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Detection of Glaucoma Using OCT Images
No full textGlaucoma is a chronic eye condition that results in damage to the optic nerve, which leads to permanent blindness if it is not diagnosed and treated early. As of now, there are no treatments for curing glaucoma; thus, early detection might halt its progression. There are several imaging techniques used in detection of glaucoma, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) has gained prominence due to its ability to provide high-resolution images. However, manual observation and diagnosis by ophthalmologists are labor-intensive. This study proposes a novel method for automated detection of glaucoma by using YOLOv5s, which is an object detection model, applied to OCT images of patients both with and without glaucoma. The preliminary results are encouraging and achieved a detection accuracy of 99.3%
Kinetic modelling and steady-state optimization of cooling crystallization by continuous oscillatory baffled crystallizer
No full textTo address an open issue of sufficiently describing crystallization kinetics in a continuous oscillatory baffled crystallizer (COBC), a comprehensive kinetic modelling method is proposed in this paper, along with a steady-state optimization approach (SOA) for operating the COBC. Taking into account the axial dispersion of crystal quantity (ADCQ), velocity dispersion of crystal population (VDCP), and growth rate dispersion (GRD), a non-ideal plug flow micro-distribution model (NPF-MDM) is firstly established, which could be used to predict the crystal size distribution (CSD) and mean crystal size (MCS) in each zone of COBC. The model parameters are estimated by heterogeneous tracer experiments and continuous cooling crystallization (CCC) experiments in a real COBC named DN15. Based on the established NPF-MDM, an SOA is provided for operating the COBC. The tube length distribution across different temperature zones of COBC is optimized to determine the maximum attainable region of product MCS. By introducing an objective function related to the target crystal size and the CSD width of product crystals, a sensitivity analysis (SA) is presented to identify the critical operating conditions (COCs), including the seed recipe and net flow rate. Subsequently, the SA-based SOA is carried out. A growth optimizer algorithm is offered to solve the related nonconvex optimization problems. Experiments on the CCC of L-glutamic acid (LGA) via DN15 are performed to validate the proposed modelling and SOA
Proof-Carrying Neuro-Symbolic Code
No full textThis invited paper introduces the concept of “proof-carrying neuro-symbolic code” and explains its meaning and value, from both the “neural” and the “symbolic” perspectives. The talk outlines the first successes and challenges that this new area of research faces.</p
An appraisal on various hydrogen productions and their CO<sub>2</sub> emissions – a comparison on the Grey, blue and green pathways
No full textThe transition to a net-zero economy requires revolutionary change to the fundamentals of economies around the world. The need to decarbonise processes affects almost every aspect of industry and society, with energy, transport, and manufacturing making up some of the most polluting sectors. Many complementary solutions must be realised to surmount such challenges, and one suggestion is the greater use of hydrogen as a fuel or feedstock. For this to occur, hydrogen production must be significantly scaled up without introducing so many emissions as to counteract improvements made downstream. Although hydrogen gas can be found in underground deposits, almost all hydrogen is produced industrially from fossil fuels, notably via steam reforming process (grey hydrogen), which is usually associated with a considerable carbon footprint. Alternative production pathways with a lower carbon footprint have been developed for large-scale production. This perspective examines the impact of large-scale grey, blue, and green hydrogen production methods and their viability as sources of a cleaner fuel for heat and electricity generation.</p
Electronic and structural properties of magnesium-doped platinum clusters: superatomic features of the MgPt<sub>9</sub> complex
No full textWe address herein a theoretical study of gas phase magnesium-doped platinum clusters (MgPtn, n = 2–12) using density functional theory, genetic algorithms and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules method of wavefunction analyses. The Mg atom consistently donates electron density to the Pt framework. This electronic charge depletion increases with size before it reaches an asymptotic limit. Among the series, MgPt9 exhibits enhanced stability, a large HOMO–LUMO gap (1.30 eV), a high adiabatic ionisation potential (6.94 eV) and a filled 1S2 1P6 shell, features which indicate a superatomic character of this species. Structural analysis reveals that MgPt9 forms gradually from MgPt6 and persists as a core in larger capped clusters. Spin multiplicities vary irregularly, reflecting changes in coordination and electronic degeneracy. Electrostatic potential analysis reveals the presence of σ-holes at low-coordinated Pt sites and at the Mg centre, and thereby a potential catalytic activity. These findings identify MgPt9 as a candidate superatomic cluster and suggest broader design strategies for bimetallic nanostructures with tunable electronic and chemical properties
Behind the beer: An examination of ‘entrepreneurial’ motives for starting a craft brewery
No full textBrewing has experienced a considerable revival in recent years with the number of brewers in the UK being at its highest level since the 1930s (Cask Report, 2018). After decades of mergers and takeovers saw the emergence of a small number of global brewing conglomerates, many of the recently established breweries have spearheaded what has been referred to as a ‘craft beer revolution’. Typically, producing small batches of artisan brews and with small workforces, the output of craft brewers accounts for approximately 2.5% of all beer sales in the UK, but is the fastest growing sector of the drinks market. The growth of the industry mirrors that seen by artisan food producers and has led some to suggest an emerging preference for rejecting mass produced food and drink products.Despite recognition of the craft beer industry’s emergence, growth and cultural significance, almost nothing is known about the individuals who started these new breweries, nor what their motivations for doing so were. Drawing upon 30 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with owner-brewers of craft breweries from across Scotland, this chapter presents findings examining owners’ backgrounds and motivations for starting their brewery. The findings show a range of motivations and expectations amongst the group of owners and provide a useful basis for making practical recommendations of how other aspiring craft beer ‘entrepreneurs’ can be best supported by the industr
Strategies for Success? Market entry strategies of new craft beer producers
No full textFewer than half of UK start-up businesses survive beyond five years (ONS, 2020). The Scottish Small Business Survey of 2019 found competition in the market and uncertainty as to how to face it were considered the most significant barrier to success by almost half of SMEs (Scottish Government, 2020). This chapter considers how four Scottish breweries have formulated start-up strategies to respond to competition in an everincreasingly crowded marketplace in order to maximise their likelihood of survival. The findings from each of these case studies are presented in an accessible format, and indicate that a variety of approaches to the development of the businesses can be adopted, albeit planned approaches dominate. Drawing on real life experiences of four successful businesses, the practical choices they took provide guidance and inspiration for other aspiring craft beer entrepreneurs in selecting an appropriate approach to and content of their founding strategy
Development of a novel energy fuse for enhancing blast resistance in masonry infill walls
No full textThis study investigates the effectiveness of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks as vertically embedded energy fuses for enhancing the blast resistance of masonry infill walls. A novel configuration is proposed, in which AAC layers act as sacrificial and replaceable elements that absorb and redistribute blast energy before it is transmitted through the wall. Validated finite element models were developed to simulate the structural behaviour of infill walls subjected to a wide range of explosive charge weights and standoff distances. Key response parameters, including support reactions, energy dissipation, displacement, velocity, and stress distribution in mortar, brick, and AAC components, were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrate that the AAC fuse system significantly improves blast performance: peak wall displacement was reduced by up to 80 %, base reaction forces by approximately 7 %, and peak stresses in mortar and brick by 59 % and over 30 %, respectively. Additionally, the presence of AAC layers reduced sensitivity to boundary conditions, highlighting its potential in retrofit applications where full anchorage is not feasible. The system also enhanced structural damping, promoted more uniform deformation patterns, and improved energy absorption over time relative to conventional masonry walls. These findings confirm that the proposed AAC energy fuse represents a practical and cost-effective strategy for improving the blast resilience of masonry infill walls, particularly in aging or vulnerable structures where traditional reinforcement methods may be difficult to implement
Printability, engineering properties and environmental implications of 3D-printed cementitious mortars incorporating hydrated lime, tile powder and accelerator
No full text3D printing offers transformative potential in construction, yet optimising the performance of cementitious materials before and after extrusion remains a critical challenge. This study presents a performance-based mix design framework targeting extrudability, buildability, and layer stability, while evaluating the individual and combined effects of cement (C), hydrated lime (L), recycled tile powder (T), and chemical accelerators (A). Results reveal that their synergy significantly enhances rheology, yield stress, and print stability, while maintaining sufficient flowability. A specifically optimised mix, CLTA, achieved a 40% reduction in shrinkage, improved interlayer bonding, and markedly increased mechanical strength, modulus of toughness, and failure strain, key for energy absorption in printed structures. Environmentally, CLTA reduced raw material demand and improved eco-strength and cost-efficiency by up to 20%, promoting circularity and resource efficiency. The findings provide a robust pathway for designing high-performance, sustainable 3D-printed mortars, integrating engineering functionality with ecological resilience, paving the way for broader adoption of additive manufacturing in construction
Nano-based textile dyeing and printing in environmental monitoring and sustainability
No full textThe textile industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward sustainability, driven by the integration of nanotechnology in dyeing and printing processes. Traditional methods, known for their high water and energy consumption and significant environmental impact, are being replaced by nano-based technologies that offer enhanced efficiency and environmental benefits. This chapter explores the application of nanoparticles in textile dyeing, which improves color fastness and reduces the need for harmful chemicals, and nanoinkjet printing, which minimizes waste and enables precise patterning. Moreover, it discusses the innovative use of smart textiles embedded with nanosensors for environmental monitoring, capable of detecting pollutants and changes in temperature and humidity. While these technologies present substantial advantages in reducing the environmental footprint of textile production, challenges such as high costs, potential nanoparticle release, and the need for regulatory standards remain
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