bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of biospeckle pattern using grey-level and color-channel assessment methods
Authors: Karnati Srivathsav , Pathak Biswajit
Published: September 2024

Biospeckle offers a practical tool for contact-free testing and monitoring of biological samples, providing unique insights into dynamics of biological processes. In the present work, we design an experimental arrangement to perform quality assessment on biological samples using biospeckle patterns. We analyse the speckle patterns and evaluate its important parameters by constructing a grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). Furthermore, we propose an alternative and reliable method to study the biospeckle patterns by constructing a color-channel assessment matrix. The proposed approach provides both qualitative and quantitative information of the sample under study, with minimum speckle images and no stringent requirement of correct parameter selection, unlike in the case of GLCM method. Proof-of-concept experimental results are provided that demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method in evaluating the quality of biological samples.
Transition from electrostatic to electromagnetic modes of low-frequency fluctuations in RT-1
Authors: Saitoh H. , Nakagawa R. , Ueda K. , Mori T. , Nishiura M. , Kenmochi N. , Sato N. , Yoshida Z.
Published: September 2024

We report the electrostatic and electromagnetic behaviors of low-frequency fluctuations and their spatial structures observed in the RT-1 (Ring Trap 1) levitated dipole experiment. By using movable Langmuir probes capable of operating under the high-heat flux conditions, we investigated the spatial structures of electrostatic fluctuations in the plasma and compared them with magnetic fluctuation properties. Low-frequency electrostatic fluctuations in low-beta plasma transact into electromagnetic modes in high-beta operation, the latter of which has been found with edge magnetic probes in previous studies. Multi-point measurements with the Langmuir probes revealed that, in low-beta plasma, the fluctuations propagate in the electron diamagnetic direction and exhibit a toroidal mode number of 3 or 4 in a broad region across different magnetic surfaces. In the high-beta plasma, the phase velocity of the fluctuations has a clear dependence on the magnetic surfaces and reverses its toroidal propagation direction according to plasma conditions. These observations are consistent with the interpretation that density fluctuations transported by the drift motion of plasma generate magnetic fluctuations in high-beta conditions, suggesting a similarity with the so-called entropy mode.
Research on production scheduling method of cement plants considering demand response and carbon trading
Authors: Liu Penglong , Zhang Zhi , Li Congcong , Jing Zhen , Wang Pingxin , Wang Qing
Published: September 2024

A production scheduling method for cement plants considering demand response (DR) and carbon trading is proposed. Firstly, the production process of the cement plant is analyzed, and the load DR model of the cement plant is established. Secondly, the carbon emission mechanism of cement plants is analyzed, the quantitative expression between carbon emission and production arrangement is established, and the stepped carbon trading model is used to calculate carbon trading costs. Finally, a production scheduling model for cement plants is established, which takes DR and carbon trading into consideration. By optimizing the power purchase and production plan of each link, the goal of minimum power purchase cost and carbon transaction cost is achieved. The example analysis shows that the proposed method can realize the electric-carbon collaborative optimization of cement plants under the power market and carbon market.
Transient analysis of the trans-critical CO2 adjustable ejector
Authors: Liu Yue , Liu Fang , Ding Jiqiang
Published: September 2024

In the adjustable CO2 ejector refrigeration system, the needle of the ejector as the component for regulation has a great impact on the performance of the refrigeration system. This paper investigates the changes in the entrainment ratio resulting from the adjustment of the needle position when two different needles are used. The results show that the Transient and steady state changes in the entrainment ratio are the same when a round needle is used, while the tip needle has a large change. At the same time, the round needle has a larger entrainment ratio relative to the tip needle when the throat area is reduced by the same percentage. The use of a round needle improves performance and stability during transient changes. For the round needle, with the increase of throat area reduction, the pressure change in the mixing section is reduced, and the surge in the mixing section is also reduced to a certain extent.
Based on the WSP-Optuna-LightGBM model for wind power prediction
Authors: Xiang Bo , Liu Zhenqing , Huang Linhong , Qin Ming
Published: September 2024

In order to optimize energy dispatch and enhance the predictive performance of wind power forecast, this study proposes a WSP-Optuna-LightGBM mixed regression prediction model based on wind speed-power curve (WSP), Optuna parameter optimization, and Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM). The first step of this study involves utilizing historical wind speeds and actual power generated by wind turbines to develop a wind speed-power curve. The curve is used to estimate the output power of the turbines at any given moment, serving as inputs for the model. Next, this study processes historical data from the wind farm and continuously optimizes the model using cross-validation and the Optuna algorithm. Finally, the data prediction results under the WSP-Optuna-LightGBM regression prediction model are obtained. Experiments based on two assessment indicators are conducted to analyze the predictive performance of the wind power prediction model. The results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits greater accuracy in its predicted values when compared with other wind power prediction models.
Piezoelectric materials used in piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting
Authors: Gao Ao , Han Meijie , Li Binbin
Published: September 2024

In order to maximize the acquisition of vibration energy of a large mechanical shell, the piezoelectric oscillation energy collector model of a twin cantilever beam was built in COMSOL Multiphysics software by finite element analysis based on the piezoelectric effect. The influence of piezoelectric material, substrate material, and size of piezoelectric material in the output features of piezoelectric energy collector is studied. The research shows that the PZT-5 A output features the best maximum output voltage and power up to 5.2 V and 1.1 mW in the 60-80 Hz range with the highest power density. Based on the selection of PZT-5A using brass as the substrate, the output characteristics of the best maximum output power increased by 5% to 1.16 mW. Based on the selection of PZT-5A as the piezoelectric material and brass as the substrate material, the length, width, and height of PZT-5A were simulated. Finally, the length, width, and height of PZT-5A were determined to be (21×6×0.06) mm3. In this case, the maximum output voltage and power were 5.93 V and 1.31 mW, respectively, which increased by 14% and 19% compared with the initial structure model.
Smart meter fault classification method based on generated distribution optimization under imbalanced dataset
Authors: Qin Yu , Li Baofeng , Li Qiangwei , Meng Zhihang , Xu Yuelou , Zhou Qi , Gao Xin
Published: September 2024

Accurate prediction of smart meter faults is of great significance to ensuring reliable operation of power distribution systems. At present, most methods only alleviate the decision boundary shift problem in fault prediction from the perspective of sample number balance and do not fully consider the sample distribution in the overlapping area after balancing. This paper proposes a smart meter fault classification method based on generated sample distribution optimization, which transforms the sample rebalancing problem into a generated sample distribution optimization problem. These methods establish a multi-objective optimization model for distributing newly generated samples. During the optimization process, an adaptive differential mutation strategy is used to increase the diversity of generated samples. Data complexity is introduced to improve the crowding degree in the original NSGA-II, and the sample set with lower data complexity is retained to avoid generating samples that increase overlap. Experimental results on 12 KEEL and UCI imbalance classification public datasets and smart meter actual fault datasets show that the proposed algorithm has significant advantages in handling smart meter fault classification problems compared with eight typical methods.
Research on the optimal scheduling strategy of electric vehicle charging and switching station based on an artificial bee colony algorithm
Authors: Li Dexin , Wang Jiarui , Meng Xiangdong , Chang Xuefei , Yi Rongqing , Yang Liu
Published: September 2024

The improvement of electric vehicle supporting facilities is conducive to the further development of new energy vehicles, thus promoting the consumption of new energy and the low-carbon and green development of the national economy. This paper aims to solve the problem of optimal scheduling of charging and switching of new energy vehicles, reduce the waste of resources and insufficient power supply to residents due to the irrational layout of charging and switching stations, construct a multi-objective optimal scheduling model of switching stations based on the demand prediction model, and use the artificial bee colony algorithm to find the optimal solution. Finally, we verify the practicability of the algorithm through the example and put forward that the ABC scheduling strategy has superiority.
Power and voltage stability analysis of electric vehicle distribution network considering virtual power plants
Authors: Cao Boyuan , Wang Shuang , Du Yang , Yang Zhongguang , Guo Lingyu
Published: September 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) are receiving increasing attention because of the development of renewable energy. Operators are promoting the use of EVs as virtual power plants (VPP) to improve the reliability of existing power grids. However, the integration of EVs will have a significant impact on the stability of the distribution network. In view of this, a dispatching cost model for EVs is proposed based on active power and reactive power, which is aggregated into a comprehensive cost model for VPP. In addition, corresponding hierarchical control strategies and dispatching optimization models for VPP are proposed to minimize the total generation cost of generators and VPP in the distribution network based on a robust optimization approach. The simulation tests the proposed hierarchical control strategy and dispatching optimization model on an IEEE9 node system as a test distribution network. The results show that the EV cluster as a VPP effectively reduces the output of other generators and the loss of active power for the whole distribution network, improving the power and voltage stability of distribution network nodes.
Electromagnetic interference feature analysis of electronic current transformer
Authors: Huang Zhiming , He Yumin , Mao Junyi , Zhuo Ran , Jia Lei , Guo Jinning , Wang Yu
Published: September 2024

Electronic transformers had excellent dynamic and frequency response properties, and played an important role in the intelligent construction of power systems. Since they worked in a serious electromagnetic environment, electromagnetic interference could result in many failures of the electronic current transformer. A new true-type platform was developed to test electromagnetic interference features, which included the busing, voltage detector, electronic voltage transformer, earthing switch, disconnecting switch, electronic current-voltage transformer, and voltage divider. Voltage and current data were measured and applied to assess the electromagnetic interference by adjusting the distance between the collector and gas-insulated switchgear at the first and secondary sides. The method integrated time domain and frequency domain was proposed to perform feature analysis. The results showed that the feature parameters on the first side were not significantly affected by distance, while the secondary side had certain interference, especially on the peak-to-peak value, maximum value, minimum value and other feature parameters. Through this experimental test and feature analysis, it built a good basis for future design and optimization.
Hydrodynamic lubrication analysis of curved conductive liquid conducting film at rail-armature interface
Authors: Lu Xiaoquan , Liu Shaowei , Du Xiangyu , Zheng Tianyou
Published: September 2024

In the process of electromagnetic orbit launching armature, the high temperature and voltage generated by millisecond level pulsed high current cause the lower melting point armature to undergo ablation, resulting in a conductive liquefaction layer. As a typical combination of Coulter and Hartmann flows in fluid mechanics, it is affected by viscous and electromagnetic forces, and the mechanism is complex. Moreover, due to the non-uniformity of ablation, the shape of the liquefaction layer is relatively fuzzy. This article uses common curve types, namely upper and lower opening parabolas and linear slopes, to derive the fluid Reynolds equation of the conductive liquefaction layer. Combined with the analytical equation of the lubrication assumption of the liquefaction layer, a curved conductive liquefaction layer model is established. This article obtains the pressure, velocity and other characteristics of the liquefaction layer, compares and analyzes the hydrodynamic lubrication characteristics of conductive liquefaction layers of different shapes during electromagnetic emission, and finally verifies the liquefaction layer model from the perspective of heat transfer equations to further calibrate the accuracy of the model. The conclusion indicates that the liquefaction layer with an upward opening parabola is more in line with the physical laws, phenomena, and characteristics of electromagnetic orbit launch devices during the ablation process.
Numerical simulation-based study of the effect of air intake mode on heat pipes
Authors: Zhao Wenjie , Deng Jiajia , Xue Dawen , Wu Shuo
Published: September 2024

The gas-phase flow characteristics of heat pipes are important for the structural design and safety analysis of heat pipe reactors. To investigate the elements affecting the simulation of the gas phase of the heat pipe, two types of air inlets are considered for the heat pipe: end inlet and side inlet. With fixed parameters and selected literature, we compare two types of air intake, end intake, and side intake, on heat pipe gas phase simulation results. The results show that the simulation results of the side inlet scheme relative to the end inlet scheme in the simulation scheme are closer to the document results, and the results of the study can be used for a deeper understanding of the working mechanism of the heat pipe and the optimization of the design, which can provide theoretical references for the design of a more efficient heat pipe system.
Symmetries of Liouvillians of squeeze-driven parametric oscillators
Authors: Iachello Francesco , V Coane Colin , Venkatraman Jayameenakshi
Published: September 2024

We study the symmetries of the Liouville superoperator of one dimensional parametric oscillators, especially the so-called squeeze-driven Kerr oscillator, and discover a remarkable quasi-spin symmetry su(2) at integer values of the ratio

η
=
ω

/

K

of the detuning parameter ω to the Kerr coefficient K, which reflects the symmetry previously found for the Hamiltonian operator. We find that the Liouvillian of an su(2) representation

|
j
,

m

j

⟩

has a characteristic double-ellipsoidal structure, and calculate the relaxation time T

X
for this structure. We then study the phase transitions of the Liouvillian which occur as a function of the parameters

ξ
=

ε

2

/

K

and

η
=
ω

/

K

. Finally, we study the temperature dependence of the spectrum of eigenvalues of the Liouvillian. Our findings may have applications in the generation and stabilization of states of interest in quantum computing.
Topological equatorial waves and violation (or not) of the Bulk edge correspondence
Authors: Bal Guillaume , Yu Jiming
Published: September 2024

Atmospheric and oceanic mass transport near the equator display a well-studied asymmetry characterized by two modes moving eastward. This asymmetric edge transport is characteristic of interfaces separating two-dimensional topological insulators. The northern and southern hemispheres are insulating because of the presence of a Coriolis force parameter that vanishes only in the vicinity of the equator. A central tenet of topological insulators, the bulk edge correspondence, relates the quantized edge asymmetry to bulk properties of the insulating phases, which makes it independent of the Coriolis force profile near the equator. We show that for a natural differential Hamiltonian model of the atmospheric and oceanic transport, the bulk-edge correspondence does not always apply. In fact, an arbitrary quantized asymmetry can be obtained for specific, discontinuous, such profiles. The results are based on a careful analysis of the spectral flow of the branches of absolutely continuous spectrum of a shallow-water Hamiltonian. Numerical simulations validate our theoretical findings.
Repeated measurements and random scattering in quantum walks
Authors: Ziegler K
Published: September 2024

We study the effect of random scattering in quantum walks on a finite graph and compare it with the effect of repeated measurements. To this end, a constructive approach is employed by introducing a localized and a delocalized basis for the underlying Hilbert space. This enables us to design Hamiltonians whose eigenvectors are either localized or delocalized. By presenting some specific examples we demonstrate that the localization of eigenvectors restricts the transition probabilities on the graph and leads to a removal of energy states from the quantum walk in the monitored evolution. We conclude that repeated measurements as well as random scattering provide efficient tools for controlling quantum walks.
Response Surface Methodological Approach for the Adsorptive Removal of Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol on Sodium Hydroxide-Treated Powdered Activated Carbon
Authors: Ramos Ryan Kyle M. , Mendoza Joseph Albert M. , Lin Tsair-Fuh , Chiu Yi-Ting , Pacquiao Melvin R.
Published: September 2024

Geosmin (GSM) and 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) are organic contaminants that imparts an objectionable taste and odor in drinking water. This study attempts to enhance the adsorptive removal of these compounds using sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-treated powdered activated carbon (PAC). The modified adsorbent was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, which revealed that the basic treatment reduces the aromaticity of the PAC, particularly for the PAC treated with 2 M of NaOH. The effects of initial GSM and MIB concentration (100-300 ng/L), adsorbent dosage (5-15 mg/L), and NaOH concentration (0-2 M) on the percent removal of GSM and MIB were also examined by response surface methodology. The adsorption of both compounds is more sensitive to the initial adsorbate concentration and the adsorbent dosage. The NaOH treatment resulted in the increased adsorptive removal of both GSM and MIB, although to a lesser extent than the two adsorption parameters. The optimum values of PAC dosage, initial adsorbate concentration, and NaOH concentration are 12.925 mg/L, 101.197 ng/L, and 1.961 M for GSM and 13.933 mg/L, 110.000 ng/L, and 1.700 M for MIB. The performance of the adsorptive models was validated by coefficient of determination and analysis of variance, which suggests the statistical significance of the model and good fit between the predicted and observed variables.
Deep Eutectic Solvents as A Sustainable Solution in Gas Separation: A Mini Review
Authors: Elhamarnah Y , Qiblawey H
Published: September 2024

In the face of escalating environmental concerns, particularly related to greenhouse gas emissions, this study delves into the potential of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) as a sustainable alternative in gas separation technologies. Focusing on the significant emissions of CO2, SO2, and H2S from industrial processes, this work reviews the application of DESs for their capture and separation. The investigation on the physical properties of DESs, such as solubility, which is crucial for their efficacy as sorbents. This review includes a comprehensive analysis of various DES formulations, exploring their roles in CO2 absorption, SO2 removal, and the separation of other gases like H2S. Additionally, the study reveals that DESs, characterized by their biodegradability and environmental sustainability, offer promising performance in gas separation, aligning with the principles of green chemistry. This work underscores the importance of DESs as novel sorbents for gas purification and sets a foundation for future research aimed at enhancing their application on a broader industrial scale.
Torrefaction performance of Macadamia husk under a flue gas atmosphere for solid biofuel applications
Authors: Manatura Kanit , Klinkesorn Supaporn , Jaojaruek Kitipong , Khaothong Kunthakorn , Prakotmak Preeda
Published: September 2024

Torrefaction of Macadamia husk (MAH) under a proposed exhaust gas atmosphere (O2 of 5%, CO2 of 15%, and balance N2 v/v) was conducted. It was performed in a batch torrefactor at temperature of 200, 250, and 300 °C and duration of 30 min. Influence of torrefaction temperature on the physicochemical properties, energy yield (EY), and energy mass co-benefit index (EMCI) was investigated. It was found that conventional torrefaction had a higher mass and energy yield than flue gas torrefaction. The flue gas remarkably enriches the calorific value of MAH due to the larger fixed carbon and lower volatile matter. The torrefied husks have contact angles between 118 and 133°, which are larger than 90°, representing hydrophobic fuel. The optimal flue gas torrefaction was suggested to operate at 200 °C and 30 min to reach the highest EMCI. Utilization of flue gas in torrefaction can be a choice to use waste heat energy efficiently and reduce the cost of air separation.
On the colloidal and filtration properties of a polymer-amended waste K+-rich bentonite for use as a low-density solid additive in water-based drilling fluids
Authors: Ramsis Youstina , Papaloizou Loizos , Sarris Ernestos , Vattis Demetris
Published: September 2024

Bentonite is a known material for its water-soluble nature and ability to develop exceptional colloidal properties when in aqueous environments and is Na+-rich. Some bentonites are not capable of achieving the desired colloidal properties due to either low smectite content and/or low or negligible Na+ ions content. An example of such bentonite is like the one used for this research work, which is waste K+-rich bentonite. Even though it previously was thermally Na2CO3-activated to upgrade its properties aiming to create colloids, it demanded further viscosity enhancement additives to achieve the required rheological and filtration control satisfying API standards when added in a complete water-based drilling fluid (WBF). We propose anionic polymerization to enhance the performance of the thermally activated waste K+-rich bentonite, at various concentrations. The basic objective is to investigate the polymer with the strongest amendment effect on the K+-rich bentonite by evaluating the rheological and filtration properties by means of Couette viscometry and LPLT tests respectively. Results collected were used to construct mathematical correlations suggesting that anionic polymers can be considered a very effective and efficient solution to reach the desired colloidal properties in WBF. The proposed solution, even with minor quantities, proves to be effective for waste K+-rich bentonite making the material suitable for WBF by creating composite structures that effectively reduce fluid losses and achieve the required viscosity control in WBF. Finally, the exploitation of this material aligns with the circular economy principles contributing to environmental sustainability development.
Speed of sound taken in a ‘quark soup’
Authors: Wogan Tim
Published: September 2024

A measurement of the speed of sound in a quark-gluon plasma at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider could provide insights into neutron stars, as Tim Wogan reports.
Shapeshifting organism uses ‘cellular origami’ to extend body
Authors: Jarman Sam
Published: September 2024

Intricate folding and unfolding of “cellular origami” in the membrane of a single-celled protist enable the organism to reversibly extend to over 30 times its own body length.
Scientists uncover hidden properties of rare-earth element promethium
Authors: Jarman Sam
Published: September 2024

Researchers have, for the first time, experimentally examined the chemistry of the lanthanide element promethium.
Bringing quantum tech to the rest of the world
Authors: Harris Margaret
Published: September 2024

Researchers at Optica’s Quantum 2.0 conference offer their perspectives on how low- and middle-income countries can participate in the next quantum revolution. Margaret Harris reports.
Fusion reset
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: September 2024

The latest huge delay to ITER makes commercial fusion seem increasingly sensible.
Antikythera mystery
Authors: Crease Robert P
Published: September 2024

Robert P Crease meets inventor-financier-explorer Michael Dubno, who – from his Manhattan basement – is trying to solve the mystery of the Antikythera mechanical device, used by ancient Greeks to predict astronomical positions.
Going wild for uranium
Authors: Harris Margaret
Published: September 2024

Margaret Harris reviews Chain Reactions: A Hopeful History of Uranium by Lucy Jane Santos.
Ask me anything: Catherine Phipps
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: September 2024

Catherine Phipps, who studied chemical physics at the University of Bristol in the UK, has worked as an engineer at Rolls Royce for more than 30 years.
OPA tomography of non-Gaussian states of light
Authors: Rácz Éva , Ruppert László , Filip Radim
Published: September 2024

Current advances in nonlinear optics have made it possible to perform a homodyne-like tomography of an unknown state without highly efficient detectors or a strong local oscillator. Thereby, a new experimental direction has been opened into multimode and large-bandwidth quantum optics. An optical parametric amplifier (OPA) allows us to reconstruct the quadrature distribution of an unknown state directly from the measured intensity distribution with high precision. We propose adding a controllable displacement to the standard scheme, thus, obtaining a method applicable even to asymmetric and non-Gaussian states while significantly increasing estimation accuracy and lowering the OPA amplification requirement. To demonstrate the power of our method, we accurately detect the sub-Planck phase-space structure by obtaining distillable squeezing from the OPA estimates of various non-Gaussian states. With the improvements, OPA tomography became a generally applicable loss-tolerant and efficient alternative to homodyne detection.
Valuing community awareness and willingness to pay for marine environment management: empirical analysis in coastal central region of Vietnam
Authors: Mai Ngo Thanh , Truong Dinh Duc , Huan Le Huy , Hong Thuan Le Thi
Published: September 2024

Vietnam is a country with strengths in marine resources and economy. The coast provides habitats and livelihoods for millions of households but is in decline due to economic activity and climate change. This study’s purpose is to evaluate the awareness of people in the central coastal provinces of Vietnam about marine environmental values and their willingness to pay for the management and improvement of marine environmental quality. The study applied a binary random assessment model and surveyed 980 households in 4 coastal provinces to evaluate community payments. The results show that people have good awareness of tangible environmental values, associated with life and livelihood. They also highly agree with protecting marine environmental values and emphasize passing these values on to future generations. Community payment for sea environment management was estimated at 420 thousand/household/year in parametric model and 398 VND thousand/household/year in non-parametric model. Bid level, income and education are main factors affecting people’s ability to pay. The study also proposes implications for marine environmental management including strengthening community awareness and capacity, establishing financial mechanisms for community-led conservation at the local level, and integrating education marine environmental values for high school students to aim for sustainability in community awareness and behavior.
Borderlines in Private Law: An Introduction
Authors: Sales Lord
Published: September 2024

This chapter discusses borderlines within private law. It explains that the notion of borderlines is intimately connected with the idea of taxonomy in law. Taxonomy matters for various reasons, including the fact that it is an axiom of justice that like cases should be treated alike. Moreover, borders in private law invite deeper insights into what a border might look like and what functions one can serve. The chapter looks into a form of categorisation which unites rights and remedies in a coherent regime, serving the same objectives. It considers how principle provides structure, coherence, and determinate guidance to assist in deciding new cases, and how judges need help to orient themselves in unfamiliar territory.
Tort | Equity
Authors: McBride Nicholas J
Published: September 2024

This chapter tackles the dividing line between tort and equity. The difference between the two areas of law draws on the distinction between primary and secondary obligations, where a secondary obligation arises out of the breach of a primary obligation, and also the difference between rights in respect of people’s natural capacities and rights against right-holders. The implications of equity crossing into the territory of tort include equitable compensation for breach of trust and public authority liability for omissions at common law. The chapter then provides a prediction as to the make-up of private law libraries in the future.
Unjust Enrichment’s Borderlines
Authors: Foxton Justice
Published: September 2024

This chapter discusses the borderlines around the law of unjust enrichment. It explains that unjust enrichment is still a newly emergent, and unstable, legal state, which took many hundred years to gain conceptual independence from the more well-established categories of contract, tort, and equity. Moreover, English law is no stranger to cases which seek to protect the position of victims of dishonesty against third parties who might otherwise look to the fruits of that fraud to which they have been subjected to meet their claims. The chapter considers the interplay of what is known as correlativity and unjust enrichment.
IX—Unmistaken: Imaginative Perception and Illusion
Authors: Alsmith Adrian J T
Published: September 2024

Sometimes what we perceive appears other than it is. The term ‘illusion’ is often used to capture the broad variety of cases in which this occurs. But some of these cases are better described as cases of imaginative perception—cases in which what we perceive appears as we imagine it to be. I argue that imaginative perception is to be sharply contrasted with illusions variously conceived as cases of misleading appearance and cases of perceptual error. By removing the blanket term ‘illusion’ from our description of such cases, we can better see the underlying complex of cognitive processes they involve.
Reading intimate partner violence in Latin controversiae
Authors: Parkin Kirsten
Published: September 2024

Intimate partner violence—any behaviour within a current or former intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm—is a public health issue of global proportions. It disproportionately affects women: one in three women report having experienced a form of physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner during their life (World Health Organization 2021). So too intimate partner violence was prevalent in the Roman world. This chapter argues that intimate partner violence plays a significant role in Latin pedagogical exercises of the controversia, by which students came to learn persuasive oratory. It asserts that reading intimate partner violence in the controversiae provides an insight into the foundations of a ubiquitous Roman misogyny that underpins gender-based violence. It also briefly considers how education would have affected the mental outlook of an adolescent and what it meant to be educated in and with intimate partner violence.
The farmer wants a wife: ecofeminism, domestic violence, and coercive control in Roman agricultural writing
Authors: Cowan Robert
Published: September 2024

This article explores the explicit and implicit depiction of domestic violence and coercive control in a range of texts from different genres, all dealing with agriculture: a farmer’s attack on his wife after a rustic festival in a Tibullan elegy, the Elder Cato’s instructions to his overseer on how to control his wife coercively in De agricultura, and the portrayal—and suppression—of anthropomorphized domestic violence against nature in Virgil’s Georgics and Columella’s De re rustica 10. These texts throw different lights on the realities and ideologies of domestic abuse and environmental exploitation in ancient Rome, as well as their transhistorical and transcultural continuities. By examining them through a range of ecofeminist lenses, we can see how the nature–woman connection can both give a voice to the victims and contribute to their subjugation.
Circe, the female hero. First-person narrative and power in Madeline Miller’s Circe
Authors: Spacciante Valeria
Published: September 2024

This article analyzes Madeline Miller’s Circe in relation to the contemporary trend of women’s mythological retellings of marginalized female characters. Because of Circe’s first-person narrative, Miller’s book has been interpreted and marketed as empowering and feminist; however, Circe’s narrative structure rather reaffirms the ideological assumptions underlying the ‘masculine’ Bildungsroman, where the female character’s individual experience is defined by romance and she is ultimately excluded from the social scene. The dichotomy between the marketing rhetoric of empowerment and the novel’s actual narrative structure stimulates a broader reflection about the ideological implication of this novelistic trend as a whole. On the one hand, these novels exploit the well-established exemplary value of Graeco-Roman antiquity to offer a new version of the classical canon which accommodates the critiques of radical movements like feminism; on the other hand, they appropriate the progressive aura of such movements to secure a broader audience while in fact leaving power imbalances unquestioned.
A Bayesian reanalysis of the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial
Authors: Jung Christian , Wernly Bernhard , Masyuk Maryna , Kelm Malte , Freund Anne , Pöss Janine , Desch Steffen , Schneider Steffen , Akin Ibrahim , Schlesinger Sabrina , Schrage Benedikt , Zeymer Uwe , Thiele Holger
Published: September 2024

Aims

The optimal revascularization strategy for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), cardiogenic shock (CS), and multivessel disease remains controversial. The CULPRIT-SHOCK trial compared culprit lesion–only vs. immediate multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), providing important data but leaving efficacy questions unresolved. To address lingering uncertainties and gain deeper insights, we performed a Bayesian reanalysis of the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial data.

Methods and results

We conducted a Bayesian re-analysis of the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial data using non-informative, sceptical, and enthusiastic priors. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% highest posterior density (HPD) intervals were calculated. We defined the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) as RR < 0.84. We performed subgroup analyses for key patient characteristics and assessed secondary outcomes and safety endpoints. Probabilities of benefit, achieving MCID, and harm were computed. Results are presented as median RR with probabilities of effect sizes. Bayesian reanalysis showed a median RR of 0.82 (95% HPD 0.66–1.04) with a non-informative prior, indicating a 95% probability of benefit and 59% probability of achieving MCID. Subgroup analyses revealed potentially stronger effects in males (RR 0.78, 73% probability of MCID), patients without diabetes (RR 0.76, 79% probability of MCID), and those with non-anterior ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI; RR 0.74, 76% probability of MCID). Secondary outcomes suggested potential benefits in mortality (RR 0.85) and need for renal replacement therapy (RR 0.72) but increased risks of recurrent MI (RR 2.84) and urgent revascularization (RR 2.88).

Conclusion

Our Bayesian reanalysis provides intuitive insights by quantifying probabilities of treatment effect sizes, offering further evidence favouring the culprit lesion–only PCI strategy in AMI patients with CS and multivessel disease. The analysis demonstrates a high probability of overall benefit, with a notable chance of achieving a minimally clinically important difference, particularly in specific subgroups. These findings not only support the consideration of culprit lesion–only PCI in certain patient populations but also underscore the need for careful risk–benefit assessment. Furthermore, our hypothesis-generating subgroup analyses, which show varying probabilities of achieving MCID, illuminate promising avenues for future targeted investigations in this critical patient population.
Atrial tachycardia originating from a right atrial free wall diverticulum: case report
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Xiao Yichao , Hu Die , Chen Mingxian , Li Xuping
Published: September 2024

Background

Atrial tachycardia (AT) is an arrhythmic disorder originating from the atrium, independent of the atrioventricular node, and includes various types based on different mechanisms such as abnormal automaticity, triggered activity, and re-entry. These mechanisms are often related to specific anatomical structures. Focal AT, though relatively rare, typically arises from well-known locations in the left and right atria, such as the pulmonary veins, mitral valve annulus, crista terminalis, and coronary sinus ostium.

Case summary

We report a rare case of AT originating from a diverticulum in the right atrial free wall. The patient experienced recurrent AT episodes resistant to standard treatments. Detailed electrophysiological mapping identified the unusual origin of the tachycardia from a right atrial free wall diverticulum. Catheter ablation was successfully performed, leading to the resolution of the arrhythmia, with the patient remaining symptom-free during follow-up.

Discussion

This case expands the understanding of AT origins, highlighting the right atrial free wall diverticulum as a potential, though rare, source of tachycardia. The case emphasizes the importance of comprehensive electrophysiological mapping, especially in atypical presentations of AT. Successful ablation in this instance underscores the potential for targeted interventions even in uncommon anatomical sites. Further studies are needed to assess the prevalence and clinical significance of AT arising from such rare locations.
A case report of critical aortic stenosis diagnosed utilizing non-imaging continuous wave Doppler probe
Authors: Shin Edward D , Fan Eugene
Published: September 2024

Background

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most commonly acquired valvular pathology in the western world. Aortic stenosis severity is typically evaluated with Doppler echocardiography. Evaluation of aortic gradients using standard Doppler echocardiography from the apical window may underestimate the true gradient due to misalignment of blood flow to the ultrasound beam and is often better evaluated from other imaging windows using a non-imaging continuous wave Doppler (NI-CWD) probe. Herein, we describe a unique case of AS being underestimated by dynamic acoustic shadowing from the apical window rather than beam misalignment.

Case summary

The patient is a Hispanic 31-year-old male with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve who underwent a balloon aortic valvuloplasty at age 13. At age 31, the patient underwent a repeat transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) that was largely unchanged from his prior TTE from 15 years prior. Notably on this TTE, there was acoustic shadowing of colour Doppler in the distal left ventricular outflow tract and aortic valve during systole. While gradients only suggested moderate AS, the degree of left ventricular hypertrophy was suspicious for more severe AS. Only by using the NI-CWD probe at the right sternal border were we able to identify very severe AS with a peak velocity of 6.5 m/s and a mean gradient of 100 mmHg.

Discussion

In our specific case, dynamic acoustic shadowing of the aortic valve from the apical window obscured both imaging and Doppler signals. This acoustic shadowing was not present from the right sternal border with the NI-CWD probe, leading to an over 100% increase in aortic valve peak velocity and proper correction of AS severity. This allowed for expedited care and underscores the importance of such techniques.
Enhancing the interoperability and transparency of real-world data extraction in clinical research: evaluating the feasibility and impact of a ChatGLM implementation in Chinese hospital settings
Authors: Wang Bin , Lai Junkai , Cao Han , Jin Feifei , Li Qiang , Tang Mingkun , Yao Chen , Zhang Ping
Published: September 2024

Aims

This study aims to assess the feasibility and impact of the implementation of the ChatGLM for real-world data (RWD) extraction in hospital settings. The primary focus of this research is on the effectiveness of ChatGLM-driven data extraction compared with that of manual processes associated with the electronic source data repository (ESDR) system.

Methods and results

The researchers developed the ESDR system, which integrates ChatGLM, electronic case report forms (eCRFs), and electronic health records. The LLaMA (Large Language Model Meta AI) model was also deployed to compare the extraction accuracy of ChatGLM in free-text forms. A single-centre retrospective cohort study served as a pilot case. Five eCRF forms of 63 subjects, including free-text forms and discharge medication, were evaluated. Data collection involved electronic medical and prescription records collected from 13 departments. The ChatGLM-assisted process was associated with an estimated efficiency improvement of 80.7% in the eCRF data transcription time. The initial manual input accuracy for free-text forms was 99.59%, the ChatGLM data extraction accuracy was 77.13%, and the LLaMA data extraction accuracy was 43.86%. The challenges associated with the use of ChatGLM focus on prompt design, prompt output consistency, prompt output verification, and integration with hospital information systems.

Conclusion

The main contribution of this study is to validate the use of ESDR tools to address the interoperability and transparency challenges of using ChatGLM for RWD extraction in Chinese hospital settings.
Deciphering root-associated microbial communities in asymptomatic oil palm seedlings exposed to Ganoderma boninense: new insight into disease tolerance of oil palms
Authors: Ho Lisim , Lai Chengyu , Daim Leona D J , Noh Normahnani M , Yap Yunci , Ibrahim Julia , Teh Cheekeng
Published: September 2024

Understanding the microbial communities in asymptomatic oil palm seedlings is crucial for developing disease-suppressive microbiota against basal stem rot (BSR) in oil palm. In this study, we compared the microbial communities in bulk soil, rhizosphere, and endosphere of control, asymptomatic, and symptomatic seedlings following inoculation with Ganoderma boninense. Our findings revealed significant shifts in microbial structure and interactions, particularly in asymptomatic seedlings. Both Actinobacteriota and Ascomycota were notably enriched in these samples, with Actinobacteriota identified as keystone taxa. Long-read shotgun metagenomics demonstrated that 67.4% of enriched Actinobacteriota taxa were unique to asymptomatic seedlings. Similarly, Ascomycota members showed significant enrichment, suggesting their potential role in BSR suppression. The consistent identification of these phyla across various analyses underscores their importance in disease resistance. This is the first report detailing the shifts in prokaryotic and fungal communities in asymptomatic and symptomatic seedlings, offering insights into potential disease-suppressive taxa across three compartments: bulk soil, rhizosphere, and endosphere of oil palm seedlings.
Time of day of infection shapes development of a eukaryotic algal-Nucleocytoviricota virocell
Authors: Chase Emily E , Truchon Alexander R , Creasey Brooke A , Wilhelm Steven W
Published: September 2024

Aureococcus anophagefferens forms a model host-virus system with the “giant virus” Kratosvirus quantuckense. Studies to define its ribocell (uninfected) and virocell (virus-infected) forms are needed as these states co-occur during algal blooms. Previously, a link between light-derived energy, virus particle production, and virocell formation was noted. We explored how the time of day (morning, midday, or late day) of virus-host contact shaped virocell ontogeny. In parallel, we explored the dependence on light-derived energy in this mixotrophic plankter by inhibiting photosystem II, testing the role of heterotrophic energy in infection dynamics. Using flow cytometry and photochemical assessments, we examined the physiology of infected cells and controls, and estimated virus particle production. We observed differences between ribocell and virocell response to treatments, including reductions in virus particle production during reduced light duration) and PSII inhibition (i.e. “forced heterotrophy”). This work demonstrates the importance of light in shaping the fate of infected cells and provides insight into factors that constrain in situ blooms. Most significantly, we show that time of the solar day when a virus and host come into contact influences viral particle production, and therefore bloom dynamics; a factor that needs to be considered in bloom modeling work.
Characterizing pen strokes produced using various commercially available thermochromic inks
Authors: Alvarez Cordeiro Mario Alejandro , Gondikas Catalina
Published: September 2024

The characteristics of commercially available thermochromic ink pens have been studied and described since their appearance in 2006. The wide variety of brands and models now available warrants further study using an expanded sample size, to differentiate the general characteristics from specific characteristics. Herein, the ink strokes of 15 pens purchased in the province of Córdoba, Argentina were studied. First, the initial unaltered strokes were examined. Second, heat-manipulated strokes (with and without friction) were evaluated. Several characterization techniques were employed, such as observation by the naked eye, optical magnification, and light irradiation using different spectral bands. In 100% of the unaltered strokes, the general characteristics of thermochromic inks, such as ink accumulation at the end of the stroke path and a “pasty appearance”, were found. It was possible to visualize colourless strokes (i.e. erased strokes) based on their contrast with the paper by shining oblique light at an opposite angle to that of the observation. In addition, the responses to ultraviolet (UV) (365 and 254 nm) and cyan light (505 nm) by infrared techniques were useful for distinguishing the thermochromic ink. Specific characteristics, such as high relief in areas of ink accumulation, less ink accumulation in the internal zone of the stroke, and intensity differences in infrared radiation (IR) luminescence emitted by different brands and models, could be useful in determining the writing tool that was used.

Key points