged satellite altimeter products are widely used in ocean-related fields.Currently,the altimeter merged products of archiving validation and interpretation of satellite oceanographic(AVISO)data are widely used internationally.Chinese National Satellite Ocean Application Service also released merged altimeter products(ALT MUL)in 2023.However,there are few studies on the quality assessment of ALT MUL.Based on the data of AVISO merged products,Jason3 satellite,tide gauge and drifter buoy,the quality assessment and effect analysis of ALT MUL merged products were carried out by means of error evaluation index,interpolation along rails,velocity inversion and power spectrum.The result shows that the average sea level anomaly(SLA)of ALT MUL is about 2 cm smaller than that of AVISO.And they are consistent with the large-scale characteristics and spatial distribution.These two SLA products are both in accordance with normal distribution.Results indicate a lesser congruence between ALT MUL and Jason3 satellite compared to AVISO.This difference may be attributed to the fact that AVISO products use Jason3 satellite as crosscalibrated reference satellite during the merged process.Comparing the matching effect of the two merged products with the tide gauge and drifter buoy,ALT MUL merged products are superior to AVISO in general.The energy spectral density was calculated by using Jason3 satellite data along the orbit,and the two merged products were interpolated to the data points along the orbit.The effective resolution of AVISO and ALT MUL merged products was 180 km and 210 km respectively through spectral calculation,indicating that AVISO merged products have higher effective resolution.
文摘Rotary friction welding is a highly effective solid-state technique for joining dissimilar materials,which offers the potential for significant weight reduction without compromising strength.Traditionally,during rotary friction welding,the severely deformed material,or flash,is expelled from the interface and machined away to achieve the desired joint geometry.However,this work introduces a novel approach:trapping the flash within the joint to improve joint properties.The study investigates two different interface geometry combinationsdflat-flat and flat-taper interfaces.Previous research shows that Ni interlayer between steel and titanium can enhance the joint strength.This study builds on the existing knowledge(effect of Ni interlayer)by examining the influence of interface geometry to further improve the dissimilar joint performance.The experimental results,including tensile testing and microstructural characterization,highlight the superior performance of the flat-taper interface.The modified geometry minimizes flash loss,providing a cavity that retains both the flash and the Ni interlayer within the joint.This retention promotes dynamic recrystallization,resulting in refined grain structures near the interface.Moreover,the trapped Ni interlayer effectively prevents the formation of brittle Fe-Ti intermetallic compounds at the dissimilar material interface.The findings reveal that the flat-taper interface improved joint strength by an impressive 105%compared to the flat-flat interface.This innovative geometry modification demonstrates the potential to enhance mechanical properties of dissimilar joints through better flash and interlayer management.
基金funded by the National Defence University of Malaysia(Grant No.UPNM/2022/GPJP/SG/3)My Brain Sc Scholarship 2023。
文摘This study explores the impact of bismuth oxide(Bi_(2)O_(3))on the optical and radiation shielding properties of transparent,lead-free thulium-doped bismuth borotellurite radiation shielding glass.The investigated glass composition follows the formula[(TeO_(2))_(75)(B_(2)O_(3))_(25)]_(98-x)(Bi_(2)O_(3))_x[Tm_(2)O_(3)]_(2),where x=0 mol%,5 mol%,10 mol%,15 mol%,20 mol%,25 mol%,and 30 mol%.All glass samples remain transparent,with an optical bandgap(E_(opt))exceeding 3.1 e V,ensuring visible light transmission.Radiation shielding data from Phy-X and XCom reveal interactions of the photoelectric effect,Compton scattering,and pair production,with minimal relative difference in mass attenuation coefficient(MAC)which is between0.05 and 0.56.At 0.662 Me V photon energy,the 20 mol%and 25 mol%Bi_(2)O_(3)glasses exhibit significantly higher Phy-X MAC values than other samples,except RS 520 glass,which contains 71%Pb O.Despite incorporating only up to 25 mol%Bi_(2)O_(3),these glasses outperform others in density,half-value layer(HVL),and mean free path(MFP).Correlating E_(opt)and MAC,the 20 mol%Bi_(2)O_(3)glass is the best candidate for transparent radiation shielding glass due to its wide optical bandgap which prevents ionization of trapped holes.Significantly,the linkage between MFP and molar refraction was also discovered based on the particle size influence on both parameters.
文摘Background: Undergoing ultrasound scanning (USS) during the first trimester of pregnancy is highly imperative for expecting mothers, as it supports the early detection of any malformations, identifying the fetal number, fetal growth, fetal sex, and calculation of delivery. Previous studies have shown that undergoing such prenatal screening procedures could reduce the antenatal anxiety levels of expectant mothers. The present study aimed to explore the impact of first-trimester ultrasound scanning towards the antenatal anxiety and identify the predictors of antenatal anxiety among expectant mothers in the first trimester. Methods: A repeated measure design study was conducted in Maternity Clinics of University Hospital KDU, Ninewells Care Hospital and Navy General Hospital over 4 months with one hundred and fifteen (n = 115) expectant mothers. Participants completed a general information sheet first and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (Spielberger et al., 1970) was administered before and after undergoing the USS. Results: Mean age of the participants was 28.84 ± 3.68. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test showed that there is a significant reduction of participants’ antenatal anxiety levels following the USS z = −5.658, p Conclusions: Findings suggest that undergoing the first trimester USS significantly reduces the antenatal state anxiety and partner’s support is an important factor in reducing the antenatal anxiety experienced by expectant mothers in the first trimester. Future studies can focus on how USS can contribute to alleviating antenatal anxiety in second and third trimesters.
文摘To monitor nuclear and radiation emergencies,it is crucial to obtain accurate in situ measurements of the environmentalγ radiation dose rate from key radionuclides,particularly for large radioactive surface sources.The methods currently used for measuring dose rates are inadequate for obtaining the dose rates of key radionuclides and have large angular response errors when monitoring surface sources.To address this practical problem,this study proposes three methods for measuring the dose rate:the weighted peak total ratio,mean value regression,and numerical integration methods.These methods are based on energy-spectrum measurement data,and they were theoretically derived and numerically evaluated.Finally,a 1-m-long hexagonal radioactive surface source was integrated into a larger surface source.In situ measurement experiments were conducted on a large radioactive surface source using a dose-rate meter and a portable HPGespectrometer to analyze the errors of the three aforementioned methods and verify their validity.
文摘The Clp/Hsp100 family,part of the ATPase associated with various cellular activities(AAA+)superfamily,includes caseinolytic peptidase B(ClpB),a highly conserved protein found in bacteria,fungi,protozoa,and plants.Notably,ClpB is present in all ESKAPE pathogens:Enterococcus faecium,Staphylococcus aureus,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Acinetobacter baumannii,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Enterobacter spp.ClpB plays a crucial role in reactivating and disaggregating proteins,enabling pathogens to survive under host-induced stress and conferring thermotolerance to bacterial cells.Infections caused by ESKAPE pathogens are particularly challenging due to their resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics and biofilm formation,posing a significant global health threat as they are often multidrug-resistant,extensively drug-resistant,and pan-drug-resistant.Given its absence in human cells and its essential role in bacterial survival under stress,ClpB is a promising target for antimicrobial therapy.Targeting Hsp100 family proteins could lead to the development of novel antifungal and antiprotozoal treatments.This review explores the function of ClpB in the survival of ESKAPE pathogens and the protozoan Plasmodium falciparum.Relevant research findings were compiled using academic databases,and data analysis was performed using Clustal Omega Multiple Sequence Alignment and Boxshade tools.
基金Defence Research and Development Establishment(DRDE),DRDO,Gwalior-474002,(India)for his keen interestencouragement.The DRDE accession number for this manuscript is DRDE-IREC-130-28/03/2024.
文摘Chemical warfare agents(CWAs)are extremely lethal substances used in warfare and terrorism,capable of causing permanent damage even in small doses,despite medical intervention.Therefore,detection,protection,and detoxification of CWAs are vital for the safety of first responders,military personnel,and civilians,driving significant research in this area.Herein,we designed and synthesized a poly(-diallyldimethylammonium chloride)(PDDA)mediated cupric oxide(CuO)functionalized activated carbon fabric(ACF),termed ACF@PDDA-CuO,as an adsorbent filter material for self-detoxifying chemical protective clothing.PDDA,a positively charged polyelectrolyte,effectively binds in-situ synthesized CuO to the negatively charged ACF surface,serving as a suitable binder.This study demonstrates the synergistic effects of PDDA-CuO functionalization on ACF,where PDDA treatment enhanced mechanical and comfort properties,and CuO crystal growth significantly improved detoxification efficacy against the CWA Nerve Agent Sarin.Comprehensive analyses,including FTIR,BET surface area analysis,SEM,EDS,TEM,STEM,TGA,XPS,and XRD,confirmed the uniform deposition of CuO and PDDA on the ACF surface.The Cu content on ACF@PDDA-CuO samples was measured via iodometric titration.The materials were evaluated for tensile strength,air permeability,water vapor permeability,nerve agent(Sarin)detoxification,and blister agent(Sulfur Mustard)breakthrough time to assess their applicability for protective clothing.The optimized PDDA-CuO on ACF detoxified 82.04%of Sarin within 18 h,compared to 25.22%by ACF alone,and enhanced tensile strength by 23.67%,air permeability by 24.63%,and water vapor permeability by 3.94%,while maintaining protection against Sulfur Mustard for 24 h.These findings indicate that ACF@PDDA-CuO is a promising candidate for CWA protective clothing,offering robust protection with enhanced comfort.
文摘This paper aims to develop non-interacting ghost dark energy and generalized ghost dark energy models within the framework of f(Q)theory using the correspondence scheme.We use pressureless matter and a power-law scale factor.The cosmic implications of the resulting models are studied through the equation of state parameter and the phase planes.We also check the stability of the reconstructed models through the squared speed of sound parameter.The equation of state parameter exhibits a phantom era,the(ωD-ω'D)-plane indicates a freezing region,while the(r-s)-plane corresponds to the Chaplygin gas model for both models.It is also found that only the generalized ghost dark energy model remains stable throughout cosmic evolution.We conclude that our findings align well with current observational data.
基金Supported by the Joint Logistics Support Force Comprehensive Equipment Research Project,No.LB2023B010100-09.
文摘BACKGROUND Current disinfection methods for gastrointestinal endoscopes consume a significant amount of water resources and produce a large volume of waste.AIM To achieve the objectives of efficiency,speed,and cost-effectiveness,this study utilized vaporized hydrogen peroxide(VHP)generated from sodium percarbonate granules to conduct an anhydrous disinfection test on gastrointestinal endoscopes.METHODS The experimental device rapidly converts sodium percarbonate granules into VHP,and performs disinfection experiments on gastrointestinal endoscope models,disposable endoscopes,and various types of reusable gastrointestinal endoscopes.Variables such as the intraluminal flow rate(FR),relative humidity(RH),exposure dosage,and organic burden are used to explore the factors influencing the disinfection of long and narrow lumens with VHP.RESULTS The device generates a certain concentration of VHP that can achieve high-level disinfection of endoscope models within 30 minutes.RH,exposure dosage,and organic burden significantly affect the disinfection efficacy of VHP,whereas the intraluminal FR does not significantly impact disinfection efficacy.All ten artificially contaminated disposable endoscopes achieved satisfactory disinfection results.Furthermore,when this device was used to treat various types of reusable endoscopes,the disinfection and sterilization effects were not significantly different from those of automatic endoscope disinfection machines(using peracetic acid disinfectant solution)(P>0.05),and the economic cost of disinfectant required per endoscope was lower(1.5 China Yuan),with a shorter disinfection time(30 minutes).CONCLUSION The methods and results of this study provide a basis for further research on the use of VHP for the disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes,as well as for the development of anhydrous disinfection technology for gastrointestinal endoscopes.
基金Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52271066)Basic Research and Innovation Project for Vehicle Power+1 种基金Key Project of"Two-Chain Integration"in Shaanxi Province(No.2023-LL-QY-33-3)Xi'an Key Laboratory of Corrosion Protection and Functional Coating Technology for Military and Civil Light Alloy and Key Project of Shaanxi Natural Science Foundation Research Program(No.2021JZ-54)。
文摘A novel type of microcapsule-encapsulated corrosion inhibitor was prepared in a water-based solution with a pH range of 7-8,and it was applied to the composite organic coating of magnesium alloy plasma electrolytic oxidation to enhance its corrosion resistance and self-healing properties.The morphology,chemical composition,structure,and functional properties of the composite coating were investigated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),polarization curve,alternating current impedance,and salt immersion test.The experimental results showed that,after immersion in a 3.5 wt%NaCl solution for 12 h,the coating could effectively protect AZ91D from corrosion.When the coating was damaged,the exposed alloy surface would release metal ions in the corrosive environment and react with the corrosion inhibitor 8-hydroxyquinoline to form a Mg(8-HQ)_(2) chelate,exhibiting significant self-healing behavior.The study results demonstrate the broad application prospects of microcapsule technology in the coating field,providing new ideas for the development of efficient anti-corrosion coatings.
