bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient status assessment and mapping of intensively managed paddy soils in southeastern hilly areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Hosenuzzaman Md , Kibria Mohammad Golam , Abedin Md Anwarul
Published: September 2023

Background

People living in the southeastern hilly areas of Bangladesh are primarily dependent on agriculture and face the problem of nutrient deficiency in soils. This research was conducted to assess the fertility status of paddy soils for better fertilizer management. Grid sampling (1 km × 1 km) was followed to collect soil samples, avoiding unusual spots (e.g., non‐agricultural land, settlements, hills, and forests). In total, 300 samples were collected (150 from each upazila) to assess the status of soil physical properties (soil texture) and chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and nutrients [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), and zinc (Zn)]).

Results

Results revealed that most of the soils were sandy to silt loam in texture. The soils were found to be strongly acidic with values of 4.79 and 4.73 in Ukhiya and Teknaf, respectively. Most of the soils were found to be nonsaline, except the paddy soils close to the sea and/or salt‐affected cultivated land. Soil organic matter in Ukhiya and Teknaf was low (1.47% and 1.43%, respectively). The soils in both upazilas were deficient in N, P, K, S, and Zn, but not in Mg in both upazilas and B in Teknaf.

Conclusion

It is imperative that adequate amounts of nutrient provision are available to maintain soil health and produce a sustainable crop yield. We believe that these are the first digital soil maps developed at upazila level using ArcGIS software, which will be available for future reference.
Classification of Greek extra virgin olive oils by Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with sensory and cultivation characteristics, and multivariate analysis
Authors: Philippidis Aggelos , Kontzedaki Renate , Orfanakis Emmanouil , Fragkoulis Nikolaos , Zoumi Aikaterini , Germanaki Eleftheria , Samartzis Peter C. , Velegrakis Michalis
Published: September 2023

Background

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a natural product with numerous health benefits and superior quality compared with other vegetable oils. To characterize a sample as EVOO, it is necessary to perform a sensory evaluation through a testing panel, in addition to conducting physicochemical measurements. Moreover, distinguishing between organic and conventional production has captured the attention of those involved in the olive oil industry. The current study demonstrates the utilization of Raman spectroscopy in combination with multivariate statistical analysis for the examination of extra virgin olive oil samples obtained from Greece (Crete) over three consecutive harvest years.

Results

The Raman technique and orthogonal partial least square‐discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) model successfully discriminated high‐ and low‐quality conventional olive oil samples for the 2017–2018 harvest year. Additionally, both organic and conventional olive oil samples were studied and distinct discrimination was achieved using OPLS‐DA on the Raman spectroscopic data for the samples with different cultivation characteristics. The combination of Raman data and statistical models for the classification of organic and conventional olive oils into high and low, and high and medium quality for the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 harvest years, respectively, yielded satisfactory results. The samples were previously evaluated by a certified tasting panel.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy, combined with multivariate statistical analysis, can serve as a complementary alternative to traditional analytical methods for the analysis of olive oils. The technique is rapid, low‐cost, and without sample pretreatment.
Structure and characterization of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides/whey protein isolate nanoparticles for sustained release of curcumin
Authors: Shang Jiaqi , Liu Yang , Kang Jiaxin , Yang Shen , Jin Ritian
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Whey protein isolate (WPI) nanoparticles can be used in a strategy to improve the bioavailability of curcumin (CUR) although they are generally not stable. Previous studies have indicated that Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPs) can increase the stability of WPI. This work investigated systematically the characterization and structure of TFP/WPI nanoparticles with differing CUR content.

RESULTS

The highest encapsulation efficiency of CUR was 98.8% and the highest loading content was 47.88%. The TFP‐WPI‐CUR with 20 mg mL−1 of CUR had the largest particle size (653.67 ± 21.50 nm) and lowest zeta potential (−38.97 ± 2.51 mV), and the capacity to retain stability across a variety of salt ion and pH conditions for 21 days. According to the findings of the structural analysis, the addition of TFPs and CUR rendered the structure of WPI amorphous, and the β‐sheet was reduced. Finally, in vitro release indicated that the TFP‐WPI‐CUR combination could regulate the sustained release behavior of CUR.

CONCLUSION

In summary, TFP‐WPI nanoparticles can be used as carriers for the delivery of CUR, and can expand applications of CUR in the functional food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, and beverage industries. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Portable capillary LC for in‐line UV monitoring and MS detection: Comparable sensitivity and much lower solvent consumption
Authors: Hicks Michael B. , Mattern Keith , Fine Jonathan , Grosser Shane , Patel Daya , Weisel Lauren , Aggarwal Pankaj
Published: September 2023

Pharmaceutical development currently relies on quality separation methods from early discovery through to line‐of‐site manufacturing. There have been significant advancements made regarding the column particle packing, internal diameter, length connectivity, the understanding of the impact key parameters like void volume, flow rate, and temperature all that affects the resultant separation quality, that is, resolution, peak shape, peak width, run time, and signal‐to‐noise ratio. There is however a strong need to establish better alternatives to large bulky high‐performance liquid chromatography racks either for process analytical reaction monitoring or mass spectrometry analysis in establishing product quality. Compact, portable high‐pressure liquid chromatography can be a more efficient alternative to traditional ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography and traditional liquid chromatography. The compact versatile instrument evaluated here allows good separation control with either the on‐board column with fixed ultra‐violet wavelength cartridge or for use with a high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Significant space reduction results in greener lab spaces with improved energy efficiency for smaller labs with lower energy demands. In addition, this compact liquid chromatography was used as a portable reaction monitoring solution to compare forced degradation kinetics and assess portable liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry capability for the analyses required for pharmaceutical drug product testing.
A Fibrin‐Based Human Multicellular Gingival 3D Model Provides Biomimicry and Enables Long‐Term In Vitro Studies
Authors: Sahle Maike , Wachendörfer Mattis , Palkowitz Alena L. , Nasehi Ramin , Aveic Sanja , Fischer Horst
Published: September 2023

Collagen‐type I gels are widely used for the fabrication of 3D in vitro gingival models. Unfortunately, their long‐term stability is low, which limits the variety of in vitro applications. To overcome this problem and achieve better hydrolytic stability of 3D gingival models, fibrin‐based hydrogel blends with increased long‐term stability in vitro are investigated. Two different fibrin‐based hydrogels are tested: fibrin 2.5% (w/v) and fibrin 1% (w/v)/gelatin 5% (w/v). Appropriate numbers of primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and OKG4/bmi1/TERT (OKG) keratinocytes are optimized to achieve a homogeneous distribution of cells under the assumed 3D conditions. Both hydrogels support the viability of HGFs and the stability of the hydrogel over 28 days. In vitro cultivation at the air–liquid interface triggers keratinization of the epithelium and increases its thickness, allowing the formation of multiple tissue‐like layers. The presence of HGFs in the hydrogel further enhances epithelial differentiation. In conclusion, a fibrin‐based 3D gingival model mimics the histology of native gingiva in vitro and ensures its long‐term stability in comparison with the previously reported collagen paralogs. These results open new perspectives for extending the period within which specific biological or pathological conditions of artificial gingival tissue can be evaluated.
A compact VHF/UHF band quasi‐Yagi antenna for multifunction radar applications
Authors: Kim Sungpeel , Han Junyong , Jang Younhui , Choi Jaehoon
Published: September 2023

A compact quasi‐yagi antenna for multifunction radar applications is proposed, consisting of a dual dipole‐driven element, a half bow‐tie reflector and a bow‐tie director. Size reduction is achieved by adding the half bow‐tie reflector structure. Addition of the half bow‐tie reflector and bow‐tie director improves the gain and front‐to‐back ratio in the Very high frequency (VHF)/Ultra high frequency (UHF) band. The measured −10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidths fully cover the VHF and UHF bands. The measured gain and front‐to‐back ratio (FBR) at 226.5 MHz are 5.63 dBi and 9.39 dB, respectively. The measured gain and FBR at 435 MHz are 5.79 dBi and 9.13 dB, respectively. Therefore, the proposed antenna is suitable for VHF/UHF band multifunction radar applications.
A low‐profile four‐element MIMO antenna array with new decoupling structures
Authors: Zhou Xiangyu , Zhai Huiqing , Xi Lei , Wei Zichun , Ma Shaobo , Zheng Licheng
Published: September 2023

A low‐profile four‐element multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna array with new decoupling structures is proposed in this letter. The presented MIMO antenna array contains four parts: dual‐polarized antennas, power dividers, the AMC surface, and the new decoupling structures. The height of the dual polarized antenna is 10 mm (0.08λ0, λ0 is the wavelength propagating in free space at 2.5GHz). Meanwhile, the proposed MIMO antenna array can offer an impedance band from 2.5 GHz to 2.7 GHz. The new decoupling structures can greatly improve the isolation of each port in the four‐element MIMO antenna array. Comparing with the tested results and the simulated results, they are relatively consistent.
Cascaded suspended substrate stripline bandpass filter
Authors: Alaqil Hassan , Hong Jiasheng
Published: September 2023

A new design of bandpass filter on a single layer implemented by using high Q suspended substrate stripline (SSS) structure is proposed. The designed filter is composed of cascaded highpass (HPF) and lowpass (LPF) filters, which forms a passband with a fractional bandwidth of 21.4% centered at 1.58 GHz and exhibits a very good selectivity through two transmission zeros. The simulated and measured results show a good agreement over the bandwidth with the in‐band insertion and return losses of 0.31 dB and 17.7 dB, respectively.
Efficient RF energy harvest with a novel broadband Vivaldi rectenna
Authors: Shi Yanyan , Jing Jianwei , Fan Yue , Yang Lan , Pang Jiafei , Wang Meng
Published: September 2023

In this article, a compact broadband rectifying antenna (rectenna) is proposed to harvest RF energy. A novel Vivaldi antenna is presented and an efficient rectifier with a single stub matching network is designed. Simulation and experiment have been performed and a good convergence is observed between the simulated and measured results. The experimental results show that the antenna features a broad bandwidth from 2.3 GHz to 2.85 GHz and the maximum conversion efficiency of the rectifier is up to 68% at 0 dBm. The maximum conversion efficiency and output voltage of the proposed rectenna are 58% and 1.6 V at 2.45 GHz under the input power of 0 dBm.
Research on dichotomous optical current sensing technology
Authors: Shen Yan , Ge Jin‐ming
Published: September 2023

Existing optical current transformers (OCTs) have a low measurement accuracy, weak anti‐interference capability, and poor stability during long‐term operation. To address these problems, this paper proposes a dichotomous OCT unit. First, the structure of the unit is proposed, based on a mathematical model, and current measurement methods are presented. Then, a parameter optimization scheme for the shunt frame in the dichotomous OCT units is obtained by analyzing the proposed mathematical model, and a high‐accuracy measurement method is presented for reducing the influence of external magnetic field interferences. The simulation and experimental results show that the dichotomous OCT unit has a high measurement accuracy and strong resistance against external magnetic field interference.
Compact monopole with a band‐stop matching circuit for LTE/WWAN smartphone
Authors: Shen Dong‐Lin , Zhang Li , Weng Zi‐Bin , Chen Chu‐Hui , Jiao Yong‐Chang
Published: September 2023

An LTE/WWAN monopole antenna with a compact size of 12.5 × 28.7 mm2 for smartphone applications is designed. The antenna is formed by an L‐shape driven branch, a parasitic shorting branch, and a band‐stop matching circuit. By capacitive coupling and loading a matching circuit, the antenna generates four resonant modes in the working bands. The band‐stop matching circuit is applied to enlarge the bandwidth of the low working band. The measured −6 dB impedance bandwidth of the presented antenna ranges from 683 MHz to 962 MHz and from 1632 MHz to 2710 MHz, covering LTE/WWAN eight‐band operation. Acceptable radiation performances are achieved over the working bands. The measured efficiencies are 45.4%‐61.2% and 44.5%‐66.4% and the measured gains are −0.6 dBi‐2.0 dBi and 0.07 dBi‐2.69 dBi in the low and high working band, respectively.
Electrically small inverted L planar patch antenna for wireless application
Authors: Patel Riki H , Upadhyaya Trushit , Desai Arpan
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a miniature structure using a printed board facilitating single band operation for WLAN application. The two inverted L groove structures are used as additional resonators to produce a single band operation for covering the WLAN frequency band of 2.4 GHz (2.4‐2.484 GHz) and peak gain is 10.42 dbi. Presented return loss and radiation pattern of proposed antenna with comparisons simulated and measured results by fabricating the antenna.
Rectangular dielectric resonator antenna fed by offset tapered copper and graphene microstrip lines for 5G communications
Authors: Xia Wei , Zhang Bohan , Zhou Wenqing , Zhang Jingwei , Liu Chengguo , He Daping , Wu Zhi Peng
Published: September 2023

In this paper, rectangular dielectric resonator antennas (RDRAs) fed by offset tapered copper and graphene microstrip lines are presented. A comparison between these two feeding materials is made with an aim of using the high‐conductivity graphene film (HCGF) to replace copper for feeding the RDRA if feasible. Four feed forms have been discussed. The presented feed mechanism is able to couple electromagnetic energy in three different modes of the RDRA. The HCGF is utilized to replace copper for feeding the RDRA. An impedance bandwidth of 11.32% (3.25 GHz ~ 3.64 GHz) is realized in the experiments by using a graphene feed line, compared to that of 12.24% (3.22 GHz ~ 3.64 GHz) for copper, and a peak gain of 4.48dBi is obtained at the center frequency. The results show that the HCGF can be used to couple the RDRA, and the HCGF fed RDRA has good performance. Radiation patterns around the center frequency are also presented.
A novel analytic design method of dual‐band harmonic‐tuned power amplifiers
Authors: Huang Hang , Zhang Bo , Yu Cuiping , Gao Jinchun , Wu Yongle , Liu Yuanan
Published: September 2023

In this paper, an analytic methodology for designing output‐matching network (OMN) is presented. The proposed OMN integrates harmonic control circuit and reduces the complexities of design and circuit structure. Besides, the second and third harmonics control are provided for two operated frequencies. In order to verify the method, a 1.8/2.65 GHz dual‐band high‐efficiency PA adopting a GaN HEMT is presented. Experimental results show the drain efficiencies of 76.2% and 71.6%, output power of 43 and 42.7 dBm at 1.8 and 2.65 GHz, respectively. In addition, the drain efficiency more than 65% can be maintained from 1.55‐2.0 GHz and 2.65‐2.8 GHz.
Origin of interference fringes and its countermeasures in coherent terahertz imaging
Authors: Ning Wei , Qi Feng , Liu Zhaoyang , Wang Yelong , Wang Jinkuan
Published: September 2023

Interference fringes are quite common in coherent imaging systems. As a kind of waves, terahertz (THz) light has such a phenomenon inherently when multiple reflections happen in focal plane imaging systems, which generally includes several mirrors. In this paper, we will demonstrate the fringe pattern in a typical reflective imaging system, which is similar to the “Newton Ring” phenomenon as in optics. The good point is that it might be helpful to measure the gesture of the object, while it is quite annoying in imaging since important information is hidden behind the fringes and we could even not recognize the object. To obtain a decent image, we propose three methods via tuning the frequency and location of the objects, also we can tune the illumination angle of THz waves.
An 4.7 GHz low‐power cross‐coupled GaN HEMT oscillator
Authors: Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Su Yen‐Jung , Lin Ke Jen , Wang Bing‐Jie
Published: September 2023

A GaN HEMT oscillator implemented with the WIN 0.25 μm GaN HEMT technology is designed. The oscillator consists of two HEMT amplifiers with cross‐coupled feedback topology. With the supply voltage of VDD = 0.4 V, the GaN VCO current and power consumption of the oscillator are 6.673 mA and 2.669 mW, respectively. The oscillator can generate differential signal at 4.7 GHz and it also supplies output power − 5.3 dBm. At 1 MHz frequency offset from the carrier the phase noise is −121.77 dBc/Hz. The die area of the GaN HEMT oscillator is 2 × 1 mm2.
Low‐profile broadband dual‐polarized antenna utilizing metasurface
Authors: Ta Son Xuat , Nguyen Minh Duc , Nguyen Thi Hai‐Yen , Nguyen Truong Khang , Nguyen Khac Kiem , Dao Ngoc Chien
Published: September 2023

A dual linearly polarized antenna with a low profile and significantly enhanced operating bandwidth is proposed. The primary radiating elements are two conventional loop dipoles fed orthogonally by two printed baluns with wideband and high isolation characteristics. The operating bandwidth is further improved by utilizing a metasurface inserted between the radiators and a shallow cavity reflector. This does not only lower the structure profile but also considerably improves the antenna gain. The final prototype with an overall size of 150 mm × 150 mm × 15 mm (0.83λ × 0.83λ × 0.083λ at the lowest operating frequency of 1.66 GHz) has been realized and experimentally validated. The measurements resulted in a −10‐dB impedance bandwidth covering a frequency range from 1.66 GHz to 2.80 GHz (51.1%) for both ports with an isolation of higher than 30 dB across the entire band. In addition, at both ports, the antenna achieves a gain of greater than 8.7 dBi and a radiation efficiency greater than 80% across the operating bandwidth.
Wideband bandstop filter using an SIR based interdigital capacitor
Authors: Kim Changsoon , Shrestha Bhanu , Son Kwang Chul
Published: September 2023

In this article, a microstrip wideband bandstop filter (W‐BSF) with a stepped impedance resonator (SIR)‐based interdigital capacitor (IDC) is proposed. By using an SIR‐based symmetric IDC, a wide rejection of bandwidth of 4.27 GHz at the center frequency of 5.85 GHz can be achieved. The insertion loss (S21) and return loss (S11) were 17.89 dB and 0.22 dB at 5.85 GHz, respectively, in the measurement results, which also verified that the bandwidth can be widely tuned by increasing the length, d from the main transmission line to the SIR‐based symmetric IDC section. As a result, we achieved practically applicable simulated and measured S‐parameter responses. The overall dimension of the optimized W‐BSF was (13.80 × 10.98) mm2.
Characterization of multiple‐input‐multiple‐output antennas under different multipath environments in a reverberation chamber
Authors: Nguyen Tien Manh , Kim Seung‐Ho , Chung Jae‐Young
Published: September 2023

Multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) antennas with different envelope correlation coefficients (ECCs) were designed and characterized in a reverberation chamber (RC) under different fading channels: urban macro, urban micro, and Rayleigh. The generation of different multipath environments and the procedures to estimate MIMO antenna figures of merit are described in detail. The experiment results show the MIMO antenna radiation efficiency remains unchanged as the multipath environment changes. In contrast to the radiation efficiency, ECC has discrepancies between the fading channels, indicating the effect of operating environments on MIMO antenna performance.
Enhancement of the antenna bandwidth by coupling the planar inverted‐F antenna and multi‐ultra‐thin slots for handheld devices with metal housing
Authors: Lee Chih‐Hung , Lin Ding Bing , Lu Guan‐Hung
Published: September 2023

We propose an invisible multi‐ultra‐thin slot antenna and a planar inverted‐F antenna (PIFA) coupling design for handheld mobile devices in complete metal housing systems. To enhance the bandwidth of the traditional single λ/4 PIFA used in a 2.45‐GHz Wi‐Fi system and to consider the strong impact on radiation due to the metal‐housing shielding effect and position of the internal antenna, this design etches 0.1‐mm wide slots on the metal housing using PIFA to excite these slot antennas through coupling. The metal housing is a major radiator that enhances the antenna bandwidth and efficiency. It uses electric and magnetic coupling between the two antennas to achieve the specification bandwidth, and we design the number, gap, and position of slots by investigating the mutual coupling effect. The bandwidth of the proposed structure is 147 and 134 MHz in simulations and in measurements involving the etching of three multi‐ultra‐thin slots, respectively (L = 38 mm, W = 0.1 mm), for 2.45‐GHz usage. The results depict that this design enhances the antenna bandwidth when some slots are etched, especially for handheld devices with metal housing.
High isolation and high linearity double‐pole double‐throw CMOS switch matrix for Ka‐band wireless transceiver front‐end IC
Authors: Park Sangyong , Lee Jeong‐Yun , Kim Jeong‐Geun , Baek Donghyun
Published: September 2023

This letter proposes a double‐pole double‐throw (DPDT) switch with high isolation and high linearity using a 65‐nm CMOS process. To improve the isolation, resonant inductors are employed for the core switches, which are composed of a single‐stacked NMOS with gate‐body floating techniques. And, the switch is controlled by a cross‐biasing technique to increment the power linearity. The active circuits are designed separately from the passive elements to reduce the interference. The core area of the proposed switch excluding all of the pads is 380 × 300 μm2. The minimum insertion loss is 2.57 dB at 23 GHz and maximum isolation is 39.7 dB at 26 GHz, respectively. The third‐order intermodulation intercept point (IIP3) is 37 dBm at 28 GHz.
Multiband bandpass filter design using E‐plane septa for waveguide application
Authors: Li Xiaokun , Zhang Yonghong , Da Xu Kai , Wang Junfeng , Li Shudan , Fan Yong
Published: September 2023

Multiband bandpass filter (BPF) design is proposed by utilizing E‐plane septa to introduce transmission zeros in‐band for waveguide application. Due to the unique employment of E‐plane septa, multiband BPF responses are flexible to realize. Since number of transmission zeros is strongly dependent on the structure of employed septa, by adjusting the parameters of septa, dual‐band, tri‐band, and quad‐band, multiband BPF responses are presented. While various multiband responses can be achieved without changing the structure, it is more competitive and compatible. Somehow, tri‐band and quad‐band W‐band filters are fabricated for validation of the design technique for multiband BPF applications.
Dual‐band filtering antenna using dual‐mode patch resonators
Authors: Ogbodo Eugene A. , Aly Mostafa G. , Ali Amira El‐Tokhy , Wu Yun , Wang Yi
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes the integration of a dual‐band bandpass filter and antenna using a filter synthesis method. A dual‐mode perturbed patch resonator and a dual‐mode patch antenna are used in the implementation. The two patches are placed back‐to‐back to share a common ground. To increase the degree of freedom in controlling the channel bandwidths and to avoid radiation interference, a slot coupling technique is used to couple both patches. The patch resonator performs the signal splitting and combining function while the patch antenna contributes to the filtering poles and performs the radiating function. Good agreements have been achieved between the measurements of the prototype device and the simulations.
Decoupled compact ultra‐wideband MIMO antennas covering 3300∼6000 MHz for the fifth‐generation mobile and 5GHz‐WLAN operations in the future smartphone
Authors: Wong Kin‐Lu , Chen Yu‐Han , Li Wei‐Yu
Published: September 2023

Decoupled compact UWB multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) antennas to cover 3300∼6000 MHz in the future smartphone applications are presented. The obtained UWB can cover the fifth‐generation (5G) mobile operation in 3300∼5000 MHz and 5GHz‐wireless wide area network (WLAN) operation in 5150∼5875 MHz to achieve seamless wireless internet access in future wireless communications. The UWB MIMO antennas are based on the coupled‐fed inverted‐F antenna in the planar structure, allowing it easy to implement by printing on the inner surface of the side‐edge frame of the smartphone. Good decoupling between two UWB antennas spaced by 3 mm only and having a small total length of 35 mm (about 0.385λ at 3300 MHz) is obtained without external decoupling structures. The isolation of two nearby UWB antennas is better than 10 dB and the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) thereof is less than 0.1 in 3300∼6000 MHz. With two UWB antennas as a building block, it is easy to implement at least four MIMO antennas in the future smartphone for at least 4 x 4 MIMO operations in 3300∼6000 MHz for future wireless communications. Details of the proposed UWB MIMO antennas for future smartphone applications are presented.
A Frequency Selective Feedback Receiver for Multi‐Bands Operation
Authors: Kim Hyoung Soo , Beck Sungho , Chae Kwanyeob , Lim Kyutae , Laskar Joy , Tentzeris Manos M.
Published: September 2023

For a frequency‐division duplex (FDD) wide‐band code‐division multiple‐access (WCDMA) system, transmit (TX) signal leakage at the receiver input degrades the receiver performance. To cancel this TX leakage, a frequency selective feedback was previously proposed, but it had an unpredictable feedback loop characteristic due to the uncertainty of the duplexer impedance. This paper presents a new method to achieve TX leakage cancellation regardless of the duplexer impedance. In addition, a local oscillator (LO) phase shift technique is proposed to apply this method for multi‐band. A receiver adopting these proposed techniques is implemented using a 0.18‐μm CMOS process to prove the concept. The measured TX attenuations of the high‐ and low‐band are 17‐dB and 20‐dB, respectively, and the measured noise Figure (NF) degradations of the high‐ and low‐band are 0.6‐dB and 0.5‐dB, respectively. The measurement results demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Interpersonal violence in colonial era in Papua, Indonesia: A case study of trauma patterns of a Biak individual
Authors: Putri Rizky Sugianto , Koesbardiati Toetik , Murti Delta Bayu , Kinaston Rebecca Lorraine
Published: September 2023

In many world regions, conflict resulting from power struggles can lead to interpersonal violence. In the recent colonial past, tribes in Papua and Papua New Guinea engaged in war and raiding that resulted in interpersonal violence, abduction, slavery, and casualties. This case study focuses on the analysis of a colonial period individual from Biak Island, Papua, Indonesia, using a biocultural approach. Only the cranium was available for analysis. Standard osteological methods were used to determine that the individual was likely a young to mid‐aged (26‐ to 42‐year‐old) adult female. Skeletal lesion type and patterning were observed macroscopically with digital photography and a newly developed ultraviolet light photography technique. Multiple sharp force trauma injuries were identified on the frontal, temporal, and occipital bones of the cranium. Interpreting the pattern of trauma within the context of the colonial period in Papua, it is suggested that this female individual may have been murdered, possibly as a slave taken during tribal warfare. This report is a significant resource for future bioarchaeological studies in Papua as it provides one of the only accounts of skeletal trauma during the colonial period in the region.
A modified tilt controller for AGC in hybrid power system integrating forecasting of renewable energy sources
Authors: Vidyarthi Prabhat Kumar , Kumar Ashiwani
Published: September 2023

This article emphasizes the intermittent characteristics of renewable energy sources (RESs) and explores the role of forecasting in improving the performance of the automatic generation control (AGC) mechanism of the interconnected power system. Due to hybridization of power system basic AGC controller (PID, TID, and ID‐T) are insufficient to stabilized the system parameters. So, a new type of fractional order integral tilted derivative controller (FIDN‐T) has been proposed, which give better performance in terms of settling time, undershoot and overshoot in case of RESs with real data forecasting also. FIDN‐T has been compared with some existing controller which give the results better than basic controller. In order to optimize the different parameters of the proposed controller, a new modified Opposition‐based Sea‐horse Optimization (OSHO) algorithm has been proposed. The OSHO is compared with a few existing, well‐known meta‐heuristic algorithms to show its superiority. The analysis has been conducted under different operating conditions, including step and random disturbances as well as the IEEE‐39 bus, to verify the robustness as well as adaptability of the suggested controller. The comprehensive results of the studies provide strong evidence in support of the effectiveness and efficacy of the suggested control methods and suggest that it has the potential to be implemented in real‐world power systems for improved performance and stability.
The open‐loop and closed‐loop Nash equilibrium of the local and remote stochastic game for multiplicative noise systems with inconsistent information
Authors: Li Xin , Qi Qingyuan
Published: September 2023

In this article, the local and remote stochastic nonzero‐sum game for a multiplicative noise system with inconsistent information is investigated, in which the multiplicative noise can cause nonlinear characteristics of linear systems, making it difficult to solve the optimal linear feedback Nash equilibrium. For the considered local and remote stochastic nonzero‐sum game, the local player and the remote player obtain different information sets, which leads to inconsistent information between the two players. The goal is that each player is desired to minimize their own cost function. Our approach is based on a combination of orthogonal decomposition and completing square techniques, which allow us to derive a set of coupled Riccati equations that characterize the optimal feedback explicit (closed‐loop) Nash equilibrium. The contributions of this article are summarized as follows. First, the optimal open‐loop Nash equilibrium is obtained in terms of the forward and backward stochastic difference equations (FBSDEs) by adopting the Pontryagin maximum principle. Second, the closed‐loop Nash equilibrium of this local and remote stochastic nonzero‐sum game for a multiplicative noise system with inconsistent information is obtained by using the orthogonal decomposition methods. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the validity of theoretical results and discuss potential extensions to more complex systems.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of dinutuximab β for the treatment of high‐risk neuroblastoma in China
Authors: Shen An‐Le , Zhao Jie , Yu Li‐Ting , Zhang An‐An , Wu Bin , Fang Ye , Han Ya‐Li , Li Chen‐Sui‐Zi , Li Zhi‐Ling , Gao Yi‐Jin , Zhang Shun‐Guo
Published: September 2023

Background

Dinutuximab β can be used to treat children with high‐risk neuroblastoma (NB). Due to its high price, whether dinutuximab β is cost‐effective for the treatment of high‐risk NB remains uncertain. Therefore, assessing the cost‐effectiveness of dinutuximab β in children with high‐risk NB is of high importance.

Methods

The health utilities and economic outcomes in children with high‐risk NB were projected using a partitioned survival model. The individual patient data (IPD) of add‐on treatment with dinutuximab β (GD2 group) were derived from the literature, while the IPD of traditional therapy (TT group) were obtained from retrospective data of Shanghai Children's Medical Center. Treatment costs included drugs, adverse event‐related expenses, and medical resource use. Utility values were obtained from the literature. Costs and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) were measured over a 10‐year time horizon. Deterministic sensitivity analyses (DSA) and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were also conducted.

Results

Compared with the TT group, QALY increased in the GD2 group by 0.72 with an increased cost of $171,269.70, leading to an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of 236,462.75$/QALY. DSA showed that the price of dinutuximab β was the main factor on the results than other parameters. Compared with the TT group, the GD2 group could not be cost‐effective in the PSA at the $37,920/QALY threshold.

Conclusion

Results found that dinutuximab β is not a cost‐effective treatment option for children with high‐risk NB unless its price is significantly reduced.
Revolutionizing epoxy performance: A new flame retardant with phosphorus and maleimide for enhanced cure behavior, thermal stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties
Authors: Ranjith Ayyappan , Mahendran Arunjunai Raj , Rajkumar Thangamani
Published: September 2023

A novel phosphorus‐based maleimide, tris[4‐(2,5‐dioxopyrrol‐1‐yl)phenyl] phosphite (TDPPI), was employed as a flame retardant in epoxy with moderate transparency, enhanced thermal stability, and improved mechanical strength. SEM studies ascertained the uniform dispersion of TDPPI and its compatibility with the epoxy. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the epoxy compounded with 2.5 wt% of TDPPI achieved 100% curing with the glass transition temperature of 43.8°C. The thermogravimetric study revealed that the presence of 2.5 wt% of TDPPI in epoxy increased the residual mass found at 600°C by 23%. The epoxy thermoset compounded with 2.5 wt% of TDPPI passed the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL‐94) test with V‐1 classification and achieved the limiting oxygen index of 30.7% with a reduced burning rate of about 58.7%. At 1.5 wt% of the TDPPI, the resulting epoxy thermoset exhibited an enhancement in the tensile strength (23%), Young's modulus (37%), flexural strength (9%), and Izod impact strength (37%) relative to the neat epoxy. In conclusion, 2.5 wt% of TDPPI is adequate for imparting flame retardancy to epoxy composites with improved mechanical strength because of the maleimide‐phosphorus synergistic effect.

Highlights

TDPPI is a phosphorus and maleimide containing flame retardant.

TDPPI improves thermal stability, flame retardancy and mechanical strengths.

Only 2.5 wt% of TDPPI is required for epoxy to achieve high flame retardancy.

Maleimide presence lowers phosphorus requirement for epoxy flame retardancy.

TDPPI is a promising new flame retardant material for epoxy.
Theoretical insights into photo‐induced behavior for 3‐(1H‐phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazol‐2‐yl)‐9‐phenyl‐9H‐carbazol‐4‐ol fluorophore: Solvation effects
Authors: Liu Chang , Chen Han , Feng Lu , Zhao Jinfeng , Fan Liming
Published: September 2023

Excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction, as one of the most fundamental photochemical behaviors, plays a crucial role in the design of novel optical materials. This study investigates the photo‐induced hydrogen bonding behaviors and related ESIPT process of 3‐(1H‐phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazol‐2‐yl)‐9‐phenyl‐9H‐carbazol‐4‐ol (CHPHI) in solvents with varying polarities. Based on analyses of the core‐valence bifurcation (CVB) index, geometrical structure parameters, topological analysis, and infrared (IR) vibrational spectra, we infer that light excitation facilitates the enhancement of intramolecular hydrogen bonding. This phenomenon can promote the ESIPT process. In particular, we have observed that the enhancement of hydrogen bonding becomes more pronounced as solvent polarity weakens. To further investigate the relationship between solvent polarity and ESIPT behavior, we conduct an exploration of the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) in CHPHI. Finally, by comparing the magnitudes of excited‐state barriers in different solvents, we claim that nonpolar solvents drive the ESIPT reaction for CHPHI fluorophore.
Rapid changes of mRNA expressions of cardiac ion channels affected by Torsadogenic drugs influence susceptibility of rat hearts to arrhythmias induced by Beta‐Adrenergic stimulation
Authors: Hadova Katarina , Kmecova Jana , Ochodnicka‐Mackovicova Katarina , Kralova Eva , Doka Gabriel , Bies Pivackova Lenka , Vavrinec Peter , Stankovicova Tatiana , Krenek Peter , Klimas Jan
Published: September 2023

Drug‐induced long QT syndrome (LQTS) and Torsades de Pointes (TdP) are serious concerns in drug development. Although rats are a useful scientific tool, their hearts, unlike larger species, usually do not respond to torsadogenic drugs. Consequently, their resistance to drug‐induced arrhythmias is poorly understood. Here, we challenged rats with rapid delayed rectifier current (Ikr)‐inhibiting antibiotic clarithromycin (CLA), loop diuretic furosemide (FUR) or their combination (CLA + FUR), and examined functional and molecular abnormalities after stimulation with isoproterenol. Clarithromycin and furosemide were administered orally at 12‐h intervals for 7 days. To evaluate electrical instability, electrocardiography (ECG) was recorded either in vivo or ex vivo using the Langendorff‐perfused heart method under basal conditions and subsequently under beta‐adrenergic stimulation. Gene expression was measured using real‐time quantitative PCR in left ventricular tissue. Indeed, FUR and CLA + FUR rats exhibited hypokalemia. CLA and CLA + FUR treatment resulted in drug‐induced LQTS and even an episode of TdP in one CLA + FUR rat. The combined treatment dysregulated gene expression of several ion channels subunits, including KCNQ1, calcium channels and Na+/K + ‐ATPase subunits, while both monotherapies had no impact. The rat with recorded TdP exhibited differences in the expression of ion channel genes compared to the rest of rats within the CLA + FUR group. The ECG changes were not detected in isolated perfused hearts. Hence, we report rapid orchestration of ion channel reprogramming of hearts with QT prolongation induced by simultaneous administration of clarithromycin and furosemide in rats, which may account for their ability to avoid arrhythmias triggered by beta‐adrenergic stimulation.
Environmental, social, governance: The future of process safety management or repeat of the past?
Authors: Hoff Rainer , Shell Kathy
Published: September 2023

Sites have implemented process safety management (PSM) systems, initially for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) PSM and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) risk management program (RMP) compliance. Then later, they adapted those systems for risk‐based process safety (RBPS). They discovered the power of leveraging these foundational systems of procedures, tools, and practices for numerous follow‐on initiatives: for example, action management, API‐1173, SIS/IEC‐61511; cybersecurity/IEC 62443; API‐754/Vision 2020 metrics; ISO 14001. Today, companies are increasingly serious about environmental, social, governance (ESG) issues, and demonstrate progress by leveraging the S&P global corporate sustainability assessment (CSA). Interestingly, 63% of the CSA elements rely on information directly or indirectly produced by PSM systems. The existing PSM systems may require additional data collection, or additional lifecycles, in their business processes to satisfy the ESG/CSA requirements. Process safety professionals have a critically important role in supporting local and corporate ESG initiatives. ESG initiatives are indeed the “new game in town” to promote continuous improvement in process safety.
Booklice Liposcelis bostrychophila are efficiently attracted by the combination of 2,3,5,6‐tetramethylpyrazine and ultraviolet light
Authors: Tanaka Kohjiro , Ozawa Rika , Takabayashi Junji , Ochiai Masanori , Hayakawa Yoichi
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Booklice Liposcelis bostrychophila are frequently found almost everywhere, including private houses and cleanrooms of factories and institutes. They often cause serious hygienic as well as agricultural problems, but a useful trap has not been developed so far. Therefore, an effective way to monitor and capture booklice is required.

RESULTS

We here identified a new attractant, 2,3,5,6‐tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), which efficiently captured booklice in combination with UV light. When booklice placed at both right and left edges of an assay tray were exposed to light stimulus from the center, test insects gathered at the center. The attraction was stronger with shorter wavelengths than longer ones: 365‐nm ultraviolet (UV) light showed the strongest attraction of four tested light wavelengths. We found that cocoa powder attracted booklice weakly but significantly under total darkness. Furthermore, the cocoa smell was confirmed to enhance the attraction to light at all tested wavelengths irrespective of the difference between two brands of cocoa powders. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry indicated that both cocoa products contain TMP as a major odor compound. Exposure of booklice to TMP significantly enhanced the attraction to UV light: the combined use with TMP almost doubled the attraction compared to the light only. By contrast, TMP homologs, pyrazine and dimethylpyrazines, showed strong repellent activities under UV light exposure.

CONCLUSION

TMP enhanced the UV light attraction for booklice while pyrazine and dimethylpyrazines diminished it. Use of these attractant and repellent pyrazine derivatives together with UV light would enable us to develop a practical new way to monitor and capture booklice. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Proton Irradiation‐Induced Displacement Damage in 650 V Si and SiC Power Diodes
Authors: Siddiqui Aamenah , Hallén Anders , Usman Muhammad
Published: September 2023

A comparison of the displacement damage effects in Si and silicon carbide (4H‐SiC) commercial diodes due to 6 MeV proton irradiation is presented. The devices chosen for this study are rated at 650 V/8 A, making them technological alternatives of each other. It is found that Si diodes degrade ≈4.6 times faster than the SiC counterparts under forward biasing. In addition, the leakage current for the SiC diode in reverse mode decreases due to proton irradiation, whereas it increases for the Si diode under the same conditions. The difference in the behavior of both the diodes, as a result of the irradiation process, is discussed in terms of the induced deep‐level defects. The results show that SiC diodes are more resistant to displacement damage caused by proton irradiation than Si devices, with the same specifications.
Kelvin Probe Characterization of Nanocrystalline Diamond Films with SiV Centers as Function of Thickness
Authors: Kuliček Jaroslav , Marek Maxmilian , Kumar Nirmal , Fait Jan , Potocký Štěpán , Stehlík Štěpán , Kromka Alexander , Rezek Bohuslav
Published: September 2023

Optically active color centers in diamonds have been intensively studied due to their potential in photonics, energy harvesting, biosensing, and quantum computing. Silicon vacancy (SiV) center offers an advantage of suitable emission wavelength and narrow zero‐phonon line at room temperature. Measurement of surface potential and photovoltage can provide better understanding of the physics and control of SiV light emission, such as charge states and charging effects. Herein, optoelectronic properties of nanocrystalline diamond films with SiV centers at different layer thicknesses (10–200 nm, controlled by the growth time) under ambient conditions are studied. Time‐dependent measurements are performed in the light–dark–light cycle. Positive photovoltage arises on samples with SiV layer thicknesses below 55 nm on both H‐ and O‐terminated surfaces. Above 55 nm the photovoltage switches to negative. This layer thickness thus represents a halfway boundary between surface‐controllable and bulk SiV centers dominant contribution. A band diagram scheme explaining the photovoltage switching mechanism is provided.
Critical assessment of medical devices on reliability, replacement prioritization and maintenance strategy criterion: Case study of Malaysian hospitals
Authors: Amran Mohd Effendi , Aziz Sa'ardin Abdul , Muhtazaruddin Mohd Nabil , Masrom Maslin , Haron Habibah Norehan , Bani Nurul Aini , Mohd Izhar Mohd Azri , Usman Sahnius , Sarip Shamsul , Najamudin Siti Sara , Zamzam Aizat Hilmi , Ahmad Kamil Ahmad Safwan , Azilah Nurul Farhana , Muhammad‐Sukki Firdaus
Published: September 2023

The Biomedical Engineering Maintenance Services (BEMS) is a comprehensive maintenance program that ensures the safety and reliability of medical devices. Significant and crucial devices are identified and prioritized for best practice prior to the equipment life cycle to mitigate functional problems, alarmed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) underlying the modernization agenda. A model of multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) to prioritize medical devices according to their criticality is presented in this paper, with the utilization of quality function deployment (QFD) and fuzzy logic in the development of the model through a quantitative survey of experts from all regions in Malaysia. As a result, a customized version of the Asset Criticality Assessment (ACA) is developed and is recommended for use in more than 144 Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals. Subsequently, real data of four selected devices are pulled from the Asset and Services Information System (ASIS) to demonstrate a relevant and comparable end‐result using the QFD and fuzzy logic. In essence, the key contribution of the customized ACA model is that it assesses a promising evaluation with a broader range on both the performance of medical devices and the appropriate asset replacement choices. This leads to an effective maintenance strategy for each device and the modernization of reliability computation metrics.