Enhanced plasmonic behavior of bimetallic (Ag-Au) multilayered spheres

In this article we study the plasmonic behavior of some stable, highly biocompatible bimetallic metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) and double concentric nanoshell (DCN) structures. By simply switching the material of the inner structure from Au to Ag, the intensity of their surface plasmon resonance could be increased in the optical transparency region of the human tissues up to 20 and 60 percent for the MDM and DCN, respectively, while the biocompatibility is retained. The obtained results indicate that these novel structures could be highly suitable for surface enhanced Raman scattering and photothermal cancer therapy

Determination of Groutability Ratio Through Image Processing

Grouting refers to injection of flowable stabilizers into a soil or rock formation to change its physical properties. The most important characteristic of grouting process is groutability, which is a ratio of particle diameter corresponds to 85% finer and 15% finer of base soil and grout material, respectively. Groutability is said to be very consistent if the ratio is high. However, the existing method to estimate the groutability may mislead the ratios as the conventional sieves may not represent the whole range of particle sizes available in the materials. Besides, state or density of the base soil is utmost important to estimate the groutability, especially if permeation grouting is considered. To overcome these disadvantages of the traditional methods, a new image-based method is introduced in the present study to estimate the groutability. Due to availability of promising imaging technics and latest advancements in image processing technics, an improved estimation of groutability is possible. Series of experiments were conducted on sand specimens at various depths to assess the groutability through imaging technic. Gradation analysis also has been performed to compare the data. The proposed new imaging technic has more promising information about the groutability than the traditional gradation curves. In addition to the time and energy consumed in traditional methods, the image-based method proves it highly accurate and simple than the traditional method

Threshold concepts in prosthetics

Background: Curriculum documents identify key concepts within learning prosthetics. Threshold concepts provide an alternative way of viewing the curriculum, focussing on the ways of thinking and practicing within prosthetics. Threshold concepts can be described as an opening to a different way of viewing a concept. This article forms part of a larger study exploring what students and staff experience as difficult in learning about prosthetics. Objectives: To explore possible threshold concepts within prosthetics. Study design: Qualitative, interpretative phenomenological analysis. Methods: Data from 18 students and 8 staff at two universities with undergraduate prosthetics and orthotics programmes were generated through interviews and questionnaires. The data were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Results: Three possible threshold concepts arose from the data: ‘how we walk’, ‘learning to talk’ and ‘considering the person’. Conclusion: Three potential threshold concepts in prosthetics are suggested with possible implications for prosthetics education. These possible threshold concepts involve changes in both conceptual and ontological knowledge, integrating into the persona of the individual. This integration occurs through the development of memories associated with procedural concepts that combine with disciplinary concepts. Considering the prosthetics curriculum through the lens of threshold concepts enables a focus on how students learn to become prosthetists. Clinical relevance This study provides new insights into how prosthetists learn. This has implications for curriculum design in prosthetics education.publishedVersio