bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the evaluation of rectal function after LAR based on CEEMDAN‐Fast‐ICA algorithm
Authors: Zan Peng , Zhao Yutong , Zhong Hua , Yu Yang , Wang Yuanbo , Shao Yijia , Li Chunyong
Published: January 2023

Rectal cancer is one of the most common lower gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. Currently, the common treatment is low anterior resection (LAR) of the rectum, which preserves the anus of the patient. However, it is easy to cause low anterior resection syndrome after surgery, which has a significant negative impact on the life of patients, and there is no unified evaluation standard for postoperative rectal function. To solve this problem, a multi‐sensor fusion rectal information acquisition system is designed in this paper, and a rectal signal processing method is proposed to theoretically evaluate the rectal function of postoperative patients. The method uses the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) to decompose the one‐dimensional rectal signal to solve the underdetermined ICA problem, uses the Fast independent component analysis (Fast‐ICA) to separate the pure rectal signal, uses the wavelet packet to extract features, and uses the particle swarm optimization optimizes support vector machine (PSO‐SVM) to classify and evaluate postoperative function. According to the experimental results, the rectal signal preprocessing effect is good, the evaluation prediction rate is 99.5565%, and the algorithm classification results are accurate, which provides a certain preliminary theoretical basis and reference value for the evaluation of rectal function after LAR.
Supersoft luminous X-ray sources in galactic nuclei
Authors: Sacchi A. , Risaliti G. , Miniutti G.
Published: January 2023

Context. Tidal disruption events (TDEs) are usually discovered at X-ray or optical wavelengths through their transient nature. A characteristic spectral feature of X-ray detected TDEs is a ‘supersoft’ X-ray emission, not observed in any other extragalactic source, with the exception of a few rapidly variable hyperluminous X-ray sources (HLXs) or supersoft active galactic nuclei (AGN) that are distinguishable by their optical emission.

Aims. The goal of our work is to find extragalactic supersoft sources associated with galactic centres. We expect this category to include overlooked TDEs, supersoft AGN, and nuclear HLXs. Finding such sources would allow for the study of extreme regime accretion on different black hole mass scales.

Methods. We searched for supersoft X-ray sources (SSSs) by cross-correlating optical and X-ray catalogues to select extragalactic near-nuclear sources and we then filtered for very steep spectra (photon index Γ > 3) and high X-ray luminosities (LX > 1041 erg s−1).

Results. With our blind search we retrieved about 60 sources, including 15 previously known supersoft AGN or TDEs, thus demonstrating the efficiency of our selection. Of the remaining sample, 36 sources are optically classified as AGN, although they show steeper-than-usual spectra. The remaining nine previously unknown sources show spectral properties consistent with emission by extremely soft-excess dominated AGN (five sources) or TDEs (four sources). An XMM-Newton follow-up observation of one of these sources confirmed its likely TDE nature.

Conclusions. Our work is the first attempt to discover TDEs by their spectral features rather than their variability, and it has been successful in retrieving known TDEs and in discovering new extreme ultrasoft sources, including four new TDE candidates, one of which is confirmed via follow-up observations.
Compositional indication of E- and M-type asteroids by VIS-NIR reflectance spectra of meteorites
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Li Yang , Zhang Jiang , Li Shijie , Jin Ziliang , Han Huijie , Liu Changqing , Lin Yangting , Ling Zongcheng , Wen Yuanyun
Published: January 2023

Context. E-type asteroids have been linked to aubrites, while M-type asteroids have been linked to enstatite chondrites (ECs) and iron meteorites (IMs). However, as ECs and IMs generally lack absorption characteristics, distinguishing their parent bodies by spectroscopy generally poses a challenge.

Aims. We aim to develop a method to distinguish two kinds of M-type asteroids, the parent bodies of ECs and IMs, and to infer their composition.

Methods. We measured the visible to near-infrared (VIS-NIR) reflectance spectra of aubrite, ECs, and IMs. Then we analyzed and compared their spectral parameters, such as the reflectance at 0.55 µm (R0.55), absorption bands, and spectral slopes. We also compared the geometric albedo and spectral slopes of a total of 13 E-type and 14 M-type asteroids. Furthermore, combining the collected radar albedo and density data of M-type asteroids, we discuss their potential composition at different depths.

Results. We find that for most meteorites, with the exception of very weak absorption in an aubrite and an EH7 chondrite, ECs and IMs do not show any absorption characteristics. Aubrite shows extremely high reflectance and a negative near-infrared slope (NIRS) and ECs show relatively low reflectance and moderately positive NIRS, while IMs show relatively moderate reflectance and the steepest positive NIRS. Two diagrams plotting with R0.55 and NIRS calculated in the 1.1–1.2 µm and 1.1–1.4 µm bands were subsequently shown to perform optimally at distinguishing aubrite, ECs, and IMs. In addition, M-type asteroids have a wide range of NIRS and diverse radar albedo and densities, whereby 16 Psyche shows high NIRS, radar albedo, and density, while 21 Lutetia is dominated by low values for these parameters.

Conclusions. We demonstrate that NIRS is correlated with metal content and increases with metal content. In particular, the NIRS calculated in the 1.1–1.4 µm band is a potentially useful parameter for inferring the surface metal content of E- and M-type asteroids. Based on our results, we suggest that the featureless M-type asteroids ought to be divided into two subtypes: Mm- (e.g., 16 Psyche) and Me-type (e.g., 21 Lutetia) in the aim of characterizing the sources of IMs and ECs, respectively.
Modeling noise propagation in Fourier-filtering wavefront sensing, fundamental limits, and quantitative comparison
Authors: Chambouleyron V. , Fauvarque O. , Plantet C. , Sauvage J.-F. , Levraud N. , Cissé M. , Neichel B. , Fusco T.
Published: January 2023

Context.Adaptive optics (AO) is a technique allowing for ground-based telescopes’ angular resolution to be improved drastically. The wavefront sensor (WFS) is one of the key components of such systems, driving the fundamental performance limitations.

Aims.In this paper, we focus on a specific class of WFS: the Fourier-filtering wavefront sensors (FFWFSs). This class is known for its extremely high sensitivity. However, a clear and comprehensive noise propagation model for any kind of FFWFS is lacking.

Methods.Considering read-out noise and photon noise, we derived a simple and comprehensive model allowing us to understand how these noises propagate in the phase reconstruction in the linear framework.

Results.This new noise propagation model works for any kind of FFWFS, and it allows one to revisit the fundamental sensitivity limit of these sensors. Furthermore, a new comparison between widely used FFWFSs is held. We focus on the two main FFWFS classes used: the Zernike WFS (ZWFS) and the pyramid WFS (PWFS), bringing new understanding of their behavior.
Pomper ou disparaître : le dilemme du renforcement des khettaras par le pompage solaire dans les oasis du Maroc
Authors: Khardi Yassine , Lacombe Guillaume , Kuper Marcel , Taky Abdelilah , Bouarfa Sami , Hammani Ali
Published: January 2023

Les agriculteurs utilisant les eaux des khettaras, galeries souterraines drainant la nappe phréatique et donnant un accès collectif à l’eau souterraine dans les oasis, font aujourd’hui face à un dilemme. Les khettaras se tarissent sous l’effet conjugué du pompage pour l’eau potable et de l’irrigation des exploitations agricoles des nouvelles extensions, et d’une recharge décroissante de la nappe. Leurs khettaras menacées de disparition, certains collectifs ont choisi d’installer des puits ou des forages alimentés par l’énergie solaire. Cela permet de renforcer le débit des khettaras et ainsi de maintenir l’accès collectif à l’eau souterraine, mais ces installations contribuent aussi à sa surexploitation. Dans cet article, nous mettons en discussion ce choix cornélien des communautés oasiennes dans le sud du Maroc. Des observations de terrain, l’analyse des images satellites, et des enquêtes avec les agriculteurs ont permis de comprendre le contexte d’émergence d’un dispositif associant la khettara au pompage par énergie solaire, d’analyser sa conception technique et de mettre en évidence la capacité des oasiens à intervenir sur les règles de gestion pour superposer ce dispositif technique et institutionnel nouveau au système traditionnel des khettaras. Cet article contribue à une réflexion sur la durabilité de l’accès à l’eau souterraine dans ce contexte présaharien.
European collaborative efforts to achieve effective, safe, and cost-controlled dismantling of nuclear facilities
Authors: Malleron Nicolas , Guerin Michèle , Roulet Damien , Michel Maugan , Rivier Cédric , Lefevre Philippe , Jacques Marie-Bénédicte
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to give an overview of very recent European coordinate efforts to implement technologies of the “4.0 Industry” in the nuclear deconstruction sector. This objective aims to benefit from the lever of efficiency and reliability represented by innovative technologies on all the value chain of the dismantling, from early characterization to the dismantling operations themselves through engineering studies, waste management, project management and coordination of multiple stakeholders of each project. The outcomes of five projects (INNO4GRAPH, LD-SAFE, PLEIADES, CLEANDEM and INSIDER) are summarized here. They result in a unique data and knowledge common base, as well as in a significant sharing of experience based on dismantling projects already carried out or to come. They also result in designing new tools or methods natively taking into account the needs of a maximum of dismantling operators, as well as new test facilities. This will allow the undertaken joint work and collaboration to be continued. All of this paves the way to further collaborative projects and developments, in order to continue to implement reliable new technologies and processes in European dismantling projects to make future dismantling operations more efficient, safer and more cost-effective.
Effects of turbidity and introduced tilapia (Oreochromis spp) on macrophytes and invertebrates in a shallow tropical lake
Authors: Rasoamihaingo Laurence Adel , Razafindrajao Felix , Andriambelo Harison , Rene de Roland Lily Arison , Bamford Andrew J.
Published: January 2023

Tropical freshwater wetlands are subject to multiple stressors but there is little information on which stressors cause wetland degradation. Increased turbidity is considered a major cause of degradation, but the effects of introduced fish are often overlooked. Tilapia are frequently introduced in tropical regions, especially species in the genus Oreochromis, and the ecological effects of introducing tilapia are poorly studied. We used enclosure experiments in a shallow lake in Madagascar to assess the effects of tilapia and turbidity on macrophytes and benthic invertebrates, and to test management interventions designed to increase both. Tilapia at high and low stocking densities had negative effects on survival of Charophyte algae and water lilies, but no direct effect on benthic invertebrate abundance or diversity. Invertebrate abundance was highest on submerged Charophytes, so herbivory by tilapia indirectly affected invertebrates. Turbidity affected Charophyte survival, and abundance and diversity of non-Dipteran insects. As a complication, tilapia may increase turbidity by re-suspending the lake sediment. Our results suggest that herbivory by tilapia is a plausible cause of the removal of macrophytes from the lake and an impediment to their re-establishment. Tilapia are widely introduced in tropical areas as a food resource. Our results demonstrate serious consequences to these introductions.
Decay in full von Kármán beam with temperature and microtemperatures effects
Authors: Aouadi Moncef , Guerine Souad
Published: January 2023

In this article we derive the equations that constitute the mathematical model of the full von Kármán beam with temperature and microtemperatures effects. The nonlinear governing equations are derived by using Hamilton principle in the framework of Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. Under quite general assumptions on nonlinear damping function acting on the transversal component and based on nonlinear semigroups and the theory of monotone operators, we establish existence and uniqueness of weak and strong solutions to the derived problem. Then using the multiplier method, we show that solutions decay exponentially. Finally we consider the case of zero thermal conductivity and we show that the dissipation given only by the microtemperatures is strong enough to produce exponential stability.
Appraisal of influencing factors model outlook: a case of Chinese college students
Authors: Wang Xiaowu
Published: January 2023

The negative views on life and frequent suicides among college students are urgent issues to be addressed. Based on grounded theory, the Influencing Factors Model of College Students’ Life Views (IFMCSLV) was constructed by open, axial, and selective coding. IFMCSLV revealed that 13 factors at four dimensions could influence college students’ views on life. Besides, several appropriate solutions were proposed based on IFMCSLV. We believe this study can provide references for establishing a positive outlook for college students.
Alarm- und Einsatzplanung für externe Schadenslagen in Krankenhäusern
Authors: Solarek André
Published: January 2023

Wenn aufgrund eines unvorhergesehenen Ereignisses viele Menschen gleichzeitig in einer Klinik behandelt werden müssen, ist eine professionelle Vorausplanung unumgänglich. Autor André Solarek ist Leiter der Stabsstelle Katastrophenschutz und Notfallplanung an der Charité und beschreibt, wie sich die Klinik auf solche Fälle vorbereitet.
Krankenhausseelsorge bei Krankheit, Sterben und Tod
Authors: Schäfer P. Klaus
Published: January 2023

Religiöse Menschen glauben nicht nur an Gott und beten in verschiedenen Lebenslagen zu Gott. Von ihm erhoffen sie Genesung, Begleitung auf ihrem Lebensweg, und beim Sterben auch Begleitung ins Jenseits. Daher wenden sich viele religiöse Menschen besonders bei Krankheit und beim Sterben an Gott. Besonders in der akuten Situation, wenn die Aufmerksamkeit der Angehörigen ganz beim Patienten ist, denken nur wenige Menschen an die Möglichkeit, sich nun auch an Gott zu wenden. Daher kommt dem Personal auf den Intensivstationen in diesen Situationen eine große Bedeutung zu: nachzufragen, ob ein Seelsorger gerufen werden soll.
Information Technology Systems for Infection Control in German University Hospitals—Results of a Structured Survey a Year into the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pandemic
Authors: Kaba Hani , Krefting Dagmar , Reinoso Schiller Nicolás , Wiesenfeldt Martin , Loderstädt Ulrike , Scheithauer Simone
Published: January 2023

Background Digitalization is playing a major role in mastering the current coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, several outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in German hospitals last year have shown that many of the surveillance and warning mechanisms related to infection control (IC) in hospitals need to be updated.

Objectives The main objective of the following work was to assess the state of information technology (IT) systems supporting IC and surveillance in German university hospitals in March 2021, almost a year into the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods As part of the National Research Network for Applied Surveillance and Testing project within the Network University Medicine, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the situation of IC IT systems in 36 university hospitals in Germany.

Results Among the most prominent findings were the lack of standardization of IC IT systems and the predominant use of commercial IC IT systems, while the vast majority of hospitals reported inadequacies in the features their IC IT systems provide for their daily work. However, as the pandemic has shown that there is a need for systems that can help improve health care, several German university hospitals have already started this upgrade independently.

Conclusions The deep challenges faced by the German health care sector regarding the integration and interoperability of IT systems designed for IC and surveillance are unlikely to be solved through punctual interventions and require collaboration between educational, medical, and administrative institutions.
Improved calibration method for displacement transformation coefficient in optical and visual measurements
Authors: Li Haopeng , Qiu Zurong
Published: January 2023

Optical and visual measurement technology is used widely in fields that involve geometric measurements, and among such technology are laser and vision-based displacement measuring modules (LVDMMs). The displacement transformation coefficient (DTC) of an LVDMM changes with the coordinates in the camera image coordinate system during the displacement measuring process, and these changes affect the displacement measurement accuracy of LVDMMs in the full field of view (FFOV). To give LVDMMs higher accuracy in the FFOV and make them adaptable to widely varying measurement demands, a new calibration method is proposed to improve the displacement measurement accuracy of LVDMMs in the FFOV. First, an image coordinate system, a pixel measurement coordinate system, and a displacement measurement coordinate system are established on the laser receiving screen of the LVDMM. In addition, marker spots in the FFOV are selected, and the DTCs at the marker spots are obtained from calibration experiments. Also, a fitting method based on locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) is selected, and with this fitting method the distribution functions of the DTCs in the FFOV are obtained based on the DTCs at the marker spots. Finally, the calibrated distribution functions of the DTCs are applied to the LVDMM, and experiments conducted to verify the displacement measurement accuracies are reported. The results show that the FFOV measurement accuracies for horizontal and vertical displacements are better than ±15 µm and ±19 µm, respectively, and that for oblique displacement is better than ±24 µm. Compared with the traditional calibration method, the displacement measurement error in the FFOV is now 90% smaller. This research on an improved calibration method has certain significance for improving the measurement accuracy of LVDMMs in the FFOV, and it provides a new method and idea for other vision-based fields in which camera parameters must be calibrated.
Effects of metal accumulation on oxidative metabolism of
Authors: Sabatini Sebastián E. , Noya Abad Tatiana , Leis Magalí , Minaberry Yanina S. , Yusseppone María Soledad , Knack de Almeida Henrique , Genovese Griselda , Calcagno Javier A.
Published: January 2023

Context Bivalve fishery represents an important socio-economic resource in Río Negro province, and Mytilus platensis is the main exploited species. Thus, biomonitoring trace metals in this mussel is particularly relevant for both environmental protection and human consumption. Aim Anthropogenic pollution and its environmental impact on mussels were experimentally evaluated in situ in two coastline sites of northern Patagonia. Methods Trace metal concentrations were quantified in the water of a harbour area (Port of San Antonio Este) and a reference site (Isla Mejillón), an extraction location of M. platensis, were quantified. Metal accumulation and its effects on metabolic parameters were also measured in mussels. Results Higher concentrations of chromium, nickel and zinc in water were registered in the harbour, along with copper and chromium in gills, digestive gland and mantle of M. platensis, were registered in the harbour. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase activity was augmented, whereas glutathione concentration was reduced in the digestive gland and mantle of mussels from that area. Moreover, the highest glutathione-S-transferase activities in mantle and lipid peroxidation, regardless of organ, were also found there. Conclusion The harbour area has a negative effect on M. platensis and its effects on metal accumulation and oxidative imbalance are organ-specific. Implication This work provided new insights into metal uptake of a commercialised mussel in a realistic environment in Río Negro province.
Gestures are modulated by social context
Authors: Brown Lucien , Kim Hyunji , Hübscher Iris , Winter Bodo
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates gesture as a resource for marking politeness-related meanings. We asked 14 Korean and 14 Catalan
participants to retell a cartoon, once to an unknown superior and once to a close friend. Participants in both languages curtail gestures
when interacting with a socially distant superior. Speakers of both languages produced fewer gestures when addressing the superior, reduced their gesture space, decreased the encoding of manner, and reduced the use of
character-viewpoint gestures. We see the decrease in gesture frequency and the less frequent encoding of manner as indicators of
lower levels of iconicity when talking with status superiors. Curtailing gesture marks a less playful communicative context, and a more
serious and deferential persona. Altogether, our research speaks to the importance of politeness in gesture production, and the social
nature of gestures in human communication.
Improved mechanical properties of the E-glass fibres through TiO2 nanoparticle coating
Authors: Ahmed Md Kawsar , Bagheri Behboud Ali , Kurucu Arda , Kurt Çömlekçi Göksenin , Ordu Mustafa
Published: January 2023

In this work, the mechanical properties of nanoparticle-coated E-glass fibres were investigated for high-performance composites. Glass fibres were dip-coated in TiO2 solutions by varying the concentration of nanoparticles. Single-filament tensile test was performed on bare and coated fibres to understand the effects of nanoparticles and the concentration of solutions on the mechanical properties. The analysis was carried out using two-parametrical Weibull distribution, and the result indicates that the nanoparticle-coated glass fibres have a lower probability of failure than the bare fibres. The tensile strengths of the fibres were improved up to 7.31%, 11.71% and 9.67% by coating with 5%, 10% and 15% nanoparticle solutions, respectively. The nanoparticle-coating of glass fibres has positively affected the mechanical properties against fabrication-related surface defects.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Investigation of key physical properties of new La@PbS filled Poly (vinyl and pyrrolidone) nanocomposite films for opto-electronics
Authors: Elhosiny Ali H , Shkir Mohd , Khairy Yasmin
Published: January 2023

Polymer blends incorporated with various nanoparticles are the key components for obtaining new and advanced physical properties for a wide area of applications. Herein, poly (vinyl and pyrrolidone) blend films containing different content of La@PbS nanoparticles are well prepared by following the casting procedure. La-doped PbS nanoparticles were facile synthesized via a chemical route at low temperatures. The structure of compositions was investigated through XRD, TEM, AFM, and FTIR. UV–visible spectroscopy shows that the absorption edge is redshifted to a higher wavelength and the absorbance increases with the La@PbS content. The direct and indirect transitions in the hybrid nanocomposites (HNCs) are reduced as the influence of filling percentage. Tauc’s model and quantum theory confirmed the presence of direct optical bandgap transitions in the HNC films. Urbach energy (E

u
) and refractive index were also calculated. Through Wemple–Di Domenico’s (WDD) model of single-oscillator the optical susceptibilities and nonlinear refractive index were estimated. The dielectric constant and electrical conductivity of the HNC films are influenced not only by frequency but also by the La@PbS percentage. The dominant mechanism in all films is related to barrier hopping (CBH) and follows Jonscher’s power (JP) performance.
The effects of relativistic hidden sector particles on the matter power spectrum
Authors: Ganjoo Himanish , Erickcek Adrienne L. , Lin Weikang , Mack Katherine J.
Published: January 2023

If dark matter resides in a hidden sector minimally coupled to the Standard Model, another particle within the hidden sector might dominate the energy density of the early universe temporarily, causing an early matter-dominated era (EMDE). During an EMDE, matter perturbations grow more rapidly than they would in a period of radiation domination, which leads to the formation of microhalos much earlier than they would form in standard cosmological scenarios. These microhalos boost the dark matter annihilation signal, but this boost is highly sensitive to the small-scale cut-off in the matter power spectrum. If the dark matter is sufficiently cold, this cut-off is set by the relativistic pressure of the particle that dominates the hidden sector. We determine the evolution of dark matter density perturbations in this scenario, obtaining the power spectrum at the end of the EMDE. We analyze the suppression of perturbations due to the relativistic pressure of the dominant hidden sector particle and express the cut-off scale and peak scale for which the matter power spectrum is maximized in terms of the properties of this particle. We also supply transfer functions to relate the matter power spectrum with a small-scale cut-off resulting from the pressure of the dominant hidden sector particle to the matter power spectrum that results from a cold hidden sector. These transfer functions facilitate the quick computation of accurate matter power spectra in EMDE scenarios with initially hot hidden sectors and allow us to identify which models significantly enhance the microhalo abundance.
A geometric approach to quantifying the neuromodulatory effects of persistent inward currents on individual motor unit discharge patterns
Authors: Beauchamp James A , Pearcey Gregory E P , Khurram Obaid U , Chardon Matthieu , Wang Y Curtis , Powers Randall K , Dewald Julius P A , Heckman CJ
Published: January 2023

Objective. All motor commands flow through motoneurons, which entrain control of their innervated muscle fibers, forming a motor unit (MU). Owing to the high fidelity of action potentials within MUs, their discharge profiles detail the organization of ionotropic excitatory/inhibitory as well as metabotropic neuromodulatory commands to motoneurons. Neuromodulatory inputs (e.g. norepinephrine, serotonin) enhance motoneuron excitability and facilitate persistent inward currents (PICs). PICs introduce quantifiable properties in MU discharge profiles by augmenting depolarizing currents upon activation (i.e. PIC amplification) and facilitating discharge at lower levels of excitatory input than required for recruitment (i.e. PIC prolongation). Approach. Here, we introduce a novel geometric approach to estimate neuromodulatory and inhibitory contributions to MU discharge by exploiting discharge non-linearities introduced by PIC amplification during time-varying linear tasks. In specific, we quantify the deviation from linear discharge (‘brace height’) and the rate of change in discharge (i.e. acceleration slope, attenuation slope, angle). We further characterize these metrics on a simulated motoneuron pool with known excitatory, inhibitory, and neuromodulatory inputs and on human MUs (number of MUs; Tibialis Anterior: 1448, Medial Gastrocnemius: 2100, Soleus: 1062, First Dorsal Interosseus: 2296). Main results. In the simulated motor pool, we found brace height and attenuation slope to consistently indicate changes in neuromodulation and the pattern of inhibition (excitation–inhibition coupling), respectively, whereas the paired MU analysis (ΔF) was dependent on both neuromodulation and inhibition pattern. Furthermore, we provide estimates of these metrics in human MUs and show comparable variability in ΔF and brace height measures for MUs matched across multiple trials. Significance. Spanning both datasets, we found brace height quantification to provide an intuitive method for achieving graded estimates of neuromodulatory and inhibitory drive to individual MUs. This complements common techniques and provides an avenue for decoupling changes in the level of neuromodulatory and pattern of inhibitory motor commands.
Turbulence characterization during the suppression of edge-localized modes by magnetic perturbations on ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Leuthold N. , Suttrop W. , Willensdorfer M. , Birkenmeier G. , Brida D. , Cavedon M. , Dunne M. , Conway G.D. , Fischer R. , Gil L. , Happel T. , Hennequin P. , Kappatou A. , Kirk A. , Manz P. , McDermott R.M. , Vicente J. , Zohm H. , Upgrade Team the ASDEX , MST1 Team the EUROfusion
Published: January 2023

We study localized edge turbulence in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak that appears if resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP) are applied to suppress edge localized modes (ELMs) in the high confinement mode. The concomitant density fluctuations are detected by microwave reflectometry at the outboard midplane. Two modes can be distinguished, (a) a broadband fluctuation below a threshold of the RMP field amplitude, and (b) a narrow-band quasi-coherent mode (QCM) above the threshold. The broadband fluctuation is toroidally spread out but disappears at the toroidal position of maximum E × B shear in the gradient region. Temporal and spatial correlation along field lines of the midplane density fluctuation and the divertor particle flux suggests that this mode is producing significant particle transport across the gradient region and into the divertor, hence contributing to the plasma density reduction that is often observed when applying RMP fields (the so-called ‘pump-out’ effect). The QCM is also toroidally localized, its radial extent grows with increasing RMP field amplitude, and leads to further increased divertor particle flux compared to the broadband mode. Our observations suggest that both modes not only play an important role in keeping the plasma density stationary in the absence of ELMs but also to reduce the plasma pressure such that the plasma edge becomes stable against ELMs.
Trigger-less readout and unbiased data quality monitoring of the CMS drift tubes muon detector
Authors: Migliorini M. , Pazzini J. , Triossi A. , Zanetti M. , Zucchetta A.
Published: January 2023

The CMS experiment 40 MHz data scouting project is aimed at intercepting the data produced at the level of the detectors’ front-end without the filters induced by hardware-based triggers. A first implementation is realized by the trigger-less reading and processing of a fraction of the Drift Tube (DT) muon detector, equipped with a preliminary version of the so-called Phase-2 Upgrade on-detector electronics boards. The data are transferred via high-speed optical links to back-end boards independently from the central experiment data acquisition (DAQ), permitting real-time detector status monitoring via receiving all the signals produced at the front-end level, and providing an unbiased estimate of the CMS DT hit-rate under various data-taking conditions.
TCAD optimization of LGAD sensors for extremely high fluence applications
Authors: Croci T. , Morozzi A. , Sola V. , Asenov P. , Fondacci A. , Giordanengo S. , Borghi G. , Vignali M.C. , Paternoster G. , Boscardin M. , Menichelli M. , Cartiglia N. , Passeri D. , Moscatelli F.
Published: January 2023

The next generation of high-energy physics experiments at future hadronic colliders will require tracking detectors able to efficiently operate in extreme radiation environments, where expected fluences will exceed 1 × 1017 neq/cm2. This new operating scenario imposes many efforts on the design of effective and radiation-resistant particle detectors. Low-Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD) represents a remarkable advance because the radiation damage effects can be mitigated by exploiting its charge multiplication mechanism after heavy irradiation. To obtain the desired gain (about 10–20) on the sensor output signal, a careful implementation of the “multiplication” region is needed (i.e.  the high-field junction implant). Moreover, a proper design of the peripheral region (namely, the guard-ring structure) is crucial to prevent premature breakdown and large leakage currents at very high fluences, when the bias voltage applied creates an electric field higher than 15 V/μm. In this contribution, the design of LGAD sensors for extreme fluence applications is discussed, addressing the critical technological aspects such as the choice of the active substrate thickness, the gain layer design and the optimization of the sensor periphery. The impact of several design strategies is evaluated with the aid of Technology-CAD (TCAD) simulations based on a recently proposed model for the numerical simulation of radiation damage effects on LGAD devices.
Storm surge variability and prediction from ENSO and tropical cyclones
Authors: Tan Yicheng , Zhang Wei , Feng Xiangbo , Guo Yipeng , Hoitink A J F
Published: January 2023

Storm surges are among the deadliest natural hazards, but understanding and prediction of year-to-year variability of storm surges is challenging. Here, we demonstrate that the interannual variability of observed storm surge levels can be explained and further predicted, through a process-based study in Hong Kong. We find that El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exerts a compound impact on storm surge levels through modulating tropical cyclones (TCs) and other forcing factors. The occurrence frequencies of local and remote TCs are responsible for the remaining variability in storm surge levels after removing the ENSO effect. Finally, we show that a statistical prediction model formed by ENSO and TC indices has good skill for prediction of extreme storm surge levels. The analysis approach can be applied to other coastal regions where tropical storms and the climate variability are main contributors to storm surges. Our study gives new insight into identifying ‘windows of opportunity’ for successful prediction of storm surges on long-range timescales.
Geotechnical characterization of an amphibolite from Baixada Santista-SP, Brazil
Authors: Ferreira E P S , Marques E A G , Leão M F
Published: January 2023

This work presents the results of the characterization of a sound to slightly weathered amphibolite, sampled at Baixada Santista, on the coast of the state of São Paulo, in the southeastern region of Brazil. Initially, petrographic analysis of material sheets were performed. Characterization tests were carried out to determine the physical indexes and to determine p-wave propagation velocity. For the mechanical characterization of these materials, uniaxial compression and point load tests were carried out in two different loading directions. The results of the micro petrographic analysis indicate that an average of 66% of the analysed minerals did not present weathering and 34% percent of the minerals are the result of weathering. The physical characterization results indicate (average values) of apparent porosity equal to 2.77%, apparent absorption capacity of 0.92% and apparent specific dry mass of 2.69 g/cm3. The results of p-wave propagation velocity measurements indicate a 2.63% reduction in the wave velocity of the ones measured on parallel direction to the ones on perpendicular direction. As for the mechanical characterization tests, there was an average value of uniaxial compressive strength equal to 77.40 MPa for samples loaded on the parallel direction and 92.96 MPa for samples loaded on the perpendicular direction (differences of about 20%). For the point load compression tests, an Is50 value of 2.44 MPa was obtained for the samples loaded on the direction parallel to the foliation and of 5.41 MPa for the samples loaded on the perpendicular direction (increase of about 121%). The UCS/Is50 ratio was determined for both loading directions, being equal to 17.2 and 31.7 for samples loaded on the parallel and perpendicular directions to the foliation, respectively.
Empirical mode decomposition approach to simplify the fracture roughness for numerical models
Authors: Ma Enlin , Rinne Mikael , Torkan Masoud , Janiszewski Mateusz
Published: January 2023

The shear strength of natural, unfilled rock fractures is influenced by surface roughness. The surface curve of a fracture can be viewed as a waveform graph, and in general, it is of the characteristic that high-frequency represents the low amplitude (local variation) and low-frequency represents the high amplitude (general trend). In this work, the signal processing method, Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) was employed to decompose the original fracture surface scanned by photogrammetry to several frequency-dependent curves. Low-frequency curves were selected and composed as the element geometry while high-frequency curves were ignored and replaced by parameters related to the roughness in each surface element in Abaqus. The process of push-shear test is simulated using the simplified fracture curve, showing the geometry simplification by EMD can help model the shear failure of rock fractures.
Morphological and physical-mechanical characterization of a syenogranite weathering profile developed on tropical climate
Authors: Jaques Daniel Silva , Marques Eduardo Antonio Gomes , dos Santos Lemos Carolina Crissafe , de Souza Pires Costa Carolina , Ferreira Eduardo Pereira Silveira , Marcellino Lázaro Corrêa
Published: January 2023

In regions of tropical climate weathering processes tend to be very active in engineering time in terms of range and effectives, producing alteration mantles that are often deep and well developed when compared to weathering profiles similar rocks developed on temperate climate. In the municipality of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Southeastern Brazil there are many syenogranite weathering profiles on ornamental stone quarries, in which it is possible to observe the effects of weathering at different levels. Considering the importance of knowing the behaviour of these different transition materials in civil and mining engineering design, it becomes relevant to characterize their morphology and physical properties. Among the weathering profiles visited, the focus of this study is a weathering profile that presented the higher heterogeneity, with more alteration levels and better accessibility for sample collection, in situ tests and morphology characterization and description. Samples were collected and the following lab tests were performed for the physical-mechanical characterization: physical indexes (apparent dry density, apparent porosity, absorption capacity and void index), P-wave velocity, Schmidt hammer rebound value and point load index. The preliminary results indicate there is a strong structural control in the development of weathering and that shape of the relief contribute to accelerate the processes of alteration and quick dissection of the relief, avoiding the formation of a profile with more gradual transitions between different weathering levels. As for the physical-mechanical characteristics, a considerable maximum loss of resistance, about 99% in point load index, and maximum increase of the porosity, about 97 %, is observed with the increase on the degree of weathering, being these two parameters more sensitive for the studied granite.
Biaxial Loading of Brazilian Disc Samples
Authors: Serati M , Mottaghi R , Williams D J , Chen Z
Published: January 2023

The Brazilian test method has been widely used over the past 50 years to determine the indirect tensile strength of brittle materials, such as rocks and concrete. While the behaviour of Brazilian samples under conventional indirect tensile testing has been the subject of much research, the biaxial loading of a Brazilian sample under both horizontal and vertical compressive forces has rarely been studied. This study investigates the ultimate strength, crack propagation speed, fracture mode, and damage evolution in sandstone Brazilain samples using high-speed photography methods integrated with a newly designed hybrid biaxial-impact testing facility. The result shows that the samples fail under lower tensile stress than their Indirect Tensile Strength based on the principle of superposition.
Is soft rock also non-abrasive rock? An evaluation from lab testing campaigns
Authors: Kaspar M , Latal C , Blümel M , Pittino G
Published: January 2023

Soft rocks are traditionally regarded in terms of low uniaxial compressive strength (UCS <25 MPa). However, other geomechanical and geological properties such as mineralogical composition, and microstructure should be considered when characterizing the properties of soft rocks. The term soft rocks includes a broad variety of rocks coming from various geological origins. Fabric and state of weathering control inherent anisotropic properties of strength and abrasivity of the various rock types. In this study, a suite of rocks from different geologic settings in the Austrian Alps and surrounding countries is analyzed to evaluate connections between the UCS, CERCHAR Abrasivity Index (CAI), and mineralogical composition (equivalent quartz content - FEQu) with emphasis on soft rocks. It is shown, that in order to assess the properties of soft rocks more accurately, the classification scheme can be expanded beyond the simple UCS approach by including mineralogical information and abrasivity values. This holistic approach more adequately captures the breadth of soft rock properties and allows a differentiated distinction of soft rocks in terms of strength and hardness.
The effect of notches on breakdown pressure during hydraulic fracturing at various stress regimes
Authors: Powlay B , Karakus M , Amrouch K , Chester C
Published: January 2023

High stress environments are becoming more common as the trend and need to develop deeper block cave mines economically and safely continue. Hydraulic fracturing (HF) is considered to be a powerful tool in the success of hard rock block cave mines as it assists with caveability, economic recovery, and seismic risk mitigation. Therefore, determining critical design parameters such as breakdown pressure and the impact of notching on this parameter is paramount for designing and implementing a successful preconditioning campaign. To better understand the impact of notches on the breakdown and propagation pressure, a series of lab experiments were undertaken with variations in stress regime, stress magnitudes and the presence and number of notches were evaluated. This enabled us to explore the impact of confining pressure and spacing of notches on the breakdown and fracture propagation pressures. Various types of samples including Adelaide Black Granite, Engineered plastic (PMMA) were tested to give ranges and balance for homogeneity and real-world mining applications. We observed the fracture initiation and propagation through breakdown pressures along with acoustic emission measurements. The experimental results confirm that increasing confining stress on a sample increases the breakdown pressure. The works also validate the non-impact of axial stresses and the variation of tensile strength on a sample on the breakdown pressure.
The influence of roof lithology on the fracture propagation of horizontal well multistage fracturing in the roof of broken soft coal seams
Authors: Li X J , Zhao H F , Liu C S , Xiong Y G , Lan J L , Han H
Published: January 2023

Horizontal well multistage fracturing in the roof of broken soft coal seams has been demonstrated to be an effective technique to extract coalbed methane (CBM). However, fracture propagation behaviours under this technology vary significantly with different roof lithologies. Therefore, the influence of roof lithology on fracture propagation was investigated in this study. Based on the No. 5 and No. 11 coal seams in the Hancheng block of the Ordos Basin in China, field tests of horizontal well multistage fracturing in the sandstone and mudstone roof of crushed soft coal seams were performed and fractures were detected by microseismic monitoring. Corresponding hydraulic fracturing physical simulation experiments were conducted. The results show that the effectively propped fractures in the roof can provide flow channels for CBM. The better microseismic monitoring fractures and higher CBM production than direct fracturing in coal seams demonstrated the desirable feasibility of this technology. For the sandstone roof, the morphologies of hydraulic fractures were regular and one main fracture was formed by each perforation cluster. For the mudstone roof, the shapes of fractures were irregular and complicated fracture networks were formed. The findings can improve the design of horizontal well multistage fracturing in the roof of broken soft coal seams.
Laboratory-Scale Rockburst Physical Model Testing Using a True-Triaxial Cell
Authors: Wibisono D Y , Arora K , Majumder D , Gutierrez M
Published: January 2023

Assessment of rockburst risk is one of the most fundamental challenges in tunnel design and construction in rocks. The rockburst phenomenon is typically related to rock brittle failure properties, which result in significant strain-energy release, spalling, fractures, and damage near the tunnel opening. This research aims to present a preliminary analysis of rockburst in an unsupported circular tunnel using a novel experimental approach to model tunnel boring machine excavated opening through brittle fracture material. In this physical model testing, the true-triaxial cell utilizes a cube of synthetic sandstone of 300 mm dimensions with a freshly excavated 51 mm diameter tunnel, 150 mm depth on the center top side using a miniature tunnel boring machine. The six sides of the specimen cube are loaded in a true-triaxial manner, allowing for various magnitudes of principal stresses and stress levels that reflect actual in-situ conditions. In addition, the experimental setup employs acoustic emission monitoring to observe the tunnel response during excavation and loading increment. However, the sample in this preliminary experiment was loaded under hydrostatic circumstances and gradually increased until the sample showed a reduction in the acoustic emission activity and failed. The experiment results suggest that the physical model can better understand rockburst in a tunnel through the acoustic emission analysis. The model can outline the damage and spalling during strain energy release near the tunnel boundary.
Static and Dynamic Stability of Rock Boulders on Slopes
Authors: Aydan Ö. , Murayama Y. , Ito T. , Özcan N. Tunar
Published: January 2023

The authors have been involved with the risk assessment of cliff failures as well as mobilization of rock boulders on slopes nearby settlements and roadways in Miyagi Island in Okinawa Prefecture of Japan. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the de-stabilization of rock boulders with regular and irregular shape due to forces resulting from earthquakes as well as groundwater. A shaking table was used to investigate the motions to cause the destabilization of rock boulders made of Ryukyu limestone on flat and sloping base made of weathered sandstone beneath limestone cliffs in Miyagijima Island. Furthermore, some analytical and numerical computations were carried out to simulate the experimental results. The outcomes of these investigations are presented and discussed in this paper.