bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of Fe4+ based on the Fe-O bond lengths in perovskite Eu1-xSrxFeO3
Authors: Rahman Raihan Mohammad , Akbar Mochammad Yan Pandu , Qori‘ Mohammad Dani Al , Nugroho Agustinus Agung
Published: April 2024

The physical properties of high oxidation state of transition metal oxide compounds have attracted many research interest for its potential applications. A systematic investigation of Fe4+ in Eu1-xSrxFeO3 with x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 has been carried out in polycrystalline form obtained using sol-gel method. The single phase of Eu1-xSrxFeO3 is observed up to x = 0.3. The X-Ray powder pattern for low Sr content of x = 0.1, is best refined by using EuFeO3 crystal structure with Sr occupied the Eu-site. On the other hand, for higher Sr contents, two phases of EuFeO3 and Eu1/3Sr2/3FeO3 are required to obtained the best refinement. The result of the refinements shows that the volume and the average bond lengths of Fe-O decreases as increasing the Sr content. These results are consistent to support the existence of Fe4+ upon Sr doping in Eu1-xSrxFeO3. For the Sr content of x = 0.1, an anomalous change of the volume is observed.
Effect of Different Temperature and Nuclear Data Libraries in Criticality Calculations of 300 MWt Molten Salt Reactor
Authors: Variastuti Marisa , Irwanto Dwi
Published: April 2024

The Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) is a type of reactor in which coolant and fuel are blended with liquid salts. Liquid fuel enhances heat transfer and temperature control, establishing the MSR as one of the Generation IV reactor types. This study aims to analyze the impact of temperature variations on MSR reactor criticality and evaluate the effect of different nuclear data libraries, namely JENDL 3.2, JENDL 3.3, and JENDL 4.0, in neutron analysis. The observed temperature variations are 600 K, 700 K, 833 K, 903 K, and 1000 K. The analysis spans low to operational temperatures to comprehend reactor performance under differing thermal conditions. The study is conducted on a 300 MWTh MSR design, utilizing SRAC2006 with PIJ and CITATION modules for calculations. The results reveal the impact of temperature variations and nuclear data library disparities on reactor criticality. The outcomes demonstrate that higher temperatures correspond to lower values of the effective multiplication factor. At lower temperatures, neutrons experience greater moderation compared to higher temperatures. As a result, a higher number of thermal neutrons influences an increased probability of fission reactions within the reactor. Different nuclear data libraries also yield varied criticality values due to differing cross-sectional areas and quantities of data within each JENDL library. JENDL 4.0 generates the highest criticality value, attributed to elevated cross-sectional regions of each respective nuclear data entry and a greater quantity of nuclear data entries than JENDL 3.2 and JENDL 3.3.
Neutronic and Proliferation Resistance Analysis of Small Modular Pressurized Water Reactor with Various Fuel Types using SRAC 2006
Authors: Amatullah Amila , Permana Sidik , Pramuditya Syeilendra
Published: April 2024

One strategy for emission reduction in Indonesia is the dedieselization program, replacing diesel power plants with renewables. Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) type Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is also a consideration. This study aims to compare fuel performance in SMRs. Four fuel types with varying fissile and fertile nuclides but equal fissile mass percentages were assessed: U235- U238, U235-Th232, U233-U238, and U233-Th232, using PIJ SRAC 2006 and JENDL 4.0. Parameters include neutron multiplication factor, conversion ratio, and isotope production. Results indicated that U233-U238 has a highest initial neutron multiplication factor, 1.55. Substituting uranium-238 with thorium-232 boosts neutron flux and conversion, reducing nuclear proliferation risk. While initial neutron multiplication may not be highest, thorium-232 can produce uranium-233 with high initial neutron multiplication factor. This research aids fuel selection for Indonesia SMR dedieselization program.
Evaluated Material Attractiveness of Plutonium Composition from Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR)
Authors: Nasyidiah Fungky Iqlima , Permana Sidik , Pramuditya Syeilendra
Published: April 2024

The potential for misuse of nuclear fuel has prompted many to make efforts to prevent a country from acquiring nuclear explosive devices (weapons). Weapon utility equated with nuclear material attractiveness when applied to protection and security. Material attractiveness evaluated using an equation first developed by Masaki Saito, namely ATTR. ESBWR is one of the reactors of the BWR reactor type that is still operating. The purpose of this study is to evaluate Material Attractiveness based on the composition of plutonium in the ESBWR reactor, during reactor operation and after reactor operation. The ATTR concept utilizes the plutonium isotope composition to evaluate the material attractiveness aspect. Parameters such as BCM, Rossi-alpha, and neutron prompt life become additional aspects in evaluating material attractiveness. In the research results, the ATTR value decreased from the beginning of reactor operation until the reactor stopped operating. At the beginning of the reactor operation, it was categorizing as a weapon-grade with an ATTR value of 0.19 and when the reactor stopped operating it was categorizing as an unusable grade with an ATTR value of 0.012. At the time of cooling time up to 1x106 (one million) cooling time, the ATTR value increases by 0.019 which was categorizing as an unusable grade. After a cooling time of 1x106 (one million) years up to 1x107 (ten million) years, the ATTR value was 0.001 which categorized as an exempt level. This states that the increasing burnup value will further reduce the ATTR value. Likewise with the Rossi-Alpha and Bare Critical Mass values. Conversely, it will decrease the value of neutron lifetime. The ATTR value after the reactor operates up to one hundred years of cooling time increases and then decreases significantly after 1x106 (one million) years due to the half-life of plutonium isotopes. Likewise, the Rossi-Alpha and Bare critical mass values. However, it is different with the neutron fast lifetime.
Predicting Melting Temperatures of Freeze Valve in Molten Salt Reactors using LSTM-Based Deep Learning Models
Authors: Riupassa Robi Dany , Basar Khairul , Novitrian  , Waris Abdul
Published: April 2024

The realm of molten salt reactors (MSR) presents unique challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of advancing nuclear energy technology. One pivotal aspect is the development of safety mechanisms, including freeze valves, aimed at enhancing the security and operational integrity of these reactors. Freeze valves, designed to halt the flow of molten salt in emergency scenarios, play a critical role in averting potential hazardous situations. This research paper investigates the application of deep learning models for predicting melting temperatures, leveraging time-series temperature data, specifically targeting the freeze valve technology within the context of molten salt reactors. The research methodology encompasses the creation of a synthetic dataset representative of freeze valve conditions in MSR. Each dataset entry comprises a time-series temperature profile associated with the freeze valve and its corresponding melting temperature. To capture the intricate temporal relationships inherent in these profiles, a specialized Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) architecture, incorporating Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) cells, is developed and trained. The model’s training is augmented by preprocessing techniques, including the normalization of time-series temperature data. Evaluation of the model’s predictive capabilities focuses on its performance in forecasting the melting temperatures of the freeze valve. Metrics such as mean squared error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) are utilized to quantify the model’s accuracy and robustness. The study delves into the influence of architectural configurations, hyperparameter tuning, and dataset characteristics on the model’s predictions, shedding light on the factors that contribute to optimal predictive performance. The outcomes of this research highlight the potential of deep learning models in predicting the melting temperatures of freeze valves in the context of MSR. The developed model not only showcases an ability to anticipate impending safety-critical events but also underscores the significance of leveraging time-series temperature data to enhance the integrity of safety mechanisms in nuclear reactor systems. Ultimately, this research contributes to the pursuit of safer and more efficient nuclear energy solutions, offering valuable insights into predictive modeling techniques within the complex landscape of molten salt reactor technologies.
Neutronics Analysis of SMART Reactor Fuel Cell and Fuel Assemblies with Two Absorber Materials: Gd2O3 – UO2 and Al2O3 – B4C Using SRAC Code and JENDL 3.3 and 4.0 Data Libraries
Authors: Usman Jakaria , Waris Abdul , Pramuditya Syeilendra , Novitrian
Published: April 2024

The SMART is a small modular nuclear reactor which has been developed by South Korea’s KAERI, utilizes 4.95% enriched uranium fuel and two types of absorber materials: Gd2O3 - UO2 and Al2O3 - B4C. This research focuses on the neutronic analysis of SMART at the fuel cell and fuel assembly levels using SRAC 2006 with JENDL 3.3 and 4.0 Nuclear Data Libraries. The study aims to compare the neutronic performance of the SMART fuel assembly using these two absorber materials. At the fuel level, three types of enrichment are considered: 2.82%, 3.25%, and 4.95%. Meanwhile, at the fuel assembly level, three types (A, B, and C) are investigated, based on the composition of fuel rods and absorber material rods. The results indicate that the SMART reactor with the KAERI design (enrichment of 4.95% and 3 types of fuel assemblies) can maintain critical conditions for 990 days (equivalent to 3 years) of operation for small modular reactor types. The two types of absorber materials are effective in absorbing excess positive reactivity from the fuel effectively. The use of absorbing materials greatly determines the neutronic characteristics and costs in the construction of nuclear reactors, It can be compared that using 2 absorbing materials can reduce the value of the effective multiplication factor and the infinitive neutron production in the core compared to using 1 absorbing material.
The Particle-Based Method Utilization on The Various Obstacles Effect to The Two-Fluids Dam Break Simulation
Authors: Huljanah Y M , Mustari A P A , Waris A , Hidayti A N
Published: April 2024

The Molten Salt Fast Reactor (MSFR), a prominent Generation IV reactor design, offers improved safety by eliminating graphite as a moderator and incorporating a passive safety system. Understanding the fuel salt relocation mechanism is crucial in ensuring the reactor’s safety and performance. This study presents a particle-based approach using the Semi-Implicit Moving Particle (MPS) method, which accurately represents fluid as particles carrying essential physical properties. We validate the MPS method as an alternative tool for investigating fuel salt relocation in the MSFR, comparing its results with the well-established δ-SPH method for verification. The simulations encompass scenarios with and without obstacles, involving water-PEO fluids known for their distinct densities and propensity to induce splashing phenomena. The obstacles used are made in several size variations, such as semicircular, rectangular, and triangular obstacles. The excellent alignment of MPS method results with δ-SPH method outcomes confirms its effectiveness in predicting freeze plug melting and fuel salt relocation in the MSFR, providing valuable insights into the passive safety mechanisms. This research contributes to enhancing the safety and efficiency of advanced molten salt reactor designs. Where it can be concluded that the simulation results of the MPS method are almost the same as the simulation results of the δ-SPH method.
Design study of a 450MW thermal Modified CANDLE fast reactor using helium gas as a coolant
Authors: Ndayiragije Jean Pierre , Su’ud Zaki , Waris Abdul
Published: April 2024

The Modified CANDLE (MCANDLE) burnup scheme divides the reactor core into several regions in an axial or radial direction with equal volume. It works like the CANDLE burnup scheme except that, in the CANDLE burnup scheme, the reactor core is divided into three main regions in the axial direction. Namely, spent fuel, burning region and fresh fuel region. In this study, the design of a modular modified CANDLE fast reactor using helium gas as a coolant has been performed. One of the important roles of a modified CANDLE fast reactor is that it can utilize natural uranium as fuel without the need for enrichment or reprocessing. This type of reactor can be used, including in developing countries, without the nuclear proliferation problem. Using helium gas as a coolant gives hope for a fast reactor due to its properties, such as its less neutron absorption, less radioactive, and as helium is an inert gas, prevents chemical reactions with other materials. The study was performed on a rector with a thermal power of 450MWth. The active core was divided into ten regions with equal volume in radial directions. The refueling scheme has been optimized every ten years of burnup to obtain a good reactor design. In the beginning, the fuel was put in the first region after ten years of burnup was moved to the second region, after another ten years of burnup was moved to the third region and so on until the tenth region where the fuel gets out. The neutronic calculation has been performed using the SRAC (Standard Reactor Analysis Code system). The collision probability method (PIJ) was employed for cell burnup calculation, and CITATION was used for the reactor core design with JENDL 4.0 as the nuclear data library.
Lawson Criterion Analysis of D-3He Fusion Reaction
Authors: Chaerani J , Husin A D , Yani S
Published: April 2024

The Lawson criterion constitutes a pivotal condition for the viability of sustained fusion reactions. This study employs numerical methods and data analysis in Microsoft Excel to ascertain the Lawson criterion for D-³He fusion at temperatures ranging from 75 to 150 keV. Furthermore, the investigation examines the influence of bremsstrahlung radiation and evaluates fusion reactivity based on Hively and Bosch-Hale parameters. Hively’s reactivity value falls within the range of 1.121 × 10−22 – 6.750 × 10−22 m3/s, the instability occurs at temperatures < 100 keV. The Bosch-Hale value differs significantly from the Hively reactivity, which is 1.208 × 10−22 – 2.340 × 10−22 m3/s. The bremsstrahlung radiation within the range of 4.819 × 10−20 – 6.802 × 10−20 keV exhibits minimal impact on the reaction. The Lawson criterion value within the scope of this study typically falls within the range of 0.437 × 1021 – 1.452 × 1021 s/m3. This range signifies the necessary combination of confinement time and plasma density to facilitate the generation of clean energy within a temperature range of 75 to 150 keV, thus propelling the fusion process toward the ignition phase.
Massive Charged Fermion Emissions from Kerr – Newman – Vaidya Black Holes
Authors: Salimi Ahmad H. , Triyanta
Published: April 2024

In this article, we consider charged fermion particle radiation around Kerr – Newman – Vaidya black holes. Using the Hamilton – Jacobi method we derived the emission probability and the temperature of the Hawking radiations. We obtained that the temperature is equal to that due to scalar particles times a factor that contains some characteristics of fermions.
Charger-Mediated Energy Transfer for Quantum Battery With Constant Time Dependent Step Function and Open System Approach
Authors: Yogantara Putu Gede Agus Krisna , Zen Freddy Permana
Published: April 2024

The energy charging of quantum battery is analysed by open quantum approach. The modelled of the charger and battery are described by harmonic oscillator model. We choose this model because the harmonic oscillator battery gives the largest maximum energy albeit having the longest maximum time. In this paper, the interaction as actual quantum system whose dynamic is determined by Lindblad Master Equation in terms of constant is a step function to set the time when energy flow and what time that energy stop to flow or the interaction between charger and battery has stopped. The energy equation was determined by solving the master equation with second order differential equation to find the first momenta from charger and battery. Based on the equation, the energy of charger will not be zero which mean after interaction in several times, the charger will not one hundred percent lose its energy when the energy storage in battery already done.
First Principle Study on Schottky Barrier at Ni/Graphene/4H-SiC Interface
Authors: Wang Congcong , Jiang Zhenyu , Huang Yingjie , Wu Siyu
Published: April 2024

High stability 4H-SiC ohmic contact is currently a key technical challenge that silicon carbide devices urgently need to overcome. It is important to reduce the Schottky barrier height (SBH) at the Ni/4H-SiC interface to optimize ohmic contact. In this paper, the mechanisms of graphene layer changing Ni/4H-SiC interface Schottky barrier height (SBH) are studied based on the first-principles method within the local density approximation. Theoretical studies have shown that graphene intercalation can reduce the SBH of Ni and 4H-SiC interfaces. The reason of SBH reduction may be that the graphene C atoms saturate the dangling bonds on the 4H-SiC surface and the influence of the metal-induced energy gap state at the interface is reduced. In addition, the new phase formed at the interface of graphene and silicon carbide has a lower work function. Furthermore, an interfacial electric dipole layer may be formed at the 4H-SiC/graphene interface which may also reduce the SBH. These results make them to be promising candidates for future radiation resistant electronics.
Synthesis and Performance of HPEG-AA-AMPS-HPA Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer
Authors: Guo Guangming , Wu Si , Liu Guoshan , Zhang Fuyong , Wang Luyan
Published: April 2024

An clay-resistance and slump-retaining polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE-RC) was synthesized using macro-monomer HPEG with different molecular weight, acrylic acid (AA), 2-acrylamide-2-methacrylic acid (AMPS) and 2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl acrylate (HPA) via H2O2-NaHSO3 redox initiator system. Effects of the acid-ether ratio, HPEG molecular weight, the amount of AMPS and HPA on the properties of PCE-RC in cement were discussed and the optimal molar ratio of HPEG3000, AA, AMPS and HPA was 1:4.5:0.1:0.1. As-synthesized polycarboxylate superplasticizer PCE-RC was characterized by GPC and FTIR. The performance of the cement paste doped with 2.0wt% montmorillonite (MMT) and concrete with cement containing MMT were tested in the presence of PCE. Results showed that cement doped with MMT performed superior fluidity and fluidity retention with the addition of PCE-RC. Compared with commercially available superplasticizer AS-KN, PCE-RC in concrete containing MMT presented better clay resistance and slump retaining performance due to the introduction of AMPS and HPA. Herein the negative charged sulfonic groups provided by AMPS could promote more PCE-RC to adsorb on MMT surface, resulting in the decrease of intercalated PCE-RC amount, which is in favor of clay resistance. While the usage of HPA monomer is beneficial for the slump-retaining ability of PCE-RC in cement due to the introduction of ester group.
Progress of CO2 Dispersion Interferometer on EAST
Authors: Liu Y.Y. , Li W.M. , Liu H.Q. , Lian H. , Yao Y. , Zhang J.M. , Zhang Y. , Hong B. , Wang S.X. , Yang J.H. , Jie Y.X.
Published: April 2024

A CO2 Dispersion Interferometer (DI) system on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) was successfully operated, providing plasma electron density measurements. The DI system utilizes a continuous-wave 9.3 μm CO2 laser source to measure line-averaged electron densities. This offers significant advantages, including the ability to minimize fringe jumps and insensitivity to mechanical vibrations. These characteristics are well-suited for future high-density, long-pulse plasma discharges. The DI system provides a real-time density feedback signal to the plasma control system for routine density control during long-pulse operation. Experiments with EAST demonstrated good agreement between the density obtained by the DI system and the preset densities. The DI system also exhibited stability during long-pulse discharge. Moreover, the DI system was stable during rapid density changes and high-density pellet injections. In shot No. 120594, the DI system exhibited stable density feedback during continuous projectile injection lasting over 50 seconds; the line-averaged electron density is approximately 4×1019 m-3. In contrast to the long-wavelength source interferometer, which may deflect light from the detector owing to excessive refraction angles in larger density-gradient discharges, the DI ensured accurate density measurements. The DI system on EAST is dependable for accurately measuring the electron density.
First characterization of a novel grain calorimeter: the GRAiNITA prototype
Authors: Barsuk Sergey , Bezshyyko Oleg , Boyarintseva Ianina , Boyarintsev Andrey , Breton Dominique , Chanal Hervé , Dubovik Alexander M. , Kotenko Andrii , Hull Giulia , Lefrançois Jacques , Monteil Stéphane , Schune Marie-Hélène , Semkiv Nazar , Tupitsyna Irina , Yeresko Mykhailo
Published: April 2024

A novel type of calorimeter based on grains of inorganic
scintillating crystal readout by wave length shifting fibers is
proposed. The concept and main features as well as the prototype
design are introduced and the first results obtained using cosmic
rays are presented. The number of photo-electrons generated by
cosmic rays muons in the prototype detector is estimated to be of
the order of 10000 photo-electrons per GeV, validating the concept
of this next-generation shashlik calorimeter.
A novel method for efficiently measuring the non-proportionality of scintillators between light output and alpha particle energies from 1.8 MeV to 5.2 MeV
Authors: Yamamoto Seiichi , Yoshino Masao , Nakanishi Kohei , Kamada Kei , Yoshikawa Akira , Kataoka Jun
Published: April 2024

It is known that scintillators exhibit non-proportional
behavior between light output and the energy of gamma photons or
beta particles. However, the non-proportionality between light
output in scintillators and the energy of alpha particles has not
been extensively measured, likely due to the challenges associated
with preparing alpha particles with varying energies. To address
this issue, we propose a novel method to modulate the energy of
alpha particles using an americium-241 (Am-241) source covered with
different numbers of Mylar films. By irradiating various
scintillators, including GAGG, GGAG, YAP(Ce), and plastic
scintillator, with alpha particles of different energies, we
measured and evaluated the non-proportional response of these
scintillators. We then compared the measured response as a function
of incident energy to a simulation, which assumes a proportional
response to evaluate the non-proportionality. For all the
scintillators tested, non-proportionality was observed; the light
output per MeV at 1.8 MeV ranged from 0.60 to 0.81 of the values
observed at 5.2 MeV. The non-proportional response was largest
for plastic scintillator (0.60) and smallest for GAGG (0.81). We
conclude that the proposed method could be an efficient means of
measuring the non-proportionality of scintillators between light
output and alpha particle energies
Development of world famine database for 1840–2019 and risk assessment of its occurrence and severity
Authors: Funahashi Soma , Okaneya Misato , Oki Taikan
Published: April 2024

Famine still exists in this world, hindering the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2: zero hunger. The history and the mechanisms of famine have been broadly studied; however, few studies have focused on quantitative and long-term analyses of the general characteristics of famine. This study analyzes the factors influencing famine and estimates its risks. We developed a historical famine database and estimated the probability and intensity of famine through regression analysis. Herein, we identified that less food production and underdevelopment are related to famine occurrence, and famine tends to be more intense in less urbanized and dryer areas. By extrapolating the regression with future scenarios, we revealed that famine would be less likely to happen in the future mainly due to GDP growth, although conflict would be the key factor of future famine risk. This study is one of the first steps in the quantitative analysis of long-term famine risk.
Consumer resistance diminishes environmental gains of dietary change
Authors: Payró Clara , Taherzadeh Oliver , van Oorschot Mark , Koch Julia , Marselis Suzanne
Published: April 2024

The environmental gains of dietary change are often assessed in relation to average national diets, overlooking differences in individual consumption habits and people’s willingness to change. This study combines microdata on food intake and consumer behaviour to elicit the likely environmental gains of dietary shifts. We focus on the Netherlands owing to the country’s ambition to halve its dietary footprint by 2050. Linking food recall survey data from a cross-section of the population (n = 4313), life cycle inventory analysis for 220 food products, and behavioural survey data (n = 1233), we estimate the dietary footprints of consumer groups across water, land, biodiversity and greenhouse gas (GHG). We find that meat and dairy significantly contribute to the dietary GHG footprint (59%), land footprint (54%), and biodiversity footprint (59%) of all consumer groups and that male consumers impose a 30%–32% greater burden than women across these impact areas. Our scenario analysis reveals that simply replacing cow milk with soy milk could reduce the GHG, land and biodiversity footprints by ≈8% if widely adopted by the Dutch adult population. These footprints could be further reduced to ≈20% with full adoption of the EAT-Lancet diet but with a significantly increased blue water footprint. However, when incorporating gender- and age-specific willingness to reduce meat and dairy consumption, the environmental gains resulting from partial adoption of the No-Milk diet and EAT diet diminish to a mere ≈0.8% and ≈4.5%, respectively. Consequently, consumer motivation alone is insufficient to realise the significant environmental gains often promised by dietary change. Yet, substituting high-impact food products offers a near-term opportunity to accelerate a rapid sustainable dietary transition. Future studies on sustainable dietary transition must incorporate consumer behaviour to fully comprehend the lock-in of food consumption patterns and targeted policy action required to secure a sustainable food future.
Conceptual design of the tail research experiment at the Space Plasma Environment Research Facility (SPERF-TREX)
Authors: XIAO 肖 Qingmei 青梅 , MAO 毛 Aohua 傲华 , HE 何 Xianglei 向磊 , ZOU 邹 Jitong 继同 , YANG 杨 Xiaoyi 肖易 , SUN 孙 Mengmeng 萌萌 , LI 李 Feng 丰 , TANG 汤 Pengfei 鹏飞 , ZHOU 周 Tianchun 田春 , WANG 王 Xiaogang 晓钢 , Team the SPERF
Published: April 2024

The Space Plasma Environment Research Facility (SPERF) for ground simulation of the space plasma environment is a key component of the Space Environment Simulation Research Infrastructure (SESRI), a major national science and technology infrastructure for fundamental research. It is designed to investigate outstanding issues in the space plasma environment, such as energetic particle acceleration, transport, and interaction with electromagnetic waves, as well as magnetic reconnection processes, in magnetospheric plasmas. The Tail-Research EXperiment (TREX) is part of the SPERF for laboratory studies of space physics relevant to magnetic reconnection, dipolarization and hydromagnetic wave excitation in the magnetotail. SPERF-TREX is designed to carry out three types of experiments: the tail plasmoid for magnetic reconnection, dipolarization front formation, and magnetohydrodynamic waves excited by high-speed plasma jets. In this paper, the scientific goals and three scenarios of SPERF-TREX for typical processes in space plasmas are presented, and experimental plans for SPERF-TREX are also reviewed, together with the plasma sources applied to generate the plasma with the desired parameters and various magnetic configurations.
Sounding Sense and Sensing Sound: ‘Form-Content Unity’ Revisited and Reformulated
Authors: Ives Eliza
Published: April 2024

What is poetry’s so-called ‘form-content unity’? In this paper, I argue that the idea of ‘form-content unity’, as derived from A. C. Bradley’s 1901 lecture, has been misconstrued by Peter Kivy, who believes that it is confused and vague. I argue that it has also been misconstrued, however, by the philosophers who find the idea insightful and instructive and present themselves as defending and developing it against Kivy’s criticisms. Crucially, Bradley’s argument emphasizes that hearing is necessary to any ‘poetic’ reading of a metrical poem, but this focus on sound and metre tends to be ignored. A precision of terminology—particularly a reformulation of the paraphrase ‘form-content unity’—offers an improved understanding of Bradley’s claims. The lecture, I argue, properly understood, in fact supports the call for a shift of attention away from understanding poems as ‘form-content unities’ in the philosophy of poetry.
Empowering the patient with the increasing use of social media: a dermatology snapshot
Authors: Khalil Nada , Mahtani Karishma , Hussain Khawar
Published: April 2024

The rising use of social media in healthcare, particularly in dermatology, presents opportunities and challenges. Our letter emphasizes the need for clearer regulations, credential checks for medical professionals on social platforms and collaboration among healthcare systems, professionals, regulators and social media companies to educate and establish guidelines for responsible use.
Chromosome-level genome assembly and characterization of the Calophaca sinica genome
Authors: Cao Jianting , Zhu Hui , Gao Yingqi , Hu Yue , Li Xuejiao , Shi Jianwei , Chen Luqin , Kang Hao , Ru Dafu , Ren Baoqing , Liu Bingbing
Published: April 2024

Calophaca sinica is a rare plant endemic to northern China which belongs to the Fabaceae family and possesses rich nutritional value. To support the preservation of the genetic resources of this plant, we have successfully generated a high-quality genome of C. sinica (1.06 Gb). Notably, transposable elements (TEs) constituted ~73% of the genome, with long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) dominating this group of elements (~54% of the genome). The average intron length of the C. sinica genome was noticeably longer than what has been observed for closely related species. The expansion of LTR-RTs and elongated introns emerged had the largest influence on the enlarged genome size of C. sinica in comparison to other Fabaceae species. The proliferation of TEs could be explained by certain modes of gene duplication, namely, whole genome duplication (WGD) and dispersed duplication (DSD). Gene family expansion, which was found to enhance genes associated with metabolism, genetic maintenance, and environmental stress resistance, was a result of transposed duplicated genes (TRD) and WGD. The presented genomic analysis sheds light on the genetic architecture of C. sinica, as well as provides a starting point for future evolutionary biology, ecology, and functional genomics studies centred around C. sinica and closely related species.
The plasma proteome is linked with left ventricular and left atrial function parameters in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Abou Kamar S , Andrzejczyk K , Petersen T B , Chin J F , Aga Y S , de Bakker M , Akkerhuis K M , Geleijnse M , Brugts J J , Sorop O , de Boer R A , Rizopoulos D , Asselbergs F W , Boersma E , den Ruijter H , van Dalen B M , Kardys I
Published: April 2024

Aims

Examining the systemic biological processes in the heterogeneous syndrome of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), as reflected by circulating proteins, in relation to echocardiographic characteristics, may provide insights into heart failure pathophysiology. We investigated the link of 4210 repeatedly measured circulating proteins with repeatedly measured echocardiographic parameters as well as with elevated left atrial pressure (LAP), in patients with HFrEF, to provide insights into underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

In 173 patients with HFrEF, we performed 6-monthly echocardiography and trimonthly blood sampling during a median follow-up of 2.7 (inter-quartile range: 2.5–2.8) years. We investigated circulating proteins in relation to echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS)] and left atrial function [left atrial reservoir strain (LASr)] and elevated LAP (E/eʹ ratio >15) and used gene enrichment analyses to identify underlying pathophysiological processes. We found 723, 249, 792, and 427 repeatedly measured proteins, with significant associations with LVEF, GLS, LASr, and E/eʹ ratio, respectively. Proteins associated with LASr reflected pathophysiological mechanisms mostly related to the extracellular matrix. Proteins associated with GLS reflected cardiovascular biological processes and diseases, whereas those associated with LVEF reflected processes involved in the sympathetic nervous system. Moreover, 49 proteins were associated with elevated LAP; after correction for LVEF, three proteins remained: cystatin-D, fibulin-5, and HSP40.

Conclusion

Circulating proteins show varying associations with different echocardiographic parameters in patients with HFrEF. These findings suggest that pathways involved in atrial and ventricular dysfunction, as reflected by the plasma proteome, are distinct.
Global burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to smoking, 1990–2019: an analysis of the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Khan Minhas Abdul Mannan , Sedhom Ramy , Jean Estelle D , Shapiro Michael D , Panza Julio A , Alam Mahboob , Virani Salim S , Ballantyne Christie M , Abramov Dmitry
Published: April 2024

Aims

This study aims to investigate the trends in the global cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden attributable to smoking from 1990 to 2019.

Methods and results

Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 was used to analyse the burden of CVD attributable to smoking (i.e. ischaemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation and flutter, and aortic aneurysm). Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) per 100 000 and age-standardized disability-adjusted life year rates (ASDRs) per 100 000, as well as an estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in ASMR and ASDR, were determined by age, sex, year, socio-demographic index (SDI), regions, and countries or territories. The global ASMR of smoking-attributed CVD decreased from 57.16/100 000 [95% uncertainty interval (UI) 54.46–59.97] in 1990 to 33.03/100 000 (95% UI 30.43–35.51) in 2019 [EAPC −0.42 (95% UI −0.47 to −0.38)]. Similarly, the ASDR of smoking-attributed CVD decreased between 1990 and 2019. All CVD subcategories showed a decline in death burden between 1990 and 2019. The burden of smoking-attributed CVD was higher in men than in women. Significant geographic and regional variations existed such that Eastern Europe had the highest ASMR and Andean Latin America had the lowest ASMR in 2019. In 2019, the ASMR of smoking-attributed CVD was lowest in high SDI regions.

Conclusion

Smoking-attributed CVD morbidity and mortality are declining globally, but significant variation persists, indicating a need for targeted interventions to reduce smoking-related CVD burden.
Longer and better lives for patients with atrial fibrillation: the 9th AFNET/EHRA consensus conference
Authors: Linz Dominik , Andrade Jason G , Arbelo Elena , Boriani Giuseppe , Breithardt Guenter , Camm A John , Caso Valeria , Nielsen Jens Cosedis , De Melis Mirko , De Potter Tom , Dichtl Wolfgang , Diederichsen Søren Zoega , Dobrev Dobromir , Doll Nicolas , Duncker David , Dworatzek Elke , Eckardt Lars , Eisert Christoph , Fabritz Larissa , Farkowski Michal , Filgueiras-Rama David , Goette Andreas , Guasch Eduard , Hack Guido , Hatem Stéphane , Haeusler Karl Georg , Healey Jeff S , Heidbuechel Hein , Hijazi Ziad , Hofmeister Lucas H , Hove-Madsen Leif , Huebner Thomas , Kääb Stefan , Kotecha Dipak , Malaczynska-Rajpold Katarzyna , Merino José Luis , Metzner Andreas , Mont Lluís , Ng Ghulam Andre , Oeff Michael , Parwani Abdul Shokor , Puererfellner Helmut , Ravens Ursula , Rienstra Michiel , Sanders Prashanthan , Scherr Daniel , Schnabel Renate , Schotten Ulrich , Sohns Christian , Steinbeck Gerhard , Steven Daniel , Toennis Tobias , Tzeis Stylianos , van Gelder Isabelle C , van Leerdam Roderick H , Vernooy Kevin , Wadhwa Manish , Wakili Reza , Willems Stephan , Witt Henning , Zeemering Stef , Kirchhof Paulus
Published: April 2024

Aims

Recent trial data demonstrate beneficial effects of active rhythm management in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and support the concept that a low arrhythmia burden is associated with a low risk of AF-related complications. The aim of this document is to summarize the key outcomes of the 9th AFNET/EHRA Consensus Conference of the Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA).

Methods and results

Eighty-three international experts met in Münster for 2 days in September 2023. Key findings are as follows: (i) Active rhythm management should be part of the default initial treatment for all suitable patients with AF. (ii) Patients with device-detected AF have a low burden of AF and a low risk of stroke. Anticoagulation prevents some strokes and also increases major but non-lethal bleeding. (iii) More research is needed to improve stroke risk prediction in patients with AF, especially in those with a low AF burden. Biomolecules, genetics, and imaging can support this. (iv) The presence of AF should trigger systematic workup and comprehensive treatment of concomitant cardiovascular conditions. (v) Machine learning algorithms have been used to improve detection or likely development of AF. Cooperation between clinicians and data scientists is needed to leverage the potential of data science applications for patients with AF.

Conclusions

Patients with AF and a low arrhythmia burden have a lower risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events than those with a high arrhythmia burden. Combining active rhythm control, anticoagulation, rate control, and therapy of concomitant cardiovascular conditions can improve the lives of patients with AF.
Whole-genome assembly of a hybrid Trypanosoma cruzi strain assembled with Nanopore sequencing alone
Authors: Hakim Jill M C , Gutierrez Guarnizo Sneider A , Málaga Machaca Edith , Gilman Robert H , Mugnier Monica R
Published: April 2024

Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, which causes 10,000 deaths per year. Despite the high mortality associated with Chagas, relatively few parasite genomes have been assembled to date, with genome assemblies unavailable even for some commonly used laboratory strains. This is at least partially due to T. cruzi's highly complex and highly repetitive genome, which defies investigation using traditional short-read sequencing methods. In this study, we have generated a high-quality whole-genome assembly of the hybrid Tulahuen strain, a commercially available type VI strain, using long-read Nanopore sequencing without short-read scaffolding. The assembled genome contains 25% repeat regions, 17% variable multigene family members, and 27% transposable elements (TEs) and is of comparable quality with T. cruzi genome assemblies that utilized both long- and short-read data. Notably, we find that regions with TEs are significantly enriched for multicopy surface proteins, and that surface proteins are, on average, closer to TEs than to other coding regions. This finding suggests that mobile genetic elements such as transposons may drive recombination within surface protein gene families. This work demonstrates the feasibility of Nanopore sequencing to resolve complex regions of T. cruzi genomes, and with these resolved regions, provides support for a possible mechanism for genomic diversification.
An analysis of Nepal’s Draft Mental Health Acts 2006–2017: competing values and power
Authors: Stephens Jane , Simkhada Padam , van Teijlingen Edwin , Porter John , Eaton Julian
Published: April 2024

This qualitative study maps the process of drafting and consulting on Nepal’s mental health legislation from 2006 to 2017. A total of 14 people were interviewed and interviews were analysed thematically. These themes were subsequently interpreted in light of Shiffman and Smith’s policy analysis framework, as the process was found to be at the agenda-setting stage. Two groups of actors were identified with different views on appropriate policy content and how the policy process should be conducted. The first group included psychiatrists who initiated and controlled the drafting process and who did not consider people with psychosocial disabilities to be equal partners. The psychiatrists viewed forced detention and treatment as upholding people’s right to health and lobbied the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) to pass the draft acts to parliament. The second included the rights-based civil society actors and lawyers who saw the right to equality before the law as of utmost priority, opposed forced detention and treatment, and actively blocked the draft acts at the MoHP. There is no clear legal definition of mental health and illness in Nepal, legal and mental capacity are not differentiated, and people with mental and behavioural conditions are assumed to lack capacity. The analysis indicates that there were few favourable conditions to support the progression of this policy into law. It is unclear whether the drafters or blockers will prevail in the future, but we predict that professionals will continue to have more input into content than service users due to national policy dynamics.
Health impact and cost-effectiveness of expanding routine immunization coverage in India through Intensified Mission Indradhanush
Authors: Clarke-Deelder Emma , Suharlim Christian , Chatterjee Susmita , Portnoy Allison , Brenzel Logan , Ray Arindam , Cohen Jessica L , Menzies Nicolas A , Resch Stephen C
Published: April 2024

Many children do not receive a full schedule of childhood vaccines, yet there is limited evidence on the cost-effectiveness of strategies for improving vaccination coverage. Evidence is even scarcer on the cost-effectiveness of strategies for reaching ‘zero-dose children’, who have not received any routine vaccines. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of periodic intensification of routine immunization (PIRI), a widely applied strategy for increasing vaccination coverage. We focused on Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI), a large-scale PIRI intervention implemented in India in 2017–2018. In 40 sampled districts, we measured the incremental economic cost of IMI using primary data, and used controlled interrupted time-series regression to estimate the incremental vaccination doses delivered. We estimated deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted using the Lives Saved Tool and reported cost-effectiveness from immunization programme and societal perspectives. We found that, in sampled districts, IMI had an estimated incremental cost of 2021US$13.7 (95% uncertainty interval: 10.6 to 17.4) million from an immunization programme perspective and increased vaccine delivery by an estimated 2.2 (−0.5 to 4.8) million doses over a 12-month period, averting an estimated 1413 (−350 to 3129) deaths. The incremental cost from a programme perspective was $6.21 per dose ($2.80 to dominated), $82.99 per zero-dose child reached ($39.85 to dominated), $327.63 ($147.65 to dominated) per DALY averted, $360.72 ($162.56 to dominated) per life-year saved and $9701.35 ($4372.01 to dominated) per under-5 death averted. At a cost-effectiveness threshold of 1× per-capita GDP per DALY averted, IMI was estimated to be cost-effective with 90% probability. This evidence suggests IMI was both impactful and cost-effective for improving vaccination coverage, though there is a high degree of uncertainty in the results. As vaccination programmes expand coverage, unit costs may increase due to the higher costs of reaching currently unvaccinated children.
Ultrashort echo time MRI detects significantly lower collagen but higher pore water in the tibial cortex of female patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis
Authors: Jerban Saeed , Ma Yajun , Wei Zhao , Shen Meghan , Ibrahim Zubaid , Jang Hyungseok , Lu Pengzhe , Chang Douglas G , Woods Gina , Chung Christine B , Chang Eric Y , Du Jiang
Published: April 2024

Ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI can quantify the major proton pool densities in cortical bone, including total (TWPD), bound (BWPD), and pore water (PWPD) proton densities, as well as the macromolecular proton density (MMPD), associated with the collagen content, which is calculated using macromolecular fraction (MMF) from UTE magnetization transfer (UTE-MT) modeling. This study aimed to investigate the differences in water and collagen contents in tibial cortical bone, between female osteopenia (OPe) patients, osteoporosis (OPo) patients, and young participants (Young). Being postmenopausal and above 55 yr old were the inclusion criteria for OPe and OPo groups. The tibial shaft of 14 OPe (72.5 ± 6.8 yr old), 31 OPo (72.0 ± 6.4 yr old), and 31 young subjects (28.0 ± 6.1 yr old) were scanned using a knee coil on a clinical 3T scanner. Basic UTE, inversion recovery UTE, and UTE-MT sequences were performed. Investigated biomarkers were compared between groups using Kruskal–Wallis test. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated between the TH DXA T-score and UTE-MRI results. MMF, BWPD, and MMPD were significantly lower in OPo patients than in the young group, whereas T1, TWPD, and PWPD were significantly higher in OPo patients. The largest OPo/Young average percentage differences were found in MMF (41.9%), PWPD (103.5%), and MMPD (64.0%). PWPD was significantly higher (50.7%), while BWPD was significantly lower (16.4%) in OPe than the Young group on average. MMF was found to be significantly lower (27%) in OPo patients compared with OPe group. T1, MMF, TWPD, PWPD, and MMPD values significantly correlated with the TH DXA T-scores (provided by the patients and only available for OPe and OPo patients). DXA T-score showed the highest correlations with PWPD (R = 0.55) and MMF (R = 0.56) values. TWPD, PWPD, and MMF estimated using the UTE-MRI sequences were recommended to evaluate individuals with OPe and OPo.
Protection of natural infection against reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant
Authors: Chemaitelly Hiam , Coyle Peter , Ben Kacem Mohamed Ali , Ayoub Houssein H , Tang Patrick , Hasan Mohammad R , Yassine Hadi M , Al Thani Asmaa A , Al-Kanaani Zaina , Al-Kuwari Einas , Jeremijenko Andrew , Kaleeckal Anvar H , Latif Ali N , Shaik Riyazuddin M , Abdul-Rahim Hanan F , Nasrallah Gheyath K , Al-Kuwari Mohamed Ghaith , Butt Adeel A , Al-Romaihi Hamad E , Al-Thani Mohamed H , Al-Khal Abdullatif , Bertollini Roberto , Abu-Raddad Laith J
Published: April 2024

Overall effectiveness of infection in preventing reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant was estimated at 1.8% (95% CI: −9.3to 12.6%), and demonstrated rapid decline over time since the previous infection, decreasing from 82.4% (95% CI: 40.9 to 94.7%) within 3 to less than 6 months, to a negligible level after one year.
Imported Buruli ulcer—is there risk for travellers?
Authors: Norman Francesca F , Chen Lin H
Published: April 2024

Transmission routes of Mycobacterium ulcerans to humans are not clear, but the predominance of long-term travellers and migrants in imported cases reflect possible prolonged exposures to specific factors in rural environments. Buruli ulcer should always be considered in cases of non-healing ulcers, even if other infectious agents are identified initially.