bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absolute calibration of the spectral sensitivity of an x-ray streak camera over the 0.1–10 keV spectral range equipped with CsI photocathode
Authors: Hubert S. , Boubault F.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we report the absolute measurement of the spectral sensitivity of a bilamellar tube x-ray streak camera (XRSC) over the 0.1–10 keV range equipped with a CsI photocathode for Laser MégaJoule (LMJ) fusion experiments. This calibration of the XRSC is performed in static mode by using two multi-anode x-ray generators. Two silicon drift detectors (SDDs) previously calibrated at the Physikalisch–Technische–Bundesanstalt radiometric laboratory are used as secondary standards. Both x-ray generators work with a specific monochromator for radiometric measurements. In the sub-keV region, a 1 m-grazing incidence Rowland geometry monochromator specifically developed to handle LMJ's x-ray camera is used, whereas for higher energies (>2 keV), a double-crystal monochromator is employed. The absolute spectral sensitivity of the XRSC is obtained by comparing the CCD counts of the XRSC output with the output counts in x-ray lines recorded by the SDD. The results obtained below 1.2 keV are, to our knowledge, the first measurements of the spectral sensitivity of an XRSC in the soft x-ray range with a CsI photocathode. Comparison with a model describing the spectral dependence of the sensitivity of the XRSC revealed that measurements obtained in the sub-keV region are greater than expected, whereas they agree with the model above 4.5 keV. There may be several contributors to this behavior, including the grain morphology of the CsI layer and exposure to air.
The directional flow generated by peristalsis in perivascular networks—Theoretical and numerical reduced-order descriptions
Authors: Gjerde I. G. , Rognes M. E. , Sánchez A. L.
Published: November 2023

Directional fluid flow in perivascular spaces surrounding cerebral arteries is hypothesized to play a key role in brain solute transport and clearance. While various drivers for a pulsatile flow, such as cardiac or respiratory pulsations, are well quantified, the question remains as to which mechanisms could induce a directional flow within physiological regimes. To address this question, we develop theoretical and numerical reduced-order models to quantify the directional (net) flow induceable by peristaltic pumping in periarterial networks. Each periarterial element is modeled as a slender annular space bounded internally by a circular tube supporting a periodic traveling (peristaltic) wave. Under reasonable assumptions of a small Reynolds number flow, small radii, and small-amplitude peristaltic waves, we use lubrication theory and regular perturbation methods to derive theoretical expressions for the directional net flow and pressure distribution in the perivascular network. The reduced model is used to derive closed-form analytical expressions for the net flow for simple network configurations of interest, including single elements, two elements in tandem, and a three element bifurcation, with results compared with numerical predictions. In particular, we provide a computable theoretical estimate of the net flow induced by peristaltic motion in perivascular networks as a function of physiological parameters, notably, wave length, frequency, amplitude, and perivascular dimensions. Quantifying the maximal net flow for specific physiological regimes, we find that vasomotion may induce net pial periarterial flow velocities on the order of a few to tens of μm/s and that sleep-related changes in vasomotion pulsatility may drive a threefold flow increase.
An estimation method for the state-of-charge of lithium-ion battery based on PSO-LSTM
Authors: Dang Meng , Zhang Chuanwei , Yang Zhi , Wang Jianlong , Li Yikun , Huang Jing
Published: November 2023

The accuracy of state-of-charge (SOC) estimation will affect the performance of the battery management system. The higher the accuracy the better the performance. To improve the accuracy of SOC estimation, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) based method is proposed to optimize the long short term memory. First, a PSO-Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) estimation model is established by the PSO algorithm, thereby achieving optimal iteration parameters of the model. Then, the PSO-LSTM estimation model is simulated under different working conditions and temperatures. Finally, the voltage, current, and other discharge data of the lithium-ion battery are input into the PSO-LSTM neural network model to compare with the LSTM algorithm. The results show that the estimation accuracy of the optimized PSO-LSTM algorithm model and extended Kalman filter is 2.1% and 1.5%, respectively. The accuracy is improved.
The relevance of curvature-induced quadrupolar interactions in dipolar chain aggregation
Authors: Messina René , Kemgang Ebenezer
Published: November 2023

The aggregation of dipolar chains driven by thermal fluctuations in an external strong (electric or magnetic) field is investigated theoretically. We discover a new simple electrostatic mechanism that rationalizes the counter-intuitive lateral coalescence of dipolar chains. There, we first demonstrate that two bent dipolar chains can either attract or repel each other depending if they possess similar or opposite curvatures, respectively. Upon bending, dipolar chains become the siege of polarization-induced local charges that in turn lead to quadrupolar couplings. This striking feature is then exploited to understand our conducted Monte Carlo simulations at finite temperature where thermal fluctuations cause local curvatures in the formed dipolar chains. The related quadrupolar attractive mode with correlated chain-curvatures is clearly identified in the simulation snapshots. Our findings shed new light on a longstanding problem in soft matter and related areas.
Electronic, mechanical, and vibrational properties of calcium lanthanum sulfide solid solution: A DFT study
Authors: Nishibuchi George Maxwell , Tripathi Shivam , Mishra Saswat , Rivero-Baleine Clara , Strachan Alejandro
Published: November 2023

The combination of optical and mechanical properties of calcium lanthanum sulfide (CLS) makes it an attractive material for optical applications. CLS is a γ-phase La2S3/CaS solid solution above 50:50 La2S3/CaS. Experiments have characterized the effect of composition on the structural, thermal, and optical properties. However, the effect of impurities and other defects, such as porosity, on resulting properties is difficult to deconvolute. We used the density functional theory (DFT) simulations to characterize the effect of La2S3/CaS relative fractions on structural, electronic, mechanical, and vibrational properties of single crystalline CLS solid solutions. We find a decrease in the stiffness with CaS fraction and confirm the experimentally observed increase in the lattice parameter with La2S3 fraction. We also characterized the point defects, including sulfur vacancies, oxygen substituting sulfur, oxygen, and sulfur impurities on lanthanum sublattice vacant sites, and sulfur substituting calcium (vS, OS, OLa, and SLa, respectively). Our defect studies in 90:10 CLS find the neutral charge state configuration to be energetically favorable for all tested configurations except for the sulfur vacancies (vS).
Simulation and experimental studies of mechanical delamination characteristics of REBCO tapes and lap joints under transverse tension
Authors: Yang Yong , Wang Liting , Li Xiaohang , Yang Shuaijie
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigate the delamination properties of high-temperature superconducting REBa2Cu3O7−x (REBCO) coated conductor (CC) tapes and lap joints under transverse tension by a finite element model (FEM) based on the cohesive zone model. The interfacial cohesive strength and the initial penalty stiffness used in the FEM calculations are adopted based on the experimental data obtained from the anvil tensile tests. Compared to previous theoretical studies, our calculation results of the delamination behaviors for the REBCO CC tapes and the lap joints are more approaching to the experimental data, and the abrupt failure behavior of the transverse load–displacement curves, which appears in the anvil tests, is reproduced by the simulations. Moreover, the effects of welding strength between the upper and lower tapes and internal tape damage during the welding process on the delamination characteristics, including the delamination strength, initial separation, delamination locations, and damage distribution of the CC lap joints, are presented.
The relationship between pH sensitivity and biosensitivity in graphene field effect transistor biosensors
Authors: Jin Decarle S. , Nnaji Moses O. , Gezahagne Hilena F. , Young Katherine T. , Brightbill Eleanor L. , Vogel Eric M.
Published: November 2023

Theoretical models have predicted that pH-responsive surface groups can reduce the sensitivity of field-effect transistor biosensors. However, attempts to prove this experimentally have shown conflicting results. In this work, a graphene field effect transistor (gFET) biosensor is used, which, without modification, is pH insensitive. The surface of the graphene is then functionalized using 1-hydroxypyrene to modulate the pH sensitivity of the gFET. A pH sensitivity ranging from 3.9 to 36.8 mV/pH was demonstrated. The biosensitivity of the gFETs was tested using streptavidin–biotin as a model system. The experimental results showed no correlation between biosensitivity and pH sensitivity. An electrochemical membrane model was used to determine the expected relationship between biosensitivity and pH sensitivity. The model results show that biosensitivity does not decrease until a certain threshold pH sensitivity is reached. This threshold is dependent on factors such as the acid dissociation constants of the surface hydroxyl groups and ion concentration. Furthermore, the differences between the simulation and experiment suggest that the effect of screening is greatly reduced when the analyte binds within a membrane.
Tunable-performance all-oxide structure field-effect transistor based atomic layer deposited Hf-doped In2O3 thin films
Authors: Zhu Jiyuan , Hu Shen , Chen Bojia , Zhang Yu , Wei Shice , Guo Xiangyu , Zou Xingli , Lu Xionggang , Sun Qingqing , Zhang David W. , Ji Li
Published: November 2023

The relocation of peripheral transistors from the front-end-of-line (FEOL) to the back-end-of-line (BEOL) in fabrication processes is of significant interest, as it allows for the introduction of novel functionality in the BEOL while providing additional die area in the FEOL. Oxide semiconductor-based transistors serve as attractive candidates for BEOL. Within these categories, In2O3 material is particularly notable; nonetheless, the excessive intrinsic carrier concentration poses a limitation on its broader applicability. Herein, the deposition of Hf-doped In2O3 (IHO) films via atomic layer deposition for the first time demonstrates an effective method for tuning the intrinsic carrier concentration, where the doping concentration plays a critical role in determine the properties of IHO films and all-oxide structure transistors with Au-free process. The all-oxide transistors with In2O3: HfO2 ratio of 10:1 exhibited optimal electrical properties, including high on-current with 249 µA, field-effect mobility of 13.4 cm2 V−1 s−1, and on/off ratio exceeding 106, and also achieved excellent stability under long time positive bias stress and negative bias stress. These findings suggest that this study not only introduces a straightforward and efficient approach to improve the properties of In2O3 material and transistors, but as well paves the way for development of all-oxide transistors and their integration into BEOL technology.
Stabilizing the square cylinder wake using deep reinforcement learning for different jet locations
Authors: Yan Lei , Li Yuerong , Hu Gang , Chen Wen-li , Zhong Wei , Noack Bernd R.
Published: November 2023

We mitigate the drag and lift forces of a square cylinder at three Reynolds numbers of 500, 1000, and 2000 using deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and two different positions of a zero flux jet actuator couple based on computational fluid dynamics simulations. The jet actuators are symmetrically deployed at the leading and trailing corners of the square cylinder and tested at those three Reynolds numbers. Surface pressure probes monitor the flow state featuring a practical engineering solution as compared to velocity sensors in the wake. For each jet actuator position and Reynolds number, the feedback law is optimized using the powerful capabilities of DRL with the pressure signals as control input and the jet velocities as control output. Under leading jet control, the mean drag coefficient is reduced by 44.4%, 60.6%, and 57.8% for increasing Reynolds numbers. In addition, the lift fluctuation is reduced by 85.9%, 82%, and 86.2%, demonstrating a substantial stabilization of the wake. In contrast, the optimized trailing jet control performs much worse. This study highlights the significance of the location of zero-net-mass-flux actuation and may guide the practical application of DRL-based active flow control of square cylinders.
Flux approximation to the Euler equations of compressible fluid flow for extended Chaplygin gas
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wu Jinzhu , Zhang Yanyan
Published: November 2023

The concentration and cavitation are fundamental and physical phenomena in fluid dynamics, which can be mathematically described by delta shock waves and vacuums, respectively. In this paper, we are concerned with the Euler equations of compressible fluid flow when the state equation is governed by the extended Chaplygin gas, an important candidate for describing dark matter and dark energy. Our main objective is to apply the flux-approximation method to rigorously investigate the formation of delta shock waves and vacuums and observe the concentration and cavitation phenomena. First, the Riemann problem of the compressible fluid flow with n + 2 parameters including flux and pressure is solved. Then, two kinds of flux approximation are discussed, that is, both the flux perturbation and pressure tend to zero, or only the flux perturbation vanishes while the extended Chaplygin gas pressure partly tends to the Chaplygin gas pressure. The results indicate that different manners of flux approximation have their respective effects on the formation of delta shock waves. Finally, several numerical results are presented to confirm the theoretical analysis.
Ultrafast terahertz spin and orbital transport in magnetic/nonmagnetic multilayer heterostructures and a perspective
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Sunil
Published: November 2023

Ultrafast optically excited ferromagnetic (FM)/nonmagnetic (NM) multilayer heterostructures have been demonstrated recently as efficient, high-power, and broadband sources of terahertz (THz) electromagnetic radiation. Since these spintronic THz emitters exploit the conversion from ultrafast spin to charge current, either in bulk or at the interface, the THz pulses inhere all the characteristics of the involved mechanisms and dynamics associated with spin-charge interconversion processes. Deconvolving the same requires meticulous and careful experimentation and analysis. In this article, we review the current state-of-the-art in this field and provide a perspective on the emerging phenomena, which are prospering as new research avenues and demonstrate application potential for futuristic THz technologies. In the process of developing efficient spintronic THz emitters by optimizing various conditions including those with material parameters and excitation light, it turns out that THz emission spectroscopy itself can be a unique experimental tool for probing microscopic dynamical magnetic and spintronic effects, induced by femtosecond laser pulse excitation, in a noncontact and noninvasive manner. Several breakthroughs can be listed from the literature in this regard from the last decade. Just recently, ultrafast orbitronics is another dimension that is taking shape and will impact the field immensely. A fair account to this topic is also presented in the article.
High-resolution microscale velocity field measurement using light field particle image-tracking velocimetry
Authors: Gu Mengtao , Li Jian , Hossain Md. Moinul , Xu Chuanlong
Published: November 2023

Light field microparticle image velocimetry (LF-μPIV) can realize the three-dimensional (3D) microscale velocity field measurement, but the spatial resolution of the velocity field is low. Therefore, this study proposes a high-resolution LF particle image-tracking velocimetry (PIV–PTV) in combination with a cross-validation matching (CVM) algorithm. The proposed method performs motion compensation for the distribution of particle center position based on the low-resolution velocity field achieved by PIV and then conducts the CVM on tracer particles with the nearest neighbor method. The motion compensation reduces the particle displacement during the matching, while the CVM reduces the impact of missing particles on the matching accuracy. Thus, the proposed method enables precise tracking of individual particles at higher particle concentrations and improves the spatial resolution of the velocity field. Numerical simulations were conducted on the 3D displacement field reconstruction. The influence of interrogation window size, particle diameter, and concentration was analyzed. Experiments were conducted on the microscale 3D velocity field within the microchannel with right-angle bends. Results indicate that the proposed method provides the high-resolution measurement of the microscale 3D velocity field and improves the precision of the velocity field compared to the PTV at higher particle concentrations. It demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms PIV by 26% in resolution and PTV by 76% in precision at a higher particle concentration of 1.5 particles per microlens.
Bandgap modulation and phase boundary region of multiferroic Gd, Co co-doped BiFeO3 thin film
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Deng Chaoyong , Wang Xu
Published: November 2023

Ferroelectric polarization is a crucial factor to induce photovoltaic effect in ferroelectric materials. Here, a novel modulation of bandgap by Gd and Co co-doped BFO is found for a polycrystalline Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe0.85Co0.15O3 thin film prepared by the sol–gel process. The ferroelectric properties, magnetic properties, and bandgap of the BFO films were altered by doping Gd and Co. This work has led to a greater understanding of bismuth ferrate, and it proposes the Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe0.85Co0.15O3 thin film for the possibility of better preparation of high conversion efficiency ferroelectric photovoltaic devices.
Effect of ZnCl2 assisted chemical bath deposition on preferred orientations and optical properties of ZnO films
Authors: Guo Qing , Ma Qingtian , Zhang Bowen , Dai Yuxiang , Qi Yang
Published: November 2023

Using zinc chloride as an additive assisted with conventional solutions of zinc acetate dihydrate and hexamethylenetetramine, the synthesis of ZnO films by chemical bath deposition was investigated and characterized by x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscope, photoluminescence (PL) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. ZnO films with (0002), (101̄2), (112̄2), (112̄0), and (101̄0) preferential growth orientation were prepared by changing the concentration of the introduced zinc chloride. The results of UV-Vis spectrophotometry show that the ZnO films with different preferential growth orientations have optical transmittance of more than 80% in the visible light region. Results from PL show that compared to the typical polar (0002) preferential growth orientation of ZnO, other films with different preferential growth orientations have different visible emissions. It was also confirmed that the concentration of Cl− can affect the defects and preferred orientations of ZnO films. This work enriches the fabrication of ZnO films with different preferential growth orientations and also provides new ideas for the fabrication of ZnO-based transparent nanodevices.
Die Leipziger Quodlibet-Disputation von 1514
Authors: Wöhler Hans-Ulrich
Published: November 2023

In 1514 at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Leipzig, a quodlibetical disputation took place. About 60 persons participated in the disputation. A handwritten record of this event has been preserved. A thorough analysis of these texts gives us a wealth of information with regard to the themes, positions, and tendencies of thinking during that period of time. The scholars at Leipzig University made an attempt at reconciling their philosophical interests with the claim to spiritual hegemony on the part of theology and the church. This aspect is remarkable if one thinks of the famous papal bull Apostolici Regiminis, promulgated in the year 1513. The attached appendix lists the topics and the names of the participants of the disputation according to the record.
The construction of agency in the discourse of Barbados’ prime minister Mia Mottley
Authors: Nartey Mark
Published: November 2023

Informed by a critical discourse analytical approach to agency, this paper examines the construction of agency in
the speeches of Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados. The analysis reveals that she enacts her agency in three main ways:
(1) constructing strong and decisive leadership, (2) sculpting a ‘prophetess’ image and (3) issuing a clarion call to action.
These processes enable her to project her voice, foreground the issues that are relevant to her and establish her legitimacy and
authority. The study finds that Mia Mottley’s construction of agency is expressed via referential terms, personal pronouns, modal
verbs and the representation of social actors. This paper extends existing work on discursive agency and illustrates the role of
language and Global South leaders in the decolonization of political processes. It also affirms the view that research that
foregrounds female agency is important in dismantling repressive patriarchal structures and building inclusive communities.
Introducing plurilingualism in the English as an Additional Language classroom through plurilingual
approaches
Authors: Steil Kevin Randall , Carrasco Perea Encarnación
Published: November 2023

This article discusses research that was carried out in Barcelona, Spain which explored plausible facets for
introducing pluralistic approaches in the English as an Additional Language classroom. The research triangulates data collected
from administrative personnel, teachers, and students aged 7–8 years in order to identify plausible approaches to synthesize the
instruction of teaching English with the development of plurilingual concepts and skills. Methodological approaches included
interviews with the administrators, questionnaires with both students and their teachers and a multimodal activity done in the EFL
classroom. Through the discussion of the results we highlight specific techniques, such as Intercomprehension, that facilitate
language instruction for Additional Language Learners in a linguistically diverse community that has various languages in the
social and learning environments. Through the data analysis, we identify aspects that could help facilitate the instruction of
English as an additional language in multilingual settings.
Damping of 3D-printed polymer microbeam resonators
Authors: de Winter Jikke , Manzaneque Tomás , Krishna Ghatkesar Murali
Published: November 2023

The emerging high-resolution 3D printing technique called two-photon polymerization (2PP) enables to print devices bottom-up rapidly, contrary to the top–down lithography-based fabrication methods. In this work, various polymer microbeams are 3D printed and their resonant characteristics are analyzed to understand the origin of damping. The 2PP printed polymer resonators have shown less damping than other polymer devices reported earlier, with tensile-stressed clamped–clamped beams reaching a record quality factor of 1819. The resonant energy loss was dominant by bulk friction damping. These results pave the path towards using 3D printed microresonators as mass sensors with improved design and fabrication flexibility.
Magnetic levitation of nanoscale materials: the critical role of effective density
Authors: Ashkarran Ali Akbar , Mahmoudi Morteza
Published: November 2023

The magnetic levitation (MagLev) of diamagnetic materials in a paramagnetic solution is a robust technique for the density-based separation, measurements, and analysis of bulk materials/objects (e.g., beads and plastics). There is a debate in the literature, however, about whether a MagLev technique is reliable for the separation and/or density measurements of nanoscale objects. Here, we show that MagLev can levitate nanoparticles; however, the transition from the bulk to an ‘effective’ density must be acknowledged and considered in density measurements at the nanoscale regime. We performed a proof-of-concept study on MagLev’s capability in measuring the ‘effective density’ of multiscale silver particles (i.e. microparticles, nanopowder, and nanoemulsion). In addition, we probed the effective density of nanoscale biomolecules (e.g. lipoproteins) using a standard MagLev system. Our findings reveal that the MagLev technique has the capability to measure both bulk density (which is independent of the size and dimension of the material) and the effective density (which takes place at the nanoscale regime and is dependent on the size and surrounding paramagnetic solution) of the levitated objects.
Missing data filling in soft sensing using denoising diffusion probability model
Authors: Jiang Dongnian , Wang Renjie , Shen Fuyuan , Li Wei
Published: November 2023

With the aim of addressing the problem of degradation in soft measurement accuracy due to missing data in industrial processes, a filling method based on the denoising diffusion probability model (DDPM) is proposed here to improve the accuracy of soft measurement modeling. First, missing regions are detected with the help of an improved Isolation Forest algorithm to obtain information such as the locations and numbers of missing data regions. Next, a data generation model is constructed based on DDPM and new samples are obtained. By adjusting the threshold for normal operation of the system and the weight sampler, filler samples that are similar to the distribution of the original data can be filtered from the new samples to form a complete dataset. The feasibility of the proposed missing data filling method is explored through numerical simulations, and its superiority in terms of improving the prediction accuracy of soft measurements is verified in regard to the nickel flash smelting process.
A phantom to simulate organ motion and its effect on dose distribution in carbon ion therapy for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Stengl Christina , Panow Kathrin , Arbes Eric , Muñoz Iván D , Christensen Jeppe B , Neelsen Christian , Dinkel Fabian , Weidner Artur , Runz Armin , Johnen Wibke , Liermann Jakob , Echner Gernot , Vedelago José , Jäkel Oliver
Published: November 2023

Objective. Carbon ion radiotherapy is a promising radiation technique for malignancies like pancreatic cancer. However, organs’ motion imposes challenges for achieving homogeneous dose delivery. In this study, an anthropomorphic Pancreas Phantom for Ion-beam Therapy (PPIeT) was developed to simulate breathing and gastrointestinal motion during radiotherapy. Approach. The developed phantom contains a pancreas, two kidneys, a duodenum, a spine and a spinal cord. The shell of the organs was 3D printed and filled with agarose-based mixtures. Hounsfield Units (HU) of PPIeTs’ organs were measured by CT. The pancreas motion amplitude in cranial-caudal (CC) direction was evaluated from patients’ 4D CT data. Motions within the obtained range were simulated and analyzed in PPIeT using MRI. Additionally, GI motion was mimicked by changing the volume of the duodenum and quantified by MRI. A patient-like treatment plan was calculated for carbon ions, and the phantom was irradiated in a static and moving condition. Dose measurements in the organs were performed using an ionization chamber and dosimetric films. Main results. PPIeT presented tissue equivalent HU and reproducible breathing-induced CC displacements of the pancreas between (3.98 ± 0.36) mm and a maximum of (18.19 ± 0.44) mm. The observed maximum change in distance of (14.28 ± 0.12) mm between pancreas and duodenum was consistent with findings in patients. Carbon ion irradiation revealed homogenous coverage of the virtual tumor at the pancreas in static condition with a 1% deviation from the treatment plan. Instead, the dose delivery during motion with the maximum amplitude yielded an underdosage of 21% at the target and an increased uncertainty by two orders of magnitude. Significance. A dedicated phantom was designed and developed for breathing motion assessment of dose deposition during carbon ion radiotherapy. PPIeT is a unique tool for dose verification in the pancreas and its organs at risk during end-to-end tests.
AI approach to biventricular function assessment in cine-MRI: an ultra-small training dataset and multivendor study
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Nan , Wang Shuyu , Liang Wei , Zhao Haiyue , Xia Weili , Zhu Jianlei , Zhang Yan , Zhang Wei , Chai Senchun
Published: November 2023

Objective. It was a great challenge to train an excellent and generalized model on an ultra-small data set composed of multi-orientation cardiac cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. We try to develop a 3D deep learning method based on an ultra-small training data set from muti-orientation cine MRI images and assess its performance of automated biventricular structure segmentation and function assessment in multivendor. Approach. We completed the training and testing of our deep learning networks using only heart datasets of 150 cases (90 cases for training and 60 cases for testing). This datasets were obtained from three different MRI vendors and each subject included two phases of the cardiac cycle and three cine sequences. A 3D deep learning algorithm combining Transformers and U-Net was trained. The performance of the segmentation was evaluated using the Dice metric and Hausdorff distance (HD). Based on this, the manual and automatic results of cardiac function parameters were compared with Pearson correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis in multivendor. Main results. The results show that the average Dice of 0.92, 0.92, 0.94 and HD95 of 2.50, 1.36, 1.37 for three sequences. The automatic and manual results of seven parameters were excellently correlated with the lowest r2 value of 0.824 and the highest of 0.983. The ICC (0.908–0.989, P < 0.001) showed that the results were highly consistent. Bland–Altman with a 95% limit of agreement showed there was no significant difference except for the difference in RVESV (P = 0.005) and LVM (P < 0.001). Significance. The model had high accuracy in segmentation and excellent correlation and consistency in function assessment. It provides a fast and effective method for studying cardiac MRI and heart disease.
Observation of plasma boundary induced Negative Differential Resistance (NDR) in a planar DC discharge system
Authors: Barnwal Prashant K , Ganguli A , Narayanan R
Published: November 2023

Observation of Negative Differential Resistance (NDR) in the discharge characteristics of a planar DC discharge system induced by specific combination of plasma boundaries is reported. In a previous work [Barnwal et al 2022 Phys. Plasmas
29 072102] it was shown by the authors that no NDRs are triggered in enclosures that have either a fully conducting boundary (viz., an ss vacuum chamber) or a fully insulating boundary (apart from the electrodes), comprising of glass tubes/mica sheets, etc. In the present work, it is shown that an NDR is triggered when the discharge produced within a small enclosure with an insulating boundary (IB), is allowed to leak out through a small aperture into a larger volume with a conducting boundary (CB). As the plasma density increases with increasing discharge current, the Debye length (λ
De), which is initially larger than the gap width at low discharge currents, decreases to become of the order of gap width, triggering the NDR. Since the plasma boundary conditions before and after the NDR are widely different (insulating versus mixed) the NDR, which is unstable electrically, connects a low-current, high-voltage state before the NDR to a high-current, low-voltage state afterward. Further, issues related to changes in the anode sheath before and after the NDR are also explored. When the electrode system is nearly symmetric, the anode sheath prior to the onset of the NDR is an ion sheath that flips into an electron sheath after the NDR. When the electrode system is highly asymmetric, the anode sheath remains an electron sheath throughout (both before and after the NDR). Reasons for such behavior are discussed in the paper.
The potentials of Si-doped magnesium oxide nanotubes for decontamination of pollutants
Authors: Saadu Itas Yahaya , Danmadami Amina Mohammad , Razali Razif , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin
Published: November 2023

This work investigated the potential of the silicon-doped magnesium oxide nanotubes (Si: MgONT) to serve as a photocatalyst for the treatment of pollutants. The analysis of the photocatalytic properties of the Si: MgONT was carried out based on considering structural, electronic and optical properties at Si concentrations of 3.12% and 6.25%, respectively. We performed ground state analysis and ionic interactions using density functional theory (DFT) via quantum ESPRESSO and Yambo codes. The results of structural property analysis showed that pristine single-walled magnesium oxide nanotubes (SWMgONT) were stable to the introduction of Si impurities at a concentration of up to 6.25%. The highest binding energy value of −288.66 eV for 3.12% Si-doped SWMgONT showed that photons can be bound more strongly in this system than for 6.25% Si-doped and pure SWMgONT. 3.12% Si-doped SWMgONT exhibited indirect band gaps of 2.36 eV, which is well above the standard overpotential for pollutant degradation, while 6.25% SWMgONT had no bandgap. Analysis of the optical absorption spectra showed that 3.12% SWMgONT absorbs light very well in the visible region and reflects it in the IR region, while pristine and 6.25% MgONT showed poor light absorption in the visible region. On this basis, this work recommended 3.12% Si-doped SWMgONT semiconductor as a better material for dye degradation, CO2 reduction and hydrogen evolution.
Decision making approaches for recognizing the optimal alkalized corchorus olitorius powder based composites for sustainable applications
Authors: Mahakur Vijay Kumar , Bhowmik Sumit , Patowari Promod Kumar
Published: November 2023

The performance, durability, sustainability, and quality of the finished product rely entirely on material utilization. Therefore, it is decisive to pick the pertinent material for each specific product. The multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) process is effective for identifying the appropriate material from a group of options. This study examines the rank of various alkaline-treated corchorus olitorius filler-reinforced composites using hybrid MCDM techniques, such as the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), multi objectives on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA), and technique for order preference by resemblance to an ideal solution (TOPSIS). The AHP approach was used to compute the weightage for each element, and the composites were ranked by integrating the weight value of the AHP method with the MOORA and TOPSIS processes. The output attributes of the alkalized corchorus olitorius filler specimen, such as the abrasion characteristics (coefficient of friction, disc temperature, and wear) and mechanical attributes (tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness), were considered to optimize the composites. Samples for multiple testing were prepared using the hand layup technique by reinforcing varying filler amounts (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5%) into the resin matrix. Using the MCDM techniques, the 5 wt% of filler-based composite was obtained as the best sample, followed by the 2.5 wt% for filler-based composites.
Electronic structure, optical properties and defect induced half-metallic ferromagnetism in kagome Cs2Ni3S4
Authors: Acharya Gang Bahadur , Belbase Bishnu Prasad , Ghimire Madhav Prasad
Published: November 2023

Recent research focuses on electronic structure of kagome materials due to their fascinating properties such as topological insulators, Dirac semimetals, and topological superconductors. Materials with sizable electronic band gap are found to play vital role in device applications. Here, by means of density functional theory calculations, we study the electronic and optical properties of ternary transition metal sulphide Cs2Ni3S4 by using the full potential local orbital code. Standard generalized gradient approximation (GGA) has been employed to consider the electron exchange and correlation effect, and modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ) potential has been used to obtain the accurate band gap of the material. From our electronic structure calculations Cs2Ni3S4 is found to be nonmagnetic semiconductor with an indirect band gap of ∼1.4 eV within GGA + mBJ calculations. The structural analysis demonstrates that Ni atoms form a kagome lattice in a two-dimensional plane, resulting in the presence of a dispersionless flat band located below the Fermi energy. From the optical calculations, analyzing the dielectric function, loss function, and optical conductivity, Cs2Ni3S4 is found to be optically active in the visible as well as lower ultraviolet energy ranges. This suggests that Cs2Ni3S4 may be a suitable candidate for the opto-electronic devices. Additionally, this work may provides a foundation for the development of opto-electronic device and a framework for experimental work. We additionally investigated the effect of vacancy defects in Cs2Ni3S4 to see it’s influence on the electronic and magnetic properties. Interestingly, the Cs-vacancy defect give rise to half-metallic ferromagnetism with an effective magnetic moment of

1

μ

B

per unit cell.
Prediction of local scour depth around bridge piers: modelling based on machine learning approaches
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Baranwal Anubhav , Das Bhabani Shankar
Published: November 2023

Scouring is a threat to the foundations of bridges, and it frequently results in bridge collapse. Recently, machine-learning approaches have become quite popular in solving hydraulic and hydrologic problems. The present study adopted adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) and gene expression programming (GEP) to model bridge pier scour depth. A temporal scour depth relationship has been proposed based on ANFIS and GEP approaches. In this paper, 500 data sets have been used to model the temporal scour depth using ANFIS and GEP models, in which 80% (400) data sets for training and 20% (100) datasets for testing purposes are used to develop the model. The performance of the GEP model is validated by comparing the results of the developed ANFIS model and other existing empirical equations. It is found that the GEP-based scour depth prediction model is effective in training and validation. The present GEP model accurately predicts the scour depth with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value of less than 12% and an R2 value greater than 0.85. Thus, the GEP model can be utilized to predict scour depth around the bridge pier for unsteady flow conditions.
How deep convolutional neural networks lose spatial information with training
Authors: Tomasini Umberto M , Petrini Leonardo , Cagnetta Francesco , Wyart Matthieu
Published: November 2023

A central question of machine learning is how deep nets manage to learn tasks in high dimensions. An appealing hypothesis is that they achieve this feat by building a representation of the data where information irrelevant to the task is lost. For image datasets, this view is supported by the observation that after (and not before) training, the neural representation becomes less and less sensitive to diffeomorphisms acting on images as the signal propagates through the network. This loss of sensitivity correlates with performance and surprisingly correlates with a gain of sensitivity to white noise acquired during training. Which are the mechanisms learned by convolutional neural networks (CNNs) responsible for the these phenomena? In particular, why is the sensitivity to noise heightened with training? Our approach consists of two steps. (1) Analyzing the layer-wise representations of trained CNNs, we disentangle the role of spatial pooling in contrast to channel pooling in decreasing their sensitivity to image diffeomorphisms while increasing their sensitivity to noise. (2) We introduce model scale-detection tasks, which qualitatively reproduce the phenomena reported in our empirical analysis. In these models we can assess quantitatively how spatial pooling affects these sensitivities. We find that the increased sensitivity to noise observed in deep ReLU networks is a mechanistic consequence of the perturbing noise piling up during spatial pooling, after being rectified by ReLU units. Using odd activation functions like tanh drastically reduces the CNNs’ sensitivity to noise.
Infanticide
Authors: Brockington Ian
Published: November 2023

The term ‘infanticide’ covers the killing of infants and children in a wide variety of circumstances. During the nineteenth century it referred to the killing of the new born, which, since Resnick, has been renamed ‘neonaticide’; indeed, Beck included criminal abortion as a form of infanticide. All other forms of killing of infants and children by their parents were called ‘child murder’, and are now called ‘filicide’. In this chapter the various forms of infanticide will be considered in turn, as distinct phenomena.
Probability
Authors: Cruickshank Steven
Published: November 2023

A probability is a number between 0 and 1; that is, it lies in the interval [0,1]. A probability is the long-term relative frequency of an event. The probability of throwing a six with a fair die is 1/6, because if we continue long enough, then a six will appear on approximately 1/6 of the throws. The longer we continue throwing, the closer will the relative frequency be to the expected value.
Patients as partners in medical education
Authors: Kelly Diana
Published: November 2023

‘Patients as Partners’ is a learning approach introduced at St. Bartholomew’s and the Royal London Hospital School of Medicine. It is based on the belief that the training of doctors needs to be more patient-focused and less disease-oriented. It challenges the traditional passive role of patients in medical education by enabling them to be active facilitators of learning. It abo seeks to foster relationships between future doctors and patients based on mutual respect for each other’s expertise. Many people feel that they lose their identity and autonomy when they become patients and enter a hospital which is frequently seen as an alien environment and the doctors’ domain. It was felt that there was a need to redress the balance to enable students and patients to work together, within a more positive learning relationship.
Kilovoltage X-rays
Authors: Klevenhagen S C , Thwaites D I , Aukett R J
Published: November 2023

Kilovoltage X-ray equipment has been widely used, and many older texts discuss equipment and techniques extensively. In recent years its use has diminished as megavoltage X-rays and, more recently, electrons have replaced it for most clinical applications. However, kilovoltage X-rays still have a role to play in the range of modalities available in radiotherapy. Their advantages are generally those of low cost compared with megavoltage units, because of the relative simplicity of design and operation, and the use of simple collimation and field shaping.
The Meniscus—Structure, Composition, and Pathology
Authors: Dudhia Jayesh , McAlinden Audrey , Muir, Paula , Bayliss Michael
Published: November 2023

The menisci of the human knee joint are two crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous elements that play a critical role in the maintenance of normal synovial articulation. Once described as the functionless remains of leg muscle,(1) the menisci are now known to be integral components of the knee and to contribute significantly to its biomechanical properties.
The Knee
Authors: Perry David
Published: November 2023

The knee is the largest joint in the human body and in some lower mammals three distinct synovial cavities are found. The human joint has two tibiofemoral components and one patellofemoral, connected by the same synovial cavity. It is a modified hinge joint that also shows gliding and rotation of the articular surfaces on each other. As it is not constrained by the shape of its bones, it depends for stability on internal (cruciates and menisci) and external (capsule and capsular ligaments) soft tissues, supported by muscular function/co-ordination.
Quantitative genetics
Authors: Cardno Alastair , McGuffin Peter
Published: November 2023

Quantitative genetics has traditionally been based on investigations of continuous or ‘metric’ phenotypes, where there are measurable differences between individuals, rather than on phenotypes that are simply present or absent (Falconer and Mackay 1996). Most characteristically, this involves phenotypes that tend to show a normal distribution in the population, such as height, weight or IQ-test scores. However, a similar approach can be taken to studying phenotypes that occur as an ordered series of classes (e.g. graded severity of a disorder), or as dichotomous (present/absent) phenotypes that do not show classical Mendelian inheritance, and this includes the presence or absence of all common psychiatric disorders.
Psychopharmacogenetics
Authors: Kerwin Rob W , Arranz Maria J
Published: November 2023

Pharmacogenetic research is dedicated to the discovery of genetic alterations that affect drug action with the aim of producing safer and more effective clinical treatment. Although initially pharmacogenetics was consigned to the study of mutations in single genes affecting drug metabolism, it has been extended to cover single and multigenic variation in drug metabolism or action. The field of pharmacogenetics originated 50 years ago with the discovery of differences in the metabolism of therapeutic drugs between individuals. Biochemical research into drug metabolizing enzymes combined with molecular genetics lead to the identification of mutations related to poor metabolizing of drugs.
Confessions of a physicalist
Authors: Harrison John
Published: November 2023

For the vast majority of us sensation is neatly divided into touch, vision, hearing, taste and smell—the five senses. However, in various fields of artistic endeavour there seem to have been attempts to bring these sensations together. The artist Kandinsky, for example, sought to imbue his canvasses with a sound dimension (‘Klangen’), and composers such as Scriabin have deliberately sought to create a visual impression through their music.
Through a cloudy lens
Authors: Harrison John
Published: November 2023

Every now and then a whole branch of science bounds forward because of a new technological breakthrough. Think, for example, of the discoveries that were made possible by the invention of optical devices that could make small things bigger. Galileo’s (1564—1642) telescope gave us an understanding of the night sky and Anton van Leeuwenhoek’s (1632—1723) first scientific use of the microscope revealed to us flora and fauna of whose very existence we were unaware. These developments hugely increased our understanding of the world and its place in the universe.
It can’t be genetic, can it?
Authors: Harrison John
Published: November 2023

Throughout the last few chapters we have either speculated about or cited evidence suggesting that synaesthesia might be an inherited condition, i.e. it has a genetic component. By pure coincidence, in my email inbox this morning was an invitation from the editor of Nature to visit its web page and download a paper authored by a consortium of 62 scientists from Japan, Germany, France, Switzerland, the United States, and Britain.