bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-Specific Prevalence, Demographic Characteristics, and Risk Factors of Tinnitus in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Arnold Michelle L. , Dhar Sumitrajit , Lee David J. , Perreira Krista M. , Pupo Daniel , Tsalatsanis Athanasios , Sanchez Victoria A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of any and chronic tinnitus among female and male individuals from varied Hispanic/Latino backgrounds and to estimate associations between risk factors for chronic tinnitus.

Method:

Our analysis used cross-sectional baseline data collected from 2008 to 2011 from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Prevalence estimates and multivariable logistic regression were conducted using survey methodology. Participants included 15,768 adults (8,229 women and 7,539 men) aged 18–76 years. The primary outcome of interest was chronic tinnitus, defined as self-reported tinnitus lasting ≥ 5 min at a time and at least once per week. We hypothesized that after adjusting for covariates, the risk factors of depressed and anxious symptoms, smoking history, hypertension, and noise exposure history would be associated with higher odds of chronic tinnitus.

Results:

Unstratified prevalence for any tinnitus was 32.9%, and for chronic tinnitus, it was 12.1%. Sex-stratified results demonstrated that 2,995 female individuals (36.4%) and 2,187 male individuals (29.0%) reported any tinnitus, and of these, 1,043 female individuals (12.7%) and 870 male individuals (11.5%) reported chronic tinnitus. In the fully adjusted model, depressed and anxious symptoms as well as recreational noise exposure were associated with higher odds of chronic tinnitus in female individuals (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.06, confidence interval [CI; 1.04, 1.07]; 1.02, CI [1.01, 1.04]; and 1.40, CI [1.20, 1.62]) and in male individuals (ORs = 1.06, CI [1.03, 1.08]; 1.05, CI [1.02, 1.08]; and 1.30, CI [1.05, 1.65]). Current smoking was a risk factor for chronic tinnitus in male individuals (OR= 1.53, CI [1.16, 2.02]).

Conclusions:

Prevalence of any and chronic tinnitus in the HCHS/SOL baseline cohort is higher than that reported in previous studies, particularly among female individuals. Understanding risk factors associated with tinnitus is important for the development of culturally and linguistically appropriate public health programs that consider sex differences and promote lifestyle modifications known to lower the odds of experiencing tinnitus.
Psychometric Properties of the English–Spanish Vocabulary Inventory in Toddlers With and Without Early Language Delay
Authors: De Anda Stephanie , Cycyk Lauren M. , Moore Heather , Huerta Lidia , Larson Anne L. , King Marika
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

Despite the increasing population of dual language learners (DLLs) in the United States, vocabulary measures for young DLLs have largely relied on instruments developed for monolinguals. The multistudy project reports on the psychometric properties of the English–Spanish Vocabulary Inventory (ESVI), which was designed to capture unique cross-language measures of lexical knowledge that are critical for assessing DLLs' vocabulary, including translation equivalents (whether the child knows the words for the same concept in each language), total vocabulary (the number of words known across both languages), and conceptual vocabulary (the number of words known that represent unique concepts in either language).

Method:

Three studies included 87 Spanish–English DLLs (
M
age
= 26.58 months,
SD
= 2.86 months) with and without language delay from two geographic regions. Multiple measures (e.g., caregiver report, observation, behavioral tasks, and standardized assessments) determined content validity, construct validity, social validity, and criterion validity of the ESVI.

Results:

Monolingual instruments used in bilingual contexts significantly undercounted lexical knowledge as measured on the ESVI. Scores on the ESVI were related to performance on other measures of communication, indicating acceptable content, construct, and criterion validity. Social validity ratings were similarly positive. ESVI scores were also associated with suspected language delay.

Conclusions:

These studies provide initial evidence of the adequacy of the ESVI for use in research and clinical contexts with young children learning English and Spanish (with or without a language delay). Developing tools such as the ESVI promotes culturally and linguistically responsive practices that support accurate assessment of DLLs' lexical development.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17704391
On the Benefits of Speech-Language Therapy for Individuals Born With Cleft Palate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data
Authors: Sand Anders , Hagberg Emilie , Lohmander Anette
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is a common birth defect, and after reconstructive surgery, about 50% of children at 5 years of age have speech deviations and are referred to speech-language therapy (SLT). The peer-reviewed evidence for the benefit of SLT has been uncertain. Our objective was to systematically review and meta-analytically summarize the benefit of SLT for individuals born with CLP.

Method:

A systematic search was conducted (last search on February 19, 2021) on studies evaluating SLT with pre and post measures on speech production, language ability, intelligibility, and/or patient-reported outcomes. We sought individual participant data (IPD) and evaluated on an individual level if the outcome measure had improved to a clinically relevant degree during SLT and if the outcome measure was on a level with peers or not after SLT. Meta-analyses and meta-regressions were applied to synthesize IPD across studies.

Results:

Thirty-four eligible studies were found. Nineteen studies provided IPD (n= 343) for the main analysis on speech production. The synthesized information suggests that, during SLT, speech production improved to a clinically relevant degree for many individuals (95% CI [61%, 87%]) and that speech production was on a level with peers for some individuals after SLT (95% CI [10%, 34%]).

Conclusions:

The main strength of this meta-analysis is that we evaluated on an individual level pre- and post-intervention data based on considerations of clinical relevance. This approach allowed us to conclude that many individuals benefit from SLT and that further work on evaluating SLT in this patient group is meaningful.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17700992
Efficient modeling of correlated noise
Authors: Delisle J.-B. , Unger N. , Hara N. C. , Ségransan D.
Published: January 2022

The radial velocity method is a very productive technique used to detect and confirm extrasolar planets. The most recent spectrographs, such as ESPRESSO or EXPRES, have the potential to detect Earth-like planets around Sun-like stars. However, stellar activity can induce radial velocity variations that dilute or even mimic the signature of a planet. A widely recognized method for disentangling these signals is to model the radial velocity time series, jointly with stellar activity indicators, using Gaussian processes and their derivatives. However, such modeling is prohibitive in terms of computational resources for large data sets, as the cost typically scales as the total number of measurements cubed. Here, we present S+LEAF 2, a Gaussian process framework that can be used to jointly model several time series, with a computational cost that scales linearly with the data set size. This framework thus provides a state-of-the-art Gaussian process model, with tractable computations even for large data sets. We illustrate the power of this framework by reanalyzing the 246 HARPS radial velocity measurements of the nearby K2 dwarf HD 138038, together with two activity indicators. We reproduce the results of a previous analysis of these data, but with a strongly decreased computational cost (more than two order of magnitude). The gain would be even greater for larger data sets.
Collision-induced satellite in the blue wing of the Balmer-β line and consequences on the Balmer series
Authors: Spiegelman F. , Allard N. F. , Kielkopf J. F.
Published: January 2022

In this paper we emphasize the non-Lorentzian behavior of the Balmer series in helium-dominated DBA white dwarf stars for which the decades-old problem exists for the determination of the hydrogen abundance. In a very recent work, we have shown that quasi-molecular line satellites due to H-He and H-H collisions are responsible for the asymmetrical shape of the Lyman-α lines observed with the Cosmic Origin Spectrograph and that a similar asymmetry exists for the Balmer-α line profiles. In continuation with very recent work, where the n = 2, 3 potential energies and transition dipole moments from the ground state were determined, here, we present accurate H-He potential energies and electronic transition dipole moments concerning the molecular states correlated with H(n = 4)+He and their transition dipole moments with the states correlated with H(n = 2)+He. Those new data are used to provide a theoretical investigation of the collisional effects in the blue wing of the Balmer-β line of H perturbed by He. Because of the general trend characterizing the repulsive Σ states of the potential energies involved in the Balmer series, the amplitude in the core of the line is decreasing very fast with the order of the series when the helium density gets as large as 1021 cm−3. This study is undertaken by applying a unified theory of spectral line broadening that is valid at very high helium densities found in DZA white dwarf stars. The treatment includes collision-induced line satellites due to asymptotically forbidden transitions, and it explains the asymmetry observed in their spectra.
Intraoperative Measurement of Intracranial Pressure During Cranial Vault Remodeling in Children with Craniosynostosis
Authors: Bansal Sonia , Konar Subhas , Shukla Dhaval , Srinivas Dwarakanath , Pandey Vishram , Jayan Mini , Sadashiva Nishanth , Devi Bhagavatula Indira
Published: January 2022

Purpose In this study, we analyzed the utility of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring intraoperatively for deciding height reduction and need for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion during cranial vault remodeling in children with multisutural craniosynostosis (CS).

Methods This is a retrospective observational study of children who underwent surgery for CS and ICP monitoring during surgery. The ICP was monitored using an external ventricular drainage catheter. The ICP monitoring was continued during the entire procedure.

Results A total of 28 (19 boys) children with the involvement of two or more sutures underwent ICP monitoring during surgery. The commonest pattern of suture involvement was bicoronal seen in 16 (57.1%) children followed by pancraniosynostoses in eight (28.6%) cases. The mean opening ICP was 23 mm Hg, which dropped to 10.9 mm Hg after craniotomy. The ICP increased transiently to 19.5 mm Hg after height reduction, and the mean ICP at closure was 16.2 mm Hg. The ICP recordings helped in undoing the height reduction in two children and ventriculoperitoneal shunt after surgery in two children.

Conclusions Intraoperative monitoring of ICP helps in deciding the type of cranial vault remodeling and the need for CSF diversion after surgery.
Intractable Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to Osteoma of the Clivus: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Abdulla Ebtesam , Das Krishna , Ravindra Joseph , Shah Tejal , George Sara
Published: January 2022

Skull base osteomas (SBOs) are benign tumors that are frequently detected on radiographic images by coincidence. They are known for being slow-growing tumors and rarely symptomatic. The therapeutic approach for SBOs can differ substantially. Depending on the symptoms, size, and location of the tumor, this can range from serial observation to vigorous surgical extirpation. Clival osteoma is extremely rare. We report a case of clival osteoma, causing intractable trigeminal neuralgia due to the pressure effect on the trigeminal nerve at Meckel's cave. We also provide a review of pertinent literature. A 37-year-old woman presented with intractable trigeminal neuralgia. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a large, lobulated, extra-axial lesion involving the right cerebellopontine angle and epicentering the clivus. Pathologically, the specimen was proven to be osteoma. The patient reported complete symptom resolution over a 4-year follow-up period. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first clinical case of intractable trigeminal neuralgia due to clival osteoma.
Chromene-based fluorescent probes for sensing and bioimaging
Authors: Ma Kaiqing , Zhao Lingling , Yue Yongkang , Yin Caixia
Published: January 2022

Chromene is an important motif in natural products and is the backbone for a range of fluorescent molecules. Chromene derivatives are particularly important for biological applications because of their distinctive photophysical and chemical properties. Recent research efforts have been focused on utilizing chromene-based probes motif for biological sensing applications. Most notably, the “thiol-chromene” click reaction realized the selective and rapid recognition of thiols. This Review presents the various chromene-based probes for a range of biologically relevant analytes. This includes examples of sensors for thiols, amino acids, hydrogen peroxide, and nitroreductase, as well as subcellular organelle-targeted probes.
Enhanced magnetisation with increased chromium concentration in FeCoCrxNi2Al high-entropy alloy
Authors: Perumal Hari Prasanth , Jadhav Mahesh , Abhinav E. Meher , Sinha Jaivardhan , Singh Sheela
Published: January 2022

The present work reports the effect of increasing concentration of antiferromagnetic element Cr in FeCoCrxNi2Al ( x = 0.5, 1.5) high entropy alloy (HEA) on their magnetic properties. We find that the structure and composition of different phases present in HEA significantly affects its magnetic properties. Interestingly, the sample with Cr concentration x = 1.5 showed two times larger saturation magnetisation as compared to x = 0.5. Furthermore, the magnetisation versus temperature response shows multi-phase character and exhibits distinct behaviour in low temperature and high temperature regime in both the samples. The obtained soft ferromagnetic behaviour of these HEA is crucial for the development of a new class of HEA for various applications.
Direct bonding of bimetallic structure from Ti6Al4V to Ti48Al2Cr2Nb alloy by laser additive manufacturing
Authors: Liu Zhan-Qi , Zhu Xiao-Ou , Yin Gui-Li , Zhou Qi
Published: January 2022

A TC4/TiAl bimetallic structure (BS) was successfully fabricated by laser additive manufacturing (LAM) to investigate the microstructure evolution of the transition zone. The results presented that the microstructures of the transition zone consisted of α (α-Ti), α2 (Ti3Al) and γ (TiAl). The evolution rule of the microstructures was (more α + less α2) → (more α2 + less γ) → (more γ + less α2) from the TC4 alloy side to the TiAl alloy side in the transition zone. The mechanical properties of the LAMed BS specimens revealed that the tensile strength reached that of the as-deposited TiAl alloy. The fracture was located at the TiAl alloy side near the transition zone and the fracture surfaces showed a quasi-cleavage fracture morphology.
Collision enhanced hyper-damping in nonlinear elastic metamaterial
Authors: Yu Miao , Fang Xin , Yu Dianlong , Wen Jihong , Cheng Li
Published: January 2022

Nonlinear elastic metamaterial, a topic which has attracted extensive attention in recent years, can enable broadband vibration reduction under relatively large amplitude. The combination of damping and strong nonlinearity in metamaterials may entail extraordinary effects and offer the capability for low-frequency and broadband vibration reduction. However, there exists a clear lack of proper design methods as well as the deficiency in understanding properties arising from this concept. To tackle this problem, this paper numerically demonstrates that the nonlinear elastic metamaterials, consisting of sandwich damping layers and collision resonators, can generate very robust hyper-damping effect, conducive to efficient and broadband vibration suppression. The collision-enhanced hyper damping is persistently presented in a large parameter space, ranging from small to large amplitudes, and for small and large damping coefficients. The achieved robust effects greatly enlarge the application scope of nonlinear metamaterials. We report the design concept, properties and mechanisms of the hyper-damping and its effect on vibration transmission. This paper reveals new properties offered by nonlinear elastic metamaterials, and offers a robust method for achieving efficient low-frequency and broadband vibration suppression.
Independently tunable dual resonant dip refractive index sensor based on metal–insulator–metal waveguide with Q-shaped resonant cavity
Authors: Chen Haowen , Qi Yunping , Ding Jinghui , Yuan Yujiao , Tian Zhenting , Wang Xiangxian
Published: January 2022

A plasmonic resonator system consisting of a metal–insulator–metal waveguide and a Q-shaped resonant cavity is proposed in this paper. The transmission properties of surface plasmon polaritons in this structure are investigated by using the finite difference in time domain (FDTD) method, and the simulation results contain two resonant dips. The physical mechanism is studied by the multimode interference coupled mode theory (MICMT), and the theoretical results are in highly consistent with the simulation results. Furthermore, the parameters of the Q-shaped cavity can be controlled to adjust the two dips, respectively. The refractive index sensor proposed in this paper, with a sensitivity of 1578 nm/RIU and figure of merit (FOM) of 175, performs better than most of the similar structures. Therefore, the results of the study are instructive for the design and application of high sensitivity nanoscale refractive index sensors.
A self-powered and sensitive terahertz photodetection based on PdSe2
Authors: Zhou Jie , Wang Xueyan , Chen Zhiqingzi , Zhang Libo , Yao Chenyu , Du Weijie , Zhang Jiazhen , Xing Huaizhong , Fu Nanxin , Chen Gang , Wang Lin
Published: January 2022

With the rapid development of terahertz technology, terahertz detectors are expected to play a key role in diverse areas such as homeland security and imaging, materials diagnostics, biology, medical sciences, and communication. Whereas self-powered, rapid response, and room temperature terahertz photodetectors are confronted with huge challenges. Here, we report a novel rapid response and self-powered terahertz photothermoelectronic (PTE) photodetector based on a low-dimensional material: palladium selenide (PdSe2). An order of magnitude performance enhancement was observed in photodetection based on PdSe2/graphene heterojunction that resulted from the integration of graphene and enhanced the Seebeck effect. Under 0.1-THz and 0.3-THz irradiations, the device displays a stable and repeatable photoresponse at room temperature without bias. Furthermore, rapid rise (5.0 μs) and decay (5.4 μs) times are recorded under 0.1-THz irradiation. Our results demonstrate the promising prospect of the detector based on PdSe2 in terms of air-stable, suitable sensitivity and speed, which may have great application in terahertz detection.
Grand canonical partition function of a serial metallic island system
Authors: Harata Pipat , Srivilai Prathan
Published: January 2022

We present a calculation of the grand canonical partition function of a serial metallic island system by the imaginary-time path integral formalism. To this purpose, all electronic excitations in the lead and island electrodes are described using Grassmann numbers. The Coulomb charging energy of the system is represented in terms of phase fields conjugate to the island charges. By the large channel approximation, the tunneling action phase dependence can also be determined explicitly. Therefore, we represent the partition function as a path integral over phase fields with a path probability given in an analytically known effective action functional. Using the result, we also propose a calculation of the average electron number of the serial island system in terms of the expectation value of winding numbers. Finally, as an example, we describe the Coulomb blockade effect in the two-island system by the average electron number and propose a method to construct the quantum stability diagram.
Numerical evidence of persisting surface roughness when deposition stops
Authors: Wang Chuan , Xia Hui
Published: January 2022

Do evolving surfaces become flat or not with time evolving when material deposition stops? As one qualitative exploration of this interesting issue, modified stochastic models for persisting roughness have been proposed by Schwartz and Edwards (2004 Phys. Rev. E 70 061602). In this work, we perform numerical simulations on the modified versions of Edwards–Wilkinson (EW) and Kardar–Parisi–Zhang (KPZ) systems when the angle of repose is introduced. Our results show that the evolving surface always presents persisting roughness during the flattening process, and sand dune-like morphology could gradually appear, even when the angle of repose is very small. Nontrivial scaling properties and differences of evolving surfaces between the modified EW and KPZ systems are also discussed.
Fitting electron spectrum from AMS-02 by pulsar electrons
Authors: Butsaracom Kritaporn , Cantlay Brandon Khan , Wechakama Maneenate
Published: January 2022

In this work, we aim to explain the latest data of cosmic-ray electrons from AMS-02 by an electron background model and pulsar electrons. We consider an electron background model which includes primary and secondary electrons. We assume that pulsars are major sources of the electron excess. Since electrons easily lose their energy through the interstellar radiation field and the magnetic field via inverse Compton scattering and synchrotron radiation, respectively, they propagate in a short length. We adopt nearby pulsar data in the distance of 1 kpc from the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) pulsar catalogue. By using a Green’s function of an electron propagation model, we then fit pulsar parameters (i.e. the spectral index, the fraction of the total spin-down energy and the cutoff energy) for several cases of a single pulsar. With a combination of the electron background model, several cases of pulsar spectrum are able to explain the electron excess.
Isochrone fitting of ACS survey globular clusters using the PAdova and TRieste Stellar Evolution Code (PARSEC)
Authors: Chehlaeh N
Published: January 2022

We present new isochrone fits to color magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of five globular clusters (GCs) including NGC 1261, NGC 1851, NGC 2298, NGC 3201, and NGC 4590. We used archival data obtained from the Advanced Camera for Survey (ACS) on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The data of these five GCs were collected in F606W (V) and F814W (I) filters. In this study, the isochrone fitting to GC CMDs was analyzed using the PAdova and TRieste Stellar Evolution Code (PARSEC), which is the fundamental tool for age and distance estimation and modelling the evolution of stellar clusters and other galaxies. The main purpose is to estimate the fundamental physical properties of the GC samples using the PARSEC code and compare with results from published articles. The fundamental physical parameters determined in the study are age, metallicity, reddening, and distance modulus. The theoretical isochrone fits properly with the shape of CMD at the turn-off point that can be used to estimate the age and metallicity of clusters. We found that the age of these five GCs; NGC 1261, NGC 1851, NGC 2298, NGC 3201, and NGC 4590 are 12.6±1.0 Gyr, 12.0±1.0 Gyr, 12.7±1.0 Gyr, 12.0±1.0 Gyr, and 13.0±1.0 Gyr, respectively. Among the analyzed clusters, the results show that NGC 4590 is the oldest GC and has lowest metallicity value compare with other cluster samples. Studies of the properties and distribution of GCs play an important role to understand formation and evolution of the Milky Way.
Retrieving exoplanet atmospheric parameters using random forest regression
Authors: Munsaket Patcharawee , Awiphan Supachai , Chainakun Poemwai , Kerins Eamonn
Published: January 2022

Understanding of exoplanet atmospheres can be extracted from the transmission spectra using an important tool based on a retrieval technique. However, the traditional retrieval method (e.g. MCMC and nested sampling) consumes a lot of computational time. Therefore, this work aims to apply the random forest regression, one of the supervised machine learning technique, to retrieve exoplanet atmospheric parameters from the transmission spectra observed in the optical wavelength. We discovered that the random forest regressor had the best accuracy in predicting planetary radius (

R

F
i
t

2

= 0.999) as well as acceptable accuracy in predicting planetary mass, temperature, and metallicity of planetary atmosphere. Our results suggested that the random forest regression consumes significantly less computing time while gives the predicted results equivalent to those of the nested sampling PLATON retrieval.
Astronomical seeing forecast for the Thai National Observatory
Authors: Macatangay Ronald , Rattanasoon Somsawat
Published: January 2022

Forecasting the astronomical seeing above an observatory can assist astronomers plan their observations. In this study, the astronomical seeing above the Thai National Observatory (TNO) in Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai, Thailand was simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The model outputs were then compared to Polaris seeing observations and using the Differential Image Motion Monitor (DIMM). Results showed that the forecasts capture the variation of the astronomical seeing fairly well. However, bias correction is needed on the simulations due to lack of data from meteorological balloons to constrain the model.
The new evidence from the fingerprint region in FT-IR spectra to indicate the heat treatment of blue sapphire sample
Authors: Phlayrahan A , Homkhajorn H
Published: January 2022

FT-IR spectroscopy is a significant method to detect the heat treatment of gemstones, especially ruby and sapphire. There are a set of certain peaks, i.e., 3309, 3232, and 3185 cm−1 in the FT-IR spectra used as an indicator to determine whether the samples have been undergone heat treatment. In this study, however, new evidence has emerged. The O-Al-O bending vibration peak at the fingerprint region around 600-700 cm−1 has been suggested as new clues to define the heated stones. The blue sapphire samples were prepared, then the heat treatment was performed separately at 800, 1000, 1200, 1400, and 1650 °C under an oxidizing atmosphere with a soaking time of 1 hour. The energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) shows that there is no significant difference in the chemical composition of Al2O3, Fe2O3, TiO2, and Ga2O3 between unheated and heated samples. The alteration of blue color and the UV-Vis absorption spectra are also difficult to classify. When comparing the samples at each heating temperature, the alteration of blue color was not related to one another because the color of the samples was decreased depending on those of the unheated ones. The FT-IR spectra revealed that the broad absorption peak of O-Al-O bending at approximately 650 cm−1 was slightly shifted to a lower wavenumber (630 – 635 cm−1) after the samples were heated at higher temperatures. The broad absorption peak also turned into a sharper one when the sample has undergone heating at ≥1000 °C. It is suggested that the peak is related to the rearrangement of the Al2O3 structure of the blue sapphire sample after heat treatment.
Facile synthesis of high purity silica xerogel from rice straw
Authors: Yosma Oranut , Yuenyao Chalad
Published: January 2022

This research aims to synthesize a silica xerogel from rice straw that is a residue biomass generating from agriculture. Purity and morphological structure of synthesized silica xerogel are also studied. The first step of the synthesis is the preparation of sodium silicate from rice straw ash that is then used as silica source. To prepare a silica source, pretreated rice straw was burnt at 700 °C for 2 h to obtain a rice straw ash. After that resulted rice straw ash is washed and reacted with 1.0 M HCl and 2.0 M NaOH aqueous solution at 80 °C for 1 h, respectively. The reacted solution is then filtrated two times by a no.41 filter paper and ion exchange resin, respectively. The obtained sodium silicate is mixed with 1.0 M HCl under stirring for 6 h to produce the nano-silica. To increase the purity of nano-silica xerogels, as-synthesized silica was washed with deionized water for 3 times. Washed silica is dried in electric oven at 85 °C overnight and calcined at 500 °C for 5 h. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS) and % whiteness are employed to evaluate the morphology and purity of particles. Experimental results showed that nano-silica with purity up to 99.0 wt% was completely synthesized. Different morphological structure of silica synthesized under pH of 7, 8 and 9 were obtained.
Environment friendly concrete block made from Portland cement and aggregate replacement materials
Authors: Kaewsai B , Torkittikul P , Chaipanich A
Published: January 2022

This research work investigated the properties of concrete block made from Portland cement and aggregate replacement materials. Portland cement (PC) was replaced by fly ash (FA) at 10%, 20%, 30% and sand was replaced by bottom ash (BA) at 10% by weight. Water was used at 7% by weight of total solid mass. Binder : Sand : Stone dust ratio of 1 : 5 : 6, 1 : 4 : 5 and 1 : 3.5 : 4.5 were used. Compressive strength were tested after curing in air for 28 days. The results showed that compressive strength of 1 : 5 : 6 ratio was lower than others. Concrete block replaced PC by fly ash had lower compressive strength when amount of fly ash increased. Concrete block had lower compressive strength when replaced sand by bottom ash. As a result, the mixes with FA as PC replacement and BA as sand replacement at the ratio of 1 : 5 : 6 did not meet the requirement of Thai industrial standard. However, concrete block with PC replaced by fly ash at 10%, 20% and sand replaced by bottom ash at 10% of 1 : 3.5 : 4.5 ratio was higher than 1 : 5 : 6 ratio and this ratio meet the requirement of Thai industrial standard.
Structural and electronic properties of LiMnO2 doped with transition metals: A first-principles study
Authors: Chaiyaocha Nontawat , Sukkabot Worasak
Published: January 2022

A spin density functional calculations of structural and electronic properties of LiMnO2 doped with several transition metals (Sc, V and Tc) are reported. The physical properties of LiMnO2 material are sensitive with the transition-metal dopants. Transition metal dopants enhance the lattice parameters and volumes, thus increasing the Li diffusion channel. The computations underscore that d orbitals of transition metals are located around the Fermi level. V doping in LiMnO2 demonstrates the enhancement in the electronic conductivity due to the volumetric expansion. Finally, these results deliver a valuable information for the transition-metal doped LiMnO2 cathode materials to improve the performance of lithium batteries.
Preparation and electrostrictive properties of polyurethane filled with polypyrrole-carbon black for the energy harvesting application
Authors: Hirunchulha K , Jehlaeh K , Putson C
Published: January 2022

The polymer composites based on electrostrictive materials with high polarization are attracting scientists because of the prospect of application in energy conversion and electromechanical performance. Polyurethane is one of a good flexible dielectric polymers which is more interesting in electromechanical applications due to its easy fabrication, high dielectric constant, and high electrostrictive coefficient. This work focuses on the dielectric properties and electrostrictive properties of Polyurethane (PU) filled with Polypyrrole-Carbon Black (PPy-CB) various the different concentrations. All polymer composites were prepared by using a film-casting process in solution with DMF solvent. The dielectric properties and conductivity of thin films were investigated by using LCR meter at 1-105 Hz. The results showed that the dielectric constant of composites significantly increases when the concentration of PPy-CB was increased. Moreover, the electrostrictive coefficient of composites also increases when the concentration of PPy-CB was increased. Furthermore, the electrical breakdown stretches were analyzed by using the Weibull model, this result will discuss the relationship when the PPy-CB fillers were used.
An application of reflective holographic gratings for measurement of cylindrical curvature
Authors: Inneam Chanikan , Srinuanjan Keerayoot , Yindeesuk Witoon
Published: January 2022

This paper presented an application of reflective holographic gratings for the measurement of cylindrical curvature. The surface of the fabricated holographic grating was coated with gold by the sputtering method, where it became a reflective holographic grating. The grating was attached to the surface of various radius cylindrical objects. The diffraction pattern produced by the bent grating with different radius was observed by illuminating a laser beam normal to the grating surface. The gratings constant were calculated from the observed diffraction pattern. The relationship between the grating constants and the radius of cylindrical objects was obtained. The grating constant and the reciprocal of the radius of cylindrical objects was a linear relationship, with the least R-square between 0.85-0.97. Moreover, the y-intercept of the relationship between the grating constants and the reciprocal radius was consistent with the grating constant of the non-bended grating. As the radius of the grating approach is infinite, the reciprocal of the radius approaches zero, which is a non-bend grating. We can apply this method to measure the radius of cylindrical objects.
The overlapped latent fingerprint separation by using Fourier Optics (FO)
Authors: Sommit Nichchar , Chitaree Ratchapak
Published: January 2022

Latent fingerprints are one of the most important pieces of evidence left at a crime scene and can be linked to all individuals involved. Each person’s fingerprints are unique and permanent, becoming an ideal biometric trait for the personal identification by extracting and comparing characteristic points (minutiae) of ridges. The overlapping fingerprint cases are frequently encountered in a crime scene and causing a difficult interpretation for an investigator. The problem has been challenging for forensic scientists over a decade. The method proposed in this study for the separation of overlapped latent fingerprints is based on the well-known spatial filtering method in the Fourier Optics (FO). Instead of tackling the problem by experiment, an alternative and simple means of image processing was proposed and conducted. The working principles start form converting spatial domain patterns (an image of overlapped fingerprints) to spatial frequency domain patterns or power spectrum, filtering out unwanted components (unwanted fingerprint) by appropriate spatial filters, and finally converting the modified pattern back to spatial domain patterns (an image of suspect fingerprint). As a result, the final image is improved from its original state. The periodic pattern of ridges is the key that allows FO to be used in the separation of the overlapped fingerprints. In this work, the procedures described are simply performed by an open source software: ImageJ. The FO-based image processing technique satisfactorily demonstrated its ability to recover an individual fingerprint from overlapping fingerprints.
Students’ understanding of the inverse square law in electrostatics
Authors: Unyapoti Trai , Sujarittham Thanida , Sirininlakul Siri
Published: January 2022

One problem of learning Electrostatics is that students often learn from their commonsense beliefs about electric force and electric field. This study investigated students’ conceptual understanding of finding electric force, electric field, and electric potential of point charge after learning an introductory physics course. We administered the Electrostatics Conceptual Evaluation Test to four lecture-based classes in high school. The first question was a comparison of the electric force from two-point charges at two different positions and the second question was a comparison of the electric field from a point charge at two different positions. The use of the inverse square law is required to find the electric force and the electric field at various positions. It was found that many students answered incorrectly. They described that the electric force and the electric field decrease whereas the distance increases by neglecting the inverse square law. This finding can be particularly used to suggest high school teachers to develop their effective strategy to support student learning.
Measuring refractive index gradient of sugar solution
Authors: Tanalikhit Pattarapon , Worakitthamrong Thanabodi , Chaidet Nattanon , Kanchanapusakit Wittaya
Published: January 2022

To measure refractive index at a particular altitude in a solution with vertical refractive index gradient, a transparent wedge-shaped container was constructed altogether with the development of mathematical formula derived from the Snell’s law. The refractive index of the solution can be calculated by measuring the angles of incoming and outgoing laser beams relative to respective normal line. By varying height of the laser beam, the refractive index as a function of height of a sugar solution was obtained. This technique is applied to investigate Fata Morgana which is a kind of superior mirage resulting from bending of light in a medium with density gradient.
The environmental monitoring system at the COSINE-100 experiment
Authors: Kim H. , Adhikari G. , Barbosa de Souza E. , Carlin N. , Choi J.J. , Choi S. , Djamal M. , Ezeribe A.C. , França L.E. , Ha C. , Hahn I.S. , Jeon E.J. , Jo J.H. , Joo H.W. , Kang W.G. , Kauer M. , Kim H.J. , Kim K.W. , Kim S.H. , Kim S.K. , Kim W.K. , Kim Y.D. , Kim Y.H. , Ko Y.J. , Lee E.K. , Lee H. , Lee H.S. , Lee H.Y. , Lee I.S. , Lee J. , Lee J.Y. , Lee M.H. , Lee S.H. , Lee S.M. , Leonard D.S. , Manzato B.B. , Maruyama R.H. , Neal R.J. , Olsen S.L. , Park B.J. , Park H.K. , Park H.S. , Park K.S. , Pitta R.L.C. , Prihtiadi H. , Ra S.J. , Rott C. , Shin K.A. , Scarff A. , Spooner N.J.C. , Thompson W.G. , Yang L. , Yu G.H.
Published: January 2022

The COSINE-100 experiment is designed to test the DAMA
experiment which claimed an observation of a dark matter signal from
an annual modulation in their residual event rate. To measure the
1 %-level signal amplitude, it is crucial to control and monitor
nearly all environmental quantities that might systematically mimic
the signal. The environmental monitoring also helps ensure a stable
operation of the experiment. Here, we describe the design and
performance of the centralized environmental monitoring system for
the COSINE-100 experiment.
Real-time parametric estimation of periodic wake-foil interactions using bioinspired pressure sensing and machine learning
Authors: Xu Wen-Hua , Xu Guo-Dong , Shan Lei
Published: January 2022

Periodic wake-foil interactions occur in the collective swimming of bio-inspired robots. Wake interaction pattern estimation (and control) is crucial to thrust enhancement and propulsive efficiency optimization. In this paper, we study the wake interaction pattern estimation of two flapping foils in tandem configurations. The experiments are conducted at a Reynolds number of 1.41 × 104 in a water channel. A modified wake-foil phase parameter Φ, which unifies the influences of inter-foil distance L

x
, motion phase difference Δφ and wake convection velocity U

v
, is introduced to describe the wake interaction patterns parametrically. We use a differential pressure sensor on the downstream foil to capture wake interaction characteristics. Data sets at different tandem configurations are collected. The wake-foil phase Φ is used to label the pressure signals. A one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNN) model is used to learn an end-to-end mapping between the raw pressure measurements and the wake-foil phase Φ. The trained 1D-CNN model shows accurate estimations (average error 3.5%) on random wake interaction patterns and is fast enough (within 40 ms). Then the trained 1D-CNN model is applied to online thrust enhancement control of a downstream foil swimming in a periodic wake. Synchronous force monitoring and flow visualization demonstrate the effectiveness of the 1D-CNN model. The limitations of the model are discussed. The proposed approach can be applied to the online estimation and control of wake interactions in the collective swimming and flying of biomimetic robots.
Completing bases in four dimensions
Authors: Havlicek Hans , Svozil Karl
Published: January 2022

Criteria and constructive methods for the completion of an incomplete basis of, or context in, a four-dimensional Hilbert space by (in)decomposable vectors are given.
Research of Vertical Migration and Occurrence of Cd and As in Acid Paddy Soil under Simulated Irrigation
Authors: Jie Ren , Zhan Wen , Guochun Lu
Published: January 2022

According to the research of vertical migration and occurrence of Cd and As in acid paddy soil, the conclusions are as follows. The longitudinal migration of Cd in TZkb1, TZ1, TZ2, TZ3 and TZ5 found that Cd in the upper and lower layers of soil columns all lost to varying degrees with the increase of water injection contents (irrigation years). With the longitudinal leaching of irrigation water, when the adsorption capacity of the soil was greater than the water injection and rinsing capacity, the trend of accumulation (TZ4-TZ6) further appeared. The vertical migration results of As in TZkb1, TZ1, TZ2, TZ3 and TZ5 found that As mainly accumulated in the upper layer of soil columns. Without considering other output ways, it can be seen that the binding ability of As to acid paddy soil was stronger than Cd, and its cumulative efficiency in 20 years was higher than Cd. However Cd cumulative efficiency of TZ3 and TZ5 in acid paddy soil may be greater than As with time. In general, As was less affected by irrigation water on vertical leaching of soil columns compared with Cd.
Metal Fuels as Alternative Sources of Energy for Zero Carbon Emission
Authors: Liu T , Panahi A
Published: January 2022

Global climate change is a pressing challenge of the 21st century that has gained attention of scientists and governments. It has been proven that climate change is largely associated with human activities such as burning fossil fuels to produce electricity, which emits excessive amounts of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses. To combat this concern, carbon free alternative energy sources have been proposed. Current renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are expensive and limited. However, metal fuels could prove to be one of the solutions for those limitations. Since fossil fuels are the most common source of energy production, to be viable on a global scale, any new form of carbon-free energy must be economically competitive with fossil fuels. This work will determine the theoretical economic costs of several different metals which have comparable energy densities with fossil fuels. Furthermore, this work will evaluate the viability of these metals on a global scale based on their economic costs compared to fossil fuels including natural gas, petroleum, and coal. Additionally, further economic comparisons will be conducted with other forms of renewable energies, such as solar power, wind power, and hydropower.
Using Recycling Aluminum Cans as Composite Materials Aluminum Fiber
Authors: Shoag Md , Rahman M F
Published: January 2022

The sustained and developing construction industry needs a vast amount of material because it is becoming more extensive and sustainable day by day. Problems are also increasing in line with development. Many advanced composite materials and solutions are coming up in the current construction industry to solve these problems. However, these require more comfortable and extensive use. For that, we have to find out cheap and sustainable materials. This research paper aims to combine advanced materials and solutions to create more sustainable solutions and new material. That will enrich the industry and increase more use in the path of development of the construction industry. The factors that have to consider in doing so, these materials and solutions are how much economical, available in the market, able to solve chronic problems, easier to use, and sustainability. Recycled aluminum cans are going to be the material for this study.
Multifunctional Landscapes for Resilient Neighbourhoods
Authors: Amritha P K
Published: January 2022

The rise in population has affected the environmental quality and liveability of urban areas. This brings in new challenges to address the resilience capacity of the cities. The multifunctionality of urban areas are considered to be one of the strategies to build urban resilience. The paper explores the development of multifunctional landscapes from a neighbourhood planning perspective. For this, it considers open spaces within a neighbourhood as an element which can be conserved and transformed to productive spaces where waste generated within a neighbourhood is treated and used for developing green spaces. Besides, the system provides an opportunity to transform such land parcels within the city into productive spaces thereby integrating solid waste management and landscape development sustainably. The proposed concept discusses the social, economic and environmental benefits of implementing such spaces which are inevitable in the pursuit of wellbeing and quality of life of the people in a resilient city. At a broader level, the system proposed contributes in making green spaces in any neighbourhood and in the long run, this concept should find its place in urban planning policies of similar city contexts to ensure that our cities, its system of waste management and their landscapes remain sustainable.
Some Thoughts on Building a Green and Low-Carbon Circular Economy System—Taking Shenzhen as an Example
Authors: Wang Zhi , Zhang Huizhi , Wu Siqi
Published: January 2022

The report of the 19th National People’s Congress of China proposed to implement the new development concept, promote green development, and establish a sound economic system for green and low-carbon circular development. As one of the most active coastal cities in China’s economic development, Shenzhen regards the development of green industries as an important measure to promote economic restructuring, emphasizes green innovation in science and technology, and has achieved certain results in green development. However, Shenzhen’s green development also faces problems such as lack of systematic and coordinated development strategies and institutional obstacles. Focusing on the strategic goal of “creating a pilot demonstration zone of socialism with Chinese characteristics”, the author discussed the governance path of Shenzhen’s construction of a green and low-carbon circular economic system from the perspective of effective governance, and formed a scientific decision-making mechanism, sound laws and regulations, and Countermeasures and suggestions in several aspects, such as the standard system, perfecting economic policies, and promoting the deep integration of science and technology policies and technological innovation.