bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the pulse signal propagation in a turn of a meander line of two segments based on lattice diagrams
Authors: Mikola P V , Kenzhegulova Z M , Surovtsev R S
Published: July 2022

The analysis of the propagation of a pulse signal in a turn of a meander line of two segments is carried out. For this purpose, the plotting of lattice diagrams for the even and odd modes is carried out, as well as their subsequent comparison with the time responses to the pulse excitation in each node of the line. A complete coincidence of the amplitudes and arrival times of pulses obtained by different methods was obtained.
High performance FPGA embedded system for machine learning based tracking and trigger in sPhenix and EIC
Authors: Xuan T. , Durao F. , Sun Y.
Published: July 2022

We present a comprehensive end-to-end pipeline to classify triggers versus background events in this paper. This pipeline makes online decisions to select signal data and enables the intelligent trigger system for efficient data collection in the Data Acquisition System (DAQ) of the upcoming sPHENIX and future EIC (Electron-Ion Collider) experiments. Starting from the coordinates of pixel hits that are lightened by passing particles in the detector, the pipeline applies three-stage of event processing (hits clustering, track reconstruction, and trigger detection) and labels all processed events with the binary tag of trigger versus background events. The pipeline consists of deterministic algorithms such as clustering pixels to reduce event size, tracking reconstruction to predict candidate edges, and advanced graph neural network-based models for recognizing the entire jet pattern. In particular, we apply the message-passing graph neural network to predict links between hits and reconstruct tracks and a hierarchical pooling algorithm (DiffPool) to make the graph-level trigger detection. We obtain an impressive performance (⩾70% accuracy) for trigger detection with only 3200 neuron weights in the end-to-end pipeline. We deploy the end-to-end pipeline into a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and accelerate the three stages with speedup factors of 1152, 280, and 21, respectively.
Experimental characterization of an X-ray photon counting detector
Authors: Wang X. , Wei T. , Deng Z.
Published: July 2022

This paper presents the experimental test results of the X-ray photon counting detectors based on our pixel readout ASIC. The chip integrates a 64 × 128 array of pixels in the size of 150 µm × 150 µm and each pixel consists of four 12-bit energy windows. Two types of CdTe detectors have been bump bonded to the ASICs and have been tested.

The electronic characteristics of the readout chip were evaluated first by injecting charge through the calibration capacitors. The non-uniformity of the energy thresholds among pixels was measured and then were compensated by tuning the local DACs.

The detector performance was then characterized using X-ray tubes. The energy responses of the detectors were measured using the characteristic X-ray of the target materials. The global energy thresholds were then calibrated with these specific energies of photons. Polarization effects under different photon fluxes were also studied. Preliminary imaging was conducted. The detector response under uniform irradiation was investigated. The spatial uniformity of the detectors was analyzed and the flat field correction was then conducted to improve image quality. CT detailed test results will be discussed in this paper.
Optimizing observables with machine learning for better unfolding
Authors: Arratia Miguel , Britzger Daniel , Long Owen , Nachman Benjamin
Published: July 2022

Most measurements in particle and nuclear physics use
matrix-based unfolding algorithms to correct for detector effects.
In nearly all cases, the observable is defined analogously at the
particle and detector level. We point out that while the
particle-level observable needs to be physically motivated to link
with theory, the detector-level need not be and can be optimized.
We show that using deep learning to define detector-level
observables has the capability to improve the measurement when
combined with standard unfolding methods.
The level-1 trigger for the SuperCDMS experiment at SNOLAB
Authors: Wilson J.S. , Meyer zu Theenhausen H. , von Krosigk B. , Azadbakht E. , Bunker R. , Hall J. , Hansen S. , Hines B. , Loer B. , Olsen J.T. , Oser S.M. , Partridge R. , Pyle M. , Sander J. , Serfass B. , Toback D. , Watkins S.L. , Zhao X.
Published: July 2022

The SuperCDMS SNOLAB dark matter search experiment aims to
be sensitive to energy depositions down to
𝒪(1 eV). This imposes requirements on the resolution,
signal efficiency, and noise rejection of the trigger system. To
accomplish this, the SuperCDMS level-1 trigger system is implemented
in an FPGA on a custom PCB. A time-domain optimal filter algorithm
realized as a finite impulse response filter provides a baseline
resolution of 0.38 times the standard deviation of the noise,
σn, and a 99.9% trigger efficiency for signal
amplitudes of 1.1 σn in typical noise
conditions. Embedded in a modular architecture, flexible trigger
logic enables reliable triggering and vetoing in a dead-time-free
manner for a variety of purposes and run conditions. The trigger
architecture and performance are detailed in this article.
Investigation of thermal neutron detection efficiency of Boron Carbide converter material using GEANT4 simulation for different types of detector configurations
Authors: Nayak A. , Parida M.K. , Kumar V. , Prasanna G.
Published: July 2022

A lot of advancement in the field of semiconductors has made it possible to design a solid state neutron detector. They are small in size and compact, have economical bulk fabrications, require low power for their operation. Hence it can act as a plausible alternative to traditional neutron detector such as gas filled and scintillation detectors. It has been observed that many factors like the choice of converter material, LLD settings and geometrical configurations have an impact on the thermal neutron detection efficiency of solid state neutron detector design. Therefore in the present research work, a systematic GEANT4 simulation have been performed on estimating the simulated thermal neutron detection efficiency (η) for five different solid state detector geometrical configurations design with Boron Carbide (10B4C) as a converter material. These detectors geometry configurations designs are planar, rectangular parallel trenches, cylindrical perforation, stack and spherical (single and multi-layer). The objective of the simulations was to obtain critical geometrical features for which the efficiency reaches the maximum value, of the given detector configurations. The influence of the different enrichment levels of 10B (20% to 80%) in Boron Carbide and different Low-Level Discriminator (LLD) value setting (from 100 keV to 700 keV) on the simulated thermal neutron detection efficiency was also investigated. Finally, the simulated multi channel analyzer spectra or in other words histoplots were obtained for all the detector configurations.
Changes in hydrogeological conditions at the territories adjacent to tailings storage facilities in Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin
Authors: Hrytsai O , Petrukhin A , Kulkova T
Published: July 2022

Tailings of mining and processing plants of Kryvbas are new areas of groundwater supply which have led to significant changes in the hydrodynamic and hydrogeochemical regimes of aquifers. The purpose of the research was to assess the degree of damage to the areas adjacent to the tailings of mining enterprises by dangerous The purpose of the research was to assess the degree of damage to the areas adjacent to the tailings of mining enterprises by dangerous hydrogeological processes, flooding and inundation. The quantitative regime of groundwater is in a stable state and corresponds to the modern conditions of operation of industrial facilities. During the research, chemical pollution in groundwater of all aquifers was recorded. At the time of research, there was an increased content of such microcomponents as: carcinogenic cadmium and nickel (up to 1.9-34 MPC; and 2.6-8.4 MPC, respectively); non-carcinogenic lead (up to 1.7-7 MPC); manganese (up to 2-320 MPC); bromine (up to 14-94 MPC) in the groundwater of all aquifers in the north. In the center, there was the accumulation of abnormally high concentrations of elements such as iron, manganese (up to 36-1420 MPC rate of 0.3 mg / dm3 and 1.3-66 MPC rate of 0.1 mg / dm3, respectively, and a significant increase in the value of dry residue and the content of major macrocomponents in all aquifers. In the south for the modern period there is pollution of groundwater of the Quaternary and Neogene systems with such elements as total iron (15-2800 MPC), manganese (1.9-132 MPC), sometimes vanadium, cadmium. The geochemical essence of the formation of the chemical composition of polluted waters lies in the intensity of changes in the hydrogeochemical system and in the change in the migratory properties of chemical elements. The newest techniques and scientific developments on localization and the prevention of migration of heavy metals with the subsequent pollution of waters are required.
Determination of the movement and deformation areas of strata when exploiting longwall of Seam 11 under the open-pit mine at Ha Lam Coal Mine, Vietnam
Authors: Tien Vu Trung
Published: July 2022

Exploiting the face under the finished open-pit area always has potential risks of unsafety. It can be the risk of water flowing into the face or the occurrence of water cracking and mud, which is a very dangerous phenomenon in mining. The larger the dimension of the influence area of exploiting the face is, the greater the risk of water problems entering the face is. Through the assessment and analysis of the coal exploitation at the synchronized mechanized face of Seam 11 located under the open pits that have finished exploitation at the Ha Lam coal mine, the article has determined the movement and deformation areas of strata in the surrounding area to assess the influence of water in the open pit into the face. In order to avoid the risk of water cracking, the impact of these risks on the workers’ safety and the exploiting process, the determination of the movement and deformation areas of surrounding rocks when exploiting the longwall face of the coal Seam 11 is very necessary for the Ha Lam coal mine. By collecting and analyzing geological conditions of the rocks around the face, combined with numerical modelling methods, the author has determined the dimension of the collapse and cracking areas when exploiting the face. The results of the research from this article have helped the Ha Lam coal mine take the initiative to choose and organize a rational mining solution. On that basis, it is possible to prevent the influence of water in an open-pit mine to ensure safety during exploiting the face of coal Seam 11.
A study of rock response to failure in the context of the bending properties and comparison with uniaxial tensile and compression behaviour
Authors: Tomiczek K
Published: July 2022

The phenomenon of rock bending occurs during underground exploitation, construction of underground excavations and tunnels, and even rising heading – shafts. It is also common in building engineering, e.g., in the case of floors. Rocks and concretes as granular materials on the aggregate scale are fractured as a result of exceeding shear and tensile strength. In a complex state of stress – bending, crack propagation occurs from tensioned to compressed fibres. Three-point bending tests of medium-grained quasi homogeneous and isotropic sandstone were tested for strength and deformation properties of rocks. The E deformability modules for compressed and tensioned fibres as well as strains at failure were determined. The results of three-point bending were compared with the results of uniaxial compression and direct tension. Clear differences were found in the values of strengths, moduli of deformation and strains at failure. The bending strength B of about 9.5MPa is almost 3 times greater than the direct tensile strength σT
of about 3.2MPa and is 1/10 of the ultimate uniaxial compression strength σC
. With three-point bending, the values of the moduli E are equal to: for tensioned fibres about 6.7GPa, for compressed fibres 14.6GPa; in uniaxial compression tests about 13.0GPa and in direct tensile tests 4.8GPa. Rock material was also failure at various strains values at the ultimate strength. In the case of three-point bending tests, the strains at failure were equal to: for tensioned fibres about 0.125%, and for compressed fibres 0.065%; in uniaxial compression tests εz
were equal to about 0.63% and in direct tension tests 0.07%.
Electronic circuits of measuring modules of air pollution monitoring system based on low-cost sensors
Authors: Zaporozhets A O , Sverdlova A D , Ivaschenko T G , Kovach V O , Artemchuk V O
Published: July 2022

Currently, the state system for monitoring atmospheric air pollution in Ukraine is obsolete both in terms of technical and methodological support. In Ukraine, air pollution measurement standards have not been updated for more than 30 years, which led to gradual degradation of the monitoring system. Although relatively new technical means for measuring the concentration of various pollutants are partially used in certain industrial cities, the data they generate do not allow to make a full conclusion about the level of local pollution, the full range of pollutants, the localization of pollution sources, etc. This led to the need to create modern measuring modules of the air pollution monitoring system capable to generate large data sets and solving a number of modern methodological problems of the monitoring system. The hardware complex of the measuring module of the atmospheric air monitoring system based on low-cost sensors has been implemented. It is designed to receive, process, accumulate data, transmit and visualize the necessary information of the air pollution monitoring system. Connection diagrams of various hardware elements of the measuring module of the air pollution monitoring system (STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller, HC-12 module, SIM800C module) are shown. Printed circuit board in Altium Designer CAD, the drawings and the layout of the printed circuit board also are shown. The proposed technical prototype of the measuring modules of the monitoring system can become an addition to an existing monitoring system, or, in the case of creating a large-scale network of such tools, completely replace it.
Problem of municipal solid waste of Ukraine and ways to solve it
Authors: Kovalenko V V , Radchenko O O , Kireikou A A , Yu Stanishevskiy V , Lahoiko A M , Sinitsky J
Published: July 2022

Currently, Ukraine is among the countries with the largest absolute volume of waste generation and accumulation. Situation with landfills in Ukraine is uncontrolled. This is evidenced by unspecified landfills. The situation is constantly worsening due to harmful chemical emissions of landfills. The paper describes how pollution by landfills affects environmental components. Foreign experience, domestic waste management and methods of waste disposal were analyzed. The publication contains statistical data about dumps, landfills of household waste in Ukraine and describes normative-legal acts regulating issue of waste management. This paper outlines several recommendations for decreasing of environmental pollution from landfills on the territory of Ukraine. Following measures should be taken to solve the problem: sorting municipal solid waste; recycling; control and landfills registration; landfill placement; construction of waste-recycling and waste-burning plants; increasing awareness through environmental education on responsible attitude to waste.
Sustainability of biogas production: using of Shelford’s law
Authors: Shapovalov Ye B , Usenko S A , Salyuk A I , Tarasenko R A , Shapovalov V B
Published: July 2022

The article is devoted to proposing a method of regulation of biogas installations dissemination using Shelford’s law. It is based on the hypothesis that there is some optimal amount, and on both sides around it, the sustainability of the process will decrease because of biogas production that can affect ecosystems both positively and negatively. It declared that in different countries Shelford’s law graph could be different due to differences in both natural and social conditions. It shows that nowadays some unsustainable experience is taking place (In the case of Germany, it is using useful recourses which have to be grown and in the case of Ukraine, these are low-efficiency technologies which can be harmful to the environment). It proposes approaches to provide more sustainable biogas production using modern technologies and strategic planning.
Substantiating arched support made of composite materials (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) for mine workings in coal mines
Authors: Bondarenko V I , Kovalevska I A , Podkopaiev S V , Sheka I V , Tsivka Y S
Published: July 2022

This paper studies a new composite materials based on carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, which is planned to be used for supporting the preparatory workings when mining the coal at depths of more than 1000 meters. The composite material made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic has sufficient lt high physical-mechanical properties, which are even higher than that of low-alloy steel used as the main material for supporting in coal mines. The purpose of the research is to substantiate the model of support (arched three-link) and determine its rational parameters. The calculation of the stress-strain state around mine working, using the support made of composite materials, has been perfomed based on the method of finished elements in the Solid Works software product. In addition, a model of the support for coal mines has been developed on a 3D-printer. This made it possible to conduct additional research on the interaction of the support with the rock mass. Using the Solid Works software, a detailed modeling of the composite supporting system has become possible. The stress-strain state of the rock mass has revealed that support can be used to improve the strength characteristics and prevent uneven pressure distribution around mine workings. A support made of composite materials contributes to the introduction of resource-saving technologies in the mining industry.
Mathematical modeling of processes of technogenic deposits development
Authors: Golik V I , Morkun V S , Morkun N V , Pikilnyak A V , Gaponenko I A , Gaponenko A A
Published: July 2022

The article aims to substantiate the tendency to solve the problem of the mineral and raw material base of non-ferrous metals due to the involvement of technogenic origin in substandard metal-containing raw materials. Critical analysis and systematization of new information on the current state of the mineral and raw materials base of non-ferrous metals and the environmental problems of mining associated with it. New data on the recovery and loss of metals in the process of ore dressing are presented. It is shown that the total value of metals in waste is comparable to the value of potential mineral resources in the bowels. The problems of the use of mining waste should be solved in a single package with environmental problems by creating a single technological cycle for the extraction and processing of industrial minerals of industrial waste, the use of which can make the development of industrial deposits economically viable. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of using best practices for non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises that are searching for ways to survive in the conditions of the establishment of market relations.
Assessment of the ecological hybrid threat to industrial area in connection with the vital state of artificial woody plantations in Kryvyi Rih District (Ukraine)
Authors: Kvitko M O , Savosko V M , Lykholat Y V , Holubiev M I , Hrygoruk I P , Lykholat O A , Kofan I M , Chuvasova N O , Yevtushenko E O , Lykholat T Y , Marenkov O M , Ovchinnikova Y Y
Published: July 2022

Among the concepts of sustainable nature management, forest conservation is considered as an important element. The state of forest ecosystem depends on the development trend of the mining and industrial area and the complex of social, ecological, and economic problems of Kryvyi Rih District. The object of this study was assessing the artificial woody plantations as a promising factor for ecological hybrid threat reduce in industrial areas on the example of the Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Mining and Metallurgical District on standpoint of an ecosystem approach. During 2015-2020, we studied the natural forest ecosystems and the artificial forest plantations, which were located in contrast environmental conditions. Forests are located very unevenly in the Kryvyi Rih District. They are mainly concentrated in River gullies, woody stands of city parks, woody stands of health protection zones, woody stands of city protection forest and woody stands of river protection forest. The woody plantations located on the territories of Kryvyi Rih District are very different in terms of coverage area and don’t reach the optimal level. This woody plantations level allows effect the climate, soil, and water resources. The woody plantations also mitigate the effects of erosion processes, as well as provide more clean air. The artificial woody plantations are an important element of environmental safety in Kryvyi Rih District. The main function of the artificial woody plantations is to maintain the soil in an optimal form for operation. It is also the protection of ground water and the stability of the meso- and microclimate in the region, moreover preserving the biodiversity of the territory’s ecosystems. The artificial woody plantations perform an anti-stress function for residents. It was established that the quality of reforming the ecological approach to greening the city’s territories, as well as preserving artificial woody plantations, was determined by the choice of such a management model and nature management policy. These models together should ensure the competitive ability and long-term development of the artificial woody plantations in Kryvyi Rih District. The maine industrial areas in the world should develop as an environmentally stable and safety metallurgical region in accordance with the principles of sustainable development in the world.
Economic aspects of introducing pumped-storage hydroelectric power plants into the mine dewatering system for distributed power generation
Authors: Mykhailenko O , Budnikov K
Published: July 2022

The paper examines the pumped hydroelectric energy storage potential of mine dewatering system for power generation in a distributed power system. Based on the water inflows that can be used to fill the drainage basins, the following options for pumped-storage hydroelectric power plants (PSHPP) are considered: when groundwater is discharged from only one mine, one hydraulic turbine is installed on the horizon below the surface; with additional discharge of groundwater from neighboring mines – installation of two or four hydraulic turbines at the drainage stages closest to the surface. Comparison was made with grid only system. It is based on net present value (NPV) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) criteria. Variable parameters were hydraulic turbine water flow and mine power consumption. Also, for a certain combination of parameters, the optimal mine power system was determined. The area of use of the PSHS is estimated. It was found that the smallest economic effect is achieved when the power generation of one hydraulic turbine is close to the power consumption. The area of expedient use of the PSHPP within the limits of parameter variation is 17.2%, 19.6% (base and peak costs of power). This is because power generation drops when the water flow decreases. It does not cover the needs of the mine and there is a power shortage. Thus, the mine power system autonomy is very low. With an increase in water inflow and the number of hydraulic turbines, first up to two and then up to four units, the area of expedient use of PSHPP increases to 51.5%, 55.9% and 50.6%, 72.8%, respectively. However, with low energy consumption and a low water flow, it is still rational to receive electricity from the grid. This is due to a sharp drop in the efficiency of hydraulic turbines and high costs for maintenance and repair of PSHPP equipment, which are not comparable to the cost of purchasing power. So it was noted that with the base cost of electricity and an increase in the number of hydro turbines from two to four, the area of conditions under which the use of PSHPP is justified even decreased by 0.9%. At peak cost, the area increases by 16.9%. The mine power system autonomy is not achieved. In general, the efficiency of using PSHPP for mine dewatering systems is high, but the feasibility of their use should be studied for specific conditions of use.
Spatial organization of the soil macrofauna community in a floodplain forest
Authors: Zhukova Y O , Mytiai I S
Published: July 2022

Soil fauna is an important functional component of terrestrial ecosystems. Several hierarchical levels of spatial organization of pedobionts communities can be distinguished: point level, ecosystem level and landscape level. Of particular importance is the ecosystem level of spatial organization where the results of interaction between soil animals and soil and plant environmental factors, as well as the results of the influence of factors of neutral nature are expressed to the greatest extent. The aim of the work is to test the hypothesis that the spatial patterns of soil macrofauna at the ecosystem level can be explained by ecomorphs. Soil animals were sampled in floodplain ecosystems in the Dnieper River valley. Animals were sampled according to a regular grid with recording of local coordinates of sampling points. At the same points, soil properties were measured and geobotanical descriptions of vegetation were made. Phytoindication assessment of environmental factors was carried out on the basis of vegetation descriptions. The soil animal community is represented by high taxonomic and ecological diversity. The spatial distribution of soil macrofauna is not random and is a consequence of environmental factors and causes of a neutral nature. The ratio of these factors varies depending on the scale level. The fine-scale level is represented by factors of neutral nature. Medium- and broad-scale components are determined by soil and vegetation factors. The main spatial patterns of variation in the soil animal community correlate with the ecomorphic features of the animals. The ecomorphic approach allows interpreting the information on the spatial organization of pedobionts communities.
Ecological determinants of algal communities of different types of ecosystems
Authors: Maltseva I A , Shcherbyna V V , Yakoviichuk O V , Pyurko O Y
Published: July 2022

The results of studies of the environmental regularities of the formation of algal communities in soils of various ecosystems in the south of Ukraine are presented. 26 forest, 11 steppe and 3 saline ecosystems were investigated. The research has established the species richness of algae in each ecosystem and produced a multidimensional ordination of algal communities based on the analysis of the main components to clarify the factors that determine the composition of algal communities. The research has established the species richness of algae in each ecosystem and produced a multidimensional ordination of algal communities based on the analysis of the main components to clarify the factors that determine the composition of algal communities. Predictors determined by edaphic conditions and phytocenotic interactions associated primarily with edificators of ecosystems were used for the analysis. The ecological space of the studied ecosystems was formed by four main factors with eigenvalues greater than one, which explained 81.4% of the total variance. PC1 (34.82% of variance) is associated with the type of ecosystem and such edaphic parameters as pH, the availability of moisture in the habitat, and soil mineralization. PC2 (21.98%) reflects changes in the gradients of trophicity (humus content) and granulometric composition of soils. PC3 and PC4 additionally explain 16.04% and 9.27% of the total data variance, respectively. Their values mainly depend on the mineralization, trophicity, and moisture supply of edaphotopes, which, at the level of the composition of algae, is obviously associated with the heterogeneity of the ecological preferences of the algal species themselves, as well as the variability of ecological niches of ecosystems, due to which there are species more typical for other types of ecosystems in the communities. The use of the factor rotation procedure by the Varimax normalized method made it possible to concretize the taxa most associated with the main components: PC1 indicates the various Cyanobacteria species, PC2 – Chlorophyta, Streptophyta and Eustigmatophyceae, PC3 – Xanthophyceae and Euglenozoa, PC4 – Bacillariophyceae.
The concept of sustainability of the urban realm and community as the key feature of the utopia
Authors: Fedak A Y , Linda S M
Published: July 2022

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the topic of sustainability as a key basis for the formation of utopia on the example of the work of utopians (architects, politicians, etc.) in the historical context, and to compare their approaches to environmentalism with those prevalent and implemented today. The authors identify three conditional periods of utopia formation from the point of view of urban planning, which clearly demonstrate the shift in the approach to solving relevant problems, namely: spreading the idea of an ideal city (on the example of Franciscus Patricius, Ludovico Zuccolo); rejection of the city as a desirable model of human settlement and an attempt to return to nature (works by William Dean Howells, William Morris, Anatole France); a period of active implementation of environmental technologies in projects since the early 20th century (the work by Ernest Callenbach).
Dielectric relaxation and dipole moment studies of hydrogen bonded complexes for enanthamide and valeramide with halogenated phenols using J-band microwave frequency
Authors: Basha A Aathif , Khan F Liakath Ali , Muzammil P , Fasiuddin G S
Published: July 2022

Dielectric investigations of hydrogen bonded complexes of Enanthamide and Valeramide with 4-bromophenol, 4-chlorophenol, 4-iodophenol and 4-fluorophenol in benzene were done at 303K, using a J-band (7.22GHz) microwave bench and dielectric relaxation setup. The permittivity of amides with halogenated phenol binary mixtures was measured in the microwave frequency range at temperatures ranging from 298K to 323K. At microwave frequencies; dielectric relaxation of ternary mixes of polar liquids in nonpolar fluids has been explored. Such investigations give useful information about the intermolecular and intramolecular interactions of solutes and solvent molecules. The dipole meter had a measurement frequency of 2MHz. The different parameters of dielectric, relaxation time (τ
0 ) and the dipole moment (μ) has been evaluated using the single-frequency concentration Higasi approach. The fact that the relaxation time and molar free energy activation of the 1:1 molar ratio are greater than those of other higher molar ratios (i.e. 3:1, 2:1, 1:2, 1:3) confirms the presence of a 1:1 complex structure between the studied systems, as well as a complex formation between the free hydroxyl group of phenols and the carbonyl group of amides. The dielectric relaxation energy parameters (ΔFε, ΔHε and ΔSε) of amides with halogenated phenols in benzene have been computed and compared with the related viscosity parameters. A comparison of these two sets of characteristics reveals that dielectric relaxation, like viscous flow, may be thought of as rate process.
Research on driving fatigue detection based on basic scale entropy and MVAR-PSI
Authors: Wang Fuwang , Kang Xiaogang , Fu Rongrong , Lu Bin
Published: July 2022

In long-term continuous driving, driving fatigue is the main cause of traffic accidents. Therefore, accurate and rapid detection of driver mental fatigue is of great significance to traffic safety. In our study, the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals of subjects were preprocessed to remove interference signals. The Butterworth band-pass filter is used to extract the EEG signals of α and β rhythms, and then the basic scale entropy of α and β rhythms is used as driving fatigue characteristics. In addition, combined with the fast multiple autoregressive (MVAR) model and phase slope index (PSI), short-term data is used to accurately estimate the effective connectivity of EEG signals between different channels, and analyzed the causality flow direction in the left and right prefrontal regions of drivers at different driving stages. Further comprehensive analysis of the driver’s driving fatigue state in the continuous driving phase. Finally, the correlation coefficient value between the parameter pairs (basic scale entropy, clustering coefficient, global efficiency) is calculated. The results showed that the causality flow outflow degree of prefrontal lobe decreased during the transition from sober driving state to tired driving state. The left and right prefrontal lobes were the source of causality in sober driving state, and gradually became the target of causality with the occurrence of driving fatigue. The results showed that when transitioning from a waking state to a fatigued driving state, the causal flow direction out-degree value of the prefrontal cortex on a declining curve, and the left and right prefrontal cortex exhibited the causal source in the awake driving state, which gradually changed into the causal target along with the occurrence of driving fatigue. The three parameters of basic scale entropy, clustering coefficient and global efficiency are used as driving fatigue characteristics, and every two parameters have strong correlation. It shows that the combination of basic scale entropy and MVAR-PSI method can effectively detect the driver’s long-term driving fatigue state in continuous driving mode.
Numerical model of the irradiance field surrounding a UV disinfection robot
Authors: De Matteis Ludovic , Cullinan Michael F , McGinn Conor
Published: July 2022

Objective. New technologies, including robots comprising germ-killing UV lamps, are increasingly being used to decontaminate hospitals and prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other superbugs. Existing approaches for modelling the irradiance field surrounding mobile UV disinfection robots are limited by their inability to capture the physics of their bespoke geometrical configurations and do not account for reflections. The goal of this research was to extend current models to address these limitations and to subsequently verify these models using empirically collected data. Approach. Two distinct parametric models were developed to describe a multi-lamp robotic UV system and adapted to incorporate the effects of irradiance amplification from the device's reflectors. The first model was derived from electromagnetic wave theory while the second was derived from conservation of energy and diffusion methods. Both models were tuned using data from empirical testing of an existing UV robot, and then validated using an independent set of measurements from the same device. Results. For each parameter, predictions made using the conservation of energy method were found to closely approximate the empirical data, offering more accurate estimates of the 3D irradiance field than the electromagnetic wave theory model. Significance. The versatility of the proposed method ensures that it can be easily adapted to different embodiments, providing a systematic way for researchers to develop accurate numerical models of custom UV robots, which may be used to inform deployment and/or to improve the accuracy of virtual simulation.
Exploratory examination of environmental protection behaviors in a hospital setting using the theory of planned behavior and ethical leadership
Authors: Tsai Angela Yi Jing , Tan Alex Yong Kwang
Published: July 2022

Most research focused on understanding the general environmental awareness or attitudes around the world, targeting residents, students, or undergraduates. There were limited attempts to understand the environmental protection behaviors in Taiwan healthcare sector. A questionnaire survey was designed with current healthcare personnel in Taiwan as target population. From the theory of planned behavior and ethical leadership, structural equation modelling allowed a better explanation of the social-psychological indicators affecting environmental protection behaviors in the healthcare sector. Attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are positively impacted by ethical leadership. Environmental protection behavior is significantly influenced by environmental protection intention, while environmental protection intention is strongly affected by perceived behavioral control which is the strongest predictor, followed by attitude. However, there is insignificant correlation of subjective norms to environmental protection intention, due to the weaken social connection among healthcare personals, especially with the heavily burdened workload and restrictive measure during the COVID-19 crisis in a hospital environment.
Strongly correlated superconductivity with long-range spatial fluctuations
Authors: Kitatani Motoharu , Arita Ryotaro , Schäfer Thomas , Held Karsten
Published: July 2022

We review recent studies for superconductivity using diagrammatic extensions of dynamical mean field theory. These approaches take into account simultaneously both, the local correlation effect and spatial long-range fluctuations, which are essential to describe unconventional superconductivity in a quasi-two-dimensional plane. The results reproduce and predict the experimental phase diagrams of strongly correlated system such as cuprates and nickelates. Further studies reveal that the dynamical screening effect of the pairing interaction vertex has dramatic consequences for the transition temperature and may even support exotic mechanisms like odd-frequency pairing. We also discuss the dimensionality of layered materials and how to interpret the numerical results in two dimensions.
Auricular Cartilage Graft for Lengthening Levator Muscle Aponeurosis With Ectropion Correction for Paralytic Lagophthalmos
Authors: Lowndes Correa Francalacci Renata , Lessa Sérgio , da Costa Aboudib José Horácio
Published: July 2022

Background

Paralytic lagophthalmos can have devastating consequences for vision if left untreated. Several surgical techniques have been described, including the utilization of alloplastic and autologous materials.

Objectives

The authors sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgical treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos with combined techniques employing autologous material and involving the upper and lower eyelids.

Methods

Patients with paralytic lagophthalmos underwent stretching of the levator aponeurosis with interposition of conchal cartilage in the upper eyelid associated with sectioning of the orbitomalar ligament and lateral canthoplasty in the lower eyelid. The effectiveness of the technique was evaluated employing subjective (symptomatology) and objective parameters (ophthalmologic evaluation and measurements of lagophthalmos and marginal reflex distances 1 and 2).

Results

Eight patients with paralytic lagophthalmos were subjected to the proposed technique. In the postoperative period, 85.7% reported complete improvement of symptoms and 62.5% presented a normal eye examination. The mean lagophthalmos measurement was reduced by 5.93 mm, the mean marginal reflex distance 2 was reduced by 2.61 mm, and the mean marginal reflex distance 1 was reduced by 0.69 mm.

Conclusions

The technique presented herein, employing autologous material associated with sectioning of the orbitomalar ligament and lateral canthoplasty, was effective in the treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos and did not present significant complications, such as extrusion.

Level of Evidence: 4
Application of non-negative matrix factorization in oncology: one approach for establishing precision medicine
Authors: Hamamoto Ryuji , Takasawa Ken , Machino Hidenori , Kobayashi Kazuma , Takahashi Satoshi , Bolatkan Amina , Shinkai Norio , Sakai Akira , Aoyama Rina , Yamada Masayoshi , Asada Ken , Komatsu Masaaki , Okamoto Koji , Kameoka Hirokazu , Kaneko Syuzo
Published: July 2022

The increase in the expectations of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has led to machine learning technology being actively used in the medical field. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is a machine learning technique used for image analysis, speech recognition, and language processing; recently, it is being applied to medical research. Precision medicine, wherein important information is extracted from large-scale medical data to provide optimal medical care for every individual, is considered important in medical policies globally, and the application of machine learning techniques to this end is being handled in several ways. NMF is also introduced differently because of the characteristics of its algorithms. In this review, the importance of NMF in the field of medicine, with a focus on the field of oncology, is described by explaining the mathematical science of NMF and the characteristics of the algorithm, providing examples of how NMF can be used to establish precision medicine, and presenting the challenges of NMF. Finally, the direction regarding the effective use of NMF in the field of oncology is also discussed.
LRLoop: a method to predict feedback loops in cell–cell communication
Authors: Xin Ying , Lyu Pin , Jiang Junyao , Zhou Fengquan , Wang Jie , Blackshaw Seth , Qian Jiang
Published: July 2022

Motivation

Intercellular communication (i.e. cell–cell communication) plays an essential role in multicellular organisms coordinating various biological processes. Previous studies discovered that feedback loops between two cell types are a widespread and vital signaling motif regulating development, regeneration and cancer progression. While many computational methods have been developed to predict cell–cell communication based on gene expression datasets, these methods often predict one-directional ligand–receptor interactions from sender to receiver cells and are not suitable to identify feedback loops.

Results

Here, we describe ligand–receptor loop (LRLoop), a new method for analyzing cell–cell communication based on bi-directional ligand–receptor interactions, where two pairs of ligand–receptor interactions are identified that are responsive to each other and thereby form a closed feedback loop. We first assessed LRLoop using bulk datasets and found our method significantly reduces the false positive rate seen with existing methods. Furthermore, we developed a new strategy to assess the performance of these methods in single-cell datasets. We used the between-tissue interactions as an indicator of potential false-positive prediction and found that LRLoop produced a lower fraction of between-tissue interactions than traditional methods. Finally, we applied LRLoop to the single-cell datasets obtained from retinal development. We discovered many new bi-directional ligand–receptor interactions among individual cell types that potentially control proliferation, neurogenesis and/or cell fate specification.

Availability and implementation

An R package is available at https://github.com/Pinlyu3/LRLoop. The source code can be found at figshare (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.20126138.v1). The datasets can be found at figshare (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.20126021.v1).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway mitigates blood–brain barrier dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Qi , Huang Xiaomin , Su Yixun , Yin Guowei , Wang Shouyu , Yu Bin , Li Hui , Qi Junhua , Chen Hui , Zeng Wen , Zhang Kai , Verkhratsky Alexei , Niu Jianqin , Yi Chenju
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes age-dependent neurological and cognitive declines. The treatments for Alzheimer’s disease pose a significant challenge, because the mechanisms of disease are not being fully understood. Malfunction of the blood–brain barrier is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, especially at the early stages of the disease. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly characterized, while few molecules can directly target and improve blood–brain barrier function in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we showed dysfunctional blood–brain barrier in patients with Alzheimer’s disease reflected by perivascular accumulation of blood-derived fibrinogen in the hippocampus and cortex, accompanied by decreased tight junction proteins Claudin-5 and glucose transporter Glut-1 in the brain endothelial cells. In the APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, blood–brain barrier dysfunction started at 4 months of age and became severe at 9 months of age. In the cerebral microvessels of APP/PS1 mice and amyloid-β-treated brain endothelial cells, we found suppressed Wnt/β-catenin signalling triggered by an increase of GSK3β activation, but not an inhibition of the AKT pathway or switching to the Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway. Furthermore, using our newly developed optogenetic tool for controlled regulation of LRP6 (upstream regulator of the Wnt signalling) to activate Wnt/β-catenin pathway, blood–brain barrier malfunction was restored by preventing amyloid-β-induced brain endothelial cells impairments and promoting the barrier repair. In conclusion, targeting LRP6 in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the brain endothelium can alleviate blood–brain barrier malfunction induced by amyloid-β, which may be a potential treatment strategy for Alzheimer’s disease.
Localized chemogenetic silencing of inhibitory neurons: a novel mouse model of focal cortical epileptic activity
Authors: Goldenberg Adi Miriam , Schmidt Sarah , Mitelman Rea , Levy Dana Rubi , Prigge Matthias , Katz Yonatan , Yizhar Ofer , Beck Heinz , Lampl Ilan
Published: July 2022

Focal cortical epilepsies are frequently refractory to available anticonvulsant drug therapies. One key factor contributing to this state is the limited availability of animal models that allow to reliably study focal cortical seizures and how they recruit surrounding brain areas in vivo. In this study, we selectively expressed the inhibitory chemogenetic receptor, hM4D, in GABAergic neurons in focal cortical areas using viral gene transfer. GABAergic silencing using Clozapine-N-Oxide (CNO) demonstrated reliable induction of local epileptiform events in the electroencephalogram signal of awake freely moving mice. Anesthetized mice experiments showed consistent induction of focal epileptiform-events in both the barrel cortex (BC) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), accompanied by high-frequency oscillations, a known characteristic of human seizures. Epileptiform-events showed propagation indication with favored propagation pathways: from the BC on 1 hemisphere to its counterpart and from the BC to the mPFC, but not vice-versa. Lastly, sensory whisker-pad stimulation evoked BC epileptiform events post-CNO, highlighting the potential use of this model in studying sensory-evoked seizures. Combined, our results show that targeted chemogenetic inhibition of GABAergic neurons using hM4D can serve as a novel, versatile, and reliable model of focal cortical epileptic activity suitable for systematically studying cortical ictogenesis in different cortical areas.