bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Semiconductor Wafer Inspection Framework via Autonomous Data Annotation
Authors: Han Changheon , Chun Heebum , Lee Jiho , Zhou Fengfeng , Yun Huitaek , Lee ChaBum , Jun Martin B.G.
Published: April 2024

In smart manufacturing, semiconductors play an indispensable role in collecting, processing, and analyzing data, ultimately enabling more agile and productive operations. Given the foundational importance of wafers, the purity of a wafer is essential to maintain the integrity of the overall semiconductor fabrication. This study proposes a novel automated visual inspection (AVI) framework for scrutinizing semiconductor wafers from scratch, capable of identifying defective wafers and pinpointing the location of defects through autonomous data annotation. Initially, this proposed methodology leveraged a texture analysis method known as gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) that categorized wafer images—captured via a stroboscopic imaging system—into distinct scenarios for high- and low-resolution wafer images. GLCM approaches further allowed for a complete separation of low-resolution wafer images into defective and normal wafer images, as well as the extraction of defect images from defective low-resolution wafer images, which were used for training a convolutional neural network (CNN) model. Consequently, the CNN model excelled in localizing defects on defective low-resolution wafer images, achieving an F1 score—the harmonic mean of precision and recall metrics—exceeding 90.1%. In high-resolution wafer images, a background subtraction technique represented defects as clusters of white points. The quantity of these white points determined the defectiveness and pinpointed locations of defects on high-resolution wafer images. Lastly, the CNN implementation further enhanced performance, robustness, and consistency irrespective of variations in the ratio of white point clusters. This technique demonstrated accuracy in localizing defects on high-resolution wafer images, yielding an F1 score greater than 99.3%.
A millimeter-wave atomic receiver
Authors: Legaie Remy , Raithel Georg , Anderson David A.
Published: April 2024

Rydberg quantum sensors are sensitive to radio-frequency fields across an ultra-wide frequency range spanning megahertz to terahertz electromagnetic waves resonant with Rydberg atom dipole transitions. Here, we demonstrate an atomic millimeter-wave heterodyne receiver employing continuous-wave lasers stabilized to an optical frequency comb. We characterize the atomic receiver in the W-band at a signal frequency of f = 95.992 512 GHz and demonstrate a sensitivity of 7.9 μV/m/Hz with a linear dynamic range in power greater than 70 dB. We develop frequency selectivity metrics for atomic receivers and demonstrate their use in our millimeter-wave receiver, including signal rejection levels at signal frequency offsets Δf/f = 10−4, 10−5, and 10−6; 3, 6, 9, and 12-dB bandwidths; filter roll-off; and shape factor analysis. Our work represents an important advance toward future studies and applications of atomic receiver science and technology in weak millimeter-wave and high-frequency signal detection.
Friction and wear behavior of C implanted copper via ion beam-assisted bombardment
Authors: Li Changhui , Zhu Jiajun , Hu Juanrui , Hao Leilei , Ji Bin , Fu Licai , Yang Wulin , Zhou Lingping
Published: April 2024

This work modified the surface of copper using physical vapor deposition and investigated the wear behavior of the modified copper at low load and sliding speed. The results of the study showed that the adhesion between the thin film prepared using the ion beam deposition technique and the substrate was insufficient, leading to an increased wear rate of copper after surface modification. However, when carbon particles were injected using ion beam-assisted bombardment, the friction properties of copper were significantly improved, with a decrease in wear rate from 1.6 × 10−4 to 8 × 10−6 mm3/N m and a 40% reduction in friction coefficient. This improvement can be attributed to the amorphous carbon layer on the copper surface, as well as the injection of carbon particles into the substrate, which enhanced the adhesion between the film and the substrate. Furthermore, a continuous copper oxide film formed during the friction and wear process, providing lubrication and protection to the substrate in conjunction with the amorphous carbon layer. Additionally, the primary wear mechanism of copper shifted from abrasive and adhesive wear to oxidation wear after ion beam-assisted bombardment with carbon injection. This study provides new insights and methods for material design and engineering applications by investigating the effects of ion beam-assisted bombardment technology on the wear resistance of copper materials.
When Studying Affective Responses to Exercise, the Definition of “Intensity” Must Reference Homeostatic Perturbations: A Retort to Vollaard et al.
Authors: Ekkekakis Panteleimon , Hartman Mark E. , Ladwig Matthew A.
Published: April 2024

In articles on the methodology of studies investigating affective and enjoyment responses to high-intensity interval training, we noted that, occasionally, exercise conditions described as involving “high” intensity exhibited heart rates that were only as high as, or even lower than, heart rates recorded during comparator conditions described as being of “moderate” intensity. Drs. Vollaard, Metcalfe, Kinghorn, Jung, and Little suggest instead that exercise intensity in high-intensity interval-training studies can be defined in terms of percentages of peak workload. Although we maintain that defining exercise intensity in terms of percentages of maximal heart rate is a suboptimal way to quantify the degree of homeostatic perturbations in response to exercise, we are unconvinced that definitions of intensity relying solely on workload are appropriate for studies investigating affective and enjoyment responses to exercise. The reason is that affect is theorized to have evolved to relay information about homeostatic perturbations to consciousness.
Piezo strain–controlled phase transition in single-crystalline Mott switches for threshold-manipulated leaky integrate-and-fire neurons
Authors: Lee Dong Kyu , Lee Sungwon , Sim Hyeji , Park Yunkyu , Choi Si-Young , Son Junwoo
Published: April 2024

Electrical manipulation of the metal-insulator transition (MIT) in quantum materials has attracted considerable attention toward the development of ultracompact neuromorphic devices because of their stimuli-triggered transformations. VO
2
is expected to undergo abrupt electronic phase transition by piezo strain near room temperature; however, the unrestricted integration of defect-free VO
2
films on piezoelectric substrates is required to fully exploit this emerging phenomenon in oxide heterostructures. Here, we demonstrate the integration of single-crystalline VO
2
films on highly lattice-mismatched PMN-PT piezoelectric substrates using a single-crystal TiO
2
-nanomembrane (NM) template. Using our strategy on heterogeneous integration, single-crystal–like steep transition was observed in the defect-free VO
2
films on TiO
2
-NM-PMN-PT. Unprecedented
T
MI
modulation (5.2 kelvin) and isothermal resistance of VO
2
[Δ
R
/
R
(
E
g
) ≈ 18,000% at 315 kelvin] were achieved by the efficient strain transfer–induced MIT, which cannot be achieved using directly grown VO
2
/PMN-PT substrates. Our results provide a fundamental strategy to realize a single-crystalline artificial heterojunction for promoting the application of artificial neurons using emergent materials.
Subsidence-induced early doming at a large ignimbrite caldera
Authors: Lipman Peter W.
Published: April 2024

Uplift at many well-documented resurgent calderas started only after completion of the associated ignimbrite eruption, but arching of the large Bachelor caldera in the Southern Rocky Mountain volcanic field, Colorado (USA), began during the eruption. A well-defined arched or domical structure, initiated within thickly accumulating ignimbrite as the caldera subsided, is documented by growth of keystone faults as the caldera filled, rheomorphism and local diapiric mobilization of early-erupted tuff, decreased dips in upper welding zones, and wedging of a late-erupted dacitic phase against flanks of the growing dome. Early subsidence-induced doming may have been triggered by preferential magma draw-down along ring-fault vents, relatively impermeable vesiculation and differential magma buoyancy centrally within the caldera, peripheral loading at caldera margins by landslides and talus from caldera walls, or some combination of factors. Early inception of caldera doming has implications for models of magma withdrawal and residual compositional gradients in non-erupted magma.
Effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines on maternal and perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fernández-García Silvia , del Campo-Albendea Laura , Sambamoorthi Dharshini , Sheikh Jameela , Lau Karen , Osei-Lah Nana , Ramkumar Anoushka , Naidu Harshitha , Stoney Nicole , Sundaram Paul , Sengupta Paulomi , Mehta Samay , Attarde Shruti , Maddock Sophie , Manning Millie , Meherally Zainita , Ansari Kehkashan , Lawson Heidi , Yap Magnus , Kew Tania , Punnoose Andriya , Knight Chloe , Sadeqa Eyna , Cherian Jiya , Ravi Sangamithra , Chen Wentin , Walker Kate , O’Donoghue Keelin , van Wely Madelon , van Leeuwen Elizabeth , Kostova Elena , Kunst Heinke , Khalil Asma , Brizuela Vanessa , Kara Edna , Kim Caron Rahn , Thorson Anna , Oladapo Olufemi T , Mofenson Lynne , Gottlieb Sami L , Bonet Mercedes , Moss Ngawai , Zamora Javier , Allotey John , Thangaratinam Shakila
Published: April 2024

Objective

To assess the effects of COVID-19 vaccines in women before or during pregnancy on SARS-CoV-2 infection-related, pregnancy, offspring and reactogenicity outcomes.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Major databases between December 2019 and January 2023.

Study selection

Nine pairs of reviewers contributed to study selection. We included test-negative designs, comparative cohorts and randomised trials on effects of COVID-19 vaccines on infection-related and pregnancy outcomes. Non-comparative cohort studies reporting reactogenicity outcomes were also included.

Quality assessment, data extraction and analysis

Two reviewers independently assessed study quality and extracted data. We undertook random-effects meta-analysis and reported findings as HRs, risk ratios (RRs), ORs or rates with 95% CIs.

Results

Sixty-seven studies (1 813 947 women) were included. Overall, in test-negative design studies, pregnant women fully vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine had 61% reduced odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.75; 4 studies, 23 927 women; I2=87.2%) and 94% reduced odds of hospital admission (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.71; 2 studies, 868 women; I2=92%). In adjusted cohort studies, the risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy was reduced by 12% (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.92; 2 studies; 115 085 women), while caesarean section was reduced by 9% (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98; 6 studies; 30 192 women). We observed an 8% reduction in the risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97; 2 studies; 54 569 women) in babies born to vaccinated versus not vaccinated women. In general, vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy or perinatal outcomes. Pain at the injection site was the most common side effect reported (77%, 95% CI 52% to 94%; 11 studies; 27 195 women).

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and related complications in pregnant women.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020178076.
Predictive value of admission D-dimer levels in patient with acute ischaemic stroke and COVID-19: a second-wave prospective cohort study
Authors: Rasyid Al , Harris Salim , Kurniawan Mohammad , Mesiano Taufik , Hidayat Rakhmad , Wiyarta Elvan
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of admission D-dimer levels for in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 and acute ischaemic stroke.

Design

Cohort (prospective).

Setting

Tertiary referral hospital in the capital city of Indonesia conducted from June to December 2021.

Participants

60 patients with acute ischaemic stroke and COVID-19 were included. Patients were classified into D-dimer groups (low and high) according to a 2 110 ng/mL cut-off value, determined via receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, with admission D-dimer levels as the major predictor. Secondary outcomes included associations between other demographic and clinical variables and the admission D-dimer value. Kaplan-Meier method was used to carry out survival analysis, with univariable and multivariable Cox regression performed to assess the association of D-dimer levels and other confounding variables (including demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters) with in-hospital mortality.

Results

The findings demonstrated an association between elevated admission D-dimer levels (≥2 110 ng/mL) and an increased likelihood of death during hospitalisation. The adjusted HR was 14.054 (95% CI 1.710 to 115.519; p=0.014), demonstrating an increase in mortality risk after accounting for confounders such as age and diabetes history. Other significant predictors of mortality included a history of diabetes and increased white blood cell count.

Conclusions

Admission D-dimer levels may be a useful predictive indicator for the likelihood of death during hospitalisation in individuals with COVID-19 and acute ischaemic stroke.
Whole-course management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary healthcare: an internet of things-enabled prospective cohort study in China
Authors: Zhao Xingru , Kang Haonan , An Yunxia , Xu Zhiwei , Wei Meihui , Zhang Quncheng , Diao Linqi , Guo Zhiping , Zhang Xiaoju
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite substantial progress in reducing the global burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), traditional methods to promote understanding and management of COPD are insufficient. We developed an innovative model based on the internet of things (IoT) for screening and management of COPD in primary healthcare (PHC).

Methods

Electronic questionnaire and IoT-based spirometer were used to screen residents. We defined individuals with a questionnaire score of 16 or higher as high-risk population, COPD was diagnosed according to 2021 Global Initiative for COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) criteria. High-risk individuals and COPD identified through the screening were included in the COPD PHC cohort study, which is a prospective, longitudinal observational study. We provide an overall description of the study’s design framework and baseline data of participants.

Results

Between November 2021 and March 2023, 162 263 individuals aged over 18 from 18 cities in China were screened, of those 43 279 high-risk individuals and 6902 patients with COPD were enrolled in the cohort study. In the high-risk population, the proportion of smokers was higher than that in the screened population (57.6% vs 31.4%), the proportion of males was higher than females (71.1% vs 28.9%) and in people underweight than normal weight (57.1% vs 32.0%). The number of high-risk individuals increased with age, particularly after 50 years old (χ2=37 239.9, p<0.001). Female patients are more common exposed to household biofuels (χ2=72.684, p<0.05). The majority of patients have severe respiratory symptoms, indicated by a CAT score of ≥10 (85.8%) or an Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale score of ≥2 (65.5%).

Conclusion

Strategy based on IoT model help improve the detection rate of COPD in PHC. This cohort study has established a large clinical database that encompasses a wide range of demographic and relevant data of COPD and will provide invaluable resources for future research.
Externally validated nomogram for predicting short-term pregnancy outcome of singleton pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR)
Authors: Yin Fufen , Jin Mingrui , Li Yujing , Li Yang , Yin Xiuju , Xie Junshu , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed at developing an available predictive model of singleton pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR) for accurate and individualised prognosis assessment.

Methods

The prediction nomogram was developed by using multivariable Cox regression with data for 301 singleton FGR pregnancies at Peking University People’s Hospital. External validation was performed in 321 eligible singleton FGR pregnancies at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University.

Results

Absent umbilical arterial flow, fetal anomaly, history of abnormal pregnancy, non-cephalic presentation and history of caesarean section were independent prognostic factors for adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton FGR pregnancies in the training set. In the training cohort of the internal validation set, the nomogram estimated pregnancy prognosis of FGR singleton pregnancies based on these five variables, with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.859 (95% CI: 0.81 to 0.90) for predicting termination of pregnancy (TOP), which included intrauterine fetal death and therapeutic lethal induction, with a C-index of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86 to 0.98) for predicting stillbirth, and a C-index of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83 to 0.92) for predicting therapeutic lethal induction with indications. Encouragingly, consistent results were observed in the external validation set, with a C-index of 0.776 (95% CI: 0.71 to 0.84) for predicting TOP, which included intrauterine fetal death and therapeutic lethal induction, with a C-index of 0.773 (95% CI: 0.70 to 0.84) for predicting stillbirth, and a C-index of 0.776 (95% CI: 0.70 to 0.85) for predicting therapeutic lethal induction with indications. Furthermore, the calibrations of the nomograms predicting the 28th and 34th TOP-free gestation week strongly corresponded to the actual survival outcome.

Conclusion

This prediction model may help clinicians in decision-making for singleton pregnancies with FGR, especially for patients with a single abnormal umbilical arterial flow or fetal anomaly, without induced labour indications for these abnormalities.
Dynamic change in red cell distribution width as a predictor for short-time mortality in dermatomyositis-associated rapid progressive interstitial lung disease
Authors: Chen Fang , Jin Qiwen , Zhang Yingfang , Wang Guochun , Li Guangtao , Shu Xiaoming
Published: April 2024

Aim

We aimed to explore a new and readily available practical marker for rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) and poor short-term outcomes in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM).

Methods

A total of 1822 consecutive patients with IIM between 2009 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. All proven cases of naïve ILD with complete medical records were included. Red cell distribution width (RDW) values at the initial stage, 3 months and last follow-up were collected. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of the patients were recorded.

Results

We identified 532 patients with IIM with an average follow-up of 4 years. ILD prevalence was higher in patients of elevated RDW (p<0.001). The patients with ILD and elevated RDW had lower levels of PaO2/FiO2, FVC% and DLco% and a higher prevalence of RP-ILD than those with normal RDW (p<0.001). Prognostic analysis revealed that RDW was an independent risk factor for prognosis in patients with IIM-ILD (HR=2.9, p=0.03). Patients with dermatomyositis (DM) with RP-ILD with a change in RDW within 3 months (∆RDW-3) greater than 0 were more likely to die within 3 months. Moreover, the prevalence of ∆RDW-3>0 was higher in patients with RP-ILD and positive for anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody who died within 3 months (87.5%) compared with those alive at 3 months (24.6%) (p<0.001).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that repeated RDW assays could assist physicians in identifying patients with DM-ILD who were at a high risk of RP-ILD and death.
Obesity is a risk factor for poor response to treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis: a NORD-STAR study
Authors: Dubovyk Violetta , Vasileiadis Georgios K , Fatima Tahzeeb , Zhang Yuan , Kapetanovic Meliha Crnkic , Kastbom Alf , Rizk Milad , Söderbergh Annika , Zhao Sizheng Steven , van Vollenhoven Ronald F , Hetland Merete Lund , Haavardsholm Espen A , Nordström Dan , Nurmohamed Michael T , Gudbjornsson Bjorn , Lampa Jon , Østergaard Mikkel , Heiberg Marte Schrumpf , Sokka-Isler Tuulikki , Gröndal Gerdur , Lend Kristina , Hørslev-Petersen Kim , Uhlig Till , Rudin Anna , Maglio Cristina
Published: April 2024

Objective

This report from the NORD-STAR (Nordic Rheumatic Diseases Strategy Trials and Registries) trial aimed to determine if obesity is associated with response to conventional and biological antirheumatic treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

This report included 793 participants with untreated early RA from the randomised, longitudinal NORD-STAR trial, all of whom had their body mass index (BMI) assessed at baseline. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥30 kg/m2. All participants were randomised 1:1:1:1 to one of four treatment arms: active conventional treatment, certolizumab-pegol, abatacept and tocilizumab. Clinical and laboratory measurements were performed at baseline and at 8, 12, 24 and 48-week follow-up. The primary endpoint for this report was response to treatment based on Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI) remission and Disease Activity Score with 28 joints using C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) <2.6 stratified by BMI.

Results

Out of 793 people included in the present report, 161 (20%) had obesity at baseline. During follow-up, participants with baseline obesity had higher disease activity compared with those with lower BMI, despite having similar disease activity at baseline. In survival analyses, obesity was associated with a lower likelihood of achieving response to treatment during follow-up for up to 48 weeks (CDAI remission, HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.05; SDAI, HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.97; DAS28-CRP <2.6, HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.95). The effect of obesity on response to treatment was not influenced by the treatment arms.

Conclusion

In people with untreated early RA followed up for up to 48 weeks, obesity was associated with a lower likelihood of good treatment response, irrespective of the type of randomised treatment received.

Trial registration number

NCT01491815.
Supplemental tube feeding: qualitative study of patient perspectives in advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Nguyen Grace , Furness Kate , Croagh Daniel , Haines Terry , Hanna Lauren
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Malnutrition is associated with poor quality of life and survival outcomes for patients with cancer, but is challenging to prevent or treat in pancreatic cancer due to the multifactorial drivers of nutritional decline. A novel application of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with a jejunal extension tube to deliver supplementary nutrition may improve outcomes, and will be tested in a randomised controlled trial. This study explored the perspectives of people living with pancreatic cancer regarding the acceptability of this proposed intensive nutrition intervention, to elucidate appropriateness and anticipated barriers, and facilitate informed design of the planned trial.

Methods

Participants were patients with pancreatic cancer previously enrolled in a Pancreaticobiliary Cancer Biobank. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone and transcribed verbatim for deductive thematic analysis. The Framework Model was used, with the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability as the analytical framework.

Results

10 participants were recruited. Four overarching themes were developed from interviews: (1) deterioration in physical and mental well-being are consequences of debilitating nutrition impact symptoms; (2) willingness to participate depends on an individual threshold for nutritional deterioration; (3) predicted perceived effectiveness outweighed anticipated burdens and (4) adequate dietetic support is needed for maintaining a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension feeding tube at home with confidence.

Conclusions

Most participants believed that the intervention would benefit people with advanced pancreatic cancer to maintain their nutrition throughout chemotherapy. Regular and ad hoc support was considered essential, and the degree of individual nutritional deterioration was identified as an important indicator for trial participation.
Embedded ZnO nanorod in ZIF-8 as a high-efficiency core–shell structural electrocatalyst for subnanomole level sensing of diethylstilbestrol
Authors: Sun Junyong , Zhang Xin , Miao Shuyan , Peng Lijun , Peng Xitian , Wu Can , Gan Tian
Published: April 2024

In view of the core–shell nanocomposites can complement the functions of the core and shell components, we here demonstrate a facile self-template strategy for synthesizing a one-dimensional rod-like hierarchical ZnO@ZIF-8 core–shell structure composed of a stabilized core and an active shell. The ZnO nanorods not only served as the template, but also as source of Zn ions for the in situ formation of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) crystal shell, and the well-stabilized ZnO core preserved its own nature during the growth of the ZIF-8 shell. Furthermore, a sensing platform using ZnO@ZIF-8 as electrocatalyst was developed, which demonstrated salient electrocatalytic activity for diethylstilbestrol (DES) oxidation. The concentration of DES was directly proportional to its anodic peak current in the range of 2 nmol/L to 2 µmol/L, and ultralow detection limit of 0.73 nmol/L ( S/ N = 3) was achieved. The proposed method also gave excellent selectivity, reproducibility, and stability, showing promising analytical performance for the measurement of DES in food samples of animal origin.
Alternating phase focusing beam dynamics for drift tube linacs
Authors: Lauber Simon , Barth Winfried , Basten Markus , Dziuba Florian D. , List Julian , Miski-Oglu Maksym , Podlech Holger , Yaramyshev Stepan
Published: April 2024

In contrast to conventional E-mode resonance accelerators, H-mode DTLs provide for compact linac sections and have been established as highly efficient resonators during the last decades. Thus, H-mode structures are widely applied for heavy-ion acceleration with medium beam energies because of their outstanding capability to provide high acceleration gradients with relatively low energy consumption. To build upon those advantages, an alternating phase focusing beam dynamics layout has been applied to provide for a resonance accelerator design without internal lenses, which allows for eased commissioning, routine operation, maintenance, and potential future upgrades. The features of such a channel are going to be demonstrated on the example of two interdigital H-mode cavities, separated by an external quadrupole triplet. This setup provides for heavy ion (mass-to-charge ratio $A/z\le 6$
A
/
z
≤
6
) acceleration from 300 keV/u to 1400 keV/u and is used as an injector part of the superconducting continuous wave accelerator HELIAC. Hence, this promising approach generally enables effective and compact routine operation for various applications, such as super heavy ion research, material science, and radio biological applications such as heavy-ion tumor therapy.
Reinforcement Learning May Demystify the Limited Human Motor Learning Efficacy Due to Visual-Proprioceptive Mismatch
Authors: Choi Kyungrak , Choe Yoonsuck , Park Hangue
Published: April 2024

Vision and proprioception have fundamental sensory mismatches in delivering locational information, and such mismatches are critical factors limiting the efficacy of motor learning. However, it is still not clear how and to what extent this mismatch limits motor learning outcomes. To further the understanding of the effect of sensory mismatch on motor learning outcomes, a reinforcement learning algorithm and the simplified biomechanical elbow joint model were employed to mimic the motor learning process in a computational environment. By applying a reinforcement learning algorithm to the motor learning of elbow joint flexion task, simulation results successfully explained how visual-proprioceptive mismatch limits motor learning outcomes in terms of motor control accuracy and task completion speed. The larger the perceived angular offset between the two sensory modalities, the lower the motor control accuracy. Also, the more similar the peak reward amplitude of the two sensory modalities, the lower the motor control accuracy. In addition, simulation results suggest that insufficient exploration rate limits task completion speed, and excessive exploration rate limits motor control accuracy. Such a speed-accuracy trade-off shows that a moderate exploration rate could serve as another important factor in motor learning.
Influence of the disorder correlation length on localization and quantum state transference in tight-binding channels
Authors: Silva J. D. S. , Almeida G. M. A. , Lyra M. L. , de Moura F. A. B. F.
Published: April 2024

We investigate in detail the transference of quantum states in a disordered channel. We consider a one-dimensional tight-binding model consisting of a source S connected to a receiver R throughout a disordered channel. The disorder distribution contains a single tunable spatial correlation length. We demonstrate that the disorder correlation length plays a relevant role within the localization properties of the channel. The hopping parameter between the sites S and R and the channel are also adjustable parameters. We investigate the possibility of transference of quantum states along this quantum channel model and describe the optimal conditions for the occurrence of a high fidelity process.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF NATURAL CAPITAL ON CARBON TOTAL FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY IN CHINA
Authors: GONG MAOYU , YU JIANGLI , KONG FANBIN
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on the contribution of natural capital to achieving carbon neutrality in China based on the provincial data from 1998 to 2019. This paper first measures the natural capital of each province by ecological footprint (EF), then explores the contribution of natural capital on carbon total factor productivity (CTFP) through a global non-radial Luenberger productivity indicator (GLPI), and decomposes the new CTFP into efficiency change (EC) and technical change (TC). We find that the contribution of natural capital to CTFP is relatively small, mainly due to the negative impact of infrastructure land and energy footprint and the decline of the marginal effect of natural capital and environmental carrying capacity. Second, technology innovation is still a main driver of promoting the CTFP of EF. Third, the contribution of natural capital to CTFP varies greatly with different types of natural capital and regions. We provide corresponding policy implications based on the main conclusions.
There are no post-quantum weakly pseudo-free families in any nontrivial variety of expanded groups
Authors: Anokhin Mikhail
Published: April 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite set of finitary operation symbols and let [Formula: see text] be a nontrivial variety of [Formula: see text]-algebras. Assume that for some set [Formula: see text] of group operation symbols, all [Formula: see text]-algebras in [Formula: see text] are groups under the operations associated with the symbols in [Formula: see text]. In other words, [Formula: see text] is assumed to be a nontrivial variety of expanded groups. In particular, [Formula: see text] can be a nontrivial variety of groups or rings. Our main result is that there are no post-quantum weakly pseudo-free families in [Formula: see text], even in the worst-case setting and/or the black-box model. In this paper, we restrict ourselves to families [Formula: see text] of computational and black-box [Formula: see text]-algebras (where [Formula: see text]) such that for every [Formula: see text], each element of [Formula: see text] is represented by a unique bit string of length polynomial in the length of d. In our main result, we use straight-line programs to represent nontrivial relations between elements of [Formula: see text]-algebras. Note that under certain conditions, this result depends on the classification of finite simple groups. Also, we define and study some types of post-quantum weak pseudo-freeness for families of computational and black-box [Formula: see text]-algebras.
Full-Scale Observations for the Combined Wind-Induced Responses of a Cylindrical Tower
Authors: Poovarodom Nakhorn , Magteppong Nuttaphon , Jirasakjamroonsri Amorntep
Published: April 2024

This paper presents full-scale observations of wind-induced vibrations on a 140[Formula: see text]m high cylindrical reinforced concrete tower under non-stationary and strong wind conditions. The vibration responses of the tower in two planar orthogonal axes and rotation, in conjunction with wind speed and direction data, have been utilized to extract the response characteristics. The primary focus is on discussing the correlation of wind-induced responses in three components: Along-wind, across-wind, and torsion. Throughout the varying levels of oscillation, the tower’s responses clearly exhibit correlations among these components. The correlation coefficients between along-wind and across-wind responses, as well as along-wind and torsional responses, remain negligible across the entire dataset. In contrast, during intense oscillations, there is a near-perfect correlation between the across-wind and torsional responses. Furthermore, the probability density functions (PDFs) of the response components under strong wind conditions significantly deviate from the Gaussian distribution and closely resemble the Cauchy distribution. The joint PDFs also indicate that the along-wind response is statistically independent of the other response components, while the across-wind response correlates well with the torsion, as indicated by the non-Gaussian distribution. This paper also includes distinct observations regarding dominant oscillating frequencies, torsional amplitudes, and vertical vibration amplitudes. The importance of this research lies in its examination of the relationship between different response components, a crucial aspect in understanding how structures behave under wind loading. By emphasizing the need for full-scale measurements, this study aims to provide valuable validation for previous theoretical and experimental research findings.
Influence of Cold Plasma and Photocatalysis on Properties of SnO2 Nanostructure Prepared by Laser Deposition
Authors: Majed Mirvat D. , Abdalameer Nisreen Kh.
Published: April 2024

The study aimed to consider the effects of processing thin films of tin dioxide (SnO2), prepared by pulsed laser deposition in vacuum on a glass substrate and the effects of both cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and UV light. Analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–visible spectroscopy were used for characterization before and after specific surface treatments. XRD analysis revealed that the crystallographic orientation of the SnO2 peak remained unchanged after plasma treatment, although slight changes in grain size were observed after UV treatment. The AFM results confirmed the increased surface roughness of the SnO2 thin films, which was partially alleviated by CAP treatment, resulting in lower surface roughness compared with the untreated case. The optical band gap values of SnO2 thin films were determined from their UV–visible spectra. Before treatment, the band gap was measured at 2.58 electron volts (eV). However, after CAP and UV treatment, decreases in the band gap values were observed, with the values decreasing to 2.12[Formula: see text]eV and 1.98[Formula: see text]eV, respectively.
Double-direction cyclic controlled quantum teleportation of arbitrary unknown single-qutrit states
Authors: Peng Jiayin , Liu Miao , Tang Jiangang , Yang Zhen , Lei Hongxuan
Published: April 2024

To explore the multi-directional quantum communication in a three-dimensional (3D) system, 13- and [Formula: see text]-qutrit entangled states are constructed by 3D Hadamard gates and 3D controlled NOT gates in this paper. Then we propose a novel theoretical scheme to fulfill four-party double-direction cyclic controlled quantum teleportation (QT) by using a 13-qutrit entangled state as the quantum channel. In this scheme, each observer can teleport two different arbitrary unknown single-qutrit states to the other two observers under the control of the supervisor, respectively and synchronously, which realizes cyclic controlled QT in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions simultaneously. Each observer performs two 3D Bell basis measurements and the supervisor carries out a single-qutrit measurement in the 3D [Formula: see text]-basis. After hearing the measurement results from the other two observers and the supervisor, each observer can restore the target states by utilizing suitable 3D Weyl operators. Based on the [Formula: see text]-qutrit entangled channel that we construct, we exhibit in detail how to extend the presented four-party double-direction cyclic controlled QT scheme to the situation with [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) observers. Analysis shows that the success probability of both the proposed four-party and [Formula: see text]-party schemes can reach 1, and these two schemes are expected to be realized experimentally in the near future. Through detailed discussion, we find that the security of our schemes and the control power of the supervisor can be guaranteed, and the intrinsic efficiency of the proposed schemes is relatively high.
New Calabi–Yau manifolds from genetic algorithms
Authors: Heyes Elli
Published: April 2024

From [Formula: see text]-dimensional reflexive polytopes one can construct [Formula: see text] complex-dimensional Calabi–Yau manifolds as hypersurfaces in toric varieties. In this contribution to the DANGER 3: Data Numbers and Geometry conference proceedings, we summarise previous work [P. Berglund, Y.-H. He, E. Heyes, E. Hirst, V. Jejjala and A. Lukas, New Calabi–Yau Manifolds from Genetic Algorithms (2023)] generating reflexive polytopes using genetic algorithms. As a proof of principle, we demonstrate that the genetic algorithm can reproduce known reflexive polytopes in two, three and four dimensions. Motivated by this result, we construct five-dimensional reflexive polytopes and establish that many of these are not in existing datasets and therefore give rise to new Calabi–Yau four-folds.
Help Them Understand: Testing and Improving Voice User Interfaces
Authors: Guglielmi Emanuela , Rosa Giovanni , Scalabrino Simone , Bavota Gabriele , Oliveto Rocco
Published: April 2024

Voice-based virtual assistants are becoming increasingly popular. Such systems provide frameworks to developers for building custom apps. End-users can interact with such apps through a Voice User Interface (VUI), which allows the user to use natural language commands to perform actions. Testing such apps is not trivial: The same command can be expressed in different semantically equivalent ways. In this article, we introduce VUI-UPSET, an approach that adapts chatbot-testing approaches to VUI-testing. We conducted an empirical study to understand how VUI-UPSET compares to two state-of-the-art approaches (i.e., a chatbot testing technique and ChatGPT) in terms of (i) correctness of the generated paraphrases, and (ii) capability of revealing bugs. To this aim, we analyzed 14,898 generated paraphrases for 40 Alexa Skills. Our results show that VUI-UPSET generates more bug-revealing paraphrases than the two baselines with, however, ChatGPT being the approach generating the highest percentage of correct paraphrases. We also tried to use the generated paraphrases to improve the skills. We tried to include in thevoice interaction modelsof the skills (i) only the bug-revealing paraphrases, (ii) all the valid paraphrases. We observed that including only bug-revealing paraphrases is sometimes not sufficient to make all the tests pass.
ZoneTrace: Zone Monitoring Tool for F2FS on ZNS SSDs
Authors: Chen Ping-Xiang , Seo Dongjoo , Sung Changhoon , Park Jongheum , Lee Minchul , Li Huaicheng , Bjørling Matias , Dutt Nikil
Published: April 2024

We present
ZoneTrace
, a runtime monitoring tool for the Flash-friendly File System (F2FS) on Zoned Namespace (ZNS) Solid-state Drives (SSDs). ZNS SSD organizes its storage into zones of sequential write access. Due to ZNS SSD’s sequential write nature, F2FS is a log-structured file system that has recently been adopted to support ZNS SSDs. To present the space management with the zone concept between F2FS and the underlying ZNS SSD, we developed
ZoneTrace
, a tool that enables users to visualize and analyze the space management of F2FS on ZNS SSDs.
ZoneTrace
utilizes the extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) to trace the updated segment bitmap in F2FS and visualize each zone space usage accordingly. Furthermore,
ZoneTrace
is able to analyze on file fragmentation in F2FS and provides users with informative fragmentation histogram to serve as an indicator of file fragmentation. Using
ZoneTrace
’s visualization, we are able to identify the current F2FS space management scheme’s inability to fully optimize space for streaming data recording in autonomous systems, which leads to serious file fragmentation on ZNS SSDs. Our evaluations show that
ZoneTrace
is lightweight and assists users in getting useful insights for effortless monitoring on F2FS with ZNS SSD with both synthetic and realistic workloads. We believe
ZoneTrace
can help users analyze F2FS with ease and open up space management research topics with F2FS on ZNS SSDs.
Testing Multi-Subroutine Quantum Programs: From Unit Testing to Integration Testing
Authors: Long Peixun , Zhao Jianjun
Published: April 2024

Quantum computing has emerged as a promising field with the potential to revolutionize various domains by harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics. As quantum hardware and algorithms continue to advance, developing high-quality quantum software has become crucial. However, testing quantum programs poses unique challenges due to the distinctive characteristics of quantum systems and the complexity of multi-subroutine programs. This article addresses the specific testing requirements of multi-subroutine quantum programs. We begin by investigating critical properties by surveying existing quantum libraries and providing insights into the challenges of testing these programs. Building upon this understanding, we focus on testing criteria and techniques based on the whole testing process perspective, spanning from unit testing to integration testing. We delve into various aspects, including IO analysis, quantum relation checking, structural testing, behavior testing, integration of subroutine pairs, and test case generation. We also introduce novel testing principles and criteria to guide the testing process. We conduct comprehensive testing on typical quantum subroutines, including diverse mutants and randomized inputs, to evaluate our proposed approach. The analysis of failures provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of our testing methodology. Additionally, we present case studies on representative multi-subroutine quantum programs, demonstrating the practical application and effectiveness of our proposed testing principles and criteria.
Degradation of Styrene-Poly(ethylene oxide)-Based Block Copolymer Electrolytes at the Na and K Negative Electrode Studied by Microcalorimetry and Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Xing Silin , Khudyshkina Anna , Rauska Ulf-Christian , Butzelaar Andreas J. , Voll Dominik , Theato Patrick , Tübke Jens , Jeschull Fabian
Published: April 2024

The electrode-electrolyte interface of alkali metal electrodes and solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) is challenging to access because solid electrolytes are difficult to remove without damaging the interphase region. Herein, the two non-invasive techniques isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are combined to explored degradation processes of reactive sodium and potassium metal electrodes in contact with SPEs. Comparison of the parasitic heat flows and interfacial resistances at different current densities with a liquid electrolyte (LE) system showed marked differences in aging behaviour. The data also suggest that the electrochemically active surface area of alkali metal electrodes increase with cycling, leading to larger parasitic heat flows and indicating morphological changes. SPE-based cells exhibit similar levels of parasitic heat flow at different current densities, which is in stark contrast to the LE cell where a strong correlation between the two is evident. The ambiguity of EIS spectra is challenging due to the overlapping time constants of the underlying electrode processes. However, equivalent circuit modelling can be used to follow trends in resistance evolution, for example to track the rapidly increasing cell impedance in K/K symmetric cells during a 48 h equilibration interval prior to cycling, which abruptly disappeared once cycling begins.
Disturbed flow in the juxta-anastomotic area of an arteriovenous fistula correlates with endothelial loss, acute thrombus formation, and neointimal hyperplasia
Authors: Bai Hualong , Varsanik M. Alyssa , Thaxton Carly , Ohashi Yuichi , Gonzalez Luis , Zhang Weichang , Aoyagi Yukihiko , Kano Masaki , Yatsula Bogdan , Li Zhuo , Pocivavsek Luka , Dardik Alan
Published: April 2024

Disturbed flow and focal endothelial cell loss in the juxta-anastomotic area of the mouse AVF colocalizes with acute thrombus formation followed by late neointimal hyperplasia. Differential flow patterns between the juxta-anastomotic area and the outflow vein correlate with differential expression of genes regulating coagulation, proliferation, collagen metabolism, and the immune response. The rat jugular vein to carotid artery AVF model shows changes similar to the mouse AVF model.
Thyroidectomy for Euthyroid Patients with Hashimoto Disease and Persistent Symptoms: An Observational, Postrandomization Study
Authors: Hoff Geir , Bernklev Tomm , Johnsen Lene , Reitsma Laurens , Sina Dirk , Lauzike Andromeda , Gibbs Charlotte , Hoel Lende Tone , Narvestad Jon Kristian , Kildahl Rasmus , Omdal Roald , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Søiland Håvard
Published: April 2024

Background. Despite adequate hormone substitution in Hashimoto disease, some patients may have persistent symptoms with a possible autoimmune pathophysiology. A recent randomized trial (RCT) using patient-reported outcome measures as the primary endpoint showed benefit in total thyroidectomy, but at a cost of high complication rates. Objective. To verify results from the RCT in an observational study including a wider range of patients and explore means of predicting who may benefit from such surgery. Design. A total of 154 patients with Hashimoto disease, euthyroid with or without thyroid hormone substitution, and persistent Hashimoto-related symptoms were subjected to total thyroidectomy and followed for 18 months after surgery. The primary outcome was the General Health (GH) dimensional score in the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Results. Eighteen months after surgery, a clinically significant improvement in GH was seen, similar to the findings in the previous RCT. Anti-TPO antibody titers were markedly reduced after surgery, but preoperative titers or other preoperative parameters could not predict the outcome of surgery. Three (1.9%) of 154 patients experienced permanent unilateral recurrent nerve palsy and six (3.9%) experienced hypoparathyroidism after surgery. Conclusions. Thyroidectomy had a beneficial symptom-reducing effect in euthyroid patients with Hashimoto disease and persistent symptoms. The pathophysiology of residual symptoms remains unclear, and surgical complication rates are high. If thyroidectomy is considered as a treatment option, it should be performed in dedicated centers with experienced endocrine surgeons and as part of further studies on persistent symptoms. This trial is registered with NCT-02319538.