bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic ferromagnetism in two-dimensional 1T-MX2monolayers with tunable magnetocrystalline anisotropy
Authors: Wang Yonghao , Lei Zesen , Guo Meng , Sun Qilong , Jin Cui , Tan Ruishan , Dai Ying
Published: October 2023

We investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of the 1T-MX2(M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co; X = As, Sb) monolayers, demonstrating that biaxial strain and carrier doping effects have a significant influence on their magnetic behaviors.
Unraveling actinide–actinide bonding in fullerene cages: a DFT versus ab initio methodological study
Authors: Jaroš Adam , Straka Michal
Published: October 2023

Actinide–actinide bonding poses a challenge for theory. Here, we calibrate DFT methods vs. ab initio CASPT2.
Syntheses, crystal structure, and photoelectric properties of two Zn-based chalcogenidoantimonates Zn–Sb–Q (Q = S, Se)
Authors: Zhang Lirong , Zhao Huiling , Liu Xin , Teri Gele , Baiyin Menghe
Published: October 2023

Two semiconductor Zn–Sb–Q (Q = S, Se) were solvothermal synthesized and their photodegradation efficiency of MB reached more than 80%.
Access to derivatives of 4-(arylthio)isocoumarins via hydrogen bonding network assisted electrophilic cyclization
Authors: Xie Wenna , Liu Shiwen
Published: October 2023

Hydrogen bonding network-assisted electrophilic cyclization to access the derivatives of 4-sulfenylisochromenones.
Research on the Impact of the “Coal to Gas” and “Coal to Electricity” Policies on Urban Air Quality
Authors: Wang Qianxin
Published: October 2023

Heating in winter in the north has a significant negative impact on the quality of the atmospheric environment. The coal used for heating emits substances such as PM2.5, PM10, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, etc., exacerbating atmospheric environmental pollution. Air pollution seriously affects the physical health and safety of residents, reduces their sense of happiness, brings about significant environmental pollution costs, and increases the actual level of economic inequality. In response to this situation, this article aims to improve urban air quality through the policies of “coal to gas” and “coal to electricity”, and further studies the impact of this policy. To provide empirical evidence and decision-making reference for deepening the “coal to gas, electricity” policy, and to reduce atmospheric environmental pollution, it is necessary to actively adjust the heating plan, increase the central heating area, and construct different heating scales according to different needs. It is necessary to vigorously develop clean coal technology, reduce pollutant emissions, actively explore clean energy, and fundamentally change the problem of air pollution. Therefore, the policies of “coal to gas” and “coal to electricity” can effectively improve the pollution of coal on urban air quality.
Eiffel Effect on Towers of UHV AC Transmission Lines
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Han Junke
Published: October 2023

The principle of Eiffel Effect on transmission towers was analyzed, and the necessity of considering Eiffel Effect on transmission towers, especially multi-loop transmission towers, was proposed. A comparative analysis on calculation methods for Eiffel Effect on tower mast structures both at home and abroad was conducted and the applicability of various calculation methods to transmission towers and their advantages/disadvantages are proposed. On this basis, the analysis method for Eiffel Effect on transmission towers is proposed. The Eiffel Effect was calculated by taking four tower types of EHV/UHV AC multi-circuit transmission lines on the same tower as examples, during which the stress state of member bar of each tower type after considering the Eiffel Effect, the influence of the intersection angle between the main members of the tower on the Eiffel Effect, and the minimum bearing capacity requirement of diagonal members etc. were analyzed. The analysis shows that: It is simple, reasonable and convenient to consider the Eiffel Effect on the tower with the rigidity-reduction method for engineering application; both the diagonal member and the diaphragm member of the tower are influenced by Eiffel Effect, where its influence on the latter is higher; it may be unsafe if designing the minimum bearing capacity requirement for the diagonal member with the internal force not less than 5% of the main members to satisfy the Eiffel Effect on the tower for the UHV transmission towers, and especially for the transmission towers with EHV/UHV AC multi-circuit transmission lines on the same tower.
Application of above & below the water 3D measurement technology in reservoir capacity curve calibration
Authors: Yang Liguo , Wu Hao
Published: October 2023

The reservoir capacity curve is a key quantity for the safe operation of reservoirs, and the reservoir capacity may change during the operation of reservoirs due to various factors, so timely calibration is required. The topography of the reservoir area is measured in three dimensions using an unmanned aircraft and an unmanned boat, respectively. The data results establish a digital elevation model (DEM) of the reservoir area, and the DEM square grid method is used to calculate the reservoir capacity, thus realising the calibration of the reservoir capacity curve. The technical method was successfully applied in Lujiayao Reservoir with high accuracy of results.
Preparation of polymeric vesicles via redox-initiated RAFT dispersion polymerization
Authors: Zhang Fen , Yao Qian , Niu Yanling , Li Yantao , Zhou Haijun , Chen Xiaoqi , Bai Lu
Published: October 2023

2-(diisopropylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DIPEMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GlyMA) were used for the investigation of the redox-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization, by using poly (ethylene oxide)-4-(4-Cyanopentanoic acid) dithiobenzoate (mPEG-CPADB) as the macro-chain-transfer agent (macro-CTA). The particle growth process study indicated that the particles changed from spheres to worms, and then to vesicles during the polymerization process. The degree of polymerization (DP) of the hydrophobic block P(DIPEMA-co-GlyMA) affected the particle morphology, particle diameter and molecular weight significantly. Pure polymeric vesicles could be obtained when DP was equal to or higher than 60, and with increasing of the DP of the hydrophobic block, the diameter and the molecular weight of the particles both increased.
Paleodepositional environment and salt lake organic matter enrichment model of the Paleogene Linhe Formation in the Linhe Sag of the Hetao Basin
Authors: Wei Liu
Published: October 2023

The well-developed mudstone and gypsum mudstone in Oligocene Linhe Formation (E3l) in the Hetao Basin are the main source rocks. However, the sedimentary environment and organic matter (OM) enrichment factors of E3l are not clear, which inhibit the prediction of hydrocarbon source rock distribution and resource calculation. The major and trace elements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, total organic carbon (TOC), Rock-Eval pyrolysis, saturated hydrocarbon gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) experiments were analyzed.
Optical system design method of the all-day starlight refraction navigation system
Authors: Wu Shaochong , Wang Hongyuan , Yan Zhiqiang
Published: October 2023

The application of starlight refraction navigation to spacecraft and space weapons is a significant development direction. Observing enough refracted stars for the star sensor in a strong limb background is an urgent problem. The all-day optical system parameters are analyzed based on the star detection requirement and navigation accuracy. Combined with primary aberration theory, the prime-focus catadioptric optical system is selected to meet the design requirements of a wide field of view (FOV) and tight structure. An H-band (1.52 μm–1.78 μm) star sensor is designed with an FOV of 6°, a focal length of 831 mm, an effective aperture of 253 mm, and a relative distortion of 0.03%. The energy concentration of the star point is 85% within 30 μm, and the maximum lateral chromatic aberration is 2.9 μm, which meets the imaging requirements. Furthermore, a baffle is designed to avoid the influence of direct sunlight on stellar imaging. The proposed method can provide a theoretical foundation and technical support for the optical design of the refraction star navigation.
Endocrine Disruptors: Focus on the Adrenal Cortex
Authors: Pötzl Benedikt , Kürzinger Lydia , Stopper Helga , Fassnacht Martin , Kurlbaum Max , Dischinger Ulrich
Published: October 2023

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances known to interfere
with endocrine homeostasis and promote adverse health outcomes. Their impact on
the adrenal cortex, corticosteroids and their physiological role in the organism
has not yet been sufficiently elucidated. In this review, we collect
experimental and epidemiological evidence on adrenal disruption by relevant
endocrine disruptors. In vitro data suggest significant alterations of gene
expression, cell signalling, steroid production, steroid distribution, and
action. Additionally, morphological studies revealed disturbances in tissue
organization and development, local inflammation, and zone-specific hyperplasia.
Finally, endocrine circuits, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis,
might be affected by EDCs. Many questions regarding the detection of
steroidogenesis disruption and the effects of combined toxicity remain
unanswered. Not only due to the diverse mode of action of adrenal steroids and
their implication in many common diseases, there is no doubt that further
research on endocrine disruption of the adrenocortical system is needed.
Development of a compact high-current repetitive pulsed x-ray system
Authors: Lyu Ze-qi , Xie Yan-zhao , Zhou Yi , Cheng Yin-hui , Jiang Ming
Published: October 2023

Pulsed x-rays are crucial for various applications such as radiography, biological effects, and the system-generated electromagnetic pulse effect. X rays with a higher dose rate and a higher total dose can generate more significant radiation effects and more effective radiography. However, most pulsed sub-100 keV x-ray systems with high dose rates operate in the single pulse mode with limited total dose, and most repetitive pulsed x-ray systems have a low dose rate. This paper develops a compact high-current repetitive pulsed x-ray system with a low-impedance diode to generate high dose rate pulsed x-rays with an average energy below 100 keV. A diode with a double-ring cathode is designed and tested to produce uniform pulsed x-rays. In order to investigate the x-ray intensity and the pulse number of repetitions for different anode thicknesses, five typical thicknesses are tested. The experimental results show that this system can operate stably at a repetitive rate of 0.2 Hz with a peak voltage of about 200 kV and a peak current of about 100 kA. The dose rate is about 2.4 × 105 Gy(LiF)/s, and the average x-ray energy is about 55 keV with the 40 µm thick tantalum anode. The x-ray uniformity is better than 2:1 over the measuring plane.
Evaluation of direct beam energy received by convex solar collectors and their optimal orientations
Authors: Foulaadvand M. Ebrahim , Aghamohammadi Amir
Published: October 2023

We use analytical and numerical methods to evaluate the daily beam energy received by some convex surfaces. Spherical, hemispherical, cylindrical, and semi-cylindrical convex surfaces with arbitrary tilt angles have been investigated and compared with a flat surface of unit area. Diffusive irradiations (sky and ground) were not considered. For hemispherical and semi-cylindrical surfaces, the optimal orientations at which the received beam energy is maximal were obtained for each day of the year. The dependence of the optimal tilt angle on the day of the year is qualitatively the same as for the flat surface. Clear sky condition has been assumed to hold in this work. It is shown that a flat surface per unit of its area receives highest beam energy among other convex surfaces whereas a sphere receives the least amount. Furthermore, the received daily beam energy per unit of the ground-occupied area has been calculated. In this case, a cylindrical surface with a range of values of radius to height ratio receives the highest amount of energy whereas a flat surface receives the least. This aspect becomes noticeable in places where there are some limits, e.g., land price or any other limitation on the available surface area.
Investigation of the orifice flow of over-the-rotor liner and its interaction with the rotor flow field
Authors: Zhao Peidong , Zhao Zhiheng , Yang Cheng
Published: October 2023

The emergence of ultra-high bypass ratio engines calls for advanced noise control technology. A promising technology is installing the acoustic liner at the casing over the rotor (OTR), forming the so-called OTR liner. Experiments have shown that this treatment could compensate for the reduced noise absorption due to the shortened intake length. Compared with the conventional liner receiving a pure acoustic pressure excitation, the OTR liner is exposed to the combined aerodynamic pressure perturbance and high acoustic pressure excitation, leading to complex flow mechanisms in the liner orifices. In this work, the large-eddy simulation method is used to investigate the flow phenomenon of OTR liner where each liner orifice is explicitly modeled to capture the flow behaviors at the blade tip proximity. Interesting findings are as follows: first, OTR liner orifices have an asynchronous dynamic response with a phase lag corresponding to the blade traversing speed; second, oscillating flow, resembling that in a classical Helmholtz resonator, is formed in the upstream liner orifices, while a bias flow appears in the downstream liner orifices. The dramatically different flow behaviors lead to non-uniform energy dissipation among orifices, implying the uniform impedance assumption in conventional acoustic liner definition fails when installing the liner near the rotor blade. Results also show that the orifice flow interacts with the blade tip leakage flow, affecting the development of the tip leakage vortex that may impact the rotor–stator interaction noise.
Auxiliary physics-informed neural networks for forward, inverse, and coupled radiative transfer problems
Authors: Riganti R. , Negro L. Dal
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we develop and employ auxiliary physics-informed neural networks (APINNs) to solve forward, inverse, and coupled integrodifferential problems of radiative transfer theory. Specifically, by focusing on the relevant slab geometry and scattering media described by different types of phase functions, we show how the proposed APINN framework enables the efficient solution of Boltzmann-type transport equations through multi-output neural networks with multiple auxiliary variables associated with the Legendre expansion terms of the considered phase functions. Furthermore, we demonstrate the application of APINN to the coupled radiation-conduction problem of a participating medium and find distinctive temperature profiles beyond the Fourier thermal conduction limit. Finally, we solve the inverse problem for the Schwarzschild–Milne integral equation and retrieve the single scattering albedo based solely on the knowledge of boundary data, similar to what is often available in experimental settings. The present work significantly expands the current capabilities of physics-informed neural networks for radiative transfer problems that are relevant to the design and understanding of complex scattering media and photonic structures with applications to metamaterials, biomedical imaging, thermal transport, and semiconductor device modeling.
Valerius Geist: a global leader in deer biology and conservation
Authors: Smith-Flueck Jo Anne M. , Mattioli Stefano
Published: October 2023

Professor Valerius Geist was a world-renowned deer biologist who made important contributions to deer science, especially in the areas of animal behaviour, the evolution of cervids in the Pleistocene, and deer conservation. One of his greatest accomplishments was to define the core principles that have made wildlife management unique in North America. The deer science community deeply regrets his passing in 2021.
Arboreal activity of invasive rodents: conservation implications for the control of an island pest
Authors: Nance Alexandra H. , Wilson Melinda , Burns Phoebe A. , Cook Carly N. , Clarke Rohan H.
Published: October 2023

Context Invasive rodents pose a substantial threat to biodiversity and are a leading cause of species decline and extinction on islands. Population suppression using ground-based methods is common practice, though arboreal behaviour of rodents may render control programs less effective. Aims We aimed to quantify species-specific invasive rodent activity (Rattus rattus, R. exulans, Mus musculus) across three forest strata to determine the prevalence of arboreal rodent behaviour in a system that has undergone extensive long-term rodent baiting, and therefore assess the suitability of solely ground-based baiting in this system. Methods We calculated rodent presence at the ground, mid-storey, and canopy using three detection methods (camera traps, chew cards and tracking tunnels) deployed for 30-day periods across three structurally distinct forest types (canopy heights ranged from 3.5 to 16.7 m). We developed continuous rodent activity indices for each method, which we paired with density estimates. Strata-specific species composition was determined using camera trap images. Key results Rodent presence was recorded equally across all strata, with R. rattus dominating above-ground strata. Rodent densities differed significantly between forest types, which was largely consistent with activity indices. Conclusions Our findings offer an additional explanation for reduced efficacy of long-term ground-based control programs: arboreal behaviour may exacerbate the reduction in efficacy often associated with long-term control. Implications Effective management of invasive rodent species on islands is a global conservation challenge. Our findings suggest above-ground control may be required in some long-term suppression programs or eradication campaigns, particularly in the presence of the black rat.
The human adenovirus E1B-55K oncoprotein coordinates cell transformation through regulation of DNA-bound host transcription factors
Authors: von Stromberg Konstantin , Seddar Laura , Ip Wing-Hang , Günther Thomas , Gornott Britta , Weinert Sophie-Celine , Hüppner Max , Bertzbach Luca D. , Dobner Thomas
Published: October 2023

The multifunctional adenovirus E1B-55K oncoprotein can induce cell transformation in conjunction with adenovirus E1A gene products. Previous data from transient expression studies and in vitro experiments suggest that these growth-promoting activities correlate with E1B-55K-mediated transcriptional repression of p53-targeted genes. Here, we analyzed genome-wide occupancies and transcriptional consequences of species C5 and A12 E1B-55Ks in transformed mammalian cells by combinatory ChIP and RNA-seq analyses. E1B-55K-mediated repression correlates with tethering of the viral oncoprotein to p53-dependent promoters via DNA-bound p53. Moreover, we found that E1B-55K also interacts with and represses transcription of numerous p53-independent genes through interactions with transcription factors that play central roles in cancer and stress signaling. Our results demonstrate that E1B-55K oncoproteins function as promiscuous transcriptional repressors of both p53-dependent and -independent genes and further support the model that manipulation of cellular transcription is central to adenovirus-induced cell transformation and oncogenesis.
Structural basis for Tpt1-catalyzed 2′-PO4transfer from RNA and NADP(H) to NAD+
Authors: Jacewicz Agata , Dantuluri Swathi , Shuman Stewart
Published: October 2023

Tpt1 is an essential agent of fungal and plant tRNA splicing that removes an internal RNA 2′-phosphate generated by tRNA ligase. Tpt1 also removes the 2′-phosphouridine mark installed by Ark1 kinase in the V-loop of archaeal tRNAs. Tpt1 performs a two-step reaction in which the 2′-PO4attacks NAD+to form an RNA-2′-phospho-(ADP-ribose) intermediate, and transesterification of the ADP-ribose O2″ to the RNA 2′-phosphodiester yields 2′-OH RNA and ADP-ribose-1″,2″-cyclic phosphate. Here, we present structures of archaeal Tpt1 enzymes, captured as product complexes with ADP-ribose-1″-PO4, ADP-ribose-2″-PO4, and 2′-OH RNA, and as substrate complexes with 2′,5′-ADP and NAD+, that illuminate 2′-PO4junction recognition and catalysis. We show that archaeal Tpt1 enzymes can use the 2′-PO4-containing metabolites NADP+and NADPH as substrates for 2′-PO4transfer to NAD+. A role in 2′-phospho-NADP(H) dynamics provides a rationale for the prevalence of Tpt1 in taxa that lack a capacity for internal RNA 2′-phosphorylation.
Denominative variation in the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset corpus
Authors: Benítez Carrasco Valeria , León-Araúz Pilar
Published: October 2023

Since 2020, we have witnessed the emergence of new concepts and terms due to the pandemic outbreak. Some of them have even become obsolete in a short period of time whereas others are still misused despite standardization efforts. In this paper we study explicit denominative variation in the COVID-19 corpus, which consists of scientific articles released as part of the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset and is publicly available in Sketch Engine. First of all, variants for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and coronavirus disease 2019 were extracted by means of knowledge patterns (e.g., also known as). The productiveness of knowledge patterns was analyzed and a set of 1,684 explicit variation excerpts were collected and manually annotated. A total of 371 variants were retrieved and organized in two polydenominative clusters (i.e., 177 for COVID-19 and 193 for SARS-CoV-2), which were then formally and semantically characterized by comparison with the established designations. Finally, possible causes underlying denominative variation are explored.
Pesticide operator safety: A global framework to support operator safety at the “local” level
Authors: Shaw Anugrah , Sanvido Olivier , Wagate Githaiga , Röver Markus
Published: October 2023

Pesticides are used in agriculture worldwide. Typically, approval of the products for specific uses is required. During the approval process, a risk assessment takes place that estimates risks to human health based on exposure to pesticides, in addition to environmental risks. This publication focuses mainly on requirements and options to reduce exposure risks for operators.

Effective operator health and safety is considered to be based on four pillars: (1) risk assessment, (2) risk mitigation, (3) risk communication, and (4) information and training of farmers. Information on each of the four pillars addressed here includes (1) background Information, (2) example(s) for consideration, and (3) recommendation for process improvement.

This article analyses and describes the basic assumptions and procedures as well as the inter-connectedness of actions that result in information communicated to the operators. It was identified that in many regions one or more of the pillars mentioned are not effective and could be improved.

This includes considerations on exposure models available and under development, the definition of appropriate PPE as well as options and current developments in the field of risk communication including the identification of the relevant stakeholders.

The major objective of the article is to initiate discussion on the framework that is required to improve each of the four pillars starting from a proper risk assessment considering realistic risk mitigation measures, followed by a clear and concise risk communication and finally the implementation of safety measures through proper information and training for the trainers and farmers.
Inverse design of electromagnetically induced transparency metamaterials based on generative adversarial networks
Authors: Li Handong , Wang Jianwei , Qin Chanchan , Lei Tao , Lu Fushan , Li Qi
Published: October 2023

The traditional metamaterial design process usually relies on some knowledge experience and simulation tools to continuously optimize by trial and error, until the simulation results meet the requirements. But this trial-and-error approach could be more unstable and time-consuming, especially when there are too many material parameters or the optimization interval is too large. This paper proposes a multi-prediction model for metamaterials, Improved-StarGan based on StarGan with semi-supervised learning, and use an EIT structure as a validation object. The generator can output various material structures according to the input spectrum extremes, and the discriminator can forward predict the spectrum extremes based on the input material structure parameters. Spectral normalization, gradient penalty, and hidden space distance regularization are also used to increase the diversity of its output data at the expense of sacrificing a part of the accuracy of the generator. During model training, the loss values of the training and validation sets converge normally and end up in a small range. Finally, the data was extracted from the test set for model prediction and simulation comparison. Meanwhile, a sample of one of the predicted structures is tested. All the results show that the model predictions have low error and high confidence. the results demonstrate that the method is effective in both inverse multiple structure and forward prediction of metamaterials, which provides a new design idea for the structural design of metamaterials.
Influence of sidewall grating etching depth on GaN-based distributed feedback laser diodes
Authors: Feng Meixin , Li Chuanjie , Tang Yongjun , Liu Jianxun , Sun Xiujian , Liu Qifa , Yilmaz Ercan , Sun Qian , Yang Hui
Published: October 2023

Conventional sidewall gratings in GaN-based distributed feedback (DFB) laser diodes (LD) have a thick p-type layer, which may cause current spreading and carrier-induced anti-guiding effects, severely deteriorating the lasers performance. In this study, we report a novel fabrication technology to not only reduce the remaining p-type layer in the sidewall gratings but also realize close-coupled sidewall gratings. Afterwards, we further investigate the influence of the sidewall gratings etching depth on GaN-based DFB LDs. The results show an almost unchanged current injection efficiency, nearly coincided I–V curve and a near-field emission width for shallow etched structures, which indicate that the current spreading is neglectable in GaN-based ridge structure LDs. Based on this analysis, GaN-on-Si DFB LDs with an emission wavelength of 414 nm, full width at half maxima of 22 pm, and side mode suppression ratio of 19.1 dB were realized.
Effective dynamics for a spin-1/2 particle constrained to a curved layer with inhomogeneous thickness
Authors: Liang 梁 Guo-Hua 国华 , Yin 尹 Pei-Lin 佩林
Published: October 2023

We derive an effective Hamiltonian for a spin-1/2 particle confined within a curved thin layer with non-uniform thickness using the confining potential approach. Our analysis reveals the presence of a pseudo-magnetic field and effective spin–orbit interaction (SOI) arising from the curvature, as well as an effective scalar potential resulting from variations in thickness. Importantly, we demonstrate that the physical effect of additional SOI from thickness fluctuations vanishes in low-dimensional systems, thus guaranteeing the robustness of spin interference measurements to thickness imperfection. Furthermore, we establish the applicability of the effective Hamiltonian in both symmetric and asymmetric confinement scenarios, which is crucial for its utilization in one-side etching systems.
Temperature dependence of the electron-drift anisotropy and implications for the electron-drift model
Authors: Abt I. , Gooch C. , Hagemann F. , Hauertmann L. , Hervas Aguilar D. , Liu X. , Schulz O. , Schuster M. , Zsigmond A.J.
Published: October 2023

The electron drift in germanium detectors is modeled making
many assumptions. Confronted with data, these assumptions have to be
revisited. The temperature dependence of the drift of electrons was
studied in detail for an n-type segmented point-contact germanium
detector. The detector was mounted in a temperature controlled,
electrically cooled cryostat. Surface events were induced with
collimated 81 keV photons from a 133Ba source. A detailed
analysis of the rise time of pulses collected in surface scans,
performed at different temperatures, is presented. The longitudinal
anisotropy of the electron drift decreases with rising
temperature. A new approach, making use of designated rise-time
windows determined by simulations using
SolidStateDetectors.jl, was used to isolate the longitudinal
drift of electrons along different axes to quantify this
observation. The measured temperature dependence of the longitudinal
drift velocities combined with the standard electron-drift model as
widely used in relevant simulation packages results in unphysical
predictions. A modification of the electron-drift model based on
assuming phonons to be the dominating scattering centers for
electrons is motivated and described. The results of a first
implementation of the modified model in
SolidStateDetectors.jl are shown. They describe the
temperature dependence of the data reasonably well. A general review
of the model and the standard input values for mobilities is
suggested.
Bound states and point interactions of the one-dimensional pseudospin-one Hamiltonian
Authors: Zolotaryuk A V , Zolotaryuk Y , Gusynin V P
Published: October 2023

The spectrum of a one-dimensional pseudospin-one Hamiltonian with a three-component potential is studied for two configurations: (i) all the potential components are constants over the whole coordinate space and (ii) the profile of some components is of a rectangular form. In case (i), it is illustrated how the structure of three (lower, middle and upper) bands depends on the configuration of potential strengths including the appearance of flat bands at some special values of these strengths. In case (ii), the set of two equations for finding bound states is derived. The spectrum of bound-state energies is shown to depend crucially on the configuration of potential strengths. Each of these configurations is specified by a single strength parameter V. The bound-state energies are calculated as functions of the strength V and a one-point approach is developed realizing correspondent point interactions. For different potential configurations, the energy dependence on the strength V is described in detail, including its one-point approximation. From a whole variety of bound-state spectra, four characteristic types are singled out.
Fabrication and characterization of ADC-12 hybrid composites utilizing lemon grass ash and boron nitride through stir-squeeze casting method
Authors: Palanivendhan M , Chandradass J
Published: October 2023

In recent years, there has been increased interest in hybridizing metal matrix composites using agro-based-waste materials as sustainable choices. Despite the poor tribo-mechanical properties of conventional reinforcement materials, there is immense potential for using alternate reinforcing elements to enhance the mechanical features of matrix composite. In addition, conventional casting procedures present several challenges, including high costs and a lack of adequate mechanical qualities in the finished product. To combat these issues, the authors herein produce the well-known aluminium matrix composite (AMC), ADC 12 alloy, using waste lemon grass (LG) ash at a fixed rate (6 wt%) and hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) at variable proportions (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 wt%) as reinforcing element against traditional reinforcement particles to enhance the tribo-mechanical properties of casted hybrid AMC. In addition, the Stir-Squeeze Casting method produces the hybrid AMC, dramatically decreasing production costs and enhancing final product qualities. The hybrid AMC formed by Stir-Squeeze Casting is examined for its mechanical, corrosion, and tribological characteristics, with the findings indicating that the addition of LG and hBN improved the mechanical, corrosion, and tribological properties of the ADC-LG-hBN composites, with 6 wt% LG and 4.5 wt% hBN reinforcements producing the optimal result. The experimental density of ADC-LG- hBN composites was reduced by 8% when compared to the ADC 12 alloy, while the composites’ tensile, hardness and compressive strength were increased by 118.9%, 36.7%, and 33.6%, respectively. Similarly, the developed composite showed an improved corrosion resistance of 43.8% for 24 h, and the wear rate decreased by 90.4%.
Amphibian chytrid fungus
Authors: Wayne Marta L. , Bolker Benjamin M.
Published: October 2023

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a fungal non-human pathogen that infects hundreds of different amphibian species, driving some of them to extinction. ‘Amphibian chytrid fungus’ considers the physiology and natural history of this emerging pathogen; its discovery in the late 1990s in Australia and Central America; and the concepts and strategies used to try to determine its origins. Did it arrive recently in the communities it has destroyed, or had it lain dormant in those communities for millennia before suddenly beginning to cause harm? The debate between the novel pathogen hypothesis and the endemic pathogen hypothesis, versions of which apply to most emerging diseases of wildlife, has lately been settled by genomic samples from Asia that show that the fungus coexisted with amphibians there for millions of years before spreading globally in the mid-20th century. Like many wildlife diseases, controlling Bd in the wild is difficult. While antifungal compounds can be spread in the environment, the most effective way to save amphibian populations may be to promote population health more generally by limiting other threats such as habitat destruction and overhunting.
The British Constitution: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Loughlin Martin
Published: October 2023

In this Very Short Introduction, Martin Loughlin sketches the unique character of the British constitution, sets it in the context of the growth across the world of modern documentary constitutions, and illustrates how Britain’s traditional constitutional arrangements have continued to evolve in response to modern economic, political, and social developments. The impact of recent changes introduced as a result of Britain’s exit from the European Union, the debates over Scottish independence, the uneasy settlement in Northern Ireland, and proposed reforms to the Human Rights Act are examined, and the prospects for Britain’s traditional constitution are assessed.
French Cinema: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Andrew Dudley
Published: October 2023

This book tracks the films, directors, actors, and producers that have made French cinema stand out as perhaps the most artistically ambitious of all national cinemas. Less than 15 percent of national production has sought such attention. Still, this amounts to over 2,000 export films made since the sound era (1930). This book mentions about 275 of those films in generally chronological order. The focus is on French films against the background of French cinema (technology, economics, sociology, politics). Achievements in style—often vis à vis literature, painting, and music—make French films distinctive. Some directors are famous for their chic look and sophisticated themes, while others (like Godard) deliberately slash away at this image in a quest for authenticity, scraping off the carefully made-up face that French stylists have fashioned (e.g. Amélie). This tension between visual spectacle and écriture (cinematic writing) was noted by critics André Bazin and Serge Daney whose views the book espouses. They showed that classical 1930s directors and actors (Marcel Carné; Jean Gabin) gave way after World War II to modernist ones (Robert Bresson), then to the New Wave (François Truffaut; Jeanne Moreau). The year 1968 brought to a head a vigorous male politics of style, followed by women directors from the seventies on. Starting in the eighties, diversity of gender and race has grown in tension with the commercial Cinéma du look, while New Wave ideas continue to inject spontaneity into the system.
Les Glorieuses années trentes
Authors: Andrew Dudley
Published: October 2023

This chapter notes that, with sound, cinema soon rivalled live entertainment by adopting songs and theatre routines available at music halls and café-concerts. It also drew on popular theatre plays and actors. France followed three different models in adapting to the crisis of sound. René Clair and his filmed operettas proved the most immediately successful. He, along with the other two models, Marcel Pagnol and Jean Renoir, developed themes that dealt with the lower classes to appeal to the masses and to the highly politicized period of the Popular Front. The chapter cites the emergence of pessimistic and adult themes presented in a novelistic style now called Poetic Realism. French export films triumphed abroad. The decade ended with three films crucial to cinema’s future: Carné’s Le Jour se lève, Renoir’s La Règle du jeu, and Malraux’s Espoir—the last, instantly banned since its release coincided with Adolf Hitler’s invasion of Poland.
Postwar renewal and retrenchment
Authors: Andrew Dudley
Published: October 2023

This chapter covers the state of French cinema just after the World War II armistice. Critics from L’Écran Français, La Revue du Cinéma, and other papers and cultural journals broadcast the return of French cinema to international prominence and its role in envisaging a free, egalitarian society. The chapter explores the opening of the film school IDHEC and the Cannes Festival, where France entered five features including prize-winners La Bataille du rail and La Symphonie Pastorale. Though not selected by its own country, Georges Rouquier’s poetic documentary Farrebique took the critics’ award. The chapter explains how cinema was at the mercy of trade negotiations with America following the 1946 Blum–Byrnes accord. It discusses the establishment of the Objectif 49 movement, led by Cocteau, Bazin, Jacques Becker, and Robert Bresson, to build an audience for a new avant-garde of mature feature films.
Standing up and standing out in the global arena
Authors: Andrew Dudley
Published: October 2023

This chapter explains the emergence of French cinema in the global arena. It notes the eighties as the box-office nadir for European cinema. Though France did better than its neighbours, a glut of private TV channels further eroded a cinema audience that increasingly favoured the Hollywood spectacle. The chapter details how minister of culture, Jack Lang, imposed a hefty tax on tickets in an effort to modernize theatres and jumpstart new productions, including those of young auteurs like Leos Carax and expensive “Heritage” films. Next, France successfully imposed a “cultural exception” in the GATT accords of 1993, giving nations a right to limit imports and subsidize local films. With such financial leverage, plus its governmental agency, UniFrance, French cinema became known around the world for its auteurs (new works by Godard, Rohmer, Rivette, Chabrol), and particularly its stars, Catherine Deneuve, Gérard Depardieu, Isabelle Huppert, and Juliette Binoche.
Imagination: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Gosetti-Ferencei Jennifer
Published: October 2023

Imagination: A Very Short Introduction explores the concept of imagination as a cognitive power crucial to human flourishing. It considers a long philosophical history in which imagination was criticized or revered or regarded as an elusive mysterious capacity of the mind. This study shows how imagination plays a significant role in a wide range of human activities from cave paintings and poetry to physics, phenomenology, and technology, from Nazca geoglyphs to modern art. The VSI explains the philosophy of imagination in the context of aesthetics and literary theory, while highlighting the importance of imagination in human experiences from art and science to everyday life.
From divine madness to cognitive power
Authors: Gosetti-Ferencei Jennifer
Published: October 2023

This chapter explores the historical treatment of imagination in philosophy and literature as a revered or reviled power of the human mind. Philosophers and writers considered it crucial to understand the imagination’s involvement in human thinking. The critical scrutiny and even condemnation of imagination in ancient and early modern philosophy are countered by a recognition of its power and importance for the human mind. The chapter considers the conceptualization of imagination presented by Plato, Aristotle, Michel de Montaigne, and Descartes. It explains how imagination is recognized as the medium of empathy and a source of intuition of the objective world, and how recognition of its synthetic power played an important role in the formulation of productive imagination.
The productive and aesthetic imagination
Authors: Gosetti-Ferencei Jennifer
Published: October 2023

This chapter elaborates the concepts of aesthetic imagination and productive imagination as crucial to the philosophical appreciation of imaginative capacities. The rise of aesthetics in the 18th century, shifting from a philosophy of perception to focus on the perception of beauty in nature and art, would come to inspire an ecstatic devotion to imagination on the part of Romantic writers and thinkers. The chapter outlines the rise of aesthetic philosophy in Alexander Baumgarten, Edmund Burke, and Immanuel Kant, and the influence of aesthetics of the beautiful and the sublime on the Romantic reverence for imagination. The formulation of the productive imagination by Kant and philosophers in his wake facilitated exploration of its role in human creativity.
The augmentation of reality
Authors: Gosetti-Ferencei Jennifer
Published: October 2023

This chapter details how recognition of the productive imagination transformed the philosophy of imagination and preoccupied philosophers throughout the 20th century. It considers the implications of the productive turn as explored in 20th-century theories of imagination from Wittgenstein’s notion of aspect perception or seeing-as to the phenomenology of Jean-Paul Sartre, Maurice Merleau-Pointy, Gaston Bachelard, and the hermeneutics of Paul Ricoeur. This chapter shows how productive imagination augments reality by endowing it with distinctly human meaning and shaping our experience of it. From seeing-as to the linguistic use of metaphor and narrative structure, imagination manifests new meanings that transcend, and may illuminate, given configurations of the real.
Nebulized medications in the emergency department: A narrative review of nontraditional agents
Authors: Weant Kyle A , Baum Regan A , Hile Garrett B , Humphries Roger L , Metts Elise L , Miller Amy R , Woolum Jordan A , Bailey Abby M
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This article summarizes emerging nontraditional therapies administered via the nebulization route for use in the emergency department (ED).

Although traditional routes of medication administration (eg, intravenous) have been the mainstay of administration modalities for decades, these routes may not be appropriate for all patients. Nowhere is this more readily apparent than in the ED setting, where patients with a variety of presentations receive care. One unique route for medication administration that has increasingly gained popularity in the ED is that of aerosolized drug delivery. This route holds promise as direct delivery of medications to the site of action could yield a more rapid and effective therapeutic response while also minimizing systemic adverse effects by utilizing a fraction of the systemic dose. Medication administration via nebulization also provides an alternative that is conducive to rapid, less invasive access, which is advantageous in the emergent setting of the ED. This review is intended to analyze the existing literature regarding this route of administration, including the nuances that can impact drug efficacy, as well as the available literature regarding novel, noncommercial nebulized medication therapy given in the ED.

Conclusion

Multiple medications have been investigated for administration via this route, and when implementing any of these therapies several practical considerations must be taken into account, from medication preparation to administration, to ensure optimal efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. The pharmacist is an essential bedside team member in these scenarios to assist with navigating unique and complex nuances of this therapy as they develop.
Learning curve in open groin hernia surgery: nationwide register-based study
Authors: Bladin Olof , Young Nathalie , Nordquist Jonas , Roy Joy , Järnbert-Pettersson Hans , Sandblom Gabriel , Löfgren Jenny
Published: October 2023

Background

Current recommendations regarding the number of open groin hernia repairs that surgical trainees are required to perform during their residency are arbitrarily defined and vary between different curricula. This register-based study sought to investigate the learning curve of surgeons performing open anterior mesh repair for groin hernia by assessing hernia recurrence rates, surgical complications and operating times in relation to the number of procedures performed.

Method

Nationwide data on open anterior mesh repair for groin hernia performed by surgical residents were collected from the Swedish Hernia Register between 2005 and 2020. The data were analysed in a cohort undergoing procedures carried out by surgeons performing their first registered repair as resident general surgeons. Repairs by surgeons with fewer than 30 repairs were excluded.

Results

A total of 38 845 repairs carried out by 663 surgeons were included. Operation time decreased with increasing number of performed procedures, mean (s.d.) operation time was 79 (26) min for the first 15 procedures and 60 (23) min after 241 procedures (P <0.001). A turning point where complication rates began to decrease was seen after 60 procedures. Complication rates were 3.6 per cent (396 of 10 978) for procedures 31–60 and 2.7 per cent (157 of 5 798) for procedures 61–120 (P = 0.002). There was no significant relationship between the number of procedures performed and the rate of operation on for recurrence (P = 0.894).

Conclusion

Sixty performed procedures during surgical residency is a reasonable target for achieving competency to perform open anterior mesh repair for groin hernia safely without supervision.
Spurious Regressions and Panel IV Estimation: Revisiting the Causes of Conflict
Authors: Christian Paul , Barrett Christopher B
Published: October 2023

The long-recognised spurious regression problem can lead to mistaken inference in panel instrumental variable estimation. Spurious correlations arising from correlated cycles in finite time horizons can make irrelevant instruments appear strong with signable consequences for estimated instrumental variable coefficients, or interfere with valid inference of causal effects from instrumental variable coefficients estimated using relevant instruments. The inclusion of time fixed effects in interacted specifications does not always resolve these problems. We demonstrate these concerns by revisiting recent studies of the causal origins of conflict. We offer diagnostic and corrective recommendations for avoiding the pitfalls arising from time series exhibiting persistence.