bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Myiasis Secondary to Burr Hole Evacuation: A Rare Illustrative Case Report
Authors: Deo Rama Chandra , Acharya Abhijit , Panigrahi Souvagya , Senapati Satya Bhusan , Mahapatra A.K. , Puppala Sumirini
Published: June 2023

Myiasis (maggot infestation) is a condition in which fly maggots feed off and develop in the tissues of living organisms. Most common in tropical and subtropical regions, human myiasis, is prevalent among individuals in close association of domestic animals and those inhabiting the unhygienic conditions. We, hereby, describe a rare case of cerebral myiasis (17th in the world, 3rd in India) that presented to our institution in Eastern India secondary in the operated site of craniotomy and burr hole few years back. Cerebral myiases are exceedingly rare conditions, especially in high-income countries with only 17 previously published cases with the reported mortality as high as 6 out of 7 cases dying of the disease. We additionally also present a compiled review of previous case literatures to highlight the comparative clinical, epidemiological features and outcome of such cases. Although rare, brain myiasis should be a differential diagnosis of surgical wound dehiscence in developing countries where conditions do exist in this country that permit myiasis. This differential diagnosis should be remembered, particularly when the classic signs of inflammation are not present.
Association of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1RA) Gene Polymorphism with Community-Acquired Pneumonia in North Indian Children: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Verma Neha , Awasthi Shally , Pandey Anuj K. , Gupta Prashant
Published: June 2023

Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of death in children < 5 years of age. The primary objective of the study was to assess the association of IL-1RA gene polymorphism in children aged 2 to 59 months with CAP and the secondary objective was to assess the association of gene polymorphism with mortality among hospitalized CAP cases.

Study Design This case–control study was conducted in a tertiary teaching institute in Northern India. Hospitalized children aged 2 to 59 months with World Health Organization-defined CAP were included as cases after parental consent. Age-matched healthy controls were recruited from the immunization clinic of the hospital. Genotyping was done using polymerase chain reaction to analyze the variable number of tandem repeats of IL-1RA gene polymorphism.

Result From October 2019 to October 2021, 330 cases (123, 37.27% female), and 330 controls (151, 45.75% female) were recruited. Genotype A2/A2 of the IL-1RA gene was found to be associated with the increased risk for CAP children with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 12.24 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.21–28.7, p < 0.001). A2 and A4 alleles were also found to be at risk for CAP. A1/A2 genotype was found to be protective for CAP with an AOR of 0.29 (95% CI 0.19–19.0.45). The genotype A2/A2 and A2 allele of IL-1RA gene was associated with child mortality with CAP cases.

Conclusion In IL1RA gene, A2/A2 genotype and A2 allele were associated with increased risk of CAP and A1/A2 were found to be protective for CAP. The genotype A2/A2 and A2 was associated with CAP mortality.
Exploring the Caregiver-Reported Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Riccardi Jessica Salley
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a persistent, negative, and disproportionate impact on children with disabilities. Children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be expected to experience a disproportionate impact given the deficits often associated with childhood TBI (e.g., family functioning, fatigue, executive functioning, quality of life). This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with TBI and their families, compared to typically developing (TD) children and their families. Thirty caregivers (TBI = 15; TD = 15) completed a series of electronic survey measures. Overall, caregivers reported no negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their family's or child's functioning and association with demographic factors and domains of functioning showed no clear patterns. The findings of this exploratory study support continued longitudinal investigation with larger sample sizes of the provision of supports for all families and children in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional research is needed to understand the effectiveness of targeted services for students with TBI in domains of functioning that are significantly poorer than TD children (e.g., quality of life, executive functioning, fatigue).
Deep Venous Arterialization: Background, Patient Selection, Technique, Outcomes and Follow-up, and Future Implementation
Authors: Zaman Naveed , Rundback John
Published: June 2023

Critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is a severe manifestation of peripheral arterial disease with a highly increased risk for morbidity and mortality that has limited and suboptimal opportunities for treatment, ultimately resulting in major amputation for patients. Deep venous arterialization (DVA) provides a suitable limb salvage option for “no-option” patients facing amputation by introducing an artificial anastomosis between a site of proximal arterial inflow and retrograde venous outflow to deliver tissue perfusion to lower extremity wounds. Because DVAs are employed as a last-resort effort in CLTI patients, it is important to provide updated information on indications for usage, strategies in creating DVA conduits, and discussion of outcomes and expectations for patients undergoing this procedure. Additionally, variations in method, including use of various techniques and devices, are explored. The authors provide an up-to-date review of the literature and discuss pertinent procedural and technical considerations for utilizing DVAs in CLTI patients.
Decay rate to contact discontinuities for the one-dimensional compressible Navier–Stokes equations with a reacting mixture
Authors: Peng Lishuang , Li Yong
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we investigate the nonlinear stability of contact waves for the Cauchy problem to the compressible Navier–Stokes equations for a reacting mixture in one dimension. If the corresponding Riemann problem for the compressible Euler system admits a contact discontinuity solution, it is shown that the contact wave is nonlinearly stable, while the strength of the contact discontinuity and the initial perturbation are suitably small. Especially, we obtain the convergence rate by using anti-derivative methods and elaborated energy estimates.
High-order pump–probe and high-order two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy on the example of squaraine oligomers
Authors: Lüttig Julian , Rose Peter A. , Malý Pavel , Turkin Arthur , Bühler Michael , Lambert Christoph , Krich Jacob J. , Brixner Tobias
Published: June 2023

Time-resolved spectroscopy is commonly used to study diverse phenomena in chemistry, biology, and physics. Pump–probe experiments and coherent two-dimensional (2D) spectroscopy have resolved site-to-site energy transfer, visualized electronic couplings, and much more. In both techniques, the lowest-order signal, in a perturbative expansion of the polarization, is of third order in the electric field, which we call a one-quantum (1Q) signal because in 2D spectroscopy it oscillates in the coherence time with the excitation frequency. There is also a two-quantum (2Q) signal that oscillates in the coherence time at twice the fundamental frequency and is fifth order in the electric field. We demonstrate that the appearance of the 2Q signal guarantees that the 1Q signal is contaminated by non-negligible fifth-order interactions. We derive an analytical connection between an nQ signal and (2n + 1)th-order contaminations of an rQ (with r < n) signal by studying Feynman diagrams of all contributions. We demonstrate that by performing partial integrations along the excitation axis in 2D spectra, we can obtain clean rQ signals free of higher-order artifacts. We exemplify the technique using optical 2D spectroscopy on squaraine oligomers, showing clean extraction of the third-order signal. We further demonstrate the analytical connection with higher-order pump–probe spectroscopy and compare both techniques experimentally. Our approach demonstrates the full power of higher-order pump–probe and 2D spectroscopy to investigate multi-particle interactions in coupled systems.
Equation of state of a partially homogenized plasma of low-dense porous matter
Authors: Gus'kov S. Yu. , Yakhin R. A.
Published: June 2023

The equation of state (EOS) of a low-density porous substance plasma is proposed in the form of continuous media EOS containing, as a pressure control parameter, the degree of plasma homogenization. This parameter is a function of the initial porous structure as well as the current values of plasma density and temperature. Using the partially homogenized-plasma EOS, an approximate analytical solution is found and numerical calculations were performed of the problem of thermal expansion of a flat layer of porous matter. The features of the obtained results are discussed in comparison with the case of a homogeneous substance of equivalent chemical composition. The proposed equation of state is used to analyze the experimental data on thermodynamic state of porous substance heated with laser and x-ray pulses as well as energy transfer in such a substance by laser-supported ionization wave.
Single thermal scan digital system for deep level transient spectroscopy
Authors: Sreeshma D. , Koteswara Rao K. S. R.
Published: June 2023

We have developed a micro-controller based Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) system to identify the deep-level defects in semiconductors. It consists of Arduino-Due, a capacitance meter, and interface circuits. In addition, we have also developed the algorithms needed for the entire signal processing. It is not limited to Arduino-Due but can be implemented using other micro-controllers also. We have used Arduino-Due to generate the filling pulse and monitor the capacitance, temperature, data acquisition, timing control, and signal processing. The sequence of generating the filling pulse, reading the data, and signal processing is controlled digitally rather than by analog sampling circuits and timers. The minimum pulse width generated using Arduino-Due is 50 ns; the pulse width generation depends on various hardware and software parameters and their integration. The resolution in reading the data is 0.8 mV/unit. The time delays in reading the data are appropriately taken care of in the system. The whole experiment can be completed in a single temperature cycle within 2–3 h. The system is simple, inexpensive, in an easy-to-use platform, and less time-consuming; minimizes possible errors; and improves accuracy. The measurements using the “micro-controller based DLTS system” are verified by fabricating (Au) gold-doped silicon (Si) p–n junction samples (Au is a well-understood defect in Si). Using the Arduino-Due based DLTS system, we calculated the energy, the capture cross section, and the concentration of trap levels. The results are in good agreement with the literature, indicating the versatility of the system.
Perspective on spin–orbit torque, topology, and reciprocal and real-space spin textures in magnetic materials and heterostructures
Authors: Ghosh Sumit , Rüßmann Philipp , Mokrousov Yuriy , Freimuth Frank , Kosma Adamantia
Published: June 2023

In this Perspective, we present some important aspects of two fundamental concepts of modern spintronics, namely, spin–orbit torque and topology. Although these two fields emerged separately in condensed matter physics, in spintronics they show a deep connection, which requires further theoretical and experimental investigation. The topological features can arise both from momentum space via the wave functions as well as from real space via complex magnetic configurations. These features manifest themselves as unique aspects of different equilibrium and non-equilibrium properties. Physical interactions of such a topological origin can open new possibilities for more efficient mechanisms for manipulating magnetic order with electrical currents, which, in turn, can lead to faster and more efficient spintronics devices.
Large active-area superconducting microwire detector array with single-photon sensitivity in the near-infrared
Authors: Luskin Jamie S. , Schmidt Ekkehart , Korzh Boris , Beyer Andrew D. , Bumble Bruce , Allmaras Jason P. , Walter Alexander B. , Wollman Emma E. , Narváez Lautaro , Verma Varun B. , Nam Sae Woo , Charaev Ilya , Colangelo Marco , Berggren Karl K. , Peña Cristián , Spiropulu Maria , Garcia-Sciveres Maurice , Derenzo Stephen , Shaw Matthew D.
Published: June 2023

Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) are the highest-performing technology for time-resolved single-photon counting from the UV to the near-infrared. The recent discovery of single-photon sensitivity in micrometer-scale superconducting wires is a promising pathway to explore for large active area devices with application to dark matter searches and fundamental physics experiments. We present 8-pixel 1 mm2 superconducting microwire single photon detectors (SMSPDs) with 1 μm-wide wires fabricated from WSi and MoSi films of various stoichiometries using electron-beam and optical lithography. Devices made from all materials and fabrication techniques show saturated internal detection efficiency at 1064 nm in at least one pixel, and the best performing device made from silicon-rich WSi shows single-photon sensitivity in all eight pixels and saturated internal detection efficiency in 6/8 pixels. This detector is the largest reported active-area SMSPD or SNSPD with near-IR sensitivity, and it extends the SMSPD to an array format. By further optimizing the photolithography techniques presented in this work, a viable pathway exists to realize larger devices with cm2-scale active area and beyond.
Growing clean crystals from dirty precursors: Solid-source metal-organic molecular beam epitaxy growth of superconducting Sr2RuO4 films
Authors: Choudhary Rashmi , Liu Zhaoyu , Cai Jiaqi , Xu Xiaodong , Chu Jiun-Haw , Jalan Bharat
Published: June 2023

Ultra-high purity elemental sources have long been considered a prerequisite for obtaining low impurity concentrations in compound semiconductors in the world of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) since its inception in 1968. However, we demonstrate that a “dirty” solid precursor, ruthenium(III) acetylacetonate [also known as Ru(acac)3], can yield single-phase, epitaxial, and superconducting Sr2RuO4 films with the same ease and control as III–V MBE. A superconducting transition was observed at ∼0.9 K, suggesting a low defect density and a high degree of crystallinity in these films. In contrast to the conventional MBE, which employs the ultra-pure Ru metal evaporated at ∼2000 °C as a Ru source, along with reactive ozone to obtain Ru → Ru4+ oxidation, the use of the Ru(acac)3 precursor significantly simplifies the MBE process by lowering the temperature for Ru sublimation (less than 200 °C) and by eliminating the need for ozone. Combining these results with the recent developments in hybrid MBE, we argue that leveraging the precursor chemistry will be necessary to realize next-generation breakthroughs in the synthesis of atomically precise quantum materials.
Distributed memory, GPU accelerated Fock construction for hybrid, Gaussian basis density functional theory
Authors: Williams-Young David B. , Asadchev Andrey , Popovici Doru Thom , Clark David , Waldrop Jonathan , Windus Theresa L. , Valeev Edward F. , de Jong Wibe A.
Published: June 2023

With the growing reliance of modern supercomputers on accelerator-based architecture such a graphics processing units (GPUs), the development and optimization of electronic structure methods to exploit these massively parallel resources has become a recent priority. While significant strides have been made in the development GPU accelerated, distributed memory algorithms for many modern electronic structure methods, the primary focus of GPU development for Gaussian basis atomic orbital methods has been for shared memory systems with only a handful of examples pursing massive parallelism. In the present work, we present a set of distributed memory algorithms for the evaluation of the Coulomb and exact exchange matrices for hybrid Kohn–Sham DFT with Gaussian basis sets via direct density-fitted (DF-J-Engine) and seminumerical (sn-K) methods, respectively. The absolute performance and strong scalability of the developed methods are demonstrated on systems ranging from a few hundred to over one thousand atoms using up to 128 NVIDIA A100 GPUs on the Perlmutter supercomputer.
Effects of the intrinsic energy on kinetics of bio-molecules in multidimensional landscape model
Authors: Zheng Yue , Xu Junjun , Tang Ke
Published: June 2023

The intrinsic energy G, which is crucial for distinguishing the chemical activity of bio-molecules, plays a significant role. Various factors affecting intrinsic energy differ from simple correlations observed in the inorganic field or small organic molecular systems. To gain deeper insights into the dynamic properties within a multidimensional landscape, typical components associated with intrinsic energy, such as the pulling force F, activity distance ΔQ‡, and configurational symmetry, have been investigated. The pulling force primarily affects the x coordination and provides a quantitative measure of dynamic properties. On the other hand, estimating the influence of ΔQ‡ and configurational symmetry on intrinsic energy is complex due to their connection with configuration fluctuation properties. In this study, a statistical method was employed to investigate the fluctuation. By comparing the mean waiting time ⟨t⟩, significant differences between normal kinetics and dynamic disorder were revealed. Our findings offer a novel perspective for examining the role of intrinsic energy or potential energy in bio-molecules.
GaAs ablation with ultrashort laser pulses in ambient air and water environments
Authors: Markauskas Edgaras , Zubauskas Laimis , Naujokaitis Arnas , Čechavičius Bronislovas , Talaikis Martynas , Niaura Gediminas , Čaplovičová Mária , Vretenár Viliam , Paulauskas Tadas
Published: June 2023

Water-assisted ultrashort laser pulse processing of semiconductor materials is a promising technique to diminish heat accumulation and improve process quality. In this study, we investigate femtosecond laser ablation of deep trenches in GaAs, an important optoelectronic material, using water and ambient air environments at different laser processing regimes. We perform a comprehensive analysis of ablated trenches, including surface morphological analysis, atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging, elemental mapping, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy. The findings demonstrate that GaAs ablation efficiency is enhanced in a water environment while heat-accumulation-related damage is reduced. Raman spectroscopy reveals a decrease in the broad feature associated with amorphous GaAs surface layers during water-assisted laser processing, suggesting that a higher material quality in deep trenches can be achieved using a water environment.
Tracking Jespersen’s cycle in Veronese and Bresciano
Authors: Tagliani Marta , Živojinović Jelena
Published: June 2023

This article provides an insight in the
expression of sentential negation in two Italo-Romance varieties,
i.e., Bresciano and Veronese. The fieldwork data gathered in
Lumezzane (BS), Brescia, San Giovanni Lupatoto (VR) and Nogara (VR)
shows an intriguing range of variation. The Veronese peripheral data
displays the particle
mia
(local form of

mica
) as a
reinforcing negative element; central Bresciano shows a homogeneous
pattern of postverbal negation, whereas in Lumezzanese the negative
particle
mia
is completely
grammaticalized. The general picture illustrates homogeneous negation
patterns across the analysed structures, with all three stages of Jespersen’s cycle represented.
An emerging final particle
Authors: Hancil Sylvie
Published: June 2023

Turn-taking is one of the contexts leading to
innovative language use. In this article, I will explore the
relationship between the emergence of grammatical patterns and
intersubjectivity. Final particles belong to the category of
linguistic expressions that generate the production of interactional
grammar. After reviewing the various meanings of final

quoi
in French
dictionaries, I will test the five principles of grammaticalization,
namely layering, divergence, specialization, persistence and
decategorization and I will try to show that the evolution of the
particle cannot be restricted to the grammaticalization process.
The role of Zn2+ in shaping intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in the heart
Authors: Dorward Amy M. , Stewart Alan J. , Pitt Samantha J.
Published: June 2023

Increasing evidence suggests that Zn2+ acts as a second messenger capable of transducing extracellular stimuli into intracellular signaling events. The importance of Zn2+ as a signaling molecule in cardiovascular functioning is gaining traction. In the heart, Zn2+ plays important roles in excitation–contraction (EC) coupling, excitation–transcription coupling, and cardiac ventricular morphogenesis. Zn2+ homeostasis in cardiac tissue is tightly regulated through the action of a combination of transporters, buffers, and sensors. Zn2+ mishandling is a common feature of various cardiovascular diseases. However, the precise mechanisms controlling the intracellular distribution of Zn2+ and its variations during normal cardiac function and during pathological conditions are not fully understood. In this review, we consider the major pathways by which the concentration of intracellular Zn2+ is regulated in the heart, the role of Zn2+ in EC coupling, and discuss how Zn2+ dyshomeostasis resulting from altered expression levels and efficacy of Zn2+ regulatory proteins are key drivers in the progression of cardiac dysfunction.
A High-Randomness and High-Stability Electronic Quantum Random Number Generator without Post Processing
Authors: Liu Yu-Xuan , Huang Ke-Xin , Bai Yu-Ming , Yang Zhe , Li Jun-Lin
Published: June 2023

Random numbers are one of the key foundations of cryptography. This work implements a discrete quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on the tunneling effect of electrons in an avalanche photo diode. Without any post-processing and conditioning, this QRNG can output raw sequences at a rate of 100 Mbps. Remarkably, the statistical min-entropy of the 8,000,000 bits sequence reaches 0.9944 bits/bit, and the min-entropy validated by NIST SP 800-90B reaches 0.9872 bits/bit. This metric is currently the highest value we have investigated for QRNG raw sequences. Moreover, this QRNG can continuously and stably output raw sequences with high randomness over extended periods. The system produced a continuous output of 1,174 Gbits raw sequence for a duration of 11,744 s, with every 8 Mbits forming a unit to obtain a statistical min-entropy distribution with an average value of 0.9892 bits/bit. The statistical min-entropy of all data (1,174 Gbits) achieves the value of 0.9951 bits/bit. This QRNG can produce high-quality raw sequences with good randomness and stability. It has the potential to meet the high demand in cryptography for random numbers with high quality.
Robust vessel segmentation in laser speckle contrast images based on semi-weakly supervised learning
Authors: Yang Kun , Chang Shilong , Yuan Jiacheng , Fu Suzhong , Qin Geng , Liu Shuang , Liu Kun , Zhao Qingliang , Xue Linyan
Published: June 2023

Objective. The goal of this study is to develop a robust semi-weakly supervised learning strategy for vessel segmentation in laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), addressing the challenges associated with the low signal-to-noise ratio, small vessel size, and irregular vascular aberration in diseased regions, while improving the performance and robustness of the segmentation method. Approach. For the training dataset, the healthy vascular images denoted as normal-vessel samples were manually labeled, while the diseased LSCI images involving tumor or embolism were denoted as abnormal-vessel samples and annotated as pseudo labels by the traditional semantic segmentation methods. In the training phase, the pseudo labels were constantly updated to improve the segmentation accuracy based on DeepLabv3+. Objective evaluation was conducted on the normal-vessel test set, while subjective evaluation was performed on the abnormal-vessel test set. Main results. The proposed method achieved an IOU of 0.8671, a Dice of 0.9288, and a mean relative percentage difference (mRPD) with supervised learning of 0.5% in the objective evaluation. In the subjective evaluation, our method significantly outperformed other methods in main vessel segmentation, tiny vessel segmentation, and blood vessel connection. Additionally, our method exhibited robustness when abnormal-vessel style noise was added to normal-vessel samples using a style translation network. Significance. The proposed semi-weakly supervised learning strategy demonstrates high efficiency and excellent robustness for vascular segmentation in LSCI, providing a potential tool for assessing the morphological and structural features of vessels in clinical applications.
Automatic identification of intracranial pressure waveform during external ventricular drainage clamping: segmentation via wavelet analysis
Authors: Megjhani Murad , Terilli Kalijah , Kwon Soon Bin , Nametz Daniel , Weinerman Bennett , Velazquez Angela , Ghoshal Shivani , Roh David , Agarwal Sachin , Connolly E Sander , Claassen Jan , Park Soojin
Published: June 2023

Objective. The objective of this study is to develop and validate a method for automatically identifying segments of intracranial pressure (ICP) waveform data from external ventricular drainage (EVD) recordings during intermittent drainage and closure. Methods. The proposed method uses time-frequency analysis through wavelets to distinguish periods of ICP waveform in EVD data. By comparing the frequency compositions of the ICP signals (when the EVD system is clamped) and the artifacts (when the system is open), the algorithm can detect short, uninterrupted segments of ICP waveform from the longer periods of non-measurement data. The method involves applying a wavelet transform, calculating the absolute power in a specific range, using Otsu thresholding to automatically identify a threshold, and performing a morphological operation to remove small segments. Two investigators manually graded the same randomly selected one-hour segments of the resulting processed data. Performance metrics were calculated as a percentage. Results. The study analyzed data from 229 patients who had EVD placed following subarachnoid hemorrhage between June 2006 and December 2012. Of these, 155 (67.7%) were female and 62 (27%) developed delayed cerebral ischemia. A total of 45 150 h of data were segmented. 2044 one-hour segments were randomly selected and evaluated by two investigators (MM and DN). Of those, the evaluators agreed on the classification of 1556 one-hour segments. The algorithm was able to correctly identify 86% (1338 h) of ICP waveform data. 8.2% (128 h) of the time the algorithm either partially or fully failed to segment the ICP waveform. 5.4% (84 h) of data, artifacts were mistakenly identified as ICP waveforms (false positives). Conclusion. The proposed algorithm automates the identification of valid ICP waveform segments of waveform in EVD data and thus enables the inclusion in real-time data analysis for decision support. It also standardizes and makes research data management more efficient.
Exploring heteroepitaxial growth and electrical properties of α-Ga2O3 films on differently oriented sapphire substrates
Authors: Wang Wei , Hu Shudong , Wang Zilong , Liu Kaisen , Zhang Jinfu , Wu Simiao , Yang Yuxia , Xia Ning , Zhang Wenrui , Ye Jichun
Published: June 2023

This study explores the epitaxial relationship and electrical properties of α-Ga2O3 thin films deposited on a-plane, m-plane, and r-plane sapphire substrates. We characterize the thin films by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, and elucidate thin film epitaxial relationships with the underlying sapphire substrates. The oxygen vacancy concentration of α-Ga2O3 thin films on m-plane and r-plane sapphire substrates are higher than α-Ga2O3 thin film on a-plane sapphire substrates. All three thin films have a high transmission of over 80% in the visible and near-ultraviolet regions, and their optical bandgaps stay around 5.02–5.16 eV. Hall measurements show that the α-Ga2O3 thin film grown on r-plane sapphire has the highest conductivity of 2.71 S/cm, which is at least 90 times higher than the film on a-plane sapphire. A similar orientation-dependence is seen in their activation energy as revealed by temperature-dependent conductivity measurements, with 0.266, 0.079, and 0.075 eV for the film on a-, m-, r-plane, respectively. The origin of the distinct transport behavior of films on differently oriented substrates is suggested to relate with the distinct evolution of oxygen vacancies at differently oriented substrates. This study provides insights for the substrate selection when growing α-Ga2O3 films with tunable transport properties.
Rapid epitaxy of 2-inch and high-quality α-Ga2O3 films by mist-CVD method
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Mu Wenxiang , Xie Jiahui , Zhang Jinteng , Li Yang , Jia Zhitai , Tao Xutang
Published: June 2023

High thickness uniformity and large-scale films of α-Ga2O3 are crucial factors for the development of power devices. In this work, a high-quality 2-inch α-Ga2O3 epitaxial film on c-plane sapphire substrates was prepared by the mist-CVD method. The growth rate and phase control mechanisms were systematically investigated. The growth rate of the α-Ga2O3 films was limited by the evaporation of the microdroplets containing gallium acetylacetonate. By adjusting the substrate position (z) from 80 to 50 mm, the growth rate was increased from 307 nm/h to 1.45 μm/h when the growth temperature was fixed at 520 °C. When the growth temperature exceeded 560 °C, ε-Ga2O3 was observed to form at the edges of 2-inch sapphire substrate. Phase control was achieved by adjusting the growth temperature. When the growth temperature was 540 °C and the substrate position was 50 mm, the full-width at half maximum (FWHM) of the rocking curves for the (0006) and (10-14) planes were 0.023° and 1.17°. The screw and edge dislocations were 2.3 × 106 and 3.9 × 1010 cm-2, respectively. Furthermore, the bandgaps and optical transmittance of α-Ga2O3 films grown under different conditions were characterized utilizing UV-visible and near-IR scanning spectra.
Investigation of β-Ga2O3 thick films grown on c-plane sapphire via carbothermal reduction
Authors: Cheng Liyuan , Zhang Hezhi , Zhang Wenhui , Liang Hongwei
Published: June 2023

We investigated the influence of the growth temperature, O2 flow, molar ratio between Ga2O3 powder and graphite powder on the structure and morphology of the films grown on the c-plane sapphire (0001) substrates by a carbothermal reduction method. Experimental results for the heteroepitaxial growth of β-Ga2O3 illustrate that β-Ga2O3 growth by the carbothermal reduction method can be controlled. The optimal result was obtained at a growth temperature of 1050 °C. The fastest growth rate of β-Ga2O3 films was produced when the O2 flow was 20 sccm. To guarantee that β-Ga2O3 films with both high-quality crystal and morphology properties, the ideal molar ratio between graphite powder and Ga2O3 powder should be set at 10 : 1.
Preparation of Sn-doped Ga2O3 thin films and their solar-blind photoelectric detection performance
Authors: Li Lijun , Li Chengkun , Wang Shaoqing , Lu Qin , Jia Yifan , Chen Haifeng
Published: June 2023

Sn doping is an effective way to improve the response rate of Ga2O3 film based solar-blind detectors. In this paper, Sn-doped Ga2O3 films were prepared on a sapphire substrate by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, and the effect of annealing atmosphere on the properties of films was studied. The Ga2O3 films changed from amorphous to β-Ga2O3 after annealing at 900 °C. The films were composed of micro crystalline particles with a diameter of about 5–20 nm. The β-Ga2O3 had high transmittance for wavelengths above 300 nm, and obvious absorption for solar-blind signals at 200–280 nm. The metal semiconductor metal type solar-blind detectors were prepared. The detector based on Sn-doped β-Ga2O3 thin film annealed in N2 has the best response performance to 254 nm light. The photo-current is 10 μA at 20 V, the dark-current is 5.76 pA, the photo dark current ratio is 1.7 × 106, the response rate is 12.47 A/W, the external quantum efficiency is 6.09 × 103%, the specific detection rate is 2.61 × 1012 Jones, the response time and recovery time are 378 and 90 ms, respectively.
Bifurcation-like transition of divertor conditions induced by X-point radiation in KSTAR L-mode plasmas
*
Authors: Park Jae-Sun , Pitts Richard , Jang Juhyeok , Han Yoon Seong , Choe Wonho , Lore Jeremy , Hwang Junghoo , Bak Jun-Gyo , Juhn June-Woo , Hong Suk-Ho
Published: June 2023

Density ramps with ion grad B drift directed into lower single null KSTAR L-mode plasmas are associated with a simultaneous and abrupt reduction of the divertor particle flux on both low- and high-field-side targets when the mid-plane line averaged electron density reaches a given level. Target embedded Langmuir probe signals show a clear ‘cliff edge’ behavior similar to that observed in the divertor target electron temperature in DIII-D H-mode plasmas (Eldon et al 2017 Nucl. Fusion
57 066039; McLean et al 2015 J. Nucl. Mater.
463 533–6). The collapse of the particle flux is observed along the whole divertor target area (from private flux region to the far scrape-off layer (SOL)). The critical upstream density of this target flux cliff is invariant under fuel gas throughput modulation. The transition along the cliff occurs in tens of milliseconds. With the cliff, carbon impurities and deuterium neutrals transported through the X-point to the core produce a strong radiation spot near the X-point, seen on bolometric signals, and increase the upstream density. The experimental observations are consistent with time-dependent SOLPS-ITER simulations, which also demonstrate an abrupt transition of the target flux and upstream density with the increase in X-point radiation. The timescale of the cliff predicted by SOLPS-ITER is consistent with the experiment, although, it is influenced by gas throughput or time-dependent numerical methods. In the L-mode phase space of separatrix electron density and temperature, branches are divided based on target temperature, because the latter is strongly coupled to the radiation front and ionization front due to the monotonic characteristic of the parallel electron temperature distribution. Since the H-mode condition operates at a much higher upstream density and electron temperature in phase space, dissipation from sputtered carbon alone leads to the density limit before reaching the X-point radiation condition. This is therefore consistent with the fact that cliffs have never been observed in H-mode KSTAR experiments.
Transport barrier and spinning blob dynamics in the tokamak edge
Authors: Cheng Junyi , Myra James , Ku Seung-Hoe , Hager Robert , Chang Choong-Seock , Parker Scott
Published: June 2023

In this work, we investigate the dynamics of plasma blobs in the edge of magnetic confinement devices using a full-f gyrokinetic particle-in-cell code with X-point geometry. In simulations, the evolution of a seeded blob is followed as it approaches a naturally-forming zonal shear layer near the separatrix, where the blob is stabilized by a large spin induced by the self-consistent adiabatic electron response, and blob bifurcation and trapping are observed during the cross-field propagation of blobs. A new theoretical explanation in both the zonal free and zonal shear layer is constructed, where the dominant

E

×

B

spin motion is included. A theoretical condition for a transport barrier induced by the interaction between spinning blobs and the zonal shear layer is obtained, and its scaling is verified with simulations. The new theoretical framework, especially the transport barrier, is applicable to explain and predict various experimental phenomena. In particular, the transport barrier condition calculated with experimental parameters demonstrates that the blob radial transport for H mode is smaller than L mode in experiments.
Optimised processes for the production of performance concrete constituents based on agricultural wastes
Authors: Schmidt W , Olonade K A
Published: June 2023

In most parts of the world urban populations are growing. This inevitably requires resources for construction materials, which is a challenge to achieving global climate goals. Since there is no alternative to concrete as structural material, novel approaches are required to use cement in concrete more efficiently and to use as little Portland cement clinker in the binder for concrete. With novel approaches, Africa can spearhead green urban construction technologies globally, as the continent’s carbon emissions re marginal today in comparison to the rest of the world and the potential to use local resources are enormous. The authors of the paper develop conclusions on how bio-waste can be converted to organic and mineral concrete constituents that have a potential to create rural livelihoods and urban construction materials markets. A three-step solution including a hydrothermal process, a pyrolysis step and a co-fuelling process with brick production in a vertical shaft kiln is suggested to derive organic components, various by-products as well as bricks and pozzolanic cement replacements, respectively.
Comfort-based Criteria for Evaluating Seismic Strengthening Performance of Building
Authors: Nouchi E , Wariyatno N G , Han A L , Gan B S
Published: June 2023

In modern seismic design and technologies, the building’s seismic-resistant based on non-collapse plastic deformation. According to the periodical reports of the Japan Meteorological Agency, the number of people injured due to strong earthquakes is much higher than the number of deaths. Also, the number of buildings collapsed is less than the partly damaged buildings. The report also concludes that human injuries or deaths are not a result of the collapsed building. Human injuries or deaths are due to shakings when strong earthquakes strike the building. The cause of human casualties is the collapse of non-structural elements such as ceilings, bookshelves, or machinery appliances. The report implies that the buildings designed by the latest revised seismic standards have good earthquake resistance but fail to protect human casualties. Present works proposed comfort-based criteria for evaluating the quantitative shaking of buildings. The use of comfort-based criteria is demonstrated in evaluating the strengthening case studies selection processes. The study revealed that, in general, the seismic strengthening of a building by using bracings is not effective in reducing the shaking of the building. The proposed method highly recommends using shaking quantity criteria as an evaluation tool in the seismic strengthening design of buildings to select the best output in decision-making.
FIBRADIKE, a novel distributed fiber optic monitoring system for dikes and earth dams
Authors: Rabaiotti Carlo , Höttges Alessio , Facchini Massimo , Bohren Isabel
Published: June 2023

Safety issues related to climate change are one of the major challenges of modern society. One of the most significant risks is represented by extreme flood events which could lead to dike or earth dam breaching with catastrophic consequences for the environment. Despite the relevance of these infrastructure and modern advanced sensing technologies, dike and earth dam safety monitoring is carried out as it has been for centuries with visual inspections. In the best case, traditional point sensors, like piezometers, are installed in some limited sections. In this way it is not possible to early identify problem sections, which can be located many km away from the observation point. In this research an attempt has been made in order to develop a distributed fiber optical sensing system for dike and earth dam safety monitoring. The core of the system is represented by a novel distributed pore water pressure sensing unit, in the form of a specifically designed fiber optic sensing cable.. The development and first promising results of laboratory testing carried out on the industrially produced prototypes of the sensing cable are presented in this paper.
Shared vibration absorbers for connected SDOF structures
Authors: Arfiadi Yoyong , Frans Richard
Published: June 2023

This paper considers the response reduction of structures connected with shared vibration absorbers. The response of two single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structures next to each other are minimized by a connected mass damper as an absorber. The optimum values of the damper’s properties are obtained by using metaheuristic algorithms. The objective function is taken as the H2 norm of the regulated outputs, where the regulated outputs are taken as displacements of both structures. To simplify the problems, the stiffness and damping properties of the absorber are taken the same. Genetic algorithms are used to optimize the absorber parameters. Two cases are considered in the numerical examples. The first case is when we have twin buildings, in which each structure’s mass, stiffness, and damping are the same. The second case is when the structure stiffnesses are different, one is the stiff structure, and another is the flexible one. Several dampers’ constraints are considered to see the possibilities of the connected absorber to reduce the structural responses. The simulations of the structures subjected to four selected ground excitations were carried out to show the absorbers’ performance in reducing the structures’ response with different percentages of reductions.
Improvement of structural performance of RC Beams with external reinforcement method: an experimental investigation
Authors: Sukamta  , Hidayat B A , Tudjono S , Saputra A T
Published: June 2023

The old existing RC structures around the world need to be examined and reinforced to increase their capacity for different reasons. Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer (FRP) is believed to be the most efficient system to retrofit and improve the strength of the RC members. However, in certain cases, engineers need to utilize the combination of flexural and shear FRP systems, which was not mandated in the standard code. Therefore, this research was focused on the structural behavior of RC beams strengthened with a flexural and shear FRP combination. The beam specimens were tested for failure under a two-point load configuration and the confining effect of the FRP was also investigated. The finding of the experimental test revealed the enhancement of the load capacity and ductility performed in RC beams. The specimen failure was indicated by the concrete crushing at the top part of the beam and the yield condition at the bottom longitudinal reinforcement. It was also discovered that the externally bonded FRP system could confine the concrete and result in the enhancement of ductility and compressive strength. The evidence presents the understanding of the structural behavior of the RC beam strengthened with the combination of flexural and shear FRP systems.
The ratio between flexural strength to compressive strength of geopolymer concrete
Authors: Evin  , Rachmansyah
Published: June 2023

Building infrastructure always chooses to use strong materials, low costs, easy maintenance and easily available materials. One of these materials is normal concrete which is one of the normal concrete making materials using Portland cement. The process of making Portland cement can cause damage to the environment due to greenhouse emissions, so research is needed to create environmentally friendly concrete, one of which is geopolymer concrete. In geopolymer concrete there is still not too much research done when compared to normal concrete. In this study want to know the relationship between the compressive strength results and the flexural strength results in geopolymer concrete which is represented by a formula in the form of a ratio of the results of the two tests. The ratio obtained from the study will be compared with the ratio of ACI 318 0.62

fc
′

. The compressive strength test used a cylindrical specimen with a size of 15×30 cm and a flexural strength test used a beam-shaped test object with a size of 53×15×15 cm. The results of the research that have been carried out have obtained the ratio of compressive strength and flexural strength in geopolymer concrete 0.477

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where the ratio value is below the ratio set by ACI 318.
The application of high-grade steel to the road barrier design for the construction project cost efficiency
Authors: Soekardjo Gunadi , Aji Sentosa G , Aryadi Arry , Wibawa Eri Dwi , Batubara Erwin , Widodo Trianto Puguh , Putri Annisa Dewanti
Published: June 2023

Steel is a construction material that has been used in the construction field for a long time, so we need to consider more about the quality and the grading. Meanwhile, the cost of steel is so high that it will also impact the implementation. On this occasion, Hutama Karya Group in the collaboration with PT Bhirawa Steel has done research and innovation to the High-Grade Steel Structure, especially for type 520 MPa reinforcing steel which includes the development of Tensile strength, Yield Strength, Elongation from the strength of the materials. High-Grade Steel will be a solution to the cost efficiency of construction. Nowadays, the usages are only permitted for the non-structural part based on the written requirement from National Standard in Indonesia (SNI 2847: 2019), even though the test requirements for structural needs are already fulfilled. The purpose of this study was to apply it to the road barrier design along one of the sections of the Trans-Sumatera Toll Road which has a total length of a section of 58 kilometres. The usage of High-Grade Steel has proven to reduce the total weight needs of the reinforcing bar which may cut the cost by around 26 percent for the Road Barrier design. This study may be one of the proofs of the cost-efficient use of High-Grade Steel materials. Therefore, in further study, the testing reference which has been included in the structural use of the high-grade steel can be the supporting reference to be included in the SNI.