bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spoof localized surface plasmons metamaterial sensor for non-invasive hemodialysis process monitoring
Authors: Cao Jinqing , Pang Yachen , Wang Liwei , Yao Huiming , Xu Jianchun , Bi Ke
Published: November 2024

Hemodialysis (HD) is widely considered to be the primary means of kidney replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease, involving millions of patients worldwide. The utilization of continuous non-invasive sensors for blood property detection can achieve an adequacy assessment of the dialysis process, which is of great significance for determining the optimal treatment time, ensuring the treatment effect, and improving the quality of life of patients. In this work, a microwave metamaterial sensor is reported for HD based on spoof localized surface plasmons (LSPs). The spoof LSPs sensor is fabricated from a 21 × 12 × 0.043 mm3 thin film, which is conformally attached to the exterior of the pipeline in the dialysis circuit. This attachment design allows for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of variations in the blood’s permittivity of patients. The proposed sensor design is compatible with standard flexible printed circuit technology, allowing for low-cost and large-scale manufacturing. In the frequency range of 3–6 GHz, three resonance modes based on spoof LSPs can be used for liquid sensing with a maximum sensitivity of 0.39%. This study is expected to foster research and application of microwave metamaterial sensors in the biomedical field.
Allied health and the frail patient in hospital – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Bui James Huylam , Ngian Vincent J. J. , Tran Fiona , Scott Kirralee , Ngai Ka Chi , Ong Bin S.
Published: November 2024

Objectives Frailty is associated with significant mortality and morbidity in hospitalised patients. We describe physiotherapy and occupational therapy practices in hospitalised frail patients and examine the role of early intervention. Methods We performed a prospective, observational cohort study in a medical assessment unit in a tertiary care hospital. Patients with COVID-19 infection were excluded. Frailty was measured by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Early allied health intervention was defined as involvement within 48 h of admission. Demographic data, clinical diagnoses, time spent with physiotherapy and occupational therapy, CFS, hospital length of stay and outcomes were recorded and analysed. Results A total of 356 patients were categorised into non-frail (CFS score <5) and frail (CFS score ≥5) groups. The prevalence of frailty was 68% (n = 241). Physiotherapy (77.2%) and occupational therapy (75.5%) reviews were more frequent in frail patients than in non-frail patients. Frail patients who had allied health involvement within 48 h of admission had a significant reduction in their hospital length of stay (mean reduction of 7.3 days, 95% CI: 0.53, 14, P = 0.035) and a 2.44% reduction in the relative risk of developing pressure injuries (95% CI: 1.31, 4.53). There was no statistically significant differences in outcomes with allied health intervention for non-frail patients and patients who require residential aged care facility level care. Conclusions Allied health have a key role in the management of frailty. Early allied health intervention was associated with a reduced hospital length of stay as well as a reduced incidence of pressure injury in frail patients.
Continental freshwater discharge influences sea surface salinity variability near world’s megadeltas
Authors: Khadim Fahad K. , Getirana Augusto , Bindlish Rajat , Kumar Biswas Nishan , Nie Wanshu , Lahmers Timothy M. , Kumar Sujay V.
Published: November 2024

Sea surface salinity (

SSS

) is a key parameter in the thermohaline circulation of global oceans. Near the megadeltas, inland streamflow through large catchments plays a crucial role in mediating salinity. While some regional studies have investigated how

SSS

is impacted through water cycle and climate components, a global scale quantification of inland streamflow contribution on

SSS

variability is lacking. Here, we utilized remote sensing and observation-driven datasets to quantify the statistical associations between

SSS

and streamflow (

Q

basin

) at 48 megadeltas worldwide. This study uncovers a robust negative association between

Q

basin

and

SSS

, with correlation coefficients

R

less than

-
0.6

for seasonal data found in 26 of the 48 megadeltas, and less than

-
0.4

for deseasoned data in 21 megadeltas. The anticorrelation relationship is more pronounced in large deltas, particularly near tropical climates and in river-influenced deltas. The study also underscores the significant roles of climate, morphological, and anthropogenic stratification in impacting the natural influence of freshwater discharge on
SSS
. By highlighting the interconnected impacts of alterations in terrestrial water cycle upstream and

SSS

, this work contributes to enhancing our understanding of global ocean and climate circulation patterns and in tackling environmental issues pertaining to marine ecosystems.
Breathing down resistance: Tackling hypoxia to overcome immunotherapy barriers in lung cancer
Authors: Chen Huanhuan Joyce
Published: November 2024

In this issue of JEM, Robles-Oteiza et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20231106) present compelling evidence linking tumor hypoxia to acquired resistance mechanisms in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatments involving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Their research advocates targeting these hypoxic tumor regions with hypoxia-activated pro-drugs like TH-302, which may substantially delay the onset of resistance and herald a significant advancement in cancer therapy.
Study on band-gap characteristics and formation mechanism of four-ligament chiral elastic metamaterials
Authors: Wen Xiao-Dong , Gao Si-Qi , Kang Lei , Li Yun-Xia
Published: November 2024

Chiral elastic metamaterials, owing to their exceptional properties distinct from conventional materials and their superior mechanical performance, exhibit significant potential for applications in vibration reduction, noise suppression, energy absorption, and cushioning. To address the challenge of low-frequency vibration control, this paper proposes a dual-component chiral elastic metamaterial structure with four ligament elements. The study explores the bandgap characteristics and elastic wave propagation behavior of this structure within the 1000 Hz frequency range. By analyzing the vibration modes of the unit cell and calculating the group and phase velocities of elastic waves, the physical mechanism underlying bandgap formation is elucidated. The results demonstrate that the proposed four-ligament chiral elastic metamaterial exhibits excellent bandgap properties, with the bandgap covering more than 80.4% of the frequency range below 1000 Hz. This highlights its capability for low-frequency elastic wave control and offers a theoretical reference for the design of novel vibration reduction and noise suppression structures, as well as for low-frequency elastic wave regulation.
Floquet analysis on an irradiated nodal surface semimetal with non-symmorphic symmetry
Authors: Pandit Bhaskar , Kar Satyaki
Published: November 2024

A nodal surface semimetal (NSSM) features symmetry enforced band crossings along a surface within the three-dimensional (3D) Brillouin zone (BZ) and a presence of a nonsymmorphic symmetry there pushes such surfaces to stick to the BZ center or boundaries. The topological robustness of the same does not always come with nonzero Berry fluxes. We consider two such NS, one with zero and another with nonzero topological charges and investigate the effect of light irradiation on them. We find that depending on the state of polarization, one can obtain additional Weyl points/NS in the corresponding Floquet Hamiltonians. Particularly, using a simple two band spinless/spin polarized models with no spin orbit coupling, we emphasize the low energy behavior of the continuum Hamiltonians close to the band crossings and its evolution in a Floquet system in the high frequency limit. In the Floquet system, we also find the NS to perish or new multi Weyl points to get popped up for different polarization scenario or different NSSM Hamiltonians. Our findings open up important avenues on what out of equilibrium NSSM systems can offer in many active fields including quantum computations.
Porous Haldane model: topological phase transitions and flat bands
Authors: Yang Fan , Ling Yi-Xuan , Yan Xu-Hui , Qi Lu , Zhang Xiuyun , Han Ying , He Ai-Lei
Published: November 2024

To investigate the influence of nanoholes on Chern insulators (CIs), we propose a porous Haldane model that considers the nearest-neighbor (NN) hoppings and next-NN (NNN) hoppings with staggered magnetic fluxes. This model supports multiple topological phases with different filling factors. At 2/5 filling, CI phases with

C
=
±
1

, C = 2,

C
=
±
3

,

C
=
±
4

and higher-order topological insulator (HOTI) appear. At 9/20 filling, CI with

C
=
±
1

, C = 2, C = 3, and HOTI phases are obtained. At half-filling, this model exhibits CI with

C
=
±
1

, C = 2, and

C
=
−
3

and HOTI phases. Unlike conventional HOTIs, these HOTI phases host gapless edge states and robust corner states which are characterized by a quantized quadrupole. Additionally, there is a topological flat band (TFB) with a flatness ratio about 13 with the NN and NNN hoppings. Based on the TFB model, we further investigate a

ν
=
1

/

2

fractional CI state with hard-core bosons filling.
Research on grating nano-measurement algorithm based on TCN
Authors: Chang Li , Li Zhipeng , Zhou Bo , Xiu Guoyi , Guo Yumei
Published: November 2024

In order to compensate for the errors caused by disturbing factors such as temperature, humidity, vibration and pressure in the environment during the measurement of grating sensor, a measurement algorithm based on an improved temporal convolutional network (TCN) is proposed. The environmental signals are first collected to construct the data set, and then the improved TCN model with S-shaped rectified linear activation unit activation function is used to subdivide the grating sensor signals and compensate the environmental errors. Experimental results show that in the training of the data set with the least error reduction, the error of the original TCN after compensation is about 4.52 nm, the error of the improved TCN after compensation is about 3.46 nm. Therefore, the improved TCN reduces the error by at least about 23.5%. Compared with the other same type of algorithm, the improved TCN can reduce the error in the verification set by at least 44.3%, which proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed error compensation algorithm, and lays a certain foundation for the realization of ultra-precision measurement of gratings.
A computational analysis to enhance performance of CIGS solar cells using back surface field and ZnSe buffer layer approach
Authors: Kumar Alok , Giripunje Sushama M , Patel Alok Kumar , Gohri Shivani
Published: November 2024

This study aims to enhance copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cell efficiency while minimizing environmental impact by replacing the toxic CdS buffer layer with a ZnSe buffer layer. The CIGS chalcogenide semiconductor is a promising solar cell absorber material but has faced challenges related to defect-free manufacturing, misaligned buffer layers, and device configuration. Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) and zinc selenide (ZnSe), an inexpensive, eco-friendly, and widely available material, are suggested as a back surface field layer and buffer layer to enhance device performance. This paper proposes a new cadmium-free structure (Al/ZnO:Al/ZnO/ZnSe/CIGS/Cu2O/Ni) to enhance the efficiency of CIGS heterojunction solar cells by reducing charge carrier recombination losses. We utilized solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D) to simulate photovoltaic (PV) performance and examined the impacts of electron affinity, absorber thickness, interface defect density, operating temperature, radiative recombination coefficient (RRC), Mott–Schottky analysis, parasitic resistance, and quantum efficiency on PV characteristics. Optimization and choosing a suitable buffer and passivation layer gives the device efficiency of 31.13%, followed by V
OC (0.92 V), J
SC (40.40 mA cm−2), and FF (83.34%) for the proposed structure. The RRC found to be 10−13 cm3 s−1 and the parasitic resistance of the solar cell are in good agreement for fabricating high-efficiency solar cells. These findings suggest that CIGS-based heterojunction solar cells represent a cutting-edge method for achieving high-efficiency solar cells that outperform earlier designs.
Non-singular fast terminal sliding mode trajectory tracking control of cantilever piezo-electric stack actuator based on asymmetric hysteresis compensation
Authors: He Meng , Jiang Weichao , Ding Shuchen , Wang Yong , Zhu Junhui , Ru Changhai
Published: November 2024

Piezoelectric actuators are widely employed in micro-precision applications due to their fast response and high resolution. This paper investigates the trajectory tracking control of a cantilever piezoelectric stack actuator (CPSA) under external perturbations and hysteresis. A control scheme is proposed that effectively compensates for hysteresis by employing an asymmetric Bouc–Wen model, integrated with a non-singular fast terminal sliding mode control (NFTSMC) featuring a variable convergence law. This methodology guarantees finite-time convergence and robustness, thereby enhancing the overall control performance of the CPSA. Experimental results reveal that the proposed control algorithm significantly improves control accuracy and speed, achieving stable closed-loop system performance and maintaining bounded closed-loop signals within a finite time frame. The effectiveness and superiority of the NFTSMC method are validated through comprehensive experimental studies.
Active sensing of industrial fluid degradation via electro-mechanical impedance of a submerged piezoelectric wafer
Authors: Lu Runye , Shen Yanfeng
Published: November 2024

Industrial fluids, such as lubricants and cutting compounds, are ubiquitous in diverse mechanical transmission systems and manufacturing scenarios. Throughout the operational lifespan, these fluids are vulnerable to degradation and contamination, rendering change of mechanical properties and loss of performance, therefore causing detrimental effects on subordinate machineries and product quality. To address such a concern, this article proposes an electro-mechanical impedance spectroscopy for the real-time monitoring of industrial fluids via a structure-fluid interactive piezoelectric sensor. To unravel the intricacies of the interactive mechanism between industrial fluids and the piezoelectric sensory device, an analytical model was established, with the influence of the fluid processed as an additional inertial load and dissipative viscosity. Meanwhile, finite element analysis was performed to scrutinize the nuanced influence of the fluid with fluid-structural interaction boundary condition and spring–damper dissipative elements. Parametric studies were conducted to evaluate the impedance spectral features arising from the fluid properties alterations. A damage index based on the amplitude and frequency shift of the impedance spectra can readily serve as a robust quantifier of fluid degradation severity. Ultimately, experimental tests were performed to validate against the analytical and finite element models. The glycerol–water-mixed fluid was utilized to verify the sensor’s sensitivity on density and viscosity alteration of the fluid. Two industrial fluids, gearbox lubricant and cutting fluid under various service periods, were employed to demonstrate the practical monitoring capability. This article culminates with summary, concluding remarks, and suggestions for future work.
Using extended direct algebraic method to investigate families of solitary wave solutions for the space-time fractional modified benjamin bona mahony equation
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Iqbal Javed , Ullah Ikram , Shah Kamal , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: November 2024

This work studies the space-time fractional modified Benjamin-Bona-Mahony equation, a mathematical model of nonlinear wave propagation in various physical systems, for solitary wave solutions. Among the precise solutions we produce with the Extended Direct Algebraic method are solitary waves and periodic wave patterns. These solutions reveal information on soliton interactions and propagation processes, offering insight into the dynamics of the problem. Characterizing the answers is made easier with the use of graphic representations. Our work bridges the gap between chemical reaction-diffusion mechanisms and biological mathematics to improve comprehension of complicated events in interdisciplinary study.
The evolution of spectral data for nonlinear Klein-Gordon models
Authors: Palheta P H S , Assis P E G , Gonçalves T M N
Published: November 2024

We investigate the effect of the breaking of integrability in the integrals of motion of a sine-Gordon-like system. The class of quasi-integrable models, discussed in the literature, inherits some of the integrable properties they are associated with. Our strategy, to investigate the problem through a deformation of the so-called inverse scattering method, has proven to be useful in the discussion of generic nonlinear Klein-Gordon potentials, as well as in particular cases presented here.
Refined speckle contrast estimation in OCT based on compensation of scattering-related distortions of speckle pattern parameters
Authors: Matveev Lev A , Sovetsky Alexander A , Matveyev Alexander L , Vitkin I Alex , Assaad Maher , Zaitsev Vladimir Y
Published: November 2024

Speckle contrast (SC) parameters in optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans are formed by the interplay of several factors—local level of optical wave backscattering by the material inhomogeneities, parameters of spatial distribution of the latter and the degree of cumulative optical wave attenuation during its fourth-and-back propagation. For the optical wavelengths used in OCT, this attenuation is usually dominated by the influence of scattering in the visualized turbid tissues rather than by absorption. For sufficiently high concentrations of scatterers (at least a few scatterers in the coherence volume) characterized by comparable scattering strengths and a fairly homogeneous distribution in space, the interference of locally scattered waves should be characterized by a Rayleigh distribution of speckle amplitudes, for which the local SC tends to 0.52. Equivalently, in terms of speckle intensities, the local SC tends to unity. Local spatial inhomogeneities or strongly uneven scattering strengths lead to the appearance of increased values of SC, which may serve as a diagnostic feature of some tissue components in OCT images. At the same time, in comparison to surface speckles formed by coherent-light scattering from rough surfaces, OCT-beam attenuation during its fourth-and-back propagation may introduce intensity inhomogeneities in OCT scans even for homogeneous tissue areas. This effect results in artefactual distortion of the visible SC in comparison with the above-mentioned expected value. Moreover, the presence of individual strong scatterers may additionally non-locally distort SC values due to the appearance of elongated shadows below such scatterers, which causes lateral inhomogeneities in OCT scans. Here, we propose a refined SC parameter, which is cleaned from distorting scattering-related effects in both axial and lateral directions. Depth-resolved estimation of the optical attenuation coefficient is used to restore attenuation-free OCT scans, for which the refined SC is estimated. The efficiency of the proposed approach is demonstrated using both digital OCT phantoms with highly controlled properties and experimental OCT data.
Characterization of the I-phase regime at TCV
Authors: Griener M. , Wüthrich C. , Wang Y. , Brida D. , Faitsch M. , Offeddu N. , Theiler C. ,   the TCV Team,   the EUROfusion Tokamak Exploitation Team
Published: November 2024

The I-phase is an H-mode confinement regime of tokamaks characterized by limit cycle oscillations, the so-called LCOs or bursts. These bursts are the manifestation of a periodic flattening of the plasma edge pressure profile. The profile flattening is caused by increased radial transport, driven by a high-frequency plasma edge mode that periodically appears. This short-living mode is intrinsically connected to each burst. It vanishes once the profiles are fully flattened, and it reestablishes during profile recovery once critical gradients are reached and a new cycle begins. In this paper, we describe for the first time the unambiguous presence of the I-phase at the tokamak à configuration variable (TCV). As the I-phase confinement regime is found in the parameter regime between the L-mode and the fully developed H-mode, it is often confused with dithers between H-mode and L-mode. Therefore, we are highlighting the differences between these two phenomena. Furthermore, we show the two-dimensional dynamics of the I-phase mode and bursts and the associated filamentary transport, enabled by the outstanding capabilities of the 2D TCV Gas Puff Imaging diagnostics.
Current circulation near additional energy degeneracy points in quadratic Fermionic networks
Authors: Upadhyay Vipul , Marathe Rahul
Published: November 2024

We study heat and particle current circulation (CC) in quadratic Fermionic systems analysed using a general dissipative Lindbladian master equation. It was observed in an earlier study (Upadhyay et al 2023 Phys. Rev. E 107 034120) that CC occurs near the additional energy degeneracy point (AEDP) in Fermionic systems which have some form of asymmetry. We find general analytical expression to support this observation for quadratic Fermionic networks. We then apply these ideas to the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model with periodic boundary conditions and a tight binding model with unequal hopping strengths in the upper and lower branches. In both these cases, we find the specific conditions required for observing CC and study the behavior of these currents with various system parameters. We find that having unequal number of Fermionic sites in the upper and lower branches is enough for generating CC in the SSH model. However, this asymmetry is not adequate for the tight-binding model and we require unequal hopping strengths in the upper and lower branches to induce CC in this model. We also compare our results with the exact results obtained via the Non-equilibrium Green function formalism, and observe that the relationship between AEDP and CC also holds for the exact results. Finally, we observe that for certain system parameters, the onset point of particle and heat CC are not the same. Based on all these observations, we describe how carefully examining the energy spectrum of the system gives a great deal of information about the possibility and behavior of CC in Fermionic systems with asymmetries.
Benchmarking the integration of hexagonal boron nitride crystals and thin films into graphene-based van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Ouaj Taoufiq , Arnold Christophe , Azpeitia Jon , Baltic Sunaja , Barjon Julien , Cascales José , Cun Huanyao , Esteban David , Garcia-Hernandez Mar , Garnier Vincent , Gautam Subodh K , Greber Thomas , Said Hassani Said , Hemmi Adrian , Jiménez Ignacio , Journet Catherine , Kögerler Paul , Loiseau Annick , Maestre Camille , Metzelaars Marvin , Schmidt Philipp , Stampfer Christoph , Stenger Ingrid , Steyer Philippe , Taniguchi Takashi , Toury Bérangère , Watanabe Kenji , Beschoten Bernd
Published: November 2024

We present a benchmarking protocol that combines the characterization of boron nitride (BN) crystals and films with the evaluation of the electronic properties of graphene on these substrates. Our study includes hBN crystals grown under different conditions (atmospheric pressure high temperature, high pressure high temperature, pressure controlled furnace) and scalable BN films deposited by either chemical or physical vapor deposition (PVD). We explore the complete process from boron nitride growth, over its optical characterization by time-resolved cathodoluminescence (TRCL), to the optical and electronic characterization of graphene by Raman spectroscopy after encapsulation and Hall bar processing. Within our benchmarking protocol we achieve a homogeneous electronic performance within each Hall bar device through a fast and reproducible processing routine. We find that a free exciton lifetime of

1

ns

measured on as-grown hBN crystals by TRCL is sufficient to achieve high graphene room temperature charge carrier mobilities of

80

000

cm
2

(
Vs

)

−
1

at a carrier density of

|
n

|

=
1
×

10

12

cm

−
2

, while respective exciton lifetimes around

100

ps

yield mobilities up to

30

000

cm
2

(
Vs

)

−
1

. For scalable PVD-grown BN films, we measure carrier mobilities exceeding

10

000

cm
2

(
Vs

)

−
1

which correlates with a graphene Raman 2D peak linewidth of

22

cm

−
1

. Our work highlights the importance of the Raman 2D linewidth of graphene as a critical metric that effectively assesses the interface quality (i.e. surface roughness) to the BN substrate, which directly affects the charge carrier mobility of graphene. Graphene 2D linewidth analysis is suitable for all BN substrates and is particularly advantageous when TRCL or BN Raman spectroscopy cannot be applied to specific BN materials such as amorphous or thin films. This underlines the superior role of spatially-resolved spectroscopy in the evaluation of BN crystals and films for the use of high-mobility graphene devices.
Research on enhancing thermal conductivity of phase change microcapsules with nano-copper
Authors: Yang Xinjie , Liping Zeng , Dai Xuebing , Chen Xiao , Sheng Mengyao , Su Huan
Published: November 2024

The unique ability of phase change materials (PCMs) to store and release heat makes their integration into building materials promising for reducing energy consumption and enhancing sustainability. In this work, a novel high-thermal-conductivity microencapsulated phase change material was studied, with nano-copper embedded in the microcapsule structure. This modification enhanced thermal conductivity while largely preserving the material’s latent heat storage capacity. Poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) is chosen as the capsule shell, whereas a eutectic mixture of decanoic acid (CA) and lauric acid (LA) serves as the core material. The analysis results indicate that as the shell-core mass ratio decreases, the microcapsule size increases, and both thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity gradually decrease. Moreover, the latent heat capacity of microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM) increases. When the shell-core mass ratio is 1:1.5, the melting latent heat and solidification latent heat are 81.85 J g−1 and 88.68 J g−1, respectively. nano-copper doping enhances the material’s thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity by 47.5% and 50%, respectively, leading to a 20.3% improvement in heat storage efficiency. After 200 cycles of testing, the material maintains good thermal reliability and chemical stability. Mortar-based composite materials containing microcapsules were prepared. The mortar composite materials containing microcapsules exhibited minimal influence from heating and cooling, with those containing nano-copper microcapsules demonstrating superior thermal response speeds. The method of doping and modifying MEPCM with nano-copper is a promising approach for effectively reducing the impact of temperature fluctuations on the internal comfort of buildings, improving energy utilization efficiency, and providing reliable solutions for temperature-sensitive applications.
Supercapacitors for conformable electronics
Authors: Joseph Anit , Thomas Tiju
Published: November 2024

The fast evolution of conformable electronics has demanded the development of energy storage technologies that are both flexible and efficient. Supercapacitors (SCs) offer an excellent option for powering these cutting-edge gadgets because of their high-power density, quick charge–discharge times, and extended cycle life. In this research, the materials, design, and performance features of SCs are highlighted as they are integrated into conformable electronic systems. We study the effects of several flexible electrode materials on the electrochemical performance of SCs, including conducting polymers and carbon-based nanomaterials. Along with current developments in conformable electronics, which combine SC power density, the issues of scalability, stability, and environmental effects are discussed. The advancements of SCs-based conformable electronics in India and a global perspective are analysed in detail. Our analysis shows how SCs can open the door for more adaptable and sustainable power solutions by enabling the next wave of wearable technology, soft robotics, and other conformable applications.
Enhancing source identification of water-soluble heavy metal contamination in urban road sediments: a receptor model approach for water and sediment quality in a Chinese metropolitan area
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , You Zai-Jin , Buttar Noman Ali , Naeem Muhammad , Azam Muhammad Imran , Ali Basharat , Hashem Abeer , Almutairi Khalid F , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the concentrations and sources of 8 heavy metals in urban road sediments and a total of 116 samples were collected from 29 locations, with four samples per location from Zhengzhou, China. Pb concentrations significantly exceeded background values, while Hg levels showed variability across locations. Pollution indices reveal that Cu and Cd, two hazardous metals, contribute significantly to urban road dust pollution. Notably, Hg shows high contamination levels, while Pb and Cr exhibit moderate contamination. The measured concentrations of the heavy metals are: Cr (28.32 μg l–1), Cu (334.65 μg l–1), Cd (2.87 μg l–1), Ni (83.20 μg l–1), Zn (204.10 μg l–1), As (45.10 μg l–1), Pb (4.11 μg l–1), and Hg (0.27 μg l–1). Using principal component analysis (PCA), three primary components (PC1, PC2, and PC3) were identified, explaining 86.85% of the variance in heavy metal concentrations. PC1, dominated by Cr and Pb, suggests industrial activities as the main source. PC2, influenced by As and Cd, reflects pollution from agrochemical use, while PC3, with high Ni values, indicates sources from alloy production and electroplating processes. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted environmental management strategies to mitigate the health and ecological risks posed by heavy metal contamination in urban environments.
Decadal changes in summer aerosol composition and secondary aerosol formation mechanisms in Beijing
Authors: Zeng Siqi , Zhou Wei , Li Yan , Zhang Zijun , Zhang Yu , Wang Yuying , Kim Kyung Hwan , Ji Dongsheng , Hu Bo , Kim Jin Young , Wang Zifa , Sun Yele
Published: November 2024

Aerosol chemistry in China has undergone significant transformation due to stringent emission control measures, leading to great shifts in aerosol composition and formation mechanisms. This study investigates the summer chemical evolution of aerosol species in Beijing over the past decade based on two summertime measurements using aerosol chemical speciation monitors. The results reveal a substantial decrease in fine particulate matter concentrations by 72.7% in summer over the past decade, particularly primary species that dropped by 86.3%–95.1%. However, this improvement in particulate matter was accompanied by a worsening of ozone pollution between 2011 and 2022. In contrast, secondary components such as sulfate and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) exhibited significant increases in their contributions, rising from 18.2%–25.5% to 21.4%–41%. The varying responses of aerosol species to emission reductions are closely tie to changes in emission sources, aerosol chemistry, and meteorology. By decoupling the influence of meteorology through machine learning, our analysis highlights the crucial role of emission reductions in improving air quality, though with different impacts on aerosol chemistry. The dominant formation mechanisms of secondary components varied between the two summers, likely influenced by shifts in aerosol liquid water content and atmospheric oxidation capacity due to NOx reductions. Compared to the summer of 2011, the formation of sulfate and SOA in summer 2022 was primarily driven by photochemical processes related to ozone, with less impacts from aqueous-phase formation, while nitrate was predominantly formed via N2O5 heterogeneous hydrolysis. Considering the complex nature of secondary aerosol formation, future summer pollution control strategies should prioritize stricter collaborative regulation of precursors for both secondary aerosol and ozone.
Cell stretching devices integrated with live cell imaging: a powerful approach to study how cells react to mechanical cues
Authors: Bighi Beatrice , Ragazzini Gregorio , Gallerani Alessia , Mescola Andrea , Scagliarini Chiara , Zannini Chiara , Marcuzzi Martina , Olivi Elena , Cavallini Claudia , Tassinari Riccardo , Bianchi Michele , Corsi Lorenzo , Ventura Carlo , Alessandrini Andrea
Published: November 2024

Mechanical stimuli have multiple effects on cell behavior, affecting a number of cellular processes including orientation, proliferation or apoptosis, migration and invasion, the production of extracellular matrix proteins, the activation and translocation of transcription factors, the expression of different genes such as those involved in inflammation and the reprogramming of cell fate. The recent development of cell stretching devices has paved the way for the study of cell reactions to stretching stimuli in-vitro, reproducing physiological situations that are experienced by cells in many tissues and related to functions such as breathing, heart beating and digestion. In this work, we review the highly-relevant contributions cell stretching devices can provide in the field of mechanobiology. We then provide the details for the in-house construction and operation of these devices, starting from the systems that we already developed and tested. We also review some examples where cell stretchers can supply meaningful insights into mechanobiology topics and we introduce new results from our exploitation of these devices.
Exploring spatial reasoning performances of CNN on linear layout dataset
Authors: Pejic Jelena , Petkovic Marko , Klinge Sandra
Published: November 2024

Spatial reasoning, a fundamental aspect of human intelligence, is essential for machine learning models to understand and interpret object relationships. It is crucial for numerous real-world applications, ranging from autonomous navigation to urban planning. The lack of comprehensive datasets limits the development and evaluation of models that can effectively handle spatial reasoning tasks. Existing datasets often contain complex spatial reasoning problems with overlapping spatial relationships, making it challenging to diagnose specific aspects that a model struggles with. We address this gap by introducing a new dataset of linear layouts. This dataset is systematically designed to exhibit a range of spatial relations and complexity levels. Analyzing spatial reasoning through linear layout generation offers a more structured and manageable approach to understanding how models learn and interpret spatial relationships. Linear layout generation has broad applicability and is of fundamental importance in design and optimization. To benchmark dataset, we develop LinLayCNN, a generic data-driven method that applies shallow, one-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN), to generate linear layouts in an iterative process. Experimental results reveal that LinLayCNN can effectively solve fundamental spatial challenges even with the relatively small size of the training set. It is capable of precise object placement, making it a robust tool for linear layout generation. Current layout generation methods focus on domain-specific solutions and often fail to maintain the precision needed for technical domains, such as accurate sizing, and object counting. They also require a substantial amount of data to function effectively. LinLayCNN overcame these issues. This study further clarifies CNNs’ capabilities in spatial reasoning, highlight their potential to advance the field of layout generation. As a result, our approach establishes a clear benchmark for evaluating spatial reasoning and aids in development of models that can more effectively understand and reason about space.
Multi-lattice sampling of quantum field theories via neural operator-based flows
Authors: Máté Bálint , Fleuret François
Published: November 2024

We consider the problem of sampling lattice field configurations on a lattice from the Boltzmann distribution corresponding to some action. Since such densities arise as approximationw of an underlying functional density, we frame the task as an instance of operator learning. We propose to approximate a time-dependent neural operator whose time integral provides a mapping between the functional distributions of the free and target theories. Once a particular lattice is chosen, the neural operator can be discretized to a finite-dimensional, time-dependent vector field which in turn induces a continuous normalizing flow between finite dimensional distributions over the chosen lattice. This flow can then be trained to be a diffeormorphism between the discretized free and target theories on the chosen lattice, and, by construction, can be evaluated on different discretizations of spacetime. We experimentally validate the proposal on the 2-dimensional φ
4-theory to explore to what extent such operator-based flow architectures generalize to lattice sizes they were not trained on, and show that pretraining on smaller lattices can lead to a speedup over training directly on the target lattice size.
Transferability of atom-based neural networks
Authors: Kjeldal Frederik Ø , Eriksen Janus J
Published: November 2024

Machine-learning models in chemistry—when based on descriptors of atoms embedded within molecules—face essential challenges in transferring the quality of predictions of local electronic structures and their associated properties across chemical compound space. In the present work, we make use of adversarial validation to elucidate certain intrinsic complications related to machine inferences of unseen chemistry. On this basis, we employ invariant and equivariant neural networks—both trained either exclusively on total molecular energies or a combination of these and data from atomic partitioning schemes—to evaluate how such models scale performance-wise between datasets of fundamentally different functionality and composition. We find the inference of local electronic properties to improve significantly when training models on augmented data that appropriately expose local functional features. However, molecular datasets for training purposes must themselves be sufficiently comprehensive and rich in composition to warrant any generalizations to larger systems, and even then, transferability can still only genuinely manifest if the body of atomic energies available for training purposes exposes the uniqueness of different functional moieties within molecules. We demonstrate this point by comparing machine models trained on atomic partitioning schemes based on the spatial locality of either native atomic or molecular orbitals.
Beyond the usual suspects: contrasting perspectives of developers and peripheral users of model-based energy scenarios
Authors: Blumer Yann , Wemyss Devon , Braunreiter Lukas
Published: November 2024

Model-based energy scenarios promise to provide reliable, science-based decision support to societal actors. However, these scenarios do not always sufficiently address the information needs of a scenario user. This study aims to better understand this gap with a focus on peripheral users—such as local authorities and regional energy companies—who are often overlooked in scenario development yet play a crucial role in shaping the future energy system through their aggregate decisions. The study surveyed academic energy modelers (n= 105) and non-academic peripheral users (n = 244) in Switzerland to contrast their views on the scope, purpose, and underlying epistemology of model-based energy scenarios. While both modelers and users agree on the relevance and authority of model-based energy scenarios for identifying feasible transition pathways, users are more emphatic about integrating a broad set of social dynamics into models, while modelers tend to be more selective. Further, users express more ambitious expectations concerning the purpose and scope of the entire modeling and scenario development process. This includes the expectation that scenarios come with an indication of specific probabilities, explore radically different futures, and more explicitly communicate key underlying assumptions. Overall, the study enables a direct comparison of modelers’ and users’ perspectives, using statistical inference to extend previous research and confirm the widespread acceptance of scenarios as decision-support tools. However, further work is needed to systematically understand the needs and perspectives of different users in order to realize the potential of model-based energy scenarios in aligning academia, policy, and society towards a sustainable, feasible and secure transition of the energy system.
Distribution of power residues over shifted subfields and maximal cliques in generalized Paley graphs
Authors: Martin Greg , Yip Chi Hoi
Published: November 2024

We derive an asymptotic formula for the number of solutions in a given subfield to certain system of equations over finite fields. As an application, we construct new families of maximal cliques in generalized Paley graphs. Given integers

d
≥
2

d\ge 2

and

q
≡
1
 
(

m
o
d

 
d
)

q \equiv 1\ (\mathrm {mod}\ d)

, we show that for each positive integer

m
m

such that

rad
⁡
(
m
)
∣
rad
⁡
(
d
)

\operatorname {rad}(m) \mid \operatorname {rad}(d)

, there are maximal cliques of size approximately

q

/

m

q/m

in the

d
d

-Paley graph defined on

F

q
d

\mathbb {F}_{q^d}

. We also confirm a conjecture of Goryainov, Shalaginov, and Yip on the maximality of certain cliques in generalized Paley graphs, as well as an analogous conjecture of Goryainov for Peisert graphs.
Experiential Therapy in the Virtual Realm
Authors: Laser Julie Anne , Nicotera Nicole
Published: November 2024

In Chapter 9, the authors discuss how they learned how to adapt Experiential Therapy to the virtual realm. They explain how they had to reconceive Experiential Therapy in the virtual realm due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss how to use virtual technology to do Experiential Therapy, and they share lessons learned from moving these activities to the virtual world. They explain the different requirements, considerations, and rules that are needed to be followed in order to effectively use an online platform to deliver Experiential Therapy. They share three virtual Experiential Therapy activities in this chapter that have been adapted from face-to-face Experiential Therapy activities.
British Sporting Relations with Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Llewellyn Matthew P , Rider Toby C
Published: November 2024

The transnational anti-apartheid sport boycott of South Africa represented the most prominent, extended, and controversial anti-racism campaign in the history of sport. Spearheaded by prominent British religious and anti-colonial figures and exiled South Africans, emboldened by communist and Global South support, and legitimized by supranational political bodies such as the United Nations, the Organisation of African Unity, and the Commonwealth, the sport boycott helped propel anti-apartheid out of relative obscurity and struck at the very heart of a cultural practice that served an explicitly ideological function in Afrikaner society. Britain held a dichotomous, even paradoxical role as both prosecutor and defender of white South Africa. In this book, we utilize sport as a critical lens for understanding the dynamics and dichotomies of British attitudes towards the apartheid regime. Debates over whether to continue or to cut sporting links with apartheid South Africa proved bitterly divisive. The considerable weight the subject carried and the degree to which it saturated British political and social discourse for four decades speaks to its impact and importance. This book represents the first archival-based, historical examination of Britain’s sporting relations with South Africa throughout the apartheid era, 1948–1994. Situating our analysis within the shifting multiracial and multicultural landscapes of postcolonial Britain and within global political, cultural, sporting, and ideological debates, we trace the origins and evolution of the transnational sport boycott, and examine what inspired Britons to energize anti-apartheid sport campaigns and, in contrast, what drove many others to vehemently oppose them at every turn.
Introduction
Authors: Llewellyn Matthew P , Rider Toby C
Published: November 2024

This book begins with a single emblematic event. On 13 June 1970, five days before a general election, the Tory MP Enoch Powell delivered a provocative speech in Birmingham now referred to as the ‘Enemy Within’. In his sermon, Powell explicitly connected the ongoing, and highly combustible, campaign to stop a South African cricket team from touring Britain, to his long-established views on the loss of white authority in British society. While Powell pointed to some of the manifestations of this ‘menace’—the weakness of the Labour government, unrest in Northern Ireland, socialism, liberal clergy, unruly students, and the ‘demonstration’—he argued that ‘race’ was the ‘common factor linking together the work of the ‘enemy on several fronts’. Powell asserted that the wave of New Commonwealth immigration had been turned against the ‘rational’ people of Britain, leaving them unable to say what they truly felt or wished. For Powell, the cricket tour, and the anti-apartheid protests against it, represented another example of how the British people had been pressured to compromise on their national life and culture, and how authority had been lost. Powell’s ‘Enemy Within’ speech provides an opening through which to introduce the major purpose, scope, aims, and arguments that inform this book. We stress that passionate and polarized British attitudes towards sporting links with South Africa can be best excavated and read within the shifting multiracial and ideological landscapes of postcolonial Britain.
Britain and the Transnational Foundations of Anti-Apartheid Sport Protest
Authors: Llewellyn Matthew P , Rider Toby C
Published: November 2024

British opposition to the injustices of South African race segregation arose out of anti-colonial and religious circles. A triumvirate of British religious figures, Reverend Michael Scott, Father Trevor Huddleston, and Canon L. John Collins, led the British anti-apartheid crusade, articulating their views within a religious, moral, and liberal humanitarian framework. In solidarity with the South African liberation movement, British anti-apartheid activity formed part of an emerging global political culture. The genesis for a sport boycott illustrated the collaborative and transnational origins of the anti-apartheid movement. At the precise moment that Father Trevor Huddleston (and others) began discussing the notion of a sport boycott during the mid-1950s, South African non-racial sport leader Dennis Brutus issued calls for international sport federations to expel discriminatory white South African sporting bodies from their membership ranks. Huddleston and the British anti-apartheid lobby forged collaborative links with Brutus and the non-racial sport movement. Together, these fledgling movements initiated early campaigns to expose the grim realities of race discrimination in South African sport, install merit-based selection for international events, and secure representation for Black (non-racial) sporting bodies on international sporting federations. When those early efforts faltered, they encouraged noncollaboration with the apartheid state.