bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fingerprinting the metal source and cycling of the world’s largest antimony deposit in Xikuangshan, China
Authors: Long Zheng-Yu , Qiu Kun-Feng , Santosh M. , Yu Hao-Cheng , Jiang Xiang-Yong , Zou Li-Qun , Tang Dai-Wen
Published: May 2022

The Xikuangshan antimony (Sb) deposit is the largest Sb deposit in the world; however, the metal source and cycling and a holistic understanding of the deposit genesis remain equivocal. Sulfur isotope signatures offer a means of fingerprinting different sources in a hydrothermal deposit, although one must be careful to rule out subsequent isotope fractionation during fluid ascent, mixing, and ore precipitation. Here, we investigated the sulfur isotope composition of stibnite occurring at depth in the Xikuangshan deposit to distinguish the isotopic signals from the source and the superimposed imprint from near-surface–derived sulfur mixing or isotopic fractionation. All stibnites from the deep orebodies displayed limited δ34S variation from +6.8‰ to +8.4‰, despite their widely varying depths. These results provide direct evidence that δ34S values measured in deep orebodies are representative of the isotopic composition of initial fluids. The most likely factor controlling the variation of the sulfur isotopes in shallow stibnites (+3.5‰ to +16.3‰) is a series of hydrothermal processes, including Rayleigh fractionation during ore precipitation, fluid boiling induced by pressure release, and/or local input of pyrite from wall rocks via fluid-rock interaction. Accordingly, we conclude that the Neoproterozoic basement served as the metal source. We propose a holistic genetic model wherein we envisage that Sb and S were leached from the basement rocks, and the ore-bearing fluids ascended along a deep fault and eventually precipitated beneath the Devonian shale cap. Thus, sulfur isotopic systematics represent a powerful repository for interrogating the metal source and cycling in the hydrothermal ore system.
Claspers in the mid-CambrianOlenoides serratusindicate horseshoe crab–like mating in trilobites
Authors: Losso Sarah R. , Ortega-Hernández Javier
Published: May 2022

Sexual reproduction represents a fundamental aspect of animal biology, but the diversity of reproductive strategies among early Paleozoic metazoans remains obscure. Direct evidence of reproductive strategies comes from exceptionally preserved egg masses in Cambrian and Ordovician euarthropods such as waptiids and trilobites, but anatomical or behavioral adaptations for mating in these taxa are all but unknown. We demonstrate the presence of functionally specialized appendages in the mid-Cambrian (Wuliuan) Burgess Shale trilobite Olenoides serratus. New material of O. serratus preserves significantly modified and reduced endopodites underneath the seventh thoracic and first pygidial tergites. Comparison with extant euarthropods indicates that these specialized limbs are functional analogs to claspers, which are used by sexually mature males to grasp females prior to or during mating. The claspers in O. serratus were most likely used by the male to hold onto the posterior pygidial spines of the female during amplex, similar to the strategy observed in the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus. The new appendicular data from O. serratus provide the first direct evidence for trilobite sexual dimorphism based on the non-biomineralized ventral anatomy. Our findings illuminate the reproductive biology of trilobites and indicate that complex mating behaviors observed in extant euarthropods originated during the Cambrian explosion.
Extensive evidence for a last interglacial Laurentide outburst (LILO) event
Authors: Zhou Yuxin , McManus Jerry
Published: May 2022

A catastrophic last interglacial Laurentide outburst (LILO) event approximately 125,000 years ago (125 ka) may have contributed to abrupt climate change during the last interglacial. It has been proposed that this event was an analog of the Holocene 8.2 ka event. We characterize in detail the (1) provenance, (2) timing, and (3) delivery mechanism of a layer of red sediments deposited across much of the northwestern Atlantic Ocean at 125 ka. Our observations provide strong support for the occurrence of a LILO event that was analogous to the 8.2 ka event in all three aspects, and likely surpassed it in magnitude. The freshwater discharge associated with the 125 ka LILO event may explain a series of abrupt global changes, including a reduction of the North Atlantic Deep Water and reinvigoration of the Antarctic Bottom Water. Our findings suggest that the mechanism that triggered the LILO event may be an integral part of the deglacial sequence of events, during which the final collapse of the contiguous Laurentide Ice Sheet took place 3.5–4 k.y. after full interglacial temperature was reached in the middle and high northern latitudes.
Diapirism of carbonate platforms subducted into the upper mantle
Authors: Ducea Mihai N. , Currie Claire A. , Balica Constantin , Lazar Iuliana , Mallik Ananya , Petrescu Lucian , Vlasceanu Mihai
Published: May 2022

Subduction of lithospheric plates at convergent margins leads to transport of materials once close to or at the surface of Earth to great depths. Some of them later return to the surface by magmatism or degassing, whereas others end up being stored in the mantle for long periods of time. The fate of carbon-bearing minerals in subduction is of particular interest because they can arbitrate the long-term availability of CO2 at the surface. However, there are major gaps in the understanding of even the most fundamental processes that modulate carbon pathways at mantle depths. We use geodynamic models to understand carbonate pathways upon subduction in the form of large carbonate platforms, which were common in the Tethys realm of Europe. We conducted a series of geodynamic forward models for a 1-km-thick carbonate platform entering subduction. We show that most of the carbonate load detaches from the subducting slab and rises up diapirically through the mantle wedge and eventually mixes with the mantle lithosphere. A smaller fraction gets accreted under the forearc, whereas an even smaller fraction descends deeper into the mantle. The cold diapiric plume has a significant role in retarding silicate mantle melting above these subduction zones and promoting the formation of small-volume carbonate-rich melts and, in some cases, alkaline silica-undersaturated silicate melts. We propose that large amounts of CO2 can be stored as carbonate in the shallow uppermost lithospheric mantle.
Progress and challenges in implementing adolescent and school health programmes in India: a rapid review
Authors: Jain Neha , Bahl Deepika , Mehta Rajesh , Bassi Shalini , Sharma Kiran , Arora Monika
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To review the overall planning, implementation and monitoring of adolescent and school health programmes currently implemented in India and determine if they are in alignment with the indicators for achieving universal health coverage for adolescents in India.

Methods

A rapid review, with key informant interviews and desk review, was conducted using World Health Organization’s tool for Rapid Assessment of Implementation of Adolescent Health and School Health Programmes. Operational guidelines, reports and relevant publications (surveys, policy briefs and meeting proceedings) related to India’s adolescent and school health programmes were reviewed. Key informant interviews were conducted in New Delhi (India) with senior officials from the health and education departments of the Government of India, representatives from the private health sector and civil society organisations. Data were analysed using World Health Organization’s framework for universal health coverage for adolescents and summarised according to the key indicators.

Results

Key informant interviews were conducted with 18 participants: four each from health and education department of the government, one clinician from private health sector and nine representatives from civil society organisations. Manuals and operational guidelines of India’s existing adolescent and school health programmes were reviewed. India’s national adolescent and school health programmes align with many priority actions of the World Health Organization’s framework for delivering universal health coverage for adolescents. These programmes require strengthening in their governance and implementation. While adolescent health and school health programmes have robust monitoring frameworks, however, there is a need to strengthen research and policy capacity.

Conclusions

Various national health programmes have targeted adolescents as a priority population. A better translation of these programmes into implementation is needed so that the investments provided by the government offer sufficient opportunities for building collective national action for achieving universal health coverage with adolescents as an important section of the population.
Using digital health tools for the Remote Assessment of Treatment Prognosis in Depression (RAPID): a study protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: de Angel Valeria , Lewis Serena , Munir Sara , Matcham Faith , Dobson Richard , Hotopf Matthew
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Digital health tools such as smartphones and wearable devices could improve psychological treatment outcomes in depression through more accurate and comprehensive measures of patient behaviour. However, in this emerging field, most studies are small and based on student populations outside of a clinical setting. The current study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of using smartphones and wearable devices to collect behavioural and clinical data in people undergoing therapy for depressive disorders and establish the extent to which they can be potentially useful biomarkers of depression and recovery after treatment.

Methods and analysis

This is an observational, prospective cohort study of 65 people attending psychological therapy for depression in multiple London-based sites. It will collect continuous passive data from smartphone sensors and a Fitbit fitness tracker, and deliver questionnaires, speech tasks and cognitive assessments through smartphone-based apps. Objective data on sleep, physical activity, location, Bluetooth contact, smartphone use and heart rate will be gathered for 7 months, and compared with clinical and contextual data. A mixed methods design, including a qualitative interview of patient experiences, will be used to evaluate key feasibility indicators, digital phenotypes of depression and therapy prognosis. Patient and public involvement was sought for participant-facing documents and the study design of the current research proposal.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the London Westminster Research Ethics Committee, and the Health Research Authority, Integrated Research Application System (project ID: 270918). Privacy and confidentiality will be guaranteed and the procedures for handling, processing, storage and destruction of the data will comply with the General Data Protection Regulation. Findings from this study will form part of a doctoral thesis, will be presented at national and international meetings or academic conferences and will generate manuscripts to be submitted to peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PMYTA
Diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound for paediatric testicular torsion: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mori Takaaki , Ihara Takateru , Nomura Osamu
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous studies have examined the utility of ultrasonography performed by radiologists for diagnosing paediatric testicular torsion. While point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is used in paediatric emergency medicine, its diagnostic accuracy is still unknown.

Objectives

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the accuracy of POCUS in diagnosing testicular torsion in children.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy guidelines, a systematic review was performed using the indices of MEDLINE, EMBASE plus EMBASE classics, PubMed and the Cochrane database from inception to November 2020. Any study investigating the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS for paediatric testicular torsion was extracted. The primary outcome was the assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS for paediatric testicular torsion. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Quality analysis was conducted using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2).

Results

Four studies enrolling 784 patients in total were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of POCUS were 98.4% (95% CI: 88.5% to 99.8%), 97.2% (95% CI: 87.2% to 99.4%), 34.7 (95% CI: 7.4 to 164.4) and 0.017 (95% CI: 0.002 to 0.12), respectively. Risk-of-bias assessment using QUADAS-2 revealed that two of the studies had a high risk of bias in patient selection.

Conclusion

The present systematic review and meta-analysis showed that POCUS had high sensitivity and specificity for identifying testicular torsion in paediatric patients although the risk of bias was high in the studies analysed.
Association between violence and mental distress, self-harm and suicidal ideation and attempts among young people in Malawi
Authors: Villaveces Andrés , Shankar Viswanathan , Palomeque Francisco , Padilla Mabel , Kress Howard
Published: May 2022

Background

Mental health problems ranging from depression to more severe acts such as self-harm or suicidal behaviours are a serious problem among adolescents and young adults. Exposure to violence during the life of young people can increase mental health issues for youth. This study examines the relationship between exposure to violence and mental health issues among youth using a nationally representative study in Malawi.

Methods

We analysed data from the nationally representative Violence Against Children Survey from Malawi (2013) to quantify the association between exposures to violence (physical, sexual and emotional) and their relationship with mental distress, self-harm behaviours and suicidal ideation and attempts among youth aged 13–24 years. We evaluated the association of exposures to violence against children with reported mental health conditions among women and men. We used ordinal logistic regression models with appropriate survey weights to assess exposures to violence and the three outcomes of interest.

Results

Children and youth aged 13–24 years exposed to violence in childhood reported higher levels of adverse mental health effects, including mental distress, self-harm behaviours and suicidal ideation and attempts. The odds of reporting these outcomes increased as the number of violence types increased.

Conclusions

Understanding the risks based on different combinations of exposures to violence in Malawi can help identify populations at higher risk and optimise violence prevention strategies.
Work-related injuries among farm workers engaged in agricultural operations in India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khadatkar Abhijit , Agarwal K N , Gite L P , Kot L S
Published: May 2022

Purpose

We aim to investigate nature, risk factors as well as magnitude of farm injuries and fatalities among agricultural workers in rural India.

Methods

An Agricultural Injury Study (AIS) was conducted using selected 1703 villages in eight states of rural India based on statistical consideration using unstructured proforma for 3086 victims/respodents, who were mostly agricultural workers or farmers. Injury incidence rate (IIR) was estimated per 1000 machines/tools per year for farm machinery and hand tools injuries, and per 100 000 workers per year for other sources. Questions about the injuries involved in farming tasks were used.

Results

About 36.2% fatalities were caused by farm machinery that involves tractors. The IIR per year of farm machinery, hand tools and injuries due to other sources were 3.2 per 1000 machines, 0.7 per 1000 tools and 77 per 100 000 workers, respectively. Correlation between number of injury-prone agricultural machines and number of farm machinery injury is r=0.80 (number of injuries increases with increase in number of machines). The χ²=72.53; p<0.01 of number of hand tools and number of farm hand tools-related injuries, that is, they are statistically significant.

Conclusion

Exposures to agricultural machineries during farming operations can result in injuries confounding that may be fatal or non-fatal. Mapping down the cause and taking preventive measure to reduce the losses are of major concern. Also, customised safety programme as well as legislative awareness is needed to be raised for the higher injury incidence group.
Agricultural work-related fatalities and injuries in Punjab (India)
Authors: Lohan Shiv Kumar , Singh Prashant , Kumar Sunil
Published: May 2022

Objective

Analysis of data on monetary compensation and estimating the rate of injuries related to agricultural activities in the state of Punjab.

Methods

The primary data were collected from 22 districts of Punjab state for 2012–2015 through Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board, Mohali. Data were analysed for the nature of health hazards, type of injuries, possible causes and factors of injuries and their gender.

Results

During the four consecutive years (2012–2015) an overall 5888 hazards cases related to agricultural activities were reported from the state, out of which 1993 (33.85%) were fatal and 3895 (66.15%) were non-fatal injuries. Among the fatal cases, the leading causes reported were due to electric motors (34.47%), poisoning through snake bites (21.48%), poisoning through pesticide applications with sprayers (19.62%) and crushed under/falling from the tractors and related equipment (13.50%). The annual fatality rate of the state of Punjab was estimated as 14.14 per 100 000 agricultural workers, while the overall injury incidence rate was observed as 39.57 per 100 000 agricultural workers.

Conclusions

Majority of agricultural work-related health hazards in Punjab were mainly due to negligence, lack of knowledge/experience, restlessness/sleeplessness, inadequate safety measures, over speed and wrong practices employed by the operator. There is a need for better ergonomic controls, work environments and practices for the prevention of injuries and health hazards related to agricultural activities.
Alcohol and drug use during sex and its association with sexually transmitted infections: a retrospective cohort study among young people aged under 25 years visiting Dutch STI clinics
Authors: Evers Ymke J , op den Camp Kiki P L , Lenaers Mischa , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H T M , Hoebe Christian J P A
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Alcohol use and drug use are common behaviours among young people. STI positivity is higher in young people than in people aged above 25 years. While there is an increasing amount of knowledge about drug use during sex among men who have sex with men (MSM), data on this behaviour among young women and heterosexual men are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to assess the proportion and characteristics of women and heterosexual men aged under 25 years reporting alcohol and/or drug use during sex and its association with STI positivity.

Methods

Surveillance data of heterosexual individuals younger than 25 years visiting two Dutch STI clinics between 2016 and 2019 were assessed (n=11 714). We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess associations between alcohol and drug use during sex and STI positivity (Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae diagnosis), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, ethnicity, educational level, socioeconomic status and urbanisation) and sexual behaviour (condom use, number of sex partners).

Results

Alcohol use during sex was reported by 45.3% (5311/11 714; 49.5% in men vs 43.2% in women, p<0.001) and drug use during sex by 22.0% (2580/11 714; 30.7% in men vs 17.6% in women, p<0.001). The most reported drugs were cannabis (17.9%), ecstasy (XTC)/methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (6.9%) and cocaine (4.7%). The use of at least one of the following drugs (XTC/MDMA, cocaine, speed, ketamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)/gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), heroin, crystal meth and/or designer drugs) was significantly associated with STI positivity after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics (adjusted OR (aOR): 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4), but this association did not remain significant after adjustment for sexual behaviour (aOR: 1.12, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.34). Significant associations between drug use during sex and inconsistent condom (aOR: 2.5, 95% CI 1.9 to 3.2) use and having four or more sex partners (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI 2.8 to 3.6) in the past 6 months were assessed.

Discussion

Alcohol and drug use during sex was highly prevalent among young women and heterosexual men visiting the STI clinic and drug use during sex was associated with an increased risk for STI, probably mediated by sexual behaviour. This indicates that a holistic health promotion strategy, addressing STI prevention and alcohol and drug use-related harm reduction, is important in this group. STI clinics should address this behaviour not only among MSM, but also among young women and heterosexual men.
Ninety-day mortality following lung cancer surgery: outcomes from the English national clinical outcomes audit
Authors: Morgan Helen , Baldwin David , Hubbard Richard , Navani Neal , West Doug , O'Dowd Emma Louise
Published: May 2022

Accurately explaining perioperative mortality and risk to patients is an essential part of shared decision making. In the case of lung cancer surgery, the currently available multivariable mortality prediction tools perform poorly, and could mislead patients. Using data from 2004 to 2012, this group has previously produced data tables for 90-day postoperative mortality, to be used as a communication aid in the consenting process. Using National Lung Cancer Clinical Outcomes audit data from 2017 to 2018, we have produced updated early mortality tables, to reflect current thoracic surgery practice.
Prevalence, perceptions and factors associated with menthol cigarette smoking: findings from the ITC Kenya and Zambia Surveys
Authors: Kaai Susan Cherop , Fong Geoffrey T , Ong’ang’o Jane Rahedi , Goma Fastone , Meng Gang , Craig Lorraine V , Ikamari Lawrence , Quah Anne C K , Elton-Marshall Tara
Published: May 2022

Background

Menthol masks the harshness of cigarette smoke, promotes youth smoking and encourages health-concerned smokers who incorrectly believe that menthols are less harmful to smoke menthols. This study of smokers in Kenya and Zambia is the first study in Africa to examine menthol use, smokers’ beliefs about its harmfulness and the factors associated with menthols.

Methods

Data were from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Kenya Wave 2 (2018) and Zambia Wave 2 Survey (2014), involving nationally representative samples of smokers. This study focuses on 1246 adult smokers (644 in Kenya, 602 in Zambia) who reported smoking a usual brand of cigarettes (menthol or non-menthol).

Results

Overall, menthol use was significantly higher among smokers in Zambia than in Kenya (48.0% vs 19.0%), females (45.6% vs 31.2% males), non-daily smokers (43.8% vs 30.0% daily) and those who exclusively smoked factory-made (FM) cigarettes (43.0% vs 15.2%). The erroneous belief that menthols are less harmful was more likely among smokers in Zambia than in Kenya (53.4% vs 29.3%) and among female smokers (38.5% vs 28.2%). In Kenya, menthol smoking was associated with being female (adjusted odds ratios (AOR)=3.07; p=0.03), worrying about future health (AOR=2.28; p=0.02) and disagreeing with the statement that smoking was calming (AOR=2.05; p=0.04). In Zambia, menthol use was associated with being female (AOR=3.91; p=0.002), completing primary school (AOR=2.14; p=0.03), being a non-daily smoker (AOR=2.29; p=0.03), exclusively using FM cigarettes (AOR=14.7; p<0.001), having a past quit attempt (AOR=1.54; p=0.02), believing that menthols are less harmful (AOR=3.80; p<0.001) and choosing menthols because they believed it was less harmful (AOR=3.52; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Menthols are highly prevalent among females in both countries. There is a need in African countries to combat the myth that menthols are less harmful and to ban menthol and other flavourings.
Impact of pictorial health warning labels on smoking beliefs and perceptions among waterpipe smokers: an online randomised cross-over experimental study
Authors: Jebai Rime , Asfar Taghrid , Nakkash Rima , Chehab Sara , Wu Wensong , Bursac Zoran , Maziak Wasim
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) has substantially increased among young people in Lebanon, who perceive WTS as safer than cigarettes. Health warning labels (HWLs) can inform the adverse effects associated with smoking. Thus, their application to waterpipe offers a favourable policy to limit WTS epidemic. This study assessed the effectiveness of pictorial HWLs and their placements on waterpipe parts (device, tobacco and charcoal package) on several communication outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a randomised cross-over experimental study among 276 waterpipe smokers (aged 18–34) between 13 and 26 August 2021. Participants observed three conditions: pictorial HWLs on tobacco packages, pictorial HWLs on three parts of the waterpipe (device, tobacco and charcoal package) and text only on tobacco package in random order. Participants completed baseline and postexposure assessments evaluating HWL effectiveness on attention, reaction, attitudes and beliefs, perceived effectiveness of HWLs and intention to quit WTS. Planned comparisons using Friedman test followed by pairwise Wilcoxon signed-rank test for multiple comparisons were conducted.

Results

Compared with text only, pictorial HWLs elicited greater attention (p=0.011), higher cognitive elaboration (p=0.021), perceived message effectiveness (p=0.007), negative affect reactions (p<0.01) and greater psychological reactance (p=0.01). No significant differences were found for most communication outcomes between pictorial HWLs on three parts of the waterpipe compared with tobacco package only.

Conclusions

Pictorial HWLs on tobacco package were superior to text only for several communication outcomes. These findings provide strong evidence for potential implementation of pictorial HWLs on waterpipe tobacco packages to increase smokers’ awareness of the health effects of WTS and correct false safety perceptions.
Impact of Canada’s menthol cigarette ban on quitting among menthol smokers: pooled analysis of pre–post evaluation from the ITC Project and the Ontario Menthol Ban Study and projections of impact in the USA
Authors: Fong Geoffrey T , Chung-Hall Janet , Meng Gang , Craig Lorraine V , Thompson Mary E , Quah Anne C K , Cummings K Michael , Hyland Andrew , O'Connor Richard J , Levy David T , Delnevo Cristine D , Ganz Ollie , Eissenberg Thomas , Soule Eric K , Schwartz Robert , Cohen Joanna E , Chaiton Michael O
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Between 2015 and 2018, Canada banned menthol cigarettes. This study pooled data from two pre–post cohort studies (the Ontario Menthol Ban Study, and the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation (ITC) Canada Survey, conducted in seven provinces) to derive more precise estimates of the impact of Canada’s menthol ban on quitting and to apply these estimates to project the impact of a menthol ban in the USA.

Methods

Weighted multivariable logistic analyses compared post-ban quit success of menthol smokers with non-menthol smokers (for daily smokers and for all (daily + non-daily) smokers), controlling for sex, age, ethnicity, education, baseline smoking status, baseline cigarettes per day and study regions. Projections to the USA were created by multiplying the effect size of the Canadian menthol ban on quitting (percentage of increased quitting among menthol smokers) by the number of menthol smokers overall and among African Americans, from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Results

After the menthol cigarette ban, menthol smokers were more likely than non-menthol smokers to have quit smoking among daily smokers (difference=8.0%; 95% CI: 2.4% to 13.7%,p=0.005) and all (daily+non-daily) smokers (difference=7.3%; 95% CI: 2.1% to 12.5%,p=0.006). The projected number of smokers who would quit after a US menthol ban would be 789 724 daily smokers (including 199 732 African Americans) and 1 337 988 daily+non-daily smokers (including 381 272 African Americans).

Conclusions

This pooled analysis of Canada’s menthol cigarette ban provides the foundation for estimating the impact of menthol bans in the USA and other countries. Projections suggest that a US menthol cigarette ban would have a substantial impact on increasing quitting.
Nonlocal optical model for deuteron elastic scattering
Authors: Utoom M. , Jaghoub M. I. , Aqel T.
Published: May 2022

Deuteron elastic scattering off light, intermediate, and heavy nuclei from 10Be to 120Sn corresponding to incident energies in the range 10–70 MeV is considered using the nonlocal model of Perey and Buck, which explicitly includes a Gaussian nonlocality (Perey and Buck. Nucl. Phys. A, 32, 353 (1962). doi:10.1016/0029-5582(62)90345-0). We obtain two sets of global nonlocal parameters, one for light 1p-shell nuclei and the other for intermediate and heavy ones. The geometrical parameters of each set are fixed, while the imaginary volume and imaginary surface depths vary linearly with both energy and the neutron–proton asymmetry of the target. Our best angular distribution fits are in very good agreement with the measured data. To test the model, we used our global parameters to predict the angular distributions for nuclei and energies that have not been included in the fitting procedure. The resulting χ2 values are as good as the values calculated using global local potentials in the literature or better, despite the fact that 12 out of the 15 parameters of the nonlocal potential are fixed. For the deuteron–nucleus scattering, we determined a nonlocality parameter of 0.45 fm, which compares well with the values obtained in previous works.
Protogynous hermaphroditism in Crustacea: a new example from Tanaidacea
Authors: Kakui Keiichi , Hiruta Chizue
Published: May 2022

Hermaphroditism has been widely reported in the Crustacea, but protogyny, in which females change to males, is apparently rare and restricted to the peracarid orders Isopoda and Tanaidacea. In the latter, protogyny has been demonstrated in only seven species representing six genera by rearing experiments and indicated for several other genera and species through morphology. Here, we show through rearing experiment and histological observations, protogynous hermaphroditism in the tanaidacean species Nesotanais sp. aff. ryukyuensis Kakui, Kajihara and Mawatari, 2010. Our rearing experiment and size distribution data for wild individuals showed that females can change sex at various sizes (= ages). We found one individual identified externally as a female containing both ovaries and testes, indicating that overt female individuals undergo a short transitional phase as simultaneous hermaphrodites before the sex-change molt. We discuss the relationship among the wide size distribution of sex-changing females, the short life span of males, and the tube-dwelling mode of life.
Effects of order $$\alpha ^3$$ on the determination of the Pauli form factor $$F_2$$ of the $$\tau $$-lepton
Authors: Krinner F. , Kaiser N.
Published: May 2022

We introduce optimal observables to measure the Pauli form factor$$F_2$$F2of the$$\tau $$τ-lepton in the pair-production process$$\mathrm{e}^- \mathrm{e}^+ \rightarrow \tau ^-\tau ^+$$e-e+→τ-τ+from the intensity distribution of the decay products. The spin-density matrix for the production process is calculated in QED up to order$$\alpha ^3$$α3including virtual photon-loops and soft bremsstrahlung, as well the$$\gamma Z^0$$γZ0interference. We find that the decay channel$$(\rho ^-\nu _\tau )\times (\rho ^+ {\bar{\nu }}_\tau )$$(ρ-ντ)×(ρ+ν¯τ)yields the best resolution for Re$$F_2(s)$$F2(s)and Im$$F_2(s)$$F2(s)due to its high branching fraction. We also study the bias that is introduced in the determination of$$F_2$$F2, if the production spin-density matrix is taken in tree-level (one-photon exchange) approximation.
FRACTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LOW-PERMEABILITY SANDSTONE RESERVOIRS
Authors: WU JINSUI , ZHANG CIYUAN , YU BOMING , YIN SHANGXIAN , XING MIN , CHEN XUEXI , LIAN HUIQING , YI SIHAI
Published: May 2022

The sandstone micro-structure is one of the most important parameters for quantitative evaluation of groundwater/oil/gas resources and prediction of flow rates of water/oil/gas. In this study, we applied seven low-permeability sandstone samples obtained from North China to study the structures of pore and solid phase based on digital core technology and the fractal theory. In this work, rock images were collected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and then image software (image pro plus) was applied to convert the SEM images into binary images and calculated the perimeter and area of pores and particles. Using the fractal medium criterion, we analyzed the fractal characteristics of pore and solid phases, and then we extended the criterion from the pore phase to both pore and solid phases. This paper explores the relationship among the pore and solid phase fractal characteristics, porosity, pore size, particle size and fractal dimensions for pores and particles. The results were compared with the experimental data and showed that the solid phase satisfies the fractal distribution, while the pore phase dissatisfies the fractal distribution. It was also found that the minimum and maximum pore and particle sizes, magnification times have a significant effect on the results. In addition, by introducing the diameter and mean hydraulic radius into Ergun–Wu equation, the permeabilities of the samples were calculated.
Analytical study of complex Ginzburg–Landau equation arising in nonlinear optics
Authors: Zafar Asim , Shakeel M. , Ali Asif , Rezazadeh Hadi , Bekir Ahmet
Published: May 2022

In this paper, some optical solitons and other solutions of the Complex Ginzburg–Landau (CGL) equation with the beta time derivative are analyzed in nonlinear optics. The kink, bright, and dark solitons of the model are acquired using the [Formula: see text]-expansion method. It is worth mentioning that the obtained and precise solutions are graphically displayed. To summarize, some relatively novel solutions and conclusions are obtained from the analysis of the model, which serves as a reference for the development of the Ginzburg–Landau equation in nonlinear optics.
Two-Dimensional Meso-Scale Simulation of Hydraulic Fracture in Concrete
Authors: Yu Ke-Lai , Yang Zhen-Jun , Zhang Xin , Liu Guo-Hua
Published: May 2022

A finite element (FE) modeling approach is developed for meso-scale hydraulic fracture in concrete. The FE models, consisting of aggregates, mortar and pores, are first generated by either random aggregate generation and packing or direct conversion of real micro-scale X-ray computed tomography images. The cohesive interface elements coupling fluid pressure freedoms are then inserted into the solid FE meshes by a developed Python code to simulate hydro-cracking. The developed approach was validated by simulating a few examples. It was found that the contents and distribution of aggregates and the fluid viscosity, the confining pressure ratios, the inclined angels of natural cracks and pores have significant effects on the hydraulic fracture resistance and the crack patterns.
Multifractal properties of oil and gas indices in the Songnan Low Uplift of the Qiongdongnan Basin deepwater area
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Li , Zhou Jie , Zhu Jitian , Tang Lishan , Zhou Yongzhang
Published: May 2022

Recently, a high-quality reservoir was discovered in the Songnan Low Uplift in the eastern deepwater area of the Qiongdongnan Basin, northern South China Sea. To establish whether this area has good exploration prospects, this paper uses the multifractal moment method to analyse 2689 data points acquired from the basin in the SE of the southern low bulge. It is pointed out that the fractal behaviours of different types of geochemical indices are often distinguished by multifractal spectra of different shapes, therefore multifractal spectrum function analysis is used in this paper. These data were considered within the context of 13 oil and gas indices describing the multifractal spectrum function morphological characteristics. The results show that these indices can be divided into three types according to the multifractal spectrum. Indices with a strong multifractal spectrum function in the Songnan Low Uplift have the characteristics of a wide and continuous multifractal spectrum function, forming a right-skewed arc shape, while the other indices show weak or single-fractal characteristics. The results are in good agreement with principal component analysis results, where the spectral function of each principal component shows that the gas source of the C1, C2, C3, nC4, nC5, and heavy hydrocarbon indices in the Songnan Low Bulge has multifractal characteristics. The weight of these indices with strong multifractal characteristics shows that the principal components C1, C2 and C3, and heavy hydrocarbons, are important indices for delineating hydrocarbon prospects in the Songnan Low Uplift. Multifractal and spatial analysis techniques provide new ideas for index selection and comprehensive information extraction for oil and gas exploration.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Applications of Innovations in Geochemical Data Analysis collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/applications-of-innovations-in-geochemical-data-analysis
Time-aware Path Reasoning on Knowledge Graph for Recommendation
Authors: Zhao Yuyue , Wang Xiang , Chen Jiawei , Wang Yashen , Tang Wei , He Xiangnan , Xie Haiyong
Published: May 2022

Reasoning on knowledge graph (KG) has been studied for explainable recommendation due to its ability of providing explicit explanations. However, current KG-based explainable recommendation methods unfortunately ignore the temporal information (such as purchase time, recommend time, etc.), which may result in unsuitable explanations. In this work, we propose a novel
Time-aware Path reasoning for Recommendation
(TPRec for short) method, which leverages the potential of temporal information to offer better recommendation with plausible explanations. First, we present an efficient time-aware interaction relation extraction component to construct collaborative knowledge graph with time-aware interactions (TCKG for short), and then we introduce a novel time-aware path reasoning method for recommendation. We conduct extensive experiments on three real-world datasets. The results demonstrate that the proposed TPRec could successfully employ TCKG to achieve substantial gains and improve the quality of explainable recommendation.
Personalized Individual Semantics Learning to Support a Large-Scale Linguistic Consensus Process
Authors: Dong Yucheng , Ran Qin , Chao Xiangrui , Li Congcong , Yu Shui
Published: May 2022

When making decisions, individuals often express their preferences linguistically. The computing with words methodology is a key basis for supporting linguistic decision making, and the words in that methodology may mean different things to different individuals. Thus, in this article, we propose a continual personalized individual semantics learning model to support a consensus-reaching process in large-scale linguistic group decision making. Specifically, we first derive personalized numerical scales from the data of linguistic preference relations. We then perform a clustering ensemble method to divide large-scale group and conduct consensus management. Finally, we present a case study of intelligent route optimization in shared mobility to illustrate the usability of our proposed model. We also demonstrate its effectiveness and feasibility through a comparative analysis.
Perspective—Temperature Dependencies and Charge Transport Mechanisms in Molecular Tunneling Junctions Induced by Redox-Reactions
Authors: Alami Fuad A. , Soni Saurabh , Borrini Alessandro , Nijhuis Christian A.
Published: May 2022

In this perspective, we discuss complex charge transport behaviours induced by redox-reactions in molecular tunnelling junctions by gauging the development of charge transport theories which allow for more unified approaches between temperature-dependent and -independent transport. A context is drawn for current experimental works which previously demonstrated behaviours that could not have been explained by traditional Marcus and Landauer theories. The work discusses not only the reported temperature-independent long-range tunnelling and their corresponding theoretical explanations but also correlates the influence of structural and thermodynamic factors that influence such peculiar temperature dependencies in molecular junctions.
Effect of Ammonium Citrates as an Auxiliary Complexing Agent in TSV Copper Film CMP
Authors: Zheng Qingping , Wang Ru , Wu Tongxi , Liu Bin , Wang Shuai
Published: May 2022

The removal rate of slurry is the key factor of CMP for through-silicon vias copper film. Currently, in the study of slurry, the synergistic effect of some additives can produce the effect of “1 + 1＞2.” It is widely used in semiconductor and microelectronics industries to develop novel slurry. In this paper, ammonium citrates were served as a crucial chemical additive in through silicon via Cu film slurries. Through electrochemical measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Ultraviolet–visible, and LSCM tests, it was revealed that ammonium citrates could react with cupric ions to form a stable water-soluble Cu-ammonium citrates complex, which can accelerate the chemical dissolution of Cu surface during the CMP process, and it was also found that the complexing effect was weaker than glycine. Moreover, various tests on Cu wafers showed that a high Cu removal rate (RR) and ideal surface quality could be realized when ammonium citrates were used as an auxiliary complexing agent in glycine-based Cu film slurries. The purpose of the study is to find an auxiliary chemical additive that can improve the performance of slurry in the manufacturing process of Cu film and other materials used in integrated circuits.
Corrosion Inhibition and the Synergistic Effect of Three Different Inhibitors on Copper Surface
Authors: Wu Tongxi , Gao Baohong , Zheng Qingping , Liu Shitong , Wang Jing
Published: May 2022

Copper(Cu) has been an interconnect material widely used in giant-large scale integrated circuits (GLSI). Corrosion inhibitor is a key factor to ensure global planarization of Cu in the CMP slurry. In this paper, three selected inhibitors BTA(Benzotriazole), TAZ(1,2,4-triazole), and MBO( 2-Benzoxazolethione) were investigated inhibition behaviors and synergy on the Cu surface. The results show that they are all effective Cu inhibitors in alkaline solutions. MBO loses its ability in H2O2, but BTA and TAZ do not. The calculated synergistic parameters of BTA/TAZ is 0.1763, XPS and UV–Via experiments show that the antagonism between them is caused by two competitive reactions due to the similar adsorption mechanism: one is the competition for the adsorption site on the surface, and the other is the competition of copper ions that affects the formation of Cu(I)-BTA. The calculated synergistic parameter of BTA/MBO is 1.7763, the synergy between them is obvious.
Electric Discharge Machining of Inconel 718 Under a Distinct Dielectric Medium
Authors: C. Somu , R. Ranjith
Published: May 2022

In this research, an attempt was made to machine the Inconel 718 alloy under varied dielectric medium with the objective of generating wealth from waste and establishing a green environment. Experiments were conducted to analyze the influence of input variables under the EDM oil, pure sunflower oil, used sunflower oil, palm oil and ground nut oil insulating medium. Five different tools namely copper, brass, aluminium, copper—graphite and aluminium—graphite was utilized for investigation and experimental runs were designed using Taguchi mixed orthogonal array. The results revealed that the characteristics of the dielectric fluid influences the spark generation and machined cycle time. The findings divulged that dielectric fluid with a high density facilitates flushing, low specific heating distributes heat uniformly and low carbon content eliminates black spots. Electrode with low thermal conductivity dissipates more heat and low latent heat of fusion erodes excessively. Micro pits, globules, angled and clouded blobs, black spots, material dunes and redeposited material are the various features observed on the machined surface texture.
A Charge-Based Analytical Model for Gate All Around Junction-Less Field Effect Transistor Including Interface Traps
Authors: Raut Pratikhya , Nanda Umakanta
Published: May 2022

This article proposes an analytic charge-based model that incorporates interface trapping. The model’s applicability to all operating zones includes various interface trap charges with varying doping concentrations. Using the analytical model, the impact of interface traps on different electrical parameters, such as channel potential, surface potential, electric field, and drain current, is examined. The transconductance and cut-off frequency models are also developed from the drain current model. To validate our model, the analytical model results were compared with the TCAD device simulation results and available experimental data from literature. The Fermi level location of interface traps greatly influences surface potential in the bandgap, leading to subthreshold deterioration and flat band shifting in Junction Less Field Effect Transistor (GAAJLFET) with SiO2 as a gate insulator, which leads to performance degradation of different device parameters. To decrease the impact of the interface trap on the device’s characteristics without impairing the performance, a suitable device with SiO2 and high-k gate-stack as an insulator is designed and compared with GAAJLFET with SiO2 as a gate insulator. A GAAJLFET with SiO2 as an insulating material has very different device parameters than a GAAJLFET with SiO2 and high-k gate-stack as a gate insulating material.
Copper Adsorption Using Hydroxyapatite Derived from Bovine Bone
Authors: Kong Lingchang , Liu Xin , Lv Guocheng , Liu Tianming , Zhang Peijun , Li Yuxin , Chen Bin , Liao Libing
Published: May 2022

Mining and smelting effluent have resulted in heavy metal‐contaminated groundwater. Copper‐polluted groundwater poses a severe threat to human health and the ecological environment. Permeable reactive barrier (PRB) has been rapidly developed as the in situ remediation technology to control toxic copper migration. Low cost, seepage stability, and great longevity are considered within PRB reactive media. In this paper, hydroxyapatite derived from bovine bone was proven to be a suitable adsorbent owing to cost‐effectiveness, great adsorption capacity, and longevity. Batch experiments were carried out to determine the copper adsorption behavior as a function of copper concentration and contact time. Adsorption isotherm was represented by the Langmuir isotherm model, and the adsorption capacity of 25.7 mg/g was superior to most of the adsorbents. A kinetic study was accurately fitted by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model interpreted as a chemical reaction. In addition, the column study confirmed hydroxyapatite has excellent hydraulic performance with no clogging phenomenon happened. At C/C0 = 0.5, the number of pore volume (PV) reached 450. The batch and column experiments also revealed that the overall adsorption process followed up the monolayer chemisorption. Furthermore, systematic analyses demonstrated that surface adsorption was responsible for the copper removal by hydroxyapatite based on experimental analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work provides an alternative strategy as filling material for in situ remediation of copper‐contaminated groundwater and enriches relevant theoretical references.