bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal design and power research of the rod-type damage element warhead
Authors: Xin-lian Ren , Lin Kong , Chang-jun Shi
Published: June 2023

In order to improve the damage power of linear multiple explosively formed penetrators, three rod-type damage element structures were designed, and the formation of different structures was studied through numerical simulation. The final rod-type damage element structure was optimized. Under explosive loading, a rod-type penetration body with an aspect ratio of 4.1 can be formed. Combined with the optimization design of the rod-type damage element, the warhead power experimental research was carried out. The results show that the resulting rod-type penetrating body has good formation, stable flight and high-efficiency damage ability to thick-walled targets.
Research on plastic structural wave behavior and crashworthiness of continuous gradient mesoscopic foam structures under high speed impact
Authors: Li wei , Wang peng , Yue junzheng
Published: June 2023

Under high speed impact, the macro and mesoscopic mechanical behavior, the stress wave propagation mechanism, and the relationship between density gradient and crashworthiness of continuous density gradient foam are the key issues to improve and optimize the protection capability of support structures. The numerical simulation of various density gradient foams is carried out, and the meso-discontinuity of foams is overcome by using the local gradient tensor method of least square error, and the plastic structure wavefronts with clear interfaces are obtained. The plastic structure wave propagation mechanism of foam with different density configurations was analyzed and the relationship between density gradient and crashworthiness was further revealed. The results show that inertia effect is the dominant factor of collapse in the early stage of impact. In the middle and late stage of impact, the dominant factor of collapse changes to the microscopic density of foam. The distribution of continuous density gradient significantly affects the impact resistance. Compared with low-high density configuration foam (LH), high-low density configuration gradient foam (HL) has a 140% increase in impact end force, a 24% decrease in support end force, a 3% decrease in maximum compression, and a 41% longer response time.
Research on Influence Law of Pressure Wave Based on Copper Ball Manometric Method
Authors: Qi Liu , Yuwei Wang , Yinghua Guo , Wenfang Zhu
Published: June 2023

With the continuous improvement of artillery performance, internal ballistics and charge performance, abnormal phenomena of internal ballistic environment will appear during the firing process of artillery, mainly manifested as strong fluctuations in chamber pressure. If the pressure fluctuation exceeds a certain level, the pressure (overload) acting on the projectile will not be continuous and uniform, which will inevitably bring about the repeated loading process under dynamic conditions, resulting in the compatibility of the internal ballistic environment of the artillery launching guided munitions. According to the copper ball pressure measurement method commonly used in large-caliber artillery, this paper establishes the effect of the copper ball pressure gauge under different pressure curves in the bore, and verifies the established transient dynamic model. The force process of caliber-artillery projectiles under different transient pressure conditions in the bore (with and without pressure waves) is compared and analyzed, which provides a theoretical reference for the strength design of guided artillery projectiles and the coupling design of artillery projectiles, guns and powders.
The effect law of shell surface crack propagation under implosion loading
Authors: Luo Y.S. , Li W.B. , Zhang T.Y. , Bi W.X. , Liu Z. , Huo X.X.
Published: June 2023

The fracture process of the metal cylindrical shell under the action of implosion is numerically simulated by AUTODYN finite element software for the expansion of cracks on the surface of the cases under the action of implosion loading. Numerical computations were used to determine the effect law of engineering factors such as the energy density of explosives, shell thickness, and shell material on crack-related parameters. The results show that the shell fracture radius along the axial direction remains nearly constant, and its value is less influenced by the energy density of explosives. The axial crack propagation velocity of the shell from the location of crack initiation to the non-exploding end of the shell shows a trend of change from high to low, fluctuating down. The axial crack propagation velocity and crack circumferential density both increase with the explosive energy density. The fracture density fluctuation range is between 0.4~0.73/mm. The law can be used to study the fracture damage of metal cylindrical shell structures under high impact.
Numerical simulation of the effect of combustion characteristics of main charges on the output shock of a typical igniter
Authors: Wang J C , Ren X W , Li X G , Wen Y Q , Cheng L , Guo Q
Published: June 2023

Numerical simulations for the output pressure and the shock response were performed using the hydrocode MSC.DYTRAN to analyze the effect of the combustion characteristics of main charges on the output shock of a typical igniter. The results are in good agreement with the experimental results. Numerical simulations were performed by changing the type of main charges. The results show that the differences in the gas production capacity of main charges have a greater effect on the output shock of the igniter than the reaction rate.
Simulation analysis of deformation and fracture under the action of dynamic tungsten alloy rod on-line concentrated energy jet
Authors: Yan Liu , Shuhu Li , Rong Long Ren , Ronghui Wang , Danyong Wang , Haiyun Zhang , Jingli Xu , Huazhen Wei , Wenfang Xing
Published: June 2023

In order to study the mechanism and characteristics of deformation and fracture under the action of tungsten alloy rod linear concentrating jet. In this paper, the deformation and fracture characteristics of tungsten alloy rod under the action of linear concentrating jet under free state are studied by simulation calculation. On the basis of the verification model, ANSYS/LS-DYNA was used to simulate the interaction process between the linear concentration jet on the dynamic tungsten alloy rod and the moving tungsten rod at different angles, and the fracture characteristics and fracture mechanism were analyzed. The results show that under the impact of the linear concentrated energy jet, the tungsten alloy rods flying at high speed are broken into several sections, and the fracture of the tungsten alloy rod is not due to the penetration of the jet, and the main mechanism of its fracture is the fracture caused by the pull/shear failure caused by the deformation of the tungsten alloy rod under the impact of the linear jet. The location of the fracture and the number of cuts of the fracture are related to the angle between the two. The research results can provide data support for the design of new reactive armor that intercepts long-pole bullets.
Study on the Simulation Test Method for Mechanical Over-loading of Initiator
Authors: Ma Hongliang , Yuan Xiaoxia , Wang Jingya , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2023

In view of the needs of the mechanical over-load test evaluation of the second and third generation Initiators in the combat environment, the numerical simulation combined with the experimental verification method is used to study the influence of the material, outer diameter and length of the pulse shaper on the over-loading wave. The mechanical over-loading index parameters of the tooling in different states are obtained. The results show that as the length of the shaper increases gradually, the speed of the tooling target increases gradually and slowly, which prolongs the impact overload time. With the increase of the diameter, the acceleration time of the tooling target gradually shortens. When it increases to 44, the acceleration duration is not long. Steel with the diameter of 20mm and the length of 30mm is used as pulse shaper. When the bullet speed is 250m/s, the peak acceleration of the tooling target can reach 150,000 g, and the pulse width is 200 microseconds, which meets the requirements of the overload environment test for penetrating the steel target plate.
Simulation study on erosion of barrel under thermal-mechanical-chemical coupling environment
Authors: Wang Jun , Yang Diao , Liu Huan
Published: June 2023

Artillery is known as the “God of War”. When the ballistic performance of the barrel is reduced to the allowable value specified by the index due to erosion and wear, the life of the barrel is terminated, and the artillery equipment completely loses its combat effectiveness. The erosion and wear of the barrel involves many factors such as temperature, mechanics, chemistry. In this paper, based on the theory of internal ballistics and heat conduction, the temperature gradient distribution law of the inner wall of the barrel during the firing process of large-caliber artillery is simulated and calculated. Combined with Fick’s second law and the theory of metal phase transition, The relationship between the [C] content in the thermochemically affected layer of the barrel and the number of firing, the relationship between the thickness of the thermally affected layer and the explosion temperature of the propellant and the temperature of the inner wall were quantitatively analyzed. On this basis, the anatomical analysis of different parts of the barrel after firing verified the accuracy of the erosion model, quantitatively revealed the barrel erosion mechanism, and clarified the direction for the life improvement of large-caliber artillery barrels.
On Aftereffects of Shaped Charge Comprised of Reactive Material Liner
Authors: Shan Yu , Xin Chunliang , Liu Jiayun , Li Guojie , Zhai Changping , Li Yanjun
Published: June 2023

Two types of shaped charge comprised of reactive material liner, which can generate exothermal reaction by certain external action, were designed to promote the aftereffect. One design contained two layers of liners, which can form a short and wide explosive formed penetrator (EFP). The other design contained three layers of liners, which can form a long and thin EFP. The composition of reactive material is aluminum/polytetrafluoroethylene (AL/PTFE) mixtures. The results of numerical simulation and experiments show that, for steel target with a thickness of 45 millimeter (mm), the EFP generated by the reactive shaped charge comprised with three layers of liners can penetrate more deeply than that with two layers of liners. The former can also perforate two 500 mm spaced steel targets with a thickness of 5 mm, then the residual EFP delivered the reactive material into the oil box. The reactive material released its energy, and ignited the oil.
Study on Formation of EFP with Fins of Hexagonal Liner
Authors: Peng Chen , Wenbin Li , Dacheng Gao , Guixiang Yin , Bihui Hong
Published: June 2023

In order to further improve the flight stability of explosively formed projectile, the formation method of tail EFP was studied based on the polygonal liner. Under the hexagonal charge structure, the tail fins EFP can be formed when the structural parameters are matched. Through the numerical simulation of LS-DYNA, the influence of the structural parameters of the liner (curvature radius, linear thickness), charge height and shell thickness on the velocity, length-diameter ratio, compactness and wing-diameter ratio of the tail fins EFP was analyzed. In order to make the tail fins EFP performance better, the optimal range of radius of curvature R of hexagon liner is 0.75D ~ 0.85D, liner thickness t is 0.05D ~ 0.06D, charge height L is 0.8D ~ 1.0D, and the optimal range of shell thickness h is 0.06D ~ 0.1D.
Study on a calculation method of the distribution of shock wave in ground buildings under internal explosion
Authors: Gao Weiliang , Sun Guijuan , Yang Jianchao , Liu Ruichao , Xu Xiangyun , Deng Guoqiang
Published: June 2023

In modern warfare, internal explosions have been taken as the main way of damage to ground buildings. Understanding the distribution of shock waves from an internal explosion is not only the basis of anti-explosion and explosion-proof design of structures but also the key to assess the damage effect of explosions on the battlefield. This paper identifies the propagation law of explosive shock waves in buildings using the LS-DYNA code and employs related test results to fit the engineering calculation algorithm of internal explosion-induced overpressure through numerical calculation, which can be used for the rapid assessment of damage to ground buildings. The development principle and process of the shock wave distribution calculation method are expected to provide a reference for the assess and analysis of blast damage to other ground engineering targets.
Research on the influence of cavity on compressive strength of electron beam controlled projectile
Authors: Liu S Y , Li M , Tan Y C
Published: June 2023

Fragments were premade on the cylindrical projectile using electron beam controlled technology, which induces cavities inside the material. Axial maximum compressive strength of the projectile is influenced by the structural parameters of cavity, including height, width, depth, slant angle, included angle, and circumferential quantity. Nonlinear dynamic software LS-DYNA was used to calculate the maximum compressive strength of each projectile with different cavity structure. Strength Influence Coefficient (SIC) was introduced to quantitatively characterize the influence of the cavity parameters on the axial maximum compressive strength of the projectile. The functions between the SIC and the cavity structure parameters were fitted, and an engineering predictive model was derived. Linear relationship was found between the maximum compressive strength and cavity height, width and circumferential quantity. The influence of cavity depth, slant angle and included angle on the maximum compressive strength was not obvious. The error between the calculation results of the predictive model and the experimental tests is 0.51%, which verifies the accuracy of the engineering predictive model.
Ballistic Performance of Ti6321 Titanium Alloy under Vertical and Oblique Penetration
Authors: Li Yanxing , Wang Lin , Wan Mingming , Yan Zhiwei , Song Yuchen
Published: June 2023

For the new marine Ti6321 titanium alloy, the penetration tests were carried out under vertical and oblique penetration conditions. The ballistic properties of Ti6321 titanium alloy with different structures and the macro and micro damage characteristics of the target were obtained. The influence of the structure on the ballistic performance and failure mechanism of the titanium alloy target plate was analyzed. The results show that Ti6321 titanium alloy exhibits different properties under vertical and oblique penetration conditions. In the vertical penetration test, the absolute penetration depth and the average crater diameter of the equiaxed target plate are smaller than those of the bimodal and Widmanstatten structure, which show a better resistance to vertical penetration. In the oblique penetration, the safety angle of the bimodal structure was smaller and showed better resistance to the oblique penetration.
Recent Advances in Ballistic Resistance of Lightweight Metal Sandwich Cores
Authors: Hua Fuxiang , Su Lizheng , Luo Xiaohao , Ye Jing
Published: June 2023

Sandwich construction has proven to be an excellent low-density multifunctional design for a wide range of applications in ballistic protection, energy absorption, and thermal insulation. Based on the bulletproof effect of each layer of the sandwich structure, this paper expounds and summarizes the material properties that can be used as each layer. The mechanical and ballistic properties of ultra-high strength aramid (Kevlar) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMEPE) composites and the ballistic properties of mixed fibers of these two materials versus the mechanical properties of single fiber materials, the mechanical properties, chemical stability and other properties of aluminum and magnesium alloys, the effects of heat treatment and coating treatment on the ballistic properties of aluminum alloys, and finally the energy absorption properties of several common core materials structures are compared.
Analysis on lethality characteristics of shell-split warheads under explosive loads
Authors: Hao Wei , Ye Ping , Sun Qitian , Shi Peizhuo , Yao Wang , Dong Yongxiang
Published: June 2023

Case cutting has been demonstrated as a means of warhead self-destruction, but few studies have analyzed it in detail. Based on the self-destruction of ammunition, the effect of warhead shell split including the shell fragmentation and scattering characteristics driven by charge detonation were studied. The results show that by cutting and splitting the shell of the warhead, the shell driven by the charge detonation can be hardly broken, and scatter in the form of large-size shell splits. The velocity of fragments speed decreases quickly, and the killing density is significantly reduced. The research results in this paper can provide a reference to the design and analysis on self-destruction of the warhead.
Mechanical properties of pre-cracked high nitrogen steel under dynamic composite loading
Authors: Lu R J , Mu X M , Miao C , Dang W , Wu H L , Bai L H , Yang Z Z , Wu X , Yuan W
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the mechanical properties of pre-cracked high nitrogen steel specimens with different loading angles of 30°, 45° and 60° were studied by using Hopkinson tension bar. The corresponding force-displacement curves under different loading angles were obtained. It was found that with the decrease of the pre-crack loading angle, the proportion of the shear stress on the specimens in the composite loading gradually increased, and the stress concentration appeared during the composite loading process, the fracture strength of the specimens decreased significantly. At the same time, however, the dispersion of the experimental results decreased, and the fracture morphology tended to be consistent with the elongation at break. The obtained mechanical properties of high nitrogen steel under combined loading can provide reference and basis for its technological improvement, safe production and reliable application
Study the Influence of Fragment Shape on Penetration Failure Process of Thin Target Plate
Authors: Chen Peng , Tang Jiaojiao , Sun Xingyun , Yuan Baohui
Published: June 2023

In order to study the influence of fragment shape on the process of penetrating the target plate, the spherical and cubic structural steel fragments of the same mass which penetrating aluminum target plate has been studied by theoretical and numerical simulation calculations. The theoretical calculation shows that the ballistic limit velocity of the fragments of the cube structure is higher than that of the spherical structure when the fragments of the same mass penetrate the target plate of the same thickness. Numerical simulations have obtained the penetration process and failure rule of the fragment to the target plate. The results show that the target plate failure during the penetration process of the spherical fragment is a tensile failure mode, however, the penetration process of the cube structure fragment are shear and tensile mixed failure modes.
Damage study of UAV cluster by high-power electromagnetic radiation
Authors: Li Wei , Gao Zhujun , Zhang Shihan , Zou XianBin , Yang ChunPing , Peng ZhenMing , Li JiaJun , Liu JinRong , Yang HuiXin , Wei ZhenGuo , Qu ShaoTao , Zhang Shuyi , Lu Yan , Wu Qiong
Published: June 2023

With regard to the threat of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) clusters, the mechanism and rule of the damage to UAV cluster caused by electromagnetic wave is explored in this paper. A typical satellite navigation antenna high power electromagnetic radiation is studied with the experimental and simulation, in which, the damage sensitive parts and threshold of damage is obtained, which provides support for interference and damage UAV cluster of enemy and protection research for UAV of our own.
Prediction of firing accuracy of self-propelled antiaircraft gun in marching fire based on GA-BP neural network
Authors: Wang Liangkuan , Tang Xu , Fan Ji , Huang Cheng
Published: June 2023

The firing efficiency during the marching fire is an important indicator to measure the combat efficiency of self-propelled antiaircraft gun, and it is very important to improve the firing accuracy during the marching fire. In order to understand the coupling mechanism between the firing density and various influencing factors of the self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, this paper combines different driving and shooting conditions to study the factors such as driving speed, road grade, shooting load, the angle of fire and other factors. A method of predicting the firing density of self-propelled anti-aircraft guns during marching is proposed based on the GA-BP neural network. This method not only provides a theoretical basis and indirect measurement for the quantification of the firing density of the self-propelled anti-aircraft guns during the marching, but also has important significance for the distribution and design of the firing accuracy of the self-propelled anti-aircraft guns.
Study on fatigue life of gun latch based on orthogonal test method
Authors: Yang G W , Shen Y L , Liu J , Xie Y Y
Published: June 2023

Aiming at the problem of fatigue damage of gun latch caused by long-term impact load, the fatigue life of gun latch was studied. Firstly, the finite element model of gun latch was established by using finite element method. Secondly, the static strength and fatigue life of the gun latch were calculated based on S-N curve and Miner’s linear damage accumulation theory. On this basis, the structural factors affecting the fatigue life of the bolt were analyzed, and four factors including the radial diameter of the latch, the axial bearing thickness of the latch, the spiral Angle of the latch support surface and the gun tail support surface, and the locking clearance between the bolt and the gun tail were set up, as well as three variation levels of each factor. Then, the fatigue life of nine groups of gun latches was simulated by orthogonal test method. In addition, the range analysis method was used to analyze the simulation results, and then the influence law and degree of each factor on the fatigue life of gun latch were obtained. Moreover, the optimal combination scheme of the structure parameters of the gun latch was determined by the comprehensive balance method, and then the finite element simulation was carried out to verify the structure of the gun latch. The results show that the maximum stress of the bolt decreases 21.5% and the maximum stress of the gun tail decreases 28.2%, and the maximum stress of the gun bolt is lower than the yield limit of the material. At the same time, the research also shows that the minimum fatigue life of the bolt increases greatly, the minimum fatigue life of the bolt body is 20.8 times of that before the test, and the minimum fatigue life of the gun tail is 102.1 times of that before the test. The results provide a reference for fatigue life analysis and structural design of gun latch.
Numerical calculation of barrel chamber mechanical wear based on the principle of dynamic pressure lubrication
Authors: Li Shuli , Wang Liqun , Yang Guolai
Published: June 2023

Thermal-chemical erosion and mechanical wear are the main factors restricting the service life of barrel weapons. Considering the lack of systematic research on the mechanical wear of the barrel weapons, this paper gives the display expression of the dynamic pressure lubrication friction coefficient in projectile-barrel clearance based on the principle of dynamic pressure lubrication. The trend of friction coefficient is basically consistent with the friction experiment data. In the framework of dynamic pressure lubrication friction, the mechanical wear model of artillery barrel is derived, and the mechanical wear model in the whole life cycle is calculated by using the ALE mesh adaptive technology. The results show that the derived mechanical wear model can accurately describe the material degradation of the barrel chamber. The mechanical wear is mainly concentrated at the beginning of the rifling and the muzzle. After 500 shots, the mechanical wear of the beginning of the rifling and the muzzle are generally 0.3mm and 0.4mm.
Research on the muzzle vibration displacement test method of large-caliber rifled gun based trinocular vision
Authors: Hongxiao Chao , Weixi Yang , Xin Cao , Gang Heng
Published: June 2023

To address the problem of inaccurate muzzle vibration displacement measurements caused by the twisting of the barrel at the moment of firing of large-caliber rifled gun, a vibration displacement test method of large-caliber rifled gun based trinocular vision is proposed. A high-precision measurement system for muzzle vibration displacement based on an orthogonal imaging method with three high-speed cameras has been built. Three high-speed cameras are placed at the side and rear of the gun at orthogonal angles to each other to collect two-dimensional digital images of the gun muzzle area. Accurate displacement of the muzzle height, azimuth and recoil direction is derived by image processing techniques and multi-dimensional displacement decoupling methods. In addition, the three cameras can realize the online self-verification of parameters such as ‘recoil’ and ‘twist’. The three-dimensional vibration displacement and torsion parameters of the muzzle of a 155mm gun were obtained by a test of firing range. The test results proved the validity and accuracy of the method for the muzzle vibration displacement of rifled gun.
Failure Analysis and Improved Design of the breechblock of the Chain Aautomatic Mechanism
Authors: Han RuFeng , Gao Ying , Wang Hongjin , Ma Chao , Zhang Lin
Published: June 2023

When a total of 1114 rounds of projectiles are fired, the grappling hook of the breechblock and the pin of the locking mechanism break at the place where cartridge case extraction takes place. A method combining experimental test and theoretical analysis is used to analyze the elastic-plastic deformation of the extraction system. The fatigue life of the grappling hook and the pin of the breechblock is calculated to be 1150 rounds. Through comprehensive improved design measures such as improvement of the load transfer path of the locking mechanism, the local structure, the material replacement, and the heat treatment process, the improved simulation results of the locking mechanism show that the fatigue life has reached 15,000 rounds. Up to now, the improved locking mechanism has withstood the failure-free firing of over 8,000 rounds, meeting the requirements of gun reliability indicators.
Avenues of Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime, Genova, 14-16 Sep 2022
Authors: Carloni Sante , Cianci Roberto , Corradini Olindo , Flachi Antonino , Vignolo Stefano , Vitagliano Vincenzo
Published: June 2023

The extreme conditions experienced in the early universe, close to a black hole or in the interior of a neutron star, provide the environment where the most violent natural phenomena take place. Our understanding of the physical processes occurring in these regimes is affected by the notorious difficulty in the development of a theory of quantum gravity, modelling the intertwining of the gravitational field and the quantum properties of the fields responsible for the other forces in nature. A different point of view is then achieved by defining a “mesoscopic” scale lying below the Planck energy scale but well away from the classical general relativity domain. At such a scale, the theoretical framework describing how quantized fields propagate in a curved background has accomplished outstanding results, like particle production in gravitational fields and black hole evaporation, establishing a highly non-trivial connection between thermodynamics, gravity, and quantum field theory.

Aside from suggesting novel intersections between quantum fields and gravity, an unexplored landscape of original ideas is taking shape and inspiring new exciting problems. Quantum field theory in curved spacetime has recently been proposed as a new tool to probe nuclear and condensed matter physics phenomenology, with the recent advances in research at the nanoscale offering an intriguing test to the semiclassical approach even from tabletop experiments.

Following this trend, the goal of Avenues of Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime has been to bring together researchers working in different areas of quantum field theory with interest in its curved space applications in the area of gravity and beyond. The 3-days workshop - the third of a series initiated in 2018 in Japan, continued in Modena, and that had an unexpected stop due to the sadly well-known Covid19 facts - aimed to exchange ideas on what is (or is expected soon to become) topical and discuss potential interdisciplinary interactions in a stimulating and collaborative environment.

List of The Editorial Board and Organising Committee is available in this pdf.
Development of quality assurance dosimeter for brachytherapy based on CsPbBr3 and evaluation of applicability
Authors: Yang S.W. , Han M.J. , Shin Y.H. , Jung J.H. , Cho H.L. , Park S.K.
Published: June 2023

In brachytherapy, since a radioactive source is inserted
into the human body to kill tumor tissue, it is important to
accurately determine the positional accuracy of the source. In this
study, we aimed to develop a dosimeter that can be used for
brachytherapy using CsPbBr3. This material can replace existing
materials for radiation detectors because it is cheaper than others
and has a simple manufacturing process. In addition, the basic
performance of the dosimeter was evaluated by analyzing
reproducibility, linearity, position (distance) dependence, and
angular dependence with the 192Ir source. As a result of the
reproducibility evaluation, the relative standard deviation (RSD)
was 1.07%, which satisfied the standard deviation criteria of
1.50%. As a result of the linearity evaluation by linear regression
analysis, the R
2 value was 0.9991, which was higher than the
standard criterion of an R
2 value of 0.9990. As a result of the
position (distance) dependence evaluation, the signal value
decreased exponentially and uniformly according to the inverse
square law of the distance up to 3 cm. As a result of angular
dependence evaluation, the signal value of the dosimeter 10 cm away
from the front of the source was 5.64 μC, and the signal
values of the dosimeter 10 cm away from the sides of the source
were 8.49 μC on the left and 8.91 μC on the
right. From these four results of reproducibility, linearity,
position (distance) dependence, and angular dependence, we
anticipate that the manufactured CsPbBr3 dosimeter with
performance outcomes beyond the standards can be used as a dosimeter
for brachytherapy.
ZnO-based scintillating bolometers: new prospects to study double beta decay of 64Zn
Authors: Armatol A. , Broerman B. , Dumoulin L. , Giuliani A. , Khalife H. , Laubenstein M. , Loaiza P. , de Marcillac P. , Marnieros S. , Nagorny S.S. , Nisi S. , Nones C. , Olivieri E. , Pagnanini L. , Pirro S. , Poda D.V. , Scarpaci J.A. , Zolotarova A.S.
Published: June 2023

The first detailed study on the performance of a ZnO-based
cryogenic scintillating bolometer as a detector to search for rare
processes in zinc isotopes was carried out. A 7.2 g ZnO
low-temperature detector, containing more than 80% of zinc in its
mass, exhibits good energy resolution of baseline noise
1.0–2.7 keV FWHM at various working temperatures resulting in a
low-energy threshold for the experiment, 2.0–6.0 keV. The light
yield for β/γ events was measured as 1.5(3) keV/MeV,
while it varies for α particles in the range of
0.2–3.0 keV/MeV. The detector demonstrates an effective
identification of β/γ events from α events using
time-properties of only heat signals. The radiopurity of the ZnO
crystal was evaluated using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
Spectrometry, an ultra-low-background High Purity Ge
 γ-spectrometer, and bolometric measurements. Only limits were
set at the level of 𝒪(1–100) mBq/kg on activities of
 40K, 137Cs and daughter nuclides from the
U/Th natural decay chains. The total internal α-activity was
measured as 22(2) mBq/kg, with a major contribution caused by
6(1) mBq/kg of 232Th and 12(2) mBq/kg of
 234U. Limits on double beta decay (DBD) processes in
^64Zn and 70Zn isotopes were set on the level
of 𝒪(1017–1018) yr for various decay modes,
profiting from 271 h of acquired background data in the
above-ground lab. This study shows a good potential for ZnO-based
scintillating bolometers to search for DBD processes of Zn isotopes,
especially in 64Zn, with the most prominent spectral
features at ∼ 10–20 keV, like the two-neutrino double
electron capture. A 10 kg-scale experiment can reach the
experimental sensitivity at the level of
 𝒪(1024) yr.
Kappa-carrageenan based hybrid hydrogel for soft tissue engineering applications
Authors: Safarpour F , Kharaziha M , Mokhtari H , Emadi R , Bakhsheshi-Rad H R , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: June 2023

Biological materials such as cell-derived membrane vesicles have emerged as alternative sources for molecular delivery systems, owing to multicomponent features, the inherent functionalities and signaling networks, and easy-to-carry therapeutic agents with various properties. Herein, red blood cell membrane (RBCM) vesicle-laden methacrylate kappa-carrageenan (KaMA) composite hydrogel is introduced for soft tissue engineering. Results revealed that the characteristics of hybrid hydrogels were significantly modulated by changing the RBCM vesicle content. For instance, the incorporation of 20% (v/v) RBCM significantly enhanced compressive strength from 103 ± 26 kPa to 257 ± 18 kPa and improved toughness under the cyclic loading from 1.0 ± 0.4 kJ m−3 to 4.0 ± 0.5 kJ m−3 after the 5th cycle. RBCM vesicles were also used for the encapsulation of curcumin (CUR) as a hydrophobic drug molecule. Results showed a controlled release of CUR over three days of immersion in PBS solution. The RBCM vesicles laden KaMA hydrogels also supported in vitro fibroblast cell growth and proliferation. In summary, this research sheds light on KaMA/RBCM hydrogels, that could reveal fine-tuned properties and hydrophobic drug release in a controlled manner.
Decisions, options, and actions in the face of uncertainty: a systematic bibliometric and thematic review of climate adaptation pathways
Authors: Cradock-Henry Nicholas A , Kirk Nicholas , Ricart Sandra , Diprose Gradon , Kannemeyer Robyn
Published: June 2023

Climate change is already having adverse impacts, with place- and problem-based implications due to higher temperatures, prolonged droughts, and more frequent extremes. Despite uncertainty about the full extent of future change, adaptation will be required. Adaptation pathways (APs) planning is increasingly used as a methodological approach to identify, evaluate, and sequence adaptation options over time. Pathways link critical decisions to future conditions, providing a road map to support planning in the face of uncertainty. This systematic review identifies and assesses the rapidly growing APs literature, focusing on its definition, and application in diverse contexts. Using bibliometric and thematic analysis, we highlight scholarly networks driving innovation in this area, characterise theoretical and conceptual differences in framing, and derive insights for best practice. Results show the evolution in interpretation, framing and practice; from an initial focus on managing uncertainty with technological- and engineered-based approaches, through to more participatory, policy- and decision-relevant pathways. Pathways planning has become increasingly collaborative, and is now used to address climate adaptation outcomes, within the broader context of interacting and compounding stressors. Results also highlight challenges in conceptualising and operationalizing APs, including comprehensive accounting for costs, and navigating social dynamics involved in process development. Based on these findings we propose new avenues for research, to develop methodologies to better engage with stakeholders’ social, political, and economic concerns, and enhance learning for climate adapted futures.
Strategic siting and design of dams minimizes impacts on seasonal floodplain inundation
Authors: Hatchard Simbidzayi , Schmitt Rafael J P , Pianosi Francesca , Savage James , Bates Paul
Published: June 2023

Dams and reservoirs aid economic development but also create significant negative impacts. Dams fragment rivers and reduce longitudinal connectivity on a network scale. However, dams may also alter discharge regimes and flood peaks, consequently reducing floodplain inundation and lateral channel floodplain connectivity, which impacts floodplain associated ecosystems. Strategic planning has emerged as a promising approach to find a balance between dam impacts and benefits. Yet, strategic planning has predominantly focused on longitudinal connectivity due to the difficulty of including the complex interactions between dam design and operations, hydrologic regime alteration, and the hydrodynamic processes controlling downstream flood extent. Here, we present how to reduce conflicts between hydropower development and loss of floodplain inundation extent by jointly optimizing siting and design of many dams in a data scarce basin. We deploy a coupled hydrological—hydraulic simulation model linked to a multiobjective optimization framework to find development options with the least trade-offs between power generation and downstream impacts on floodplains. Our results for the Pungwe Basin in Mozambique indicate that whilst portfolios of many small storage and run-of-river diversion hydropower plants might create less impacts on the downstream floodplains, installation of some large storage dams would be necessary to attain higher levels of hydropower generation.
Variational eigenfunctions for excited states inspired by supersymmetric quantum mechanics and the Gram–Schmidt process
Authors: Batael Hugo O , Drigo Filho Elso
Published: June 2023

Factorization methods such as the Hamiltonian hierarchy have been useful to find eigenfunctions for Schrödinger equations, in particular, for potentials that are partially or approximately solvable. In this paper, an alternative approach is proposed to study excited states via the variational method. The trial functions are built from the exact or approximate superpotential for the ground state combined with the Gram–Schmidt process to ensure orthogonalization between the functions. The results found variationally for one dimensional potentials are compared with previous results from the literature. The energy eigenvalues obtained agree with previous ones and, for most of the results, the percentage difference between the proposed approach and others in the literature is less than 0.1%. The method introduced is an effective and intuitive approach to determine trial wave functions for the excited states. This approach can be useful in studying the Schrödinger equation and related problems which can be mapped onto a Schrödinger type-equation as, for example, the Fokker–Planck equation.
Linear Darboux polynomials for Lotka–Volterra systems, trees and superintegrable families
Authors: Quispel G R W , Tapley Benjamin K , McLaren D I , van der Kamp Peter H
Published: June 2023

We present a method to construct superintegrable n-component Lotka–Volterra (LV) systems with

3
n
−
2

parameters. We apply the method to LV systems with n components for

1
<
n
<
6

, and present several n-dimensional superintegrable families. The LV systems are in one-to-one correspondence with trees on n vertices.
On the Riemann–Hilbert approach to asymptotics of tronquée solutions of Painlevé I
Authors: Deaño Alfredo
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we revisit large variable asymptotic expansions of tronquée solutions of the Painlevé I equation, obtained via the Riemann–Hilbert approach and the method of steepest descent. The explicit construction of an extra local parametrix around the recessive stationary point of the phase function, in terms of complementary error functions, makes it possible to give detailed information about exponential-type contributions beyond the standard Poincaré expansions for tronquée and tritronquée solutions.
Sterilization and reuse of masks for a standardized exhaled breath collection device by autoclaving
Authors: Shawn Samuel T , Harshman Sean W , Davidson Christina N , Lee Jae Hwan , Jung Anne E , Parker Ariel , Hawkins M Aaron , Stamps Blake W , Pitsch Rhonda L , Martin Jennifer A
Published: June 2023

Exhaled breath research has been hindered by a lack of standardization in collection and analysis methodologies. Recently, the Respiration Collector for In Vitro Analysis (ReCIVA) sampling device has illustrated the potential to provide a consistent and convenient method for exhaled breath collection onto adsorbent media. However, the significant costs, compared to exhaled breath bags, associated with the standardized collector is believed to be the reason for limited widespread use by researchers in the exhaled breath field. For example, in addition to the sampling hardware, a single-use disposable silicon mask affixed with a filter is required for each exhaled breath collection. To reduce the financial burden, streamline device upkeep, reduce waste material, and ease the logistical burden associated with the single use masks, it is hypothesized that the consumable masks and filters could be sterilized by autoclaving for reuse. The masks were contaminated, autoclaved, and then tested for any surviving pathogens with spore strip standards and by measuring the optical density of cultures. The compound background collected when using the ReCIVA with new masks was compared to that collected with repeatedly autoclaved masks via thermal desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The capacity to block particulate matter of new filters was tested against that of autoclaved filters by introducing an aerosol and comparing pre-filter and post-filter particle counts. Finally, breath samplings were conducted with new masks and autoclaved masks to test for changes in measurements by TD-GC-MS of exogenous and endogenous compounds. The data illustrate the autoclave cycle sterilizes masks spiked with saliva to background levels (p = 0.2527). The results indicate that background levels of siloxane compounds are increased as masks are repetitively autoclaved. The data show that mask filters have significant breakthrough of 1 μm particles after five repetitive autoclaving cycles compared to new filters (p = 0.0219). Finally, exhaled breath results utilizing a peppermint ingestion protocol indicate two compounds associated with peppermint, menthone and 1-Methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-cyclohexanol, and an endogenous exhaled breath compound, isoprene, show no significant difference if sampled with a new mask or a mask autoclaved five times (p > 0.1063). Collectively, the data indicate that ReCIVA masks and filters can be sterilized via autoclave and reused. The results suggest ReCIVA mask and filter reuse should be limited to three times to limit potentially problematic background contaminants and filter dysfunction.
Analysis of acceptability, microstructure, and resistant starch content of biscuits substitution of jack beans (Canavalia ensiformis) with starch modification of Annealing-HMT
Authors: Ariyantoro A R , Ishartani D , Yulviatun A , Attaqiyyah F
Published: June 2023

Biscuits as a ready-to-eat product with an average consumption growth per capita per year are always increasing, becoming a food product that is often explored for raw materials (especially with local ingredients) to replace the dependence on domestic wheat flour. One of the local ingredients that is rarely used as a food product is the jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis L.) with a high carbohydrate content of 50%–60%. It is suitable for processing into starch as a substitute for food products such as biscuits. The native jack bean starch needs to be modified by physical modification methods, namely, Heat Moisture Treatment (HMT) and annealing-HMT to improve its characteristics, which are less stable to mechanical and heat processes and to increase the levels of resistant starch. This research aimed to look for resistant starch content, microstructure, and the acceptability of jack bean biscuits with physical modification annealing-HMT. The experimental design was used a one-factor completely randomized design with variations of modified starch substitution in the biscuit formula that control sample made of 100% wheat flour: samples made of 50% and 100% for each native starch, HMT modified starch, and annealing-HMT modified starch. Based on the results, it was found that the substitution of wheat flour with annealing-HMT starch in the biscuit sample affected the microstructure of the resulting granules and the levels of resistant starch with the best sample using Annealing-HMT starch substitution (100%). Meanwhile, the results of the sensory test showed that the substitution of wheat flour with Annealing-HMT starch was significantly different in the color, texture, and overall parameters. The determination of the best formula in the sensory test was carried out by the Bayes method with the best formula results being samples with HMT modified starch substitution (100%).
Physical quality of beef sausage using porang flour as a substitute for tapioca flour
Authors: Nuhriawangsa Adi Magna Patriadi , Swastike Winny , Hertanto Bayu Setya , Hanifa Aqni , Kartikasari Lilik Retna
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical quality of beef sausage using porang flour as a substitute for tapioca flour. The research material used beef (lean), tapioca flour, and glucomannan flour (porang). The sausage formula was the ratio of tapioca flour to porang flour which consisted of 10:0 (P0); 8:2 (P1); 6:4 (P2); 5:5 (P3); 4:6 (P4); 2:8 (P5), and 0:10 (P6) ratios. Beef sausage parameters included pH, cooking loss, water holding capacity (WHC), and tenderness. Data analysis used Unidirectional ANOVA and continued with Duncan’s test if there were significant differences between the treatments. The results of the study showed that there were differences in pH, WHC, and tenderness (P<0.01), but the cooking loss of beef sausage was not significantly different (P>0.05) among treatments. Unlike the P0 treatment, the values of pH, WHC, and tenderness of the P1-P6 treatments increased, but cooking loss remained the same. In conclusion, the use of the ratio of tapioca flour to porang flour (C5) on beef sausage has better quality than 10:0 (P0).
Development of breakfast food from black rice and porang supplemented with jackbean and red dragon fruit
Authors: Zhafira A S , Dwiyanti H , Aini N
Published: June 2023

This study aim to develop the potential of local food into functional breakfast cereal products that are high in energy and rich in dietary fiber, as an alternative breakfast food for individuals with diabetes. The sample formulation is a factorial experimental study using a Randomized Block Design. The factors are the proportion of composite flour consisting of black rice, porang, and jack bean flour also the addition of red dragon fruit concentrate based on the total weight of composite flour. The chosen breakfast cereal formulation contains moisture (6.07%bw), ash (4.87%bw), protein (8.68%bw), fat (0.38%bw), and carbohydrate (79.99%bw), and crude fiber (43.49%bw) which meets requirements of breakfast cereal in the SNI. It can be concluded that the chosen breakfast cereal is low fat and high fiber food product. Further research is needed to study the effectivity of chosen breakfast cereal on fasting blood glucose of people with diabetes.