Utilizing Solvent Repulsion between Dimethylformamide and Isopropanol to Manipulate Sn Distribution for Bifacial CuZnSn(S,Se) Solar Cells.

Rationalizing the role of chemical interactions in the precursor solutions on the structure, morphology, and performance of thin-film CuZnSn(S,Se) (CZTSSe) is key for the development of bifacial and other photovoltaic (PV) device architectures designed by scalable solution-based methods. In this study, we uncover the impact of dimethylformamide (DMF) and isopropanol (IPA) solvent mixtures on cation complexation and rheology of the precursor solution, as well as the corresponding morphology, composition, and PV performance of CZTSSe thin-film grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). We find that increasing the proportion of IPA leads to a nonlinear increase in dynamic viscosity due to the strong repulsion between DMF and IPA, which is characterized by an interaction cohesion parameter of 3.

Additively Manufactured Carbon Fibre PETG Composites: Effect of Print Parameters on Mechanical Properties.

This study investigates the quasi-static and viscoelastic properties of additively manufactured (AM) PETG reinforced with short carbon fibres. Samples were manufactured using different parameters in terms of the infill pattern, porosity, and annealing condition. Tensile and compressive tests were conducted to determine quasi-static properties such as Young's modulus and toughness, and dynamic mechanical analysis was used under a frequency sweep of 1-100 Hz to describe the viscoelastic behaviour of the composites.

Computational evaluation of interactive dynamics for a full transcatheter aortic valve device in a patient-specific aortic root.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a key treatment for severe aortic stenosis, especially for patients unsuitable for surgery. Since its introduction in 2002, TAVI has advanced significantly due to improvements in imaging, operator skills, and device engineering. Despite these innovations, challenges in device sizing and positioning remain, complicating outcome predictions.

Effect of excitation sequence of myocardial contraction on the mechanical response of the left ventricle.

In the past two decades there has been rapid development in the field of computational cardiac models. These have included either (i) mechanical models that assumed simultaneous myocardial activation, or (ii) electromechanical models that assumed time-varying myocardial activation. The influence of these modelling assumptions of myocardial activation on clinically relevant metrics, like myocardial strain, commonly used for validation of cardiac models has yet to be systematically examined, leading to uncertainty over their influence on the predictions of these models.

Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Degradation Control of Poly(Lactic) Acid/Hydroxyapatite/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites for Advanced Bone Tissue Engineering Application.

This study explores the enhancement of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix using calcium hydroxyapatite (cHAP) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for developing composite scaffolds aimed at bone regeneration applications. The PLA composites were fabricated through solvent evaporation and melt extrusion and characterized by various techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical testing. The incorporation of cHAP and rGO significantly improved the thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of the PLA matrix.

Stress-induced artificial neuron spiking in diffusive memristors.

Diffusive memristors owing to their ability to produce current spiking when a constant or slowly changing voltage is applied are competitive candidates for development of artificial electronic neurons. These artificial neurons can be integrated into various prospective autonomous and robotic systems as sensors, e.g.

Improved Biocompatibility in Laser-Polished Implants.

This research aims to enhance the surface quality, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of PEEK (polyether-ether-ketone) biomimetic dental implants through laser polishing. The objective is to improve osseointegration and implant durability by reducing surface roughness, increasing hydrophilicity, and enhancing mechanical strength. The methodology involved fabricating PEEK implants via FDM and applying laser polishing.

Innovative PEEK in Dentistry of Enhanced Adhesion and Sustainability through AI-Driven Surface Treatments.

This research investigates using Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) in dental prosthetics, focusing on enhancing the mechanical properties, adhesion capabilities, and environmental sustainability through AI-driven data analysis and advanced surface treatments. The objectives include improving PEEK's adhesion to dental types of cement, assessing its biocompatibility, and evaluating its environmental impact compared to traditional materials. The methodologies employed involve surface treatments such as plasma treatment and chemical etching, mechanical testing under ASTM standards, biocompatibility assessments, and lifecycle analysis.

Integration of Sustainable and Net-Zero Concepts in Shape-Memory Polymer Composites to Enhance Environmental Performance.

This review research aims to enhance the sustainability and functionality of shape-memory polymer composites (SMPCs) by integrating advanced 4D printing technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices. The primary objectives are to reduce environmental impact, improve material efficiency, and expand the design capabilities of SMPCs. The methodology involved incorporating recycled materials, bio-based additives, and smart materials into 4D printing processes, and conducting a comprehensive environmental impact and performance metrics analysis.

Think Human: exploring the exhibition of ergonomics to enhance education and engagement: establishing the CIEHF 75 anniversary exhibition.

The field of ergonomics and human factors (E/HF) has an urgent need for increased uptake of specialists to meet the growing demands of the sector and related industries employing ergonomists. In the absence of E/HF being part of the school curriculum, one way of achieving this is through public engagement activities. Specialists in E/HF are motivated by understanding people and interactions, inherent qualities in outreach and engagement, so we are well placed to practice what we preach by understanding our own users, the consumers of our science.

Automated diagnosis of atherosclerosis using multi-layer ensemble models and bio-inspired optimization in intravascular ultrasound imaging.

Atherosclerosis causes heart disease by forming plaques in arterial walls. IVUS imaging provides a high-resolution cross-sectional view of coronary arteries and plaque morphology. Healthcare professionals diagnose and quantify atherosclerosis physically or using VH-IVUS software.

AI-Driven Data Analysis of Quantifying Environmental Impact and Efficiency of Shape Memory Polymers.

This research investigates the environmental sustainability and biomedical applications of shape memory polymers (SMPs), focusing on their integration into 4D printing technologies. The objectives include comparing the carbon footprint, embodied energy, and water consumption of SMPs with traditional materials such as metals and conventional polymers and evaluating their potential in medical implants, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. The methodology involves a comprehensive literature review and AI-driven data analysis to provide robust, scalable insights into the environmental and functional performance of SMPs.

Ecodesign of Kesterite Nanoparticles for Thin Film Photovoltaics at Laboratory Scale.

This manuscript investigates the efficient synthesis of copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) nanoparticles for CZTS thin film solar cell applications with a primary focus on environmental sustainability. Underpinning the investigation is an initial life-cycle assessment (LCA) analysis. This LCA analysis is conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of different synthesis volumes, providing crucial insights into the sustainability of the synthesis process by considering the flows of material and energy associated with the process.

The neurological effects of acute physical exhaustion on inhibitory function.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the inhibitory function performance of maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel in states of physical exhaustion.

Background: SAR missions pose serious challenges to the cognitive function of SAR personnel, especially in extreme environments and physical exhaustion. It is important to understand SAR personnel's cognitive performance and neural activity under exhaustion to improve the efficiency of task execution and ensure work safety.

In silico model of stent performance in multi-layered artery using 2-way fluid-structure interaction: Influence of boundary conditions and vessel length.

Background And Objective: Atherosclerotic lesions of coronary arteries (stenosis) are caused by the buildup of lipids and blood-borne substances within the artery wall. Their qualitative and rapid assessment is still a challenging task. The primary therapy for this pathology involves implanting coronary stents, which help to restore the blood flow in atherosclerosis-prone arteries.

Crack Initiation in Compacted Graphite Iron with Random Microstructure: Effect of Volume Fraction and Distribution of Particles.

Thanks to the distinctive morphology of graphite particles in its microstructure, compacted graphite iron (CGI) exhibits excellent thermal conductivity together with high strength and durability. CGI is extensively used in many applications, e.g.

Correlating Molecular Precursor Interactions with Device Performance in Solution-Processed CuZnSn(S,Se) Thin-Film Solar Cells.

Research efforts aimed at improving the crystal quality of solution-processed CuZnSn(S,Se) (CZTSSe) absorbers have largely employed delicate pre- and postprocessing strategies, such as multistep selenization, heat treatment in mixed chalcogen atmospheres, and multinary extrinsic doping that are often complex and difficult to reproduce. On the other hand, understanding and tuning chemical interactions in precursor inks prior to the thin-film deposition have received significantly less attention. Herein, we show for the first time how the complexation of metallic and chalcogen precursors in solution have a stark influence on the crystallization and optoelectronic quality of CZTSSe absorbers.

Effects of Seawater on Mechanical Performance of Composite Sandwich Structures: A Machine Learning Framework.

Sandwich structures made with fibre-reinforced plastics are commonly used in maritime vessels thanks to their high strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and buoyancy. Understanding their mechanical performance after moisture uptake and the implications of moisture uptake for their structural integrity and safety within out-of-plane loading regimes is vital for material optimisation. The use of modern methods such as acoustic emission (AE) and machine learning (ML) could provide effective techniques for the assessment of mechanical behaviour and structural health monitoring.