bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and development of an auxetic foam-based multimodal capacitive strain gauge
Authors: Rizzi F , Puce S , La Malfa F , Totaro M , De Vittorio M , Beccai L
Published: January 2023

Auxetics are mechanical metamaterials with the unique properties of expanding their transversal section upon longitudinal positive strain, decoupling the deformations in normal and transversal directions. Such property can be exploited to develop soft sensors that can provide feedback to different mechanical stimuli, e.g. pressure and shear force. In this work, we propose for the first time a mathematical model to analytically simulate and design the auxetic behavior in a capacitive strain gauge, and show that, for a polyurethane (PU) auxetic foam, Poisson Ratio’s values can satisfy the negative gauge factor (GF) condition. We develop an innovative thermo-compressive process to obtain anisotropic auxetic PU sponges both in normal and normal/radial directions, and their mechanical properties are in agreement with the theoretical calculations validating our model. Then, we develop a capacitive strain gauge by integrating a normal auxetic PU foam with polydimethylsiloxane /carbon nanotubes electrodes. Results show that the capacitive change caused by an external force, is proportional to the induced deformation, but importantly it is also dependent on the direction of the applied force. A negative GF ofGF= −2.8 is obtained for a longitudinal strain range up to 10%. This auxetic foam structure guarantees flexibility and paves the way for an improved design freedom for multimodal mechanical soft sensors providing new opportunities towards smart wearables and perceptive soft robots.
Multiple Tendon-inspired Sensors for Hand Motion Detection
Authors: Min Jiyong , Choi Taehun , Cha Youngsu
Published: January 2023

Realistic presentation by a virtual avatar and detection are critical in a motion tracking system. Specifically, because the hand is an essential body part that interacts with other objects or humans in a virtual environment, accurate behavior tracking in real time is required. In this study, we propose a hand motion detection glove using multiple tendon-inspired sensors. Remarkably, there are no sensors or electronics in the hand part of the glove. Piezoelectric sensors are positioned on the wrist part of the glove, which are connected to the tendon in the glove. The elongated piezoelectric sensors detect the angle from joint changes caused by motions of the hand. In addition, we design a case for installing multiple sensors on many joints of the fingers. To demonstrate the sensing ability of the bending motion of the finger, a series of sensor tests is conducted using a finger structure setup. We obtain sensing results with changes in the rotational angles and frequencies. Moreover, the rotational angle can be estimated from the sensing data. Based on these results, a virtual hand system following real hand motion is constructed utilizing a motion detection glove with multiple tendon-inspired sensors. Finally, we investigate the effects of Young’s modulus, number of threads, and the structure of the elastic thread to enhance the output of the sensors.
An MXene-doped PVA/PVP hydrogel-based strain sensor applicable in liquid environment
Authors: Yi Ying , Chiao Mu , Mahmoud Khaled A , Wang Bo
Published: January 2023

Hydrogel-based strain sensors garner immense interest in view of their excellent mechanical properties and sensing performance for applications in a liquid environment. However, swelling of hydrogel in liquid would significantly degrade its electro-mechanical performance. This work presents a new fabrication method for an anti-swellable hydrogel synthesized by mixing titanium carbide (Ti3C2T
x
) MXene nanoparticles with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blend. A strong interaction can be formed between the double-network PVA/PVP hydrogel matrixes through a cyclic freezing–thawing method, and the addition of the MXene further improves the electro-mechanical properties of the hydrogel. Our results reveal that the synthesized MXene-PVA/PVP hydrogel (MX-hydrogel) improves the gauge factor of the sensor by 61% compared to that of a hydrogel without adding MXene nanoparticles when applied as a strain sensor. Moreover, the MX-hydrogel formed in its recovery stage exhibits a volume-limited swelling, which can be regarded as anti-swellable behavior. Finally, the synthesized MX-hydrogel’s structural, elastic, thermal, and electrical properties are investigated, paving the way toward dosage monitoring as a demonstration of the application.
Improving mechanical squeezing in a dissipative optomechanical system with quadratic dispersive coupling
Authors: Li Guolong , Li Xingmin , Xin Jun , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: January 2023

We theoretically investigate that mechanical quantum squeezing in a dissipative optomechanical system, driven by two driving tones, can be improved through quadratic dispersive coupling (QDC) which appears by adjusting a membrane in an appropriate position of an optical cavity. The analytical expressions are derived for revealing the intrinsic mechanism of the mechanical squeezing improvement. Remarkably, compared with the case without QDC, an optimal condition involved the QDC is found to considerably enhance the mechanical squeezing, without reducing the purity of the mechanical squeezed state which even increases at low temperature. We also show that, in this scheme, the mechanical squeezing is still improved by QDC and beyond 3 dB even though the temperature rises. This improvement effect can be reflected by the broader frequency band of the measurable squeezing output field from the cavity. This provides a new opportunity to explore high-precision measurements and quantum nature of macroscopic objects.
A Better Reconciliation of Hubble Tension in the Dark Energy Scalar Field
Authors: Fu Le , Chen Li , Yang Maoyou , Wang Junmei , Zhang Ming-Jian
Published: January 2023

Hubble tension between the local measurement and global observation has been a key problem in cosmology. In this paper, we consider the quintessence scalar field, phantom field and quintom field as the dark energy to reconcile this problem. Different from most previous work, we start from the dimensionless equation of state (w) of dark energy, not a parameterization of potential. The combined analysis shows that observational data sets favor Hubble constant

H

0

=

71.3

−
0.917

+
0.854

km

s

−
1

Mpc

−
1

, which can reconcile Hubble tension within 1.20σ. We also perform a Bayes factor analysis using the MCEvidence code, and confirm that the phantom scalar field is still the most effective. To investigate the reason of Hubble tension, we analyze the density parameter. The comparison shows that the scalar fields provide a slightly larger Ω
b

h
2 and smaller Ω
c

h
2 than the standard ΛCDM model. We finally analyze a possible reason of Hubble tension from the kinematic acceleration

a

̈

. We find an interesting physical phenomenon. The acceleration

a

̈

in these scalar fields are similar as the ΛCDM model at about redshift z > 0.5. However, they increase and deviate from each other at low redshift, especially in the near future. Only the

a

̈

in phantom scalar field will decrease in the future.
Analysis of the urban turbidity island effect: a case study in Beijing City, China
Authors: Luan Qingzu , Yang M Chang , Feng Tianqi , Huang Wenli
Published: January 2023

The urban turbidity island (UTI) effect is an important research topic in urban climate studies. It is closely related to urban visibility and the health of urban residents; however, it has received little attention in previous research. This study analyzes the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the UTI effect through the combined use of satellite remote sensing and ground observation data. Specifically, absolute and relative urban turbidity island intensity (UTII_A and UTII_R) indices are proposed and calculated for 2000–2020 by using aerosol data products and atmospheric fine particle mass concentration inversion products, which are represented by aerosol optical depth (AOD), PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. The results show the following: (a) there has been a clear footprint of the UTI effect in Beijing since 2000, generally consistent with trends of urban sprawl; (b) there are great differences in the interannual distribution of AOD, normalized AOD and PM values in urban and suburban areas; and (c) there are seasonal differences in the UTI distribution and air pollutant concentrations. The differences among indices between urban and suburban areas are mainly caused by heat island-induced air convection, complex structures in urban areas and regional weather conditions. Importantly, the interannual distribution of AOD and UTII_A of PM values decreased from 2014 to 2020, indicating that the government’s air pollution control policy has significantly improved air quality. Analysis from this study could support the formulation of urban planning and control policies to guide human activities.
Ocean acidification in emission-driven temperature stabilization scenarios: the role of TCRE and non-CO2 greenhouse gases
Authors: Terhaar Jens , Frölicher Thomas L , Joos Fortunat
Published: January 2023

Future ocean acidification mainly depends on the continuous ocean uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere. The trajectory of future atmospheric CO2 is prescribed in traditional climate projections with Earth system models, leading to a small model spread and apparently low uncertainties for projected acidification, but a large spread in global warming. However, climate policies such as the Paris Agreement define climate targets in terms of global warming levels and as traditional simulations do not converge to a given warming level, they cannot be used to assess uncertainties in projected acidification. Here, we perform climate simulations that converge to given temperature levels using the Adaptive Emission Reduction Algorithm (AERA) with the Earth system model Bern3D-LPX at different setups with different Transient Climate Response to cumulative carbon Emissions (TCRE) and choices between reductions in CO2 and non-CO2 forcing agents. With these simulations, we demonstrate that uncertainties in surface ocean acidification are an order of magnitude larger than the usually reported inter-model uncertainties from simulations with prescribed atmospheric CO2. Uncertainties in acidification at a given stabilized temperature are dominated by TCRE and the choice of emission reductions of non-CO2 greenhouse gases (GHGs). High TCRE and relatively low reductions of non-CO2 GHGs, for example, necessitate relatively strong reductions in CO2 emissions and lead to relatively little ocean acidification at a given temperature level. The results suggest that choices between reducing emissions of CO2 versus non-CO2 agents should consider the economic costs and ecosystem damage of ocean acidification.
Two-dimensional Dirac operators with general δ-shell interactions supported on a straight line
Authors: Behrndt Jussi , Holzmann Markus , Tušek Matěj
Published: January 2023

In this paper the two-dimensional Dirac operator with a general hermitian δ-shell interaction supported on a straight line is introduced as a self-adjoint operator and its spectral properties are investigated in detail. In particular, it is demonstrated that the singularly continuous spectrum is always empty and that by switching a certain δ-shell interaction on, it is possible to generate an eigenvalue in the gap of the spectrum of the free operator or to partially or even fully close the gap. This suggests that the studied operators may serve as interesting continuum toy-models for Dirac materials. Finally, approximations by Dirac operators with regular potentials are presented.
Characterization of anomalous diffusion through convolutional transformers
Authors: Firbas Nicolas , Garibo-i-Orts Òscar , Garcia-March Miguel Ángel , Conejero J Alberto
Published: January 2023

The results of the Anomalous Diffusion Challenge (AnDi Challenge) (Muñoz-Gil G et al 2021 Nat. Commun.
12 6253) have shown that machine learning methods can outperform classical statistical methodology at the characterization of anomalous diffusion in both the inference of the anomalous diffusion exponent α associated with each trajectory (Task 1), and the determination of the underlying diffusive regime which produced such trajectories (Task 2). Furthermore, of the five teams that finished in the top three across both tasks of the AnDi Challenge, three of those teams used recurrent neural networks (RNNs). While RNNs, like the long short-term memory network, are effective at learning long-term dependencies in sequential data, their key disadvantage is that they must be trained sequentially. In order to facilitate training with larger data sets, by training in parallel, we propose a new transformer based neural network architecture for the characterization of anomalous diffusion. Our new architecture, the Convolutional Transformer (ConvTransformer) uses a bi-layered convolutional neural network to extract features from our diffusive trajectories that can be thought of as being words in a sentence. These features are then fed to two transformer encoding blocks that perform either regression (Task 1 1D) or classification (Task 2 1D). To our knowledge, this is the first time transformers have been used for characterizing anomalous diffusion. Moreover, this may be the first time that a transformer encoding block has been used with a convolutional neural network and without the need for a transformer decoding block or positional encoding. Apart from being able to train in parallel, we show that the ConvTransformer is able to outperform the previous state of the art at determining the underlying diffusive regime (Task 2 1D) in short trajectories (length 10–50 steps), which are the most important for experimental researchers.
Experimental Investigation for Free Overfall of Flow in Semi-circular Channels
Authors: Irzooki Raad Hoobi , Saoud Najem Ayad
Published: January 2023

In the present paper, the effects of diameter, bed slopes, and bed roughness on free overfall flow of semi-circular channels were investigated experimentally. For this purpose, three models of semi-circular channels with free overfall were built and installed in a 6m long laboratory flume. These three models were 250 cm long and had varying diameters 160, 200, and 250 mm. Four different bed slopes (S) were used in each of these models (0, 0.004, 0.008, and 0.012). For each bed slope, three sand particle sizes were used to roughen the bed (1.18mm, 2.36mm, and 4.75mm). For each model, the experimental testing program contained sixteen series of experiments. They were divided into two categories: four smooth beds and twelve rough beds. Different rates of discharge (Q) were examined in a total of 192 tests. According to the experimental results of all models, the Froude number (F

r
) of flow decreases as the end depth ratio ( y

b
/ y

c
) increases for various bed roughnesses. For varying bed slopes and bottom roughness, a simple linear formula was developed to relate the brink depth ( y

b
) with the critical depth ( y

c
). For various bed slopes and roughness conditions, simple empirical equations for the flow over the free overfall in semi-circular channels were found. The results demonstrate a good level of agreement.
Delineate the hydrological boundaries situation using the morphometric analysis and geological features: A case study of Laylan sub-basin, Kirkuk / NE Iraq
Authors: Al-Tamimi Omer Sabah , Abo-Khomra Najem Khaled , Othman Arsalan Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Water is the backbone of life for humans, animals, and plants; so, water is one of the necessities that are indispensable if life is to continue. Laylan area, as a part of Kirkuk governorate, suffers from water scarcity and the main source for this area is groundwater. The objectives of this study are to assess the hydro morphometric reality and compare it with the hydrogeological reality of the region depending on the fact that the hydrological boundaries are an indicator of the hydrological basins, The hydrological studies like the current this study in this region are almost non-existent, which motivates us to make this study. The digital elevation model (DEM) has been used to extract a set of morphometric parameters. The result showed that the study area is part of two hydrological sub-watersheds (Shirin and Masha) where erosion factors, geology, structural, and hydrological factors affected and shaped the features of the study area, through eroded the upper parts of the crest of the Kirkuk structure which represents the northern and northeastern boundary of the basin led to the entry of water into the study area easily, which came from the areas of the two upstreams. It is clear from the morphometric results that the two sub-watersheds still have a lot of time to complete their erosion cycle.
Assessment of Darbandikhan Reservoir’s water for different purposes by using (WQI), (HPI) and (MI) indices
Authors: Al-Obaidi Basim Shakir , Sarhat Abdulmutalib Raafat
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the water quality of Darbandikhan Reservoir for different purposes by using an integrated approach of water quality index (WQI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and metal index (MI). The samples were collected from twenty sampling stations across the reservoir in December 2021, and the sampling stations were selected by using GPS. Seven physicochemical parameters were examined to determine (WQI) including: (pH, turbidity, TDS, NO3
-2, DO, BOD5 and fluoride). Also, five heavy metals were tested to determine (HPI) an (MI) indices. This integrated approach helps to give a comprehensive evaluation of water in the study area. This approach also can overcome limitations of traditional indices regarding water quality in order to make the evaluation outcome more accurate. The results showed that the mean value of (WQI) of the study area was (79.1) which fall under (very poor quality) category. The mean values of (HPI) were (66.75) - (High affected) and (14.09) - (Low affected) for drinking and irrigation uses respectively. However, the mean values of (MI) for the study area were (4.98) - (Strongly affected) and (0.37) – (Pure) for drinking and irrigation uses respectively. The results showed that Darbandikhan Reservoir’s water is suitable for irrigation and industrial purposes only; while, it is not fit for drinking use without high process of treatment. This paper helps to facilitate effective management practices of water quality.
The Hydrodynamic Model using HEC-RAS: The case of Tigris River Downstream of Samarra Barrage (Iraq)
Authors: Sabeeh Nadia Nazhat , Alabdraba Waleed M. Sh.
Published: January 2023

Tigris River is one of the Iraq’s two main rivers. In the present study, one dimensional hydrodynamic model (HEC-RAS) was used to simulate the flow pattern of Tigris River to understand the flow movement. The hydrodynamic model was calibrated by evaluating its performance using Manning’s roughness coefficients which has a final calibration range of 0.018–0.020, with an average of 0.019 in most parts of the study area. The values of the Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE) and the coefficient of discrimination (R2) were close to 1 which means a high degree of conformity between the simulated and observed data. The validation results show that there is a very close relationship between the observed flow discharge with the hydrodynamic model built by HEC-RAS. This finding would be a very productive tool to estimate the amount of discharge at ungagged locations along the Tigris River downstream of Samarra Barrage.
Runoff Estimation and Dam Selection Site in the Khur khur Watershed (KHW), Using (SCS-CN) Method and (GIS & RS) Techniques
Authors: Mamin Hemin N , Majeed Sabah A
Published: January 2023

The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method was applied to calculate the runoff in the Khur khur watershed (KHW) based on (GIS and RS) techniques. The watershed (KHW) is located southeast of the Iraqi Kurdistan region and northeast Iraq in the foothill zone. The total area of (KHW) is (106.84) km2, and in the fifth order, it meets the Sirwan river. The study aim is to speculate annual runoff volume and to select the dam site in order to harvest water from (KHW). The research reached specific basic results; the annual rate of water returns was (14408514.23 m3), and a suitable dam location was proposed that could be exploited from the volume of surface runoff, with a capacity approximately (14 million m3).
A sawdust Filter is Used to Remove Oil From The Kitchen Wastewater
Authors: Majid Haneen , Al Kindi Ghayda Yaseen , Al Refaaec Jwad K.
Published: January 2023

Proteins, carbohydrates, detergents, oils, fats, and other dissolved and suspended compounds, as well as other concerns like clogged drainpipes, are the main contaminants in residential wastewater from the kitchen. The study’s purpose was to use sawdust as an agricultural waste which was used as absorbents in sink filters to treat the Gray water, many parameters were evaluated such as pH, electrical conductivity EC, total dissolved solid TDS, dissolved oxygen DO, biochemical oxygen demand BOD, and oil & grease O&G. from results were shown the removal rates of pH, EC, TDS, DO, BOD, and Oil & Grease are (6.2-7.41), (470- 1412 µs /cm), (357- 939 mg/L), (3.2- 4.2 mg/L), (40- 150) mg/L), and (190-1210 mg/L) respectively. however, the oil removal efficiency was high ranging from 94 to 98 %, implying that sawdust was successfully used to remove contaminants and O&G from Gray water by Kitchen filter.
Use poultry manure product of Biogas and its role in growth in Barley plants
Authors: Hasan Zainab K. , Jaber Ali M.
Published: January 2023

The accumulation of raw poultry residues in enormous quantities causes the release of odors and the leakage of toxic elements into the surface and groundwater, which negatively affects human health and the environment. So the bioreactor named the fixed-dome model as an anaerobic digester was designed and installed in the poultry field at the agricultural advisory office of college of agriculture at the University of Basra in Karmat-Ali, Iraq. Anaerobic organic fertilizer produced from anaerobic digestion pathway when raw poultry manure was fermented an aerobically for 56 days in the designed bioreactor, to study the use efficiency for anaerobic produced organic fertilizer and raw poultry manure when added at 150Kg N ha-1 at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 % of the recommended dose which was equal to a chemical recommendation for nitrogen as urea fertilizer while P and K were applied in a field experiment as traditional fertilizers(superphosphate and potassium sulfate respectively) to grow barley plants (Hordeum vulgare L.). Results showed that doses at 100% of anaerobic organic fertilizer were produced in the bioreactor with a significant increase in plant growth parameters as plant height, dry weight of shoot and amounts and their uptake of N and P elements in plants within 60 days of planting as compared to the rest treatments, so the biogas technology for the production of anaerobic organic fertilizer can help partly or mainly to reduce amounts of traditional doses of fertilizer.
Assessment of industrial effluent impacts on soil physiochemical properties in Kwashe Industrial Area, Iraq Kurdistan Region.
Authors: Meshabaz Ronak Abdulazeez , Umer Mustafa Ismail
Published: January 2023

The present investigation was conducted to assess the quality of industrial effluents of Kwashe industrial area in Kurdistan region, Iraq and evaluate the potential effects of these effluents on the quality of soil. Industrial effluents samples were collected at from the discharge point of various industries including (oil refineries, plastic, paper and printing, steel, aluminum, leather tanning, paint, food, detergent, fertilizer, construction, nylons, metals pipe, chemical, asphalt and petroleum product) at three different locations and analyzed for various physic-chemical characteristic. Soil samples were collected from different fields and analyzed for several soil properties. Result revealed; nearly almost physicochemical characteristics of industrial effluents are higher than the permissible levels of worldwide standard. Result also shows that the quality of industrial effluents is significantly deteriorated much more with the distance it passes through two plains in the region. Almost soil properties are negatively affected by effluents, organic matter in the soil affected by industrial effluents is higher 5 times greater than the normal range of organic matter in the soil due to the continuous deposition of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil. Soil content of macronutrients is significantly affected by industrial effluents. Significant correlation between some studied soil parameters were found as determination coefficients (R2) are highly significant (P<0.01).
Review for Some Applications of Riverbanks Flood Models
Authors: Mohammed-Ali Wesam S. , Khairallah Rafal S.
Published: January 2023

The flood risk management is one of the primary concerns in water resources engineering. The flood occurs as a result of unexpected events in the hydrological cycle, such as rainfall in the upstream tributaries of the rivers. However, engineers have to have a precise tool to manage the risk of flood. Nowadays and due to the tremendous revolution in computers, which helps to build a credible mathematical models, management of flood become doable. In fact, expressive which model should be used is the challenge. This paper aims to review several hydraulics models that used in flood risk management.
Utilizing Underwater FRP System for Hydraulic Structures Application
Authors: Al-Jaberi Zuhair , Al-Jazeri Zena , Mahdi Rana
Published: January 2023

The development of the use of advance composites is remarkable, especially in applications that require the materials used to be corrosion resistant. One of the most important of these applications is the structures built inside or under water, especially hydraulic structures. Constant exposure to wet makes materials such as concrete and steel threatened to the high level of corrosion and deterioration. The traditional methods for repairing proved insufficient over time, in addition to being expensive in some cases. Therefore, it became necessary to search for alternatives that achieve engineering efficiency and lower costs. One of these alternatives is the use of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) system. Until recent years, it was not possible to use FRP system under water as a repair system for hydraulic structures without cofferdam. However, during this period, types of underwater cured resins were produced and underwater FRP system is the best choice for this type of structures. There are no many practical applications for the use of FRP in repairing of hydraulic structures, so it is possible to study its application in marine structure to show the possibility of use it in hydraulic structure. This research highlight the advantages and disadvantages of traditional method in repairing underwater structures. Also present project that considered the underwater FRP as a construction material used in the rehabilitation of deteriorated concrete pile. As a conclusion, using fibers with water activated resin can provide an economical solution for future repair and rehabilitation projects. Also the pre-preg system is efficient for repairing dry zones, while the wet layup system is very effective in repairing splash zones of damaged structural elements.
Machine learning approach to understanding the ‘synergistic’ pseudocapacitive effects of heteroatom doped graphene
Authors: Chenwittayakhachon Apiphu , Jitapunkul Kulpavee , Nakpalad Bunyanuch , Worrayotkovit Phanit , Namuangruk Supawadee , Sirisinudomkit Pichamon , Iamprasertkun Pawin
Published: January 2023

In recent years, graphene has been widely utilised as a supercapacitor electrode, and doping heteroatom on graphene is reported to enhance the pseudocapacitance of the electrode materials significantly resulting in a high energy density. However, the relationship and charge storage mechanism of a so-called ‘synergistic effect’ between those doped atoms including oxygen-, nitrogen-, and sulphur-doping on supercapacitor performances remain inscrutable. In this study, machine learning models are used to predict the capacitance of heteroatom-doped graphene-based supercapacitors and establish the effects of heteroatom-doping. Trained artificial neural network can accurately predict the capacitance of the electrode, drawing the best synthesis conditions for the heteroatom-doped graphene. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate the synergistic effect that arises from co-doping nitrogen, sulphur, and locate the optimised region for N/S-co-doping with high capacitance, and high retention rate. Machine learning methods allow us to consider a much larger space of heteroatom-doping combinations to maximise the supercapacitor performances and provide a useful guideline for co-doping graphene-based supercapacitors.
ZnO-CNT/Nano-Au modified electrodes for the detection of trace Hg(II) in coastal seawater
Authors: Wang Ping , Qu Wei , Qiu Chengjun , Zhuang Yuan , Yan Yirou , Wang Cong , Yan Jiaqi , Wu Yuxuan , Zeng Zexi , Gao Jiaqi
Published: January 2023

Mercury (Hg) in seawater enters the body through the food chain, causing damage to organs and the nervous system. Thus, there is an urgent need to explore a rapid and convenient sensor for the detection and monitoring of Hg(II) in seawater. Herein, a ZnO-CNTs/Nano-Au modified glassy carbon electrode was prepared by the dropping method. The structure of the composite membrane is mainly observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the results show that the composite has a larger specific surface area. Moreover, the composite can increase the ion adsorption of the surface electrode and enhance the conductivity. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was applied to determine trace amounts of Hg(II) in seawater. The optimized conditions were as follows: accumulation potential, accumulation time, pH value, film thickness and concentration. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the linear relationship between the values of the oxidation peak current and concentration was kept in the range of 1.49 ∼ 5.97 μM, with a linear correlation coefficient R2 = 0.991 and a detection limit of Hg(II) of 0.0118 μM. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of coastal water of the Maowei Sea, giving values of recovery in the range of 94.2%∼98.4%. The ZnO-CNTs/Nano-Au-modified electrode has high sensitivity, convenient operation and good practical application value.
The potential synergies between synthetic data and in silico trials in relation to generating representative virtual population cohorts
Authors: Myles Puja , Ordish Johan , Tucker Allan
Published: January 2023

In silico trial methods promise to improve the path to market for both medicines and medical devices, targeting the development of products, reducing reliance on animal trials, and providing adjunct evidence to bolster regulatory submissions. In silico trials are only as good as the simulated data which underpins them, consequently, often the most difficult challenge when creating robust in silico models is the generation of simulated measurements or even virtual patients that are representative of real measurements and patients. This article digests the current state of the art for generating synthetic patient data outside the context of in silico trials and outlines potential synergies to unlock the potential of in silico trials using virtual populations, by exploiting synthetic patient data to model effects on a more diverse and representative population. Synthetic data could be defined as artificial data that mimic the properties and relationships in real data. Recent advances in synthetic data generation methodologies have allowed for the generation of high-fidelity synthetic data that are both statistically and clinically, indistinguishable from real patient data. Other experimental work has demonstrated that synthetic data generation methods can be used for selective sample boosting of underrepresented groups. This article will provide a brief outline of synthetic data generation approaches and discuss how evaluation frameworks developed to assess synthetic data fidelity and utility could be adapted to evaluate the similarity of virtual patients used for in silico trials, to real patients. The article will then discuss outstanding challenges and areas for further research that would advance both synthetic data generation methods and in silico trial methods. Finally, the article will also provide a perspective on what evidence will be required to facilitate wider acceptance of in silico trials for regulatory evaluation of medicines and medical devices, including implications for post marketing safety surveillance.
Variational quantum one-class classifier
Authors: Park Gunhee , Huh Joonsuk , Park Daniel K
Published: January 2023

One-class classification (OCC) is a fundamental problem in pattern recognition with a wide range of applications. This work presents a semi-supervised quantum machine learning algorithm for such a problem, which we call a variational quantum one-class classifier (VQOCC). The algorithm is suitable for noisy intermediate-scale quantum computing because the VQOCC trains a fully-parameterized quantum autoencoder with a normal dataset and does not require decoding. The performance of the VQOCC is compared with that of the one-class support vector machine (OC-SVM), the kernel principal component analysis (PCA), and the deep convolutional autoencoder (DCAE) using handwritten digit and Fashion-MNIST datasets. The numerical experiment examined various structures of VQOCC by varying data encoding, the number of parameterized quantum circuit layers, and the size of the latent feature space. The benchmark shows that the classification performance of VQOCC is comparable to that of OC-SVM and PCA, although the number of model parameters grows only logarithmically with the data size. The quantum algorithm outperformed DCAE in most cases under similar training conditions. Therefore, our algorithm constitutes an extremely compact and effective machine learning model for OCC.
Non-volatile memory storage in tri-layer structures using the intrinsically ferromagnetic semiconductors GdN and DyN
Authors: Devese Sam , Pot Catherine , Natali Franck , Granville Simon , Plank Natalie , Ruck Ben J , Joe Trodahl H , Holmes-Hewett William
Published: January 2023

We report on the potential use of the intrinsic ferromagnetic rare earth nitride (REN) semiconductors as ferromagnetic electrodes in tunnelling magnetoresistance and giant magnetoresistance device structures for non-volatile memory storage devices. Non-volatile memory elements utilising magnetic materials have been an industry standard for decades. However, the typical metallic ferromagnets and dilute magnetic semiconductors used lack the ability to independently tune the magnetic and electronic properties. In this regard, the rare earth nitride series offer an ultimately tuneable group of materials. Here we have fabricated two tri-layer structures using intrinsically ferromagnetic rare earth nitride semiconductors as the ferromagnetic layers. We have demonstrated both a non-volatile magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) and an in-plane conduction device using GdN and DyN as the ferromagnetic layers, with a maximum difference in resistive states of ∼1.2% at zero-field. GdN and DyN layers were shown to be sufficiently decoupled and individual magnetic transitions were observed for each ferromagnetic layer.
Analysis of Industry-Related Payments Among Physician Editors of Pathology Journals
Authors: Jacobs Jeremy W , Martin Amarilis A , Larson Allison R , Gehrie Eric A , Silver Julie K , Booth Garrett S
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Gender inequities in editorial board representation and physician compensation are well documented, but few studies have focused on how editors of journals are compensated.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we examined industry-related compensation (from 2014 to 2020) among physician editors of 35 pathology journals using publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Open Payments Database.

Results

Of the physician editors included, 135 (69.9%) were men and 58 (30.1%) were women. Similar percentages of men and women physicians who were eligible received payments (112/135 [83.0%] men and 51/58 [87.9%] women; P = .38, χ2 test). Of the total transfer of value ($211,192,532), 112 men received $192,727,555 (91.3%), and 51 women received $18,464,978 (8.7%). Mean total payment per person was $1,720,782 for men and $362,058 for women (P = .05). The payment range for men was $18-$47,568,400 and the range of payments for women was $31-$2,375,637.

Conclusions

The findings highlight significant gender inequities in industry-related payments to physician editors of pathology journals. The financial relationships of journal editors and industry deserve further study, particularly as they relate to advancing science and closing both workforce and patient care inequities.
Synthesis and structure–activity relationship of violaceoid D, a cytotoxic alkylated phenol isolated fromAspergillus violaceofuscusGasperini
Authors: Shoji Atsushi , Arai Yuka , Asakawa Ryuki , Saito Tatsuo , Kuramochi Kouji , Yajima Arata
Published: January 2023

The enantioselective synthesis of violaceoid D, a cytotoxic phenolic compound isolated from the culture broth of Aspergillus violaceofuscus Gasperini, was achieved. The total synthesis involves stereoselective construction of the stereogenic center of violaceoid D via Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, followed by Smiles rearrangement. The absolute configuration of natural violaceoid D was determined to be R from the specific rotation value. Synthesized violaceoid D and its analogs were evaluated for cytotoxicity against two human cancer cell lines, Jurkat and HCT116. Because the enantiomer of violaceoid D showed no cytotoxicity, it is plausible that violaceoid D binds selectively to specific target molecules, such as proteins in the cancer cells.
‘They Wouldn’t Believe Me’: Giving a Voice to British South Asian Male Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Gill Aisha K , Begum Hannah
Published: January 2023

British South Asian male child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors face a twofold problem: lack of research on this phenomenon and limited service provision. First, male CSA survivors have traditionally been marginalized in favour of female CSA survivors, a group that forms the basis of most academic research and to whom the majority of counselling and support services in the UK cater (Rapsey et al. 2020). The centrality of these female experiences, although crucial to understanding CSA survivor experiences in general, has eclipsed the specific narratives of male survivors. Second, despite the UK’s incredibly multicultural population, people from minoritized backgrounds still experience institutional forms of racism that are entrenched in service provision and research and that lead to racialized and Eurocentric perspectives and practices (Singh 2019). This article thus seeks to expand on the existing body of literature on male CSA in minoritized groups. It illuminates the experiences of male survivors from British South Asian communities, creating space for the much-needed voices of a critically under-researched group.
Secure and Compact Elliptic Curve Scalar Multiplication with Optimized Inversion
Authors: Jin Yaoan , Miyaji Atsuko
Published: January 2023

Elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) is a typical public key cryptography technique that can ensure equivalent security with considerably smaller key sizes than Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA). Hence, various implementations based on ECC are recommended for block chain and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Because elliptic curve scalar multiplication (ECSM) is a fundamental computation in ECC, enhancing the security and efficiency of ECSM is important. ECSM specifies a scalar multiplication algorithm and elliptic curve addition formulae. Elliptic curve addition formulae on affine coordinates are compact from a memory cost perspective but weak against side channel attacks. Elliptic curve complete addition (CA) formulae can achieve secure ECSMs but are inefficient. A newly proposed secure ECSM, which uses a right-to-left (RL) scalar multiplication algorithm and (extended) affine coordinates, takes advantage of elliptic curve addition formulae on affine coordinates. However, it can only scan the input scalars from right to left. We propose new ECSMs, which can scan the input scalars from left to right (LR) based on (extended) affine coordinates. We also prove that our LR ECSMs satisfy secure generality without requiring exceptional computations. We enhance the efficiency of both LR and RL ECSMs with optimized inversion. Our LR ECSM with a memory of 12 field elements reduces that of the Montgomery ladder and Joye’s LR with CA formulae by 36.84% and that of 2-ary RL with (extended) affine coordinates by 14.29%, respectively. Our compact ECSMs are fit for applications on IoT devices and block chain, with a critical memory requirement.
Massive left ventricular pseudoaneurysm presenting as dysphagia: a case report
Authors: Pirzada Ashar , Styles Kim , Stewart Robbie
Published: January 2023

Background

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a recognized, however, uncommon presentation of acute myocardial infarction in the current era. This is due to early reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction. Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after myocardial infarction can present in a variety of ways, including heart failure, chest pain, and dyspnoea.

Case summary

We present a case of a 61-year-old male who presented with extremely atypical symptoms of dysphagia and weight loss due to a massive left ventricular pseudoaneurysm. Transthoracic echocardiogram and computed tomography revealed a large pseudoaneurysm causing mass effect on multiple gastrointestinal organs. Organic causes for dysphagia and weight loss were ruled out by gastroscopy. Surgical management was carried out but was ultimately unsuccessful.

Discussion

Despite the heterogeneity in presentation for patients with left ventricular pseudoaneurysm, rapid diagnosis is important for management and prognosis. Diagnostic tools include transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Management is usually surgical; however, there is some debate in the literature regarding conservative vs. surgical management for chronic pseudoaneurysms. More data are needed to determine optimal management strategies and prognosis for patients with left ventricular pseudoaneurysms.
Transcending the body: music, chastity and ecstasy in Reni’s St Cecilia playing the violin
Authors: Harris Sigrid
Published: January 2023

After St Cecilia’s reportedly incorrupt body was excavated in Rome in 1599, Cardinal Paolo Emilio Sfondrato commissioned a series of artworks in her honour. The last of these, Guido Reni’s St Cecilia playing the violin (1606), shows her gazing upwards, violin in hand, in a state of musical ecstasy. Highlighting the importance of this painting, which thus far has received little attention from musicologists, this article seeks to unpack the ambiguities inherent in Reni’s portrayal of the virgin martyr as a violinist. Taking the complex tradition linking Cecilia with music as a point of departure, the article examines the portrait in the context of contemporary attitudes to spiritual listening and women’s performance. This brings into focus the network of ideas about music-induced transcendence that would have informed visual readings of the painting; conversely, it also shows that the virginal saint was not immune to sensualizing interpretations. Finally, the study explores the ways in which the portrait references the saint’s miraculous body, suggesting that Reni sought to emphasize Cecilia’s sacred chastity and to gesture towards a numinous music unknowable by the senses.
Aleatoric governance: using lotteries to break the iron law of oligarchy
Authors: Doehne Malte , Geweke Jonas , Rost Katja
Published: January 2023

Michels’ iron law of oligarchy states that political organizations tend inexorably towards oligarchy, to the likely detriment of the organizations themselves and, by extension, to the detriment of society more broadly. We suggest focal randomization as a historically proven countermeasure: a lottery decides who wins promotion from a preselected pool of highly qualified candidates. We draw on a historical case to assess the efficacy of focal randomization in eroding power monopolization and elite closure in 18th-century Basel, Switzerland. To combat widespread nepotism, starting in 1688, the city implemented a series of partly randomized selection regimes that were routinely applied in executive appointments to the city’s administration until 1798. Using data on all 2,587 appointments to the main governing body of the city between 1650 and 1798, we analyse how each selection regime affected elite closure. Our findings indicate that the targeted use of elements of chance in executive appointments eroded the elite’s ability to monopolize access to the highest political positions. Before the introduction of focal randomization, candidates from Basel’s elite were 4 times more likely to be appointed to top positions than candidates from non-elite families. After the introduction of focal randomization, the elites’ advantages declined, and members of non-elite families tripled their chances of advancing to the highest office. However, our study also cautions that this effect depended on several design choices. Focal randomization is effective in settings in which a surplus of qualified candidates competes for a limited number of coveted positions.
A qualitative study on stigma experienced by young adults living with sickle cell disease in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Okoibhole Lydia O , Ebenso Bassey
Published: January 2023

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) describes a group of multisystem, genetic and stigmatising blood conditions that are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Health-related stigma is a negative experience or adverse social judgement about a group based on an enduring feature conferred by a particular health problem. Literature shows that stigmatisation is experienced by people with SCD with negative implications on their lives. This study investigated self-reported views and lived experiences of young adults in Accra, Ghana, regarding SCD-related stigma and its impact on their lives.

Methods

Data were collected from 19 males and females with SCD using semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussions. Transcripts were analysed using Braun and Clark's framework for thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes were identified: exclusion; status loss; SCD misconceptions; internalised stigma; and stigma and health outcomes. Overall, interpersonal and institutional levels of stigma were evident throughout the data with a lack of public education, limited specialist care and religion acting as determinants of SCD-related stigma.

Conclusions

Stigma has detrimental consequences for young adults with SCD. Multilevel stigmatisation of SCD at interpersonal and institutional levels should be addressed through multipronged approaches including increased public education, investment in specialist healthcare and collaboration with socioreligious institutions. Further research is needed to investigate the experiences of young adults in rural Ghana.