bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design framework of hybrid ensemble identification network and its application in heart sound analysis
Authors: She Chen-Jun , Cheng Xie-Feng
Published: April 2022

Mixed heart sounds include heart sounds in a state of resting and motion. The analysis of heart sound signals in a state of motion is a difficult problem. (1) First, the mixed heart sound signal was collected by using the shoulder-strap-type heart sound acquisition device designed and made by our research group. The acquisition scheme and data preprocessing method were given, and the characteristics of heart sound signals in a state of motion were analyzed. (2) The design framework of the Hybrid Ensemble Identification Network (HEINet) is proposed, and the design requirements, architecture principles, and detailed design steps are discussed. The design process is simple, fast, and convenient. (3) In this paper, according to the design framework of HEINet, HEINet of the mixed heart sound signal is designed, and the recognition rate of the mixed heart sound signal in biometric authentication has reached 99.1%. Based on this design framework, HEINet of the heart sound signal for the Heart Sounds Catania 2011 heart sound database and HEINet of the electrocardiogram signal for Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Beth Israel Hospital arrhythmia database were designed, and the recognition rates both met the expected requirements. It shows that the design framework of HEINet has obvious universality.
Compact acoustic metamaterial based on the 3D Mie resonance of a maze ball with an octahedral structure
Authors: Zhang Ting , Bok Eun , Tomoda Motonobu , Matsuda Osamu , Guo Jianzhong , Liu Xiaojun , Wright Oliver B
Published: April 2022

Acoustic metamaterials (AMs) offer ever-expanding possibilities for manipulating sound waves. Potential applications include diagnostic medical imaging, super-absorption, acoustic sensing, and acoustic stealth. In spite of recent progress, the investigation of AMs with a three-dimensional (3D) response is lagging behind, in particular for those that exhibit an isotropic response. Here, we demonstrate a highly compact subwavelength maze-like multi-shell plastic sphere, which generates Mie resonances with isotropic monopolar and anisotropic dipole, quadrupole, and octupole modes at low frequencies for airborne sound, based on an octahedral structure. Eigenmode analysis shows that the proposed maze ball exhibits a negative bulk modulus at the monopole Mie resonance frequency in the absence of viscous losses, which is a signature of strong transmission blocking. With a diameter of 0.17λ and a volume filling factor of 13.5%, a constructed single 3D maze ball reduces the experimentally-measured transmitted acoustic energy by 67%, limited mainly by viscous losses. With optimized fabrication, the proposed 3D Mie resonator should provide a versatile approach for the manipulation of sound waves on a subwavelength scale, and lead to the realization of practical 3D metamaterial devices.
Study on ultrasonic regulation of the welding performance and defects of 7A52 aluminum alloy plate
Authors: Yin Peng , Xu Chunguang , Pan Qinxue , Zhang Wenjun , Jiang Xiaowei
Published: April 2022

The welding performance and defects of thick aluminum alloy plates with medium and high strength are always a hot research topic. In this study, ultrasonic technology was used to regulate the properties and defects of welded joints of a 7A52 aluminum alloy plate during double-sided welding, and these welded joints were compared with conventional welded joints. X rays were used to macroscopically detect the defects of welded joints. An optical microscope was used to analyze the grain structure and microdefects in each zone of welded joints. The tensile and impact tests were carried out on the joints. The fracture morphology of tensile and impact specimens was observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the defects and slag inclusions were analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy. In the process of ultrasonic welding, the crystallization process of the molten metal pool was changed, and the solidification and heat transfer environment under ultrasonic influence directly led to the change in the properties and defects of welded joints. The experimental results show that the 7A52 aluminum alloy joints can produce deep penetration and very few macroscopic defects after ultrasonic adjustment. Ultrasonic waves can refine the grains in the weld zone, heat-affected zone, and fusion zone and reduce the microdefects in each zone. The tensile and impact properties of ultrasonic welds have been improved by 84% and 87%, respectively. Therefore, ultrasonic waves can regulate the welding performance and defects of 7A52 aluminum alloy plates and other aluminum alloy plates with a similar structural composition. This study provides guidance for the selection of a double-sided welding method with low cost, high efficiency, and good joint performance for aluminum alloy plates.
Beginnings of exciton condensation in coronene analog of graphene double layer
Authors: Sager LeeAnn M. , Schouten Anna O. , Mazziotti David A.
Published: April 2022

Exciton condensation, a Bose–Einstein condensation of excitons into a single quantum state, has recently been achieved in low-dimensional materials including twin layers of graphene and van der Waals heterostructures. Here, we computationally examine the beginnings of exciton condensation in a double layer composed of coronene, a seven-benzene-ring patch of graphene. As a function of interlayer separation, we compute the exciton population in a single coherent quantum state, showing that the population peaks around 1.8 at distances near 2 Å. Visualization reveals interlayer excitons at the separation distance of the condensate. We determine the exciton population as a function of the twist angle between two coronene layers to reveal the magic angles at which the condensation peaks. As with previous recent calculations showing some exciton condensation in hexacene double layers and benzene stacks, the present two-electron reduced-density-matrix calculations with coronene provide computational evidence for the ability to realize exciton condensation in molecular-scale analogs of extended systems such as the graphene double layer.
Spectroscopic and photothermal characterization of graphene quantum dots for antimicrobial applications
Authors: Catanio Angelo T. S. , Bergmann Eduardo V. , Kimura Newller M. , Petrucci Thiago , Freitas Camila F. , Herculano Leandro S. , Malacarne Luis C. , Astrath Nelson G. C.
Published: April 2022

Antimicrobial resistance is a challenging health problem that demands alternative treatments. Nanoplatforms with antimicrobial properties, associated with photodynamic and photothermal therapies, are potential candidates for this task due to characteristics such as non-invasive, antibiotic-free, dual selectivity, and low adverse effects in therapeutic procedures. Graphene quantum dots are a possible substitute for other nanoparticles, especially by presenting low toxicity and low cost. However, graphene quantum dot properties are highly dependent on the synthesis methods, which makes it difficult to compare and improve methods using different studies. In this work, we apply spectroscopic and photothermal methods to investigate a commercially available green fluorescent graphene quantum dot (GQD) as a potential antimicrobial agent and to determine its theranostics properties. The results showed that the photoactivation of the GQD in phosphate-buffered saline solution by light sources with wavelengths shorter than the emission band can generate singlet oxygen and a heat yield of 50% under excitation at 532 nm, showing the potential of this GQD as a photodynamic and photothermal agent.
Optical, magnetic, thermodynamic, and dielectric studies of the disordered rock salt Li1.3Nb0.3Fe0.4O2 cathode for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Kamel M. , Abdel-Hafiez M. , Hassan A. , Abdellah M. , Abdel-Baset T. A. , Hassen A.
Published: April 2022

While most studies in disordered rock salt cathode materials focus on synthesis and electrochemical investigation, detailed investigations on their optical and thermodynamic properties are a matter of interest. Here, we report on complementary measurements of transient absorption spectroscopy, thermodynamic, and dielectric properties for Li1.3Nb0.3Fe0.4O2 (LNFO) disordered rock salt Li-excess. The structure was studied using powder x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, which showed the fine crystallization of LNFO. The ultra-fast laser spectroscopy is used to study the dynamics of charge carriers and electron–phonon coupling in the system. Our thermodynamic measurements have revealed a magnetically ordered phase with small spontaneous magnetization. The dielectric properties of LNFO illustrate high permittivity with losses at low frequencies. Furthermore, the behavior of the dielectric modulus and AC conductivity vs temperature and frequency were discussed.
Charge transport in cross-linked PEDOT:PSS near metal–insulator transition
Authors: Mohan Arya , Anil A. G. , Ramamurthy P. C. , Menon Reghu
Published: April 2022

The charge transport in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) cross-linked with divinyl sulfone (c-PEDOT:PSS) is compared with pristine PEDOT:PSS from conductivity, electric field, and frequency studies. In a cross-linked sample, the room temperature conductivity increased from 0.8 to 630 S/cm. The temperature dependence of conductivity, down to 4.2 K, is significantly weakened in a cross-linked sample. This cross-linking induced metal–insulator transition in PEDOT:PSS, as inferred from conductivity ratios (σr=σ300K/σ4.2K), shows the role of modified nanomorphology in charge transport. The values of σr for PEDOT:PSS and c-PEDOT:PSS are 6441 and 4.6, respectively. The temperature dependence of the electric-field effect on conductivity indicates that the nanoscale barriers for transport have been substantially reduced by cross-linking. Impedance spectroscopy studies suggest that the relaxation frequency in c-PEDOT:PSS is shifted to a higher frequency, and the real part decreases sharply at higher frequencies, indicating enhanced connectivity and weakened barriers between conductive PEDOT regions.
Study of shock wave/boundary layer interaction from the perspective of nonequilibrium effects
Authors: Bao Yue , Qiu Ruofan , Zhou Kang , Zhou Tao , Weng Yuxin , Lin Kai , You Yancheng
Published: April 2022

Shock wave/boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) is a widespread phenomenon in supersonic flows and has received extensive attention. The boundary layer is generated due to viscous stress, which is a kind of macroscopic manifestation of molecular nonequilibrium motion, namely, nonequilibrium effects. In this paper, an investigation is conducted on SWBLI from the perspective of nonequilibrium effects. A method is proposed for studying nonequilibrium effects based on the Navier–Stokes (NS) equations and the Reynolds-averaged NS (RANS) equations. The SWBLI at Mach 2 and Mach 6 is concerned. The results show that nonequilibrium effects associated with the incident shock wave are weaker than that in the boundary layer for a Mach 2 incoming flow. Neither the separation shock wave nor the incident shock wave has an obvious interaction with nonequilibrium effects in the boundary layer. However, the nonequilibrium effects of the incident shock wave are stronger for a Mach 6 incoming flow, and it has an obvious interaction with the nonequilibrium effect in the boundary layer. We also discuss the relation between nonequilibrium effects and energy conversion in the boundary layer. The analysis reveals that changes in the gradients of total energy-related nonequilibrium effects contribute to the change in total energy by influencing the gradient of the heat flux and the power of viscous stress. Thus, this work provides the flow characteristics of boundary layer separation and energy conversion mechanism of SWBLI from the perspective of nonequilibrium effects, as well as the interaction of nonequilibrium effects between the shock wave and boundary layer.
The influence of threading dislocations propagating through an AlGaN UVC LED
Authors: Cameron Douglas , Edwards Paul R. , Mehnke Frank , Kusch Gunnar , Sulmoni Luca , Schilling Marcel , Wernicke Tim , Kneissl Michael , Martin Robert W.
Published: April 2022

During the epitaxy of AlGaN on sapphire for deep UV emitters, significant lattice mismatch leads to highly strained heterojunctions and the formation of threading dislocations. Combining cathodoluminescence, electron beam induced current and x-ray microanalysis reveal that dislocations with a screw component permeate through a state-of-the-art UVC LED heterostructure into the active region and perturb their local environment in each layer as growth progresses. In addition to acting as non-radiative recombination centers, these dislocations encourage high point defect densities and three-dimensional growth within their vicinity. We find that these point defects can add parasitic recombination pathways and compensate intentional dopants.
Electronic energies from coupled fermionic “Zombie” states' imaginary time evolution
Authors: Bramley Oliver A. , Hele Timothy J. H. , Shalashilin Dmitrii V.
Published: April 2022

Zombie states are a recently introduced formalism to describe coupled coherent fermionic states that address the fermionic sign problem in a computationally tractable manner. Previously, it has been shown that Zombie states with fractional occupations of spin orbitals obeyed the correct fermionic creation and annihilation algebra and presented results for real-time evolution [D. V. Shalashilin, J. Chem. Phys. 148, 194109 (2018)]. In this work, we extend and build on this formalism by developing efficient algorithms for evaluating the Hamiltonian and other operators between Zombie states and address their normalization. We also show how imaginary time propagation can be used to find the ground state of a system. We also present a biasing method, for setting up a basis set of random Zombie states, that allows much smaller basis sizes to be used while still accurately describing the electronic structure Hamiltonian and its ground state and describe a technique of wave function “cleaning” that removes the contributions of configurations with the wrong number of electrons, improving the accuracy further. We also show how low-lying excited states can be calculated efficiently using a Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization procedure. The proposed algorithm of imaginary time propagation on biased random grids of Zombie states may present an alternative to the existing quantum Monte Carlo methods.
Gamow factors and current densities in cold field emission theory: A comparative study
Authors: Biswas Debabrata
Published: April 2022

The factors that contribute to the accuracy of the cold field emission current within the contemporary frameworks are investigated. It is found that so long as the net current is evaluated using an expression for the local current density obtained by linearizing the Gamow factor, the primary source of error is the choice of the energy at which the Taylor expansion is done, but not as much on the choice of the method used to arrive at the approximate Gamow factor. A suitable choice of linearization energy and the implementation of the Kemble correction allow the restriction of errors to below 3% across a wide range of local fields.
Behavior of ions from medium-density plasma in electric field created by plate–grid–plate geometry
Authors: Chen Xing , Li Yunfei , Yuan Kuixun , Chen Risheng , Zhang Zhizhong
Published: April 2022

The behavior of the ions from a medium-density plasma in an electric field created by the plate–grid–plate geometry was simulated with a two-dimensional one-fluid model in which electrons are assumed to be in thermal equilibrium, and the accuracy of the model was verified by comparing with other research results. The results show that the wire mesh parameters of the grid, including the wire mesh diameter and the spacing between the two wires of the grid, have an important influence on the ion extraction time and the ion collection ratio of the cathode plate. The blocking rate of the grid obtained by the theoretical simulation is almost equal to the geometrical blocking rate, and it is minimally affected by the initial ion density. These results can provide guidance for the optimization of wire mesh parameters of the grid, especially for the ion extraction and collection from a pulsed plasma.
Splashing behavior of impacting droplets on grooved superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Guo Chunfang , Liu Lei , Sun Jianxing , Liu Changwan , Liu Senyun
Published: April 2022

During water droplet impingement onto a rice-leaf-inspired grooved superhydrophobic surface, the unidirectional textures can reduce the solid–liquid contact time through modifying the droplet impact dynamics. The influence of the groove geometry on the splashing of impacting droplets is still unrevealed. In this study, we experimentally identify the droplet bouncing and splashing regimes on grooved superhydrophobic surfaces of varying parameters. Asymmetric spreading and retracting of droplets are observed on the surfaces, accompanied by obvious liquid jets generated within the grooves. As the impact velocity increases, secondary droplets are ejected from the rim of the liquid jets, which is the onset of droplet splashing on the grooved superhydrophobic surfaces. We find that the critical Weber number for the splash of liquid jets decreases with the groove width but increases with the droplet diameter. Scaling analysis is performed to model the splashing criteria and explain its dependence on groove parameters and droplet properties. This research advances the understanding of droplet splashing dynamics on textured superhydrophobic surfaces, which is promising for some agricultural and industrial applications.
Improved optical, electrical, and thermal properties of bio-inspired gelatin/SWCNT composite
Authors: Alam Rabeya Binta , Ahmad Md. Hasive , Sakib Pias S. M. Nazmus , Mahmud Eashika , Islam Muhammad Rakibul
Published: April 2022

In this study, we report a facile route to synthesize gelatin-based Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (gelatin/SWCNT) nanocomposites using a simple solution casting process and investigate the impact of SWCNT filler on the structural, surface morphological, optical, electrical, and thermal features. According to the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study, the addition of SWCNTs improves the interaction between gelatin and SWCNTs. The field emission scanning electron microscope images showed the presence of the fillers increased with the increment of SWCNT. The roughness of the samples increased caused by high interfacial interactions between Gel and SWCNTs. The nanocomposite’s optical bandgap was observed to be reduced from 2.1 to 1.9 eV as the SWCNT was varied from 0% to 0.5 vol. %. The addition of SWCNTs significantly boosted the DC electrical conductivity of the prepared samples by four orders of magnitude. The incorporation of SWCNT into the gelatin matrix was also observed to improve the nanocomposite's melting enthalpy and degree of crystallinity up to 94.5%. The gelatin/SWCNT nanocomposites were found to be decomposed completely in 4 days in the soil in an open environment.
Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Prevention, Treatment, Harm Reduction, and Recovery Services for Opioid use Disorder: National Survey of Local Health Departments
Authors: Swann William L. , Schreiber Terri L. , Kim Serena Y. , McNeely Heidi , Hong Jake H.
Published: April 2022

Background: US local health departments (LHDs) have faced the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid epidemic simultaneously. This article investigates the perceived impact of COVID-19 on the continuation of locally available services for addressing opioid use disorder (OUD). Methods: A national survey of US LHDs was conducted from November to December 2020. The survey asked key personnel in LHDs about the availability of OUD services in their jurisdiction, and how COVID-19 impacted such availability (i.e., whether terminated or continued at a reduced, the same, or an increased level after the arrival of COVID-19). Proportions for each impact category were estimated for prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services. Logistic regression tested for rural-urban and regional differences in perceived service impact. Results: An 11.4% (214 out of 1873) response rate was attained. Of the returned surveys, 187 were used in the analysis. Reported terminations were generally low, especially for treatment services. School-based prevention initiatives had the highest termination rate (17.2%, 95% CI = 11.4–25.1%). Prevention services had the highest proportions for continuing at a reduced level, except for recovery mutual help programs (53.9%, 95% CI = 45.2–62.4%). LHDs reported continuing services at an increased level at a higher frequency than terminating. Notably, 72.2% (95% CI = 62.7–80.0%) continued telehealth/telemedicine options for OUD at an increased level, and 23.8% (95% CI = 17.8–31.1%) and 10.0% (95% CI = 5.7–16.7%) reported doing the same for naloxone distribution and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), respectively. More harm reduction services were continued at the same versus at a reduced level. Service continuation differed little between rural-urban LHDs or by region. Conclusions: The impacts of COVID-19 on OUD service availability in LHD jurisdictions may depend on the specific area of opioid response while the long-term consequences of these changes remain unknown.
Probabilistic quantum teleportation of shared quantum secret
Authors: Li Hengji , Li Jian , Chen Xiubo
Published: April 2022

Very recently, Lee et al. proposed a secure quantum teleportation protocol to transfer shared quantum secret between multiple parties in a network [Phys. Rev. Lett.
124 060501 (2020)]. This quantum network is encoded with a maximally entangled GHZ state. In this paper, we consider a partially entangled GHZ state as the entanglement channel, where it can achieve, probabilistically, unity fidelity transfer of the state. Two kinds of strategies are given. One arises when an auxiliary particle is introduced and a general evolution at any receiver’s location is then adopted. The other one involves performing a single generalized Bell-state measurement at the location of any sender. This could allow the receivers to recover the transmitted state with a certain probability, in which only the local Pauli operators are performed, instead of introducing an auxiliary particle. In addition, the successful probability is provided, which is determined by the degree of entanglement of the partially multipartite entangled state. Moreover, the proposed protocol is robust against the bit and phase flip noise.
Parametric decay instabilities of lower hybrid waves on CFETR
Authors: Zhou Taotao , Xiang Nong , Gan Chunyun , Jia Guozhang , Chen Jiale
Published: April 2022

The lower hybrid current drive is a potential candidate for sustaining plasma current in tokamak steady-state operations, which could be used in China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) with input power up to a few tens of megawatts. Such high input power could trigger the well-known parametric instabilities (PIs) at the plasma edge affecting the propagation and absorption of the lower hybrid pump waves. By analytically solving the nonlinear dispersion relation describing PIs, an explicit expression of the PI growth rate is obtained and analyzed in detail. It is found that pressure is the key parameter determining the PI characteristics. Ion sound quasi-mode is the dominant decay channel in the low-pressure regime, while the ion cyclotron quasi-mode (ICQM), as well as its harmonics, becomes dominant in the intermediate regime. In the high-pressure regime, only one mixed channel is found, which is related to Landau damping by free-streaming ions. Analytical expressions of growth rates of these decay channels are also obtained to show the parameter dependence at different pressure limits. The above analytical results are used to estimate the PIs on a typical profile of CFETR, and verified by corresponding numerical calculations. ICQM is found to be the strongest decay channel with a considerable growth rate for CFETR.
Sputtered SnO2 as an interlayer for efficient semitransparent perovskite solar cells
Authors: Fang Zheng , Yang Liu , Jin Yongbin , Liu Kaikai , Feng Huiping , Deng Bingru , Zheng Lingfang , Cui Changcai , Tian Chengbo , Xie Liqiang , Xu Xipeng , Wei Zhanhua
Published: April 2022

SnO2 is widely used as the electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its excellent electron mobility, low processing temperature, and low cost. And the most common way of preparing the SnO2 ETL is spin-coating using the corresponding colloid solution. However, the spin-coated SnO2 layer is sometimes not so compact and contains pinholes, weakening the hole blocking capability. Here, a SnO2 thin film prepared through magnetron-sputtering was inserted between ITO and the spin-coated SnO2 acted as an interlayer. This strategy can combine the advantages of efficient electron extraction and hole blocking due to the high compactness of the sputtered film and the excellent electronic property of the spin-coated SnO2. Therefore, the recombination of photo-generated carriers at the interface is significantly reduced. As a result, the semitransparent perovskite solar cells (with a bandgap of 1.73 eV) based on this double-layered SnO2 demonstrate a maximum efficiency of 17.7% (stabilized at 17.04%) with negligible hysteresis. Moreover, the shelf stability of the device is also significantly improved, maintaining 95% of the initial efficiency after 800-hours of aging.
Erratum to “Boundary layer flow and heat transfer of a Casson fluid past a symmetric porous wedge with surface heat flux”
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Swati , Mandal Iswar Chandra
Published: April 2022

We would like to acknowledge the misprinted terms in our published paper “Boundary layer flow and heat transfer of a Casson fluid past a symmetric porous wedge with surface heat flux” [Chin. Phys. B
23 044702 (2014)]. Since only two misprints exist and the main results of the published paper are correct, we present the correct equations in this erratum.
Scalar dark matter and muon g-2 in a

model *
Authors: Qi XinXin , Yang AiGeng , Liu Wei , Sun Hao
Published: April 2022

We consider a simple scalar dark matter model within the frame of gauged

symmetry. A new gauge boson

, as well as two scalar fields S and Φ, are introduced to the Standard Model (SM), where S and Φ are SM singlets but both carry

charge. The real component and imaginary component of S can acquire different masses after spontaneously breaking symmetry, and the lighter one can play the role of dark matter, which is stabilized by an extra

symmetry. We consider the possibility of light dark matter as well as the co-annihilation case in our model and present the current

anomaly, Higgs invisible decay, dark matter relic density, and direct detection constraints on the parameter space. Direct detection gives the most stringent restriction on the model, and we found that although most of the parameter space is excluded, a mass region of a few GeV is still allowed where the co-annihilation process is also permitted in the model.
Desalination methods and their role in solving and managing the problem of salinization in Iraqi water resources
Authors: Salman Havan H. , Aswad Zahraa S.
Published: April 2022

A rise in the demand for fresh water is due to population growth in desert areas where high-quality, low-salinity water is scarce has prompted a rapid development of desalination technology, which has demonstrated its ability to address as well as resolving the water shortages in many dry locations throughout the world. Despite the benefits that could be realized from desalination under the global water crisis, the majority of people, including those who work in the water sector, regard it as a novel technology due to its lack of application. Currently, Desalinated water is used by only 1% of the global total to meet their daily needs. Nonetheless, the United Nations predicts that by 2025, Water scarcity will afflict 14% of the world’s population. For the reasons indicated in this study, Iraqi water sources have undergone a quantitative and qualitative deterioration, resulting in a rise in salt concentrations.
Cadmium resistant bacteria mediated cadmium removal: a systematic review on resistance, mechanism and bioremediation approaches
Authors: Jebril Nadia , Boden Rich , Braungardt Charlotte
Published: April 2022

Cadmium-resistant bacteria that are used to remove cadmium (Cd) are becoming increasingly of the most important and hygienic method. Resistant mechanisms are involved in different ways, and some of them which can be used in cadmium removal techniques based on their molecular mechanisms and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). This review summarises recent improvements in understanding the mechanisms by which bacteria are either intrinsically resistant or acquire resistance to cadmium to be used as a way for cadmium removal.
Air Pollution Resulted from Coal, Oil and Gas Firing in Thermal Power Plants and Treatment: A Review
Authors: Hannun Rafid M. , Abdul Razzaq Ali H.
Published: April 2022

Air pollution is a worldwide and a local issue caused by energy generation. It refers to global warming deterioration in human environmental health and local-global sustainability. This review provides information on the generation and consumption of energy with their air pollution mixture of many pollutants; gases, liquids and particles. These pollutants have become one of the leading environmental hazards to human and planet health. The components of pollutants that result from burning fossil fuels (oil and gas) and coal have been studied, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particles. Both sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides interact with water to produce acid rain. Both gas and oil-fired thermal power plants emission today and in the future might be transformed to work on renewable energy sources. The results stated that gas-fired power plants are more generally faster efficient, less pollution than oil and coal power plants. A complete assessment of exhaust gas treatment was conducted. Carbon dioxide capture, desulfurization, denitrification, and particle collection were all successful as treatment control mechanisms. So, previous studies presented some methods for reducing nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides through water injection and exhaust gas recycling. The addition of nano-additives in diesel emulsion fuel (W/D) has recently been shown to increase the characteristics and performance of the fuel while reducing the quantity of emitted hydrogen chloride (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO). It was determined that the best nano-additives for W/D were Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3), copper(ii) oxide, magnesium oxide (MgO), manganese oxide (MnO), and zinc oxide (ZnO), among others (E10).
Water management scheme to restore and sustain the Marshes and Shatt al-Arab, Southern Iraq
Authors: Rahi Khayyun , Ali Ali Abdulkhabeer
Published: April 2022

Attempts to restore the Marshes of Southern Iraq (re-marshification) have started in the summer of 2003. After about 18 years, very little has been achieved in the restoration process. The inundated areas fluctuate on an annual basis. The water-covered areas increase during wet years and shrink during dry years. One component of the re-marshification is missing; that is a plan based on actual water flow data and supplies. As a result, the vast area of the original marshes is suffering from saline water and ecological deterioration. In this paper, sustained water supplies are specified to restore an area of about 4440 km2, about 55.5% of the marshes area of 1973, and reclaim the salinity problem of Shatt al-Arab. The basic components of the water supplies scheme come from two sources: the first is the environmental flow from the Tigris, the Euphrates, the Karkheh, and the Karun rivers, and the second is the seasonal flows generated along the eastern borderline of Iraq (i.e., The Iraq-Iran Borderline). The proposed scheme requires some engineering works to convey the water flow to the intended Marshes area and isolate Shatt al-Arab from the marshes hydraulically.
The Judicial Failsafe: American Legal Colonialism in the Philippines
Authors: Foley Timothy J
Published: April 2022

This article evaluates the history of the Filipino judiciary during the period of US rule. It argues that colonial officials used the legal system to ensure US control over the islands by initiating a judicial transition, which contained a series of procedures guaranteeing US officials the power to overrule insular courts or legislatures. The judicial transition refers to the long-term transformation of Filipino law from the Spanish civil law system to an Anglo-American common law system through implementing a new code of civil procedure, changing the official language of legal proceedings to English, and importing US judges to the islands during the first part of the twentieth century. This transition masked a failsafe, which ensured that colonial administrators would retain power despite promises to cede control to the local population. Elements of this failsafe included maintaining a US majority on the Supreme Court of the Philippines, empowering the US Supreme Court to review and overturn decisions of the Filipino Supreme Court, and barring Filipino courts from ruling on matters of importance to the US government such as admiralty cases. The article contends that when taken together, this transition and failsafe constitute a strategy for the United States to maintain substantial control over the Philippines while still maintaining the facade of the benevolent colonizer.
Longitudinal Correlates of Increased Alcohol Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sharma Pravesh , Kamath Celia , Kurani Shaheen , Pazdernik Vanessa , Kremers Hilal Maradit , St. Sauver Jennifer , Croarkin Paul , Geske Jennifer , Prasad Kavita , Patten Christi , Holland Ashely
Published: April 2022

Aims

The objective of this study is to longitudinally assess sociodemographic and psychological correlates of increased alcohol use during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) period among adolescents and young adults.

Methods

Pre-COVID period is defined as the 1-year period on or before 31 March 2020, and during-COVID period is defined as the period from 1st April 2020 to 30 March 2021. Univariable logistic regression models are used to evaluate the association of demographic characteristics, Area Deprivation Index (ADI), rurality, changes in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale severity, and the risk of increased alcohol consumption (binge drinking, number of drinks and drinking regularity) from pre-COVID to during-COVID period.

Results and conclusion

Our study found that worsened anxiety symptoms, older age, being in college and current cigarette smoking status were associated with increased alcohol use among youth during the pandemic year. Socioeconomic position (measured by ADI) and rural status were not found to be associated with increased alcohol use among adolescents and young adults.
FIRM: Flexible integration of single-cell RNA-sequencing data for large-scale multi-tissue cell atlas datasets
Authors: Ming Jingsi , Lin Zhixiang , Zhao Jia , Wan Xiang ,   The Tabula Microcebus Consortium, Consortium T T M , Ezran C , Liu S , Yang Can , Wu Angela Ruohao
Published: April 2022

Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) is being used extensively to measure the mRNA expression of individual cells from deconstructed tissues, organs and even entire organisms to generate cell atlas references, leading to discoveries of novel cell types and deeper insight into biological trajectories. These massive datasets are usually collected from many samples using different scRNA-seq technology platforms, including the popular SMART-Seq2 (SS2) and 10X platforms. Inherent heterogeneities between platforms, tissues and other batch effects make scRNA-seq data difficult to compare and integrate, especially in large-scale cell atlas efforts; yet, accurate integration is essential for gaining deeper insights into cell biology. We present FIRM, a re-scaling algorithm which accounts for the effects of cell type compositions, and achieve accurate integration of scRNA-seq datasets across multiple tissue types, platforms and experimental batches. Compared with existing state-of-the-art integration methods, FIRM provides accurate mixing of shared cell type identities and superior preservation of original structure without overcorrection, generating robust integrated datasets for downstream exploration and analysis. FIRM is also a facile way to transfer cell type labels and annotations from one dataset to another, making it a reliable and versatile tool for scRNA-seq analysis, especially for cell atlas data integration.
Clinical outcomes of surgical and imatinib treatment for rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumours: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Honma Yoshitaka , Shoji Hirokazu , Hirano Hidekazu , Inoue Manabu , Takamizawa Yasuyuki , Moritani Konosuke , Imaizumi Jun , Kanemitsu Yukihide
Published: April 2022

Background

Rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are rare and treated mainly by radical surgery. Although the importance of perioperative imatinib has been recognized, there are few reports on its outcomes.

Method

Consecutive patients diagnosed with rectal GISTs between July 2008 and February 2021 were identified from a prospective database. Effects of perioperative imatinib were investigated, and surgical and survival outcomes were compared between neoadjuvant imatinib and upfront surgery.

Results

34 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Compared with upfront surgery (n = 11), the neoadjuvant imatinib group (n = 23) had significantly larger tumours (median size 8.3 versus 2.5 cm; P = 0.01) and included a significantly greater proportion of high-risk patients according to the modified Fletcher classification (20/23 (87.0%) versus 6/11 (54.5%); P = 0.02). Comparing the operation planned based on imaging before neoadjuvant imatinib and the operation performed, there was an increase in sphincter-preserving surgery (4/23 (17.4%) to 11/23 (47.8%); P = 0.02), abdominoperineal resection 11/23 (47.8%) reduced to 7/23 (30.4%); P = 0.13) and total pelvic exenteration reduced from 8/23 (34.8%) to 5/23 (21.7%); P = 0.01). Tumours were downsized by a median of 30 per cent (range 0 per cent to −56 per cent; P =  0.01). During follow-up (median 42, range 5–131 months), there was no postoperative recurrence in 29 patients who received perioperative imatinib. One of the five patients who underwent surgery without neoadjuvant or adjuvant imatinib developed local recurrence.

Conclusion

Treatment with imatinib for rectal GISTs seems to improve outcomes, and neoadjuvant imatinib increases the rate of sphincter-preserving surgery.
A novel edible packaging film based on chitosan incorporated with persimmon peel extract for the postharvest preservation of banana
Authors: Hu Dongsheng , Liu Xiaogang , Qin Yuyue , Yan Jiatong , Li Jiang , Yang Qiliang
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to develop a novel edible packaging film for the postharvest preservation of banana based on chitosan (CS) and persimmon peel extract (PPE). Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that PPE was evenly distributed in the CS matrix and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that CS and PPE interacted to form hydrogen bonds, demonstrating good compatibility. Simultaneously, the addition of PPE also significantly improved the physical properties and antioxidant activity of the CS film. Among them, the CS film containing 10% PPE (CS-PPE 10) showed the optimal mechanical properties, water vapor barrier properties and oxygen barrier properties. The CS film containing 15% PPE (CS-PPE 15) exhibited the best thermal stability, UV-Vis barrier properties and antioxidant activity. In the experiment on banana preservation, CS-PPE 10 film obtained optimal performance on decreasing senescence spots, weight loss, fruit softening, and cell wall degradation, inhibiting the activities of polyphenol oxidase and cell wall-degrading enzymes and maintaining the content of total soluble sugar and ascorbic acid during the storage period. Consequently, CS-PPE 10 film was expected to be a novel edible packaging material to maintain banana quality and prolong shelf life.
A natural genetic variation screen identifies insulin signaling, neuronal communication, and innate immunity as modifiers of hyperglycemia in the absence of Sirt1
Authors: Palu Rebecca A S , Owings Katie G , Garces John G , Nicol Audrey
Published: April 2022

Variation in the onset, progression, and severity of symptoms associated with metabolic disorders such as diabetes impairs the diagnosis and treatment of at-risk patients. Diabetes symptoms, and patient variation in these symptoms, are attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but identifying the genes and pathways that modify diabetes in humans has proven difficult. A greater understanding of genetic modifiers and the ways in which they interact with metabolic pathways could improve the ability to predict a patient’s risk for severe symptoms, as well as enhance the development of individualized therapeutic approaches. In this study, we use the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel to identify genetic variation influencing hyperglycemia associated with loss of Sirt1 function. Through analysis of individual candidate functions, physical interaction networks, and gene set enrichment analysis, we identify not only modifiers involved in canonical glucose metabolism and insulin signaling, but also genes important for neuronal signaling and the innate immune response. Furthermore, reducing the expression of several of these candidates suppressed hyperglycemia, making them potential candidate therapeutic targets. These analyses showcase the diverse processes contributing to glucose homeostasis and open up several avenues of future investigation.
A Systematic Review on Navigation Programs for Persons Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina M , Shiers-Hanley Jessica E , Li Zoe , Hitzig Sander L
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

System navigation programs are becoming more available to meet the needs of patients with complex care needs. The aim of this review was to systematically assess the outcomes of navigation programs for persons with dementia and their family caregivers.

Research Design and Methods

A systematic review methodology was employed. Ten databases were searched for all relevant articles published until October 30, 2021. English-language full-text articles were included if they focused on implemented navigation program(s) that primarily supported persons with dementia who were aged 50 or older. Methodological quality was assessed by 2 independent raters using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale, the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology checklist, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

Fourteen articles were included in the review. There was Level 1 evidence for the benefits of system navigation programs on delaying institutionalization, wherein benefits appeared to be specific to interventions that had an in-person component. There was Level 1 (n = 4) and Level 3 (n = 1) evidence on service use from time of diagnosis to continued management of dementia. Finally, Level 1 to Level 5 evidence indicated a number of benefits on caregiver outcomes.

Discussion and Implications

There is strong evidence on the benefits of system navigation for people with dementia on delaying institutionalization and caregiver outcomes, but outcomes across other domains (i.e., functional independence) are less clear, which may be due to the varied approaches within system navigation models of care.
A stochastic Gauss–Newton algorithm for regularized semi-discrete optimal transport
Authors: Bercu Bernard , Bigot Jérémie , Gadat Sébastien , Siviero Emilia
Published: April 2022

We introduce a new second order stochastic algorithm to estimate the entropically regularized optimal transport (OT) cost between two probability measures. The source measure can be arbitrary chosen, either absolutely continuous or discrete, whereas the target measure is assumed to be discrete. To solve the semi-dual formulation of such a regularized and semi-discrete optimal transportation problem, we propose to consider a stochastic Gauss–Newton (SGN) algorithm that uses a sequence of data sampled from the source measure. This algorithm is shown to be adaptive to the geometry of the underlying convex optimization problem with no important hyperparameter to be accurately tuned. We establish the almost sure convergence and the asymptotic normality of various estimators of interest that are constructed from this SGN algorithm. We also analyze their non-asymptotic rates of convergence for the expected quadratic risk in the absence of strong convexity of the underlying objective function. The results of numerical experiments from simulated data are also reported to illustrate the finite sample properties of this Gauss–Newton algorithm for stochastic regularized OT and to show its advantages over the use of the stochastic gradient descent, stochastic Newton and ADAM algorithms.
Association between maternal exposure to chemical fertilizer and the risk of birth defects in a rural population in northern China: a population-based study
Authors: Li Jiajia , Lin Shiqi , Wu Jilei , Pei Lijun , Shang Xuejun
Published: April 2022

Background

Maternal exposure to pesticides during early pregnancy is associated with increased risks of birth defects, while the association between maternal exposure to chemical fertilizer during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects remains unknown.

Methods

Data were from a population-based birth defects surveillance system between 2007 and 2012 in Pingding County, Shanxi Province, northern China. A total of 14 074 births with 235 birth defects were used to estimate spatial clustering and correlations at the village level. A population-based case–control study of 157 cases with birth defects and 204 controls was performed to investigate the association between maternal chemical fertilizer exposure and the risk of birth defects by a two-level logistic model.

Results

The total prevalence of birth defects between 2007 and 2012 was 167.0/10 000 births. The spatial analysis indicated a remarkable high-risk area of birth defects in the southeast of Pingding County and the use of chemical fertilizer was associated with the risk of birth defects at the village level. After adjusting for confounders at the individual level, mothers who live in villages with chemical fertilizer application ≥65 tons/y had an increased risk of birth defects (adjusted odds ratio 2.06 [95% confidence interval 1.23 to 3.46]) compared with those of <65 tons/y.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the risk of birth defects may be associated with the use of chemical fertilizer in rural northern China. The findings must be cautiously interpreted and need to be investigated on larger samples.