bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Readout chip with RISC-V microprocessor for hybrid pixel detectors
Authors: Skrzypiec P. , Szczygieł R.
Published: January 2023

Hybrid single-photon counting pixel detectors have recently been widely used for X-ray and ionizing particle detection in medicine, high-energy physics, and material science. Many different chips have been developed for the readout of the semiconductor pixel sensor. Typically, developed ASICs have very limited digital logic and do not provide substantial data processing. In this paper, we present the readout chip that integrates the readout channels matrix with a RISC-V-based microprocessor SoC. The designed device has been prototyped in an FPGA and sent to production in a CMOS 40 nm process. Integration of a pixel matrix with the RISC-V-based central processing unit significantly improved the detector functionality. It enabled the device to work independently without external assistive device usage and execute many algorithms, e.g., calibration, threshold scanning, and data filtering, on-chip. Communication between the CPU and the pixel matrix was carried out through the dedicated Pixel Matrix Controller with the CPU standard I/O operations usage. This specialized peripheral consists of a coprocessor responsible for precise matrix control, a data converter for data conversion acceleration, and control and status registers connected to the core data bus. Many algorithms have been developed and tested, one of which is the intelligent real-time filtering of regions of interest.
Tomographic image reconstruction techniques for accurate spent fuel assembly verification
Authors: Kim H. , Lee M. , Choi H. , Min C. , Choi H.
Published: January 2023

Non-proliferation and the security of nuclear materials are essential. The international atomic energy agency (IAEA) considers a tomographic image acquisition technique of spent fuel assemblies a promising technique to accurately verify the rod-by-rod spent fuel conditions stored in a water pool. Researchers at Yonsei University in Korea developed the bismuth germanate (BGO) scintillator-based Yonsei Single-photon Emission Computed Tomography (YSECT). Previous research validated the YSECT system experimentally to quickly evaluate the radioactivity distribution of test fuel rods in the Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control (KINAC). Quick verification of the fuel assembly requires the development of a high-quality image reconstruction algorithm that enables image acquisition within a short time. This study examined various tomographic image reconstruction techniques to identify patterns of missing fuel rods accurately. Rotational projection image data sets were obtained for 15 patterns of test fuel rods for 900 seconds using the single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system installed at KINAC. The projection images were acquired every 5° while four 64-channel detectors rotated 90°. The acquired images were reconstructed using the following methods: filtered back-projection, simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique, order-subset simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique, maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM), and Fast-Iterative Shrinkage-Thresholding algorithm (FISTA). Among the reconstruction algorithms used in this study, the image quality of MLEM showed the best performance, and the image contrast of FISTA showed the highest result. Therefore, the signal-to-noise ratio of the tomographic image was improved using the image reconstruction technique optimized for the YSECT system to verify the patterns of fuel rods. Hence, even for the low-quality measured data with the short-time scan of the SPECT system, this advanced technique is expected to show better discriminability of the patterns of fuel rods in the assembly.
Analog IP blocks in 28 nm CMOS for the high energy physics community: SLVS transmitter and receiver
Authors: Bandi F. , Ballabriga R. , Borghello G. , Campbell M. , Caratelli A. , Ceresa D. , Hofmann T. , Kaplon J. , Kloukinas K. , Michelis S. , Pejašinović R. , Piernas-Díaz F. , Piller M. , Traversi G.
Published: January 2023

A Scalable Low Voltage Signaling (SLVS) transmitter and receiver have been developed as IP blocks in a 28 nm standard CMOS technology for the future upgrades for the high luminosity LHC. At the target data rate of 1.28 Gbps, the transmitter consumes 6 mW and the receiver consumes 2 mW. The transmitter’s output is powered with 1.2 V to provide compatibility with previous designs, while the core logic can be powered with 0.8 V to reduce power consumption. This work summarizes the design approach at the schematic and layout level. Practical aspects of the novel technology for the design of ASICs in High Energy Physics will be discussed along with characterization results. Other IP blocks are being designed (ADC, DAC, PLL) and they will be presented.
Reduction of electricity for domestic hot water with tank-style heater
Authors: Atanasov Tomislav
Published: January 2023

The most widely used domestic water heaters in Bulgaria are the electric ones, with a storage tank. The main construction factors for the efficiency of the hot water boiler are considered in the present study: the temperature of water and the volume of the tank; the dimensions of the tank; the time for heating and discharge time; the insulation material and the thickness of insulation; the power of the electric heater. The average volume temperatures have been calculated analytical, the stratification effect is not taken into account. The different variants for design, insulation and the power of heater have been proposed. The results indicate for a possibility of reducing electricity for preparing hot water up to 13%. The further evaluation of the economic capability of the options has to be made.
Experimental study of the influence of external factors on the functionality of a regenerative decentralized ventilation unit
Authors: Penev A D , Tsokov L P
Published: January 2023

The article presents an experimental field study of the influence of environmental factors on the functionality of a commercial decentralized ventilation device for regenerative utilization of heat from the exhaust air, intended for installation in an external wall of buildings. The experiments included measurements during the winter and summer seasons. Real operating situations with two regenerative heat exchange matrices are presented and tested. The results of the experiments show that the functionality of the ventilation and heat recovery device does not meet the characteristics that the device shows under standard laboratory conditions.
Experimental analysis of cross-flow wind turbine with omni-directional multi-nozzle
Authors: Iliev R
Published: January 2023

Using guiding devices is a method for increasing the efficiency of vertical wind turbines. The main problem of these devices is the hydraulic losses that occur from shading the turbine runner. Тhe geometry of the guide apparatus must ensure independence from the wind direction and allow free passage of the airflow through the blade cascade of the runner. This paper presents the results of a physical and numerical study of a cross-flow vertical wind turbine with an omni-directional guiding multi-nozzle. The task of the study is to determine the influence of the multi-nozzle on the efficiency of the turbine when the airflow changes its direction. The idea is inspired by the kinematics of the flow through the guide nozzle and runner of the cross-flow water turbine. The experiments were conducted in the Laboratory of Hydro Power and Hydraulic Turbomachinery (HEHT Lab) at the Technical University of Sofia. The obtained results are showing the influence of the multi-nozzle on the performance of the cross-flow wind turbine. They favour the selection of a suitable omni-directinoal guiding device for vertical axis wind turbines.
Monte Carlo Investigation of Experimental Setup for Reactor Neutron Source
Authors: Mitev M , Dimitrov D , Manolova M , Nedelchev L
Published: January 2023

The prediction of integral parameters in the nuclear installations (fluence, activities, doses, etc.) requires a reliable theoretical modelling. The modelling includes the used transport codes themselves as well as reliable nuclear data such as microscopic nuclear parameters, cross sections, covariance matrices, etc. To verify the performed calculations, suitable experiments are used. On the other hand, one may use the theoretical modelling in order to evaluate the most suitable setup for performing a reliable experiment. This is of distinct importance when neutron activation is in place, since the neutron flux, angle of excitation and energy here is of particular importance. Using preliminary modelling the of response function in the activated materials a lot of time and capacity can be saved during the experimental process. This is of particular importance when investigate the 93mNb isotope since it has important properties in the state-of-the-art activity measurement techniques investigations, due to its low-energy gamma lines and its high level of masking due to other elements, and especially the tantalum. Niobium and tantalum are chemical “twins” of the vanadium triad of the periodic table and are notoriously difficult to separate from one another and from their naturally occurring ores, due to their near-identical physical and chemical properties. That is why 93mNb is suitable for a test element in the development of principally new approaches in the radiochemistry. The neutron source definition for Monte Carlo calculations for Nb, Fe and Cu foils activation is described in the paper. The reactor neutron source geometry model is presented. Results for the neutron fluence for activation of the investigated elements are obtained in radial and axial directions of the experimental setup area. Suitable positions for the placement of the investigated elements are selected. The obtained results provide a reliable basis for performing neutron activation experiments for technogenic radionuclides important for man and environment.
Applicability of polymers printed on textiles with a 3D printer for possible use in car interior
Authors: Ercegović Ražić Sanja , Ludaš Anja , Kaurin Tea , Zonjić Tin
Published: January 2023

In the paper, different types of polymers (rPLA, PETG, TPU) printed with a 3D printer are tested on textile material used for car interiors. The primary goal is to examine the possibility of 3D printing on textiles for the automotive industry, its adhesive and other mechanical properties. A further goal is to explore possibilities for new ways of designing and aesthetic efficiency of materials used in vehicles as well as potential ergonomically positive effects. The adhesion properties of the polymer-textile material, the strength printed on the surface using the tape method, the wear resistance of the polymer printed on the textile and the ageing of the polymer under simulated conditions are tested. The results are used to select a suitable polymer for the 3D printer and print it on the selected textile material for automotive industry.
Flame retardancy and aspects of the vat dyes application on inherently flame retardant fabrics
Authors: Glogar M , Pušić T , Lovreškov V , Kaurin T , Kerman N , Sršan L
Published: January 2023

The paper presents research on the application of vat dyes to inherently flame resistant fabrics, using the conventional screen-printing method. The composition of the fabrics are defined within a scope of a project conducted in partnership of Croatian textile factory Cateks d.d. and University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology. Fabrics are screen printed by using a vat dye Indanthren® Olive R (DyeStar, Germany) in two concentrations. After printing, a coloristic analysis of the obtained colouration is performed, based on instrumental spectrophotometric measurement and objective evaluation of the colouristic parameters (L*, C*, h°) and colour depth (K/S). The samples are tested for resistance to surface burning, and the colour fastness to dry/wet rubbing and light exposure are also tested. Excellent results of fire resistance and dry/wet rubbing resistance are achieved, while resistance to light exposure is lower to optimal.
Spatial analysis of vegetation using GIS and remote sensing data
Authors: Mahmood May Adnan , Al-Rawe Moheb Kamel
Published: January 2023

The agricultural sector is one of the most important sectors in Iraq, as it supports the Iraqi economy and provides food security for people in Baghdad. Nevertheless, this sector is suffering from a remarkable decrease in agricultural production. Therefore, there is a high need for the assessment of the agricultural cover in the last decades to provide a comprehensive view of the changes in this sector. The research focuses on the spatial analysis of spatial and urban cover using GIS, remote sensing data, and the NDVI indicator in three periods of time (2001, 2011, and 2021). The results of the study showed a decrease in the area of vegetation cover for the year 2011 for most of the counties while the area of vegetation cover increased in the study area in 2021 in comparison with 2011 due to the impact of the water resources factor and the share of each county. In 2001, the percentage of vegetation cover was 37% of the study area while it was 23% in 2011 and increased to 32% in 2021. This research supports the decision-makers and planners by providing the amount and spatial distribution of the vegetation cover.
Land-use change detection between the master plan and the current state by using GIS and RS the case study of the city Al-Hay
Authors: Al-Baai Murtadha Sadi , Abdulhameed Al-Bayati Muthanna M , Fard Hossein Etemad , Jawad Al Sharaa Hisham M
Published: January 2023

The expansions of cities and continuous urbanization have prepared comprehensive urban plans necessary. The important thing about these plans is to determine their success, efficiency, and feasibility. The expansion of the city comes because of the population increase or investment. When the expansion of cities precedes the updating of its master plans and the development of alternative plans to accommodate these expansions, it is normal that finds irregularities in use and differences between the master plan and real land use. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of illegal changes in the current situation in comparison with master plans. Also, the efficiency of artificial neural network models is evaluated to predict illegal land-use changes. The old master plan (1990-2010) and the new one (2010-2030) was used with two high-resolution satellite images dated 2010 and 2018. To determine changes between the status quo and the uses defined in the master plan, the required information tables were completed by field visit with questioner made for Al-hay City. Neural network models were used to evaluate the survey, data was divided into two parts training and testing then a neural network model was performed on them after testing the results using the neural network model, the results present that the accuracy of about 85% for the old master plan and pass 91% for the updated master plan. The largest percentage of differences between the real use and master plan for the year 2010 was in (Religious use, Parking, Gas stations, then government use, green areas, educational use, and residential), but note that the largest percentage of differences between the real use and master plan for the year 2018 were in (Religious use, Athletic use, Green areas, then commercial and governmental uses).
Intelligent solid waste sorting management indicators from source AL Shua’la district
Authors: Alwan Kareem Hassan , Bachai Qasim Mohammed
Published: January 2023

The developed world has made great strides in implementing sustainable development in its three dimensions, environmental, economic and social, because of its great importance in preserving its natural resources. The developing countries of the world must keep abreast of all developments in science and apply them in their countries to enjoy a sustainable life. The research reached results, including the problem of large quantities of solid waste resulting from the large population in the AL Shua’la district in the capital, Baghdad, which was not treated sustainably manner. Solid waste in the study area is collected and transferred to the sanitary landfill, without sorting from the source, or recycling which has economic and environmental benefits, the economic benefit is if the sorted waste is sold in the local waste market, and it is possible to benefit from the return The financial result of sorting from the source in developing the efficiency of the waste sorting service, while the environmental benefit is to reduce pollution. The research recommended conducting a sorting plan from the source. Awareness campaigns should be carried out for the population about the importance of sorting at the source and the establishment of recycling plants sufficient for recyclable waste.
The role of dramatic space in achieving effective urban design
Authors: Al-Shammari Rabee Jameel , Ali hamza Abbas , Farhan Sabeeh Lafta
Published: January 2023

This article explores dramatic spaces and their role in the intellectual construction of urban design in contemporary architecture. Dramatic space, and its role in intellectual construction, have become more relevant to the organization of urban design through constituting of high-rise buildings in the city’s photos, memory, and sense formation of events dramas in memories for the city. Contemporary architecture depends on a common principle by all designers in the desire to produce spaces involved by the receiver and help structure human relations by checking drama in their spaces to be building something different. Thus, The research problem was determined in revealing the comprehensive theoretical perception of the dramatic space formulas in contemporary architecture in general and the patterns of its realization in particular, that achieve a social and stable reaction. The research aimed to reach reveal the role of the mechanisms of creating drama in achieving new dimensions in the thought of contemporary architecture by creating patterns that bear the attribute of drama as space and according to the mechanisms and strategies of the dramatic system. Thus, Through the realization of drama in space, the topics are fragmented and multiple in thought, and the vision opens to the recipient to weave the plot according to the designer’s intellectual visions and his awareness of the event within the social system and transform it into a dramatic system through which knowledge is generated for the rest of the recipients in the interpretation or embodiment to reach the aesthetic and intellectual patterns inferred in urban spaces.
Quality of social life in vertical residential complexes: Salhia residential complex in Baghdad
Authors: Abdulrahman Yasameen Fadhil , Motlak Jamal B
Published: January 2023

The research adopted a clear approach to studying the quality of urban life and specifically the quality of social life in vertical residential complexes by relying on indicators derived from various literature and studies that addressed social dimensions and their importance in improving the residential environment. The problem of research lies in the lack of clarity of social quality indicators in the study of vertical residential complexes, so the goal of the research is to identify these indicators and their relationship to the planning of the residential complex and to benefit from the results of the study when planning residential complexes in the future. The research hypothesis is based on the fact that there is a range of indicators through which the level of social Life Quality can be judged in vertical residential complexes. The most prominent indicators of social quality studied in this research are (social interaction, social relations, safety and security, social peace, social consensus (community or neighbourhood), opportunities for social meetings, popular participation, gender participation and empowerment). The research was based on a random sample survey of residents of the Salhia residential complex in Baghdad city on the set of social indicators as well as a set of planning indicators. The results of the research showed the satisfaction of residents with most social indicators, which were generally accepted for planning indicators that could be counted as effective and useful tools for planners in the future for planning residential complexes and improving the quality of social life there. A set of conclusions and recommendations related to the subject of the research has been reached.
The role of the Kirkuk irrigation project in developing rural agricultural production concepts and reality of the situation of the study area before and after the establishment of the project
Authors: Ali Firas Hussein , Ali Amna Hussain Sabree
Published: January 2023

Kirkuk irrigation project has several development goals that support rural settlements and the rural reality in the city, from which we will take its effective role in the economic field, which is to increase the production quantities of crops in the countryside of Kirkuk governorate. Therefore, the size of agricultural areas will be subjected to changes after the establishment of project, from what it was before the establishment of the project. The project, Therefore, the role of the Kirkuk irrigation project, in addition to its importance in urban development and the service reality in the countryside, is to support the agricultural reality with sustainable agricultural development. In this case, the project will solve the problem of water scarcity and scarcity experienced by the rural population, due to the spread and scattering of villages, and their proximity to sources Irrigation after the establishment of the project represents support for the rural economy for the emergence of new types of crops that did not exist before the establishment of the project, such as the cotton crop, for example, and the increase in the production quantities of other crops, which depended on blood-watering or wells. The research aims to analyse the spatial developmental impact of the Kirkuk irrigation project to come up with planning indicators that help in building social and economic services and to study and analyse the spatial distribution patterns of existing rural settlements before and after the establishment of the project, through the use of the descriptive approach to study the effects of the Kirkuk irrigation project, and then adopt the approach Inductive analysis of project variables and indicators quantitatively. One of the most important conclusions achieved for the role of the Kirkuk irrigation project in sustainable agricultural development in addition to the changes in the service and urban reality of rural settlements and linking to transport networks, which is the basis for trade and marketing of agricultural produce, is the process of sustainable agricultural development, which is the focus of the research by making a comparison of agricultural areas and production quantities The types of crops produced before and after the establishment of the Kirkuk irrigation project.
The new industrial cities and resources sustainability - case study: industrial zone in Ramady city
Authors: Abdulraheem Abdul Basit Hadi , Alrikabi Nada K
Published: January 2023

The modern industrial projects and complexes that adopt ecological systems, and renewable, clean and environmentally friendly energy, not only contribute to the development of an environmentally friendly production method but can achieve long-term economic and industrial development by preserving environmental resources. The ecological industrial systems and modern industrial technologies are the ideal solutions to rationalize excessive use and preserve the elements of the environment and natural resources, the most important of which is the existence of several methods and programs for the development of industrial sites, and there is important to adopt mechanisms and programs to solve the problems of traditional industries to reach industrial techniques characterized by rationalization, reduction in the depletion of natural resources, the most important of which is the triple system (reduction, recycling, and reuse of industrial waste) and other eco-systems. By applying the indicators to the study area in the new industrial city in Ramady, it was found that there is a weakness in the application of the indicators and did not achieve the required level. It becomes clear to us the need to take into account the activation of these indicators to reach the achievement within the industrial city.
Tourism and its impact on the migration of indigenous peoples from historical city centers (the old city center of Najaf as a case study)
Authors: Abed Mohammed Hussein , Hadi Ihsan Sabah
Published: January 2023

Most countries around the world seek to add their historical city centres to the list of World Heritage sites to make them attractive centres for tourism by focusing on studies and projects that attract new events to meet the requirements of tourists to benefit from the financial return. On the other hand, the indigenous people in these centres suffer from a change in their normal lifestyle as a result of their transformation into tourist environments and uninhabitable places, and consequently, these centres lost a large part of their attractiveness and social identity, Hence the research problem, represented by: the loss of the historical centres of their vitality and social spirit as a result of the migration of its original inhabitants and they are leaving their homes. Accordingly, the aim of this research was determined to reach the most important indicators of urban tourism that negatively affect the quality of life of the indigenous population. The Social, economic, environmental, cultural and urban impact on the lives of indigenous peoples, For the purpose of achieving the goal of the research, previous studies were reviewed that dealt with the relationship between urban tourism and the indigenous population in the centers of historical cities and to reach the most important influential tourism indicators, which were represented by social, economic, environmental, cultural and urban indicators as main indicators and a set of sub-indicators that involve them, and the application of these indicators to the city of Najaf The old city by conducting interviews with residents and making field visits to the city, and relying on some studies of the city, The most important results were that the following indicators: (weak social relations, changing traditional ways of life, difficulty in obtaining daily needs, high land and real estate prices, pressure on infrastructure services, loss of heritage and historical buildings and lack of services and spaces allocated to the population) the influential role in the migration of the population The original inhabitants of the old city of Najaf.
Challenges and opportunities of the urban structures of holy cities: the case of old Najaf, Iraq
Authors: Farhan Sabeeh Lafta , Merie Ula Abd Ali Khalel , Alobaydi Dhirgham
Published: January 2023

This paper shed light on the historic urban structure that the city of Najaf has, and the current challenges and circumstances that are facing its unique urban centre, its traditional architecture, and its identity as a heritage Islamic city. Discussing Najaf as a pilgrimage city, that experiences seasonal pilgrimages to its holy sites, might force unusual urban conditions that are rarely found in other Islamic cities. These conditions enforce unique urban design, planning decisions, and actions that respect and improve the intangible and tangible heritage of the old city. Using an analytical approach, this paper analyses official documents and reports, maps, and archival materials that regard the unfortunate loss of the unique construction identity, which was part of its tangible and intangible features, and how they have been lost or neglected in the reconstruction of the urban structure of the old centre of Najaf, to illustrate how the city’s identity has impacted by different approaches, changes, and decisions policies. The paper provides a closer look at understanding the city’s urban transformations and explores the new challenges, tactics, and policies. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need to strengthen the traditional urban structure and control the improper changes and replacement procedures whenever it takes to cover the needs (facilities and commercial activities). In addition, to determine the locations that will be changed or allocated for the new projects, to ensure maintaining the identity of the city.
Reconfiguration of urban mobility rhythms in post-pandemic cities
Authors: Altaweel Maha A , Abduljalil Mustafa
Published: January 2023

The coronavirus pandemic has directly affected all fields of urban life (economic, social and health), and by reviewing the global precaution procedures that have been taken to confront the outbreak of the Coronavirus, It has been reached that the common factor among them is that the most of them are restrictions imposed to limit the daily rhythms of mobility that routinely occur within the urban environment. So, this study aims to take advantage of the lessons provided by the Coronavirus pandemic, to enable decision-makers to develop resilient and effective procedures for facing epidemics, according to a better understanding of urban mobility patterns, their relation to the closure and Opening policies, and Mobility Restriction Policies that are taken during health crises and infectious epidemics. It also contributes to developing planning to confront health crises, and providing better monitoring of the effects of precaution procedures, in addition to evaluating and developing it, according to the daily life patterns of the residents, to become more efficient rather than being general recommendations far from actual life. So, it has been analysed the concept of rhythmic pattern in the urban environment, by examining the rhythms of urban mobility as a conditional and contextual movement (directed by spatial and temporal context), to identify its relation to the continuity of the epidemic’s spread within the neighbourhoods of Adhamiya district in Baghdad. The results have shown that the rhythmic pattern of urban mobility is related to the continuity of infections with a strong positive relation of 91%. By using the multiple linear regression models, it has been reached to the model of prediction for the continuity of infection according to the spatial and temporal context of the rhythmic pattern of urban mobility. The spatial context data was obtained by the connectivity analysis of the axial map of the streets’ network, by using the Depth map. Also, the temporal context data was obtained by measuring the average of the intensity of existence in specific locations during every hour of the week, by the Best Time application. It should be noted that this prediction model cannot be considered a general model that is valid at all times and places, also it can’t be directly applied in other regions before testing and calibration, as the results will be completely different. Here, we can refer that more studies are needed to identify, understand and explain the differences.
Relate building information modeling to quality management according to the different quality management phases
Authors: Elsheikh Asser , Alamedy Shaimaa Ghanim Hakim
Published: January 2023

Buildings are becoming larger and more complex in today’s world. As a result, the old method of personally inspecting a building’s design is no longer efficient, as it is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Establishing and automating systems for inspecting building quality is becoming increasingly crucial. Building Information modeling (BIM) enables for quick decision-making and evaluation by automatically verifying if buildings meet standards. In this case. Real-time quality control and early fault detection are still the most effective methods for decreasing project schedule and expense overrun in the construction process. Current quality control methods on construction sites are inefficient and time-consuming since they only offer data at specified locations and times to reflect the work in progress, limiting a quality manager’s ability to quickly identify and handle faults. The goal of this research is to show how important BIM is in quality management in terms of its many phases. (inspection, control, and quality assurance).
The spatial effects of regional transportation roads and their role in activating the development potential using (GIS) techniques: Al Zubair district a case study
Authors: Allawi Ahmed Hussein , Al-Jazaeri Haider Mohammed Jawad
Published: January 2023

The research, through a scientific study of the Al-Zubair district, tried to focus on the importance of land transport roads in general and highway transport lines in particular, and their role in creating an integrated development process in the spatial domains that they penetrate. The developmental role of this important vital sector (main road networks) in reviving and activating the development potential characterizes the study area with the spatial extension of those roads in the establishment of urban communities and planning for the development of various human activities. The research focused on analysing the developmental relationship of the main transportation roads and their impact on the Al-Zubair district using the analytical method by relying on geographic information systems (GIS) techniques and using standard methods, including the inflexion factor method and the nearest neighbour in determining the effectiveness of regional roads, and the use of the questionnaire and the adoption of planning methods to show the efficiency of the roads, including the method (the inflexion coefficient). The research reached a set of results that prove the existence of a developmental interrelationship between the regional transport routes and the areas of spatial activities of the population in the study area.
Self-focusing and defocusing phenomena of super-Gaussian laser beams in plasmas carrying density gradient
Authors: Devi Lalita , Malik Hitendra K
Published: January 2023

Considering nonlinearities due to relativistic mass variation and ponderomotive force driven depression in the electron density, a model is developed for the self-focusing of a super-Gaussian laser beam in inhomogeneous plasmas. Since paraxial ray approximation is not appropriate for the beams of super-Gaussian profile, the formulation is developed based on the moment theory. To have an in-depth understanding of self-focusing and defocusing phenomena and to develop generalized treatment, three different types of plasma density profiles namely linear, tangent and exponential density profiles, are considered and the results are compared. Due to the saturating nature of nonlinear permittivity with laser intensity, the beam is found to undergo periodic focusing because of competition between the diffraction divergence and nonlinear self-focusing effects. The ponderomotive nonlinearity enhances the self-focusing. As the super-Gaussian beam moves into higher density plasma region up to several Rayleigh lengths, stronger self-focusing is achieved and the value of minimum spot size decreases.
Crystallization, rheological behavior and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube/metallocene polypropylene composites
Authors: Zhu Kaili , Guo Xiuxue , Zhang Qinglu , Liu Changheng , Li Wenjin , Shen Penghui , Tan Hongsheng
Published: January 2023

In this paper, metallocene polypropylene (mPP) composites filled with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared using twin-screw extruder. The crystallization behavior, mechanical properties and rheological behavior were characterized by a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), universal material testing machine and rotational rheometer. The results of DSC indicated that the effect of CNTs on heterogeneous nucleation of mPP was very obvious and the crystallizability of the resin matrix was improved after adding CNTs, especially the initial crystallization temperature (T
0), crystallization temperature (T
c) increased by 9.63 °C and 8.28 °C when the CNTs content was 1.25 wt%. The yield stress and elastic modulus increased to 33.98 MPa and 1605.6 MPa as the CNTs concentration increased to 1.0 wt% in contrast to that of the neat mPP. The results of SEM images showed that the better dispersion and adhesion of CNTs into polymer matrix. The results of rotational rheometer proved that interactions increased between CNTs and mPP as the content of CNTs increasing.
Recipes for when physics fails: recovering robust learning of physics informed neural networks
Authors: Bajaj Chandrajit , McLennan Luke , Andeen Timothy , Roy Avik
Published: January 2023

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) have been shown to be effective in solving partial differential equations by capturing the physics induced constraints as a part of the training loss function. This paper shows that a PINN can be sensitive to errors in training data and overfit itself in dynamically propagating these errors over the domain of the solution of the PDE. It also shows how physical regularizations based on continuity criteria and conservation laws fail to address this issue and rather introduce problems of their own causing the deep network to converge to a physics-obeying local minimum instead of the global minimum. We introduce Gaussian process (GP) based smoothing that recovers the performance of a PINN and promises a robust architecture against noise/errors in measurements. Additionally, we illustrate an inexpensive method of quantifying the evolution of uncertainty based on the variance estimation of GPs on boundary data. Robust PINN performance is also shown to be achievable by choice of sparse sets of inducing points based on sparsely induced GPs. We demonstrate the performance of our proposed methods and compare the results from existing benchmark models in literature for time-dependent Schrödinger and Burgers’ equations.
Epigenetic regulation of macrophage polarization in wound healing
Authors: Chen Cheng , Liu Tengfei , Tang Yuanyang , Luo Gaoxing , Liang Guangping , He Weifeng
Published: January 2023

The immune microenvironment plays a critical role in regulating skin wound healing. Macrophages, the main component of infiltrating inflammatory cells, play a pivotal role in shaping the immune microenvironment in the process of skin wound healing. Macrophages comprise the classic proinflammatory M1 subtype and anti-inflammatory M2 population. In the early inflammatory phase of skin wound closure, M1-like macrophages initiate and amplify the local inflammatory response to disinfect the injured tissue. In the late tissue-repairing phase, M2 macrophages are predominant in wound tissue and limit local inflammation to promote tissue repair. The biological function of macrophages is tightly linked with epigenomic organization. Transcription factors are essential for macrophage polarization. Epigenetic modification of transcription factors determines the heterogeneity of macrophages. In contrast, transcription factors also regulate the expression of epigenetic enzymes. Both transcription factors and epigenetic enzymes form a complex network that regulates the plasticity of macrophages. Here, we describe the latest knowledge concerning the potential epigenetic mechanisms that precisely regulate the biological function of macrophages and their effects on skin wound healing.
Treatment of purely cutaneous ​Rosai–Dorfman disease with topical rapamycin
Authors: Balestri Riccardo , Magnano Michela , Pedrolli Annalisa , Girardelli Carlo René , Rech Giulia
Published: January 2023

Purely cutaneous Rosai–Dorfman disease is a self-limiting and benign histiocytosis; however, some patients may be concerned about the aesthetic appearance, with a negative effect on quality of life. Even though many treatments have been proposed, no specific therapies are available and there is insufficient evidence supporting the superiority of any particular approach. Here we report the improvement of purely cutaneous Rosai–Dorfman disease with topical rapamycin.
Chronology of Practice: Chinese Practice in Private International Law in 2021
Authors: Qisheng H E
Published: January 2023

This survey contains materials reflecting the Chinese practice in private law in 2021. Firstly, regarding changes in the statutory framework of private international law in China, six legislative acts, one administrative regulation on Counteracting Unjustified Extra-Territorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures, and six judicial interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court (“SPC”) were adopted or amended in 2021, covering a wide range of matters, including punitive damages, online litigation, online mediation, and international civil procedure. Secondly, five typical cases on Chinese courts’ jurisdiction are selected to highlight the development of Chinese judicial practice in respect of consumer contracts, abuse of dominant market position, repeated actions and other matters. Thirdly, this survey considers 18 cases on choice-of-law issues relating, in particular, to capacities of legal persons, proprietary rights, employee contracts, mandatory rules, gambling and public policy. Fourthly, two significant decisions on punitive damages of intellectual property are reported. Fifthly, several key decisions in the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, international arbitration agreements and foreign settlement agreements, are reproduced. Lastly, this survey also covers the Summaries of the National Symposium on Foreign-related Commercial and Maritime Trials of Courts published by the SPC, an official document which represents the current judicial practices in the Chinese courts, and which is expected to provide guidance in the adjudication of foreign-related matters in the future.
TIMP-2 and IGFBP7 in human kidney biopsies in renal disease
Authors: Schanz Moritz , Kimmel Martin , Alscher Mark Dominik , Amann Kerstin , Daniel Christoph
Published: January 2023

Background

Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) are markers of tubular stress and urinary [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] is an established biomarker for risk assessment of acute kidney injury. There are no studies of expression profiles or localization of these markers in human renal tissue with confirmed renal disease.

Methods

We analysed 37 kidney biopsies of patients with renal disease and 10 non-diseased control biopsies for TIMP-2 and IGFBP7 expression using immunohistochemistry. Changes in glomerular morphology were evaluated by a semi-quantitative glomerulosclerosis score (GSI) and tubular interstitial changes were graded by the tubular injury score (TSI) using periodic acid–Schiff-stained paraffin sections. Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) were graded according to the Banff classification. Urinary [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] was collected at the time of biopsy.

Results

TIMP-2 and IGFBP7 had significantly greater expression in kidney biopsies from patients with renal disease compared with control tissue, especially in the tubular compartment. Here, IGFBP7 was detected in proximal and distal tubules while TIMP-2 was predominantly localized in the collecting ducts. Renal injury significantly correlated with staining intensity for TIMP-2 and IGFBP7: GSI weakly correlated with glomerular TIMP-2 (r = 0.36) and IGFBP7 (r = 0.35) and TSI correlated with tubular TIMP-2 (r = 0.41) and IGFBP7 (r = 0.43). Urinary [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] correlated weakly with the histopathological damage score but not with glomerular and tubular expression.

Conclusion

Our findings underline the role of TIMP-2/IGFBP7 as an unspecific marker of renal injury that is already in use for early detection of acute kidney injury.
Pseudo-AKI associated with targeted anti-cancer agents—the truth is in the eye of the filtration marker
Authors: Vanhoutte Thomas , Sprangers Ben
Published: January 2023

Besides true acute kidney injury (AKI), the occurrence of pseudo-AKI has been associated with several targeted agents. To improve the management of cancer patients treated with targeted agents, we need to be aware of this and use diagnostic approaches to differentiate between pseudo-AKI and AKI. In an article by Wijtvliet et al. in this issue of CKJ, tepotinib is added to the list of targeted agents associated with pseudo-AKI. In this editorial we discuss the current literature regarding pseudo-AKI and true AKI associated with targeted agents, and subsequently propose a management strategy to monitor kidney function in patients treated with targeted agents.
Adult-onset MELAS syndrome in a 51-year-old woman without typical clinical manifestations: a case report
Authors: Lee Sang-Hyup , Lee Chan Joo , Won Dongju , Kang Seok-Min
Published: January 2023

Background

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a multi-organ disorder resulting from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. We report a case of suspected MELAS syndrome that progressed to left ventricular dysfunction 24 years after an initial diagnosis of atrioventricular block (AVB).

Case summary

A 51-year-old woman was referred to heart failure clinic because of dyspnoea on exertion and progressive cardiomegaly. She had a dual-chamber pacemaker implanted for 24 years because of a high-degree AVB. She was treated for diabetes mellitus for 23 years and used hearing aids for 12 years because of sensorineural hearing loss. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (26%), with increased thickness and unusual texture of the myocardium. The absence of abnormal findings on serum and urine protein electrophoresis suggested that light-chain amyloidosis was unlikely. In addition, 99mTc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid scintigraphy revealed no definite uptake in the myocardium. Endomyocardial biopsy revealed a hypertrophy of myocytes in haematoxylin-eosin staining, and electron microscopy revealed a disarrangement of mitochondrial cristae, which were suggestive of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy. A mtDNA test detected the m.3243A > G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene. According to these findings, MELAS syndrome was the most probable diagnosis despite the absence of common symptoms such as stroke-like episodes or lactic acidosis.

Discussion

The patient had progressed to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction 24 years after the first cardiac manifestation. An identification of the mutation in the MT-TL1 gene, indicative of MELAS syndrome, enabled the diagnosis of MELAS syndrome without typical manifestations.