bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Bi doping on the electronic structure of (Ga,Mn)As epitaxial layers
Authors: Yastrubchak Oksana , Tataryn Nataliia , Gluba Lukasz , Mamykin Sergii , Sadowski Janusz , Andrearczyk Tomasz , Domagala Jaroslaw Z. , Kondratenko Olga , Romanyuk Volodymyr , Fedchenko Olena , Lytvynenko Yaryna , Tkach Olena , Vasilyev Dmitry , Babenkov Sergey , Medjanik Katerina , Gas Katarzyna , Sawicki Maciej , Wosinski Tadeusz , Schönhense Gerd , Elmers Hans-Joachim
Published: October 2023

The influence of the addition of Bi to the dilute ferromagnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As on its electronic structure as well as on its magnetic and structural properties has been studied. Epitaxial (Ga,Mn)(Bi,As) layers of high structural perfection have been grown using low-temperature molecular-beam epitaxy. Post-growth annealing of the samples improves their structural and magnetic properties and increases the hole concentration in the layers. Hard X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy reveals a strongly dispersing band in the Mn-doped layers, which crosses the Fermi energy and is caused by the high concentration of Mn-induced itinerant holes located in the valence band. An increased density of states near the Fermi level is attributed to additional localized Mn states. In addition to a decrease in the chemical potential with increasing Mn doping, we find significant changes in the valence band caused by the incorporation of a small atomic fraction of Bi atoms. The spin–orbit split-off band is shifted to higher binding energies, which is inconsistent with the impurity band model of the band structure in (Ga,Mn)As. Spectroscopic ellipsometry and modulation photoreflectance spectroscopy results confirm the valence band modifications in the investigated layers.
Detecting medial patellar luxation with ensemble deep convolutional neural network based on a single rear view image of the hindlimb
Authors: Jung Juho , Park Geonwoo , Kim Gwanghyeon
Published: October 2023

Medial patellar luxation (MPL) is a common orthopedic disease in dogs, which predisposes elderly and small-breed dogs. Unlike in humans, diagnosis in the early course of the disease is challenging because symptoms and joint-pain expression in canines are vague. Herein, we introduced a deep-learning system to diagnose MPL using a single rear-view hindlimb image. We believe that this is the first attempt to build a deep-learning system to diagnose MPL based on image analysis. Notably, 7689 images were collected from 2653 dogs in 30 private animal clinics between July 2021 and July 2022. Model performance was compared with ResNet50, VGG16, VGG19, Inception-V3, and veterinarian performance. For performance comparison, a professional veterinarian with > 10 years of experience selected images of 25 normal dogs and 25 dogs with MPL. The proposed model showed the highest performance, with 92.5% accuracy, whereas human experts showed an average accuracy of 55.2%. Therefore, our model can diagnose MPL using only a single rear-view hindlimb image. Furthermore, to solve the image uncertainty caused by the input image noise, we used a one-class SVM and ensemble learning methods to ensure model robustness. Our study will help diagnose MPL in clinical settings using a single rear-view hindlimb image.
An examining the static and dynamic mechanical characteristics of milled ramie root reinforced polyester composites
Authors: VarunKumar T. , Jayaraj M. , Nagaprasad N. , Tesfaye Jule Leta , Shanmugam R. , Krishnaraj Ramaswamy
Published: October 2023

This research works discuss about the effective utilization of waste Ramie Root, that has been in reinforced polyester composites, powdered fillers that have not been treated are used. Four different composites plate were formed with compression moulding technique process consisting of 20, 30 and 40% of Powdered Ramie Root with 80, 70 and 60% unsaturated polyester resin, respectively. The maximum mechanical properties were observed for the composite with 30:70 weight volume percentages of milled ramie root synthetic reinforced polyester. The findings show that the glass transition temperature, storage modulus, and loss factors all rise when the composition of composites changes. Additionally, the powder cohesion force (bonding strength) has a greater impact on dynamic mechanical properties. Thermo-gravimetric the inclusion of Ramie Root powder caused the thermal deterioration peak of the composite to move from 370 °C to 418 °C, according to analysis (TGA) conducted under flowing oxygen. According to the measurement of water absorption, the ideal weight ratio of Fiber: Unsaturated Polyester Resin is 30:70, which modifies the fibres’ surfaces and ensures optimal adhesion between the fibre and matrix in composite materials. Scanning electron microscopic investigation is done to ascertain the fracture behaviour of the composite. As a result of their stability, high tensile strength, and bending stiffness, the produced composites can be used in light-load applications by material technologists.
Solubility measurement of verapamil for the preparation of developed nanomedicines using supercritical fluid
Authors: Esfandiari Nadia , Saadati Ardestani Nedasadat , Alwi Ratna Surya , Rojas Adrián , Garlapati Chandrasekhar , Sajadian Seyed Ali
Published: October 2023

A static method is employed to determine the solubilities of verapamil in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) at temperatures between 308 and 338 K and pressures between 12 and 30 MPa. The solubility of verapamil in SC-CO2 expressed as mole fraction are in the range of 3.6 × 10–6 to 7.14 × 10–5. Using four semi-empirical density-based models, the solubility data are correlated: Chrastil, Bartle, Kumar–Johnston (K–J), and Mendez-Santiago and Teja (MST), two equations of state (SRK and PC-SAFT EoS), expanded liquid models (modified Wilson's models), and regular solution model. The obtained results indicated that the regular solution and PC-SAFT models showed the most noteworthy exactness with AARD% of 1.68 and 7.45, respectively. The total heat, vaporization heat, and solvation heat of verapamil are calculated at 39.62, 60.03, and − 20.41 kJ/mol, respectively. Regarding the poor solubility of verapamil in SC-CO2, supercritical anti-solvent methods can be an appropriate choice to produce fine particles of this drug.
Near-infrared spectroscopy of low-transmittance samples by a high-power time-stretch spectrometer using an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG)
Authors: Kawagoe Hiroyuki , Sera Hideyuki , Sahara Junki , Akai Shingo , Watanabe Katsuya , Shinoyama Kazuki , Nagashima Toshikazu , Yokoyama Takuma , Ikarashi Aya , Yamada Go
Published: October 2023

Although time-stretch spectroscopy is an emerging ultrafast spectroscopic technique, the applications in industrial fields have been limited due to the low output power caused by undesirable nonlinear effects occurred in a long optical fiber used for pulse chirping. Here, we developed a high-power time-stretch near infrared (NIR) spectrometer utilizing arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs). The combination of AWGs and short optical fibers allowed large amounts of chromatic dispersion to be applied to broadband supercontinuum pulses without the power limitation imposed by employing the long optical fiber. With the proposed configuration, we achieved chirped pulses with the output power of 60 mW in the 900–1300 nm wavelength region, which is about 10 times higher than conventional time-stretch spectrometers using long optical fibers. With the developed spectrometer, the NIR absorption spectra of a standard material and liquid samples were observed with high accuracy and precision within sub-millisecond measurement time even with four orders of magnitude optical attenuation by a neutral density filter. We also confirmed the quantitative spectral analysis capability of the developed spectrometer for highly scattering samples of an oil emulsion. The qualitative comparison of the measurement precision between the developed spectrometer and the previous time-stretch spectrometer was also conducted.
Exploring the use of nanofluids in pump-free systems for solar thermal applications
Authors: Kosinska Anna , Balakin Boris V. , Kosinski Pawel
Published: October 2023

By using nanofluids as a working fluid in pump-free designs, thermal energy systems can become more efficient and have reduced maintenance costs, ultimately extending the system’s lifespan. In this paper, our goal is to investigate unsteady phenomena in the irradiation process and highlight their significance. To accomplish this, we conducted a series of experiments using a square loop of glass pipes filled with carbon black nanofluids and irradiated with a halogen lamp to simulate solar irradiation. The resulting convective motion of the nanofluids allowed us to observe the performance of different concentrations of carbon black, with 0.005–0.01 wt.% proving to be the most effective. Additionally, we identified unsteady processes that occur at the beginning of the process or when the irradiation changes. Finally, we employed computational fluid dynamics simulations to gain further insight into these phenomena.
A multistart tabu search-based method for feature selection in medical applications
Authors: Pacheco Joaquín , Saiz Olalla , Casado Silvia , Ubillos Silvia
Published: October 2023

In the design of classification models, irrelevant or noisy features are often generated. In some cases, there may even be negative interactions among features. These weaknesses can degrade the performance of the models. Feature selection is a task that searches for a small subset of relevant features from the original set that generate the most efficient models possible. In addition to improving the efficiency of the models, feature selection confers other advantages, such as greater ease in the generation of the necessary data as well as clearer and more interpretable models. In the case of medical applications, feature selection may help to distinguish which characteristics, habits, and factors have the greatest impact on the onset of diseases. However, feature selection is a complex task due to the large number of possible solutions. In the last few years, methods based on different metaheuristic strategies, mainly evolutionary algorithms, have been proposed. The motivation of this work is to develop a method that outperforms previous methods, with the benefits that this implies especially in the medical field. More precisely, the present study proposes a simple method based on tabu search and multistart techniques. The proposed method was analyzed and compared to other methods by testing their performance on several medical databases. Specifically, eight databases belong to the well-known repository of the University of California in Irvine and one of our own design were used. In these computational tests, the proposed method outperformed other recent methods as gauged by various metrics and classifiers. The analyses were accompanied by statistical tests, the results of which showed that the superiority of our method is significant and therefore strengthened these conclusions. In short, the contribution of this work is the development of a method that, on the one hand, is based on different strategies than those used in recent methods, and on the other hand, improves the performance of these methods.
Method for determining resin cure kinetics with low-frequency Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Chimenti Robert V. , Lehman-Chong Alexandra M. , Sepcic Alyssa M. , Engelhardt Jamison D. , Carriere James T. , Bensley Kayla A. , Markashevsky Adam , Tu Jianwei , Stanzione Joseph F. , Lofland Samuel E.
Published: October 2023

A novel, non-contact, non-destructive, and chemically agnostic methodology for measuring polymerization extent of cure kinetics using low-frequency Raman spectroscopy.
Design strategies for countering the effect of fluorophore-quencher labelling on DNA hairpin thermodynamics
Authors: Ang Yan Shan , Yung Lin-Yue Lanry
Published: October 2023

Fluorophore-quencher labelling induced a significant impact on the DNA hairpin opening thermodynamics. Two practical design strategies to counter this effect are reported.
Template free preparation of graphene tubes from polyimide catalyzed by calcium carbonate
Authors: Luo Xuliang , Huang Jintao , Wang Xiu , Weng Mengman , Cao Yan , Min Yonggang
Published: October 2023

This work reports a new means of preparing graphene tubes (GTs) without relying on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and it's template-free.
CO2-Switchable colloids
Authors: Cunningham Michael F. , Jessop Philip G.
Published: October 2023

Addition or removal of CO2 switches the properties of colloidal particles.
Enhancing propellant performance through intermolecular interactions: cyclodextrin-based MOF loading in nitrocellulose
Authors: Li Wenjia , Gan Yuanqi , Li Yu , Li Shiying , Liang Jinghao , Fan Wenhao , Yu Zichun , Li Yichang , Ding Yajun , Xiao Zhongliang , Zhou Jie
Published: October 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer promising opportunities for modifying energetic materials due to their micro-porous structure and high performance.
Electrophilic activation of molecular bromine mediated by I(iii)
Authors: Sharp-Bucknall Lachlan , Tania  , Sceney Marcus , Barwise Lachlan , Dutton Jason L.
Published: October 2023

λ3-Iodanes are shown to activate Br2 to deliver two equivalents of Br− to a range of activated and deactivated aryl substrates, giving economical bromination reactions.
Electron density effect of aromatic carboxylic acids in naphthalenediimide-based coordination polymers: from thermal electron transfer and charge transfer to photoinduced electron transfer
Authors: Li Gao-Peng , Zhang Jing , Ren Wan-Wan , Wang Si-Nan , Wang Ying-Xia , Fu Yun-Long , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: October 2023

The delicate modulating effect of the electron density of donors on the charge and electron transfer behaviors in electron donor–acceptor coordination polymers under the condition of the HOMO of the donor being located above the LUMO of the acceptor.
Mimicking ion and water management in poultry breeding for highly reversible zinc ion batteries
Authors: Zhai Shengli , Song Wanrong , Jiang Keren , Tan Xuehai , Zhang Wenyao , Yang Yang , Chen Weifeng , Chen Ning , Zeng Hongbo , Li Hui , Li Zhi
Published: October 2023

Denaturation enhances the natural ion and water regulation properties of eggshell membranes which possess remarkable dual-electrode protection capacity in aqueous Zn-ion chemistry, making it a promising solution for energy storage technology.
Microflow synthesis of a formulation of phosphorus fertiliser to enhance the P content in soil and P uptake in wheat
Authors: Le Tu Nguyen Quang , Robertson Karen , Escribà-Gelonch Marc , Marschner Petra , Tran Nam Nghiep , Williams Philip Michael , Fisk Ian , Hessel Volker
Published: October 2023

Highly soluble phosphorus (P) fertilisers have been commonly used in agriculture for decades, but their efficiency can be low due to forming precipitation with cations in the soil or leaching into nearby water sources, thus causing eutrophication.
Prediction of second-order rate constants of the sulfate radical anion with aromatic contaminants using the Monte Carlo technique
Authors: Lotfi Shahram , Ahmadi Shahin , Azimi Ali , Kumar Parvin
Published: October 2023

It has been proved that the removal of aromatic contaminants from the environment with sulfate radical anion (SO4˙−)-based advanced oxidation technology is an effective method.
Improved lipophilic probe for visualizing lipid droplets in erastin-induced ferroptosis
Authors: Rajput Deeksha , Mahalingavelar Paramasivam , Soppina Virupakshi , Kanvah Sriram
Published: October 2023

Dinitrostyryl derivative as a probe for imaging and elucidating the viscosity of lipid droplets.
Expression of concern: A cascade process for directly converting nitriles (RCN) to cyanamides (RNHCN) via SO2F2-activated Tiemann rearrangement
Authors: Zhang Guofu , Zhao Yiyong , Ding Chengrong
Published: October 2023

Expression of concern for ‘A cascade process for directly converting nitriles (RCN) to cyanamides (RNHCN) via SO2F2-activated Tiemann rearrangement’ by Guofu Zhang et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2019, 17, 7684–7688, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9OB01547G.
Plant‐wide processes monitoring and fault tracing based on causal graphical model
Authors: Chen Xiaolu , Yang Ying , Wang Jing
Published: October 2023

Plant‐wide processes are usually characterized by large scale, multiple operating units and complicated interactions. Effective monitoring for such processes is imperative and challenging. Traditional data‐driven methods have some limitations due to the neglect of internal relationships between operating units. This paper proposes a plant‐wide monitoring and diagnostic framework based on the multi‐variate statistical analysis and causal graphical inference. Initially, the optimized process decomposition is performed by combining the mechanistic knowledge and historical data from the perspective of improving the monitoring performance. Taking into account the fact that shared variables among the different subsystems lead to the information interaction rather than being independent as in the existing methods, the multi‐variate causal model based on probability density estimation is established to identify the quantitative association of the process variables in a single subsystem. The complete model is structured by the link of shared variables. Finally, system anomalies are detected by changes in the probability density of the observed variables; the root cause is pinpointed by the causal inference. Experiments with the Tenessee Eastman (TE) process and Panamax bulk carriers demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology.
Data‐driven power system dynamic security assessment under adversarial attacks: Risk warning based interpretation analysis and mitigation
Authors: Chen Zhebin , Ren Chao , Xu Yan , Dong Zhao Yang , Li Qiaoqiao
Published: October 2023

Power system dynamic security assessment (DSA) has long been essential for protecting the system from the risk of cascading failures and wide‐spread blackouts. The machine learning (ML) based data‐driven strategy is promising due to its real‐time computation speed and knowledge discovery capacity. However, ML algorithms are found to be vulnerable against well‐designed malicious input samples that can lead to wrong outputs. Adversarial attacks are implemented to measure the vulnerability of the trained ML models. Specifically, the targets of attacks are identified by interpretation analysis that the data features with large SHAP values will be assigned with perturbations. The proposed method has the superiority that an instance‐based DSA method is established with interpretation of the ML models, where effective adversarial attacks and its mitigation countermeasure are developed by assigning the perturbations on features with high importance. Later, these generated adversarial examples are employed for adversarial training and mitigation. The simulation results present that the model accuracy and robustness vary with the quantity of adversarial examples used, and there is not necessarily a trade‐off between these two indicators. Furthermore, the rate of successful attacks increases when a greater bound of perturbations is permitted. By this method, the correlation between model accuracy and robustness can be clearly stated, which will provide considerable assistance in decision making.
Risk‐averse perimeter control for alleviating the congestion of an urban traffic network system with uncertainties
Authors: Shi Yuntao , Zhang Ying , Yin Xiang , Liu Weichuan , Cheng Tingshen
Published: October 2023

The perimeter control method is an effective way to alleviate traffic congestion that is based on Macroscopic Fundamental Diagrams (MFDs). However, the strategy may lead to congestion when it ignores the uncertainty of MFDs. To address this problem, this paper presents a risk‐averse perimeter control method. First, the urban traffic network system with uncertainty is modeled using a neural network and scenario tree. Then, this research quantifies the congestion risk caused by uncertainty using an average value‐at‐risk. The next step sees the design of a risk‐averse model predictive control (MPC) controller that takes the multi‐stage risk as the optimization objective and improves robustness by interpolating between the conventional stochastic and worst‐case MPC formulations. Finally, this paper analyzes the risk‐sensitive stability of an urban traffic network system and gives a solvable form of risk‐averse optimal control for this system. Finally, two simulations are conducted to verify the presented method's validity and superiority for an urban traffic network system with uncertainties. The simulation results show that the risk‐averse perimeter control method presented by this paper is superior because it reduces the total travel time by 12.98% compared to Stochastic MPC, by 15.96% compared to bang‐bang control, and by 14.54% compared to proportional‐integral.
An improved spectral extraction method for JWST/NIRSpec fixed slit observations
Authors: Denneulin L. , Guilbert-Lepoutre A. , Langlois M. , Thé S. , Thiébaut E. , Holler B. J. , Ferruit P.
Published: October 2023

The James Webb Space Telescope is performing beyond our expectations. Its Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) provides versatile spectroscopic capabilities in the 0.6–5.3 µm wavelength range, where a new window is opening for studying Trans-Neptunian objects in particular. We propose a spectral extraction method for NIRSpec fixed slit observations, with the aim of meeting the superior performance on the instrument with the most advanced data processing. We applied this method on the fixed slit dataset of the guaranteed-time observation program 1231, which targets Plutino 2003 AZ84. We compared the spectra we extracted with those from the calibration pipeline.
Dark halos around solar active regions
Authors: Lezzi S. M. , Andretta V. , Murabito M. , Del Zanna G.
Published: October 2023

Context. Dark areas around active regions (ARs) were first observed in chromospheric lines more than a century ago and are now associated with the Hα fibril vortex around ARs. Nowadays, large areas surrounding ARs with reduced emission relative to the quiet Sun (QS) are also observed in spectral lines emitted in the transition region (TR) and the low corona. For example, they are clearly seen in the SDO/AIA 171 Å images. We name these chromospheric and TR-coronal dark regions “dark halos” (DHs). Coronal DHs are poorly studied and, because their origin is still unknown, to date it is not clear if they are related to the chromospheric fibrillar ones. Furthermore, they are often mistaken for coronal holes (CHs).

Aims. Our goal is to characterize the emission properties of a DH by combining, for the first time, chromospheric, TR, and coronal observations in order to provide observational constraints for future studies on the origin of DHs. This study also aims to investigate the different properties of DHs and CHs and provide a quick-look recipe to distinguish between them.

Methods. We studied the DH around AR NOAA 12706 and the southern CH that were on the disk on April 22, 2018 by analyzing IRIS full-disk mosaics and SDO/AIA filtergrams to evaluate their average intensities, normalized to the QS. In addition, we used the AIA images to derive the DH and CH emission measure (EM) and the IRIS Si IV 1393.7 Å line to estimate the nonthermal velocities of plasma in the TR. We also employed SDO/HMI magnetograms to study the average magnetic field strength inside the DH and the CH.

Results. Fibrils are observed all around the AR core in the chromospheric Mg II h&k IRIS mosaics, most clearly in the h3 and k3 features. The TR emission in the DH is much lower than in the QS area, unlike in the CH. Moreover, the DH is much more extended in the low corona than in the chromospheric Mg II h3 and k3 images. Finally, the intensities, EM, spectral profile, nonthermal velocity, and average magnetic field strength measurements clearly show that DHs and CHs exhibit different characteristics, and therefore should be considered as distinct types of structures on the Sun.
Possibilities of applying time-classified tariffs in “smoothing” the loading graph of the electric energy system
Authors: Muratov Khakim , Kаdirov Kamoliddin , Kushev Аlijon
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the impact of the use of time-classified tariffs on the electricity system is considered. That is, the possibility of adjusting the loads on the existing substation in the morning and evening “peak” periods was assessed. In exchange for using the results of the energy audit and applying the system of time-classified tariffs, it will be possible to achieve smoothing of the load schedule of the electric power system during “peak” periods. Consumers’ use of the time-classified tariff system will reduce the loading period of the electric power system and change its regimes.
Study of the influence of cooling water quality and inhibitors on the corrosion rate of brass in cooling water
Authors: Norboyev Khabibulloh , Mukhtarov Farrukh , Zokhid Hasanov , Usmonov Nizomjon
Published: October 2023

At present, our country does not have an effective programme for the organization of water-chemical regimes of circulating refrigeration systems, solving three problems at the same time: the prevention of sedimentation, Reduction of corrosion rates of copper-based construction materials and avoidance of biological growth within the system and on heating surfaces. In addition, the influence of cooling water quality on the corrosion of copper-containing alloys in high-inertial water-cooling systems of turbine condensers has also been largely unknown. The use of film-forming amines (in particular, chelamine and octadesilamine) is a promising method to address this problem, but information on this issue is scarce. Therefore, it is essential to optimize the water-chemical modes of recycling cooling systems of turbine condensers in order to reduce the corrosion rate of brass. Thus, the aim of the work is to study the influence of the quality of cooling water and corrective reagents on the corrosion rate of brass in order to optimize the water-chemical modes of cooling systems of turbine condensers.
Resource-saving protections of power transformers against internal faults
Authors: Issabekov Dauren Dzhambulovich
Published: October 2023

The paper presents the principle of operation of the developed gas protection and oil level control, the purpose of which is to protect power transformers from short circuits. The presented protections are made without using current transformers (CTs) and current relays with ferromagnetic cores, which are widely used in the power industry and have significant weight and size parameters and their high cost. The proposed protections are made with the use of magnetically controlled elements- reed switches. Protections with the use of reed switches can be used at the moment only as a backup to the traditional protections of power transformers, since there is no wide introduction into production of these protections and experience in their operation. At the same time it should be said that such protections are in no way inferior to traditional ones in terms of speed. The presented protections characterize a new approach in the implementation of relay protection and have a resource-saving effect. The resource-saving nature of these protections, applicable to virtually any type and voltage class of power transformers, lies in the use of reed switches, which are, both in cost and in weight and dimensions, an order of magnitude cheaper and smaller in size and weight than the above-mentioned CTs. The proposed protections are made in the form of devices with their installation inside the power transformers, as well as inside their expander tank..
Causes and remedies of sick building syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Igwe Ajuluchukwu E. , Ezeobi Abigail A. , Okeke Francis O. , Ibem Eziyi O. , Ezema Emmanuel C.
Published: October 2023

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a situation where building occupants of specific buildings feels unwell whenever they are in that building, but gets relieved when they exit the building. The effects of SBS is now of great concern to home owners and stakeholders in the building industry, even though some faction still believes that there is nothing like SBS since there is no clinical proof yet for the phenomenon, but still there is need for efficient means and strategies that can be employed to make our building right “well” and eliminate those factors that makes a building sick. To this effect, this study aims to investigate the phenomenon known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), identify the causal factors, symptoms and possible ways through which we can eliminate them from our buildings. The study in the quest to achieve the above aim employed the literature review research design (systematic review), with particular reference to works of literature that dwelt majorly on Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), the causes and how it can be curtailed. Evidence in literature revealed that for a fact most building occupants do experience SBS both in the residential and office/commercial buildings, owning to the fact that some of the buildings are exposed to the identified causal effects of SBS such as, poor ventilation, biological contaminants, chemical contaminants (both indoor and outdoor), radiation from electronics, psychological factors etc. this also comes with a lot of symptoms like headache, irritations of nose, eyes, throat, dizziness, dry cough, nausea. Other studies on SBS has dwelt majorly on the symptoms of SBS and definition, but this study tried to identify the causal agents of the phenomenon, which is where this study plays a major role in filling that gap. The research findings from this study ascertained that SBS can be completely avoided when the stakeholders in the construction industry adheres strictly to building guidelines, and in a situation where a building is considered to be sick, there should be proper corrective measures to make the building well and this should be followed with regular building inspection. This study will help inform the government and building stakeholders on ways to tackle SBS, and the things to look out for in building to ensure that the building is fit for people to occupy.
A Concise Overview of Numerical Simulation Tools and Techniques for Anti-Explosion Response Prediction of Infrastructures and Facilities
Authors: Anas S. M. , Al-Dala’ien Rayeh Nasr , Tahzeeb Rafat , Shariq Mohd , Alam Mehtab
Published: October 2023

In the wake of recent devastating explosions, like the tragic blast in Lebanon’s Beirut City, there has been a growing recognition of the need for blast-resistant design. Previously, this type of design was mainly reserved for critical infrastructures such as embassies and military facilities. However, the destructive power unleashed by these incidents has highlighted the importance of implementing blast-resistant measures in a wider range of buildings and infrastructure. The focus is now shifting towards incorporating blast-resistant features into various types of structures to enhance public safety and minimize the devastating impact of future explosive events. Collapse of infrastructures in the surrounding area of the explosion and the potential damage to buildings located at significant distances has raised serious concerns among structural engineers regarding the safety of infrastructures and facilities when subjected to explosive detonations. The level of devastation caused by the explosion can differ, spanning from reparable damage to total structural failure, leading to loss of life. Some engineers propose that buildings in areas prone to vulnerability or affected by war should be constructed with the ability to withstand explosive detonations, in order to prioritize the safety of human lives and preserve the integrity of the infrastructure. This article provides a concise overview of the latest advancements in numerical simulation tools and methodologies for predicting the response of infrastructures and facilities to explosions. It covers topics such as structural responses, pressure-impulse diagrams, existing design methods, and various numerical simulation tools and methodologies. The article also delves into the challenges faced in modeling blast scenarios and analyzing structural responses using different numerical methods. Additionally, it offers recommendations for overcoming these difficulties.
Methyl Jasmonate Improves Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Infected Sunflower Plants
Authors: A Zaki Noor , O Alfalahi Ayoob
Published: October 2023

Methyl jasmonate (Meja) is a volatile phythormone that contributes many plant critical processes, especially under biotic and abiotic stresses. Thus, Meja found to effectively regulating the biosynthesis of other plant hormones and/or enzymes, like Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). However, Meja specifically affects the plant antioxidant defense system, particularly SOD activity are still an area of ongoing research. The current results pointed to a clear effect of the applied Meja concentration in shaping the entire response to the biotic oxidative stress resulted from the three pathogenic fungi Fusarium solani. and Macrophomina phaseolina. The higher concentration of Meja had a greater effect on both gene expression and SOD enzymatic activity, which indicates the Meja importance in stimulating the defense system of sunflower varieties through which sunflower plants deal with the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to the pathogenic infection. The different varieties showed different ability to cope with biotic stress represented by the three used pathogenic fungi, especially the antioxidants enzymatic activity. Sakha variety proved to have the most effective SOD enzymatic activity compared to the other two Ishaqi and Aqmar sunflower varieties. Meja concentrations in its maximum level (3 μM), was more effective in stimulating the antioxidant activity in term of enzymatic activity of SOD. Notably, R. solani had a greater effect on the antioxidant defense system, as it resulted in higher levels of SOD enzymatic activity in the three sunflower varieties. Further investigation maybe required to better understand the Meja ability to promote the plant antioxidant system, thus the possible protective mechanisms against plant pathogens.
Agrochemical efficiency of slow release phosphate fertilizers derived on the base of phosphorite activation
Authors: Shamuratov Sanjarbek , Baltaev Umid , Myachina Olga , Alimov Umarbek , Atashev Elyor , Kuramboev Tokhir
Published: October 2023

Studies in which new phosphorus fertilizers containing additional organic substances are a tool for regulating soil fertility are described in this paper. The fertilizers were developed in Institute of General and Inorganic of Uzbek Academy Sciences. Phosphate fertilizers were obtained by decomposition of ordinary phosphorite powder with acid effluent that is a waste from the soap production of Urganch yog'-moy JSC in various ratios. According to the developers, ordinary phosphate powder (OPP), due to the treatment with acid effluent (AE), acquires new qualities as slowly soluble properties, which allows for a more rational use of nutrients, in particular phosphorus, increasing its efficiency and reducing wasteful losses. In addition, the introduction of organic substances into the composition of the AE enriches the phosphorus fertilizer with biologically active compounds, and gives it valuable growth-stimulating properties. New fertilizers are intended for use in irrigated agriculture, which have long lasting properties. It is assumed that derived fertilizers contribute to the improvement of the physical and chemical properties of the soil, optimize the vital activity of the cultivated crop without a negative increase in the activity of soil microorganisms.
Processing of phosphorites and additives with researching their thermodynamical properties
Authors: Akhtamova Maftuna , Temirov Uktam , Khurramov Navruzbek , Shukurov Azim , Karshiev Bekhzod
Published: October 2023

In this article, scientific research on the production of thermophosphate fertilizers was carried out on the basis of thermo-alkaline activation of Central Kyzylkum waste phosphorite with mineralized mass and alkali metal salts, namely NaCl, KCl, Na2SO4, K2SO4, Na2CO3, K2CO3 and silica at high temperature. In this case, samples are heated in muffle furnaces at temperatures of 800°C, 900°C, 1100°C, 1200°C and for 30 min, 60 min, 120 min. The total P2O5, assimilable P2O5, total СaO and total СO2 forms of the sintered tablets were investigated. As it can be seen from the experiments conducted with mineralized mass phosphorite, alkaline salts and quartz sand, it was found that the assimilated form of СaO, P2O5 and the degree of decarbonation rose with increasing temperature and time.
A real-time deep learning-based system for colorectal polyp size estimation by white-light endoscopy: development and multicenter prospective validation
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Ying , Li Shuyu , Yu Honggang , Chen Boru , Cheng Du , Liao Fei , Tan Tao , Xu Qinghong , Liu Zhifeng , Huang Yuan , Zhu Ci , Cao Wenbing , Yao Liwen , Wu Zhifeng , Wu Lianlian , Zhang Chenxia , Xiao Bing , Xu Ming , Liu Jun
Published: October 2023

Background The choice of polypectomy device and surveillance intervals for colorectal polyps are primarily decided by polyp size. We developed a deep learning-based system (ENDOANGEL-CPS) to estimate colorectal polyp size in real time.

Methods ENDOANGEL-CPS calculates polyp size by estimating the distance from the endoscope lens to the polyp using the parameters of the lens. The depth estimator network was developed on 7297 images from five virtually produced colon videos and tested on 730 images from seven virtual colon videos. The performance of the system was first evaluated in nine videos of a simulated colon with polyps attached, then tested in 157 real-world prospective videos from three hospitals, with the outcomes compared with that of nine endoscopists over 69 videos. Inappropriate surveillance recommendations caused by incorrect estimation of polyp size were also analyzed.

Results The relative error of depth estimation was 11.3% (SD
6.0%) in successive virtual colon images. The concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs)
between system estimation and ground truth were 0.89 and 0.93 in images of a simulated colon
and multicenter videos of 157 polyps. The mean CCC of ENDOANGEL-CPS surpassed all endoscopists
(0.89 vs. 0.41 [SD 0.29]; P<0.001). The relative accuracy of
ENDOANGEL-CPS was significantly higher than that of endoscopists (89.9% vs. 54.7%; P<0.001). Regarding inappropriate surveillance recommendations, the
system's error rate is also lower than that of endoscopists (1.5% vs. 16.6%; P<0.001).

Conclusions ENDOANGEL-CPS could potentially improve the accuracy of colorectal polyp size measurements and size-based surveillance intervals.
A laser-based system to heat nuclear fuel pellets at high temperature
Authors: Quintal C. Cifuentes , Reymond M. , Fiorito F. , Martin F. , Pontillon M. , Richaud J. C. , Doualle T. , Pontillon Y. , Gallais L.
Published: October 2023

Annealing tests are of utmost importance in nuclear fuel research, particularly to study the thermophysical properties of the material, microstructure evolution, or the released gas as a function of temperature. As an alternative to conventional furnace or induction annealing, we report on a laser-heating experiment allowing one to heat a nuclear fuel pellet made of uranium dioxide, UO2, or potentially other nuclear fuel pellets in an isothermal and controlled manner. For that purpose, we propose to use an indirect heating method based on a two compartment tungsten crucible, one containing the sample and the other acting as a laser susceptor for efficient and homogeneous heating of the assembly. With this concept, we demonstrate the heating of UO2 samples up to 1500 °C at a maximum heating rate of 30 °C/s with the use of two 500 W lasers. The system is, however, scalable to higher heating rates or higher temperatures by increasing the laser power up to few kW. The experiment has been designed to heat a pressurized water reactor fuel pellet, but the concept could be easily applied to other sample geometries or materials.
Total neutron emission from deuteron fusion and plasma pinch compression in a medium-sized plasma focus operating with D2 and D2 + Ne gas mixtures—Experimental results
Authors: Marciniak L. , Kulinska A. , Scholz M. , Akel M. , Lee S. , Saw S. H.
Published: October 2023

Newly obtained results on hot and dense deuterium and deuterium-neon plasma compression in a z-pinch electrical discharge configuration are presented. The investigated plasma was generated and compressed using 269 high-current discharges in a medium-sized (dense) plasma focus device. The experimental chamber of the device was filled with deuterium and deuterium-neon gas mixtures under constant total mass/density conditions. Magnetic and electric probes, beryllium neutron activation counter, and high-speed four-frame vacuum ultraviolet/soft x-ray pinhole camera were used to study the plasma dynamics and radiation emission. The results obtained experimentally for the first time confirmed clearly a decrease in the minimum radius of plasma columns with an increase in initial neon fraction. Simultaneously, a decrease in the total neutron emission from deuteron fusion was found. The observed plasma/discharge evolution revealed that the classical description of plasma-focus discharges can be approximately correct up to the moment of maximum compression. Including, existence of quasi-equilibrium plasma compression is probable. It is also possible that the homogeneity of plasma columns during the slow compression phase and maximum compression moment increases with the increase in initial neon fraction. The effect of higher stabilization (repeatability) of discharges was confirmed, for higher initial neon fractions. The dependency of the total neutron emission yield on the parameters describing the full discharge dynamics and the maximum discharge voltage was confirmed. The existence of this type of dependency, for a minimum pinch radius is also possible. In contrast, there was little dependency to the total discharge current parameters measured in the collector area.
Numerical simulation of deformable droplets in three-dimensional, complex-shaped microchannels
Authors: Roure Gesse , Zinchenko Alexander Z. , Davis Robert H.
Published: October 2023

The physics of drop motion in microchannels is fundamental to provide insights when designing applications of drop-based microfluidics. In this paper, we develop a boundary-integral method to simulate the motion of drops in microchannels of finite depth with flat walls and fixed depth but otherwise arbitrary geometries. To reduce computational time, we use a moving frame that follows the droplet throughout its motion. We provide a full description of the method, including our channel-meshing algorithm, which is a combination of Monte Carlo techniques and Delaunay triangulation, and compare our results to infinite-depth simulations. For regular geometries of uniform cross section, the infinite-depth limit is approached slowly with increasing depth, though we show much faster convergence by scaling with maximum vs average velocities. For non-regular channel geometries, features such as different branch heights can affect drop partitioning, breaking the symmetric behavior usually observed in regular geometries. Moreover, non-regular geometries also present challenges when comparing the results for deep and infinite-depth channels. To probe inertial effects on drop motion, the full Navier–Stokes equations are first solved for the entire channel, and the tabulated solution is then used as a boundary condition at the moving-frame surface for the Stokes flow inside the moving frame. For moderate Reynolds numbers up to Re = 5, inertial effects on the undisturbed flow are small even for more complex geometries, suggesting that inertial contributions in this range are likely small. This work provides an important tool for the design and analysis of three-dimensional droplet-based microfluidic devices.
Enhancing the quality of amplitude patterns using time-multiplexed virtual acoustic fields
Authors: Elizondo Sonia , Ezcurdia Iñigo , Goñi Jaime , Galar Mikel , Marzo Asier
Published: October 2023

Ultrasonic fields can push and levitate particles, heat up materials, induce contactless tactile stimuli, or affect the blood-brain barrier. Current phased-arrays can create dynamic amplitude patterns, but their quality may be insufficient due to the limited density of emitters. On the other hand, passive modulators can provide high quality, but only static patterns can be generated. Here, we show and evaluate how the average of multiple time-multiplexed amplitude fields improves the resolution of the obtained patterns when compared with the traditional single-emission method. We optimize the non-linear problem of decomposing a target amplitude field into multiple fields considering the limitations of the phased-array. The presented technique improves the quality for existing setups without modifying the equipment, having the potential to improve bio-printing, haptic devices, or ultrasonic medical treatments.
Obstructions to the existence of trapped submanifolds in relativistic spacetimes
Authors: Fuente Daniel de la , Rubio Rafael M. , Salamanca Juan J.
Published: October 2023

Obstructions to the existence of trapped submanifolds in spacetimes of arbitrary dimension are given. These obstructions are obtained under natural geometric assumptions, which can be applied to initial data set for Einstein equations, assuring the absence of trapped submanifolds in its development. We highlight that for several of our results the existence of symmetries in the spacetime is not necessary.
The useful heat flux provided by the perforated plate of unglazed transpired collectors under no-wind and windy conditions
Authors: Abed Qahtan A. , Hachim Dhafer M. , Ciocănea Adrian , Badescu Viorel
Published: October 2023

The air is heated in an unglazed transpired collector (UTC) from three different regions of the perforated plate: from the front of the plate, from the back of the plate, and from the inner surface of the holes. The paper focuses on the relative contribution of each of these three regions, denoted r1, r2, and r3, respectively, to the total increase in the air temperature. A hybrid approach is used: it combines experimental results with results obtained by computational fluid dynamics simulations. Under no-wind conditions, the largest part of the heat received by the air comes from the front of the plate (r1 is about 60%). The second largest part of the heat received comes from the back of the plate (r2 ranges between 25% and 30%). The inner part of the holes contributes to the heat received by the air with a fraction r3 ranging between 10% and 15%. These percentages are rather constant during the day. r1 slightly decreases, while r2 slightly increases along the UTC. The influence of the wind direction on the values of r1, r2, and r3 is not significant. However, the influence of the wind speed magnitude is significant. When the wind speed increases from 0 to 1 m/s, r1 increases from 60% to about 75%, while r2 decreases from 25%–30% to about 15%. For a wind speed of 1 m/s, the values of r1 and r2 are quite the same along the UTC.