bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of polypropylene fiber on workability and strength of fly ash-based geopolymer mortar
Authors: Afriansya Rahmad , Anisa Evelyn Anabela , Astuti Pinta , Cahyati Martyana Dwi
Published: September 2023

Geopolymers do not require Portland cement as a binder; hence, the binder is replaced by a material containing high SiO2 and Al2O3 reacted with an alkaline activator (NaOH and Na2SiO3). In addition, mortar or concrete is highly susceptible to cracking, requiring the addition of polypropylene fiber (PPF). This research belongs to an experimental study examining the addition of PPF with percentages from 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% by utilizing coal fly ash (FA) as a precursor. This study also added a superplasticizer (SP) and extra water (EW) to maintain the flowability. The tests were carried out on the workability, strengths, and microstructure of geopolymer mortar. Workability obtained values of 140 - 220 mm. Furthermore, the highest compressive strength of 73.3 MPa and flexural strength of 9.92 MPa were identified in the geopolymer mortar with the addition of 0.5% PPF. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) tests were applied to investigate the geopolymer microstructure.
Experimental and numerical study on the withdrawal behaviour of lag screws on wood side-grain
Authors: Firmansyah Bryan Yehezkiel , Nugroho Wivia Octarena , Tjahjanto Helmy Hermawan
Published: September 2023

In wood connections using lag screws as mechanical fasteners, the tension force transfer mechanisms occur through the interaction between the screw threads and the wood surface. It is necessary to understand the screw withdrawal behaviour in order to make a simple but representative interaction model instead of modeling the geometry of the screw threads. This study aims to evaluate experimentally and numerically the withdrawal failure modes, stiffnesses, and capacities of lag screws on wood side-grain. The experiment is conducted on the withdrawal of lag screws with different diameters and penetration lengths in Meranti wood cubes. The numerical analysis is carried out using ABAQUS finite element program and compared with the experimental results. Both experimental test and numerical analysis results show that the failure of all specimens occurred in the wood around the hole, not due to the slip between the lag screw and the wood's surface, which validates the proposed interaction model between the screw and the wood’s surfaces. The wood's effective material stiffness and strength in numerical models are obtained by matching the load-displacement curves with the experiment results. The effective Fy value range is between 18.5 MPa - 24 MPa, while the effective E value range is between 115 MPa - 680 MPa.
The effect of using steel slag waste on stability in porous asphalt mixture
Authors: Rahmawati Anita , Soebandono Bagus , Widodo Wahyu , Fitriana Indri Rahmandhani
Published: September 2023

The road is an access that connects one place to another in one land. According to Law Number 38 of 2004 concerning roads, the definition of a road is a land transportation infrastructure which includes all parts of the road including auxiliary buildings and equipment. But it often happens that road construction is not accompanied by good maintenance, giving rise to various kinds of problems. One of the road damages that occurred in Indonesia was caused by standing water on the road surface. This is because Indonesia has a high level of rainfall. Therefore, the use of porous asphalt as a road surface layer can be used as an effort to deal with this problem. The use of steel slag waste material is to reduce the use of natural aggregates and to reduce B3 waste, which is increasing day by day. In this study, the coarse aggregate retained on the 3/8" and No. 4 filters in the porous asphalt mixture was replaced with steel slag aggregate with variations of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% with variations in asphalt content of 5%, 5, 5%,6%, 6.5% and 7%. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using steel slag waste on the stability level of porous asphalt pavements. The specification used in this study is the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (2004). The results of the research that has been done, it shows that the use of steel slag as a substitute for coarse aggregate is retained by the 3/8" and No. 4 on porous asphalt mixtures can increase the stability value of porous asphalt for all variations in existing asphalt content.
Experimental and numerical evaluation on the behavior of single-shear timber connections using lag screw
Authors: Hartono Hansen Marchel , Tjahjanto Helmy Hermawan , Nugroho Wivia Octarena
Published: September 2023

In current design procedures, the capacities of single-shear timber connections with lag screws are determined based on their governing failure modes, which are assumed to occur independently. In this study, the capacity and failure modes of single-shear timber connections with lag screws are evaluated experimentally and numerically. Six specimens of Red Meranti wood and lag screws with different penetration lengths are tested to obtain their lateral load capacities and failure modes. Nonlinear 3D finite element analyses using Abaqus are conducted to simulate the test condition. The experimental and numerical results are evaluated in terms of connection failure modes and capacities. Moreover, the result will be compared with NDS 2018 predictions. The study results show that the connection capacities between experimental tests and numerical analysis are similar if the minimum penetration requirement of NDS 2018 is satisfied. It can also be seen that the dominant failure modes, both from experimental and numerical results, match with those predicted using NDS 2018, although they are slightly combined with the other failure modes.
Validation of nonlinear finite element model of reinforced concrete beams subjected to monotonic loading
Authors: Chandra Jimmy , Christian Yonathan Billy , Ardenlie Felix Go , Wibowo Hartanto
Published: September 2023

The nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete beams is complex due to their heterogenic properties and crack formations. Thus, a more accurate estimation through experimental testing and nonlinear finite element modeling is necessary to understand better such behavior. Experimental testing of a reinforced concrete beam subjected to monotonic loading was conducted in laboratory. The test specimen along with seven specimens from various literature were then modeled and analyzed using VecTor2 software to investigate the capability of the software in predicting the load-displacement curves and crack patterns of the specimens. The analysis results show that the finite element model used in VecTor2 software is able to predict well the load-displacement curves and crack patterns of the specimens failing in flexure and shear mechanisms.
Capacity analysis of advanced bolt shear connectors in composite beams with finite element method using MIDAS FEA software
Authors: Kurniawan Nichole , Leman Sunarjo
Published: September 2023

Prefabricated construction is now familiar and widely used in various parts of the world. The important thing in the composite structure is the shear connection. Advanced bolt shear connectors are one of the innovations for prefabricated construction because their use is more efficient. The shear capacity of the advanced bolt shear connectors was carried out with the nonlinear finite element method using MIDAS FEA software and then compared with the results of laboratory testing and theoretical equations. There were 8 models to be tested with 2 variations of bolt diameters (12 mm and 16 mm) and 3 variations of bolt pretension (without pretension, 0.2Pc pretension, 0.5Pc pretension, and 0.8Pc pretension). The results of the analysis show that the diameter of the bolts has a large effect on the shear capacity of the shear connectors where with the same bolt pretension, the shear capacity increases 71.4286% - 73.0769% on the test models with 16 mm bolts. Bolt pretension also affects the shear capacity of the shear connectors although the impact is small, 1.9231% - 7.6923% (12 mm diameter bolts) and 1.1111% - 6.6667% (16 mm diameter bolts) from the value of the shear capacity of the model without pretension. The most optimal pretension is 0.5Pc for 2 bolt diameter variations. In the results of the analysis of the finite element method and laboratory tests, the deflection is directly proportional to the shear capacity of the models.
Mathematical modelling and optimal control of production losses caused by Miridae
Authors: Tapi Myriam Djoukwe , Yakam André Nana , Wafo Roger Tagne , Bowong Samuel
Published: September 2023

Cocoa mirid, Sahlbergella singulars, is the major pest of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) responsible of several damage in plots in West Africa and particularly in Cameroon. Occasional damage accounts for 30 40% of pod losses. However, when miridae affect the foliage, gradual wilting occurs and eventually, tree death. A few studies have focused on describing the time evolution of Miridae in the plot in Cameroon, yet numerous questions remain. The aim of this paper is to estimate and control the losses of production caused by the bites of miridea. To do this, we will formulate and study a mathematical model for the dynamics of pods that takes into account the feeding and egg-laying of adults miridae on pods. We present the theoretical analysis of the model. More precisely, we compute equilibria and derive a threshold parameter that determines the presence or not of miridae in the plot. Throughout numerical simulations, we found that miridae can cause approximately 39.21% of production losses (which represents approximatively USD 1276.8 revenue losses) when initially, one has 1200 plants in the plot. After, we aim to increase cocoa production through optimal control. Optimal control consists in reducing density the number of nymphs and adults miridae in the plot. We studied the controlled model and we found that losses with control shrink to 20.58% which corresponds to USD670.32 income revenue.
Intaglio Surface Adaptation of Removable Partial Denture Framework Fabricated by Various Data Acquisition Techniques and Fabrication Approaches
Authors: Limpiwatana Seehachart , Nagaviroj Noppavan
Published: September 2023

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare intaglio surface adaptation of the removable partial denture framework among various data acquisition techniques and fabrication approaches using three-dimensional comparison by metrology software.

Materials and Methods The partial edentulous typodont model with five digital superimposition landmarks was duplicated and scanned for the digital reference model. Three approaches were the conventional lost-wax (group I; LWT, n = 5), intraoral digital impressions combined with PolyJet printing and lost-wax (group II; IP-LWT, n = 5), and extraoral digital impressions combined with PolyJet printing and lost-wax (group III; EP-LWT, n = 5). Each framework was scanned and superimposed with the reference model. The misfits at 53 locations were measured.

Statistical Analysis Data were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference for pairwise comparisons (p < 0.05).

Results Significant differences were found between three approaches at the reciprocal arm, terminal part of the retentive arm, rest, and major connector (p < 0.05). In the LWT group, the reciprocal arm and palatal vault region of major connector had the lowest misfits, but the highest misfit was found in the midline region (p < 0.001). In the IP-LWT group revealed the most excessive contact at the terminal part of the retentive arm (-0.111 ± 0.038 mm, p = 0.031), with the highest misfit at the rest area (p < 0.001).

Conclusion A difference in adaptation was found in several removable partial denture framework components among three approaches. The LWT group had a better adaptation than other groups. Nevertheless, a clinically acceptable adaptation was seen in all three approaches.
The Effect of Denatured Albumin with Concentrated Growth Factors in Minimally Invasive Sinus Piezosurgery: Preliminary Pilot Study Results
Authors: Ntontoulos Vasileios , Dabarakis Nikolaos
Published: September 2023

A new protocol with albumin-concentrated growth factor (CGF) is investigated through Piezosurgery as a minimally invasive alternative to sinus-floor-augmentation that is associated with high morbidity and high incidence of sinusitis. The clinical sample consists of five patients (three men and two women) with an average age of 53.75 ± 3.59 years and a mean height of 3.7 ± 1.22 mm of residual bone. The Piezo-Alb-CGF protocol consists of a minimally invasive transcrestal approach with or without flap, piezosurgery preparation, applying the Schneiderian membrane's hydrodynamic detachment-elevation, injecting albumin-CGF into the sinus, optional bone grafting and implantation, and evaluation for 2 to 6 months postoperatively. Eight implants were placed without complications. After 4 to 6 months, cone-beam computed tomography and panoramic radiographs showed total osseointegration and the formation of new bone. In addition, a year of clinical follow-up was performed. There was a positive correlation between implant stability quotient values at all protocol stages. The significance level was 5%. Albumin-CGF regenerative protocol promotes new bone formation, reduces postoperative morbidity, and shortens healing time. It also offers a uniform and safe hydraulic membrane lift and bicortical implant fixation, even in cases with a residual bone height below 6 mm.
Engaging parents to reduce youth violence: evidence from a youth justice board pathfinder programme
Authors: Caulfield Laura , Brooks-Wilson Sarah , Booth Jane , Monaghan Mark
Published: September 2023

The Youth Justice Board’s 2019–2022 strategic plan set youth violence as a priority. As part of this, a ‘pathfinder’ approach was launched to assist local authorities and their partners to devise, develop, and disseminate whole systems approaches to serious youth violence (Youth Justice Board in Pathfinder—YJB, https://yjresourcehub.uk/working-with-partners/item/651-pathfinder-yjb.html Youth Justice Board Annual Report and Accounts 2020/21, 2020). In partnership with a regional Violence Reduction Unit, seven local Youth Offending Teams worked together with a programme that facilitated peer support networks for parents of children known to the youth justice system. The programme presented a challenge to a view in statutory youth justice of parents as part of the problem (Burney and Gelsthorpe in Howard J Crimin Justice 47(5):470–485, 2008). The aim of the programme was to engage parents of young people involved in the youth justice system, facilitating peer to peer support through a blend of online and face-to-face meetings. Taking a mixed-method approach, the research sought to investigate the impact of the programme on participants’ well-being and perceived competence with parenting. A secondary aim was to explore experiences of the self-care and peer support activities offered by the programme. The quantitative findings showed statistically significant increases in parents’ self-reported well-being and perceived competence with parenting during engagement with the programme. Effect sizes reached the minimum important difference for all of the quantitative measures, with a large effect for well-being. The qualitative findings highlighted that the self-care focus was important in engaging parents and helps distinguish the programme from statutory services. The findings are combined in the paper to produce a potential model of peer support for parents of children known to the youth justice system. Future research should investigate the impact on the children of parents who took part in this programme with a specific focus on youth violence.
How to distribute the European regional development funds through a combination of egalitarian allocations: the constrained equal losses min
Authors: Giménez-Gómez José-Manuel , Salekpay Foroogh , Vilella Cori
Published: September 2023

As Solís-Baltodano et al. (2021) figure out, almost a third of the total European Union budget was set aside for the Cohesion Policy during the 2014–2020 period. The distribution of this budget is made through three main structural and investment funds, trying to promote convergence in the level of development of EU countries. Specifically, the current approach, by analysing this situation as a claims problem (O’Neill, 1982), finds the claims solution that performs better than the others by reducing inequality and promoting convergence to a greater degree (the Constrained Equal Losses rule). Nonetheless, when using this egalitarian division of losses, regions may not receive any funds. This paper defines a new way to distribute the limited resources of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It proposes a compromise between the egalitarian approaches, i.e., a combination of the egalitarian division of the funds with an egalitarian division of the losses (what regions do not get). In doing so, the proposal applies the constrained equal losses solution while ensuring a minimum amount is allocated to each region (sustainable bound). Finally, the new solution is axiomatically analysed, and it is applied to the ERDF problem.
A general method to synthesize high-entropy oxide nanoparticles by low-energy-recoil ion implantation for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Wu Shixin , Zhong Huizhou , Jia Shuangfeng , Li Derun , Jiang Tao , Liu Yichao , Wu Hengyi , Cai Guangxu , Ren Feng
Published: September 2023

High-entropy oxide (HEO) nanoparticles have been regarded as a promising catalytic material system for oxygen evolution reaction in recent years. However, their traditional physical and chemical synthesis remains challenges due to the limitation of fabricating controllable small size HEO nanoparticles. Herein, a general and novel method of low-energy-recoil ion implantation and subsequent annealing is successfully developed to synthesize high-entropy oxide nanoparticles catalysts. By controlling the fluence of irradiation Ar+ ions, the size and the load of HEO nanoparticles can be accurately controlled. The obtained (FeCoNiCrAl)O HEO nanoparticles exhibit an overpotential of 295 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 39 mV dec−1 and good stability in 1 M KOH, which is much better than the properties of binary and medium entropy oxide counterparts prepared by the same method, showing the good application prospect of low-energy-recoil ion implantation in the preparation of complicated multi-element-metal oxide nanoparticles.
Three-dimensional printed microcantilever with mechanical metamaterial for fiber-optic microforce sensing
Authors: Wang Famei , Zou Mengqiang , Liao Changrui , Li Bozhe , Liu Dejun , Zhou Jie , Huang Haoqiang , Zhao Jinlai , Liu Chao , Chu Paul K. , Wang Yiping
Published: September 2023

Mechanical metamaterials can adjust mechanical properties of structures flexibly through a mechanical structural design based on the premise that the materials remain unchanged. Here, a cantilever probe microstructure is designed using mechanical metamaterials for an optical fiber microforce sensor tip that can be prepared by femtosecond laser-induced two-photon polymerization. The elastic constant k of the fabricated fiber-optic microforce sensor has been adjusted by two orders of magnitude from 0.165 to 46 N/m, and the geometric configuration of the cantilever beam can be tailored to match the mechanical properties of biological specimens. This fiber microforce sensor shows an ultra-high force sensitivity of 154 nm/µN and a force resolution of up to 130 pN. The optical fiber microforce sensor that shows the lowest force resolution in a direct-contact mode has high potential for biosensing applications, and the results reveal a potential design strategy for special scanning tunneling microscope probes with unique physical properties.
Brain-inspired neural circuit evolution for spiking neural networks
Authors: Shen Guobin , Zhao Dongcheng , Dong Yiting , Zeng Yi
Published: September 2023

In biological neural systems, different neurons are capable of self-organizing to form different neural circuits for achieving a variety of cognitive functions. However, the current design paradigm of spiking neural networks is based on structures derived from deep learning. Such structures are dominated by feedforward connections without taking into account different types of neurons, which significantly prevent spiking neural networks from realizing their potential on complex tasks. It remains an open challenge to apply the rich dynamical properties of biological neural circuits to model the structure of current spiking neural networks. This paper provides a more biologically plausible evolutionary space by combining feedforward and feedback connections with excitatory and inhibitory neurons. We exploit the local spiking behavior of neurons to adaptively evolve neural circuits such as forward excitation, forward inhibition, feedback inhibition, and lateral inhibition by the local law of spike-timing-dependent plasticity and update the synaptic weights in combination with the global error signals. By using the evolved neural circuits, we construct spiking neural networks for image classification and reinforcement learning tasks. Using the brain-inspired Neural circuit Evolution strategy (NeuEvo) with rich neural circuit types, the evolved spiking neural network greatly enhances capability on perception and reinforcement learning tasks. NeuEvo achieves state-of-the-art performance on CIFAR10, DVS-CIFAR10, DVS-Gesture, and N-Caltech101 datasets and achieves advanced performance on ImageNet. Combined with on-policy and off-policy deep reinforcement learning algorithms, it achieves comparable performance with artificial neural networks. The evolved spiking neural circuits lay the foundation for the evolution of complex networks with functions.
Digital twins in the minerals industry – a comprehensive review
Authors: Qu Juncong , Kizil Mehmet S. , Yahyaei Mohsen , Knights Peter F.
Published: September 2023

Digital Twins (DT) have become popular in various industries to solve complex problems. A true DT allows for bidirectional real-time data flows between the physical and virtual worlds.

The term DT was often overused, leading to confusion about its capabilities therefore this paper provides a review of the current state of DT and its applications in the minerals industry. Existing literature shows a slow adoption of DTs in the minerals industry, which is largely due to challenges associated with geological unpredictability, legacy system integration, cost, skill gaps, cybersecurity, and lack of standards.

Combining immersive visualisation with real-time spatial computer graphics could improve the usability and acceptance of DTs in the minerals industry which has been used successfully in training while underexplored for operational scenarios. The study concludes by highlighting the need for further research to understand the effectiveness of such an approach in mineral operations.
Rational Skyrmions
Authors: Harland Derek , Sutcliffe Paul
Published: September 2023

A new method is introduced to construct approximations to Skyrmions that are explicit rational functions of the spatial Cartesian coordinates. The scheme uses ADHM data of a Yang–Mills instanton to produce a Skyrmion with a baryon number that is equal to the instanton number. The formula for the Skyrmion involves only the evaluation of the ADHM data, in contrast to the Atiyah–Manton construction that requires the solution of a differential equation that can only be solved explicitly in the case of a spherically symmetric Skyrmion. Examples with baryon numbers one and two are studied in detail. The energy of the rational Skyrmion with baryon number one is lower than that of the Atiyah–Manton Skyrmion, which is already within one percent of the energy of the true numerically computed Skyrmion. A family of baryon number two Skyrmions is presented, which includes an axially symmetric Skyrmion that smoothly transforms to a pair of well-separated single Skyrmions as the parameter is varied.
On symmetric Tetranacci polynomials in mathematics and physics
Authors: Leumer Nico G
Published: September 2023

In this manuscript, we introduce (symmetric) Tetranacci polynomialsξjas a twofold generalization of ordinary Tetranacci numbers, considering both non unity coefficients and generic initial values. We derive a complete closed form expression for anyξjwith the key feature of a decomposition in terms of generalized Fibonacci polynomials. For suitable conditions,ξjcan be understood as the superposition of standing waves. The issue of Tetranacci polynomials originated from their application in condensed matter physics. We explicitly demonstrate the approach for the spectrum, eigenvectors, Green’s functions and transmission probability for an atomic tight binding chain exhibiting both nearest and next nearest neighbor processes. We demonstrate that in topological trivial models, complex wavevectors can form bulk states as a result of the open boundary conditions. We describe how effective next nearest neighbor bonding is engineered in state of the art theory/experiment exploiting onsite degrees of freedom and close range hopping. We argue about experimental tune ability and on-demand complex wavevectors.
The effect of nitrogen doping and heat treatment on electrical resistivity of CVD SiC bulks
Authors: Liu Jiabao , Chen Zhaofeng , Yang Lixia , Chai Pan , Wan Qiang
Published: September 2023

With the expansion of chip size, the challenge of achieving uniform etching becomes progressively more formidable. Implementing CVD SiC etching rings enhances etching uniformity effectively and offers notable attributes of high purity and prolonged operational lifespan. Controlling the resistivity of CVD SiC etching rings is essential to cater to diverse processes and equipment requirements. This investigation delves into the impact of nitrogen doping and heat treatment on the resistivity of CVD SiC bulks. Elevated nitrogen doping results in a heightened carrier concentration within CVD SiC. In modest doping cases, the grain boundary barrier height escalates with the doping concentration. However, in instances of higher doping concentrations, the grain boundary barrier diminishes with increasing doping concentration. Following heat treatment, there is a rise in the carrier concentration of the sample. Nonetheless, the surge in sample porosity precipitates a mobility reduction, yielding minimal variance in resistivity before and after heat treatment.
A simulation study to evaluate the effect of 2D antiscatter grid primary transmission on flat panel detector based CBCT image quality
Authors: Eldib Mohamed Elsayed , Bayat Farhang , Miften Moyed , Altunbas Cem
Published: September 2023

Abstact

Purpose. Two-dimensional antiscatter grids’ (2D-ASGs) septal shadows and their impact on primary transmission play a critical role in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image noise and artifact characteristics. Therefore, a numerical simulation platform was developed to evaluate the effect of 2D-ASG’s primary transmission on image quality, as a function of grid geometry and CBCT system properties. Methods. To study the effect of 2D-ASG’s septal shadows on primary transmission and CBCT image quality, two new methods were introduced; one to simulate projection signal gradients in septal shadows, and the other to simulate septal shadow variations due to gantry flex. Signal gradients in septal shadows were simulated by generating a system point spread function that was directly extracted from projection images of 2D-ASG prototypes in experiments. Variations in septal shadows due to gantry flex were simulated by generating oversampled shadow profiles extracted from experiments. Subsequently, the effect of 2D-ASG’s septal shadows on primary transmission and image quality was evaluated. Results. For an apparent septal thickness of 0.15 mm, the primary transmission of 2D-ASG varied between 72%–90% for grid pitches 1–3 mm. In low-contrast phantoms, the effect of 2D-ASG’s radiopaque footprint on information loss was subtle. At high spatial frequencies, information loss manifested itself as undersampling artifacts, however, its impact on image quality is subtle when compared to quantum noise. Effects of additive electronic noise and gantry flex induced ring artifacts on image quality varied as a function of grid pitch and septal thickness. Such artifacts were substantially less in lower resolution images. Conclusion. The proposed simulation platform allowed successful evaluation of CBCT image quality variations as a function of 2D-ASG primary transmission properties and CBCT system characteristics. This platform can be potentially used for optimizing 2D-ASG design properties based on the imaging task and properties of the CBCT system.
Electrically-driven ultrafast out-of-equilibrium light emission from hot electrons in suspended graphene/hBN heterostructures
Authors: Liu Qiang , Xu Wei , Li Xiaoxi , Zhang Tongyao , Qin Chengbing , Luo Fang , Zhu Zhihong , Qin Shiqiao , Zhu Mengjian , Novoselov Kostya S
Published: September 2023

Nanoscale light sources with high speed of electrical modulation and low energy consumption are key components for nanophotonics and optoelectronics. The record-high carrier mobility and ultrafast carrier dynamics of graphene make it promising as an atomically thin light emitter, which can be further integrated into arbitrary platforms by van der Waals forces. However, due to the zero bandgap, graphene is difficult to emit light through the interband recombination of carriers like conventional semiconductors. Here, we demonstrate ultrafast thermal light emitters based on suspended graphene/hexagonal boron nitride (Gr/hBN) heterostructures. Electrons in biased graphene are significantly heated up to 2800 K at modest electric fields, emitting bright photons from the near-infrared to the visible spectral range. By eliminating the heat dissipation channel of the substrate, the radiation efficiency of the suspended Gr/hBN device is about two orders of magnitude greater than that of graphene devices supported on SiO2 or hBN. We further demonstrate that hot electrons and low-energy acoustic phonons in graphene are weakly coupled to each other and are not in full thermal equilibrium. Direct cooling of high-temperature hot electrons to low-temperature acoustic phonons is enabled by the significant near-field heat transfer at the highly localized Gr/hBN interface, resulting in ultrafast thermal emission with up to 1 GHz bandwidth under electrical excitation. It is found that suspending the Gr/hBN heterostructures on the SiO2 trenches significantly modifies the light emission due to the formation of the optical cavity and showed a ∼440% enhancement in intensity at the peak wavelength of 940 nm compared to the black-body thermal radiation. The demonstration of electrically driven ultrafast light emission from suspended Gr/hBN heterostructures sheds the light on applications of graphene heterostructures in photonic integrated circuits, such as broadband light sources and ultrafast thermo-optic phase modulators.
Study on blade fault diagnosis of free flying UAV based on multiparameter and deep learning method
Authors: Li Feng , Zhang Xinyu , Yu Feifei , Rong Ying , Du Canyi , Huang Yongxian , Gong Yongkang
Published: September 2023

With the widespread application of UAV (UAV) in various fields, more and more attention has been paid to the operation status monitoring and fault diagnosis of UAV. During the use of UAV, the motors, blades, connectors and other components may inevitably experience wear, fatigue, and breakage, which are difficult to directly monitor through sensors. Therefore, a fault identification method based on one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) is proposed to provide ideas for the research on the mechanical fault diagnosis of UAV. A Bluetooth wireless acceleration-attitude sensor is used to collect the acceleration, angular velocity and angle of the free flying UAV in X, Y, and Z directions. With these characteristic parameters as sample data, fault identification can be implemented using deep learning model. Besides, to deal with over-fitting, a data reconstruction method of partition sampling is proposed. By comparing different input parameters and optimization functions, we found that when using multi-parameter + RMSProp optimization, the recognition accuracy reaches 98%. In addition, a comparative analysis is carried out using shallow neural network PNN and SVM methods, and the results show that the proposed 1D-CNN model outperforms both shallow neural networks and traditional machine learning methods.
Infectious and environmental placental insults: from underlying biological pathways to diagnostics and treatments
Authors: Chenge Samuel , Ngure Harrison , Kanoi Bernard N , Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda N , Kobia Francis M
Published: September 2023

Because the placenta is bathed in maternal blood, it is exposed to infectious agents and chemicals that may be present in the mother’s circulation. Such exposures, which do not necessarily equate with transmission to the fetus, may primarily cause placental injury, thereby impairing placental function. Recent research has improved our understanding of the mechanisms by which some infectious agents are transmitted to the fetus, as well as the mechanisms underlying their impact on fetal outcomes. However, less is known about the impact of placental infection on placental structure and function, or the mechanisms underlying infection-driven placental pathogenesis. Moreover, recent studies indicate that noninfectious environmental agents accumulate in the placenta, but their impacts on placental function and fetal outcomes are unknown. Critically, diagnosing placental insults during pregnancy is very difficult and currently, this is possible only through postpartum placental examination. Here, with emphasis on humans, we discuss what is known about the impact of infectious and chemical agents on placental physiology and function, particularly in the absence of maternal–fetal transmission, and highlight knowledge gaps with potential implications for diagnosis and intervention against placental pathologies.
Immunology
Authors: Juris Stephen J.
Published: September 2023

Immunology introduces this discipline, which is a subject containing vast amounts of detail. The immune system is vastly complex. This text tries to unravel the mysteries of immunology through accounts of classical discoveries and recent, cutting-edge research. The text starts with an introduction to the subject. There follows chapters on innate immunity, the complement system, and adaptive immunity. Chapters then cover T Lymphocytes, the development of B Lymphocytes, and B-cell diversity. The text also looks into immunological memory and vaccination, mucosal immunity, and pathogen evasion of the immune system. Immunodeficiencies are covered. As are allergies and hypersensitivity. Autoimmune diseases are the subject of another chapter. The text ends with two chapters looking at transplantation, immune responses to transplantation, and cancer of the immune system.
Haematology
Authors: Moore Dr Gary W. , Knight Gavin , Blann Dr Andrew D.
Published: September 2023

Haematology is composed of five parts. The first part acts as an introduction to the topic and looks at major haematology parameters and techniques as well as haemopoiesis and bone marrow. The second part looks at red blood cells, white blood cells, and anaemia. The third part covers haematological malignancies and introduces classification systems. The fourth part considers normal haemostasis and examines bleeding disorders, thrombophilia, acquired disorders of haemostasis, and anticoagulation. Finally, the text ends with different case studies in haematology.
Effects of commercial and traditional kefir supplementation on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility and the fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs
Authors: Metras Breanna N , Oba Patricia M , Miller Michael J , Swanson Kelly S
Published: September 2023

Kefir is a fermented dairy beverage that has been consumed by humans for centuries, but poorly studied in pets. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of commercial or traditional kefir supplementation on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD) and fecal characteristics, microbiota populations, and metabolite and immunoglobulin (Ig) A concentrations of healthy adult dogs. Twelve healthy adult dogs (5.67 ± 1.72 yr, 7.27 ± 1.15 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design (n = 12/group). All dogs were fed a commercial diet and allotted to 1 of 3 treatments (60 mL/d): 2% reduced-fat milk treated with lactase [CNTL; 4.57E + 03 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) colony-forming units (CFU)/mL], commercial kefir (C-Kefir; 6.95E + 04 LAB CFU/mL), or traditional kefir brewed daily from 2% reduced-fat milk and kefir grains (T-Kefir; 1.79E + 09 LAB CFU/mL). The experiment was composed of three 28-d periods, with each consisting of a 22-d transition phase, a 5-d fecal collection phase, and 1 d for blood collection. Fecal samples were collected for determination of ATTD and fecal pH, dry matter, microbiota, and metabolite, and IgA concentrations. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4. The main effects of treatment were tested, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05 and trends set at P ≤ 0.10. Kefir products differed in microbial density and profile, but fecal microbiota populations were weakly impacted. Bacterial alpha diversity tended to be greater (P = 0.10) in dogs fed T-Kefir than those fed CNTL. Bacterial beta diversity analysis identified a difference (P < 0.0004) between dogs-fed CNTL and those fed C-Kefir. Dogs-fed C-Kefir tended to have a greater (P = 0.06) relative abundance of Fusobacteriota than those fed CNTL or T-Kefir. Dogs-fed T-Kefir had a greater (P < 0.0001) relative abundance of Lactococcus than those fed CNTL or C-Kefir. Dogs-fed T-Kefir also tended to have a lower (P = 0.09) relative abundance of Escherichia Shigella and greater (P = 0.09) relative abundance of Candidatus stoquefichus than dogs-fed CNTL or C-Kefir. Dogs-fed C-Kefir tended to have lower (P = 0.08) fecal valerate concentrations than those fed CNTL or T-Kefir. All other measures were unaffected by kefir treatments. Our results suggest that kefir supplementation had minor effects on the fecal microbiota populations and fecal metabolite concentrations of healthy adult dogs without impacting ATTD, fecal characteristics, or fecal IgA concentrations.
Outcomes of Endocarditis in Pregnancy: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Shapero Kayle , El-Dalati Sami , Berlacher Kathryn , Megli Christina
Published: September 2023

Background

The incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) in pregnancy is rare (0.006%), with increasing prevalence during the opioid epidemic. IE in pregnancy is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity, and existing data on outcomes in pregnancy are limited. Our study compares the outcomes of pregnant patients with IE with those of nonpregnant patients.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with IE during pregnancy and 30 days postpartum between 2014 and 2021 were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification, Ninth and Tenth Edition codes. Pregnant cases were matched to nonpregnant reproductive-age endocarditis patients in a 1:4 ratio. Data were collected and validated through chart review.

Results

One hundred eighty patients with IE were identified; 34 were pregnant or within 30 days postpartum at diagnosis. There were higher rates of hepatitis C and opioid maintenance therapy in the pregnant patients. The etiology of IE in pregnant patients was predominantly S. aureus (methicillin-resistant/sensitive S. aureus), whereas nonpregnant woman had greater microbiological variation. We observed comparable rates of valve replacement (32.4% vs 29%; P = .84) and 2-year mortality (20.6% vs 17.8%; P > .99) in pregnant patients. There were nonsignificantly higher rates of pulmonary emboli (17.6% vs 7.5%; P = .098) and arrhythmia (17.6% vs 9.6%; P = .222) among pregnant patients. There were high rates of intravenous drug use relapse in both groups (>40%).

Conclusions

We observed similar rates of mortality in the pregnant IE patients. We observed a microbial predilection for S. aureus in pregnancy, suggesting that the pregnancy physiology may select for this microbiologic etiology. This study, which represents the largest single-center retrospective review of IE in pregnancy, suggests that surgical intervention may be performed safely in the postpartum period.
Impact of Foliar Fungicide Application on the Culturable Fungal Endophyte Community of Soybean Seed in the Midwest United States
Authors: Batzer Jean Carlson , Shirazi Amin , Lawson Maia , Mathew Febina M. , Sureshbabu Bijula M. , Smith Damon L. , Mueller Daren S.
Published: September 2023

The purpose of our study was to determine whether the application of quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) and pyrazole-carboxamide fungicides as a tank mix would impact the endophyte community of soybean seed. Field trials during 2018 in Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, U.S.A., investigated the impact of a single combination fungicide spray at early pod set in soybeans. The composition of culturable endophytic fungi in mature soybean seed was assessed on three cultivars per state, with maturity groups (MGs) ranging from 1.1 to 4.7. An unusually wet 2018 season delayed harvest, which led to a high level of fungal growth in grain. The survey included 1,080 asymptomatic seeds that were disinfested and individually placed on 5-cm-diameter Petri plates of acidified water agar. The survey yielded 721 fungal isolates belonging to 24 putative species in seven genera; taxa were grouped into genera based on a combination of morphological and molecular evidence. The dominant genera encountered in the survey were Alternaria, Diaporthe, and Fusarium. The study showed that the fungicide treatment reduced the incidence of Fusarium in Wisconsin seed, increased the incidence of Diaporthe in seed from all states, and had no impact on the incidence of Alternaria. This is one of the first attempts to characterize the diversity of seed endophytes in soybean and the first to characterize the impacts of fungicide spraying on these endophyte communities across three states. Our study provides evidence that the impact of a fungicide spray on soybean seed endophyte communities may be influenced by site, weather, and cultivar maturity group.
Terminal Hairs That Resemble Occipital Hairs in Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Garg Pankaj , Hemrajani Priyanka
Published: September 2023

This is the first demonstrated case in which terminal hairs that resembled occipital hairs and ranged from 2 to 13 cm in length were extracted from a patient with primary pilonidal sinus disease. This case provides evidence that occipital hairs may enter the pilonidal sinus and perhaps also play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Recovery Kinetics Following Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Subramanian Tejas , Shinn Daniel , Korsun Maximilian , Shahi Pratyush , Asada Tomoyuki , Amen Troy B , Maayan Omri , Singh Sumedha , Araghi Kasra , Tuma Olivia C. , Singh Nishtha , Simon Chad , Zhang Joshua , Sheha Evan D. , Dowdell James E. , Huang Russel C. , Albert Todd J. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Iyer Sravisht
Published: September 2023

Study Design.

Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained multi-surgeon registry.

Objective.

To study recovery kinetics and associated factors following cervical spine surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

Few studies have described return to activities cervical spine surgery. This is a big gap in the literature as preoperative counseling and expectations before surgery are important.

Materials and Methods.

Patients that underwent either anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or cervical disc replacement (CDR) were included. Data collected included preoperative patient-reported outcome measures, return to driving, return to working, and discontinuation of opioids data. A multivariable regression was conducted to identify the factors associated with return to driving by 15 days, return to working by 15 days, and for discontinuing opioids by 30 days.

Results.

70 ACDF patients and 70 CDR patients were included. Overall, 98.2% of ACDF patients and 98% of CDR patients returned to driving in 16 and 12 days, respectively; 85.7% of ACDF patients and 90.9% of CDR patients returned to work in 16 and 14 days; and 98.3% of ACDF patients and 98.3% of CDR patients discontinued opioids in a median of 7 and 6 days. Though not significant, minimal (odds ratio (OR)=1.65) and moderate (OR=1.79) disability was associated with greater odds of returning to driving by 15 days. Sedentary work (OR=0.8) and preoperative narcotics (OR=0.86) were associated with decreased odds of returning to driving by 15 days. Medium (OR=0.81) and heavy (OR=0.78) intensity occupations were associated with decreased odds of returning to work by 15 days. High school education (OR=0.75), sedentary work (OR=0.79), retired/not working (OR=0.69) were all associated with decreased odds of discontinuing opioids by 30 days.

Conclusion.

Recovery kinetics for ACDF and CDR as comparable. Most patients return to all activities following ACDF and CDR, within 16 days. These findings serve as an important compass for preoperative counseling.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy Induces Robust Local Immune Response for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma With Long-term Survival and Disease Control
Authors: Chandar Jay S. , Bhatia Shovan , Ingle Shreya , Mendez Valdez Mynor J. , Maric Dragan , Seetharam Deepa , Desgraves Jelisah F. , Govindarajan Vaidya , Daggubati Lekhaj , Merenzon Martin , Morell Alexis , Luther Evan , Saad Ali G. , Komotar Ricardo J. , Ivan Michael E. , Shah Ashish H.
Published: September 2023

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive neurosurgical technique used to ablate intra-axial brain tumors. The impact of LITT on the tumor microenvironment is scarcely reported. Nonablative LITT-induced hyperthermia (33–43˚C) increases intra-tumoral mutational burden and neoantigen production, promoting immunogenic cell death. To understand the local immune response post-LITT, we performed longitudinal molecular profiling in a newly diagnosed glioblastoma and conducted a systematic review of anti-tumoral immune responses after LITT. A 51-year-old male presented after a fall with progressive dizziness, ataxia, and worsening headaches with a small, frontal ring-enhancing lesion. After clinical and radiographic progression, the patient underwent stereotactic needle biopsy, confirming an IDH-WT World Health Organization Grade IV Glioblastoma, followed by LITT. The patient was subsequently started on adjuvant temozolomide, and 60 Gy fractionated radiotherapy to the post-LITT tumor volume. After 3 months, surgical debulking was conducted due to perilesional vasogenic edema and cognitive decline, with H&E staining demonstrating perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. Postoperative serial imaging over 3 years showed no evidence of tumor recurrence. The patient is currently alive 9 years after diagnosis. Multiplex immunofluorescence imaging of pre-LITT and post-LITT biopsies showed increased CD8 and activated macrophage infiltration and programmed death ligand 1 expression. This is the first depiction of the in-situ immune response to LITT and the first human clinical presentation of increased CD8 infiltration and programmed death ligand 1 expression in post-LITT tissue. Our findings point to LITT as a treatment approach with the potential for long-term delay of recurrence and improving response to immunotherapy.