bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biexciton and trion dynamics in InP/ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Sun Haochen , Cavanaugh Paul , Jen-La Plante Ilan , Ippen Christian , Bautista Maria , Ma Ruiqing , Kelley David F.
Published: February 2022

Transient absorption (TA) and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies have been used to elucidate the hole tunneling and Auger dynamics in biexcitons and negative trions in high-quality InP/ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs). In a previous paper [Nguyen et al., J. Phys. Chem. C 125, 15405–15414 (2021)], we showed that under high-intensity photoexcitation, two types of biexcitons are formed: those having two conduction band electrons and two valence band holes (designated as an XX state) and those having two conduction band electrons, one valence band hole, and an additional trapped hole (designated as an XT state). In the present paper, we show that both types of biexcitons can undergo Auger processes, with those of the XT state being a factor of four to five slower than those of the XX state. In addition, the trapped holes can undergo tunneling into the valence band, converting an XT state to an XX state. The relative amplitudes of the fast (XX) and slow (XT) components are different in the TA and PL kinetics, and these differences can be quantitatively understood in terms of oscillator strengths and electron–hole overlap integrals of each state. XT to XX hole tunneling rates are obtained from the comparison of the XT state lifetimes with those of the negative trions. This comparison shows that the tunneling times decrease with decreasing core size and shell thickness. These times are about 2 ns for the thinnest shell red-emitting QDs and decrease to 330 ps for QDs that luminesce in the yellow.
Dielectric properties, polarization process, and charge transport in granular (FeCoZr)x(Pb(ZrTi)O3)(100−x) nanocomposites near the percolation threshold
Authors: Boiko Oleksandr , Drozdenko Daria , Minárik Peter
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the research of dielectric properties of (FeCoZr)x(Pb(ZrTi)O3)(100−x) granular metal–dielectric nanocomposites below the percolation threshold. Tested materials have been prepared by using the ion beam sputtering technique in the atmosphere of argon and oxygen. The impedance spectroscopy method has been used to investigate the polarization processes and dielectric relaxation mechanism in the granular nanocomposites. AC measurements in the frequency region of 50 Hz to 1 MHz and measuring temperature range of 81–293 K have been performed. Interfacial, in the low frequency region, and dipolar, in intermediate and high frequency regions, types of polarization processes were observed. The interfacial relaxation process testifies to charge accumulation at the interfaces (grain boundaries) between conductive nanoparticles surrounding an insulative matrix, as well as the space charge region around the contact area between the measurement probes and tested sample. Dipolar polarization corresponds to electric dipole formation after applying to the material an external electric field. The conduction mechanism in the tested material is considered to be hopping carrier exchange and takes place between metallic phase nanograins. It corresponds to the exponential frequency dependence of conductivity. The relaxation mechanism in the (FeCoZr)x(Pb(ZrTi)O3)(100−x) layer has been estimated as a near-Debye process with relaxation time distribution. The nanocomposite exhibits dielectric type and capacitive characteristics in the whole measuring frequency range.
Revealing hidden diversity among upside-down jellyfishes (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae:
Authors: Gamero-Mora Edgar , Collins Allen G. , Boco Sheldon Rey , Geson Serafin Mendez , Morandini André C.
Published: February 2022

Morphological variability within Cassiopea is well documented and has led to inaccuracies in the establishment of species boundaries in this taxon. Cassiopea medusae specimens from the Western Pacific (Japan and the Philippines) were analysed using multiple lines of complementary evidence, including types of cnidae, macro-morphology and molecular data. These observations lead to the recognition of two distinct species: Cassiopea mayeri, sp. nov. and a previously synonymised variety now raised to species level (Cassiopea culionensis, stat. nov.). These species can be distinguished from each other using morphological features. Herein, sexually dimorphic traits are included for the first time in the descriptions of Cassiopea species. Nematocyst types not previously observed in the genus are also reported. Molecular analyses, based on individual and combined markers (16S + cytochrome c oxidase I, COI), also support two distinct species; they are not sister taxa, and both are nested together within a clade of other Cassiopea members from the Australian and Indo-Pacific regions. Species richness is underestimated in the Western Pacific region, and integrative approaches are helpful to reveal and describe species. The systematics of Cassiopea is far from completely understood, but the present study represents an important further step. http://www.zoobank.org/References/B1A66787-009D-4465-954A-412C6878FCB4.
Tracing the cis-regulatory changes underlying the endometrial control of placental invasion
Authors: Suhail Yasir , Maziarz Jamie D. , Novin Ashkan , Dighe Anasuya , Afzal Junaid , Wagner Gunter , Kshitiz
Published: February 2022

Significance

Cellular invasion into adjacent tissue is observed in pregnancy, where the fetal placenta invades the mother’s endometrium, and in cancer, where tumor dissemination into stroma is a necessary step before metastasis. The behavior of the surrounding tissue, and its role in either facilitating or resisting this invasion, has not been as deeply studied as the role of the invading cells. The degree of placental invasion into the endometrium varies significantly between different eutherian mammals. Having previously shown that the endometrium of different mammals is significantly responsible for these differences, we identify cis-regulatory elements underlying these differences and show the functional effect of the corresponding transcriptional factors in regulating invasion.
Domoic acid biosynthesis in the red alga
Chondria armata
suggests a complex evolutionary history for toxin production
Authors: Steele Taylor S. , Brunson John K. , Maeno Yukari , Terada Ryuta , Allen Andrew E. , Yotsu-Yamashita Mari , Chekan Jonathan R. , Moore Bradley S.
Published: February 2022

Significance

Originally isolated from the red alga
Chondria armata
, domoic acid (DA) is best known as a potent marine neurotoxin produced by oceanic harmful algal blooms of planktonic diatoms. Sequencing efforts to date of kainoid-producing red algae have focused exclusively on a closely related molecule, kainic acid, leaving a gap in the understanding of DA biosynthesis in red algae and its evolutionary linkage to diatoms. Here, we present the phylogenetic and biochemical investigation of DA biosynthesis in
C. armata
. This work demonstrates the high synteny of DA biosynthetic genes between relatively distant taxonomic groups of algae and suggests a complex evolutionary history for DA biosynthesis involving gene transfer and neofunctionalization.
Effects of exercise intensity on gut microbiome composition and function in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Torquati L. , Gajanand T. , Cox E. R. , Willis C. R. G. , Zaugg J. , Keating S. E. , Coombes J. S.
Published: February 2022

Exercise is positively associated with higher microbial diversity, but there is limited information on exercise intensity's effect on gut microbiome composition and function in clinical populations. This study examines whether different intensities of exercise exert differential effects on gut microbiome composition and function in low active people with type 2 diabetes. This is a sub‐study of the Exercise for Type 2 Diabetes Study, a single centre, prospective, randomised controlled trial. Participants (n = 12) completed 8‐weeks of combined aerobic and resistance moderate intensity continuous training (C‐MICT) or combined aerobic and resistance high‐intensity interval training (C‐HIIT). Faecal samples were collected before and after intervention to measure gut microbiome composition and metabolic pathways (metagenome shotgun sequencing) and short‐chain fatty acids. Post‐exercise α‐diversity was different between groups as was the relative abundance of specific taxa was (p < .05). Post‐exercise relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, A. municiphila, and butyrate‐producers Lachnospira eligens, Enterococcus spp., and Clostridium Cluster IV were higher at lower exercise intensity. Other butyrate‐producers (from Eryspelothrichales and Oscillospirales), and methane producer Methanobrevibacter smithii were higher at higher exercise intensity. Pyruvate metabolism (ko00620),COG “Cell wall membrane envelope biogenesis” and “Unknown function” pathways were significantly different between groups and higher in C‐MICT post‐exercise. Differential abundance analysis on KO showed higher expression of Two‐component system in C‐HIIT. Transcription factors and “unknown metabolism” related pathways decreased in both groups. There were no significant between group changes in faecal short chain fatty acids. Exercise intensity had a distinct effect on gut microbiome abundance and metabolic function, without impacting short‐chain fatty acid output.

Highlights

Evidence of exercise effect on gut microbiome outcomes is limited to healthy and athletic populations

In low active people with type 2 diabetes, different exercise intensities increased specific health promoting and butyrate producers species, and showed differentially abundant gut microbiome metabolic pathways.

Further investigation is warranted, and if this supports the present findings, then specific exercise intensities may be promoted to target specific species and optimise gut health.
Water dissociation on mixed Co–Fe oxide bilayer nanoislands on Au(111)
Authors: Sun Zhaozong , Rodríguez-Fernández Jonathan , Lauritsen Jeppe V
Published: February 2022

We investigate the hydroxylation behaviour of mixed Co–Fe oxide nanoislands synthesized on a Au(111) surface under exposure to water vapour at vacuum conditions. The pure Co and Fe bilayer oxides both become hydroxylated by water exposure in vacuum conditions, albeit to a very different extent. It is however an open question how mixed oxides, exposing sites with a mixed coordination to Fe and Co, behave. By forming surface O species with a mixed Fe/Co coordination, we can investigate the nature of such sites. By means of scanning tunnelling microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we characterize a series of Co–Fe oxides samples with different Fe contents at the atomic scale and observe a scaling of the hydroxylation degree with the amount of Fe inside the Co–Fe oxides. Our results indicate that the Fe dopants within the Co–Fe oxides have opposing effects on edge and basal plane sites modifying the maximum hydroxylation degree of pure cobalt oxide, perturbing the original binding sites of H, releasing the absorbed H or blocking the diffusion pathway of H.
Development of RE-Ba-Cu-O superconductors in the U.S. for ultra-high field magnets
Authors: Paidpilli Mahesh , Selvamanickam Venkat
Published: February 2022

High-temperature superconductors (HTSs) make it possible to achieve magnetic fields beyond the 23.5 T limit of low-temperature superconductors. For higher energy density, high-performance HTS with J
e > 1000 A mm−2 enables reduction in coil winding length and a smaller magnet size. Among HTS, REBa2Cu3O7−δ
(REBCO, RE = rare earth) exhibits excellent mechanical properties and superior performance over a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields. REBCO tapes can be converted to various formats, including round wires. The state-of-the-art REBCO superconductors for ultra-high field magnets, including cable/wire architectures, are reviewed. R&D needs to address the remaining challenges with REBCO superconductors for ultra-high magnetic field applications is discussed.
Strategies to simulate dephasing-assisted quantum transport on digital quantum computers
Authors: Gallina Federico , Bruschi Matteo , Fresch Barbara
Published: February 2022

Simulating charge and energy transfer in extended molecular networks requires an effective model to include the environment because it significantly affects the quantum dynamics. A prototypical effect known as environment-assisted quantum transport (ENAQT) consists in the enhancement of the transfer efficiency by the interaction with an environment. A simple description of this phenomenon is obtained by a quantum master equation describing a quantum walk over the molecular network in the presence of inter-site decoherence. We consider the problem of simulating the dynamics underlying ENAQT in a digital quantum computer. Two different quantum algorithms are introduced, the first one based on stochastic Hamiltonians and the second one based on a collision scheme. We test both algorithms by simulating ENAQT in a small molecular network on a quantum computer emulator and provide a comparative analysis of the two approaches. Both algorithms can be implemented in a memory efficient encoding with the number of required qubits scaling logarithmically with the size of the simulated system while the number of gates increases quadratically. We discuss the algorithmic quantum trajectories generated by the two simulation strategies showing that they realize distinct unravellings of the site-dephasing master equation. In our approach, the non-unitary dynamics of the open system is obtained through effective representations of the environment, paving the way to digital quantum simulations of quantum transport influenced by structured environments.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Functionalized on Reduced Graphene Oxide Electrochemical Sensor for Detection of Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Chuiprasert Jedsada , Boontanon Suwanna Kitpati , Srinives Sira , Boontanon Narin , Polprasert Chongrak , Ramungul Nudjarin
Published: February 2022

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is widely utilised to treat bacterial infections. Currently, CIP is present in water sources at higher concentrations, thus necessitating close monitoring. This study developed electrochemical nano-sensors based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites to detect CIP. rGO served as the loading platform for MIP immobilisation on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). A copolymer thin film, comprised of polyaniline copolymerized with o-phenylenediamine (PAni-co-PDA) was obtained by electro-polymerisation utilizing cyclic voltammetry (CV) under suitable conditions. The performance of the modified GCE was examined utilizing CV mode in a hexacyanoferrate electrolyte as an electrochemical probe. The PAni-co-PDA/rGO-modified GCE exhibited enhanced improvement and efficient electrocatalytic behaviour in the oxidation of CIP with relatively high sensitivity and stability. The sensor was operated in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) mode. Our best results revealed good linearity response to CIP in the range of 0.001–10.0 μM with an R-squared of 0.949, a detection limit of 0.09 μM (3.3 SD/S), and the calibration plot of ΔIminus the logarithm of the CIP concentration exhibited a sensitivity of –1.521. The sensor demonstrated a conductive polymer-based device that can be utilised for rapid CIP determination in pharmaceutical samples and biological fluids.
Regeneration of Ion-Exchange Resins and Granular Activated Carbon with the Sonochemical Technique for Enabling Adsorption of Aqueous Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
Authors: Sukeesan S , Boontanon S K , Boontanon N , Fujii S
Published: February 2022

Regeneration of adsorbents for reuse is crucial for reducing operating costs and maintaining sustainable systems. Few researchers have studied the regeneration of sorbents without using chemical solvents or appropriate methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the sonochemical technique (ST) for the regeneration of granular activated carbon (GAC), a mixed cation and anion resin (DOWEX MB-50), and an anion resin (IRA910) for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The ST was performed at 120 kW, and the power density was 250 W L−1 for 30 min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to examine physicochemical properties of the spent adsorbents. The removal efficiency of the spent adsorbent regeneration occurred in the following order: DOWEX > GAC > IRA910. As the PFAS-adsorbed adsorbents disappeared in the spectrum, the FTIR results showed the existence of a sulfonic group that is similar to the peaks of virgin sorbents. However, this method affected the morphology of GAC and IRA910 but not DOWEX MB-50. Consequently, the ST is a potential alternative to chemical regeneration for DOWEX MB-50 resins. It is also a potential method for an eco-friendly approach to regenerate PFAS-adsorbed materials.
Three-Dimensional Effects of Torch Arrangement on the Thermo-Fluid Fields inside the Plasma Furnace
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Guo Manli , Wang Pingyang , Hang Guanrong
Published: February 2022

Numerical simulation was proposed here to investigate the three-dimensional effects of torch arrangement on the thermo-fluid fields inside the plasma furnace in a plasma medical waste treatment system. Different turbulence models were used and the simulation results were compared with previous measurement results. The effect of the torch arrangement on the flow and temperature fields was clarified by different rotary-cutting angles. It is shown that the torch arrangement affects strongly the thermo-fluid fields. An appropriate rotary-cutting angle is beneficial to safe and complete decomposition of the medical waste due to a more uniform temperature distribution inside the furnace. Besides, the life of the furnace would be greatly shortened for the case where the rotary-cutting angle is 0 ° because the thermal plasma jets converged in the central area of the molten pool and caused severe thermal shocks to the furnace throat.
Energy-Water Nexus Analysis Based on Input-Output Model: A Case Study of Fujian Province, China
Authors: Chen X P , Liu J , Chen L R
Published: February 2022

Energy and water are inextricably linked to each other. In this study, an input-output model (IOM) is advanced to analyze the consumption relationship between various energy-related water and water-related energy. IOM can not only confirm the mixture energy consumption and mixture water consumption, but also reflect the mixture energy and mixture water flow between sectors. Our major findings are: (i) Man (manufacture) is the main sector in terms of direct energy and water consumption; (ii) Agr (Agriculture) is the dominant direct water dedicator and Psp (Production and supply of electric, heating and gas) is the highest energy-related water consumption sector; (iii) energy consumption in water extraction processes is greatest (reaching up to 88.97%); (iv) water consumption of hydroelectric, thermal, nuclear and other forms of power generation is the heaviest consumption (reaching up to 96.52%); (v) Man (manufacture) is the main energy outflow and inflow sector (outflow: 2.01×1011 kwh, inflow: 2.56×1011 kwh); (vi) Agr is the largest provider of mixture water (outflow: 7.55×109 m3), Man (manufacture) is the largest receiver of mixture water sector (inflow: 9.88×109 m3).
Study of Urban Community Emergency Management in Huizhou, China
Authors: Tu Shiyu , Huang Guangwei
Published: February 2022

This paper focuses on the study of urban community emergency management in Huizhou, China. An index system for urban community emergency management evaluation which has two levels is established in the study. The index system consists of six primary indicators and twenty-two secondary indicators. The weights of the indicators are determined by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The established evaluation system is used to evaluate the emergency management ability of a community called Xuefu Community in Huizhou, China. Purpose sampling is used in the evaluation. A questionnaire with twenty-three questions is designed and all community staff are invited to answer the questionnaire. Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation method is adopted to calculate the scores and resulted are analysed. Suggestions are given to the Xuefu Community and local government based on the analysis.
3D PRINTING AND ITS ROLE DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC
Authors: Zainul Arefeen Mohammed , Bin Mehare Hussam , Hassan Murtaza Mohammad , Shamsi Mustafa
Published: February 2022

The current COVID-19 pandemic took the entire world by surprise, making us realize how far we had been lagging behind in the development of new technologies which makes the entire fabrication process more efficient and faster. During the pandemic, worldwide there was a shortage of basic medical equipments PPE kits, masks, syringes, ventilator pipes & masks, etc. All we needed at that time was a faster and more cost-efficient fabrication technology which would have kept pace with the growing demands of these basic equipments as the situation went from bad to worse. 3D-Printing, we believe is the future of the manufacturing and fabrication sector as it’s faster compared to our current technology and much more efficient when seen from an economic and an environmental point of view. In this paper, we have talked about how the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc worldwide on their healthcare systems with thousands of people dying every day due to the lack of basic medical equipments. All these challenges could have been met head-on if the abilities of 3D Printing were exploited on a larger scale. We have tried to offer a brief insight into how 3D Printing can change our lives for the better and make it a lot easier once 3D Printing reaches its full potential.
Fabrication and Automation of Drilling Machine by Using Arduino
Authors: Nasir Khan Mohammad , Shadman Ansari Mohd , Ansari Md Irfan , Saifuddin  , Mukhtar Alam Mohd
Published: February 2022

For precision workpiece manufacturing, the system should have good dimensional accuracy and surface finish. In applications such as drilling, punching, marking, boring, tapping, etc., the workpiece is first positioned, and then the tool executes its action while the moving axis remains stationary. In the traditional method of such applications, manufacturers use very expensive CNC machines to program the cycle and perform the same work. Large manufacturers can afford such expensive machines, but for the small machinery manufacturing industry, we must consider low-cost solutions that can provide high-quality output. In this study, we tried to propose a low-cost design that can be used to achieve functions similar to CNC. By applying this machine in industry, multiple generations can be obtained in a short time. It is very difficult to estimate the drilling depth when manually drilling with a traditional drilling machine, and the work will usually fail due to over-drilling. In many cases, it is difficult to measure the depth after the drilling is completed; especially the depth of the fine hole cannot be measured. Therefore, an automatic drilling machine that performs the drilling function according to the generated drilling depth and transmitted to the control circuit is indispensable; therefore, undertaking the study, it exposed the technology of the dedicated drilling machine. The automatic drilling machine designed here is very useful for the mechanical workshop. The machine is built with power feed technology and is designed to drill the job to a certain specified depth.
Effects of different air inlet temperatures and regeneration air inlet velocities on the performance of Hybrid Desiccant Air Conditioning System
Authors: Hussain Taliv
Published: February 2022

A hybrid desiccant air conditioning unit is treated as an effective alternative to the conventional air conditioning system due to independent control of humidity, temperature, and eco-friendliness. The decrease in environmental impact and energy saving is more when the desiccant recovered by utilizing “free” thermal energy. This current work has experimented with a performance study of a hybrid desiccant air conditioning unit for typical humid and hot Indian (Aligarh) climatic conditions. Here, the effects of different air inlet temperatures at the process section, i.e. (28, 29.5, 31, 32.5, 34, 35.5 and 37°C) and regeneration section, i.e. (50-58.8°C) and different regeneration air inlet velocities (2.5 and 4.5 m/s) on the performance of hybrid desiccant air conditioning system are analyzed. Thus, optimization of performance parameters i.e. refrigerating effect, heat rejection rate, VCOP, ECOP, compressor work, dehumidification effectiveness, moisture removal capacity, DCOP, regeneration effectiveness and regeneration rate is identified for attaining maximum efficiency of hybrid desiccant air conditioning system under above operating states.
Study of Mechanical Properties of Concrete by Replacement of Natural Coarse Aggregate with Recycled Coarse Aggregate with Metakaolin
Authors: Singh Om Prakash , Mahendra Kr. Singar , Kant Pareek Ravi
Published: February 2022

This research work investigates the compressive strength of concrete specimens cured at the age of 7 & 28 days, the split tensile strength, and the flexural strength of concrete specimens cured at 28 days. Natural coarse aggregate (NCA) has been replaced with 0 percent, 25 percent, 40 percent, 60 percent, and 100 percent by RCA of construction & destruction (C&D) waste of 30-year-old building and Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) has been replaced with 10 percent metakaolin (MK).To understand the fresh properties of concrete of slump test was performed and to find satisfactory results. To analyze the hardening properties of MK with recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) base mix concrete, compressive strength was measured at the age of 7 and 28 days, and split tensile strength, the flexural strength was measured at the age of 28 days. Based on the experiment’s study, it can be concise that the 40 percent substitute of NCA with RCA carried good results with 10 percent MK. This research presents the effect of MK as a cement substitute on the properties of fresh and hardened with RCA.
Performance Analysis of High Speed and Low Power Binary Adders
Authors: Bhati Satyandra , Sharma Neeraj , Nag Meetu
Published: February 2022

In all the arithmetic operations, addition is one of the most important and initial operations used in most of the mathematical equations. The operation is performed by many adders present in the digital world. These adders give us carries with preferred delay and power. The three main features like structure, logic, and compact circuit layout help design a better adder. This Paper aims to analyse and compare various additions for high-speed, low-power and fast calculation. The various adder designs seen in digital signal processing applications require computationally efficient adding and cumulative operations, so blocks with the required attributes must be carefully selected. Various techniques have been proposed to design efficient adders in terms of performance, low power consumption and area. This work focused on 16-bit implementations of highly optimized area-efficient Ripple Carry Adders (RCA) and Look Ahead Carry Adders (LAC), and carry select Adder. Finally, we can prove that the Carry look ahead Adder is very fast in all existing designs. These processes are simulated and synthesized in all ISE Xilinx 14.7 software.
The Future of Machine Vision in Industries- A systematic review
Authors: Charan Allashyam , Karthik Chowdary Chundu , Komal Peddagowda
Published: February 2022

The Machine vision is the substitution of the human visual sense and judgment capabilities with a video camera and computer to perform an inspection task. It is the automatic acquisition and analysis of images to obtain desired data for controlling or evaluating a specific part or activity. Inspection of components using machine vision technologies provides solution for quality and process control. Now a days, Industry has huge demand for productivity improvement with the implementation of computer control automation. Machine vision reduces the scrap production due to non- conformity by controlling the manufacturing process through machine vision and to prevent the value addition for scrap product in subsequent stage of manufacturing process. The factory vision based industrial robot change the traditional way of mechanical assembly, quality control of product and rapid manufacturing. The various applications of machine vision technologies are automotive pharmaceutical, food and beverage, electronics, packages, and process control.
Development of antimicrobial/antioxidant nanocomposite film based on fish skin gelatin and chickpea protein isolated containing Microencapsulated Nigella sativa essential oil and copper sulfide nanoparticles for extending minced meat shelf life
Authors: Rasul Nabil Hussain , Asdagh Amirafshar , Pirsa Sajad , Ghazanfarirad Naser , Sani Iraj Karimi
Published: February 2022

Fish skin gelatin and chickpea protein isolated (G-CP) edible blend films incorporated with 0.25 and 0.5% copper sulfide nanoparticle (CuSNP) and microencapsulated Nigella sativa essential oil (MNEO) (0.015 and 0.03%, w/w of protein) were prepared and optimized by the response surface methodology based on the central composite design (RSM-CCD). Antimicrobial activity, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), morphological characteristics and thermal attributes of composite films were examined. In general, the effect of CuSNPs and MNEO on the properties of blended films, besides their inherent nature, is related to their interactions with the protein matrix and the synergistic effect on each other. As authenticated by the FTIR and XRD, the simultaneous use of CuSNPs and MNEO because of the synergistic effect of CuSNPs on the antibacterial attributes of MNEO and raising the content of antimicrobial components in the blend film expressed the highest antimicrobial functionality against E. coli. and S. aureus. Also, the results of microbiological and chemical tests of packaged minced meat revealed that the simultaneous use of MNEO and CuSNP in the film has a positive synergistic effect in increasing the storage life of minced meat, as compared to the other samples.
Effects of film thickness and annealing temperature on the properties of molybdenum carbide films prepared using pulsed direct-current magnetron sputtering
Authors: Wu Zhenqing , Zhao Jiaoling , Zhu Meiping , Guo Sheng , Liu Tianbao , Du Wenyun , Shi Jun , Zeng Tingting , Shao Jianda
Published: February 2022

Molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) films were prepared using pulsed direct-current (DC) magnetron sputtering. The effects of film thickness on the phase structure, surface morphology, and optical constants of the films were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy, and extreme ultraviolet reflectivity. XRD analysis showed that the as-sputtered films with thicknesses between 30 nm and 150 nm were almost amorphous. New phase α-MoC1-x with the (111), (200), (220), (311), and (222) crystal planes appeared in films with thicknesses between 200 nm and 400 nm. The phase transition and chemical composition of the Mo2C films treated using vacuum heat treatment were analyzed in detail. For 150 nm-thick films, the as-deposited as well as the 600 °C-annealed films were amorphous. The phase structures of the 150 nm-thick film annealed at 700 °C, 750 °C, and 800 °C were orthogonal Mo2C (α–Mo2C), multiphase structure (β–Mo2C, monoclinic MoO2, and cubic Mo2N), and monoclinic MoO2, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectrometry revealed that the Mo-Mo bonds of the films transformed into Mo-C, Mo-O, and Mo-N bonds under 750 ℃-annealing, further confirming the formation of a multiphase structure after annealing. Thus, film thickness and annealing temperature considerably influence the properties of Mo2C films.
Surface wave elastography using high speed full-field optical interferometry
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Kumar Pawan , Yeleswarapu Sriya , Pati Falguni , John Renu
Published: February 2022

The assessment of mechanical stiffness is an essential diagnostic tool for investigating the biomechanical properties of biological tissues. Surface wave elastography (SWE) is an emerging technique to quantify elastic properties of tissues in clinical diagnosis. High-speed optical imaging combined with SWE has enormous potential in quantifying the elastic properties of tissues at microscale resolutions. In this study, we implement surface wave elastography using high-speed optical interferometry to characterize the elastic properties of tissue-mimicking phantoms and ex-vivo native caprine liver tissue by imaging the surface wave induced by an electromechanical actuator. The sinusoidal mechanical excitations ranging from 120 Hz to 1.2 kHz on the surface of tissues are captured using a high-speed camera with a frame rate of 4 kHz at micrometer resolutions. The surface wavefront reconstruction is performed using a phase-shifting algorithm and linear regression is used to calculate the surface wave velocity. The mechanical stiffness estimated from the optical system is compared with the results of mechanical compression testing measurements. The results from this multimodal platform combining optical interferometry and vibrational spectroscopy using SWE are highly promising towards a non-invasive or minimally invasive imaging for in-vivo and ex-vivo mechanical characterization of tissues with future clinical applications.
Quantum physicist David Deutsch wins Newton Medal
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: February 2022

Quantum physicist David Deutsch has won the 2021 Isaac Newton Medal and Prize for his pioneering work on quantum computation.
Quantum companies merge to form Quantinuum
Authors: Hiscott Laura
Published: February 2022

Honeywell Quantum Solutions and Cambridge Quantum Computing have merged to form a new business called Quantinuum.
Max Planck Society responds to discrimination allegations
Authors: Stafford Ned
Published: February 2022

The Max Planck Society has defended itself against allegations in an open letter that it discriminates against female researchers.
Warm words
Authors: Firth Howie
Published: February 2022

A reader expresses appreciation for the topical and varied content of Physics World and its high production values.
A new cosmic dawn
Authors: Cooper Keith
Published: February 2022

As NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope gears up to open its eyes on the universe, Keith Cooper explores the mission’s troubled past, its technological advances and the exciting future ahead for astronomy.
Indefatigable wonder
Authors: Hiscott Laura
Published: February 2022

Laura Hiscott reviews the new television show Universe, presented by Brian Cox, which was broadcast in October and November last year and is now available on BBC iPlayer.
Bringing physics into hospital clinics
Authors: Freeman Tami
Published: February 2022

Suman Shrestha, who is doing a PhD in medical physics in the US, tells Tami Freeman how the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015 has made him determined to one day bring his new-found skills and expertise back home.
Series reversion in Calderón’s problem
Authors: Garde Henrik , Hyvönen Nuutti
Published: February 2022

This work derives explicit series reversions for the solution of Calderón’s problem. The governing elliptic partial differential equation is

∇
⋅
(
A
∇
u
)
=
0

\nabla \cdot (A\nabla u)=0

in a bounded Lipschitz domain and with a matrix-valued coefficient. The corresponding forward map sends

A
A

to a projected version of a local Neumann-to-Dirichlet operator, allowing for the use of partial boundary data and finitely many measurements. It is first shown that the forward map is analytic, and subsequently reversions of its Taylor series up to specified orders lead to a family of numerical methods for solving the inverse problem with increasing accuracy. The convergence of these methods is shown under conditions that ensure the invertibility of the Fréchet derivative of the forward map. The introduced numerical methods are of the same computational complexity as solving the linearised inverse problem. The analogous results are also presented for the smoothened complete electrode model.
Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Large Artery Subclinical Damage: Targeting Thoracic Aortic Dilatation
Authors: Gherbesi Elisa , Tadic Marijana , Faggiano Andrea , Sala Carla , Carugo Stefano , Cuspidi Cesare
Published: February 2022

AIM

Whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) actually represents an independent risk factor for aortic dilation in the general population is unclear. We investigated this issue through a review and a meta-analysis of cardiac imaging studies that provided data on this vascular phenotype measured at the root or ascending tract level.

DESIGN

A computerized search was performed using Pub-Med, OVID, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases from inception up to 30 November 2021. Studies were identified by using the following search terms: “aortic root,” “ascending aorta,” “vascular damage,” “echocardiography,” “computed tomography,” “magnetic resonance imaging,” “obstructive sleep apnea,” “sleep disordered breathing.”

RESULTS

Eleven studies including a total of 1,860 patients with OSA (without aortic aneurysms and connective tissue diseases) and 233 non-OSA controls were considered. Aortic diameter was significantly higher in patients with OSA than in non-OSA controls (standard means difference [SMD] = 0.73 ± 0.08, confidence interval [CI]: 0.57–0.88, P < 0.0001). This was also the case for patients with severe OSA as compared with their counterparts with mild OSA (SMD = 0.42 ± 0.07, CI: 0.28–0.56, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest an association between OSA and aortic enlargement and particularly in the severe OSA setting. However, this conclusion must be taken with caution in relation to 2 types of factors: (i) the paucity of available data, and (ii) the limits deriving from the methodological differences of the various studies. Larger prospective and carefully designed studies are needed to shed light on this relevant public health topic.
Control over sampling boosts numerical evidence processing in human decisions from experience
Authors: Appelhoff Stefan , Hertwig Ralph , Spitzer Bernhard
Published: February 2022

When acquiring information about choice alternatives, decision makers may have varying levels of control over which and how much information they sample before making a choice. How does control over information acquisition affect the quality of sample-based decisions? Here, combining variants of a numerical sampling task with neural recordings, we show that control over when to stop sampling can enhance (i) behavioral choice accuracy, (ii) the build-up of parietal decision signals, and (iii) the encoding of numerical sample information in multivariate electroencephalogram patterns. None of these effects were observed when participants could only control which alternatives to sample, but not when to stop sampling. Furthermore, levels of control had no effect on early sensory signals or on the extent to which sample information leaked from memory. The results indicate that freedom to stop sampling can amplify decisional evidence processing from the outset of information acquisition and lead to more accurate choices.
A dynamic model for the mutual constitution of individuals and events
Authors: Lerner Jürgen , Lomi Alessandro
Published: February 2022

We argue and show that a recently derived class of relational hyperevent models (RHEM) may be adopted to extend the sociological concept of duality by linking it to empirical data containing information on the temporal order of events. We show how RHEMs may be specified to predict the likelihood that combinations of individuals of any size will jointly participate in future events, conditional on their history of participation in past events. We show, further, how RHEMs may support hypothesis testing about competing mechanisms driving participation in events. Finally, we show how RHEMs may be used to establish the location of the events that actually happened in the much larger space of all the possible events that could have happened, but did not. We illustrate the empirical value of RHEMs using a canonical dataset containing information on the participation of 18 women in 14 time-ordered events. We provide dynamic network visualizations to link empirical estimates of the model parameters to qualitative insight on the dynamics of the mutual constitution of individuals and events. While RHEMs are also applicable to large networks (e.g. coauthorship networks), using a small canonical dataset allows us to examine in greater detail the model’s implications for each and every observed event and to identify the location of each event participant in the network of previous events. Scaling down our model to examine a small dataset affords a more detailed understanding of the link between quantitative model results expressed as parameter estimates, and the qualitative features of the original observations.
Predictors and severity of intestinal ischaemia following on-pump cardiac surgery: a retrospective, propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Wiesmueller Felix , Bryan Darren S , Krautz Christian , Grützmann Robert , Weyand Michael , Strecker Thomas
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

Risk factors associated with intestinal ischaemia after heart surgery have been previously explored; however, a paucity of data exists with regard to extent of intestinal ischaemia in patients requiring surgical intervention. The purpose of this study is to assess predictors of abdominal exploration and extent of ischaemia following cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective single-centre study was performed at a university hospital. The patient sample included consecutive patients between 2009 and 2020 who first received cardiac and then abdominal exploration during the same hospital stay. Control group patients were identified by 1:1 propensity matching. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for laparotomy. Patients of the laparotomy group were further analysed for intraoperative findings from required abdominal operations.

RESULTS

A total of 6832 patients were identified, of whom 70 (1%) underwent abdominal exploration. The median time to exploratory laparotomy was 6 days with no difference between intraoperatively confirmed ischaemia versus those who underwent negative exploration. Thirty-day mortality was 51%. Prior diagnosis of COPD or administration of 2 or more vaso-inotropes during the postoperative phase was independent risk factors for exploratory laparotomy. Vaso-inotrope use was a strong independent predictor of extent of intestinal ischaemia as well as for 30-day mortality. Degree of intestinal ischaemia was also an independent predictor of 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Intestinal ischaemia is a feared complication after cardiac surgery with high mortality, often necessitating multiple abdominal procedures. Administration of 2 or more vaso-inotropes in the postoperative phase of cardiac procedure is a strong predictor for the degree of ischaemia and 30-day mortality.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Trajectories in Cardiometabolic Health, Physical Activity, and Functioning Among Adults from the 2006–2020 Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Beydoun Hind A , Beydoun May A , Gautam Rana S , Alemu Brook T , Weiss Jordan , Hossain Sharmin , Zonderman Alan B
Published: February 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trajectories in cardiometabolic health, physical activity, and functioning among U.S. older adults, overall and according to selected baseline sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

We performed secondary analyses using longitudinal data on 1,372 participants from the 2006–2020 Health and Retirement Study. Pre-post COVID-19 pandemic onset was examined in relation to body mass index (BMI), number of cardiometabolic risk factors and/or chronic conditions, physical activity, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) using mixed-effects regression models and group-based trajectory models.

Results

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with significantly increased BMI (β = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74, 2.03). Furthermore, the odds of having at least one cardiometabolic risk factor and/or chronic disease increased pre-post COVID-19 onset (odds ratio 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.36), whereas physical functioning worsened pre-post COVID-19 onset (ADL: β = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.94, 1.28; IADL: β = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.73). The pre-post COVID-19 period (2018–2020) showed a stable group of trajectories, with low, medium and high levels of the selected health indicators. Health disparities according to sex, race/ethnicity, educational level, work status, and total wealth are highlighted.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic onset appears to worsen cardiometabolic health and physical functioning among U.S. older adults, with clusters of individuals defined by selected sociodemographic characteristics experiencing distinct trajectories pre-post COVID-19 pandemic onset.
Can site effects be estimated with respect to a distant reference station? Performance of the spectral factorization of coda waves
Authors: Grendas I , Theodoulidis N , Bard P-Y , Perron V , Hatzidimitriou P , Hollender F
Published: February 2022

The reliability of the ground motion simulation is highly dependent on the quality of the site response (or site effects) evaluation. There are several methods to estimate the Site Amplification Factor (SAF) corresponding to Fourier Amplitude Spectra (FAS), either by using numerical simulation tools or empirical approaches. A widely used empirical method is the ‘Standard Spectral Ratio’ (SSR) technique based on the FAS ratio of the seismic record at a target site to the corresponding one at a nearby amplification-free ‘rock’ site (reference site). The main limitation of this method lies in the availability of a reference site relatively close to the target one. In this study a SAF estimation technique at a target site in relation to a distant reference site is presented and evaluated. This technique is based on the retrieval of the minimum phase Source Time Function (mpSTF) at a pair of examined sites (target-reference), with the Spectral Factorization analysis of Coda waves (SFC) proposed by Sèbe et al. The so derived mpSTF are considered as a convolution of the actual source function, and of the SAF, so that the FAS ratio of the mpSTF, derived at one site (target) and at a distant reference site, should be an estimate of the target SAF. The latter is confirmed in this study. Under the conditions of a common STF at the examined sites and of similar coda waves excitation factor, the ratio of the FAS of the mpSTFs (target over reference site) can safely approach the actual SAF, at least when target-reference distance is up to ∼60 km and provides encouraging results at longer distances. This technique was applied at 24 sites in western Greece in relation to 4 reference sites located at varying distances from the target ones (from 0.4 to 110 km). More than 700 STFs were calculated for 89 moderate magnitude earthquakes (3.9 ≤   M ≤ 5.1) located in this high seismicity area and SAFs were determined from each pair of target-reference stations using common seismic sources. Finally, the average SAFs were computed and compared to the ones computed by other methods (e.g. SSR, GIT and HVSR) demonstrating the reliability and robustness of the proposed technique in site effect estimation.