bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An interleaved high step‐up DC–DC converter based on coupled‐inductor
Authors: Karimi Kamran , Babaei Ebrahim , Karimi Mehran , Alizadeh Darioush , Mousavi Seyyed Mohammad Javad
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes an interleaved coupled‐inductor high step‐up direct current (DC)–DC converter. This converter uses a coupled inductor (CI), a voltage multiplier (VM) integrated with a regenerative passive lossless clamp circuit to enhance the voltage conversion ratio. The interleaved structure is used as the front stage of the proposed converter to reduce the input current ripple. The proposed converter has benefits such as low voltage stress across semiconductor elements, high voltage gains, and continuous input current, which makes it suitable for applications such as renewable energy sources. In addition, to reduce the negative effects of leakage inductance and recover the energy stored in it, a diode‐capacitor clamp circuit is used. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis has been done on the details of the performance of the proposed converter in different operation modes. Also, its design, the voltage and current equations of all the elements, and efficiency analysis are obtained. In addition, a comprehensive comparison has been made with some similar converters. The experimental results of a prototype with 260 W 96.9% is presented to validate the performance of the proposed converter.
Rolling‐horizon optimization strategy for wind‐storage system in electricity market
Authors: Chen Ruochen , Gao Ciwei , Ming Hao
Published: January 2024

China's electricity spot market is undergoing rapid development. With the increasing integration of new energy sources, it has become imperative for new energy power plants to participate in the market actively. Simultaneously, new energy power facilities are equipped with energy storage to cope with the randomness of power generation. In order to address the optimization and control challenges of wind‐storage combined systems in the market environment, a charging and discharging strategy is proposed. Considering system parameters as variables, an online rolling‐horizon optimization model for wind‐storage systems is constructed to maximize revenue. Case studies demonstrate that this strategy effectively improves the overall revenue of wind power plants. After optimization, the return on investment (ROI) of the system increases by 2.29%. The selection of system parameters can significantly impact the outcomes. The optimal values of the capacity configuration and step size are 25 MWh and 45 min.
Recovery of Fish Community Suffered from Feminization by Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in Surabaya River, East Java
Authors: Samosir Agustinus M. , Kananda Linggarseno A. , Yunizar Ekanaz , Sulistiono  , Affandi Ridwan , Simanjuntak Charles P.H.
Published: January 2024

There had been reports of a significant increase in female fish populations in the Surabaya River, induced by water pollution. This research aims to study the current sex condition and the level of Endocrine Disrupter Chemicals (EDC) in the river fishes after the river cleaning program promoted by the municipality. 420 fish samples from various species were taken from the river during 2017-2018. The fishes were sexed and analyzed their contents of estradiol, phthalate, and chlorpyrifos. The average sex ratio found was nearly normal (Male: Female=52:48), recovered significantly from the previous record in 2013 (16:84). Meanwhile the concentrations of EDC estradiol, phthalate, and chlorpyrifos found were 0.000; 0.033; and 0.037 mg/kg subsequently; except for chlorpyrifos, most of the chemicals were below the residue maximum limit by Indonesia National Standard (SNI).
Removal Pollutants in Textile Wastewater Using Unmodified Rice Husk
Authors: Zulti Fifia , Setiadewi Nurul , Waluyo Agus , Susanti Evi
Published: January 2024

The goal of this study was to evaluate rice husks potential to decrease both organic and inorganic contaminants from textile effluent. Rice husks are added in amounts up to 38% of the total adsorption bed volume. Using a submerged flow system with a three-day HRT, the native textile effluent (diluted to 75%) was constantly pumped at a rate of 15 ml/minute. In-situ and laboratory analyses of the water quality parameters were conducted. The treated water by rice husk has met the requirements for river ecosystems with parameter values such as pH and Temperature is normal, TSS 65 mg/L, TDS 400mg/L, DO 4 mg/L, COD 200 mg/L, TN 5 mg/L, and TP 2 mg/L. TSS, COD, Ammonium, TP, and TN efficiency of removal were 86.94%, 84.19%, 67.25%, 61.24%, and 48.72%, respectively. The difference in removal efficiency can be attributed to various factors such as the nature of the pollutant, the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent, the concentration of the pollutant, and the interaction between the adsorbent and the pollutant. The wastewater treatment with rice husk is a promising approach for industrial-scale applications due to its adsorption properties and cost-effectiveness.
Analysis and Design of Indonesian Traditional Medicine (Jamu) Information System by using Prototyping Model (Case Study: Madura Island)
Authors: Yunitarini Rika , Widiaswanti Ernaning
Published: January 2024

The rapid growth of traditional medicine among Indonesian has encouraged the emergence of various production and utilization of herbal medicine. Madura herbs has various types, ranging from herbs for women’s health to herbs for married couples. Considering the various types of Madurese herbal medicine, it is necessary to manage Madura herbs data including aspects of location, ingredient, side effects, etc. In order to record Indonesian traditional medicine, It is need to analyze and design an information system for Madurese herbs as media to provide more complete and faster access to Madurese herbs information. In this study, the authors will discuss the analysis and unified modeling language (UML) design of the Madura herbal medicine information system by taking case studies in Bangkalan and Sampang (Madura). The analysis phase uses the PIECES analysis approach by describing the current conditions of Madurese herbal medicine. UML design, represented by use case diagram, will explain the functionality of the system based on PIECES analysis. From the PIECES analysis and UML design, we can determine what features are needed in the information system so it’s able to assist the development and implementation of the Madura herbs information system. This information system developed by using prototyping model that describes the system so that the client or system owner has a clear picture of the system that built.
Applying Digital Images to Identify Pavement Damage in Support of The Road Infrastructure Development Program
Authors: Hardiyanti Siska Aprilia , Kristanto Sepyan Purnama , Yustita Aprilia Divi , Alfarisi Ridho
Published: January 2024

Road damage can cause discomfort while driving and even lead to accidents. According to the National Road Network Condition Map Data in 2017, the level of severe and minor road damage in the East Java region had reached 288 kilometers. Based on this data, periodic road condition assessments and maintenance are essential to minimize damage. Road maintenance efforts are crucial to support road infrastructure development programs. The initial step in road maintenance is to identify road damage, determining the necessary actions to be taken. In this research, road pavement damage identification is carried out using the Yolov5, Yolov6, and Yolov7 methods. Test results indicate that the Yolov5 method performed the best with a validation mAP (mean Average Precision) score of 42%, a Precision value of 0.544, and a Recall value of 0.453. These scores indicate that the accuracy of road pavement damage detection using the YOLO algorithm for depression, corrugation, potholes, and alligator cracking is at its maximum level.
The geometrical parameters effect on the degree of bending of multiplanar DTKY tubular joint for offshore platforms
Authors: Prastianto Rudi Walujo , Syahroni Nur , Mulyadi Yeyes , Syalsabila Ferdita , Rizkhita Alviani Rahma
Published: January 2024

The service life of an offshore structure is an important variable to consider in the sustainability of an infrastructure. The service life could be assessed through fatigue assesment of the critical tubular joint considering the hot-spot stress near the weld of the joint. Another important parameter in assessing the fatigue is degree of bending of the joint which represents the stress distribution beneath the thickness. Finite Element Method based analysis makes structure modelling more advanced and detailed for complex structures. In this study, a case of jacket offshore structure tubular joint, DTKY-type, is modelled by using FEM-based software. Stresses in the tubular joint model will be evaluated for axial load acting on the brace members in a tension-compression combination mode. Non-dimensional geometry parameters such as β, γ, and τ are varied to determine their effects on the degree of bending of the joint. The study show that stress distribution could be well obtained at the critical points of the joint and β generally decreases the degree of bending of the joint at the position of saddle and crown. Meanwhile, γ and τ both, generally increases the degree of bending at the saddle and crown positions.
Emetophobie: Die spezifische Phobie des Erbrechens – ein Case
Report
Authors: Eckert Andreas Philipp , Wallner Lisa , Hofstädter Ataraxia Clara-Sophia
Published: January 2024

Unter Emetophobie versteht man eine intensive und irrationale Angst vor dem
Erbrechen. Sie zählt zu den spezifischen Phobien. Die Emetophobie ist
eine bisher noch wenig erforschte Erkrankung. Über Ursachen und
Prävalenz ist nur wenig bekannt, zudem fehlt es an systematisch
gesichertem Wissen zur Behandlung. Die meisten Studien weisen jedoch darauf hin,
dass die Emetophobie überwiegend Frauen betrifft, früh in der
Kindheit beginnt, meist einen chronischen Verlauf nimmt, mit psychischen
Komorbiditäten einhergeht und Betroffene oft aus Scham nicht von ihrem
Leiden berichten. Die kognitive Verhaltenstherapie (KVT) mit Exposition und
Reaktionsmanagement scheint das derzeit wirksamste Therapieverfahren zur
Behandlung der Emetophobie. Wir berichten über den Fall einer
20-jährigen Frau, die initial wegen einer schweren depressiven Episode
zur stationär-psychiatrischen Krankenhausbehandlung aufgenommen wurde.
Das Erkennen der Emetophobie war dadurch erschwert, dass die Patientin aus Scham
nicht spontan über ihre Symptome berichtete. Eine gründliche und
strukturierte Anamneseerhebung ist daher unerlässlich, da Betroffene oft
versuchen, ihre Symptome zu verheimlichen. Aus diesem Grunde wird die Erkrankung
oft übersehen und meist erst spät diagnostiziert und behandelt.
Unsere Patientin beklagte eine starke emotionale Belastung durch die Symptome
der Emetophobie, zeigte Vermeidungs- und Sicherheitsverhalten und war in ihrer
Lebensqualität und allgemeinen Funktionsfähigkeit erheblich
eingeschränkt. Die Symptomatik unserer Patientin besserte sich nach
Beginn der kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie. Diese beinhaltete Wissensvermittlung
durch Psychoedukation, eine Überprüfung und Korrektur
dysfunktionaler Kognitionen, graduierte Expositionen sowie der Aufbau positiver
Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen. Es besteht weiterer Bedarf an Forschung, um mehr
über dieses noch recht unbekannte Krankheitsbild zu erfahren, das ebenso
viel Leid und psychosoziale Einschränkungen versuchen kann wie andere
schwere psychische Erkrankungen.
I2-Catalyzed Oxidative Acylation of Tertiary Amines via C–N Bond Cleavage
Authors: Ablajan Keyume , Ge Xin , Lei Ping , Su Qin , Pan Ying-Ming
Published: January 2024

The development of catalysts for the amidation of tertiary amines with acyl chlorides through oxidative C–N bond cleavage is rather challenging. By employing iodine as the catalyst, a broad range of aromatic acyl chlorides and tertiary amines are efficiently converted into amides in good yields under mild conditions. A plausible mechanistic pathway is proposed for this transformation and is supported by appropriate control experiments.
Sonographic Predictors of Antepartum Bleeding in Placenta Previa
Authors: Smith Devin D. , Adesomo Adebayo A. , Gonzalez-Brown Veronica M. , Russo Jessica , Shellhaas Cynthia , Costanstine Maged M. , Frey Heather A.
Published: January 2024

Objective To evaluate the association between sonographic features of placenta previa and vaginal bleeding (VB).

Study Design Retrospective cohort study of women with placenta previa identified on ultrasound between 160/7 and 276/7 weeks gestation. Placental distance past the cervical os (DPO), placental thickness, edge angle, and cervical length (CL) were measured. The primary outcome was any VB and the secondary outcome was VB requiring delivery. Median values of the sonographic features were compared for each of the outcomes using the Mann–Whitney U test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the predictive value of sonographic variables markers and to determine optimal cut points for each measurement. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between each measure and the outcomes while controlling for confounders.

Results Of 149 women with placenta previa, 37% had VB and 15% had VB requiring delivery. Women with VB requiring delivery had significantly more episodes of VB than those who did not require delivery for VB (1.5, interquartile range [IQR] [1–3] vs 1.0 [1–5]; p = 0.001). In univariate analysis, women with VB had decreased CL (3.9 vs. 4.2 cm; p < 0.01) compared with those without. Women with VB requiring delivery had increased DPO (2.6 cm IQR [1.7–3.3] vs. 1.5 cm [1.1–2.4], p = 0.01) compared with those without. After adjusting for confounders, only CL < 4 cm remained independently associated with increased risk of VB (adjusted odds ratio: 2.27, 95% confidence interval [1.12–4.58], p = 0.01). None of the measures were predictive of either outcome (area under the curve < 0.65).

Conclusion Decreased CL may be associated with risk of VB in placenta previa.

Key Points
Risk Profiling In Vitro Fertilization Pregnancies that Develop Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Authors: Modest Anna M. , Einerson Brett D. , Nieto Albaro J. , Shrivastava Vineet K. , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Shainker Scott A. ,   on behalf of the Pan American Society for Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Published: January 2024

Objective The objective of this study is to assess whether, among a cohort of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) patients, antenatal suspicion of PAS was less likely in in vitro fertilization (IVF) compared with non-IVF patients. In addition, we aimed to assess whether IVF patients exhibited similar risk factors for PAS compared with non-IVF patients.

Study Design This is an international multicenter retrospective study of patients with pathologically confirmed PAS (accreta, increta, percreta) between 1998 and 2021. PAS patients were identified through a central international PAS database. Antenatal and pathological criteria are specific to each institution. Pregnancies that resulted from IVF were compared with non-IVF pregnancies. Comparisons were made using a chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables.

Results Of the 692 pregnancies included, 44 were in the IVF group and 648 were in the non-IVF group. The IVF group was less likely to have had a prior cesarean delivery (70.5 vs. 91%, p < 0.01) but a similar prevalence of placenta previa (63.6 vs. 68.1%, p = 0.12) compared with the non-IVF group. The IVF group was also less likely to have either a prior cesarean delivery or placenta previa than the non-IVF group (79.5 vs. 95.4%, p < 0.01). Antenatal detection of PAS was less common in the IVF group compared with the non-IVF group (40.9 vs. 60.5%, p < 0.01, respectively), even when adjusted for maternal age, prior cesarean delivery, prior uterine surgery, placenta previa and site (risk ratio: 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.62–0.81). The IVF group had less severe pathological disease compared with the non-IVF group (p = 0.02).

Conclusion Pregnant people with PAS who underwent IVF are less likely to have an antenatal suspicion compared with non-IVF patients. This finding may be explained by the lower incidence of prior cesarean deliveries and/or placenta previa as well as less severe forms of PAS.

Key Points
The Hidden Risks of Perioperative Transfusions in Traumatic Lower Extremity Free Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Swiekatowski Kylie R. , Manisundaram Arvind D. , Woods Delani E. , Green Jackson C. , Bhadkamkar Mohin A. , Wu-Fienberg Yuewei
Published: January 2024

Background Blood transfusions have been associated with surgical complications; however, these studies are not specific to lower extremity (LE) reconstruction. We evaluated the effect of perioperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions on LE free flap outcomes in trauma patients.

Methods Patients undergoing LE free flap reconstruction following acute injuries from 2016 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The perioperative period for transfusions was defined as ± 3 days from the procedure. Parameters included demographics, perioperative characteristics, and outcomes. Major complications were complications requiring reoperation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify associations.

Results Of the 205 patients, 48% received PRBCs perioperatively. There was a trend toward higher major complications rate in the transfusion group (19 vs. 10%, p = 0.09). Wound size, injury severity score (ISS), and intraoperative estimated blood loss were greater in the transfusion group (p < 0.01). Preoperative hemoglobin/hematocrit were lower in the transfusion group (p < 0.001). Units of PRBCs transfused were independently associated with major complications on multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.70, p = 0.015) and length of hospital stay (LOS; OR = 1.05, CI: 1.02–1.08, p = 0.002). Infection, wound size, ISS, and preoperative hemoglobin/hematocrit were independently associated with increased LOS (p < 0.05) but not with major complications.

Conclusion The number of units of PRBCs given perioperatively was the only variable independently associated with major complications on multivariate analysis and was one of many variables associated with increased LOS. These findings suggest the usage of restrictive transfusion protocols in trauma patients requiring LE reconstruction.
Infant Mortality Categorized by Birth Weight Percentiles for Deliveries between 22 and 28 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Onishi Kazuma , Bitas Christiana , Kawakita Tetsuya
Published: January 2024

Objective Our objective was to describe infant mortality within 1 year of life according to gestational age and birth weight percentile in infants delivered between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation.

Study Design This study was a retrospective cohort study based on publicly available U.S. birth certificate data linked to infant death data between 2014 and 2020. Maternal–neonate pairs of singleton live births between 220/7 and 286/7 weeks' gestation (vaginal or cesarean) were evaluated. We excluded infants with major fetal anomalies, chromosomal disorders, and birth weight outliers. Our primary outcome was infant mortality within 1 year of life. Individuals were categorized into eight sex-specific birth weight percentiles categories: less than the 3rd, 3rd-less than the 10th, 10th-less than the 25th, 25th-to less than the 50th, 50th-less than the 75th, 75th-to less than the 90th, 90th-less than the 97th, and 97th or higher.

Results Of 27,014,444 individuals with live births from January 2014 to December 2020, 151,677 individuals who gave birth at 22 to 28 weeks of gestation were included in the study population. The mortality rate ranged from 4.2% for the 50th-less than the 75th percentiles at 28 weeks to 80.3% for the 3rd-less than the 10th percentile at 22 weeks. Using the 50th-less than the 75th birth weight percentile at each gestational age as a reference group, birth weight less than the 50th percentile was associated with increased mortality at all gestational ages in a dose-dependent manner. From 22 to 25 weeks of gestation, higher birth weight percentiles were associated with lower mortality, while the 97th or higher birth weight percentile was associated with increased mortality compared with the 50th-less than the 75th birth weight percentile at 26 to 28 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion The lower birth weight percentiles were associated with higher mortality across all gestational ages, but the association between higher birth weight percentiles and infant mortality exhibited an opposite pattern at 22 to 25 weeks as compared to later gestational age.

Key Points
Interferons as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Giant Cell Tumor: A Hospital-Based Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Sah Saroj Prasad , Regmi Anil , Niraula Bishwa Bandhu , Sehrawat Amit , Bhagat Saroj Kumar , Dhingra Mohit
Published: January 2024

Introduction Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is now considered an effective way to treat Campanacci grade 2 and 3 giant cell tumors (GCTs). Assessment of these drugs is essential clinically, radiologically, and pathologically. This study analyzes the early results of angiogenesis inhibitors (interferons) in the aggressive GCT of bone.

Methodology A prospective pilot study was conducted from January 2021 to July 2022 including eight biopsy-proven GCT patients subjected to interferon therapy. Radiological assessment was done with changes on plain radiograph, computerized tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging. Histopathological examination was done by changes in the biopsy and resected segment.

Results Out of the eight patients included in the study, 26% (n = 3) were males and 62% (n = 5) were females, with mean age of the patients being 24.6 ± 8.48 years (range: 22–38). There was significant reduction of the size of swelling (p-value: 0.049), significant reduction in Visual Analog Scale score (p-value: 0.011), significant decrease in swelling size on radiograph (p-value: 0.012), significant marginal sclerosis (p-value: 0.001), significant neocortex formation on radiographs (p-value: 0.001), significant result in and osteoid formation (p-value: 0.001) on histology. Whereas Campanacci grade on plain radiographs, number of viable cells, and number of viable stromal cell were not statistically different in comparison with pretherapy and posttherapy status.

Conclusion Interferon therapy in a GCT has potential beneficiary effect in terms of clinical, radiological, and pathological outcomes. It might prove to be an effective alternative to standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the management of aggressive GCT of bones.

Level of Evidence III.
An Individualized Educational Package for Improving Knowledge and Practices of Caregivers of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Quasiexperimental Study
Authors: Punia Indu , Rajora Manju A. K. , Khakha Deepika Cecil , Agarwal Deepak
Published: January 2024

Introduction Globally, traumatic spinal cord injury occurs at a rate of 13 to 53 cases per million populations. These patients tend to get dependent on hospital staff as well as caregivers for their activities of daily living. There are insufficient data available on whether the caregivers have adequate knowledge and required skills to perform the same.

Aim Our aim was to evaluate the impact of an individualized educational package on the knowledge and practices of caregivers of patients with spinal cord injury.

Methods The caregivers (n = 30) were recruited in the quasi-experimental study by using a nonequivalent, control group design using the TREND checklist. Study subjects were divided into two groups, that is, control and experimental. The intervention was delivered through an educational package in the experimental group, and no intervention was given to the control group. The educational package was delivered by dedicated registered nurse. Ethical approval was taken from the ethical committee, and informed consent was obtained from the study participants. Data were analyzed using STATA version 16 and SPSS version 20.

Result The mean age of patients was 34.6 + 2.7 years, and majority (90%) were males. The most common cause of spinal cord injury was fall from height in 53.3% patients followed by road traffic accidents in 36.6% patients. The mean posttest knowledge score (30.7 + 8.6) of subjects in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (18.4 + 5.3). Also, the mean posttest practice score (54.3 + 9) of subjects in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (35.9 + 6.8).

Conclusion Educating caregivers (relatives) can dramatically improve the quality of life of patients as well as prevent complications and rehospitalizations. A dedicated nurse educator should be posted in spinal cord injury wards to deliver such educational packages.
Journal Metrics of Orthopaedic Journals between 2016 and 2021: Trends and Comparisons with Other Specialties
Authors: Cedeno Edgar , Pasqualini Ignacio , Emara Ahmed K. , Ibaseta Alvaro , Oyem Precious C. , Deren Matthew , Krebs Viktor E. , Molloy Robert , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: January 2024

Bibliometric analysis plays a crucial role in elucidating publication trends and aids scholars in gauging the reach of prospective journals for their research dissemination. Concerns with impact factor (IF) have led us to examine the trends in IF, corrected IF (cIF), and Citescore in orthopaedic journals from 2016 to 2021 and compare them with internal medicine and general surgery journals. Journal IF and cIF were obtained from Journal Citation Reports and Citescore data from the Elsevier Scopus database for the years 2016 to 2021. Orthopaedic journals were categorized, and 10 medicine and surgery journals were selected for comparison. Mean values were analyzed to identify trends. The study included 52 orthopaedic journals, evenly split between the United States and the rest of the world, predominantly publishing in English. Mean IF in orthopaedic journals increased from 1.93 (2016) to 2.78 (2021), with similar rises in cIF and Citescore. These trends were consistent in specialty and general orthopaedic journals. No significant differences were found in mean IF between these categories. Medicine and surgery journals also experienced significant IF increases. Orthopaedic journals have experienced growing esteem and extent from 2016 to 2021. Specialty and general orthopaedic journals showed parallel growth. Researchers can utilize this analysis for informed publishing decisions, potentially expanding their readership.
Single-photon extraction via spatial topological transition
Authors: Qin Zijian , Shen Lian , Shalaginov Mikhail , Wang Huaping , Chen Hongsheng , Lin Xiao
Published: January 2024

Scalable integrated single-photon sources are critical for quantum photonics and can enable applications such as high-speed quantum communication and quantum information processing. Ideally, to establish a scalable platform, such single-photon sources require emission speed-up and efficient extraction in a single architecture, especially for extremely large extraction decay rates. However, this goal remains elusive so far. Current approaches to enhance photon extraction decay rates for plasmonic nanostructures, including hybrid antennas, plasmonic cavities, photonic hypercrystals, and metamaterials, are either dependent on hybrid plasmonic modes, which suffer from structural complexity, or limited by poor outcoupling efficiency. Here, we propose a novel paradigm—spatial topological transition in the architecture of feasible metamaterial structure (e.g., an array of silver flat-topped conical rods), which can strongly enhance the photon extraction decay rate of quantum emitters. The underlying physics relies on the emerging unique feature of spatial topological transitions due to the transition from elliptical to hyperbolic iso-frequency contours in a single spatially varying metamaterial. Hence, the supported high-k eigenmodes in the metamaterial can now become momentum-matched with the radiative modes. More importantly, due to the existence of elliptical and hyperbolic zones, it is possible to allow for the realization of an extremely large value of extraction decay rate. Our results thus represent a crucial step for the integration of single-photon sources into photonic quantum networks and quantum information applications.
Exergoeconomic evaluation of fuel production from rice husk residue through the pyrolysis process
Authors: Gómez-González David Alejandro , Méndez-Duran Luis Alejandro , Milquez-Sanabria Harvey Andrés
Published: January 2024

Some agro-industrial wastes are currently untreated, resulting in an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, in relation to the pollution generated by fossil fuels, the study of the obtained fuels from agro-industrial and forestry residues has been promoted. Rice is a basic product for several families in the world, and its residue is a component that has enormous potential in Colombia due to its consumption. The objective of the present study is to conduct an exergoeconomic evaluation of the production of fuel from rice husks as agro-industrial waste by means of the slow and fast pyrolysis process. Using simulators like Aspen Plus, the simulation of the two processes was carried up, implementing a rigorous kinetic model. The yield values were validated with data from the literature, obtaining values of 42.3% and 41.4% for slow and fast pyrolysis, respectively, for pyrolytic oil. The total investment cost of the process is 2146.45 kUSD. According to the thermodynamic parameters of the simulator, an exergy analysis was conducted for the two processes. Overall exergy percentages of 73.84% and 78.19% were obtained for the slow and fast pyrolysis, respectively. The economic and exergy analysis was coupled to implement a specific exergy costing. The exergoeconomics factors obtained values of 72.21% and 76.78%, for the slow and fast pyrolysis reactors, respectively. The contribution of the present research is related to the rigorous kinetic model, in addition to its implementation in slow pyrolysis, involved in the exergoeconomic study of biomass pyrolysis processes.
Fitting parameter estimations for droplet breakage rate models
Authors: Ravichandar Krishnamurthy , Vigil R. Dennis , Olsen Michael G.
Published: January 2024

Chemical process engineering unit operations such as solvent extraction, liquid–liquid chemical reactions, and emulsion processing are all dependent on turbulent liquid–liquid droplet flow dynamics. The design and operation of equipment used in these applications is often guided by theoretical models for droplet breakup. Although several models for droplet breakage in agitated liquid emulsions have been developed, their utility is limited because they incorporate fitting factors that must be determined empirically by performing experiments using a specific fluid pairing and relevant flow configuration. The need to acquire experimental data to determine model constants is a significant drawback that hinders widespread use of breakage models to design and optimize process equipment. In this work, analytical expressions are formulated to predict the value of a fitting parameter associated with droplet breakage time for two commonly used breakage rate models without having to perform empirical studies. These equations were derived by using the underlying assumptions within each of the two breakage models considered, namely, that droplet breakage is a result of the competition between relevant deformation and restorative stresses. Data from experiments conducted in a homogeneous turbulent von Kármán box as well as from previously published investigations of droplet breakage in heterogeneous flow devices were utilized to validate the derived equations for the breakage time parameters. In general, good agreement was observed between predictions obtained using the derived equations for fitting parameters and those obtained from experiments.
Strain-controlled oxygen vacancy for robust ferroelectric BiSmFe2O6-
δ
double-perovskite epitaxial thin films
Authors: Tu Jie , Fang Yue-Wen , Lu Yue , Li Hangren , Xi Guoqiang , Ding Jiaqi , Liu Xudong , Liu Xiuqiao , Yang Qianqian , Tian Jianjun , Zhang Linxing
Published: January 2024

Strain engineering is an important method to control the structure and properties of functional thin films. Here, a new method to induce chemical strain through controllable substrate strain is proposed, which was first applied to double-perovskite thin films. We significantly improved the ferroelectricity of BiSmFe2O6-δ double-perovskite thin films to ∼4.80 μC/cm2, approximately improved six times. The value is more excellent than that of the orthorhombic double-perovskite ferroelectric systems. Synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction and spherical aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy show that tensile strain can change the epitaxial growth mode and increase the lattice volume. Meanwhile, first-principles density functional theory calculations show that the tensile strain reduces the formation energy of oxygen vacancy. The increased oxygen vacancies can induce a large negative chemical pressure of −7.69 GPa imposed on the thin films on SrTiO3 substrates. The existence of more oxygen vacancies in the Fe-O octahedra of the thin films drives Fe ions away from their high-symmetrical central position, leading to the improvement of ferroelectricity. In addition, the large polarization and oxygen vacancy migration promote the improved functional properties of the thin films, such as large resistive switching (103 times). This strategy and approach will effectively promote the further application of the novel orthorhombic rare-earth double-perovskite devices.
On the evolution and circulation dynamics of the counter rotating vortex rings in the starting phases of under-expanded jets
Authors: Ahmad Haroon , Hasan Nadeem , Sanghi Sanjeev
Published: January 2024

In the starting phases of laminar, axisymmetric, continuously blowing under-expanded jets, the evolution of a counter rotating vortex ring (CRVR) over the periphery of the primary vortex ring (PVR) is numerically investigated. During CRVR evolution, the circulation dynamics of both these vortex rings is also studied. The effect of jet Reynolds number (Rej), jet Mach number (Mj), and pressure ratio (pjpa) on these phenomena is also shown. The CRVR evolution involves the rolling of the CRVR over the PVR periphery followed by the shock–vortex interaction between the CRVR and vortex induced shock (VIS) of the PVR. The PVR and CRVR circulations attain quasi-constancy as the CRVR starts to roll over the PVR periphery. The PVR circulation is shown to attain quasi-constancy even in the absence of its pinch-off (detachment) from the shear layer, which is a manifestation of Kelvin's theorem. The slip-stream strength is found to govern the magnitude of CRVR circulation. New type of discontinuities (induced shocks and vortex sheet) are observed inside the rolling CRVRs, which are generated from medium/high strength slip-streams. Due to the vorticity imparted from such slip-streams, there is self-roll-up of the CRVR leading to the generation of transient spiral stagnation point and vortex sheet which causes the formation of the transient saddle stagnation point. The formation of induced shocks inside CRVRs is due to the combination of two different constraints, i.e., (a) cyclic distribution of fluid properties inside the CRVR and (b) quasi-constancy of the CRVR circulation. The shock–vortex interaction between CRVR and VIS is a weak shock-strong vortex interaction, which occurs due to the constraint of quasi-constancy of net-circulation enclosing both vortex rings (i.e., PVR and CRVR) and causes the weakening of VIS.
Coupled deformed microdisk cavities featuring non-Hermitian properties
Authors: Rodemund Tom Simon , Nic Chormaic Síle , Hentschel Martina
Published: January 2024

Coupled cavities are of interest as they expose qualitatively new effects, such as non-Hermitian properties, which are beyond the possibilities of individual cavities. Here, we investigate the coupling between two dielectric two-dimensional microdisk cavities and compare circular vs deformed (limaçon) resonator shapes as a function of their distance and address the effect of coupling on the far-field emission properties. We find that the asymmetric coupling characteristic for non-circular, deformed cavities induces non-Hermitian properties prominently evident in a mode-dependent chirality of the coupled cavity modes. We use an analytical model to explain our findings and reveal the direct connection between coupling asymmetry and the resulting sense of rotation of the coupled modes. While the overall far-field directionality remains robust for intercavity distances larger than two wavelengths, we observe enhanced and reversed emission for smaller distances even for only two coupled cavities. Our findings could prove useful for future applications, such as far-field emission control and sensing.
An adaptive algorithm for generating 3D point clouds of the human body based on 4D millimeter-wave radar
Authors: Huang Xiaohong , Zhu Jiachen , Tian Ziran , Xu Kunqiang , Liu Yingchao
Published: January 2024

The traditional algorithms for generating 3D human point clouds often face challenges in dealing with issues such as phantom targets and target classification caused by electromagnetic multipath effects, resulting in a lack of accuracy in the generated point clouds and requiring manual labeling of the position of the human body. To address these problems, this paper proposes an adaptive method for generating 3D human point clouds based on 4D millimeter-wave radar (Self-Adaptive mPoint, SA-mPoint). This method estimates the rough human point cloud by considering micro-motion and respiration characteristics while combining the echo dynamic with static information. Furthermore, it enhances the density of point cloud generation. It reduces interference from multipath noise through multi-frame dynamic fusion and an adaptive density-based clustering algorithm based on the center points of humans. The effectiveness of the SA-mPoint algorithm is verified through experiments conducted using the TI Millimeter Wave Cascade Imaging Radar Radio Frequency Evaluation Module 77G 4D cascade radar to collect challenging raw data consisting of single-target and multi-target human poses in an open classroom setting. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves an average accuracy rate of 97.94% for generating point clouds. Compared to the popular TI-mPoint algorithm, it generates a higher number of point clouds on average (increased by 87.94%), improves the average accuracy rate for generating point clouds (increased by 78.3%), and reduces the running time on average (reduced by 11.41%). This approach exhibits high practicality and promising application prospects.
A Monte Carlo approach to understanding the impacts of initial-condition uncertainty, model uncertainty, and simulation variability on the predictability of chaotic systems: Perspectives from the one-dimensional logistic map
Authors: Aksoy Altug
Published: January 2024

The predictability of the logistic map is investigated for the joint impact of initial-condition (IC) and model uncertainty (bias + random variability) as well as simulation variability. To this end, Monte Carlo simulations are carried out where IC bias is varied in a wide range of 10−15–10−3, and, similarly, model bias is introduced in comparable range. It is found that while the predictability limit of the logistic map can be continuously extended by reducing IC bias, the introduction of the model bias imposes an upper limit to the predictability limit beyond which further reductions in IC bias do not lead to an extension in the predictability limit, effectively restricting the feasible joint space spanned by the IC-model biases. It is further observed that imposing a lower limit to the allowed variability among ensemble solutions (so as to prevent the ensemble variability from collapse) results in a similar constraint in the joint IC-model-bias space; but this correspondence breaks down when the imposed variability limit is too high (∼x>0.7 for the logistic map). Finally, although increasing the IC random variability in an ensemble is found to consistently extend the allowed predictability limit of the logistic map, the same is not observed for model parameter random variability. In contrast, while low levels of model parameter variability have no impact on the allowed predictability limit, there appears to be a threshold at which an abrupt transition occurs toward a distinctly lower predictability limit.
Analysis of sea spray generation and distribution characteristics in vessels with different bow shapes
Authors: Chen Jiajing , Bai Xu
Published: January 2024

The expansion of cold region shipping routes has gradually increased the navigation activities of various vessel types in these maritime areas. Vessels navigating through the cold region seas are prone to ice accretion due to the dual impact of low temperatures and marine environments, with atmospheric icing and sea spray icing being the primary types of ice accretion, and the latter accounting for 90%. The process of sea spray icing encompasses several stages, including the generation, flow, distribution, and heat transfer of sea spray. This study focuses on the conditions after the interaction of waves with different vessel bodies, analyzing the generation and distribution characteristics of sea spray. Employing the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method to simulate the force analysis of vessel bodies with different bow shapes interacting with waves, the generation form of sea spray is analyzed, exploring its generation height, inlet velocity, distribution characteristics, and flow rate. The research results reveal the rules of sea spray generation and distribution based on different vessel forms, providing valuable references for vessel design and ice forecasting. Furthermore, this research holds significant practical importance for anti-icing issues of vessel bodies and the safe operation of cold region shipping routes, contributing to the sustainable development of cold region routes.
The effect of microfluidic chip geometry on droplet clustering in a high throughput droplet incubation platform for single-cell analysis
Authors: Mirkale K. , Chatterjee Dhiman
Published: January 2024

High-throughput droplet incubation is an integral part of various lab-on-chip platforms. Packing droplets efficiently before sending them to the incubation region is essential. For this purpose, different oil extraction mechanisms have been used. Here, we propose one such oil extraction structure and study the effect of channel parameters on droplet clustering, especially the channel height relative to droplet size. Droplets relatively smaller than channel dimensions follow continuous flow dynamics. Hence, simple hydrodynamic resistance modeling flow inside the main and side channels could estimate their flow features. When the droplet diameter exceeds the channel height, its dynamics are observed to be deviating drastically from simple isolated droplet motion and hydrodynamic resistance network model. Though accurate, Eulerian–Lagrangian formulation for modeling two-component fluid flow becomes computationally expensive when dealing with many droplets. Hence, along with hydrodynamics modeling, we adopt a simplified hindrance model to incorporate the effects of modified drag force and emulsion viscosity. This model matches well with experimental results and reduces the design time. Finally, we built an efficient oil extraction and droplet incubation platform for high throughput (200–400 droplets/s) for incubating a large number of cell-encapsulated droplets (7 × 105–8.4 × 105) for a significant amount of time (30–70 min). This study offers insights into droplet dynamics in the oil extraction region, which can be further helpful in building an efficient lab-on-chip platform.
Final epidemic size and critical times for susceptible–infectious–recovered models with a generalized contact rate
Authors: Gao Wenhua , Wang Yi , Cao Jinde , Liu Yang
Published: January 2024

During the spread of an infectious disease, the contact rate or the incidence rate may affect disease characteristics. For simplicity, most disease models assume standard incidence or mass action rates to calculate the basic reproduction number, final epidemic size, and peak time of an epidemic. For standard incidence, the contact rate remains constant resulting in the incidence rate is inversely proportional to the population size, while for the mass action rate, this contact rate is proportional to the total population size resulting in the incidence rate is independent of the population size. In this paper, we consider susceptible–infectious–recovered epidemic models with a generalized contact rate C(N) and a nonlinear incidence rate in view of the behavioral change from susceptible or infectious individuals when an infectious disease appears. The basic reproduction number and the final size equation are derived. The impact of different types of contact rates on them is studied. Moreover, two critical times (peak time and epidemic duration) of an epidemic are considered. Explicit formulas for the peak time and epidemic duration are obtained. These formulas are helpful not only for taking early effective epidemic precautions but also for understanding how the epidemic duration can be changed by acting on the model parameters, especially when the epidemic model is used to make public health policy.
Single- and two-photon-induced Förster resonance energy transfer in InP-mCherry bioconjugates
Authors: Rajan Devika , Muraleedharan Ananthu , Variyar Anjali , Verma Preetika , Pinhero Faina , Lakshmanna Yapamanu Adithya , Sabari Sankar T. , Thomas K. George
Published: January 2024

Indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots (QDs) have recently garnered considerable interest in the design of bioprobes due to their non-toxic nature and excellent optical properties. Several attempts for the conjunction of InP QDs with various entities such as organic dyes and dye-labeled proteins have been reported, while that with fluorescent proteins remains largely uncharted. This study reports the development of a Förster resonance energy transfer pair comprising glutathione-capped InP/GaP/ZnS QDs [InP(G)] and the fluorescent protein mCherry. Glutathione on InP(G) undergoes effective bioconjugation with mCherry consisting of a hexahistidine tag, and the nonradiative energy transfer is investigated using steady-state and time-resolved measurements. Selective one-photon excitation of InP(G) in the presence of mCherry shows a decay of the emission of the QDs and a concomitant growth of acceptor emission. Time-resolved investigations prove the nonradiative transfer of energy between InP(G) and mCherry. Furthermore, the scope of two-photon-induced energy transfer between InP(G) and mCherry is investigated by exciting the donor in the optical transparency range. The two-photon absorption is confirmed by the quadratic relationship between the emission intensity and the excitation power. In general, near-infrared excitation provides a path for effective light penetration into the tissues and reduces the photodamage of the sample. The two-photon-induced energy transfer in such assemblies could set the stage for a wide range of biological and optoelectronic applications in the foreseeable future.