bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High school students’ socialization features under certain conditions in a secondary school
Authors: Kuzheleva Inessa , Kuzhelev Maxim
Published: June 2021

This article examines high school students’ features of socialization in a comprehensive school, as well as the terms of their socialization efficiency. The age characteristics of high school students are also considered, the main features that help to form socialization are identified. The approaches and main characteristics of socialization are determined. Based on the characteristics identified in the course of the study, the conditions were determined under which the formation of socialization would be more successful. It was revealed that the personality of the teacher and his successful intraschool development play an important role and are an essential condition for the successful socialization of the personality. It is mentioned, that the educational process management is necessary as not only the teacher, but the student as well plays an important role in socialization. Moreover, the student learns to independently determine his goals and objectives.
Rationale for the formulation of fortified detox biscuits
Authors: Sokol Natalya , Donchenko Lyudmila , Sanzharovskaya Nadezhda , Khrapko Olga , Shepelenko Eleonora
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, most manufacturers are strategically focused on making healthy food products. Flour confectionery is a promising group of food products in this respect. The expansion of the range of flour products is due to the introduction of additional raw materials, one of the options for which is pectin. The aim of the research is to study the effect of different types of pectin on the detoxifying properties of biscuits and their quality indicators. The objects of research are three types of pectin (beet, apple, watermelon) and samples of butter biscuits. In the course of the work, generally accepted methods were used. The influence of the type and dosage of pectin on the quality of butter biscuits has been determined. It has been experimentally proven that the complexing ability of butter biscuits depends on both the type of pectin and its dosage. Cookies with the addition of beet pectin when kneading the dough have a greater complex-forming ability. The optimal dosage of pectin was established - 0.3% to the flour mass. The results obtained show that the addition of pectin to the recipe for butter biscuits improves its quality indicators, allows you to remove xenobiotics from the human body.
Current Challenges Facing Cornea Banks
Authors: Salla Sabine , Menzel-Severing Johannes , Geerling Gerd , Walter Peter
Published: June 2021

Cornea transplants are tissue transplants and, as such, must be distinguished from organ transplants (e.g. heart or kidney transplants). However, tissue transplants can only be performed if there are enough donors available to attend to patients in need. Unfortunately, there are too few organ and tissue donors in Germany. All steps involved in processing donor tissues must be performed in accordance with the highest quality standards. All tasks and measures are aimed at improving patient care in the surgical units that are to be supplied. Cornea banks are subject to complex requirements, whose implementation is essential in terms of both infrastructure and personnel. The analysis and identification of essential topics reveal central fields of action that are decisive for implementing the challenges facing cornea banks. Questions of employee qualification, strategic questions due to new transplantation techniques, and changes in the societal perception of organ and tissue
donation require the development of strategies that should have a holistic and sustainable effect.
Therapie der eosinophilen Ösophagitis – Fortschritte und Perspektiven
Authors: Miehlke Stephan , von Arnim Ulrike , Schlag Christoph , Labenz Joachim , Madisch Ahmed
Published: June 2021

In jüngster Zeit wurden in der Therapie der eosinophilen Ösophagitis (EoE) und insbesondere im Bereich der topischen Corticosteroide erhebliche Fortschritte erreicht. Neue EoE-spezifische Darreichungsformen wurden entwickelt und haben in Form der orodispersiblen Budesonid-Tablette zu der ersten in Deutschland und anderen europäischen und außereuropäischen Ländern zugelassenen Therapie der EoE bei Erwachsenen geführt. In den USA steht eine EoE-spezifische orale Budesonid-Suspension kurz vor der Zulassung. Dagegen bleibt die wissenschaftliche Datenlage zur Wirksamkeit von Protonenpumpeninhibtoren weiterhin limitiert. Auch im Bereich der Biologika konnten nach langer Zeit Substanzen identifiziert werden, die erstmals in Phase 2 sehr vielversprechende Ergebnisse gezeigt haben und sich derzeit in klinischen Prüfungen der Phase 3 befinden. In diesem Artikel sollen die aktuellen Fortschritte und Perspektiven in der Therapie der EoE dargestellt und diskutiert werden.
Thrombosis and Dissection of the Abdominal Arteries Associated with Infarcts of Solid Organs in a Patient with COVID-19: A Novel Clinical Entity
Authors: Voci Davide , Micieli Evy , Johner Fabian A. , Kucher Nils , Barco Stefano
Published: June 2021

The clinical spectrum of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ranges from asymptomatic cases to severe pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome. COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications, notably pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Arterial cardiovascular complications and myocarditis have also been described in association with COVID-19, but appear to be less prevalent. In this report of a 57-year-old man with multiple splanchnic infarctions, arterial dissections and COVID-19 as the sole potential trigger, we describe a novel type of complications and put it in the context of a growing literature on this topic.
Korrelationen zwischen dem APHAB-Fragebogen und dem Freiburger Einsilbertest ohne und mit Störschall
Authors: Löhler Jan , Sippel Mathias , Walther Leif Erik , Schönweiler Rainer
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund Frageninventare, z. B. der APHAB, stellen zusammen mit sprachaudiometrischen Untersuchungen die beiden wesentlichen Elemente zur Messung des Erfolgs einer Hörgeräteversorgung (HGV) dar. Diese Studie untersucht die Korrelationen zwischen den Messergebnissen im Freiburger Einsilbertest ohne und mit Störschall (FBE, FBE-S) und den APHAB-Ergebnissen vor und nach einer HGV.

Methode Es wurden die Daten zum FBE und FBE-S sowie der zugehörigen APHAB-Fragebögen von 156 Probanden, die im Rahmen einer HGV erhoben wurden, aus einer Datenbank analysiert. Nach Ausschluss einer Normalverteilung wurden mögliche Korrelationen zwischen den Ergebnissen nach Spearman und der Effektstärke nach Cohen ermittelt.

Ergebnisse Von den 156 Probanden waren 73 (46,8 %) weiblich und 83 (53,2 %) männlich. Keine signifikante Korrelation zeigte sich zwischen der EC-, der RV- und der kumulierten ECBNRV-Skala und dem Gewinn durch eine HGV im FBE und FBE-S (EC: Hören in ruhiger Umgebung, BN: Hören mit Hintergrundgeräuschen, RV: Hören in hallenden/echoreichen Räumen). Für die meisten übrigen Korrelationskoeffizienten zeigte sich ein schwach positiver Effekt, ein mittlerer Effekt ließ sich nur für 6 untersuchte Kombinationen ermitteln; besonders ausgeprägt war dies für die EC-Skala.

Schlussfolgerung Da die Korrelationen durchweg nicht stark sind, ergibt sich, dass sowohl die sprachaudiometrischen Ergebnisse als auch die APHAB-Bewertung des Hörvermögens einander ergänzende, jedoch nicht ganz unabhängige Parameter zur Beschreibung des Hörverlustes und der Hörverbesserung im Rahmen einer HGV darstellen. Die Effektstärke der Korrelationen ließe sich mit den individuell unterschiedlichen Fähigkeiten zur Kompensation von Hörverlusten erklären.
Recent Advances in Visible-Light-Promoted Copper Catalysis in Organic Reactions
Authors: Zhang Guozhu , Xiong Yang , Li Sijia , Xiao Haijing
Published: June 2021

In recent years, visible-light-mediated copper photocatalysis has emerged as an attractive strategy for the diverse construction of basic bonds in an ecologically benign and cost-effective fashion. The intense activity in these areas has been stimulated by the distinctive properties of copper photocatalysts and has led to the rapid development and expansion of their applications. In this review, we focus on a series of significant achievements in the use of copper complexes as standalone photocatalysts in organic reactions to exhibit their high flexibility and potential in synthetic chemistry.

1 Introduction

2 Redox Coupling Reactions

2.1 Carbon–Nitrogen Redox Coupling Reactions

2.2 Carbon–Carbon Redox Coupling Reactions

3 Oxidative Coupling Reactions

4 Difunctionalization of Olefins

5 C–H Bond Functionalization

6 Radical Alkylation of Imines

7 Conclusions and Outlook
A Two Hour Synthesis of the Anti-Parkinson Drug Safinamide Methanesulfonate
Authors: Omori Alvaro T. , Higa Vanessa M.
Published: June 2021

The critical moment of the COVID-19 outbreak requires a real-time supply of therapeutic agents. Thus, time economy in the synthesis of biologically active compounds has become increasingly decisive. In this work, we developed a two hour synthesis of the anti-Parkinson drug safinamide methanesulfonate in four steps with a 64% overall yield. Microwave irradiation was used in the first three steps in a one-pot fashion. In fact, the protocol can provide safinamide free base in one hour without a chromatographic purification step. Also, green solvents such as methanol and ethyl acetate are used.
Cobalt-Catalyzed Preparation of N-Heterocyclic Organozinc Reagents from the Corresponding Heteroaryl Chlorides
Authors: Knochel Paul , Kremsmair Alexander , Graßl Simon , Seifert Christoph J. B. , Godineau Edouard
Published: June 2021

Various substituted and unsubstituted N-heteroaryl chlorides have been converted into their corresponding organozinc species using zinc dust in the presence of zinc pivalate and 10% CoCl2 in benzonitrile at 25 °C. The resulting heteroarylzinc reagents were obtained in 43–98% yield within 9–48 h and reacted with a broad range of electrophiles, leading to the functionalized heteroarenes.
Automated Infrared Pupillometer Use in Assessing the Neurological Status in Pediatric Neurocritical Care Patients: Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: McGetrick Molly E. , Schneider Nathan , Olson DaiWai M. , Aiyagari Venkatesh , Miles Darryl
Published: June 2021

Automated infrared pupillometry (AIP) is rapidly becoming an accepted standard for the evaluation of pupil size and reactivity in adult neurocritical care. Recently, pediatric centers are increasingly utilizing this technology, but data supporting its use in children are limited. Our pediatric intensive care unit instituted AIP as a standard of care for pupillary light assessments in neurocritical care patients in early 2020. In this article, we describe four cases highlighting the advantage of using objective assessments of the pupillary light reactivity response measured by the Neurological Pupil index (NPi) to detect early changes in the patient's neurological status. These cases support the applicability of AIP in pediatric neurocritical care as a noninvasive neurologic monitoring tool. The NPi may be superior to manual pupil assessments by providing a numerical scale for accurate trending clinical status of a patient's neurologic condition.
Punch Incision with Secondary Healing (PISH) Technique for Benign Facial Lesions: An Institutional Experience in 307 Patients
Authors: Yadav Sudeep Pradeep , Gharwade Chandrakant Rambhau , Khatri Gayatri Nagindas
Published: June 2021

Background Multiple or solitary facial lesions pose a unique challenge to the attending surgeon in terms of delivering the best cosmetic outcome. There are various methods in dealing with them and the preference of using them is based on the surgeon’s experience, patient expectations, and availability of instruments. One such tool, skin-punch, primarily designed for a biopsy can play a very important therapeutic role in this era of keyhole surgery. In this paper, we assess the technique of punch incision with its combination of secondary healing for various facial lesion.

Methods This observational study, a total of 307 patients with solitary or multiple benign facial lesions were treated with punch incision technique using 2 to 6 mm sterile, disposable skin biopsy punches. Subsequently, the wounds were managed with healing with secondary intention.

Results In our series all superficial wounds epithelized by 7 to 14 days while the deeper lesions epithelized by 14 to 28 days. We had three recurrences which were managed by fusiform excision and one patient had surgical site infection which was managed conservatively. On application of our self-devised facial scar scoring system (SCAR or Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating)3 on all the scars, the mean score was 6 at 1 year followup.

Conclusion Punch incision with healing by secondary intention is a relatively easy, effective, single-stage office procedure. This method can be considered as an alternative method for the removal of various skin lesions, especially on face, thus providing a simple solution to complex problems.
Can Mozart Improve Weight Gain and Development of Feeding Skills in Premature Infants? A Randomized Trial
Authors: Lafferty Margaret A. , Mackley Amy , Green Pam , Ottenthal Deborah , Locke Robert , Guillen Ursula
Published: June 2021

Objective The study aimed to assess in a prospective randomized study the effect of Mozart's music on time to regain birth weight (BW) and development of oral feeding skills in babies born between 280/7 and 316/7 weeks of gestation.

Study Design Healthy premature infants born between 280/7 and 316/7 completed weeks of gestation were randomized within 3 days of birth to either music or no music exposure. Infants in the music group were exposed to Mozart's double piano sonata twice per day for 14 days. The primary outcome was time to regain birth weight. The secondary outcome was development of oral feeding skills as evaluated by a speech/language pathologist blinded to the intervention. We hypothesized that exposure to Mozart's double piano sonata would decrease time to regain BW and improve feeding skills. A total of 32 newborns were needed to detect a 3-day difference in time to regain BW.

Results Forty infants were enrolled and randomized. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the time to regain BW (p = 0.181) and the time to achievement of full oral feeds (p = 0.809).

Conclusion Exposure to Mozart's double piano sonata for 14 days after birth did not significantly improve time to regain BW or time to achieve full oral feedings in very premature infants. It is possible that Mozart's music has no effect or that the duration of music exposure was not sufficient to have a physiologic effect on growth and oral feeding skills.

Key Points
Troponin I as an Independent Biomarker of Outcome in Children with Systemic Inflammatory Response
Authors: Leite Heitor P. , Medina Rodrigo , Junior Emilio L. , Konstantyner Tulio
Published: June 2021

Cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) is a biomarker of myocardial injury with implications for clinical outcomes. May other contributing factors that could affect outcomes have not been uniformly considered in pediatric studies. We hypothesized that there is an association between admission serum cTnI and outcomes in critically ill children taking into account the magnitude of the acute systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), serum lactate concentrations, and nutritional status. Second, we tested for potential factors associated with elevated serum cTnI. This was a prospective cohort study in 104 children (median age: 21.3 months) consecutively admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a teaching hospital with SIRS and without previous chronic diseases. Primary outcome variables were PICU-free days, ventilator-free days, and 30-day mortality. Exposure variables were serum cTnI concentration on admission, revised pediatric index of mortality (PIM2), pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD-2), hypotensive shock, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and serum lactate on admission, and malnutrition. Elevated cTnI (>0.01 μg/L) was observed in 24% of patients, which was associated with the reduction of ventilator-free days (β coefficient = − 4.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −8.03; −1.91) and PICU-free days (β coefficient = − 5.76; 95% CI: −8.97; −2.55). All patients who died had elevated serum cTnI. The increase of 0.1 μg/L in cTnI concentration resulted in an elevation of 2 points in the oxygenation index (β coefficient = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.22; 2.78, p < 0.001). The PIM2 score, hypotensive shock in the first 24 hours, and serum lactate were independently associated with elevated cTnI on admission. We conclude that elevated serum cTnI on admission is independently associated with adverse outcomes in children with SIRS and without associated chronic diseases.
Performance of Platelet Mass Index as a Marker of Severity for Sepsis and Septic Shock in Children
Authors: Chegondi Madhuradhar , Vijayakumar Niranjan , Billa Ramya Deepthi , Badheka Aditya , Karam Oliver
Published: June 2021

Platelet mass index (PMI) as a prognostic indicator in pediatric sepsis has not been previously reported. In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated PMI's performance as a prognostic indicator in children aged younger than 18 years with sepsis and septic shock in relationship with survival. Over 5 years, we collected data from 122 children admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). PMI accuracy was assessed with sensitivity and specificity and its discrimination was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Median PMI values on days 1 and 3 of PICU admission were lower among nonsurvivors. On day 1 of PICU admission, a cutoff PMI value of 1,450 fL/nL resulted in a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 69%, and the AUC was 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55–0.86). Similarly, on day 3, a cutoff of 900 fL/nL resulted in a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 70%, and the AUC was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.59–0.92). Our exploratory study suggests that low PMI in children with septic shock is associated with increased mortality. Considering the PMI's fair performance, further studies should be performed to assess its clinical value.
Design of fast response Doppler spectroscopy system for HUST field-reversed configuration device
Authors: Li Qiong , Cheng Zhifeng , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhang XiaoYi , Jiao Shaodong , Qing Wanjun , Chen Zhipeng
Published: June 2021

A fast response Doppler spectroscopy system with high throughput and high resolution is under development for studying the drifting velocity, rotation velocity, and ion temperature on the HUST field-reversed configuration (HFRC) device. The system has been designed to observe the spectral line of oxygen V (O V) ion emission at 278.1 nm (1s22s3p → 1s22s3s) over the lifetime (∼0.5 ms) of the FRC plasma. A high throughput Czerny–Turner monochromator with 3600 g/mm grating and 670 mm focal length is applied to achieve high spectral resolution; a 32-channel multi-anode photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector is utilized to achieve the high-speed response of up to 1 MHz; a 1D magnification optics combined with a cylindrical lens assembly and a fiber optic expansion is developed to magnify the spectral dispersion fitting the PMT channel interval. Through the ray-tracing analysis, the system’s final spectral resolution is evaluated to be ∼0.03 nm. Taking into account the system sensitivity and O V line emissivity in HFRC plasma, the system is expected to be workable with the temporal response of 1 µs.
Compact explicit matrix representations of the flexoelectric tensor and a graphic method for identifying all of its rotation and reflection symmetries
Authors: Le Quang H. , He Q.-C.
Published: June 2021

Flexoelectricity is an electromechanical phenomenon produced in a dielectric material, with or without centrosymmetric microstructure, undergoing a non-uniform strain. It is characterized by the fourth-order flexoelectric tensor, which links the electric polarization vector with the gradient of the second-order strain tensor. Our previous work [H. Le Quang and Q.-C. He, Proc. R. Soc. A 467, 2369 (2011)] solved the fundamental theoretical problem of determining the number and types of all rotational symmetries that the flexoelectric tensor can exhibit. In the present study, compact explicit matrix representations of the flexoelectric tensor are provided so as to facilitate the use of it with any possible rotational symmetry. The number and types of all reflection symmetries that the flexoelectric tensor can have are also determined. To identify the rotational symmetry and reflection symmetry of a given flexoelectric tensor, a simple and efficient graphic method based on the concept of pole figures is presented and illustrated.
Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks as intrinsic light harvesting and charge separation materials for photocatalysis
Authors: Hu Wenhui , Pattengale Brian , Huang Jier
Published: June 2021

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are a subclass of metal organic frameworks that have attracted considerable attention in the past years and have found many applications including heterogeneous catalysis due to their highly ordered porous structure, large surface area, and structural flexibility. However, ZIFs are largely utilized as simple hosts or passive media for dispersing other catalytically active species, resembling the roles of zeolites in catalysis. In contrast, our recent findings show that ZIFs not only have broad absorption across the UV–visible and near IR spectral region but also have an exceptionally long-lived excited charge separated state, suggesting that ZIFs may be used as intrinsic light harvesting and photocatalytic materials rather than as inert hosts. This Perspective will focus on the recent progress on the fundamental studies of the intrinsic light absorption, charge separation, and photocatalytic properties of ZIFs and will discuss the outlook for future development.
Reconstruction of three-dimensional temperature fields in micro-fixed bed reactor based on infrared thermography and thermal probe method
Authors: Guan Shengwang , Zheng Yihua
Published: June 2021

Aiming at determining the characteristics of small volume and complex heat and mass transfer of micro-reactors, an online measurement system was designed and built. The temperature of the reactor surface was measured by infrared thermography. For reconstruction of the three-dimensional temperature field of the micro-fixed bed reactor, mathematical and physical models were established by finite difference of governing equations and boundary conditions, and the objective function was established based on the principle of least squares. Then, using the conjugate gradient algorithm, the three-dimensional temperature field was rebuilt in the fixed bed reactor. It was verified that the micro-reactor filled with resin particles had a porosity of 0.432 under an initial temperature of 20 °C and adiabatic conditions; distilled water of a constant temperature of 50 °C was introduced into the reactor at a flow rate of 3.2 ml/min, and the internal temperature field was deduced from the surface temperature of the reactor. The experiment also used micro-thermocouples to measure the internal temperature at multiple points to compare with the inverse temperature field. The temperature change trend was consistent, and the maximum error was 4.85% in a no reaction condition and 7.1% in catalytic reactions, which verified the accuracy of the inverse method.
Isothermal equation of state of crystalline and glassy materials from optical measurements in diamond anvil cells
Authors: Fedotenko T. , Souza D. S. , Khandarkhaeva S. , Dubrovinsky L. , Dubrovinskaia N.
Published: June 2021

Here, we present a method to study the equation of state of opaque amorphous and crystalline materials in diamond anvil cells. The approach is based on measurements of sample dimensions using high-resolution optical microscopy. Data on the volumetric strain as a function of pressure allow deriving the isothermal equation of state of the studied material. The analysis of optical images is fully automatized and allows measuring the sample dimensions with the precision of about 60 nm. The methodology was validated by studying isothermal compression of ω-Ti up to 30 GPa in a Ne pressure transmitting medium. Within the accuracy of the measurements, the bulk modulus of ω-Ti determined using optical microscopy was similar to that obtained from x-ray diffraction. For glassy carbon compressed to ∼30 GPa, the previously unknown bulk modulus was found to be equal to K0 = 28 (2) GPa [K′ = 5.5(5)].
Enhanced converse flexoelectricity in piezoelectric composites by coupling topology optimization with homogenization
Authors: Chen X. , Yvonnet J. , Park H. S. , Yao S.
Published: June 2021

We demonstrate that large apparent converse flexoelectric properties can be obtained in piezoelectric composites using theoretical approaches. To do so, we first present a numerical homogenization method accounting for all electromechanical terms related to strain and the electric field gradient. We then evaluate the coefficients of the model by numerical simulations on periodic piezoelectric composites. After combining the homogenization approach with topology optimization to enhance the converse properties of the composite, we present numerical results that reveal that the apparent converse flexoelectric coefficients, as well as those associated with the higher order coupling terms involving the electric field gradient, are of the same order as the direct flexoelectric properties of the local constituents. These results suggest that both converse and higher order electromechanical coupling effects may contribute strongly to the flexoelectric response and properties of piezoelectric composites. Finally, we show that it is theoretically possible to obtain optimized designs of composites with apparent converse flexoelectric properties 1–2 orders of magnitude larger than ones obtained with naïve guess designs.
Characteristics of continuous high power magnetron sputtering (C-HPMS) in reactive O2/Ar atmospheres
Authors: Cui Suihan , Liu Liangliang , Jin Zheng , Zhou Lin , Ruan Qingdong , Wu Zhongcan , Fu Ricky K. Y. , Tian Xiubo , Chu Paul K. , Wu Zhongzhen
Published: June 2021

Target poisoning is prevalent in reactive magnetron sputtering and causes deleterious effects, especially in deposition using metal targets. Both the deposition rate and the stoichiometry ratio of the coatings will be compromised because of the quicker coverage of the poisoning materials on the target relative to removal by sputtering. Continuous high-power magnetron sputtering (C-HPMS) possesses merits such as more rapid sputtering than high-power impulse magnetron sputtering and better target poisoning resistance. In this work, the discharge and plasma characteristics of C-HPMS for an Al metal target in reactive O2/Ar atmospheres are investigated by modeling and alumina deposition. At a constant oxygen partial pressure, larger discharge power increases target etching significantly compared to surface combination with O2, leading to reduced surface poisoning. Besides, a higher temperature is produced near the target to produce more intense rarefaction effects and decrease the risk of target poisoning. In Al discharge, the stable deposition window in the O2/Ar ratio under 120 W/cm2 is 5 times of that under 20 W/cm2. Moreover, a large deposition rate of 112 nm/min is achieved at the poisoning-saturated point and a target/substrate distance can be increased to larger than 40 cm, thus providing more flexibility in the design of deposition parameters and hardware requirement. Our results show that high discharge intensity improves plasma density and ionization rates of reactive particles boding well for the deposition of under-stoichiometric and higher-quality amorphous Al2O3 films. The reactive C-HPMS technique has large potential in the commercial production of functional coatings and thin films.
Collective effects in confined active Brownian particles
Authors: Caprini Lorenzo , Maggi Claudio , Marini Bettolo Marconi Umberto
Published: June 2021

We investigate a two-dimensional system of active particles confined to a narrow annular domain. Despite the absence of explicit interactions among the velocities or the active forces of different particles, the system displays a transition from a disordered and stuck state to an ordered state of global collective motion where the particles rotate persistently clockwise or anticlockwise. We describe this behavior by introducing a suitable order parameter, the velocity polarization, measuring the global alignment of the particles’ velocities along the tangential direction of the ring. We also measure the spatial velocity correlation function and its correlation length to characterize the two states. In the rotating phase, the velocity correlation displays an algebraic decay that is analytically predicted together with its correlation length, while in the stuck regime, the velocity correlation decays exponentially with a correlation length that increases with the persistence time. In the first case, the correlation (and, in particular, its correlation length) does not depend on the active force but the system size only. The global collective motion, an effect caused by the interplay between finite-size, periodicity, and persistent active forces, disappears as the size of the ring becomes infinite, suggesting that this phenomenon does not correspond to a phase transition in the usual thermodynamic sense.
NetworkDynamics.jl—Composing and simulating complex networks in Julia
Authors: Lindner Michael , Lincoln Lucas , Drauschke Fenja , Koulen Julia M. , Würfel Hans , Plietzsch Anton , Hellmann Frank
Published: June 2021

NetworkDynamics.jl is an easy-to-use and computationally efficient package for simulating heterogeneous dynamical systems on complex networks, written in Julia, a high-level, high-performance, dynamic programming language. By combining state-of-the-art solver algorithms from DifferentialEquations.jl with efficient data structures, NetworkDynamics.jl achieves top performance while supporting advanced features such as events, algebraic constraints, time delays, noise terms, and automatic differentiation.
Quadrupole-mediated dielectric response and the charge-asymmetric solvation of ions in water
Authors: Cox Stephen J. , Mandadapu Kranthi K. , Geissler Phillip L.
Published: June 2021

Treating water as a linearly responding dielectric continuum on molecular length scales allows very simple estimates of the solvation structure and thermodynamics for charged and polar solutes. While this approach can successfully account for basic length and energy scales of ion solvation, computer simulations indicate not only its quantitative inaccuracies but also its inability to capture some basic and important aspects of microscopic polarization response. Here, we consider one such shortcoming, a failure to distinguish the solvation thermodynamics of cations from that of otherwise-identical anions, and we pursue a simple, physically inspired modification of the dielectric continuum model to address it. The adaptation is motivated by analyzing the orientational response of an isolated water molecule whose dipole is rigidly constrained. Its free energy suggests a Hamiltonian for dipole fluctuations that accounts implicitly for the influence of higher-order multipole moments while respecting constraints of molecular geometry. We propose a field theory with the suggested form, whose nonlinear response breaks the charge symmetry of ion solvation. An approximate variational solution of this theory, with a single adjustable parameter, yields solvation free energies that agree closely with simulation results over a considerable range of solute size and charge.
A sustainable strategy to fabricate porous flower-like magnetic carbon composites for enhanced microwave absorption
Authors: Wang Xihua , Li Xiaolin , Cui Jin , Huang Li , Yuan Ye
Published: June 2021

The design and fabrication of biomass derived flower-like Co@Co3O4/carbon (Co@Co3O4/C) composites used for high-performance microwave absorbing materials are described. The porous carbon skeleton provides the electronic pathway and the nucleation locus for Co@Co3O4 nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the porous Co@Co3O4/C composites comprising dielectric and magnetic components could also improve impedance matching and be advantageous to electromagnetic energy conversion. Labeled with good impedance matching and strong attenuation characteristics, Co@Co3O4/C composites show excellent microwave response where the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −46.4 dB and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 11.0 GHz can be achieved. This work not only explores high-performance microwave absorbing materials but also demonstrates that shrimp shell derived materials can be regarded as unexceptionably sustainable resources.
Combined experimental and theoretical study on photoionization cross sections of benzonitrile and o/m/p-cyanotoluene
Authors: Huang Jiabin , Huang Can , Wu Xiaoqing , Hou Qifeng , Tian Guangjun , Yang Jiuzhong , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2021

Photoionization cross sections (PICSs) for the products of the reaction from CN with toluene, including benzonitrile and o/m/p-cyanotoluene, were obtained at photon energies ranging from ionization thresholds to 14 eV by tunable synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry (SVUV-PIMS). Theoretical calculations based on the frozen-core Hartree–Fock approximation and Franck–Condon simulations were carried out to cross-verify the measured PICS. The results show that the photoionization cross sections of benzonitrile and cyanotoluene isomers are similar. The generalized charge decomposition analysis was used to investigate the components of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and HOMO-1. It was found that the HOMO and HOMO-1 of benzonitrile and cyanotoluene isomers are dominated by the features of the benzene ring, indicating that the substitution of CN and methyl has a minor influence on the PICS of the studied molecules. The reported PICS on benzonitrile and cyanotoluene isomers in the present work could contribute to the near-threshold PIMS experiments and determine the ionization and dissociation rates in interstellar space for these crucial species. The theoretical analysis on characteristics of molecular orbitals provides clues to estimating the PICS of similar substituted aromatic compounds.
Increase of reverse leakage current at homoepitaxial GaN p-n junctions induced by continuous forward current stress
Authors: Narita Tetsuo , Nagasato Yoshitaka , Kanechika Masakazu , Kondo Takeshi , Uesugi Tsutomu , Tomita Kazuyoshi , Ikeda Satoshi , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Kimoto Yasuji , Kosaki Masayoshi , Oka Tohru , Kojima Jun , Suda Jun
Published: June 2021

Reliability tests involving the application of high electrical stresses were employed to assess GaN-based vertical p-n junctions fabricated on freestanding GaN substrates with threading dislocation densities less than 104 cm−2. Electric field crowding at the device edges was eliminated by employing a shallow bevel mesa structure, thus allowing an evaluation of the reliability of the internal p-n junctions. The p-n diodes exhibited reproducible avalanche breakdown characteristics over the temperature range of 25–175 °C. No degradation was observed even during tests in which the devices were held under a reverse bias near the breakdown voltage. Despite this high degree of reliability in response to reverse bias stress, a small number of diodes were degraded during continuous forward current tests, although the majority of diodes remained unchanged. The reverse leakage current exhibited by degraded diodes was increased with an increase in the forward current density within the range of 50–500 A/cm2, while the breakdown voltages were unchanged in response to current stress. The leakage level increased exponentially with an increase in the total amount of injected carriers but eventually plateaued. In the degraded p-n diode, a luminous point in an emission microscope corresponded to one of the threading dislocations observed in the synchrotron x-ray topography, indicating that a specific dislocation played as a leakage path after injecting carriers.
Spatial arrangements of spherical nanoparticles on lipid vesicles
Authors: Spangler Eric J. , Laradji Mohamed
Published: June 2021

We report results of a numerical investigation of the modes of adhesion of two spherical nanoparticles (NPs) on lipid vesicles based on molecular dynamics simulations, in conjunction with the weighted histogram analysis method, of an implicit-solvent model of self-assembled membranes. Our investigation shows that the NPs exhibit a sequence of three modes of adhesion. For low adhesive interactions, the adhering NPs are apart from each other. As the adhesive interaction is increased, the NPs dimerize into in-plane dimers. As the adhesive interaction is further increased for relatively large vesicles, the NPs dimerize into tubular dimers. However, for small vesicles, the tubular dimer state is not observed. For higher values of the adhesive interaction, four endocytosis modes are observed, depending on the initial locations of the NPs on the vesicle and the relative size of the NPs with respect to that of the vesicle. For relatively large vesicles, the NPs are endocytosed individually or as a dimer. For relatively small vesicles, only one NP is endocytosed if the initial distance between the NPs is large, while the second NP remains adhered to the outer leaflet of the vesicle. However, if the initial distance between the NPs is small, one NP is endocytosed, while the other is internalized in the vesicle through a pore.
Correcting pandemic data analysis through environmental fluid dynamics
Authors: Dbouk Talib , Drikakis Dimitris
Published: June 2021

It is well established that the data reported for the daily number of infected cases during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic were inaccurate, primarily due to insufficient tracing across the populations. Due to the uncertainty of the first wave data mixed with the second wave data, the general conclusions drawn could be misleading. We present an uncertainty quantification model for the infected cases of the pandemic's first wave based on fluid dynamics simulations of the weather effects. The model is physics-based and can rectify a first wave data's inadequacy from a second wave data's adequacy in a pandemic curve. The proposed approach combines environmental seasonality-driven virus transmission rate with pandemic multiwave phenomena to improve statistical predictions' data accuracy. For illustration purposes, we apply the new physics-based model to New York City data.
A deep learning framework with multi-perspective fusion for interictal epileptiform discharges detection in scalp electroencephalogram
Authors: Wei Boxuan , Zhao Xiaohui , Shi Lijuan , Xu Lu , Liu Tao , Zhang Jicong
Published: June 2021

Objective. Interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) are an important and widely accepted biomarker used in the diagnosis of epilepsy based on scalp electroencephalography (EEG). Because the visual detection of IEDs has various limitations, including high time consumption and high subjectivity, a faster, more robust, and automated IED detector is strongly in demand. Approach. Based on deep learning, we proposed an end-to-end framework with multi-scale morphologic features in the time domain and correlation in sensor space to recognize IEDs from raw scalp EEG. Main Results. Based on a balanced dataset of 30 patients with epilepsy, the results of the five-fold (leave-6-patients-out) cross-validation shows that our model achieved state-of-the-art detection performance (accuracy: 0.951, precision: 0.973, sensitivity: 0.938, specificity: 0.968, F1 score: 0.954, AUC: 0.973). Furthermore, our model maintained excellent IED detection rates in an independent test on three datasets. Significance. The proposed model could be used to assist neurologists in clinical EEG interpretation of patients with epilepsy. Additionally, this approach combines multi-level output and correlation among EEG sensors and provides new ideas for epileptic biomarker detection in scalp EEG.
An exploration of the key factors affecting consumer buying behaviour of instant food products: A case study of Kota Bharu
Authors: Liew J Y , Mat Zain N S , Hashim D S , Abu Bakar T H S T , Mahshar M , Rosli F
Published: June 2021

With modernization and lifestyle changes, instant food emerges as a fast-growing food product in the food industry worldwide, and Malaysia makes no exception. Most people like to eat food that can be prepared quickly, thereby saving time and energy. Instant food satisfies the convenience seekers’ demand since it is a convenient food that requires minimal preparation before consumption. To dominate the competitive handicap in the marketplace, marketers must have a good grasp on consumer behaviour and preferences that prevail buying decisions. However, information on what constitutes buying behaviour of consumers from Kota Bharu, Kelantan towards instant food products is relatively limited. In this context, a survey study is presented to explore the key factors affecting consumer buying behaviour of instant food products in Kota Bharu. The questionnaire, validated by the Cronbach’s Alpha test had been distributed to 384 Kota Bharu respondents who were sampled by convenience sampling. Demographic characteristics of respondents are summarized by the descriptive analysis. Exploratory factor analysis unveiled eight underlying factors prompting consumers to buy instant food products. These eight factors accounted for around three-fifths of the total variance explained. It was found that the factor “marketing and branding attributes” had the most decisive influence on consumers.
Modelling Grass Land Carrying Capacity from Satellite Remote Sensing
Authors: Zumo Isa Muhammad , Hashim Mazlan , Hassan Noor Dyana
Published: June 2021

Developments in Remote Sensing (RS) satellite technology have made it possible to apply RS products for agricultural purposes, including modelling grassland carrying capacity (CC) of grazing land. However, determining the grazing land CC using pixel based approach is relatively new. This study modelled CC using pixel based approach and later compare it with the convetional method. Sentinel 2A MSI, in-situ Grass Above-ground Biomass (GAB) of 30 sample points and livestock data were used for the modelling CC of Daware grazing land northeast Nigeria. The result indicate that the available grass in the grazing land can only support 2,377,419 goats/sheep for 6 months or 4909 cattle for 1 month. This indicates that the grazing land was over grazed. The result of this study shows areas of grass available for rotational grazing throughout the season, thereby contributing to accurate modelling of grazing lands in Savannah and similar eco system.
Computer Aided Modeling Design of External Gear Pump
Authors: Guo Fengquan , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2021

In order to solve the problems in the structural design of the gear pump in use, three dimensional modeling software is used to complete the parts modeling of gear pump one by one, it is assembled as a gear pump, and the structure of gear pump is optimized by auxiliary design, further improve the performance of gear pump, Computer aided modeling design can effectively improve the design efficiency, Optimize the structure performance, reduce the design cost and improve the economic benefit.
Research and Analysis of Power Supply Load Forecasting and Self-Healing Control in Urban Rail Transit System
Authors: Yu Jiangchun , Wang Junyi , Tong Fei
Published: June 2021

With the continuous expansion of urban scale and the continuous increase of population, the pressure of urban traffic is increasing, so it is necessary to improve urban rail transit and better promote urban development and construction. At this stage, urban rail transit as an important tool of urban public transport, with fast, energy-saving and other advantages, so it has become an important part of urban infrastructure. Stable power system is the basis to ensure the stable operation of urban rail transit. However, traction power supply and electric power technology are needed to provide technical support in the operation of urban rail transit. This paper analyzes the content of this aspect and has a certain understanding of the relevant technology through the analysis of the article. Urge the relevant staff to conduct in-depth research, in order to obtain more advanced technology. With the gradual improvement of the reliability and advanced nature of the power grid, the self-healing ability has become the core function of the advanced power grid system in the future. This paper analyzes and compares the research status and technical characteristics of self-healing technology of distribution network system and rail transit power supply system, and points out the deficiency of self-healing of rail transit power supply system at present; by combing the fault scenarios and self-healing requirements of rail transit power supply system, this paper preliminarily analyzes the realization method of self-healing system, and puts forward an overall architecture of self-healing system. This paper first explains the causes of urban rail transit power system faults, then explains the fault types of urban rail transit power system, and finally explains the ways to deal with the faults of urban rail transit power system. With the continuous acceleration of urban modernization in China, urban rail transit has become the main force of urban transportation, providing people with more convenient travel, but also has a very high travel efficiency. It is precisely because of the characteristics of urban rail transit itself that it has become the darling of urban development, and many cities have plans to build rail transit.
Assessment and Forecast of Operating Efficiency of Power Generation Industry in the Context of Electricity Marketization
Authors: Han Wei , Gong Ruixin , Yang Xi , Guan Shaojie
Published: June 2021

The current research on the impact of electricity market reform on the power generation industry lacks comparative studies and targeted measures under the expected scenario. To fill this gap, this paper presents a micro-level analysis of 62 power generators from both static and dynamic perspectives based on the DEA-BCC model and the Malmquist index. In addition, on the basis of China’s macro energy data collected, the TIMES model was used for scenario prediction, and a comparative analysis was made with the benchmark reference scenario, thus exploring the main factors affecting total factor productivity and making reasonable predictions on the energy structure and industry development prospects under the two scenarios. It can be seen from the results that carrying out the electricity marketization reform will effectively reduce the average electricity cost and share of coal power generation. Finally, on the basis of the analysis of the results, policy recommendations and development strategies have been proposed in a targeted manner.
Evaluation and Optimization of Financing Efficiency for New Energy Vehicle Enterprises
Authors: Gong Ruixin , Jin Qinqin , Yang Xi , Guan Shaojie
Published: June 2021

This paper focuses on the financing efficiency of new energy vehicle enterprises, taking Chinese new energy vehicle enterprises as the research object through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The main research conclusions are as follows: on the one hand, the overall financial support efficiency of listed new energy vehicle enterprises shows a time trend of “rising first and then falling”, and the trend of debt financing efficiency is more stable than that of equity financing efficiency; on the other hand, explanatory variable coefficients are significantly negative and the marginal coefficient of equity financing is smaller than that of debt financing. Finally, combined with the research conclusions, specific suggestions for optimizing the financing structure for new energy vehicle companies and BYD. are given.