bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A day in the life of a senior animal technician and technical trainer
Authors: Lane Kelly
Published: December 2023

Kelly Lane is a Senior Animal Technician and Technical Trainer at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne, Australia. Kelly is part of the WEHI Bioservices Team which won the inaugural Research Support Award from the Biochemical Society. Kelly and the team of technicians are trained to provide highly regulated animal welfare, to identify a range of phenotypes and illnesses in mice and to perform complex experimental procedures while ensuring animals are treated with compassion and respect. The team works collaboratively with researchers in over 50 laboratories!

Kelly gives us an insight into life as an animal technician and trainer within the WEHI.
Dimensionality of Speech-Language Pathologists' Child-Directed Talk During School-Based Therapy With Primary-Grade Students
Authors: Sun Jing , Justice Laura M. , Shen Ye , Jiang Hui , Villasanti Hugo Gonzalez , Schmitt Mary Beth
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the measurement structure of the linguistic features of speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) talk during business-as-usual therapy sessions in the public schools and to test the longitudinal stability of a theorized dimensional structure consisting of quantity, grammatical complexity, and lexical complexity.

Method:

Seventy-five SLPs' talk during therapy sessions with primary-grade students was automatically transcribed and coded for linguistic features from a corpus of 579 videotaped therapy session videos collected at the beginning, middle, and end of one school year with an approximately 12-week interval. We explored video characteristics and conducted descriptive statistics on eight linguistic indices of SLP talk to examine the variability in SLP talk between therapy sessions. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to explore the dimensional structure of SLP talk at each time point separately for the theorized three dimensions, and we conducted longitudinal measurement invariance analyses to test the stability of the three-factor structural model across the academic year.

Results:

There were considerable variabilities among SLPs in the characteristics of SLP talk during therapy sessions. The proposed three-factor structure of SLP talk consisting of quantity, grammatical complexity, and lexical complexity had good model fit at all three time points. The linguistic measurement properties representing the three factors were invariant over time.

Conclusions:

Results provided robust evidence of between-SLP variability in their child-directed talk, established a three-dimensional structure of the linguistic features in SLP talk, and identified that the linguistic features in SLP talk stably measured the same constructs across one school year, based on measurement invariance. The dimensions of SLP talk during therapy with students may represent important, malleable features of therapy that influence child language gains.
Power and signal dual modulation‐based bidirectional communication between intrinsically safe converters
Authors: Wang Tan , Yu Dongsheng , Tang Xudong , Yu Samson S. , Hu Yihua
Published: December 2023

In harsh operating environments such as mines and gas stations, intrinsically safe power converters are required for electronics devices. Reliable communication is the key ensuring good performance of monitoring and coordinated control for intrinsically safe converters. This paper proposes a power and signal dual modulation (PSDM)‐based communication method for intrinsically safe parallel‐connected Buck converters. The bidirectional communication between two parallel Buck converters is realized by combining the frequency shift keying (FSK) and phase shift keying (PSK) methods. In addition, switching frequencies are employed to identify the signals received from the power converters interfacing different sources. According to the intrinsic safety requirement, inductors and capacitors are redesigned based on the modulated voltage ripples during communication. Simulations and prototype experiments are performed to verify the feasibility of the proposed bidirectional communication for intrinsically safe converters. The amplitude of voltage ripples modulated for carrying data is restricted to less than 1.5% of the bus voltage. The transmission speed can be achieved from 0.5 to 2kbps depending on the adopted switching frequencies. The demodulation delay is less than 5% duration of one bit of transmitted data.
Applications of cow manure and bagasse biochar on the growth and flavonoids of white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria)
Authors: Setyawati Andriyana , Rahayu Muji , Muliawati Endang Setia , Febriyanti
Published: December 2023

Cow manure and bagasse biochar are expected to increase yield of white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria) and reduce the use of chemical that can trigger global warming. This study aimed to obtain the response of adding cow manure and bagasse biochar on the growth and flavonoids in white turmeric. This research was held in July 2022 – June 2023, located at faculty agriculture experimental field and CV Che-Mix Pratama. The method used completely randomized design with two factors and 3 replications. The first factor was cow manure dose 0, 100, 200, and 300 g perpolybag and the second was bagasse biochar 0, 80, 160, and 240 g perpolybag. Variables consisted number of leaves, number of tillers, diameter, stem dry weight, rhizomes wet weight, rhizomes dry weight, and flavonoids percentage. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance with a 5% level test and continued with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% level. Dose 300 g of cow manure was the best treatment to generate the best number of leaves, number of tillers, plant diameter, stem dry weight, rhizomes wet weight and dry weight. The highest flavonoids at 0.06% was found in 100 g of cow manure and 240 g of bagasse biochar.
The application of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in determining organic waste process technology-oriented-reducing greenhouse gas
Authors: Gunamantha I. Made , Oviantari Made Vivi , Yuningrat Ni Wayan
Published: December 2023

The existence of waste in the environment, which is not managed well, could contribute to global warming and cause climate change on the earth. This research aimed to determine the suitable management preference for organic waste treatment produced in small cities. The methods used are based on pair comparison in hierarchy decisions developed through the analytical hierarchy process. The hierarchy consisted of goals, criteria, sub-criteria and alternatives applied to waste treatment engineering. The expert suggestion was used in a pair comparison matrix to determine the level of technology. The comparison was used to get the significance level of decision criteria and the relative performance of the options. The city’s waste managed by the Buleleng government was used to demonstrate the application of the analytical hierarchy process in that region. The result showed that the important factor in deciding on waste treatment for the small city is environment and engineering, with each eigenvector priority (0.28), sociocultural (0.24) and economy (0.20). According to the recruitment preference for Singaraja waste treatment, the analytical hierarchy process showed that controlled landfill and composting are the most suitable treatment, followed by incineration, anaerobic digestion, and mechanical and biological treatment.
Justice element in just energy transition partnership decarbonization policy: a conceptual legal analysis
Authors: Maskun Maskun , Paliling Valeria Erika Sari , Hamzah Alfiyah Nur Inayah , Al Mukarramah Nurul Habaib
Published: December 2023

Decarbonization is an essential strategy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, Indonesia committed to adhere to the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to pursue its climate targets by establishing energy transition targets for decarbonization. Nevertheless, the “Just” element in JETP remains unclear. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the justice aspect in JETP through a conceptual legal analysis of justice. This research method is a normative legal analysis conducted by examining legal theories, concepts, principles, laws, and regulations as primary data, with literary sources as secondary data analyzed through a conceptual approach. The result shows that there are several targets and current directives of JETP that may not fulfill the just aspect and are incoherent to the concept of justice. In conclusion, the JETP shall improve its directives and targets prior to its implementation by involving regional government and society as key sectors to ensure a just energy transition.
Interconnecting Science-Based Target with company supply chain to contribute climate action – lesson learned from Indonesia
Authors: Putri Wika Harisa , Bakhtiar Irfan
Published: December 2023

Science-Based Target (SBT) has become popular since 2020 as a promising platform for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Recent studies found that SBT diffusion in low- and medium-income countries remains unresponsive even in emission-intensive sectors. Setting realistic targets for aligning actions across each chain, planning and implementing targeting methods, and developing SBT governance to respond to stakeholder interests can influence the climate change response. This paper describes how the international supply chains influence Indonesian companies to apply SBT through the demand side. This paper will depict early initiatives and evidence with descriptives data that announce the Indonesian company's plan to achieve established SBT. The result shows that Indonesian company still rare to implement SBT and the initiatives begin when triggered by international demand on supply chain.
Perception of rainfed farmers on the impact of climate variability in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia
Authors: Mulyasari Gita , Prawito Priyono , Djarot Ira Nurhayati , Sasongko Nugroho Adi , Handayani Titin , Putra Agusta Samodra , Widyastuti Netty , Rifai Akhmad , Wijayanti Sri Peni , Bahua Hismiaty , Nuha  , Isharyadi Febrian , Paminto Ari Kabul
Published: December 2023

This paper considers how farmers perceive to climate variability impacts, and suggests that perception these impact responses is as important as understanding responses to climate variability impacts. Based on a survey of 215 rainfed farmers in Bengkulu Province, we tested two hypotheses regarding climate variability impacts: (1) that climate variability has negative impacts on rainfed farming based on farmer’s perception, (2) that age, formal education, farming experience, land area, and participation in farmer groups will influence farmer’s climate variability perceptions. Using a multiple weighted score analysis and linier regression model we found support for the two hypotheses and furthermore showed that most of the farmers agreed that climate variability has a negative impact on rainfed farming. Farmers' formal education and participation in farmer groups influence farmers' perceptions on the impact of climate variability. With farmer groups, farmers can discuss various problems that arise due to climate variability.
Smart segregation system for fruit ripeness
Authors: Ghuge Siddhant , Rathore Harshit , Ghayal Geetanjali , Ghorpade Sakshi , Mangate Laxmikant
Published: December 2023

The quality assessment and timely detection of fruit ripeness are crucial for optimizing harvest schedules, ensuring product freshness, and minimizing post-harvest losses. This abstract presents a smart detection system designed to accurately determine fruit ripeness using non-invasive sensing techniques. To evaluate the system's performance, experiments are conducted using different types of fruits at varying ripeness stages. The results demonstrate high accuracy and reliability in fruit ripeness prediction, with minimal false positives or negatives. It eliminates the need for manual inspection, reducing labour costs and potential subjective bias. It also provides non-destructive testing, allowing fruits to remain intact for further processing or sale. Furthermore, the system can be integrated into automated sorting and packaging processes, enabling efficient sorting based on ripeness and improving overall supply chain management.
Secures and maintains non-linear control of DFIG-wind turbine by implementing the appropriate protection configuration against overcurrent in the rotor circuit under grid fault
Authors: Loulijat Azeddine , El marghichi Mouncef , Abboud Sarah
Published: December 2023

One significant disadvantage of the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is its high vulnerability to grid faults, which can be attributed to the direct linkage of its stator windings to the electrical network. The electromagnetic pairing of the stator and rotor in the DFIG implies that a voltage dip causing excessive stator current results in high currents in the sensitive back-to-back inverters and an overcharge in the DC-link capacitor. A comparative study of two protection configurations with a sliding mode non-linear control (SMC) for the rotor transient current for the better operation of the DFIG under network faults is presented in this document. One conventional configuration consists of a crowbar with DC-chopper and another is changed by adding to the crowbar an RL series device known as an appropriate protection configuration (APC). Both are placed within the rotor windings and ride-side converter (RSC) to achieve secures and maintains SMC of DFIG. The comparison of the results reached with the MATLAB/ SIMULINK application is evidenced by the success of these two configuration reduce the high rotor current and DC-link voltage. Additionally, the conventional configuration, in conjunction with the APC, diminishes the current RSC to levels below 0.2kA and exactly 2.25kA, while also being capable of absorbing up to 2.52kA and 1.3kA in the event of a grid fault. So the main difference is that with the APC, the decoupling of the RSC to the rotor in the presence of a fault can be averted, thereby assuring the control of all stator power via the RSC converte.
Prediction of the rupture pressure of a corroded pipeline by ANN
Authors: El Kiri Yassine , Zahiri Laidi , Mansouri Khalifa , Mighouar Zakaria , El Ouardi Soufiane
Published: December 2023

This work highlights the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in fracture mechanics, in particular to solve complex problems such as the fracture of a corroded pipeline subjected to both internal pressure and axial compressive stress. The paper describes the use of artificial neural networks (ANN), a popular technique in AI, to replace the empirical expression of the DNV method with a system of simple equations based on weights and biases. The use of ANN avoids problems associated with theory, such as assumptions, boundary conditions and exact modeling. The choice of neural network structure was made on the basis of the required accuracy, measured by indicators such as the coefficient of determination R2 and the root mean square error MSE during the validation phase. The results obtained with this neural network model were satisfactory, showing good linear correlation with the target values and low divergence during the validation phase. The implementation of this model in computer applications facilitates the prediction of failure pressure without requiring in-depth expertise in finite element analysis.
Effect of temperature on the thermal behaviour of concrete and steel storage tanks
Authors: El aamery Salma , Elouardi Soufiane , Achouyab El Hassan
Published: December 2023

In this article, we first studied the behaviour of concrete and steel subjected to high temperatures in order to carefully select the characteristics and components of the construction material for storage tanks. To determine the temperature distribution within the storage tanks, we solved the differential equations of conduction using the finite difference method to obtain the temperature value at each point of the studied storage tank. Next, we conducted numerical simulations that allowed us to represent the temperature field distribution on the surfaces of the cylindrical tank and the variation of temperature over time. Based on this study, we were able to determine the sensitivity of Thickness the material selection and the shape of storage tanks in calculating the temperature gradient.
Input-output Feedback Linearization Control for SM-PMSM
Authors: Abdelhamid Senhaji , Mostafa Abdelouhab , Abdelilah Attar , Lahcen Amri , Jamal Bouchnaif
Published: December 2023

This paper introduces a velocity control strategy for Surface-Mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors SM-PMSM using exact linearization and input-output decoupling techniques, which are rooted in the principles of differential geometry. The primary aim of this control approach is to establish a static state feedback mechanism and to convert the nonlinear PMSM model into a linear, decoupled, and controllable system. Initially, the state model that represents the PMSM dynamics within the
d-q reference frame is defined. Subsequently, the process of designing the control through linearization and input-output decoupling is outlined. Lastly, the synthesis of the compensator is grounded in the pole placement method, aiming to drive the direct current towards zero and ensure optimal torque operation. Simulation outcomes conducted on Matlab/Simulink demonstrate the efficacy of the speed control strategy, which is facilitated by a straightforward algorithm for practical implementation. However, it is inadequate against variations in machine parameters and load torque disturbances.
Exploring Machine Learning contribution in COVID-19 cure and management: Predicting Mortality and Vaccine Efficacy: A survey
Authors: Essamlali Ismail , El khaili Mohamed , Nhaila Hasna
Published: December 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has left an indelible mark on a global scale. This illness, exhibiting a spectrum of mild to severe symptoms, has triggered a widespread health crisis. Within this context, Machine Learning has emerged as a versatile tool, playing a pivotal role in pandemic management. It has found applications in predicting virus transmission patterns, analyzing medical imaging data, and exploring potential therapeutic avenues. This comprehensive paper delves into the multifaceted involvement of Machine Learning in COVID-19 research, spanning from data aggregation to vaccine advancement. Furthermore, we delve into the ethical and societal dimensions inherent in leveraging Machine Learning for pandemic-related inquiries. In conclusion, we spotlight promising avenues for future exploration and advancement in this burgeoning field.
H∞Tracking Control of Non-lower Triangular Nonlinear Systems: Coronary Artery System
Authors: Ghizlane El khaloufi , Noreddine Chaibi , Sadek Belamfedel Alaoui , Ismail Boumhidi , Fatima Zahra Darouiche
Published: December 2023

This work presents a novel control approach that integrates backstepping and dynamic surface control techniques to design anH∞tracking control system. Our focus is on a particular class of nonlinear systems that do not possess lower triangular structure, with a specific application to the coronary system. By employing dynamic surface control, the issue of differential explosion encountered during the backstepping process is effectively addressed, while also guaranteeing robustness. Finally, simulation of coronary artery system proves the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Design and Simulation of a high-efficiency smart antenna for 5G Communication systems by CST
Authors: Abdhafith Zamzam Melad , Ali Rasim Amer , Abohamod Nasser
Published: December 2023

Antennas is considered one of the great challenges for communications engineers in delivering the transmitted signal to the receiver with the lowest possible capacity and the least loss, increasing the effectiveness of the various communication systems. In this paper, a smart antenna design for the fifth generation technology (5G) ), specifically the antenna arrays, which are microstriped antennas with different specifications, the design was for a high-efficiency microstrip antenna array and it was developed using a low-loss RT/duroid 5880 substrate based on Teflon material with a permittivity of 2.2 and a tangent loss of 0.0009, the designed were simulated using CST software Microwave Studio, which is based on the instantaneous numerical method, and the application was used for the wireless local network at a frequency of 28 GHz, and the performance of the designed antenna was evaluated in terms of general characteristics, including bandwidth, gain, return loss, standing wave ratio VSWR, and radiation pattern (3D). The results showed that the designs have a bandwidth greater than 10dB and achieved a total gain of more than 13 dB, by comparison, the results obtained with previous results show that a large part has been achieved, especially in the width of range and this meets a large part of the needs of 5G communication systems.
Electromagnetic Filtering with High Performance by one Dimensional Defective Comb-Like Waveguides Structure Using the Transfer Matrix
Authors: Touiss Tarik , Errouas Younes , El Kadmiri Ilyass , Bria Driss
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we study the propagation of electromagnetic waves in 1D photonic comb-like waveguides (CWGs) structure. This CWGs structure is constituted by a periodicity of segments of length d1 and grafted in each site by one resonator of length d2. This system creates the pass bands separated by large photonic band gaps where the electromagnetic waves cannot propagate. Our study focuses on the impact of a geometrical defect on the transmission spectrum. The creation of a defect of length d02 at the resonator in a perfect structure makes it possible to identify localized modes (defect modes) in the bandgaps. In this research, we demonstrate that a single defect at the resonator can lead to the filtering of two or more frequencies. The analytical calculation is performed using the transfer matrix method. This method aims to calculate the dispersion relation and the transmission rate. This structure has potential applications as an electromagnetic guiding, filtering and demultiplexing.
The decisive learning skill for the scientific knowledge acquisition developed by artificial intelligence
Authors: Diyer Okacha , Achtaich Naceur
Published: December 2023

Several researchers in the field of education have taken an interest in the development of scientific skills. Their objective is to enable learners to have an attitude of reflection and behavior in the face of the different pedagogical situations that may arise. We are also interested in these scientific skills, namely C1: Appropriate, C2: Analyze and reason, C3: Achieve, C4: Validate and C5: Communicate, we have characterized them by capacities whose objective is to evaluate them with interesting precision. We are interested in all these scientific skills but with significant weightings in order to realize a balanced, complete and effective overall assessment of scientific learning. In this work, we will also discover the most important scientific skill for the construction of Knowledge in a given scientific session, using artificial intelligence based on the decision tree by implementing a program in Python. Therefore, taking into consideration the one that leads to the birth of ideas and that allows to converge towards the objective, the teacher gives more importance to this skill and develops it by proposing different specific pedagogical situations. This learning approach allows the teacher to make the right decisions at the right time and it allows equity between the learners to acquire the different scientific skills according to their learning ability. Therefore it allows the learner an intrinsic motivation for the acquisition of scientific knowledge.
Éduquer, soigner, gouverner, analyser. Le pari de l’impossible
Authors: Martins Luiz Paulo Leitão
Published: December 2023

À deux reprises, Freud se saisit du « bon mot » à propos de trois métiers impossibles, éduquer, soigner et gouverner : en 1925 dans sa préface à Jeunes en souffrance d’August Aichhorn, et dans son célèbre article L’analyse avec fin et sans fin, de 1937. En se reconnaissant convoqué à la tâche de soigner, puis en s’interrogeant sur les finalités de l’analyse, son propos était de montrer dans quelles conditions l’expérience analytique éclaire la compréhension de ce qui lie ces pratiques sociales au signe de l’impossibilité. Jusqu’à quel point le roc de la castration dont parlait Freud et l’assomption de la féminité peuvent se manifester d’une autre façon que celle de la jouissance phallique était l’une des questions posées par Lacan lorsqu’il développait les possibilités d’affirmation d’une jouissance autre et de ce qui dans le sujet en tant que symptôme résiste à son assimilation à l’Autre. Le pari de l’impossible correspondrait à une ouverture à ce qui, dans chacune de ces pratiques sociales, reste du sujet comme ingouvernable et, en même temps, à une affirmation du singulier face à la primauté de l’universel.
À la mémoire des morts du visa Balladur. Club Soirhane, Anjouan, Comores
Authors: Janody Patricia
Published: December 2023

Durant cinq années, des jeunes du Club Soirhane (Anjouan, Comores) ont recueilli des témoi gnages à propos des morts en mer, victimes de l’édiction arbitraire d’une frontière postcoloniale entre Mayotte et les trois autres îles des Comores. Elles et ils ont entrepris d’écouter leurs voisins de village là où règne d’ordinaire un double silence : silence au sein des familles doublé d’un démenti étatique. Alors que le personnel politique s’en défausse, leur travail de passeuses et de passeurs entend sauver de l’effacement ces morts sans sépultures. Rappelant par là-même que les langues n’appartiennent à personne et qu’elles déjouent les frontières.
Adolescent généralisé ? Considérations sur la ségrégation chez Jacques Lacan
Authors: Marinho Raquel , Guerra Andréa M. C.
Published: December 2023

Dans cet article, nous expliquons la formulation de Lacan (1967a) à propos de la généralisation de l’enfant et nous effectuons un transfert vers la question de l’adolescence. En utilisant la Psychanalyse comme méthode d’investigation, au sein d’un cas clinique en contexte institutionnel, nous avons identifié la question quant aux difficultés du lien social pour les adolescents et leur entourage. Nous avons ensuite justifié les lacunes lacaniennes d’une ségrégation à échelle mondiale en association avec l’inexistence de « grandes personnes ». Les résultats ont montré l’avènement de l’idée de l’individu et l’absence d’une symbolisation de la castration, ce qui nous a permis de conclure que la généralisation de l’adolescent est une subjectivité qui ne peut s’instaurer socialement.
Retour du pouvoir personnel Résonances psychiques et figures du trauma
Authors: Ben Smaïl Nédra
Published: December 2023

La Tunisie a connu ces dernières années des bouleversements politiques majeurs : une révolution qui a mis fin à plus de cinquante ans de dictature, suivie d’une décennie démocratique, récemment interrompue.

Quel est l’impact de la dimension politique sur la réalité psychique du patient, et celle de l’analyste ? Comment le politique affecte l’espace de la cure ?

A partir d’exemples cliniques, ce texte interroge les spécificités psychiques conscientes et inconscientes d’un sujet qui « vit sous dictature », notamment le recours au clivage de sa personnalité, et la prise de la dictature dans le corps pulsionnel.

Si la « décennie révolution » a pu constituer un véritable agent de réparation narcissique et produire des déplacements significatifs de l’idéal du moi, quels sont les effets du retour du pouvoir autocratique sur les subjectivités ? Entre sentiment de déprivation et blessure narcissique liée à la perte de l’objet « démocratie », le retour de la dictature semble être vécu par le sujet comme un trauma révélé dans l’après-coup.
Profitable, low-emission nitrogen application strategies in Western Australian dryland cropping
Authors: d’Abbadie C. , Kharel S. , Kingwell R. , Abadi Ghadim A.
Published: December 2023

Context Australian grain producers may need to report their farm greenhouse emissions. Accordingly, nitrogen fertiliser application strategies will need to include consideration of their environmental as well as economic impacts. Aims We aim to identify the nitrogen application strategies suited to dryland cropping in Western Australia that are highly profitable and that generate lower emissions. Methods Simulation modelling is used to examine the gross margins and emissions associated with four broadly different nitrogen strategies at 14 locations in the grainbelt of Western Australia for different frequencies of cropping. Key results Strategies that generate high gross margins and moderate emissions often focus on maximising the gross margin of crop production, and apply a decile 5 view of unfolding seasonal conditions. A similarly useful strategy applies nitrogen in a fixed ratio where a tonne of expected cereal receives 45 units of nitrogen from various sources, and a tonne of expected canola receives 70 units of nitrogen from various sources. Where a farmer prefers to apply a constant rate of nitrogen, then exceedingly high or low rates of application should mostly be avoided, either for economic or for environmental reasons, with the better option at many locations being to apply 50 or 75 kg N/crop ha. Conclusions A few preferred nitrogen application strategies are suggested to be applicable to dryland cropping in the study region. The strategies achieve high profits and generate moderate or low emissions. Implications Selection of highly profitable and lower emission nitrogen application strategies across the study region can deliver sizeable economic and environmental benefits.
Gigahertz frequency hopping in an optical phase-locked loop for Raman lasers
Authors: Mao 毛 Dekai 德凯 , Shui 税 Hongmian 鸿冕 , Yin 殷 Guoling 国玲 , Peng 彭 Peng 鹏 , Wang 王 Chunwei 春唯 , Zhou 周 Xiaoji 小计
Published: December 2023

Raman lasers are essential in atomic physics, and the development of portable devices has posed requirements for time-division multiplexing of Raman lasers. We demonstrate an innovative gigahertz frequency hopping approach of a slave Raman laser within an optical phase-locked loop (OPLL), which finds practical application in an atomic gravimeter, where the OPLL frequently switches between near-resonance lasers and significantly detuned Raman lasers. The method merges the advantages of rapid and extensive frequency hopping with the OPLL’s inherent low phase noise, and exhibits a versatile range of applications in compact laser systems, promising advancements in portable instruments.
A review of automatic detection of epilepsy based on EEG signals
Authors: Ren Qirui , Sun Xiaofan , Fu Xiangqu , Zhang Shuaidi , Yuan Yiyang , Wu Hao , Li Xiaoran , Wang Xinghua , Zhang Feng
Published: December 2023

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that occurs at all ages. Epilepsy not only brings physical pain to patients, but also brings a huge burden to the lives of patients and their families. At present, epilepsy detection is still achieved through the observation of electroencephalography (EEG) by medical staff. However, this process takes a long time and consumes energy, which will create a huge workload to medical staff. Therefore, it is particularly important to realize the automatic detection of epilepsy. This paper introduces, in detail, the overall framework of EEG-based automatic epilepsy identification and the typical methods involved in each step. Aiming at the core modules, that is, signal acquisition analog front end (AFE), feature extraction and classifier selection, method summary and theoretical explanation are carried out. Finally, the future research directions in the field of automatic detection of epilepsy are prospected.
Quantum cascade lasers grown by MOCVD
Authors: Sun Yongqiang , Cui Guangzhou , Guo Kai , Zhang Jinchuan , Zhuo Ning , Wang Lijun , Liu Shuman , Jia Zhiwei , Fei Teng , Li Kun , Liu Junqi , Liu Fengqi , Zhai Shenqiang
Published: December 2023

Sharing the advantages of high optical power, high efficiency and design flexibility in a compact size, quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are excellent mid-to-far infrared laser sources for gas sensing, infrared spectroscopic, medical diagnosis, and defense applications. Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is an important technology for growing high quality semiconductor materials, and has achieved great success in the semiconductor industry due to its advantages of high efficiency, short maintenance cycles, and high stability and repeatability. The utilization of MOCVD for the growth of QCL materials holds a significant meaning for promoting the large batch production and industrial application of QCL devices. This review summarizes the recent progress of QCLs grown by MOCVD. Material quality and the structure design together determine the device performance. Research progress on the performance improvement of MOCVD-grown QCLs based on the optimization of material quality and active region structure are mainly reviewed.
Investigation of mechanical characteristics of coir fibre/hexagonal boron nitride reinforced polymer composite
Authors: Venkatachalam Gopalan , Aravindh Sampath , Mark Mebin Paul , Shenbaga Velu Pitchumani , Bharathraj KB , Varghese Aswin K , Subramani Viswanath Perinkulam , Ramakrishnan Ramachandran , Manickam Selvaraj
Published: December 2023

Coir fibre, derived from the husk of coconuts, is a natural resource and they are biodegradable and renewable. By incorporating them, any product can become more lightweight and durable, meeting the global desire for eco-friendly and efficient designs. This study has the potential to significantly alter the design of components such as switches and enclosures and it has an international research impact on engineering applications. Coir fibres and Hexagonal-Boron Nitride (h-BN) possess superior mechanical, thermal and physical qualities when reinforced with polymers. Hence novel study is carried out to examinecoir fibre/h-BN reinforcement in epoxy polymer composites. Response Surface Methodology via Box-Behnken Design (BBD) is utilized to investigate the mechanical properties such as Tensile Strength, Impact Strength and Young’s Modulus of coir fibre/h-BN reinforced epoxy polymer composite. The effect of input parameters onresponse is evaluated through regression equation and analysis of variance by using statistical Minitab software. The response optimization represents the maximum Young’s modulus (1597 MPa) by combining coir fibre (5 wt%), Coir fibre powder size (75 μm) and h-BN (1 wt%). The response optimization portrays the maximum Ultimate Tensile strength(36.83 MPa) by combining coir fibre (1 wt%), coir fibre powder size (220 μm) and h-BN (3.78 wt%). The response optimization reveals the maximum Impact strength (98.35 J m−2) by combining coir fibre (5 wt%), coir fibre powder size (225 μm) and h-BN(1 wt%). This work emphasises the use of composite materials that are environmental friendly in a variety of industries such as automotive, electrical, etc.
Analysis of optical properties of diallyldimethylammonium chloride dielectric-coated gold nanospheres for targeted drug delivery
Authors: Shaukat Saadia , Abbas Ghulam , Afzaal Muhammad , Naz Muhammad Yasin , Qamar Muhammad , Ghuffar Abdul , Khan Yasin , Al-Arainy Abdulrehman Ali , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: December 2023

This study theoretically analyzed the optical properties and electric field enhancement of gold nanospheres. Based on numerical analysis, the gold nanospheres were coated experimentally with diallyldimethylammonium chloride (C8H16ClN) for targeted drug delivery. Numerically, a resonance peak for 10 nm nanospheres was observed at 510 nm. As the radius increased from 10 nm to 100 nm, the resonance peak shifted from 510 nm to 605 nm. The nanosphere radius also affected the extinction cross-section. The resonance peaks showed a red shift as the radius of the nanosphere increased. For experiment analysis, gold nanospheres were synthesized using a seed-mediated technique and then coated with different concentrations of C8H16ClN. The UV absorbance by the nanospheres increased with an increase in the concentration of C8H16ClN from 10 mg ml−1 to 20 mg ml–1. UV–vis spectrum confirmed a rise in resonance peaks with increasing coating concentration. The coated gold nanospheres were used to deliver the doxorubicin-HCl (DOX-HCl) drug. Maximum drug release was observed when the temperature was set at 50 °C. It was concluded that the nanospheres, coated with 20 mg ml–1 of C8H16ClN, are excellent candidates for drug delivery applications. The gold nanospheres with a radius of 50 nm were best for target drug delivery, and the particles above 50 nm were best for thermal therapies for cancer treatment.
Fabrication, characterization, and antibacterial activity of ferrite, chromite, and aluminate nanoparticles
Authors: El Hajjar Israa , Bitar Maryam Al , Zahr Rayan , Zahr Sarah , Khalil Mahmoud , Awad R
Published: December 2023

Zn0.33Co0.33Mg0.33X2O4 nanoparticles (NPs), where X = Fe, Cr, Al and denoted by F, C, and A, were prepared by the co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction patterns validated the formation of NPs with cubic spinel structure with the detection of small amounts of impurities in samples C (Cr2O3) and A (MgO). Transmission electron micrographs showed a nearly spherical shape for samples F and A. However, sample C revealed cubic and nearly spherical shapes. Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis ensured the presence of chemical constituents in all samples. The vibrational modes of NPs were confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The direct bandgap energy values, calculated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, were in the range of 2.355 and 2.967 eV for F, C, and A samples. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the compositions as well as the valence states of all elements. Magnetic hysteresis (M–H) loops revealed a soft ferromagnetic behavior. Sample F exhibited a higher saturation magnetization, remanent magnetization, magnetic moment, and magnetic anisotropy compared to those of samples C and A. The antibacterial activity of the tested samples against four bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecium) was determined using the broth microdilution assay, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill test. The prepared NPs exhibited varying antibacterial activity due to multiple factors. These results highlighted the potential utility of the ternary ferrite, chromite, and aluminate NPs in the treatment of microbial infections, particularly multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Repurposing traditional U-Net predictions for sparse SAM prompting in medical image segmentation
Authors: Morton Colbert Zachery , Arrington Daniel , Foote Matthew , Gårding Jonas , Fay Dominik , Huo Michael , Pinkham Mark , Ramachandran Prabhakar
Published: December 2023

Objective: Automated medical image segmentation (MIS) using deep learning has traditionally relied on models built and trained from scratch, or at least fine-tuned on a target dataset. The Segment Anything Model (SAM) by Meta challenges this paradigm by providing zero-shot generalisation capabilities. This study aims to develop and compare methods for refining traditional U-Net segmentations by repurposing them for automated SAM prompting. Approach: A 2D U-Net with EfficientNet-B4 encoder was trained using 4-fold cross-validation on an in-house brain metastases dataset. Segmentation predictions from each validation set were used for automatic sparse prompt generation via a bounding box prompting method (BBPM) and novel implementations of the point prompting method (PPM). The PPMs frequently produced poor slice predictions (PSPs) that required identification and substitution. A slice was identified as a PSP if it (1) contained multiple predicted regions per lesion or (2) possessed outlier foreground pixel counts relative to the patient’s other slices. Each PSP was substituted with a corresponding initial U-Net or SAM BBPM prediction. The patients’ mean volumetric dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was used to evaluate and compare the methods’ performances. Main results: Relative to the initial U-Net segmentations, the BBPM improved mean patient DSC by 3.93 ± 1.48% to 0.847 ± 0.008 DSC. PSPs constituted 20.01–21.63% of PPMs’ predictions and without substitution performance dropped by 82.94 ± 3.17% to 0.139 ± 0.023 DSC. Pairing the two PSP identification techniques yielded a sensitivity to PSPs of 92.95 ± 1.20%. By combining this approach with BBPM prediction substitution, the PPMs achieved segmentation accuracies on par with the BBPM, improving mean patient DSC by up to 4.17 ± 1.40% and reaching 0.849 ± 0.007 DSC. Significance: The proposed PSP identification and substitution techniques bridge the gap between PPM and BBPM performance for MIS. Additionally, the uniformity observed in our experiments’ results demonstrates the robustness of SAM to variations in prompting style. These findings can assist in the design of both automatically and manually prompted pipelines.
M87’s precessing jet reveals black hole’s fast spin
Authors: Cooper Keith
Published: December 2023

The relativistic jet emanating from the black hole at the heart of the galaxy Messier 87 (M87) is wobbling as it is dragged around by the spinning black hole, according to new radio observations.
Light waves made to collide as if they were massive objects
Authors: Dumé Isabelle
Published: December 2023

Photons can collide as if they were massive objects thanks to metamaterials known as time interfaces that undergo abrupt changes in their optical properties, according to researchers.
Why we need academic integrity
Authors: Duffy Caitlin
Published: December 2023

Following allegations of scientific misconduct in high-temperature superconductivity, Caitlin Duffy says that if trust in science is to be maintained, researchers must be able to report their concerns.
The rule of three
Authors: Crease Robert P
Published: December 2023

From cement and glass to plastics and rare earths, materials come in all shapes and sizes. Hardly surprising, then, that materials-science institutions aren’t easy to pin down, explains Robert P Crease.
Magnets that don’t cost the rare earth
Authors: McKenzie James
Published: December 2023

Rare-earth elements are vital for the magnets found in electric cars, wind turbines and other parts of the “green economy”. But with uncertainties over the supply of these materials, James McKenzie reports on the importance of magnets that avoid rare earths entirely.
A mathematician defines ‘unlikely’
Authors: Demming Anna
Published: December 2023

Anna Demming reviews How to Expect the Unexpected: the Science of Making Predictions and the Art of Knowing When Not To by Kit Yates.
From starlings to spin glasses
Authors: Ball Philip
Published: December 2023

Philip Ball reviews In a Flight of Starlings: the Wonder of Complex Systems by Giorgio Parisi (translated by Simon Carnell).
Boost for neutral-atom qubits
Authors: Genkina Dina
Published: December 2023

Quantum gates based on neutral-atom qubits can have low error rates and benefit from a new “error erasure” strategy, as Dina Genkina reports
Astrophysicist James Binney wins Newton Medal
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: December 2023

The astrophysicist James Binney from the University of Oxford has won the 2023 Isaac Newton Medal and Prize.
Questions of trust
Authors: Zagoskin Alexandre
Published: December 2023

A reply to the November 2023 Forum article by Caitlin Duffy about how best to preserve academic integrity.
Aron–Berner–type extension in complex Banach manifolds
Authors: Lempert László
Published: December 2023

Let

S
S

be a compact Hausdorff space and

X
X

a complex manifold. We consider the space

C
(
S
,
X
)

C(S,X)

of continuous maps

S
→
X

S\to X

, and prove that any bounded holomorphic function on this space can be continued to a holomorphic function, possibly multivalued, on a larger space

B
(
S
,
X
)

B(S,X)

of Borel maps. As an application we prove two theorems about bounded holomorphic functions on

C
(
S
,
X
)

C(S,X)

, one reminiscent of the Monodromy Theorem, the other of Liouville’s Theorem.
Cross-family small GTPase ubiquitination by the intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Steinbach Adriana , Bhadkamkar Varun , Jimenez-Morales David , Stevenson Erica , Jang Gwendolyn M. , Krogan Nevan J. , Swaney Danielle L. , Mukherjee Shaeri
Published: December 2023

The intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila ( L.p.) manipulates eukaryotic host ubiquitination machinery to form its replicative vacuole. While nearly 10% of L.p.’s ∼330 secreted effector proteins are ubiquitin ligases or deubiquitinases, a comprehensive measure of temporally resolved changes in the endogenous host ubiquitinome during infection has not been undertaken. To elucidate how L.p. hijacks host cell ubiquitin signaling, we generated a proteome-wide analysis of changes in protein ubiquitination during infection. We discover that L.p. infection increases ubiquitination of host regulators of subcellular trafficking and membrane dynamics, most notably ∼40% of mammalian Ras superfamily small GTPases. We determine that these small GTPases undergo nondegradative ubiquitination at the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV) membrane. Finally, we find that the bacterial effectors SidC/SdcA play a central role in cross-family small GTPase ubiquitination, and that these effectors function upstream of SidE family ligases in the polyubiquitination and retention of GTPases in the LCV membrane. This work highlights the extensive reconfiguration of host ubiquitin signaling by bacterial effectors during infection and establishes simultaneous ubiquitination of small GTPases across the Ras superfamily as a novel consequence of L.p. infection. Our findings position L.p. as a tool to better understand how small GTPases can be regulated by ubiquitination in uninfected contexts.
NAGPKin: Nucleation-and-growth parameters from the kinetics of protein phase separation
Authors: Sárkány Zsuzsa , Figueiredo Francisco , Macedo-Ribeiro Sandra , Martins Pedro M.
Published: December 2023

The assembly of biomolecular condensate in eukaryotic cells and the accumulation of amyloid deposits in neurons are processes involving the nucleation and growth (NAG) of new protein phases. To therapeutically target protein phase separation, drug candidates are tested in in vitro assays that monitor the increase in the mass or size of the new phase. Limited mechanistic insight is, however, provided if empirical or untestable kinetic models are fitted to these progress curves. Here we present the web server NAGPKin that quantifies NAG rates using mass-based or size-based progress curves as the input data. A report is generated containing the fitted NAG parameters and elucidating the phase separation mechanisms at play. The NAG parameters can be used to predict particle size distributions of, for example, protein droplets formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) or amyloid fibrils formed by protein aggregation. Because minimal intervention is required from the user, NAGPKin is a good platform for standardized reporting of LLPS and protein self-assembly data. NAGPKin is useful for drug discovery as well as for fundamental studies on protein phase separation. NAGPKin is freely available (no login required) at https://nagpkin.i3s.up.pt .