bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Producing light aircraft: three viability case studies
Authors: Robertson J. M.
Published: March 2023

The Light Aeroplane Group of the Royal Aeronautical Society was set up with the aim of encouraging activity in the light aeroplane field in Britain and its hope is that production of light aircraft should be restarted in this country. Clearly there are many problems to be faced in setting about the renaissance of an industry which will range far beyond the scope of those encountered in building a ‘one-off’ aeroplane. In this paper I shall present three case studies of light aircraft produced in the recent generation. I hope that this will give a reasonably complete picture of the implications of starting light aeroplane production and will therefore form a good basis for discussion.

In formulating the design competition which has just been announced, we have taken note of the market appraisal which Hugh Field presented at Cranfield in September 1977 in which he pointed out that there is still a lack of a really good training aeroplane in the world market and also of the specification that Alan Bramson has put forward for the so called Multi Role Club Aeroplane which is aimed at just that slot in the market. The results from Alan Bramson's survey of opinion from flying instructors showed the acceptability of a low-wing, tricycle undercarriage monoplane with side-by-side seating.
The Effects of a U.S. Approach to Enforcement: Evidence from China
Authors: Duan Tinghua , Li Kai , Rogo Rafael , Zhang Ray
Published: March 2023

We examine the effects of implementing a U.S. approach to the enforcement of mandatory disclosure in China. Using a hand-collected sample of comment letters (CLs) issued by the Shanghai Stock Exchange over the period of 2013 to 2018, we show that stock price reactions to CL receipts and replies are negative and significant. Using textual analysis to match issues raised by regulators to targeted firms’ changes in disclosure, we show that these firms do address CL issues point by point, but do not experience significant improvements in their information environments. Our article highlights the importance of incentives rather than regulation/enforcement in reducing information asymmetry.
The Noonday argument: fine-graining, indexicals, and the nature of Copernican reasoning
Authors: Lacki Brian C.
Published: March 2023

Typicality arguments attempt to use the Copernican Principle to draw conclusions about the cosmos and presently unknown conscious beings within it, including extraterrestrial intelligences (ETI). The most notorious is the Doomsday Argument, which purports to constrain humanity's future from its current lifespan alone. These arguments rest on a likelihood calculation that penalizes models in proportion to the number of distinguishable observers. I argue that such reasoning leads to solipsism, the belief that one is the only being in the world, and is therefore unacceptable. Using variants of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ thought experiment as a guide, I present a framework for evaluating observations in a large cosmos: Weighted Fine Graining (WFG). WFG requires the construction of specific models of physical outcomes and observations. Valid typicality arguments then emerge from the combinatorial properties of third-person physical microhypotheses. Indexical (observer-relative) facts do not directly constrain physical theories, but instead weight different provisional evaluations of credence. As indexical knowledge changes, the weights shift. I show that the self-applied Doomsday Argument fails in WFG, even though it can work for an external observer. I argue that the Copernican Principle does not let us apply self-observations to constrain ETIs.
The Impact of the First and Second Waves of COVID‐19 Pandemic in Nigeria
Authors: Joshua Benjamin Wisdom , Fuwape Ibiyinka , Rabiu Babatunde , Pires Evanilton E. S. , Sa'id Rabia Salihu , Ogunro Toluwalope T. , Awe Oluwayomi Funmilola , Osunmakinwa Olugbenga Olusegun , Ogunjo Samuel
Published: March 2023

In recent times, the COVID‐19 pandemic has been the subject of global concern. It has so far claimed over 5.4 million lives globally, with over 291 million cases recorded worldwide as of 5 January 2022. It is known to have different waves and variants, thus making it difficult to handle/manage. This study investigates the impact of the first and second waves of COVID‐19 in Nigeria, West Africa. The data used is for the 36 states of Nigeria archived at the National Centre for Disease Control from February 2020 to April 2021. Results from the study reveal that the highest number of COVID‐19 cases during the first/second wave was recorded at Lagos (23,238/34,616), followed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) (6,770/12,911) and alternates between Plateau (3,858/5,170) and Kaduna (3,064/5,908). Similarly, the highest number of deaths (during the first/second wave) was also recorded in Lagos (220/219), followed by Edo (112/73), and then FCT (83/81). The Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) was observed to be higher mostly in northern Nigeria during the first wave and the southeast during the second wave of the pandemic. On the average, the number of cases/deaths recorded during the second wave was higher than those of the first wave, but a decrease in the CFR values was observed during the second wave. Higher values of COVID‐19 cases/death were mostly recorded in Nigeria during; maximum relative humidity (RH) (>70%) with minimum Temperatures (<25°C), Low temperatures, and low RH which is mostly observed during the cold/dusty periods.
Evolving Drivers of Brazilian SARS‐CoV‐2 Transmission: A Spatiotemporally Disaggregated Time Series Analysis of Meteorology, Policy, and Human Mobility
Authors: Kerr Gaige Hunter , Badr Hamada S. , Barbieri Alisson F. , Colston Josh M. , Gardner Lauren M. , Kosek Margaret N. , Zaitchik Benjamin F.
Published: March 2023

Brazil has been severely affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Temperature and humidity have been purported as drivers of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, but no consensus has been reached in the literature regarding the relative roles of meteorology, governmental policy, and mobility on transmission in Brazil. We compiled data on meteorology, governmental policy, and mobility in Brazil's 26 states and one federal district from June 2020 to August 2021. Associations between these variables and the time‐varying reproductive number (Rt) of SARS‐CoV‐2 were examined using generalized additive models fit to data from the entire 15‐month period and several shorter, 3‐month periods. Accumulated local effects and variable importance metrics were calculated to analyze the relationship between input variables and Rt. We found that transmission is strongly influenced by unmeasured sources of between‐state heterogeneity and the near‐recent trajectory of the pandemic. Increased temperature generally was associated with decreased transmission and increased specific humidity with increased transmission. However, the impacts of meteorology, policy, and mobility on Rt varied in direction, magnitude, and significance across our study period. This time variance could explain inconsistencies in the published literature to date. While meteorology weakly modulates SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, daily or seasonal weather variations alone will not stave off future surges in COVID‐19 cases in Brazil. Investigating how the roles of environmental factors and disease control interventions may vary with time should be a deliberate consideration of future research on the drivers of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission.
Double Superposed Epoch Analysis of Geomagnetic Storms and Corresponding Solar Wind and IMF in Solar Cycles 23 and 24
Authors: Manu V. , Balan N. , Zhang Qing‐He , Xing Zan‐Yang
Published: March 2023

The weakest solar cycle 24 (SC24, 2010–2019) in 100 years was 1/3rd less active compared to the previous solar cycle 23 (SC23, 1996–2009). We identify 135 and 61 ICME (interplanetary coronal mass ejection) driven clear geomagnetic storms (DstMin ≤ −50 nT) in SC23 and SC24, respectively, giving a reduction of 55% storms in SC24, and present the double superposed epoch analysis (DSEA) of the storms/activities in SC23 and SC24 using the Dst, symmetric H (SymH), Kp and AE indices. The DSEA method for the corresponding solar wind velocity V, north‐south component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF Bz) and the product VBz are also presented. Compared to SC23, the maximum storm/activity intensity in SC24 reduces by 52%, 12%, and 45% at low, mid and high latitudes and the corresponding maxima in ‐VBz, V, and ‐Bz reduce by 39%, 17%, and 38%, respectively. The epoch average storm/activity intensity reduces by 27%, 11%, and 4% at low, mid and high latitudes and average maxima in ‐VBz, V, and ‐Bz reduce by 24%, 14%, and 13%, respectively. The results seem to reveal that the average reduction in the main driver ‐VBz (∼24%) might have caused nearly the same and equal average storm/activity intensity reductions in all latitudes (∼25%), though the irregular nature of the AE index makes the reduction very small (4%) at high latitudes, and small (∼11%) at mid latitudes mainly due to the small (0–9) quasi logarithmic scale of the Kp index.
Quantum-well states at the surface of a heavy-fermion superconductor
Authors: Herrera Edwin , Guillamón Isabel , Barrena Víctor , Herrera William J. , Galvis Jose Augusto , Yeyati Alfredo Levy , Rusz Ján , Oppeneer Peter M. , Knebel Georg , Brison Jean Pascal , Flouquet Jacques , Aoki Dai , Suderow Hermann
Published: March 2023

Two-dimensional electronic states at surfaces are often observed in simple wide-band metals such as Cu or Ag (refs. 1–4). Confinement by closed geometries at the nanometre scale, such as surface terraces, leads to quantized energy levels formed from the surface band, in stark contrast to the continuous energy dependence of bulk electron bands2,5–10. Their energy-level separation is typically hundreds of meV (refs. 3,6,11). In a distinct class of materials, strong electronic correlations lead to so-called heavy fermions with a strongly reduced bandwidth and exotic bulk ground states12,13. Quantum-well states in two-dimensional heavy fermions (2DHFs) remain, however, notoriously difficult to observe because of their tiny energy separation. Here we use millikelvin scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) to study atomically flat terraces on U-terminated surfaces of the heavy-fermion superconductor URu2Si2, which exhibits a mysterious hidden-order (HO) state below 17.5 K (ref. 14). We observe 2DHFs made of 5f electrons with an effective mass 17 times the free electron mass. The 2DHFs form quantized states separated by a fraction of a meV and their level width is set by the interaction with correlated bulk states. Edge states on steps between terraces appear along one of the two in-plane directions, suggesting electronic symmetry breaking at the surface. Our results propose a new route to realize quantum-well states in strongly correlated quantum materials and to explore how these connect to the electronic environment.
Brightfield vs Fluorescent Staining Dataset–A Test Bed Image Set for Machine Learning based Virtual Staining
Authors: Trizna Elena Y. , Sinitca Aleksandr M. , Lyanova Asya I. , Baidamshina Diana R. , Zelenikhin Pavel V. , Kaplun Dmitrii I. , Kayumov Airat R. , Bogachev Mikhail I.
Published: March 2023

Differential fluorescent staining is an effective tool widely adopted for the visualization, segmentation and quantification of cells and cellular substructures as a part of standard microscopic imaging protocols. Incompatibility of staining agents with viable cells represents major and often inevitable limitations to its applicability in live experiments, requiring extraction of samples at different stages of experiment increasing laboratory costs. Accordingly, development of computerized image analysis methodology capable of segmentation and quantification of cells and cellular substructures from plain monochromatic images obtained by light microscopy without help of any physical markup techniques is of considerable interest. The enclosed set contains human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells microscopic images obtained under various imaging conditions with different viable vs non-viable cells fractions. Each field of view is provided in a three-fold representation, including phase-contrast microscopy and two differential fluorescent microscopy images with specific markup of viable and non-viable cells, respectively, produced using two different staining schemes, representing a prominent test bed for the validation of image analysis methods.
Finite velocity of ECG signal propagation: preliminary theory, results of a pilot experiment and consequences for medical diagnosis
Authors: Buchner Teodor , Zajdel Maryla , Pȩczalski Kazimierz , Nowak Paweł
Published: March 2023

A satisfactory model of the biopotentials propagating through the human body is essential for medical diagnostics, particularly for cardiovascular diseases. In our study, we develop the theory, that the propagation of biopotential of cardiac origin (ECG signal) may be treated as the propagation of low-frequency endogenous electromagnetic wave through the human body. We show that within this approach, the velocity of the ECG signal can be theoretically estimated, like for any other wave and physical medium, from the refraction index of the tissue in an appropriate frequency range. We confirm the theoretical predictions by the comparison with a direct measurement of the ECG signal propagation velocity and obtain mean velocity as low as v=1500 m/s. The results shed new light on our understanding of biopotential propagation through living tissue. This propagation depends on the frequency band of the signal and the transmittance of the tissue. This finding may improve the interpretation of the electric measurements, such as ECG and EEG when the frequency dependence of conductance and the phase shift introduced by the tissue is considered. We have shown, that the ECG propagation modifies the amplitude and phase of signal to a considerable extent. It may also improve the convergence of inverse problem in electrocardiographic imaging.
Statin protects men but not women with HIV against loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function: a pilot study
Authors: Cárdenas José David G. , Oliveira Vitor H. F. , Borsari Ana L. , Marinello Poliana C. , Longenecker Chris T. , Deminice Rafael
Published: March 2023

Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs commonly used among people with HIV, associated with an increased risk of myopathies. Considering that cardiovascular disease, statin therapy, and sarcopenia are independently prevalent in people with HIV, clarity on the potential benefits or harms of statin therapy on muscle health is useful to provide insight into ways to maximize skeletal muscle health and minimize CVD risk in this population. We aimed to study the effects of statin therapy on strength, muscle mass, and physical function parameters in people with HIV. This was a pilot cross-sectional study. People with HIV on continuous statin therapy (n = 52) were paired 1:1 according to age (people with HIV 53.9 ± 8.2 and people with HIV on statins 53.9 ± 8.4 years), sex, body mass index (Body mass index, people with HIV 28.6 ± 5.3 and people with HIV on statins 28.8 ± 6.3 kg/m2), and race with people with HIV not using statin (n = 52). Participants were evaluated for muscle strength (i.e. handgrip strength), lean and fat body mass (using bioelectric impedance analysis), and physical function (i.e. Short Physical Performance Battery—SPPB). Isokinetic strength and appendicular lean mass (using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), more accurate strength and body composition measures, were determined in 38% of the participants. Overall, statin usage does not exacerbated loss of muscle strength (32.2 ± 11.5 vs. 30.3 ± 9.6 kg, p > 0.05) muscle mass (7.6 ± 1.8 vs. 7.7 ± 1.1 kg/m2, p > 0.05), and impaired physical performance (10.1 ± 1.8 vs. 9.7 ± 2.1 points, p > 0.05) of PLWH. When analyzed by sex, men living with HIV on statins usage presented higher appendicular muscle mass (28.4 ± 3.1 vs. 26.2 ± 4.9 kg, p < 0.05) handgrip strength (42.1 ± 8.8 vs. 37.1 ± 8.3 kg, p < 0.05) and physical function through SPPB score (10.9 ± 1.3 vs. 9.5 ± 2.1, p < 0.05) than men living with HIV not on statins treatment. The same protection was not observed in women. This data was demonstrated when muscle mass and strength were determined clinically (i.e. handgrip strength and electrical impedance) and when more precise laboratory measurements of muscle mass and strength were conducted (i.e. isokinetic strength and DXA scans). Statin does not exacerbate muscle wasting, strength loss, or muscle dysfunction among people with HIV. Indeed, statins may protect men, but not woman with HIV against HIV and antiretroviral therapy-induced loss of muscle mass and strength.
Performance investigation of different headlights used in vehicles under foggy conditions
Authors: Sefer Taylan , Ayaz Ramazan , Ajder Ali , Nakir Ismail
Published: March 2023

In this study, an experimental study based on the target visibility criteria is carried out for dark and foggy environments, where only vehicle headlights are active. More specifically, the performances of the headlights containing halogen, xenon, and LED light sources in dark and foggy weather conditions are examined and the performance of each headlight is evaluated separately. According to the general result of the visibility experiments, the participants perceived the target object in a shorter time when halogen headlights are used. It is also observed that the average target perceived times of the participant under foggy conditions are at different levels depending on the type of headlights with different correlated color temperature (CCT) and color rendering (CRI) indexes. According to the experimental results performed under foggy conditions, the target detection times of the participants are the shortest at the halogen headlight, the second at the xenon headlight, and the third under the LED lights. It has also been observed that this sequencing is gender-independent. However, the ratio of the detection time of female participants to that of male participants varies between 1.72 and 3.65 times. In other words, female participants perceive the targets in a much longer period than male participants.
Inequality in time to first antenatal care visits and its predictors among pregnant women in India: an evidence from national family health survey
Authors: Tripathy Abhipsa , Mishra Prem Shankar
Published: March 2023

For countries with high maternal mortality and morbidity, on-time initiation of antenatal care (ANC) is indispensable. Therefore this paper aims for studying the median survival time (MST) of first ANC among pregnant women as well as understanding the contextual factors that influence a mother’s decision to access ANC services in India. The study used cross-sectional survey data obtained from the NFHS-4 conducted in 2015–2016. The MST of the timing of the first ANC visit was estimated using the Kaplan-Meir estimate. A multivariate Cox-proportional hazard regression model was used to identify the factors related to the timing of the first ANC visit with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Overall at least one ANC checkup was assessed by 60.15% of women and the median survival time for the first ANC checkup was found to be 4 months. Early initiation of ANC in pregnant women increased by 37% (AHR: 1.37, CI:1.34–1.39) for primary education, and 88% (AHR:1.88, CI:1.86–1.90) for secondary education compared to women having no formal education. Results of the current study revealed that the median survival time of the first ANC visit was 4 months in India which is delayed compared to recommendations of WHO. Therefore boosting the access and utilization of antenatal care coverage among pregnant women can ensure the best health outcomes for their pregnancy.
Geophysical and geochemical study of the contaminant impact of Oke-Tage solid waste dumpsite, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adedinni Michael Oluwatosin , Arogundade Augustine Babatunde , Ore Odunayo Timothy , Adenika Charles Itunu , Adebayo Adebiyi Samuel , Akinlade Grace Olubunmi , Awoyemi Musa Olufemi , Oyekunle John Adekunle Oyedele
Published: March 2023

The physicochemical properties of groundwater, geochemical characteristics and subsurface formation of the Oke-Tage waste dumpsite soil material were assessed to determine the impact of the leachate generated from the waste dumpsite on the quality of the groundwater within the study area. Water samples collected from hand-dug wells were analyzed to determine groundwater quality, while soil samples were examined for their geochemical characteristics. Ten Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) surveys were carried out with an electrode spacing (AB/2) increasing from 1 to 200 m. Also, four 2D electrical resistivity profilings were done using the dipole–dipole configuration. The hydro-chemical analysis showed an elevated Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) concentration above the maximum permissible limits. The physicochemical results indicated that the Electrical Conductivity (EC) ranged from 1900 to 3670 µS/m, while Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) ranged from 585 to 620 mg/L. The health risk assessment showed no significant health risks associated with exposure to the metals due to HI values less than 1. Based on the VES result, four geoelectric layers comprising topsoil, weathered layer, fractured basement, and fresh basement were identified. The 2D resistivity structures revealed that the topsoil and weathered layers practically merged and are characterized by relatively low resistivity (< 30 Ωm) beneath the dump site. The study concluded that the groundwater and soil in the vicinity of the investigated Oke-Tage waste dumpsite had been negatively impacted to levels that called for caution especially using the water for regular potability purposes.
Ranking parameters driving siring success during sperm competition in the North African houbara bustard
Authors: Sorci Gabriele , Hussein Hiba Abi , Levêque Gwènaëlle , Saint Jalme Michel , Lacroix Frédéric , Hingrat Yves , Lesobre Loïc
Published: March 2023

Sperm competition is a powerful force driving the evolution of ejaculate and sperm traits. However, the outcome of sperm competition depends on many traits that extend beyond ejaculate quality. Here, we study male North African houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) competing for egg fertilization, after artificial insemination, with the aim to rank the importance of 14 parameters as drivers of siring success. Using a machine learning approach, we show that traits independent of male quality (i.e., insemination order, delay between insemination and egg laying) are the most important predictors of siring success. Traits describing intrinsic male quality (i.e., number of sperm in the ejaculate, mass motility index) are also positively associated with siring success, but their contribution to explaining the outcome of sperm competition is much lower than for insemination order. Overall, this analysis shows that males mating at the last position in the mating sequence have the best chance to win the competition for egg fertilization. This raises the question of the importance of female behavior as determinant of mating order.
Soft–hard interface design in super-elastic conductive polymer hydrogel containing Prussian blue analogues to enable highly efficient electrochemical deionization
Authors: Ren Yifan , Yu Fei , Li Xin-Gui , Yuliarto Brian , Xu Xingtao , Yamauchi Yusuke , Ma Jie
Published: March 2023

Soft-hard interface has been developed by introducing conducting polymer hydrogels to improve the cycling electrochemical deionization performance of Prussian blue analogues.
A biophotonic device based on a conjugated polymer and a macrophage-laden hydrogel for triggering immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Zhiwen , Shen Qi , Xing Longjiang , Fu Xuancheng , Qiu Zhipeng , Xiang Hongping , Huang Yiming , Lv Fengting , Bai Haotian , Huo Yanping , Wang Shu
Published: March 2023

A biophotonic device is fabricated for employing a flexible OLED to excite conjugated polymer PPV in a macrophage (M0)-laden 3D printed hydrogel, resulting in the generation of ROS and subsequent M1 macrophage polarization for tumor immunotherapy.
An electrolyte additive for the improved high voltage performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathodes in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Nguyen Minh Tri , Pham Hieu Quang , Berrocal José Augusto , Gunkel Ilja , Steiner Ullrich
Published: March 2023

We demonstrate a film-forming electrolyte additive that stabilises the LNMO cathode/electrolyte interface for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Continuous and ultrafast MOF synthesis using droplet microfluidic nanoarchitectonics
Authors: Wu Hsi-Yen , Wu Ching-Ling , Liao Weisheng , Matsagar Babasaheb M. , Chang Keng-Yao , Huang Jen-Huang , Wu Kevin C.-W.
Published: March 2023

Continuous & ultrafast MOF synthesis by droplet microfluidic method delivers higher STY for ZIF-8 & MIL-100 synthesis. This water-based microfluidic system for the industrial production of MOFs is a cost-effective & environmentally-friendly method.
Regulating interfacial polymerization via a multi-functional calcium carbonate based interlayer for a highly permselective nanofiltration membrane
Authors: Hu Mengyang , Fu Wenming , Guan Kecheng , Gonzales Ralph Rolly , Song Qiangqiang , Matsuoka Atsushi , Mai Zhaohuan , Chiao Yu-Hsuan , Zhang Pengfei , Li Zhan , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: March 2023

The CaCO3 interlayer was grown in situ on PK membrane through mineralization process, which plays a multi-functional role in the process of regulating IP and facilitating the formation of a thinner selective layer with rough and loose structure.
Combined chemo-immuno-photothermal therapy based on ursolic acid/astragaloside IV-loaded hyaluronic acid-modified polydopamine nanomedicine inhibiting the growth and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Fan , Li Minghua , Que Zujun , Su Mingliang , Yao Wang , Zhang Yu , Luo Bin , Li Yan , Zhang Zhanxia , Tian Jianhui
Published: March 2023

Combined chemo-immuno-photothermal therapy based on ursolic acid/astragaloside IV-loaded hyaluronic acid-modified polydopamine nanomedicine is a promising strategy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis.
Non-invasive transcutaneous influenza immunization using vaccine-loaded vaterite particles
Authors: Svenskaya Yulia I. , Lengert Ekaterina V. , Tarakanchikova Yana V. , Muslimov Albert R. , Saveleva Mariia S. , Genina Elina A. , Radchenko Igor L. , Stepanova Liudmila A. , Vasin Andrey V. , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Tsybalova Liudmila M.
Published: March 2023

A novel protocol for topical influenza immunization is reported. CaCO3 carriers are used to deliver vaccine into hair follicles aiming to target perifollicular antigen presenting cells. This approach represents a promising alternative to injections.
Denaturation bubble-mediated two-stage isothermal nucleic acid amplification in a single closed tube
Authors: Guo Jinling , Li Yang , Wang Qing , Jiang Qianqian , Zhang Xinguang , Zhang Peng , Ma Cuiping , Shi Chao
Published: March 2023

A two-stage isothermal amplification method termed rolling cycle strand exchange amplification (RC-SEA) was established to accomplish ssRNA and dsDNA analysis using only one DNA polymerase in a single closed tube at a constant temperature.
Entrapment of metastable nanocrystals by polyoxometalates
Authors: Baranov Mark , Duan Yan , Leffler Nitai , Avineri Shani , Ezersky Vladimir , Weinstock Ira A.
Published: March 2023

Entirely inorganic polyoxometalate ligands stabilize soluble macroanion-like complexes of metastable nanocrystalline cores.
Cellulose nanocrystals for crop protection: leaf adhesion and controlled delivery of bioactive molecules
Authors: Ning Like , You Chaoqun , Jia Yuxin , Chen Jingqian , Zhang Yu , Li Xun , Rojas Orlando J. , Wang Fei
Published: March 2023

TA/Cu-XCM@βCNC nanocarrier is developed for crop protection, the introduced system enables pH-responsive controlled delivery, enhances deposition and prevents pesticide leakage.
The effect of nitrogen on the synthesis of porous carbons by iron-catalyzed graphitization
Authors: Hunter Robert D. , Hayward Emily C. , Smales Glen J. , Pauw Brian R. , Kulak A. , Guan Shaoliang , Schnepp Zoe
Published: March 2023

The presence of nitrogen in organic biomass precursors inhibits catalytic graphitization of those materials but some nitrogen survives the process to be doped in the graphitic carbon product.
Mesoporous silica SBA-15 composite for the delivery of amoxicillin against S. aureus skin infection
Authors: Wang Qingshuang , Cui Yurui , Ai Wei , Li Siqi , Zhang Zhe , Feng Xiangru
Published: March 2023

By subcutaneous injection of an amoxicillin-loaded nanocomposite, the skin bacterial infection of mice was well alleviated, and wound recovery was improved.
Highly chemoselective ligands for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction based on virtual ligand-assisted screening
Authors: Matsuoka Wataru , Harabuchi Yu , Nagata Yuuya , Maeda Satoshi
Published: March 2023

Ligand screening is a crucial step in the development of transition metal catalysis, as it involves identifying the optimal ligand for a particular reaction from a large pool of candidate molecules.
Red-shift emission and rapid up-conversion of B,N-containing electroluminescent materialsviatuning intramolecular charge transfer
Authors: He Yi-Hui , Xie Feng-Ming , Li Hao-Ze , Zhang Kai , Shen Yang , Ding Feng , Wang Cheng-Yuan , Li Yan-Qing , Tang Jian-Xin
Published: March 2023

The introduction of different donors at thepara-carbon position of the BNCz core modulates the predominance of locally excited (LE)/charger transfer (CT) states of the TADF materials to achieve full-color emission.
Synthesis and upconversion emission studies of CaYF5:Ho3+/Yb3+ phosphor and its applications in optical thermometry, fingerprint detection, and security ink
Authors: Shwetabh Kumar , Upadhyay Madan M. , Kumar K.
Published: March 2023

In this work, a CaYF5:Ho3+/Yb3+ upconversion phosphor was synthesized and its structural, morphological, and optical properties were studied. Apart from these studies, latent fingerprint detection and security ink applications were also demonstrated using this phosphor.
Flexible TPU inverse opal fabrics for colorimetric detecting of VOCs
Authors: Gong Xinbo , Hou Chengyi , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi
Published: March 2023

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) inverse opal structural color fabrics for colorimetric detecting of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) vapor especially DMF, THF, toluene and chloroform.
Dysoticans F–H: three unprecedented dimeric cadinanes from Dysoxylum parasiticum (Osbeck) Kosterm. stem bark
Authors: Naini Al Arofatus , Mayanti Tri , Maharani Rani , Fajriah Sofa , Kabayama Kazuya , Shimoyama Atsushi , Manabe Yoshiyuki , Fukase Koichi , Jungsuttiwong Sirriporn , Supratman Unang
Published: March 2023

Dysoxylum parasiticum's stem bark produces an asymmetrical and two symmetrical dimers (1–3), dysoticans F–H, with a novel cadinene dimer skeleton.
Intramolecular crankshaft-type rearrangement in a photoisomerised glycoconjugate
Authors: Hricovíni Michal , Asher James R. , Hricovíni Miloš
Published: March 2023

A reversible photoinduced intramolecular crankshaft-type rearrangement in a glycoconjugate proceeds simultaneously at both the –N–N and CH–C– bonds.
Gas-jet propelled hemostats for targeted hemostasis in wounds with irregular shape and incompressibility
Authors: Zhou Guofang , Lu Fei , Shang Songmin , Shou Dahua , Wang Wenyi , Yu Kun , Xie Ruiqi , Lan Guangqian , Hu Enling
Published: March 2023

We demonstrate a novel way for powdered hemostats to enter deep bleeding sites of complicated wounds and achieve targeted hemostasis.
Tailoring photodetection performance of self-powered Ga2O3 UV solar-blind photodetectors through asymmetric electrodes
Authors: Gu Keyun , Zhang Zilong , Huang Haofei , Tang Ke , Huang Jian , Liao Meiyong , Wang Linjun
Published: March 2023

Self-powered solar-blind UV detectors are playing an increasingly critical role in the sustainable development of photodetectors with low energy consumption.
Achieving real Ohmic contact by the dual protection of outer layer atoms and surface functionalization in 2D metal Mxenes/MoSi2N4 heterostructures
Authors: He X. , Li W. Z. , Gao Z. , Zhang Z. H. , He Y.
Published: March 2023

The quality of contact between a metal electrode and a two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor is simultaneously determined by the Schottky barrier height (SBH), the tunneling probability (PTB), and the Fermi level pinning (FLP), which also impact the performance of the device.
Gathering Perspectives on Video- and App-Based Language Instruction: A Technology-Based Coaching Intervention to Increase Spanish-Speaking Latino Caregivers' Use of Naturalistic Language Intervention Strategies
Authors: Larson Anne L. , Caballero Rosario , Snyder Patricia , Griebel Sonja , Valentin Rachelle , Bourret Camille
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

Few caregiver-implemented naturalistic language interventions (NLIs) are available for Spanish-speaking Latinos who have young children under 3 years with language delays, and there is a scarcity of studies that provide information about intervention development or social validity of interventions for this group. This study introduces Video- and App-Based Language Instruction (VALI) as a technology-based caregiver-coaching intervention being developed to increase caregivers' use of Spanish language-promoting strategies in everyday activities with their infants and toddlers.

Method:

Fifteen participants including caregivers, speech-language pathologists, and researchers completed an online survey and participated in focus groups to share their perspectives on the feasibility, acceptability, and usefulness of the first iteration of VALI. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results:

Participants generally provided support for VALI and thought caregivers could use the technology-based intervention within naturalistic interactions. VALI materials received positive ratings for appearance, inclusivity, and understandability. Specific suggestions were provided for semantic and syntactic adjustments. Participants shared comments to improve individual VALI strategies and help ensure the asynchronous coaching procedures and targeted outcomes were culturally acceptable.

Conclusions:

The first iteration of VALI appears to be a promising NLI for use by Spanish-speaking Latino caregivers with their young children. After initial adaptations are made based on findings from this study, additional feasibility and efficacy evaluations should be conducted. Recommendations for further development of VALI have implications for application in similar interventions for Spanish-speaking Latino caregivers.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22280845
VT‐NeRF: Neural radiance field with a vertex‐texture latent code for high‐fidelity dynamic human‐body rendering
Authors: Hao Fengyu , Shang Xinna , Li Wenfa , Zhang Liping , Lu Baoli
Published: March 2023

The fusion of a human prior with neural rendering techniques has recently emerged as one of the most promising approaches to processing dynamic human‐body scenes with sparse inputs. However, learning geometric details and appearance in dynamic human‐body scenes based solely on a human prior model represents a severely under‐constrained problem. A new human‐body representation method to solve this problem: a neural radiance field with vertex‐texture latent codes (VT‐NeRF) is proposed. VT‐NeRF uses joint latent code to improve access to detailed information, combining vertex latent codes with 2D texture latent codes for the body surface. Referencing a 3D human skeleton for accurate guidance, the human model can quickly match poses and learn information about the body in different frames. VT‐NeRF can integrate body information from different frames and different poses quickly because it uses an information‐rich human prior: a 3D human skeleton and parametric models. A 3D human scene is then presented as an implied field of density and colour. Experiments with the ZJU‐MoCap dataset show that our method outperforms previous methods in terms of both novel‐view synthesis and 3D human reconstruction quality. It is twice as fast as Neural Body, and its average accuracy reaches 95.9%.
An improved time‐domain analytical method for LLC resonant converters and dead time designs for zero‐voltage switching
Authors: Jiao Jian , Guo Xizheng , Wang Chenchen , You Xiaojie , Li Kai
Published: March 2023

In this paper, an improved time‐domain analytical method for LLC resonant converters is proposed. Unlike traditional time‐domain analytical methods, the resonant current in the dead time is derived by considering the equivalent capacitances of the switching devices and the transformer. The equivalent output capacitance of the primary‐side switch is calculated by using a two‐segment fitting approach. The equivalent capacitance of the transformer is calculated by using the six‐capacitor model. The current increment method is used to calculate the initial value of the magnetizing current and to determine the numerical calculation conditions for the proposed time‐domain expressions. Finally, the dead time ranges for zero‐voltage switching of the converter are derived based on the improved time‐domain method. Experiments were carried out with a 10 kW LLC resonant converter. The lower limit of the dead time calculated with the proposed method is closer to the experimental results than the values of two conventional methods.
GaiaData Release 3
Authors: Holl B. , Fabricius C. , Portell J. , Lindegren L. , Panuzzo P. , Bernet M. , Castañeda J. , Jevardat de Fombelle G. , Audard M. , Ducourant C. , Harrison D. L. , Evans D. W. , Busso G. , Sozzetti A. , Gosset E. , Arenou F. , De Angeli F. , Riello M. , Eyer L. , Rimoldini L. , Gavras P. , Mowlavi N. , Nienartowicz K. , Lecoeur-Taïbi I. , García-Lario P. , Pourbaix D.
Published: March 2023

Context.GaiaData Release 3 (GaiaDR3) time series data may contain spurious signals related to the time-dependent scan angle.

Aims.We aim to explain the origin of scan-angle-dependent signals and how they can lead to spurious periods, provide statistics to identify them in the data, and suggest how to deal with them inGaiaDR3 data and in future releases.

Methods.Using realGaia(DR3) data alongside numerical and analytical models, we visualise and explain the features observed in the data.

Results.We demonstrated withGaia(DR3) data that source structure (multiplicity or extendedness) or pollution from close-by bright objects can cause biases in the image parameter determination from which photometric, astrometric, and (indirectly) radial velocity time series are derived. These biases are a function of the time-dependent scan direction of the instrument and thus can introduce scan-angle-dependent signals, which due to the scanning-law-induced sampling ofGaiacan result in specific spurious periodic signals. Numerical simulations in which a period search is performed onGaiatime series with a scan-angle-dependent signal qualitatively reproduce the general structure observed in the spurious period distribution of photometry and astrometry, and the associated spatial distributions on the sky. A variety of statistics allows for the deeper understanding and identification of affected sources.

Conclusions.The origin of the scan-angle-dependent signals and subsequent spurious periods is well understood and is mostly caused by fixed-orientation optical pairs with a separation < 0.5″ (including binaries withP ≫ 5 y) and (cores of) distant galaxies. Although most of the sources with affected derived parameters have been filtered out from theGaiaarchivenss_two_body_orbitand severalvari-tables,GaiaDR3 data remain that should be treated with care (no sources were filtered fromgaia_source). Finally, the various statistics discussed in the paper can be used to identify and filter affected sources and also reveal new information about them that is not available through other means, especially in terms of binarity on sub-arcsecond scale.
The long-standing connection of BBN and Indirect measurements: The 3He(n,p)3H reaction at Big Bang energies
Authors: Pizzone R.G. , Spampinato C.
Published: March 2023

Nuclear reactions play a key role in the framework of the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. A network of 12 principal reactions has been identified as the main path which drives the elemental nucleosynthesis in the first twenty minutes of the history of the Universe. Among them an important role is played by neutron-induced reactions, which, from an experimental point of view, are usually a hard task to be measured directly. Nevertheless big efforts in the last decades have led to a better understanding of their role in the primordial nucleosynthesis network. In this work we apply the Trojan Horse Method to extract the cross section at astrophysical energies for the 3He(n,p)3H reaction after a detailed study of the 2H(3He,pt)H three–body process. The experiment was performed using the 3He beam, delivered at a total kinetic energy of 9 MeV by the Tandem at the Physics and Astronomy Department of the University of Notre Dame. Data extracted from the present measurement are compared with other published sets available in literature. Astrophysical applications will also be discussed in details.
News on the slow neutron capture process in AGB stars
Authors: Vescovi Diego
Published: March 2023

Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars are responsible for the production of the main component of the solar s-process distribution. Despite enormous progress in the theoretical modeling of these objects over the last few decades, many uncertainties remain. The still-unknown mechanism leading to the production of 13C neutron source is one example. The nucleosynthetic signature of AGB stars can be examined in a number of stellar sources, from spectroscopic observations of intrinsic and extrinsic stars to the heavy-element isotopic composition of presolar grains found in meteorites. The wealth of available observational data allows for constraining the processes occurring in AGB interiors. In this view, we discuss recent results from new AGB models including the effects of mixing triggered by magnetic fields, and show comparisons of the related s-process nucleosynthesis with available observations.
The impact of n_TOF data on s-process modelling
Authors: Lanzi Samuele , Cristallo Sergio , Giacomini Francesco , Massimi Cristian , Mengoni Alberto , Vescovi Diego
Published: March 2023

We show examples of the impact of the Maxwellian averaged capture cross sections determined at n_TOF over the past 20 years on AGB stellar nucleosynthesis models. In particular, we developed an automated procedure to derive MACSs from evaluated data libraries, which are subsequently used as input to stellar models computed by means of the FuNS code. In this contribution, we present a number of s-process abundances obtained using different data libraries as input to stellar models, with a focus on the role of n_TOF data.
Stellar neutron spectra at 28 keV thermal temperature
Authors: Musacchio-González Elizabeth , Mastinu Pierfrancesco , Martín-Hernández Guido
Published: March 2023

To calculate the reaction rate in the neutron capture processes it is common to work with the Maxwellian Average Cross Section (MACS), defined as the reaction rate scaled by the most probable neutron velocity of the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. For MACS determination with lower uncertainties, the need of a neutron spectrum as similar as possible to the stellar one motivates this work. At the CN Van der Graaff accelerator of the LNLINFN laboratories, an experimental measurement is performed to produce a Maxwell-Boltzmann neutron spectrum with 28 keV of thermal temperature. The neutron time-of-flight spectrometry is implemented to determine 0°-90° integrated neutron spectrum, employing the 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction as neutron source, an initial proton energy of 3.17 MeV and a 51 µm thickness aluminum foil, as proton energy shaper.
Experimental work on Nuclear Astrophysics at JRC GELINA facility
Authors: Paradela Carlos , Kopecky Stefan , Schillebeeckx Peter
Published: March 2023

JRC Geel operates a neutron time-of-flight facility based on an electron accelerator, GELINA. Experimental setups to determine total and reaction cross sections (capture, elastic and inelastic scattering, fission and charged particle reactions) are available at measurement stations different flight-path length. While most of the experimental work is focussed on nuclear energy applications, regularly cross section of interest for astrophysical problems are measured. Examples of those are capture experiments of nuclei relevant for the s-process such as 89Y or the 16O (n,α) reaction which is the inverse of the 13C(α,n) reaction, an important source of neutrons feeding the s-process.
Experimental study of alpha-induced nuclear reactions on Tellurium isotopes for the astrophysical γ-process
Authors: Mátyus Zs. , Gyürky Gy.
Published: March 2023

Heavier p isotopes are believed to be produced through the γ-process. The path of γ-process can be modelled with network calculations. These calculations include about 20000 reactions on more than 2000, mostly unstable nuclei, many of these reactions involves alpha particles. Theoretical cross sections of reactions involving alpha particles are found to be very sensitive to the alpha-nucleus optical potential, which is not known well enough at low, astrophysical energies. This potential can be studied experimentally by measuring the cross section of (α,n) reactions close above the reaction threshold. The aim of the present work is thus to measure the cross section of the 122Te(α,n)125Xe, 124Te(α,n)127Xe and 130Te(α,n)133Xe reactions for which no data exist in literature. The half-life of the produced Xe isotopes allows us to use the activation technique. Tellurium targets with natural isotopic composition will be used in order to measure the three reactions in parallel. The experiments are in progress using the cyclotron accelerator of ATOMKI. In this paper details of the experimental technique and the preliminary results of the first test measurements are presented.
Onset of pressure gradient on collective flow through balance and transition geometry
Authors: Sangeeta  , Kaur Varinderjit
Published: March 2023

The impression of mean field and spectator matter has been studied through the collision geometry dependence of reduced flow and elliptical flow in heavy-ion collisions (HICs) at intermediate energies using Isospindependent Quantum Molecular Dynamics (IQMD) model for the reaction of $$_{20}^{50}{\rm{Cu + }}_{20}^{50}{\rm{and}}_{79}^{197}{\rm{Au + }}_{79}^{197}{\rm{Au}}$$ at incident energy between 50 MeV/nucleon and 450 MeV/nucleon. The collision geometry at which the reduced flow and elliptical flow changes its sign is termed as balance geometry $$({\hat b_{bal}})$$ and transition geometry $$({\hat b_{trans}})$$ of flow, respectively. Our study reveals that $$({\hat b_{bal}})$$ and $$({\hat b_{trans}})$$ increases with increase in incident energy. In addition to this, the effect of nuclear charge radius has also been studied by using the isospin-independent as well dependent nuclear charge radii parameterizations.
The evaluation of the fission mode and fragment yields of neutron-rich nuclei by the dynamical model
Authors: Tanaka Shoya , Nishimura Nobuya , Nishimura Itoshi , Aritomo Yoshihiro
Published: March 2023

Nucleosynthesis by the rapid neutron-capture process (r-process) produces elements heavier than iron via neutron-rich nuclides, observed in the solar system and stars with various metallicities. In the r-process, fission plays a fundamental role by recycling the matter during neutron irradiation and by shaping the final r-abundance distribution. Nevertheless, due to the difficulty of experimental approaches, most of the fission data available for r-process calculations are based on theoretical predictions with phenomenological models. In this study, we focused on the transition of fission mode from asymmetric to symmetric in neutron-rich isotopes, which has been suggested in recent experiments for fermium isotopes. We investigated the fission of neutron-rich nuclei by a theoretical calculation based on the dynamical model and employed Langevin equations.