bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a Dedicated Extremity MRI Scanner for Depicting Anatomic Structures of Common Wrist Pathologies: A Pilot Comparison with a 3-Tesla MRI Scanner
Authors: Yin Qi , Kichari Jayant R. , Alebeek Adriana H.J. van , Korteweg Mies A. , Teunissen Bernd P. , Ritt Marco J.P.F.
Published: May 2022

Background This pilot study explored the value of a dedicated extremity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner by focusing on the qualitative depiction of important wrist structures in common wrist pathologies, the overall image quality, artifacts, and participant experience in undergoing the examinations.

Methods Images of the right wrist of 10 healthy adult volunteers were acquired with a 0.31-Tesla (T) dedicated extremity MRI and a 3-T MRI system, using a dedicated wrist coil. Images were separately evaluated by three radiologists. Paired images were randomized and graded for the visibility of anatomical details, including the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC; central disc, meniscus homolog, and ulnar attachment), carpal ligaments (scapholunate [SL] and lunotriquetral [LT] ligaments), intercarpal cartilage, and median and ulnar nerves. Mean values and standard deviations of evaluation results were calculated for each sequence. Participants' experience in undergoing the examination in both MRI scanners was explored using a questionnaire.

Results The mean values of anatomic structures and overall image quality were significantly in favor of the 3-T MRI scanner, compared with the dedicated extremity MRI scanner. With respect to patient satisfaction in undergoing the examination, the overall trend suggested that patients were more in favor of the dedicated extremity MRI scanner.

Conclusion For defining the real clinical value of the dedicated MRI scanner in the treatment of hand and wrist pathology, studies focused on pathologies are needed, which is certainly warranted, considering the important benefits of these devices including lower costs and higher accessibility for both patients and health care providers.
Treatment of First Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis with Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review
Authors: McGinley Beau M. , Siracuse Brianna L. , Gottschalk Michael B. , Wagner Eric R.
Published: May 2022

Background First carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis or trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis is a common debilitating hand condition. No one surgical technique has demonstrated superiority in managing this disease.

Purpose This study performed a systematic review of arthroscopic techniques for treating first CMC arthritis to assess the effectiveness of different arthroscopic techniques.

Methods Grip strength, pinch strength, visual analog scale, the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, range of motion (ROM), and complications were recorded. Two subgroup analyses were performed, comparing outcomes of (1) trapeziectomy of any type versus debridement alone and (2) trapeziectomy alone versus interposition versus suspension techniques.

Results Preoperative and postoperative scores significantly improved for DASH scores and pain at rest and with activity with variable improvements in ROM. Complications occurred in 13% of cases in publications that reported complications. When comparing studies that utilized techniques with any type of trapeziectomy to debridement alone, only the trapeziectomy subgroup showed significant improvements in pain. When comparing trapeziectomy alone to interposition and suspension techniques, mean DASH scores and pain levels significantly improved in interposition and suspension subgroups.

Conclusions The existing literature describes a predominantly female population with Eaton-Littler stage II and III disease. In the subgroup analysis, arthroscopic techniques involving a trapeziectomy seem to be more effective at lowering pain scores compared to techniques involving debridement alone. Likewise, interposition and suspension techniques may show improved outcomes compared to techniques involving trapeziectomy alone.

Level of evidence This is a Level III study.
A study on micro-step flow using a hybrid direct simulation Monte Carlo–Fokker–Planck approach
Authors: Mahdavi Amirmehran , Roohi Ehsan
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate the recirculation zone in a micro-step geometry using a hybrid molecular direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) Fokker–Planck (FP) approach. As this hybrid approach benefits from the accuracy of the DSMC and reduced computational cost of FP, very low Knudsen number (Kn) and high Reynolds number (Re) cases were investigated for the first time. In particular, the role of Kn, specularity of walls, and Re was evaluated on the formation of concave and convex vortices. The Kn and Re ranges were from 0.0001 to 100 and from 0.04 to 5940, respectively. The latter considers a wide range of flow regimes from laminar to transitional flow. It is the first time that transitional flows have been treated in a micro-step using a rarefied flow solver. We demonstrated the formation of a vortex on the top wall of the micro-step geometry for low Kn conditions in the range of 0.0001 <Kn < 0.001. Extended positive pressure gradient in the geometry was found to be the cause of this secondary recirculation region. It was demonstrated that the recirculation zone lays on the vertical wall for Kn >1. It was shown that making the junction and bottom wall of the step specular did not eliminate the concave vortex but rather led to an increase in its strength. In addition, cold-to-hot transfer could be observed in all cases due to the competition between the higher-order term of the heat flux formula with the Fourier term.
Experimental study of the effect of air split ratio on thermoacoustic instability in a centrally-staged swirl burner
Authors: Han Meng , Han Xiao , Wang Jianchen , Gao Xianzhi , He Pei , Feng Xiaoxing , Zhou Yuchen
Published: May 2022

This study focuses on one of the critical design parameters of lean premixed (LPM) combustors—the air split ratio (ASR) between the pilot and main stages. The effect of the air split ratio on thermoacoustic instability is experimentally studied based on a centrally staged model combustor. It is found that the thermoacoustic instability is suppressed with the ASR higher than 20%. The acoustic modes of ASR lower than 20% are dominated by the main stage mode, while the others are controlled by the pilot stage mode. The time-averaged flame shapes and the flame dynamics are processed and discussed. With the increase in ASR, the pilot flame becomes longer, whereas the main flame becomes shorter. Meanwhile, the pilot and main flames become less separated. Moreover, the flame in the outer shear layer (OSL) is extinguished, which is the key to suppressing the thermoacoustic instability. The flame with lower ASR exhibits large-scale periodic axial motion of flame dynamics. The flow fields of ASR = 15% (unstable) and ASR = 30% (stable) are analyzed and discussed to help reveal the differences in thermoacoustic instability between the two cases. It is found that the primary recirculation zone is smaller with ASR = 30%. Higher vorticity and strain rate distributions found in the OSL are believed to quench the flame there. The present study illustrates that a higher air split ratio improves the thermoacoustic stability, which is helpful in designing LPM combustors.
Large-eddy simulation of wind-turbine wakes over two-dimensional hills
Authors: Zhang Ziyu , Huang Peng , Bitsuamlak Girma , Cao Shuyang
Published: May 2022

Wind-turbine wakes over two-dimensional (2D) hills with different slope gradients are systematically investigated using large-eddy simulation with wind turbine parameterized as actuator disk model and hilly terrain modeled by immersed boundary method. The chosen hill models represent typical hilly terrains with and without flow recirculation in the wake of the hills. The flow characteristics of wind-turbine wakes [including mean velocity, wake-center trajectory, turbulence statistics, and mean kinetic energy (MKE) budgets] and the power performance are analyzed, and the related flow mechanisms are elucidated in our study. It is found that the velocity deficit in turbine wakes cannot be acceptably represented by the Gaussian model in the wake of the steep hill until at a further distance. It is also found that the assumption that the wake-center trajectory maintains a nearly constant elevation downwind of the hilltop proposed by Shamsoddin and Porté-Agel [“Wind turbine wakes over hills,” J. Fluid Mech. 855, 671–702 (2018)] may not be applicable in particular for the steep hill cases. Furthermore, the hilltop is the optimal location for turbine placement because the turbine harvests more wind energy due to the speed-up effect and suffers less fatigue loading due to the lower turbulence levels. Both the turbulence levels and the magnitude of vertical turbulent flux are found to drop below those of the flat ground case on the windward side of the hills, and they also decrease within the hill wake region compared with the no-turbine cases. A detailed analysis of MKE budgets reveals that the budgets of pressure transport and mean convection are mainly responsible for balancing the MKE in turbine wakes over hilly terrain.
A method for pore-scale simulation of single-phase shale oil flow based on three-dimensional digital cores with hybrid mineral phases
Authors: Duan Lian , Sun Hai , Zhang Lei , Jin Zhehui , Fan Dongyan , He Yanxiang , Yang Yongfei , Zhang Kai , Yao Jun
Published: May 2022

The mineral properties of the pore walls have a great influence on the single-phase shale oil flow at the pore scale. In this paper, a new method is proposed for pore-scale simulation of single-phase shale oil flow based on digital cores with hybrid mineral phases. This method can identify each mineral pore wall and correspondingly consider the adsorption layer and slippage boundary condition. First, three-dimensional (3D) digital cores with hybrid mineral phases are reconstructed from two-dimensional (2D) scanning electron microscope images of a shale sample, and correspondingly the pore space is divided with computational grids. Second, a mathematical model of shale fluid flow is established based on the Navier–Stokes (N–S) equation, combined with the slip length and viscosity formula. Finally, the equations are discretized on the mesh by the finite volume method and solved by the semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations for flow simulation of shale oil in the 3D digital cores. By applying the method, we analyze effects of total organic carbon in volume, slippage, and adsorption on the single-phase shale oil flow based on 3D digital cores with hybrid mineral phases.
Intergenerational, integrative and intellectual Pacific properties and pathways for life (IPforLife): a study protocol
Authors: Dewes Ofa , Milne Barry , Sporle Andrew
Published: May 2022

Introduction Chronic disease such as cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, mental health and obesity have debilitating effects on sufferers with impacts seen increasingly at a younger age. A whole-of-family approach to life-course research is essential to inform health and wellbeing policies and programmes that make a difference for children, youth, adults, and later in life. Aim The aim is to present the research protocol about a study to understand the impact of chronic conditions on families, with an emphasis on outcomes that have life-long benefits, and co-develop a sustainable and culturally centred life-course programme for overall health and wellbeing. Methods The qualitative study will assess the family, household and community strengths that allow people in the Tokelau community to thrive despite the challenges of living in households with chronic disease. A total of 200 participants will be involved in family group and stakeholder focus group interviews, digital storytelling and community-based participatory action workshops, and the implementation and evaluation of action plans. The study will be augmented by Pacific research models, and the New Zealand Health Research Council Pacific guidelines. Results Research findings will have implications for policy and primary health-care delivery, and the potential to upscale and construct life-enhancing pathways across the life-course. Discussion Understanding Tokelauan families’ health status, exposure to health hazards, access to health services and medicines, and the strengths of the family unit and community that allows them to thrive despite the challenges of living with chronic conditions, can help to inform policy and practice, and achieve better health outcomes for them.
Effects of common carp on water quality and submerged vegetation: results from a short-term mesocosm experiment in an artificial wetland
Authors: Peterson Douglas , Pearson James , Simpson William
Published: May 2022

Bioturbation by non-native common carp (carp) can facilitate an ecosystem phase shift from clear to turbid water in shallow lakes and ponds, with negative effects on abundance of aquatic animals and plants. Management of carp often involves reducing populations below a threshold biomass at which important components of the aquatic ecosystem, like submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), recover. To evaluate control targets for a nuisance carp population in Malheur Lake in SE Oregon, USA, we conducted a mesocosm experiment in a small wetland within the lake’s drainage basin. We stocked 200-m2 enclosures with individual or multiple carp of different age classes at target biomasses of 50, 100, and 300 kg ha−1. We measured turbidity, total suspended sediments, nutrients, chlorophyll-a, and surface coverage of SAV four times within a single growing season. Turbidity increased through time and soluble P was higher in 300 kg ha−1 carp treatments compared to the control, but few changes were observed for any of the other variables at any biomass. Results suggest that with well established SAV, a maintenance carp biomass threshold of <200 kg ha−1 will not result in a phase shift from a clear- to turbid-water state in the short-term.
Handling talk
Authors: Bressem Jana , Wegener Claudia
Published: May 2022

This paper discusses how a particular type of recurrent gesture, the holding away gesture, highlights and structures spoken utterances in German and Savosavo, a Papuan language spoken in Solomon Islands in the Southwest Pacific. In particular, the paper poses the following questions: What kinds of discursive functions of this gesture are observable in these speech communities? How do they map onto the two speech communities? Are there cross-linguistic similarities and differences detectable? What motivates similarity and variation across speech communities? UtilizingFraser’s (1999)pragmatic classification of discourse markers, it is shown that the holding away gesture shows the connection of topics and messages. For both languages, we explore the functional diversity of the gesture. Some functions are found in both data sets, though the proportions differ, while others are exclusively found in one or the other. Finally, we discuss how differences in discourse type and interactional setting may facilitate specific forms and uses of the holding away gesture.
French and British children’s shrugs
Authors: Beaupoil-Hourdel Pauline , Morgenstern Aliyah
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a multimodal and form-based approach to language development grounded in situated practices and focuses on the longitudinal analysis of a composite gesture, the shrug, in two datasets of mother-child interactions in French and British English. The shrug in its full-fledged form can combine a palm-up, lifted shoulders, a head tilt, raised eyebrows and a mouth shrug (Kendon, 2004;Streeck, 2009). All formal components and functions of the two children’s shrugs between the ages of 1 and 4;2 were coded within the multimodal ongoing discourse. Multiple correspondence analyses were combined with detailed qualitative analyses. Despite differences in the two children, interesting similarities in the development were observed over three periods: (1) absence is mainly expressed with palm-ups; (2) both children start using head tilts and shoulder lifts to express epistemicity and interpersonal positioning; (3) head tilts increase, and each body part is more clearly associated with one function.
The Slapping movement as an embodied practice of dislike
Authors: Ladewig Silva H. , Hotze Lena
Published: May 2022

This paper introduces the Slapping movement as an embodied practice of dislike or meta-commentary recurring in conflictive situations between German children aged four to six (Hotze, 2019). Children move this way primarily in stopping a co-participant’s action and protesting against the action to be stopped. The Slapping movements documented showed different manners of execution. Some forms appeared to be very expressive, others were more schematic. Inspired by a phenomenological approach to gestures our analysis shows that the movement qualities show different degrees of communicative effort and affective intensity which respond to the inter-affective dynamics unfolding between the participants of a situation. This means that the affective intensities unfolding in an interaction not only give rise to the Slapping movement, but they also influence how the hands are moved. In more detail, we observed that the higher the affective intensities become the larger and more vigorous the Slapping movements are.
The relationship between extramural English engagement and the vocabulary size of L1 Cantonese speakers in Macau
Authors: Tam Ho I (Anna) , Reynolds Barry Lee
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the relationship between the English vocabulary size of first language Cantonese speakers in Macau (N = 77) and engagement in extramural English activities. The 140-item Vocabulary Size Test was used to collect data on participants’ vocabulary size and a 13-item questionnaire tapped into background learning experiences as well as participation in 16 extramural activities. Small correlations between vocabulary size and book reading, subtitled television viewing, non-subtitled online video viewing, level of education, study abroad experience, and travel abroad experience were found. A medium correlation between vocabulary size and language of instruction in secondary school was also found. A four variable sequential regression accounted for 26% of the variance in participants’ vocabulary sizes, with book reading adding the most explanatory power after language of instruction in secondary school had been eliminated. The impact of extramural activities on vocabulary size and pedagogical implications for the Macau and similar contexts were discussed.
Multilayer graphene-based radiation modulator for adaptive infrared camouflage with thermal management
Authors: Ding Pei , Wang Pei , Su Jinchao , Mao Bo , Ren Mengshuai , Xu Kun , Tian Shuo , Li Yan , Tian Ximin , Wang Junqiao
Published: May 2022

Graphene film is a promising thermal camouflage and thermal management material because of its thin, light, flexible structural characteristics and controllable broad-spectrum electromagnetic radiation modulation properties. In this study, a thermal radiation modulator (TRM) based on multilayer graphene (MLG) was studied by simulation and an equivalent transmission line model. The physical mechanism underlying the spectral characteristics and the sensitivity of infrared (IR) radiation modulation to the number of graphene layers is revealed. Furthermore, to solve the problem of thermal instability in the MLG-based TRM, a design scheme integrating a TRM and a meta-absorber is proposed. By electrical control of the MLG, the improved modulator can achieve dynamic emissivity modulation in the wavelength ranges of 3–5 µm and 8–14 µm for adaptive thermal camouflage while maintaining a high emissivity at 5–8 µm for radiative cooling. The compatibility of tunable IR emission and radiative heat dissipation enables graphene to be used for thermal camouflage in complex environments and at high temperatures. The results not only promote the exploration of advanced thermal camouflage materials or devices but also provide inspiration for the application of graphene in thermal management, thermophotovoltaics, IR displays and communications.
First-principles calculations of bulk WX2 (X = Se, Te) as anode materials for Na ion battery
Authors: Mamoor Muhammad , Lian Ruqian , Wu Xiaoyu , Wang Yizhan , Saadoune Ismael , Wei Yingjin
Published: May 2022

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides are promising anode materials for Na ion batteries (NIBs). In this study, we carried out a comprehensive investigation to analyze the structural, electrochemical characteristics, and diffusion kinetics of bulk WX2 (X = Se, Te) by employing first-principles calculation in the framework of density functional theory. We deeply studied the full intercalation of Na+ in WX2 and diagnosed Na
y
X phase through conversion reaction mechanism. The voltage range of 2.05–0.48 V vs Na/Na+ for Na
y
WSe2 and 2.26–0.65 V for Na
y
WTe2 (y = 0–3) have been noted. Density of states analysis showed metallic behavior of WX2 (X = Se, Te) during sodiation. The facile pathways for Na+ mobility through WX2 have shown that tungsten dichalcogenides are inferred as excellent electrode material for NIBs.
The chemical bond in solids—revisited
Authors: Jones R O
Published: May 2022

This article complements an earlier topical review of the chemical bond (Jones 2018 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter
30 153001), starting in the mid-19th century and seen from the perspective of a condensed matter physicist. The discussion of applications focused on the structure and properties of phase change materials. We review here additional aspects of chemistry, particularly some that have raised interest recently in this context. Concepts such as ‘electron-rich’, ‘electron-deficient (excess orbital)’, ‘hypervalent’, ‘three-centre’, and ‘metavalent’ bonds, and ‘multicentre hyperbonding’ are now found in the condensed matter literature. They are surveyed here, as well as the bond in metals and the ‘Peierls’ distortion. What are these concepts, are they related, and are they sometimes new labels for established, but unfamiliar ideas? ‘Half bonds’ and ‘fractional valencies’ play a central role in this discussion. It is remarkable that they were introduced 100 years ago, but ignored or forgotten, and have needed to be rediscovered more than once.
Electrical resistance tomography-based multi-modality sensor and drift flux model for measurement of oil–gas–water flow
Authors: Rashed Sara , Faraj Yousef , Wang Mi , Wilkinson Stephen
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a novel method to measure each constituent of an oil–gas–water mixture in a water continuous flow, typically encountered in many processes. It deploys a dual-plane electrical resistance tomography sensor for measuring dispersed phase volume fraction and velocity; a gradiomanometer flow density meter and a drift flux model to estimate slip velocities; with absolute pressure and temperature measurements. These data are fused to estimate constituent volume flow rates. Other commonly used operational parameters can be further derived: water cut or water liquid ratio (WLR) and gas volume fraction (GVF). Trials are described for flow rates of water 5–10 m3 h−1; oil 2–10 m3 h−1 and gas 1–15 m3 h−1. The comparative results are included with published data from the Schlumberger Gould Research flow facility. The paper proposes the use of the described configuration for measurement of volume flow rates in oil–gas–water flows with an absolute error of ±10% within GVF 9%–85% and WLR > 45%.
Improving device performance of MAPbI3 photovoltaic cells by manipulating the crystal orientation of tetragonal perovskites
Authors: Chandel Anjali , Bin Ke Qi , Chiang Shou-En , Chang Sheng Hsiung
Published: May 2022

The properties of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) crystalline thin films and the device performance of highly efficient MAPbI3 photovoltaic cells are investigated by varying the temperature of the antisolvent from 20 °C to 50 °C during the washing enhanced nucleation (WEN) process. The surface, structural, optoelectronic and defect properties of the perovskite thin films are characterized through atomic-force microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and photoluminescence spectrometry. The experimental results show that changing the temperature of the antisolvent during the WEN process can manipulate the MAPbI3 crystalline thin films from the (110)–(002) complex phase to a (002) preferred phase. It is noted that the highest power conversion efficient of the inverted MAPbI3 photovoltaic cells is 19.30%, mainly due to the increased carrier collection efficiency and reduced carrier recombination when the temperature of the antisolvent is 30 °C.
Reference-free learning-based similarity metric for motion compensation in cone-beam CT
Authors: Huang H , Siewerdsen J H , Zbijewski W , Weiss C R , Unberath M , Ehtiati T , Sisniega A
Published: May 2022

Purpose. Patient motion artifacts present a prevalent challenge to image quality in interventional cone-beam CT (CBCT). We propose a novel reference-free similarity metric (DL-VIF) that leverages the capability of deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) to learn features associated with motion artifacts within realistic anatomical features. DL-VIF aims to address shortcomings of conventional metrics of motion-induced image quality degradation that favor characteristics associated with motion-free images, such as sharpness or piecewise constancy, but lack any awareness of the underlying anatomy, potentially promoting images depicting unrealistic image content. DL-VIF was integrated in an autofocus motion compensation framework to test its performance for motion estimation in interventional CBCT.

Methods. DL-VIF is a reference-free surrogate for the previously reported visual image fidelity (VIF) metric, computed against a motion-free reference, generated using a CNN trained using simulated motion-corrupted and motion-free CBCT data. Relatively shallow (2-ResBlock) and deep (3-Resblock) CNN architectures were trained and tested to assess sensitivity to motion artifacts and generalizability to unseen anatomy and motion patterns. DL-VIF was integrated into an autofocus framework for rigid motion compensation in head/brain CBCT and assessed in simulation and cadaver studies in comparison to a conventional gradient entropy metric.

Results. The 2-ResBlock architecture better reflected motion severity and extrapolated to unseen data, whereas 3-ResBlock was found more susceptible to overfitting, limiting its generalizability to unseen scenarios. DL-VIF outperformed gradient entropy in simulation studies yielding average multi-resolution structural similarity index (SSIM) improvement over uncompensated image of 0.068 and 0.034, respectively, referenced to motion-free images. DL-VIF was also more robust in motion compensation, evidenced by reduced variance in SSIM for various motion patterns (σ
DL-VIF = 0.008 versus σ
gradient entropy = 0.019). Similarly, in cadaver studies, DL-VIF demonstrated superior motion compensation compared to gradient entropy (an average SSIM improvement of 0.043 (5%) versus little improvement and even degradation in SSIM, respectively) and visually improved image quality even in severely motion-corrupted images.

Conclusion: The studies demonstrated the feasibility of building reference-free similarity metrics for quantification of motion-induced image quality degradation and distortion of anatomical structures in CBCT. DL-VIF provides a reliable surrogate for motion severity, penalizes unrealistic distortions, and presents a valuable new objective function for autofocus motion compensation in CBCT.
Shifts in the BCFW method for QED *
Authors: Li Ke , Liu Yuxin , Yan Qi-Shu , Zhao Xiaoran
Published: May 2022

We study the application of BCFW recursion relations to the QED process

. Based on 6-point amplitudes (both MHVA and NMHVA) computed from Feynman diagrams in the Berends-Giele gauge, we conduct a comprehensive study on different shifts. Subsequently, we propose a new shift (LLYZ shift), which can lead to the full amplitudes of these processes and have several realistic computational advantages. We compare the number of terms and independent amplitudes of this novel shift with those of a few typical shifts.
Towards a generic receiver chain for particle detectors
Authors: Krystofiak L. , Rössing F. , Zambanini A. , Grewing C. , van Waasen S.
Published: May 2022

A software-adaptable receiver tackles some of the highest challenges in particle detector development. While a generic approach never reaches the same performance as a dedicated development, it covers most application fields and can cut down development time and costs. Prototyping and verification of readout methods prior to the building of the complete systems are also facilitated. An in-depth study of existing particle detectors was conducted to define requirements that such a system will have to fulfill. In parallel, a first investigation of configurability is conducted to assess feasibility using an ADC as the central block in the receiver.
Validation and performance comparison of different types of combined scintillation detectors for animal PET imaging system using GATE simulation
Authors: Sadremomtaz A. , Mohammadi Ghalebin M.
Published: May 2022

The selection of suitable high-efficiency scintillation
detectors plays an essential role in improving the quality of PET
images. Many studies have used two layers of crystal detectors with
different scintillation materials. This research uses GATE
simulation to simulate an animal PET system with a two-layer
detector. By varying the type of the crystal detectors, essential
parameters such as sensitivity, scatter fraction, noise equivalent
counting rate, spatial resolution, energy resolution, and time
resolution for different scintillation materials were calculated and
compared to determine the most efficient solutions. This simulation
used scintillating materials; LYSO, GSO, LSO, BGO, YAP, LuAP, and
LPS in 12 different states. Results showed that by increasing the
distance of the source from the center in the radial direction, the
two-layer crystals with different scintillation materials have a
better radial spatial resolution than the same material of
crystals. As a general result, the PET system's performance,
designed from two-layer crystals with different scintillation
materials, lower layer LuAP and upper layer BGO or same-material of
BGO, is more desirable than the rest.
Convolution algebra of superoperators and nonseparability witnesses for quantum operations
Authors: Sohail S , Sen Ujjwal
Published: May 2022

We define a product between quantum superoperators which is preserved under the Choi–Jamiołkowski–Kraus–Sudarshan channel-state isomorphism. We then identify the product as the convolution on the space of superoperators, with respect to which the channel-state duality is also an algebra isomorphism. We find that any witness operator for detecting nonseparability of quantum operations on separated parties can be written entirely within the space of superoperators with the help of the convolution product.
The Agricultural Water Footprint of Al-Qadisiyah Governorate, Southern Iraq
Authors: Wisam Wedaa Zainab , Abed Salwan Ali , Ewaid Salam Hussein
Published: May 2022

Rapid urbanization, pollution, and increasing water consumption together with climate change necessitated to process of more effective measurement, management, and decision mechanisms on regional water resources. The concept of water footprint (WF) is a parameter that has been introduced to the scientific literature in recent years similar to the ecological and carbon footprints. The WF of any field or product refers to the total volume of water resources that are processed or contaminated directly or indirectly during the production process. The current work is the first study assessing and discussing the agricultural water footprint of an Iraqi governorate by analyzing blue and green WFs of agricultural production in Qadisiyah governorate, southern Iraq for 2010-2020. Recently developed WF methodology has been used. The blue and green evapotranspiration amounts were estimated by the crop water requirement (CWR) option in CROPWAT 8.0 software. The statistical data including meteorological data, rainfall statistics, local crop coefficients, cultivation area, crop production amounts and animal statistics data have been utilized. The average annual agricultural WF of Qadisiyah governorate for the 10 years between 2010-2020 was determined to be 1,315,201,621 Mm3/yr. The largest water-consuming sector is crop production (54%). Cereal and feed crops are the main component of water consumption. The rice crop followed by wheat is the primary crop production comprising about 44% of the total WF and require water supplied from rivers. Vegetable production has only 14% of the crops WF. The green WF was only 15% of the crop production WF. The largest share of water used for animal production is related to broiler chickens (44%) and 37% for dairy cattle. The study area is fertile land for crop production. However, limited water resources and scarcity of the region restrict the agricultural activities. The sustainability of freshwater resources of the governorate could be provided by reducing the WF and blue water contents. This study is expected to contribute to the national authorities to develop more accurate irrigation water management policies.
Heat Transfer Enhancement in Composite Building Wall using Phase Change Material
Authors: Dhanusiya G , Gulati Mohit , Rajasekaran T , Elavarasan G , Balamurugan A
Published: May 2022

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are capable of reducing the thermal load transfer rate between outdoors and indoors and maintain stability in the indoor temperature when used in building applications. In this study, a variation of layers of two Bio-PCMs integrated with layers of general construction material and insulation have been analyses discretely as well as in combination. The observations from various models have been compared to draw the result and perceive the best model of a Bio-PCM wall for constructing thermally efficient buildings. The wall models have been created and analyzed through Computer Aided Design (CAD) modeling and simulation techniques using Transient Thermal module in ANSYS software. Coconut fat and Palm fat being highly efficient and easily available Bio-PCMs, are used in this study and attractive results have been obtained from them.
Study of self-compacting concrete containing coal bottom ash and fly ash
Authors: Adnan Mohd. , Kumar Ankit , Kant Kunal , Aggarwal Paratibha , Aggarwal Yogesh
Published: May 2022

This paper consists of a detailed analysis of the use of industrial by-products(coal bottom ash and fly ash) as an admixture in the self-compacting concrete. The judicious use of industrial byproducts and the proper waste management can lead to a sustainable development in the field of infrastructure. This paper talks about the physical and chemical properties of these by products used in the self-compacting concrete. Critical and definite analysis has been carried out on the reviewed literature and further scope of work in the analysis and interpretation has been addressed. On a positive note, it can be stated that the use of industrial by-products in self-compacting concrete can lead to a sustainable development.
Quantification of Non-conventional Brick’s Characteristic Compressive Strength
Authors: Giri Jyoti Prakash , Priyadarshini Monalisa
Published: May 2022

Now-a-days researches are concentrating on the utilization of waste materials in construction industry. Fly ash is one of the waste originated from industrial, is the main concern in the present study for brick manufacturing. As fly-ash is a by-product, its properties may vary from source to source resulting variation in strength of the brick. To confirming this, the main focus of the present study was to fabricate a hydraulically operated semi-automatic brick pressing machine followed by preparation of fly ash brick using that and study on the variation of brick strength. Later on, a statistical analysis is conducted based on the experimental compressive strength data for the fly ash bricks. The normal distribution curves are plotted followed by the estimating the constraints of normal distribution, which is the most common adopted distribution function in concrete. From the analysis, the characteristic compressive strength at 95% probability level is obtained as 3.46 and 5.42MPa respectively for the bricks (M1 and M2 type).
Performance Based Seismic Design of Steel Structure Using Non-Linear Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Semdok Choimei Moileen , Saini Babita
Published: May 2022

In the recent decades, it was observed that the performance of buildings that were designed using the traditional building codes were not satisfactory under seismic effects. There was increased demand for buildings that would not only provide life safety under the design earthquake and prevent collapse under major earthquakes, but also include other performance objectives such as the time taken for the building to be occupied post-earthquake, cost of repair and so on. This resulted in the research and development of a performance based seismic design that would incorporate these demands in the design. This study presents a performance based seismic design of a 5-storey steel special moment resisting frame building by using non-linear dynamic analysis to meet multiple performance objectives. The seismic performance was evaluated based on the confidence level, which indicates the ability of the building to meet the target performance objective, determined for the inter-storey drift parameter, using the guidelines given in FEMA-350. The results show that the designed building satisfies the minimum confidence level requirement for each performance objective. The study concludes that performance based seismic design proves to be a reliable method for design of buildings that provide enhanced seismic performance.
Accident prediction modelling for expressways: a review
Authors: Kumar P , Jain J K , Singh G
Published: May 2022

Expressways are the need for fast movement of goods and human being for long distances in current scenario for every country, but at the same time these facilities have the highest severity rate among all the road categories. Various researchers around the world have tried to find out the effect of traffic volume, road geometry and environmental factors on frequency of accident on expressway by using different accident prediction modeling methods during last three decades. The purpose of this review paper is to find out the appropriate modeling method which can be used to predict accident frequency on the expressways in the developing country like India where traffic conditions, vehicular characteristics, and the driver behaviour are very different from the developing countries and to find out the research areas where the findings are inconclusive. Literature review suggests that among various models used so far, correlated random parameter model found to be the most advanced model to simultaneously account for both the heterogeneous effects of explanatory factors across the road segments and the cross correlations among the random parameter estimates. Findings related to variables like percentage of heavy vehicles, vertical gradient and lane width are not conclusive. However, safety effect of variables like speed limit, roadway lighting, pavement type and fog are less studied on expressway. The effect of allowing two wheelers on the expressways safety has not been studied yet, and the accidents related to fatigue or drowsiness also need examination.
Monte-Carlo Simulation-based Analysis of Bridge Structure Systems’ Reliability
Authors: Pokorádi László
Published: May 2022

Modern engineering systems, such as automobiles, should have reliability requirements. This paper focuses on the reliability of System with Complex Interconnection (SwCI). Most of the real complex systems in the modern vehicles are different sensors, as Bridge Structure Systems (BSSs). The BSSs are used as an example in the field of system reliability analysis. The proposed Monte-Carlo Simulation-based investigation can be used for the estimation of the Required Number of Spare Parts (RNSPs).
Redesign of a Volkswagen Crafter vehicle to a hybrid vehicle having e-motor and diesel engine
Authors: Bodzás Sándor , Tiba Zsolt , Ailer Piroska , Husi Géza
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study is to show the results of the vehicle research group redesigned a Volkswagen Crafter diesel type van to a multi hybrid vehicle.

The original chassis of the four-wheel drive van provides the base of the vehicle. The electric motor and the gearbox designed by the research group is placed in front of the rear suspension. This electric drive unit is coupled to the rear differential via the Haldex clutch. During the electric drive the transaxle of the van is in neutral gear and the diesel engine is not operating. Releasing the Haldex clutch the electric drive is detached from the vehicle and the diesel engine is activated to drive the front-wheels. Our purpose is to test the electric drive of the vehicle by conducting measurements on the electric motor and the battery, this way making new research directions.
Combining evolutionary optimization with finite element method for optimizing transmission-line tower
Authors: Nagy Sz , Jármai K , Baksa A
Published: May 2022

Metaheuristic evolutionary methods are powerful tools for solving non-linear, many dimensional optimisation problems. In this article, one of these methods is combined with finite element method for optimising truss like structure. The advantages of the combined method are presented through a real engineering task, optimisation of transmission line tower. The design of the latter can take a variety of shapes, so in the present case, only the lower part can be optimised. For optimisation, we use the adaptive differential evolution (SaDE) technique. The objective function of the optimisation is the mass of the structure. Finite element analysis is used to determine the stresses. The overall and local buckling constraints have also been considered.
MicroRNA profiling reveals miR‐145‐5p inhibits goat myoblast differentiation by targeting the coding domain sequence of USP13
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Deng Kaiping , Kang Ziqi , Wang Feng , Fan Yixuan
Published: May 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved endogenous small non‐coding RNAs that play critical roles in skeletal muscle development. In this study, we identified putative miRNAs that were differentially expressed in the longissimus dorsi muscle between fetus (75 days of pregnancy) and lamb (1 day of age). We detected 1208 miRNAs, 313 of which were differentially expressed. In particular, we found that miR‐145‐5p was differentially and highly expressed in lamb skeletal muscle. In addition, our results demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐145‐5p inhibited the differentiation and apoptosis of goat primary myoblasts (GPMs), whereas knockdown of miR‐145‐5p had the opposite effect. The coding domain sequence (CDS) of ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 13 (USP13) was predicted and validated as a target of miR‐145‐5p. We also demonstrated that the influence as a key regulator of GPMs differentiation is primarily mediated by targeting and inhibiting USP13. Taken together, these results revealed a novel pathway in skeletal muscle development in which miR‐145‐5p targets CDS region of USP13 to regulate differentiation and apoptosis of GPMs.
Role of proximal tibiofibular fixation in leg lengthening with the Ilizarov method in the achondroplastic patient
Authors: Boero Silvio , Marrè Brunenghi Giorgio , Riganti Simone , Torchia Stefania
Published: May 2022

The role of proximal tibiofibular joint (TFJ) transfixion during Ilizarov tibial lengthening is still debated in the literature. The aim of this study was to show that TFJ transfixion can be avoided with no impact on patient outcome. All achondroplastic patients undergoing tibia lengthening from 1999 to 2018 were included. Patients were divided in two groups: group A (11 patients) submitted to proximal TFJ transfixion and group B (22 patients) not submitted to TFJ transfixion. The results showed a statistically significant difference in proximal fibular migration (PFM) between the two groups of patients, with a mean PFM of 9.2 mm (range, 1–20 mm) and of 21 mm (range, 2.7–76 mm) in group A and in group B, respectively. We can state that PFM up to 41 mm in our series did not affect joint function and stability. There are no statistically significant differences in the other radiological parameters. Analysis of functional scores (Knee Society, Tegner-Lhysolm, Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov) did not reveal significant differences between the groups. The scores of the Achondroplasia Personal Life Experience Scale were also similar in the two groups, demonstrating a good quality of life. There are no differences between the two groups in terms of clinical-functional outcome of the knee, radiographic results, and quality of life. Transfixion of proximal TFJ may not be necessary, but it is important to avoid premature consolidation of the fibular osteotomy.
Rotator cuff injury in the pediatric population: a systematic review of patient characteristics, treatment, and outcomes
Authors: Orellana Kevin J. , Harwood Kathleen , Horneff John G. , King Joseph J. , Williams Brendan A.
Published: May 2022

Rotator cuff injuries (RCIs), traditionally thought to be an adult-type pathology, have been reported in the pediatric population, but there remains limited evidence regarding this injury pattern in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to characterize the epidemiology, injury patterns, treatment modalities, and outcomes for pediatric patients with RCIs. A systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, reviewing Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases. Studies reporting imaging confirmed RCIs, and treatment outcomes in patients less than 18 years of age were included. Patient demographics, mechanism, injury type, and injury location were recorded. Treatment type and patient outcomes were abstracted when available and summarized with descriptive statistics. Our search identified 28 studies published from 1994 to 2020, which included 215 total tendons injured in 185 patients. Twenty-six studies were classified as level IV evidence, whereas only two were level III. When described, the most injured tendon (n = 184) was the supraspinatus, whereas the most described injury type (n = 215) was a partial tear. Surgical intervention was pursued in 75.8% of injuries, with arthroscopy being more common than open repair (79.4% vs. 20.6%). Nonoperative treatment was primarily utilized for partial tears. Among the 24 studies reporting on return to sports, nonoperatively managed patients returned later than those treated operatively (mean: 10.7 vs. 7 months). Only eight studies included patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), and just five had pre- and posttreatment scores. Three complications were noted, all in operative patients. RCIs in pediatric patients have been reported in the literature with increasing frequency over the last decade, but the quality of evidence remains poor with inconsistent injury descriptions and outcome reporting. Excellent results were seen for all injury types and locations with both operative and nonoperative treatments. The literature for pediatric RCIs remains limited in guiding management decisions indicating a need for more high-quality studies to compare outcomes across injury and treatment type. Level of evidence: level III.