bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slowing down light in a qubit metamaterial
Authors: Brehm Jan David , Gebauer Richard , Stehli Alexander , Poddubny Alexander N. , Sander Oliver , Rotzinger Hannes , Ustinov Alexey V.
Published: November 2022

The rapid progress in quantum information processing leads to a rising demand for devices to control the propagation of electromagnetic wave pulses and to ultimately realize universal and efficient quantum memory. While in recent years, significant progress has been made to realize slow light and quantum memories with atoms at optical frequencies, superconducting circuits in the microwave domain still lack such devices. Here, we demonstrate slowing down electromagnetic waves in a superconducting metamaterial composed of eight qubits coupled to a common waveguide, forming a waveguide quantum electrodynamics system. We analyze two complementary approaches, one relying on dressed states of the Autler–Townes splitting and the other based on a tailored dispersion profile using the qubits tunability. Our time-resolved experiments show reduced group velocities of down to a factor of about 1500 smaller than in vacuum. Depending on the method used, the speed of light can be controlled with an additional microwave tone or an effective qubit detuning. Our findings demonstrate high flexibility of superconducting circuits to realize custom band structures and open the door to microwave dispersion engineering in the quantum regime.
2D materials-assisted heterogeneous integration of semiconductor membranes toward functional devices
Authors: Park Minseong , Bae Byungjoon , Kim Taegeon , Kum Hyun S. , Lee Kyusang
Published: November 2022

Heterogeneous integration techniques allow the coupling of highly lattice-mismatched solid-state membranes, including semiconductors, oxides, and two-dimensional materials, to synergistically fuse the functionalities. The formation of heterostructures generally requires two processes: the combination of crystalline growth and a non-destructive lift-off/transfer process enables the formation of high-quality heterostructures. Although direct atomic interaction between the substrate and the target membrane ensures high-quality growth, the strong atomic bonds at the substrate/epitaxial film interface hinder the non-destructive separation of the target membrane from the substrate. Alternatively, a 2D material-coated compound semiconductor substrate can transfer the weakened (but still effective) surface potential field of the surface through the 2D material, allowing both high-quality epitaxial growth and non-destructive lift-off of the grown film. This Perspective reviews 2D/3D heterogeneous integration techniques, along with applications of III–V compound semiconductors and oxides. The advanced heterogeneous integration methods offer an effective method to produce various freestanding membranes for stackable heterostructures with unique functionalities that can be applied to novel electrical, optoelectronic, neuromorphic, and bioelectronic systems.
Fouling on laser-fabricated model surface reliefs of functional food-industry materials
Authors: Nastulyavichus A A , Smirnov N A , Khaertdinova L F , Tolordava E R , Yushina Yu K , Rudenko A A , Ionin A A , Kudryashov S I , Gonchukov S A
Published: November 2022

A typical food industry material (stainless steel) was laser-textured to evaluate biofouling of model surface relief. Both initial and laser-textured surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray radiation, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning probe microscopy to reveal the most important pre-requisites for their biofouling by food pathogen bacteria.
Plasma atomic layer etching of GaN/AlGaN materials and application: An overview
Authors: Guan Lulu , Li Xingyu , Che Dongchen , Xu Kaidong , Zhuang Shiwei
Published: November 2022

With the development of the third generation of semiconductor devices, it is essential to achieve precise etching of gallium nitride (GaN) materials that is close to the atomic level. Compared with the traditional wet etching and continuous plasma etching, plasma atomic layer etching (ALE) of GaN has the advantages of self-limiting etching, high selectivity to other materials, and smooth etched surface. In this paper the basic properties and applications of GaN are presented. It also presents the various etching methods of GaN. GaN plasma ALE systems are reviewed, and their similarities and differences are compared. In addition, the industrial application of GaN plasma ALE is outlined.
EMG-driven shared human-robot compliant control for in-hand object manipulation in hand prostheses
Authors: Khadivar Farshad , Mendez Vincent , Correia Carolina , Batzianoulis Iason , Billard Aude , Micera Silvestro
Published: November 2022

Objective. The limited functionality of hand prostheses remains one of the main reasons behind the lack of its wide adoption by amputees. Indeed, while commercial prostheses can perform a reasonable number of grasps, they are often inadequate for manipulating the object once in hand. This lack of dexterity drastically restricts the utility of prosthetic hands. We aim at investigating a novel shared control strategy that combines autonomous control of forces exerted by a robotic hand with electromyographic (EMG) decoding to perform robust in-hand object manipulation. Approach. We conduct a three-day long longitudinal study with eight healthy subjects controlling a 16-degrees-of-freedom robotic hand to insert objects in boxes of various orientations. EMG decoding from forearm muscles enables subjects to move, proportionally and simultaneously, the fingers of the robotic hand. The desired object rotation is inferred using two EMG electrodes placed on the shoulder that record the activity of muscles responsible for elevation and depression. During the object interaction phase, the autonomous controller stabilizes and rotates the object to achieve the desired pose. In this study, we compare an incremental and a proportional shoulder-decoding method in combination with two state machine interfaces offering different levels of assistance. Main results. Results indicate that robotic assistance reduces the number of failures by

41
%

and, when combined with an incremental shoulder EMG decoding, leads to faster task completion time (median = 16.9 s), compared to other control conditions. Training to use the assistive device is fast. After one session of practice, all subjects managed to achieve tasks with

50
%

less failures. Significance. Shared control approaches that give some authority to an autonomous controller on-board the prosthesis are an alternative to control schemes relying on EMG decoding alone. This may improve the dexterity and versatility of robotic prosthetic hands for people with trans-radial amputation. By delegating control of forces to the prosthesis’ on-board control, one speeds up reaction time and improves the precision of force control. Such a shared control mechanism may enable amputees to perform fine insertion tasks solely using their prosthetic hands. This may restore some of the functionality of the disabled arm.
Analysis of the Attachment Process of Bionic Spines Based on the Coupling of Discrete Elements and Multi-body Dynamics
Authors: Liu Ran , Li Yu Xin , Luo Haitao , Yu Miao
Published: November 2022

As the only natural satellite of the Earth, the Moon has profound significance for deep space research, and the undifferentiated lunar rock core plays a key role in the investigation of the origin of the Moon. In recent years, there have been numerous deep space sampling techniques, but all of them are at the cost of destroying the sample, while drilling can retain the sample in its original state to the maximum extent. In this paper, based on the reference of the claw spine attachment device at home and abroad, the theoretical modeling of the claw spine piece which plays the role of grasping and attaching is carried out, and the simulation analysis is carried out by the coupling method of discrete element and multi-body dynamics, which provides important guidance for the subsequent experi-ments and the optimized design.
Application of LiDAR Survey Technology in Space Launch Sites
Authors: Ren Zhenzhen , Wang Qiang , Wang Yuchao , Wu Gaoyang , Wang Kang , Zhong Wen'an
Published: November 2022

LiDAR has the advantages of small size, high imaging accuracy, high resolution, all-day survey, and strong adaptability to complex environments. With the continuous improvement of technical performance, LiDAR is widely used in aerospace, mapping, military, and civil fields. In this study, the principle of LiDAR survey technology was introduced, and the key technology and application method of using LiDAR to measure the initial section of rocket launch were discussed in detail; a LiDAR survey system was designed on this basis. Afterward, the feasibility and rationality of the survey system and survey method were verified by rocket launch tests. The results show that compared with the traditional survey methods, LiDAR survey technology has obvious advantages in terms of survey accuracy, automation, and real-time visualization of survey data, and it can greatly reduce labor intensity and improves work efficiency, which provides an important reference for the design and application mode of LiDAR survey system in space launch sites.
Research on modular scheme of aviation emergency rescue for natural disasters
Authors: Li Yueyue , Liu Zhenlei , Chen Keyu , Qi Ji , Li Chuang
Published: November 2022

Aviation emergency rescue is the core part of China's emergency rescue system and the main rescue force, which plays an important role in disaster relief, rescue materials transfer, casualty transportation, air rescue, major health and epidemic prevention. Based on H145 helicopter, the modular design concept is adopted to redesign the aviation rescue equipment, and the modular structure layout of the cabin is completed for major natural disasters. Aiming at the path planning problem of rescue helicopter, based on the improved ant colony algorithm, the optimal path planning of helicopter is completed by comprehensively considering the constraints of helicopter flight performance and flight environment. Through the use of medical data interaction technology, a standardized transport information service platform is established, which solves the problem of medical information island between the transfer unit, the transport unit and the evacuation hospital when the helicopter performs the aviation emergency rescue task, realizes the interconnection of medical data, effectively shortens the response time of aviation emergency rescue and improves the rescue efficiency.
Bidirectional coupling method for solving the electromagnetic-joule thermal properties of electromagnetic launcher
Authors: Zhang Pengxiang , Shu Tao
Published: November 2022

The actual working process of the electromagnetic launcher is very complex, and using simulation software to solve it is the main method of research at this stage. The one-way coupling method will ignore the temperature-dependent characteristics of the material. In order to better simulate the actual working process, this paper uses the bidirectional coupling simulation method to solve the electromagnetic force and Joule heat of the four-rail electromagnetic launcher, and compares it with the unidirectional coupling. The simulation results show that the bidirectional coupling is more accurate than the unidirectional coupling, and the increase of the number of iterations will improve the solution accuracy, but affect the solution speed.
The Bricard Linkage Network Constructed by Bennett Linkage: Design Method and Kinematic Analysis
Authors: Huang Ziyi , Jiang Wentao , Pan Xuan , Tao Zekai
Published: November 2022

The paper focuses on a Bricard Linkage network constructed by Bennett Linkage and discusses the possibility of connecting Bricard linkage using Bennett linkage as the connection. To simplify the problem, accessible geometric parameters are set without much loss of generality. This new design can also evolve into some new mechanisms by connecting the linkages in different ways. Based on the designed connection idea, the corresponding three-dimensional model is created by Onshape. Using Onshape, the movement and deployment of each mechanism could be observed. Then the kinematic analysis is carried out with Adams software, to find out how the kinematic angles vary as time increases. A physical model is made to observe the deployment process more clearly, indicating a potential application of a retractable table. Since the problem has been simplified by setting accessible parameters, the mechanism may show some further performance worthy of being explored if the parameters are more complicated.
A mission planning method for sunlight avoidance period of GEO optical remote sensing satellite
Authors: Shi Xiaoxia , Li Xindong , Wang Yu
Published: November 2022

GEO optical remote sensing satellites need to avoid sunlight entering the camera optical system at midnight hours. For the existing evasion methods such as thermal doors and posture planning, nearly 15% of the satellite in-orbit life cannot be reasonably utilized due to the passive evasion methods. To solve this problem, a method based on mission planning is proposed. When evasion begins, the satellite changes the orbital coordinate system into the inertial coordinate system and maintains the safe attitude in inertial space. If space missions are planned such as camera calibrations and celestial bodies observations, the algorithm can determine the compliance of the missions with attitude constraints and energy constraints, and the eligible missions are executed. When evasion ends, the satellite maneuvers toward the Earth proceeding with Earth observation missions. The mathematical simulation indicates the method is feasible, ensuring the safety of the optical camera and executing the space missions meanwhile. The mission planning method extends relatively the service life of the satellite and makes the expansion of the space observation field possible.
Simulation research on positioning acquisition of field rescue equipment based on LoRa
Authors: Kou Pengfei , Chen Mingyao , Wang Fei
Published: November 2022

Timely and accurate acquisition of the position information of people in distress in the field is an important prerequisite for successful rescue. This paper analyzed the main positioning means of the current call equipment and the research status of LoRa technology in the position information acquisition of the current call equipment. The author proposed a method to obtain the position information of field rescue equipment based on LoRa, and simulated it in NS3 network simulator. This scheme can meet the requirements of high positioning accuracy, long communication distance and long standby time of field rescue equipment, and has high value on practical application.
Research on Common Mode Analysis Method in System Safety Analysis
Authors: Li Dawei , Gao Jianguo , Zhang Zhongyuan , Xu Jihui
Published: November 2022

In system safety analysis, the existence of Common Mode Failure (CMF) greatly undermines the independence of components and poses great threat to safety of the system. In Common Mode Analysis (CMA), whether CMF needs to be considered for basic events under different types of logic gates in Fault Tree, it lacks strict reasoning and comprehensive consideration. This paper takes CMF of the same and different levels under "AND gate" and "OR gate" in fault tree as an example, and uses reasoning analysis and mathematical calculation methods to compare the influence of the existence of CMF on failure rate of the system. The results show that whether CMF need to be considered for the component depends on the type of logic gate correspond to the higher-level component. The research results have certain reference value for the analysis of CMF in CMA.
Research on Road Extraction Algorithm Based on Improved Otsu’s Thresholding Method
Authors: Wang Yanmei , Lu Mingyu , Feng Pengfei
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the widely used method of Otsu's thresholding method is studied. On the basis of the traditional Otsu's thresholding method, according to the distribution characteristics of the target and background in the actual image, a new method based on traditional Otsu's thresholding method is presented.and the road extraction experiment is carried out with GF-2 remote sensing image.The experimental results show that the improved method has the advantages of high segmentation accuracy and strong anti noise ability compared with the traditional Otsu's thresholding method.
Cleanliness assessment of Lake Toba tourist attractions from stakeholders’ perspective
Authors: Khair H , Utami R , Lordye G , Sari U , Pasaribu E
Published: November 2022

Lake Toba area is one of the priorities for developing tourist destinations in Indonesia. As a strategic national tourism area, it is necessary to identify aspects of the tourism area development that are not yet optimal to increase the number of tourist visits to that location. This study aims to assess the cleanliness of tourist sites in Lake Toba based on the assessment of tourism site stakeholders, namely visitors, local businesses, and cleanliness managers. The tourist sites in Lake Toba studied were Pasir Putih and Bukit Holbung. This study found that Pasir Putih and Bukit Holbung were considered dirty, with a cleanliness index of 2.63 and 2.60. The assessment shows that access to the cleaning facilities in the two tourist sites is difficult to reach. However, regarding the completeness of the cleaning facilities, Pasir Putih is considered better with an average index of 2.94 compared to the cleaning facilities in Bukit Holbung, which are considered inadequate with an average index of 2.43. The number of tourists visiting a tourist site is directly proportional to the waste generated, and the habits of tourists who visit also affect the cleanliness of a tourist site.
Review of the Circular Economy of Plastic Waste in Various Countries and Potential Applications in Indonesia
Authors: Murti Z , Dharmawan  , Siswanto  , Soedjati D , Barkah A , Rahardjo P
Published: November 2022

One of the main environmental problems faced by the world, including Indonesia, is plastic waste. Plastic waste has polluted the soil, rivers, and the sea. The nature of plastic that is not easily biodegradable, takes hundreds of years to decompose naturally. Plastic waste management which is believed to be effective, in addition to efforts to reduce use is by recycling plastic waste. In many countries, recycling plastic waste has led to a circular economy. This circular system allows plastic waste to be recycled into new products. In fact, this concept is claimed to be able to encourage environmentally friendly economic growth. This study uses a literature study to identify the application of a circular economy of plastic waste in various countries. As a result, 21 papers were collected and analyzed based on year of publication, geographical location and research methodology. Furthermore, this study highlights the obstacles faced by many countries towards a circular economy followed by a comparison of their plastic waste recycling rate achievements. This research also discusses the state of plastic waste management and the potential for adoption of circular economy best practices in Indonesia.
Dynamic Availability Assessment Using Dynamic Evidential Network: Water Deluge System Case Study
Authors: Bougofa Mohammed , Bouafia Abderraouf , Chakhrit Ammar , Guetarni I H M , Baziz Amin , Aberkane Salah , Zerouali Bilal , Kharzi Rabeh , Bellaouar Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Probabilistic modeling is widespread in engineering practices, mainly to evaluate the safety, risk analysis, and reliability of complex systems. However, insufficient data makes it difficult to estimate the state probability of components or the global system in dynamic complex systems. Furthermore, conventional methods for dependability analysis typically have little capacity to cope with dependence, failure behavior, epistemic uncertainty, and common cause failure simultaneously. This paper presents the application of an extended discrete-time dynamic evidential network (DEN) model to assess the availability of complex systems. The model application combines Dempster-Shafer's theory to treat epistemic uncertainty over a new state-space reconstruction of components and the dynamic Bayesian network to present multi-state system dependability. This model is demonstrated in a real case study of a water deluge system installed as a safety barrier from Algeria's oil and gas plant. The results show the significant influence of these factors on the system's availability. The goal of this modeling is to assure the high availability of a safety barrier in a volatile setting by providing a decision-making tool to prioritize maintenance tasks, preventing the failure of complicated redundant systems, and recommending alterations to the design.
Stability Evaluation of Bener Dam Diversion Tunnel During Construction
Authors: Danuartha MSH , Sadono K W , Putranto T T
Published: November 2022

Bener Dam Diversion Tunnel is located in two rock units such as andesite and andesite breccia. Based on the engineering geology investigation, the subsurface tunnel will penetrate andesite breccia with good rock mass quality (fresh-moderately weathered), while surrounding the tunnel consist of andesite breccias with moderate and poor rock mass quality. Geological and engineering geology conditions are used as the basis for stability analysis of excavation methods and determining primary tunnel support systems. Geological Strength Index is used for determining rock mass parameters. The stability analysis of the openings and tunnel supports was carried out using an empirical and numerical method approach. The results of the empirical analysis of support system stability were then evaluated using the finite element method. The most suitable excavation method is applied by blasting. Evaluation of the support system based on rock mass rating with the finite element method modeling shows that the lowest safety score in the tunnel geomechanical zone is in zone 2 with a safety factor value at the final support is 1.786, however in general they are in a good condition which are safe from the initial excavation until the installation of supports stage.
Bibliometric Analysis of Thermal Comfort and Sleep Quality Research Trends in Indonesia
Authors: Budiawan Wiwik , Tsuzuki Kazuyo , Prastawa Heru
Published: November 2022

Using a bibliometric analysis of the publication output associated with research on thermal comfort and sleep quality in Indonesia during the ten-year period 2012-2022, the purpose of this study was to describe current trends and future research areas. The database Scopus was queried for information covering the years 2012 to 2022. We analyzed selected documents containing “thermal comfort,” “Indonesia,” and “sleep quality” as part of the title, abstract, or key words and reported the following parameters: publication output trends, cooccurrence, author institution, author key words, and index key words. We utilized Visualization of Similarities (VOS) viewer to analyze the files of a bibliographic database in which five co-occurrences occurred. Air conditioning, ventilation, and the tropics accounted for three main cluster of thermal comfort in Indonesia. Meanwhile, in the sleep quality, the main cluster consisted of human, adult, and major clinical study. This study provides a bibliometric analysis demonstrating that, over the past 26 years, the annual number of publications pertaining to sleep quality in Indonesia has increased at a significantly faster rate than literature on thermal comfort. The latest keywords (trend) of thermal comfort are energy efficiency, temperature effect, and field measurement. In the sleep quality topic, the latest keywords are pandemic, controlled study, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Application of anaerobic and aerobic bioreactors in detergent wastewater treatment: A review
Authors: Baihaqi Rifqi Ahmad , Prabahandari Kencana Ayudya , Hariyono Yogi , Pratiwi Novita Indah , Sutanto Heri , Wahyono Yoyon
Published: November 2022

The laundry business sector is expanding quickly nowadays. However, the laundry industry is still dealing with the issue of processing detergent wastewater. Anaerobic and aerobic bioreactors may efficiently solve this problem. This narrative review aims to assess the feasibility of using anaerobic and aerobic bioreactors for detergent wastewater treatment. Its advantages and disadvantages and the idea of combining multi-media filtration and UV light in detergent wastewater treatment using an aerobic and aerobic bioreactor. The anaerobic bioreactor can reduce chemical and biological oxygen demand to 89.8 % and 94.0 %, respectively. At the same time, aerobic bioreactors can reduce chemical and biological oxygen demand to 99.1% and 71%, respectively. However, some challenges still need to be addressed to make anaerobic ad aerobic bioreactors can be implemented. Suspended solid production, dissolved methane, and temperature-dependent effectiveness are challenges that must be solved. Multi-media filtration can reduce suspended solids and provide ion exchange, while UV light kills excess microorganisms from the bioreactor.
Improving quality of COD analysis using AgNO3 for wastewater samples with high chloride content
Authors: Pertiwi T S , Purwanti T , Widagdo N
Published: November 2022

Chemical oxygen demand, or COD, is one of the important environmental parameters that provides the extent of pollution in the water bodies. Valid analysis of COD is needed as a basis to evaluate the condition of water bodies or a wastewater plant. Therefore, any potential deviations suspected during analysis are required to be thoroughly investigated. The problems generally found for COD analyzes came from interferences and contaminations. One challenge that the Badak LNG’s Laboratory had, was the wastewater interferences from inorganic substance. It was reflected from the results of COD analyses which prevented to deliver accurate and reliable results for high chloride wastewater samples. It is also mentioned on the Standard Method that high chloride ions (> 2000 mg/L) on wastewater can cause problems on COD determination. Further evaluations are conducted to ensure whether pre-treatment with the addition of specific compounds can compensate the interferences. On this opportunity, mercuric sulfate and silver nitrate are evaluated to determine whether they deliver effective measures to remove the chloride interference and provide valid and accurate results. Later, it was silver nitrate that had more capability to remove chloride interference with additional benefits, less cost and less hazardous wastes generated.
The Efficiency of Reducing COD and Turbidity of Tofu Wastewater using A Combination of Electrocoagulation and Ozone
Authors: Oktiawan Wiharyanto , Samadikun Budi Prasetyo , Ashari Afan Sulton , Purwono Purwono
Published: November 2022

We present an investigation of tofu wastewater that contains organic substances that can cause rapid microbial growth in the water. It can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels. In addition, tofu wastewater also contains suspended substances that cause turbidity. This study aims to evaluate changes in pH, temperature, and efficiency of reducing turbidity & chemical oxygen demand (COD) of tofu wastewater using a combination of electrocoagulation and ozone. This research method was carried out on a laboratory scale using tofu wastewater. The ozone generator is used for ozonising tofu wastewater and an acrylic batch type electrochemical reactor. The electrode material used for the anode and cathode is made of aluminum and iron sheets. There were also differences in the highest turbidity removal of 78.3% at the 60
th
min when the wastewater was treated using a combination of electrocoagulation followed by ozone. The highest COD removal of 51.9% resulted from the treatment of tofu wastewater using ozone for 60 min. The initial temperature was 27.6°C then increased by 28.1°C (1.8%). Combination of electrocoagulation followed by ozone was more effective in reducing pollutants in tofu wastewater.
Planning for the 3R-based waste processing site in Aimas District, Sorong Regency
Authors: Poedjiastoeti Hermin , Syahputra Benny
Published: November 2022

A design prototype will be created as part of this research project for the 3R-based Waste Processing Site (TPS 3R) in the Aimas District. The design carried out refers to the Minister of Public Works No. 03 of 2013 concerning the Implementation of Waste Facilities and Infrastructure and Technical Guidelines for 3R-based Waste Management by the Director General of Human Settlements in 2021. According to the study’s findings, the average quantity of waste produced daily in the Aimas District was 1.69 liters per person, or 40.87 m3 per day, with a composition of 38.13 % organic waste, 30.13 % recyclable inorganic waste, and 31.75 % inorganic waste that cannot be recycled. The 3R-based Waste Processing Site building is expected to require an area of 237.75 m2, made up of a room for managing organic waste of 129.75 m2 with composting techniques using seven bamboo aerators, a room for managing plastic waste of 29.50 m2, a space for managing inorganic waste of 6.25 m2, and supporting buildings covering an area of 72.25 m2. At the 3R-based Waste Processing Site, processing is divided into five series: waste collecting, waste sorting, organic waste recycling, inorganic waste recycling, and residue recycling.
The Effect of Bioflocculants and Cationic Inducers Concentration on Harvesting Chlorella vulgaris Biomass Using Fungal Aspergillus niger Bioflocculation Method
Authors: Isaroyati L , Hadiyanto H
Published: November 2022

Energy consumption from non-renewable fuels is increasing, so there is a need for a new energy source from microalgae. The microalgae Chlorella vulgaris has a high lipid content ranging from 2-77% of the dry weight of the biomass, but it small size, ranging from 2-10 micrometers, which makes it uneconomical at the harvesting stage. One of the cheaper, effective, and environmentally-friendly harvesting methods is bioflocculation. The bioflocculation was carried out using the help of fungi by activating Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) on positively charged fungi which would stick to negatively charged microalgae so that the charge became neutral and formed flocs. Previous research on the efficiency of harvesting bioflocculation of Chlorella vulgaris using Aspergillus niger pellets still takes a long time. Harvesting of Chlorella vulgaris with Aspergillus niger pellets was able to increase the efficiency of bioflocculation with the optimal parameters which were at pH 8, cationic inducer of 60 mM, bioflocculant dose of 3.5% w/v, and stirring speed of 150 rpm by 93% with a biomass of 333 mg within 48 hours. The bioflocculation harvesting method with fungi pellets can reduce time, save energy, increase harvesting efficiency, and not produce side products so harmful to the environment.
Synthesis of Geopolymer Concrete Using Flyash
Authors: Amjad S U , Budihardjo M A , Priyambada I B , Asghar R
Published: November 2022

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) reduces the environmental impacts of conventional Portland cement concrete, therefore, this research aims to investigate the compressive characteristics of GPC by utilizing the readily available industrial waste i.e., coal based Flyash in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. For the preparation of GPC, Na2SiO3 was used as an activator. After the preparation of GPC specimens, their compressive characteristics were investigated at different ages of specimens, Flyash content, curing time, and curing conditions. Moreover, the relationship between compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of GPC was also evaluated. From the testing of GPC specimens in a compression testing machine (CTM), their compressive strength was found to be similar to that of conventional Portland cement concrete i.e., in the range of 20-40 MPa tested at the age of 7 and 28 days respectively. Furthermore, elevated temperature curing was found to increase the compressive strength of GPC significantly as compared to that of ambient curing. From the cost analysis, Flyash-based GPC was found to be cost effective as compared to conventional Portland cement concrete
Effect of Cow Manure on Biogas Production Based on Rice Husk Waste in SSAD Conditions
Authors: Matin H H A , Syafrudin S , Suherman S
Published: November 2022

The development of biogas technology is currently very fast along with the increasing need for energy and expensive costs used to buy fossil energy. Rice husk-based biogas has begun to be widely developed because of the high potential that can be utilized from the biomass. The aim of this study was to study the effect of the addition cow manure combined with rice husks for biogas production under SSAD conditions. Variable comparison of rice husk and cow manure as follows: 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4. The study was carried out in duplicate on laboratory scale with C/N ratio 35, 27% total solids and rumen fluid as a source of methanogenic bacteria. Biogas is observed every two days until its productivity decreases. It was found that the best biogas productivity was in the 2:1 variable range, namely 39.49 mL/grTS followed by 1:1 21.91 mL/grTS, 3:1 13.80 mL/grTS, 1:2 13.31 mL/grTS, 1:3 10.90 mL/grTS, 1:4 82 mL/grTS and 4:1 9.41 mL/grTS. After calculating the biogas production rate constant with Gompertz, the highest productivity was obtained at 1:1 variable, with maximum biogas (A): 65.69 mL/grTS, daily biogas production (U): 0.37 mL/grTS.day, and minimal time for biogas formation (𝜆): 25th day.
Domestic waste briquetting as refuse-derived-fuel for power plant alternative energy (case study: Bali Province)
Authors: Widyarsana I M W , Saraswati D
Published: November 2022

Mobilization and population growth caused waste generation and energy supply increments. It requires more efficient waste management and treatment methods. On the other side, the availability of fossil fuel resources decreased, it urges alternative energy sources to take place. One of the waste-to-energy implementations is using domestic waste into briquettes as refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for gasification fuel as the solutions to overcome this problem. Bali Province is one of the targets of the government’s acceleration program for the construction of waste processing plants into electric energy based on Presidential Regulation 35/2018. Waste- to-energy can be applied as co-firing in power plant. This study aims to determine the potential utilization of refuse-derived-fuel as power plant at Suwung Sarbagita Landfill and Bali Province as study case. Wastes are produced into briquette as refuse-derived-fuel. The proximate test results of briquette characteristics were analyzed in laboratory. Potential utilization calculation using data of waste generation in Bali Province, briquette characteristics especially calorific value, and optimal coal and briquette ratio of co-firing process. From the calculation with assuming using Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGGC) system technology with efficiency of 45%, waste in Suwung Sarbagita Landfill, Bali Province has the potential to generate electricity of 101.6 MW.
Bariatric surgery volume by hospital and long-term survival: population-based NordOSCo data
Authors: Markar Sheraz R , Santoni Giola , Holmberg Dag , Kauppila Joonas H , Lagergren Jesper
Published: November 2022

Background

It is unclear whether annual hospital volume of bariatric surgery influences the long-term survival of individuals who undergo surgery for severe obesity. The hypothesis that higher annual hospital volume of bariatric surgery is associated with better long-term survival was evaluated.

Methods

This retrospective population-based study included patients who underwent bariatric surgery in Sweden and Finland between 1989 and 2020. Annual hospital volume was analysed for risk of all-cause mortality. Multivariable Cox regression provided HRs with 95 per cent confidence intervals adjusted for age, sex, co-morbidity, country, and type of bariatric procedure.

Results

Weight loss surgery was performed in 77 870 patients with a 0.5 per cent risk of postoperative death (mortality rate (MR) per 100 000 people 592.7, 95 per cent c.i. 575.0 to 610.9). Higher annual hospital volume of bariatric surgery was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. The adjusted HRs were slightly more reduced for each quartile of annual hospital volume compared with the lowest quartile (MR per 100 000 people for lowest quartile 815.1, 95 per cent c.i. 781.7 to 849.9; for quartile II: HR 0.88, 95 per cent c.i. 0.81 to 0.96 (MR per 100 000 people 545.0, 512.0 to 580.1); for quartile III: HR 0.87, 0.78 to 0.97 (MR per 100 000 people 428.8, 395.5 to 465.0); for quartile IV: HR 0.82, 0.73 to 0.93 (MR per 100 000 people 356.0, 324.1 to 391.1)). In analyses restricted to laparoscopic surgery, volume and mortality were related only in the crude model (HR 0.86, 0.75 to 0.98), but not in the multivariable model (HR 0.97, 0.84 to 1.13) that compared highest and lowest quartiles.

Conclusion

If there was a survival benefit associated with hospital volume, it may have been due to a faster uptake of laparoscopic surgery in the busier hospitals.
Novel gene–intergenic fusion involving ubiquitin E3 ligase UBE3C causes distal hereditary motor neuropathy
Authors: Cutrupi Anthony N , Narayanan Ramesh K , Perez-Siles Gonzalo , Grosz Bianca R , Lai Kaitao , Boyling Alexandra , Ellis Melina , Lin Ruby C Y , Neumann Brent , Mao Di , Uesugi Motonari , Nicholson Garth A , Vucic Steve , Saporta Mario A , Kennerson Marina L
Published: November 2022

Distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMNs) are a group of inherited diseases involving the progressive, length-dependent axonal degeneration of the lower motor neurons. There are currently 29 reported causative genes and four disease loci implicated in dHMN. Despite the high genetic heterogeneity, mutations in the known genes account for less than 20% of dHMN cases, with the mutations identified predominantly being point mutations or indels. We have expanded the spectrum of dHMN mutations with the identification of a 1.35 Mb complex structural variation (SV) causing a form of autosomal dominant dHMN (DHMN1 OMIM %182906). Given the complex nature of SV mutations and the importance of studying pathogenic mechanisms in a neuronal setting, we generated a patient-derived DHMN1 motor neuron model harbouring the 1.35 Mb complex insertion. The DHMN1 complex insertion creates a duplicated copy of the first 10 exons of the ubiquitin-protein E3 ligase gene (UBE3C) and forms a novel gene–intergenic fusion sense transcript by incorporating a terminal pseudo-exon from intergenic sequence within the DHMN1 locus. The UBE3C intergenic fusion (UBE3C-IF) transcript does not undergo nonsense-mediated decay and results in a significant reduction of wild-type full-length UBE3C (UBE3C-WT) protein levels in DHMN1 iPSC-derived motor neurons. An engineered transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model expressing the UBE3C-IF transcript in GABA-ergic motor neurons shows neuronal synaptic transmission deficits. Furthermore, the transgenic animals are susceptible to heat stress, which may implicate defective protein homeostasis underlying DHMN1 pathogenesis. Identification of the novel UBE3C-IF gene–intergenic fusion transcript in motor neurons highlights a potential new disease mechanism underlying axonal and motor neuron degeneration. These complementary models serve as a powerful paradigm for studying the DHMN1 complex SV and an invaluable tool for defining therapeutic targets for DHMN1.
Cardiovascular Outcomes After Tixagevimab and Cilgavimab use for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Against Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Population-Based Propensity-matched Cohort Study
Authors: Birabaharan Morgan , Hill Eddie , Begur Maedha , Kaelber David C , Martin Thomas C S , Mehta Sanjay R
Published: November 2022

Tixagevimab and cilgavimab treatment was associated with higher rates of cardiovascular events in a post hoc analysis of a phase 3 trial. In this large population-based propensity-matched study, we found no increased risk of cardiovascular events up to 90 days after tixagevimab and cilgavimab administration, including in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
Deep Hashing and Sparse Representation of Abnormal Events Detection
Authors: Gnouma Mariem , Ejbali Ridha , Zaied Mourad
Published: November 2022

Due to its widespread application in the field of public security, anomaly detection in crowd scenes has recently become a hot topic. Some deep learning-based methods led to significant accomplishments in this field. Nevertheless, due to the scarcity of data and the misclassification of queries which most of them suffer to some extent from a sudden and infrequent overfitting. Though, we tried to solve the above problems, understand the long video streams and establish an accurate and reliable security system in order to improve its performance in detecting anomalies. We also referred to the hash technique, which has proven to be the most efficient method used when researching about large-scale image recovery. Thus, this article offers a smart video anomaly detection solution. In this paper, we combine the advantages of both deep hashing and deep auto-encoders to show that tracking changes in deep hash components across time and can be used to detect local anomalies. More precisely, we start with a new technique to minimize the mass of input data and information in order to decrease the time of calculation using a new dynamic frame skipping technique. Then, we propose to measure local anomalies by combining semantic with low-level optical flows to balance the performance and perceptibility. The experimental results illustrate that the proposed methods surpass these baselines for the detection and localization of anomalies.
Lipoprotein(a) levels in children with suspected familial hypercholesterolaemia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: de Boer Lotte M , Hutten Barbara A , Zwinderman Aeilko H , Wiegman Albert
Published: November 2022

Aims

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) predisposes children to the early initiation of atherosclerosis and is preferably diagnosed by DNA analysis. Yet, in many children with a clinical presentation of FH, no mutation is found. Adult data show that high levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] may underlie a clinical presentation of FH, as the cholesterol content of Lp(a) is included in conventional LDL cholesterol measurements. As this is limited to adult data, Lp(a) levels in children with and without (clinical) FH were evaluated.

Methods and results

Children were eligible if they visited the paediatric lipid clinic (1989–2020) and if Lp(a) measurement and DNA analysis were performed. In total, 2721 children (mean age: 10.3 years) were included and divided into four groups: 1931 children with definite FH (mutation detected), 290 unaffected siblings/normolipidaemic controls (mutation excluded), 108 children with probable FH (clinical presentation, mutation not detected), and 392 children with probable non-FH (no clinical presentation, mutation not excluded). In children with probable FH, 32% were found to have high Lp(a) [geometric mean (95% confidence interval) of 15.9 (12.3–20.6) mg/dL] compared with 10 and 10% [geometric means (95% confidence interval) of 11.5 (10.9–12.1) mg/dL and 9.8 (8.4–11.3) mg/dL] in children with definite FH (P = 0.017) and unaffected siblings (P = 0.002), respectively.

Conclusion

Lp(a) was significantly higher and more frequently elevated in children with probable FH compared with children with definite FH and unaffected siblings, suggesting that high Lp(a) may underlie the clinical presentation of FH when no FH-causing mutation is found. Performing both DNA analysis and measuring Lp(a) in all children suspected of FH is recommended to assess possible LDL cholesterol overestimation related to increased Lp(a).
A core case for supermajority rules in constitutional adjudication
Authors: Caviedes Cristóbal
Published: November 2022

In this article, I present a conditioned argument—also called a “core case”—for using supermajority rules in constitutional adjudication. I hold that, given some assumptions, constitutional courts should replace majority rule with supermajority rules to declare statutes unconstitutional. I assume that (i) there are substantive standards for assessing the constitutionality of legislation; (ii) given reasonable disagreement, statutes should be presumed constitutional; (iii) my claims only apply to some constitutional adjudication systems; and (iv) my claims only apply to “well-functioning democracies.” Given these assumptions, I argue that constitutional courts should use supermajority rules to declare statutes unconstitutional for three reasons: first, supermajority rules may boost judges’ accuracy more than majority rule on mathematical grounds and on deliberative grounds; second, supermajority rules may increase constitutional courts’ reputation by signaling consensus; and third, supermajority rules may embody the presumption of constitutionality of legislation. I finish by tackling some possible objections. Specifically, I tackle the concern that, under supermajority rules, too many statutes that should be declared unconstitutional would stay constitutional; the concern that supermajority rules in constitutional adjudication could be used to erode a democracy; and the concern that, under supermajority rules, some declarations of unconstitutionality that one judges as correct may not have happened.
Constraining constituent conventions: Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès and the limits of pouvoir constituant
Authors: Fasel Raffael N
Published: November 2022

Constituent power is widely viewed as the people’s legally unlimited power to make constitutions. This Popular Account of Constituent Power, as I call it, has been particularly influential in Latin American constitution-making processes, where it is often invoked as a justification for constituent conventions to ignore limits imposed on them. Although Carl Schmitt’s constitutional theory is a prominent source for the Popular Account, its proponents ultimately believe it to be based on Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès’s theory of pouvoir constituant. In this article, I show that this belief is unfounded. As I argue, Sieyès’s theory is best viewed as a secularized natural law theory that limits constituent power. Focusing on constituent conventions in particular, I demonstrate that Sieyès’s theory imposes two constraints on them: their mandate from the people and the common interest. I show the practical relevance of this finding by applying it to the current constitution-making process in Chile.
KELT-9 and its ultra-hot Jupiter: Stellar parameters, composition, and planetary pollution
Authors: Kama Mihkel , Folsom Colin P , Jermyn Adam S , Teske Johanna K
Published: November 2022

KELT-9b is an ultra-hot Jupiter observed to be undergoing extreme mass-loss. Its A0-type host star has a radiative envelope, which makes its surface layers prone to retaining recently accreted material. To search for potential signs of planetary material polluting the stellar surface, we carry out the most comprehensive chemical characterization of KELT-9 to-date. New element detections include Na and Y, which had previously been detected in the ultra-hot Jupiter but not studied in the star; these detections complete the set of ten elements measured in both star and planet. In comparing KELT-9 with similar open cluster stars we find no strong anomalies. This finding is consistent with calculations of photospheric pollution accounting for stellar mixing and using observationally estimated KELT-9b mass-loss rates. We also rule out recent, short-lived intensive mass transfer such as the stellar ingestion of an Earth-mass exomoon.