bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
US drinking water quality: exposure risk profiles for seven legacy and emerging contaminants
Authors: Levin Ronnie , Villanueva Cristina M. , Beene Daniel , Cradock Angie L. , Donat-Vargas Carolina , Lewis Johnnye , Martinez-Morata Irene , Minovi Darya , Nigra Anne E. , Olson Erik D. , Schaider Laurel A. , Ward Mary H. , Deziel Nicole C.
Published: September 2023

Background

Advances in drinking water infrastructure and treatment throughout the 20th and early 21st century dramatically improved water reliability and quality in the United States (US) and other parts of the world. However, numerous chemical contaminants from a range of anthropogenic and natural sources continue to pose chronic health concerns, even in countries with established drinking water regulations, such as the US.

Objective/Methods

In this review, we summarize exposure risk profiles and health effects for seven legacy and emerging drinking water contaminants or contaminant groups: arsenic, disinfection by-products, fracking-related substances, lead, nitrate, per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and uranium. We begin with an overview of US public water systems, and US and global drinking water regulation. We end with a summary of cross-cutting challenges that burden US drinking water systems: aging and deteriorated water infrastructure, vulnerabilities for children in school and childcare facilities, climate change, disparities in access to safe and reliable drinking water, uneven enforcement of drinking water standards, inadequate health assessments, large numbers of chemicals within a class, a preponderance of small water systems, and issues facing US Indigenous communities.

Results

Research and data on US drinking water contamination show that exposure profiles, health risks, and water quality reliability issues vary widely across populations, geographically and by contaminant. Factors include water source, local and regional features, aging water infrastructure, industrial or commercial activities, and social determinants. Understanding the risk profiles of different drinking water contaminants is necessary for anticipating local and general problems, ascertaining the state of drinking water resources, and developing mitigation strategies.

Impact statement

Drinking water contamination is widespread, even in the US. Exposure risk profiles vary by contaminant. Understanding the risk profiles of different drinking water contaminants is necessary for anticipating local and general public health problems, ascertaining the state of drinking water resources, and developing mitigation strategies.
Selection and validation of reliable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in Barnyard millet (Echinochloa spp.) under varied abiotic stress conditions
Authors: Renganathan Vellaichamy Gandhimeyyan , Renuka Raman , Vanniarajan Chockalingam , Raveendran Muthurajan , Elangovan Allimuthu
Published: September 2023

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) using a stable reference gene is widely used for gene expression research. Barnyard millet (Echinochloa spp.) is an ancient crop in Asia and Africa that is widely cultivated for food and fodder. It thrives well under drought, salinity, cold, and heat environmental conditions, besides adapting to any soil type. To date, there are no gene expression studies performed to identify the potential candidate gene responsible for stress response in barnyard millet, due to lack of reference gene. Here, 10 candidate reference genes, Actin (ACT), α-tubulin (α-TUB), β-tubulin (β-TUB), RNA pol II (RP II), elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α), adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT), TATA-binding protein-like factor (TLF), ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 2 (UBC2), ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2L5 (UBC5) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), were selected from mRNA sequences of E. crus-galli and E. colona var frumentacea. Five statistical algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, ΔCt, and RefFinder) were applied to determine the expression stabilities of these genes in barnyard millet grown under four different abiotic stress (drought, salinity, cold and heat) exposed at different time points. The UBC5 and ɑ-TUB in drought, GAPDH in salinity, GAPDH and APRT in cold, and EF-1α and RP II in heat were the most stable reference genes, whereas ß-TUB was the least stable irrespective of stress conditions applied. Further Vn/Vn + 1 analysis revealed two reference genes were sufficient to normalize gene expression across all sample sets. The suitability of identified reference genes was validated with Cu-ZnSOD (SOD1) in the plants exposed to different abiotic stress conditions. The results revealed that the relative quantification of the SOD1 gene varied according to reference genes and the number of reference genes used, thus highlighting the importance of the choice of a reference gene in such experiments. This study provides a foundational framework for standardizing RT-qPCR analyses, enabling accurate gene expression profiling in barnyard millet.
Heat transfer and pressure drop characteristic research of sine wavy flying-wing fins
Authors: Miao Long , Wan Rui , Wu Hua-wei , Liu Zhen , Wang Shang-shun
Published: September 2023

In recent years, heat transfer enhancement of heat exchange equipment has attracted more and more attention. In this paper, the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of sine wavy flying-wing fins are studied by numerical method. The objective is to improve the integrated heat transfer and pressure drop performance of sine wavy flying-wing fins. The degrees of freedom of fin sizes include fin pitch to fin height ratio fp/fh, fin height to fin wavelength ratio fh/W, fin amplitude to fin pitch ratio 2A/fp and fin inclined angle α. The results show that among the calculated 17 flying-wing fins, the optimal values of fp/fh, fh/W, 2A/fp, and α are 0.5, 0.4, 1.9 and 70° respectively. The optimized SWFWF simulation model is established, and the average JF factor is 1.307, which is about 10.9% higher than that of Fin 05 (JF = 1.18). Multiple linear regression is used to obtain the correlations of flow and heat transfer characteristics of flying-wing fins. The average deviation of the correlations for j and f are 0.85% and 4.9% respectively. The correlations can be used for the design and optimization of sine wavy flying-wing fins.
Model-based optimization of controlled release formulation of levodopa for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Arav Yehuda , Zohar Assaf
Published: September 2023

Levodopa is currently the standard of care treatment for Parkinson’s disease, but chronic therapy has been linked to motor complications. Designing a controlled release formulation (CRF) that maintains sustained and constant blood concentrations may reduce these complications. Still, it is challenging due to levodopa’s pharmacokinetic properties and the notion that it is absorbed only in the upper small intestine (i.e., exhibits an “absorption window”). We created and validated a physiologically based mathematical model to aid the development of such a formulation. Analysis of experimental results using the model revealed that levodopa is well absorbed throughout the entire small intestine (i.e., no “absorption window”) and that levodopa in the stomach causes fluctuations during the first 3 h after administration. Based on these insights, we developed guidelines for an improved CRF for various stages of Parkinson’s disease. Such a formulation is expected to produce steady concentrations and prolong therapeutic duration compared to a common CRF with a smaller dose per day and a lower overall dose of levodopa, thereby improving patient compliance with the dosage regime.
Electron transfer catalysis mediated by 3d complexes of redox non-innocent ligands possessing an azo function: a perspective
Authors: Swatiputra Alok Apan , Mukherjee Debaarjun , Dinda Soumitra , Roy Subhadip , Pramanik Kausikisankar , Ganguly Sanjib
Published: September 2023

The catalytic aspects of metal complexes of redox non-innocent azo ligands in achieving important and useful chemicals by a hassle-free and economical technique have been presented with in-depth mechanistic explications.
Correction: Ab initio study of the electronic states of V3Si in momentum space
Authors: Sharma Saloni , Joshi Nikhil , Maurya Vijay , Joshi K. B.
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘Ab initio study of the electronic states of V3Si in momentum space’ by Saloni Sharma et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 25836–25845, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA04535H.
Investigating the complexation propensity of self-assembling dipeptides with the anticancer peptide-drug Bortezomib: a computational study
Authors: Divanach Peter , Fanouraki Eirini , Mitraki Anna , Harmandaris Vagelis , Rissanou Anastassia N.
Published: September 2023

The investigation of potential self-assembled peptides as carriers for the delivery of anticancer drug Bortezomib is the topic of the present study.
Evaluation of readiness for implementation of domestic component levels of architectural work to support the implementation of green building in government Bogor regency
Authors: Mardiaman  , Setiawan Doddy
Published: September 2023

Government policy on fulfilling the domestic component level assessment of goods and services has been issued. The minimum KDN level for the building was set at 40%. The success of local governments in implementing the KDN level refers to 40%. This study objective was only to evaluate the KDN level of architectural material of buildings in the Bogor district. A survey study did the data collection. Furthermore, the KDN level of 21 buildings that have been completed was assessed. Local governments are ready to support the implementation of the KDN level if the KDN level is higher than 40%. The assessed architectural material was KDN level based on certificates issued by PT Socofindo and the Indonesian Surveyor. The descriptive statistics used to determine the readiness of implementation KDN level were mean, minimum, and maximum values. The research results show that the architectural material KDN level for building implementation was above 40%. The average KDN level total was 65.60%, KDN level full range from 50.46 to 85.85%. The study results showed that the architectural material KDN level of building implementation surpassed 40%. This study obtained that the Government of Bogor Regency is ready to support green building implementation.
The impact of charging time of electric vehicle battery to costumer willingness to purchase
Authors: Ridwan Brata Pratama Putra , Putranto Leksmono Suryo
Published: September 2023

It was mentioned that only electric vehicles will be allowed to be operated in the new Indonesian capital in East Borneo. As we all understand, the emission of Carbon Monoxide which is resulted from fuel burning. The use of electric vehicle may reduce air pollution due to fuel burning up to 50%. The Ministry of Transport put an emphasize on research and development on this renewable source of energy, as it can reduce very large subsidy given to conventional fuel oil towards greener and more sustainable source of energy. Other advantages of using electric vehicles are its less noisy feature and its ability to be recharged relatively quickly. It is understood that home charging will take longer period than charging in charging stations. The objective of this research firstly is to understand the effect of charging period on customer decision to purchase electric vehicle. Secondly is to understand the effect of long charging period on customer decision to purchase electric vehicle. Thirdly is to understand what can be done by the government to encourage the use of electric vehicles. And lastly to understand whether electric vehicle is a durable goods.
Numerical study on pile group efficiency for piles embedded in cohesive and cohesionless soils
Authors: Pratama Ignatius Tommy , Widjaja Budijanto , Budianto Kelvin Agustinus
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to study the efficiency of pile groups with various numbers of piles and pile spacing. Axial loading tests on pile groups and also single piles were simulated using a three-dimensional finite element program to obtain the load-settlement curve and the ultimate bearing capacity of the piles which was later used to estimate the pile group efficiency. In this study, the piles were embedded in cohesive and cohesionless soils. The stress-strain responses of the soils and the concrete pile and pile cap were simulated using the Mohr-Coulomb and the linear elastic models, respectively. The numerical-based pile group efficiencies were then compared to those computed using the published formulas. To verify the findings, a series of parametric studies on pile groups embedded in stratified soil was performed where the parameters of the soils were derived based on a back analysis on a case study of a single pile axial loading test in South Jakarta. The results show that the axial pile group efficiency in cohesive soil would be less than or equal to one, whereas in cohesionless soil would be more than or equal to one, especially at pile spacing more than three times the pile diameter. Meanwhile, similar results as found in cohesionless soil were obtained for the stratified soil case.
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of bio-inspired root anchored pile in clay
Authors: Ongkowijoyo Yonathan Prasetya , Lim Aswin , Lyman Ryan Alexander
Published: September 2023

This paper examines the pile bearing capacity of the innovative pile foundation, which is inspired by razor clam and the anchorage of tree root, so-called Bio-inspired Root Anchored Pile (BRAP). Three-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted by making use of a well-documented pile load test in North Jakarta. The results showed that, the BRAP pile could increase the pile bearing capacity from 14.7% to 25% if compared with the conventional pile foundations. In addition, the contribution of the BRAP anchor bolt is around 6 to 9% of the total load. This indicates that the BRAP could be an alternative solution to overcome the soft soil problem instead of increasing the conventional pile dimension, such as length and diameter.
Mechanical properties of cellulose-fibre reinforced bituminous mix under various loading rates
Authors: Daniel Christian Gerald , Felix Christian
Published: September 2023

This research aims to observe the effect of applying cellulose fibre to the mechanical properties of bituminous mixtures when subjected to various loading speeds that simulate various traffic situations with fibre dosages of 0.3 – 0.5% of mix weight. The semi-circular bending (SCB) test was employed in this project, where the specimens were subjected to loading speeds of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mm/min. The incorporation of cellulose was reported to enhance the tensile strength of the specimens up to 43.75% at the lowest loading rate and 13.75% at the highest rate, while the critical strain energy was elevated to 24.54% at the lowest rate and 38.2% at the highest rate, signifying better resistance against loading. Meanwhile, the flexibility index (FI) of modified specimens showed a mixed trend compared to the control mix, 30.43% higher at the lowest rate and 28.9% lower at the highest rate. To sum up, the incorporation of cellulose fibre into the bituminous mixture can enhance its strength and resistance against various loading rates, and the fibre dosage of 0.3% is recommended to give the best outcome.
A 3D-Printed Microforce Sensor for Microscopic Objects
Authors: Palivela Ananya
Published: September 2023

A cantilever probe microstructure is designed using mechanical metamaterials for an optical fiber microforce sensor tip.
Adiabatic computing for optimal thermodynamic efficiency of information processing
Authors: Dago Salambô , Ciliberto Sergio , Bellon Ludovic
Published: September 2023

Landauer’s principle makes a strong connection between information theory and thermodynamics by stating that erasing a one-bit memory at temperature

T
0

requires an average energy larger than

W

LB

=

k
B

T
0

ln
2

, with

k
B

Boltzmann’s constant. This tiny limit has been saturated in model experiments using quasistatic processes. For faster operations, an overhead proportional to the processing speed and to the memory damping appears. In this article, we show that underdamped systems are a winning strategy to reduce this extra energetic cost. We prove both experimentally and theoretically that, in the limit of vanishing dissipation mechanisms in the memory, the physical system is thermally insulated from its environment during fast erasures, i.e., fast protocols are adiabatic as no heat is exchanged with the bath. Using a fast optimal erasure protocol, we also show that these adiabatic processes produce a maximum adiabatic temperature

T
a

=
2

T
0

, and that Landauer’s bound for fast erasures in underdamped systems becomes the adiabatic bound:

W
a

=

k
B

T
0

.
Potato Cyst Nematodes in Scotland and Their Impact from Farm to Fork
Authors: Price James A. , Pickup Jon , Back Matthew A.
Published: September 2023

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are parasitic roundworms that cause unsustainable global crop loss in Solanaceous species. In Scotland, these pathogens threaten seed potato production which is both a key export for the country and the backbone of the UK potato industry. PCN are routinely controlled by host resistance genes which have been discovered for the main species of PCN in the UK. However, when market preferences request genotypes without resistance, PCN populations can thrive. Other promising control strategies exist but are not always applied in Scotland due to differing climate and agronomic practices. There are numerous implications for PCN presence in potato-growing land both during cultivation and within crop rotations. For example, if PCN are detected in statutory field testing, seed potatoes cannot be grown in that land, this results in reduced seed availability and increased grower costs if PCN-free land must be rented. Ultimately these increased grower costs will result in failure for businesses or will be distributed to the consumer through the supply chain. This case study aims to dissect the issues surrounding control of PCN in Scotland, highlighting the impact PCN have on the production line, from planting to consuming potatoes and potato products.

Information

© The Authors 2023
Cosmography via Gaussian process with gamma ray bursts
Authors: Mu Yuhao , Chang Baorong , Xu Lixin
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we firstly calibrate the Amati relation (the E
p - E
iso correlation) of gamma ray bursts (GRBs) at low redshifts (z < 0.8) via Gaussian process by using the type Ia supernovae samples from Pantheon+ under the philosophy that objects at the same redshift should have the same luminosity distance in any cosmology. As a result, this calibration derives the distance moduli of GRBs at high redshifts (z > 0.8). For an application of these derived distance modulus of GRBs to cosmology, via Gaussian process again, a series of cosmography parameters, which describe kinematics of our Universe, up to the fifth order and the redshift z ∼ 5, i.e. the Hubble parameter H(z), the deceleration parameter q(z), the jerk parameter j(z), the snap parameter s(z) and the lerk parameter l(z), are reconstructed from the cosmic observations. The reconstructed cosmography parameters show a transition singularity at z ∼ 6, it may resort to two possible explanations: one is that the GRBs data points at high redshift z > 5 are still reliable, it means that new physics beyond the ΛCDM model happens; another one is that the quality and quantity of GRBs data points at high redshift z > 5 are not good enough to give any viable prediction of the kinematics of our Universe. To pin down this problem, more high redshifts z > 5 cosmic observational are still needed.
Study on Heating Energy Efficiency and Optimization of Solar-air Source Heat Pump
Authors: Wu Jiarui , Zheng Zhiqiang , Feng Junxiao
Published: September 2023

This paper studies the heating energy efficiency and optimization of a solar-air source heat pump (SASHP). Through system simulation, the energy efficiency of the SASHP is compared with other heating methods. The results show that SASHP has higher energy efficiency. We also found that in the SASHP, the air source heat pump (ASHP) is involved in heating 46% of the time. Therefore, we suggest optimizing the energy consumption of the ASHP to improve the system’s energy efficiency. In addition, lowering the supply water temperature can also reduce the system’s heating energy consumption. When the supply water temperature is lowered from 60°C to 48°C, the COP is increased from 1.98 to 2.83, which is a 31% improvement. Our research provides theoretical support for the application of SASHP and provides new ideas for achieving green and low-carbon heating.
Research on improving the overall thermal performance of panel radiators based on the CFD method
Authors: Liu Zongjiang , Xu Wei , Zhang Linhua , Li Zhong , Feng Airong
Published: September 2023

A panel radiator is one of the radiators commonly used in central heating at present. Improving the heat performance of the panel radiator and making it more suitable for low-temperature heating is an important direction of current research on heating energy conservation. This paper studied the overall heat transfer performance of panel radiators based on the CFD method. The research shows that compared with the longitudinal continuous fin widely used at present, the use of discontinuous fins and staggered fins can improve the thermal properties of the panel radiator significantly. The comparative study of eight scenarios shows that the average heat transfer coefficient of the radiator equipped with longitudinal staggered fins and VGs increases by 120.24%, and the radiator equipped with discontinuous inclined staggered fins increases by 117.33%. Due to the reduction of heat dissipation area, the total amount of heat dissipation of the radiator equipped with discontinuous fins is not as good as the radiator equipped with staggered fins that does not change the heat dissipation area basically. This study provides a way to improve the heat transfer properties of panel radiators.
Research on Magnetic Characteristics and Short-Circuit Force of 3D Wound Core Transformer
Authors: Li Teng , Li Huiqi , Yang Guang
Published: September 2023

The problem of eddy current loss in power transformers directly affects the technical economy of the transformer, which is a problem that cannot be ignored in the design and calculation of power transformers. Studying how to reduce the eddy current losses caused by leakage magnetic fields is a difficult point in transformer design. The load loss of low-voltage foil copper windings in a 10 kV/400 kVA 3D wound core transformer is calculated, and the three-dimensional finite element models of the transformer are established by Using Magnet software and COMSOL Multiphysics software, and the calculation results are compared. At the same time, the short-circuit force of foil windings is shown in the simulation. The results show that the three-dimensional finite element models are correct.
Adaptive comprehensive control strategy for primary frequency regulation of coal-fired units assisted by flywheel energy storage system
Authors: Wang Kaituo , Tian Lijun , Li Nianzhen , Yin Xunpeng , Han Lei , Jiang Tao
Published: September 2023

To improve the flywheel energy storage system (FESS) assisting the primary frequency regulation (PFR) of coal-fired units, an adaptive comprehensive control strategy for PFR taking into account state of charge (SOC) self-recovery is proposed. The strategy introduces an adaptive frequency deviation coefficient so that it can adaptively adjust the inertia coefficient and droop coefficient according to the PFR depth and SOC. In the SOC self-recovery stage, the SOC self-recovery output strategy of the FESS is proposed, which improves the bidirectional adjustment performance of the FESS. Finally, the proposed control strategy is verified in Matlab/Simulink.
Response potential and coordinated dispatching of rural residentials’ temperature control load participating in demand-side response
Authors: Jia Dexiang , Liu Jianye , Lu Wei , Fu Chengcheng , Huang Xingde , Pan Aiqiang
Published: September 2023

With the continuous expansion of household electricity consumption, the impact of household electricity on the power system is also increasing. TCL (Temperature Control Load) accounts for a large proportion of household electrical loads such as AC (Air Conditioning) and EWH (Electric Water Heater) and is an indispensable electrical load in households. For the temperature control load participating in DR (Demand side Response), this article first analyzes the basic physical model of TCL and uses the Monte Carlo method to aggregate multiple temperature control loads. Then, by combining the aggregation model with the willingness and controllability of rural users to participate in DR and analyzing the response potential from the user’s education level, family income, age, and controllability, the potential obtained is more in line with the actual situation. Finally, a scheduling model is established with the goal of economic optimization. From the results, when both AC and EWH participate in the demand-side response, the total operating cost of the system is the lowest.
Multi-objective Planning for Distributed Power Considering Low Carbon Benefits
Authors: Yao Di , Lu Yu , Zhang Dachi , Shi Shengyao , Zhu Meng
Published: September 2023

Distributed power can effectively alleviate the problems of environmental pollution and energy shortage. Based on the consideration of the low-carbon benefits of DG, a multi-objective mathematical model with minimal system carbon dioxide emissions, minimum annual network loss cost, and minimal system voltage deviation of the distribution network is established for multi-type DG access location and capacity. This model is solved using a MOPSO algorithm, which gives the planners a scientific decision-making basis. The analysis results show that the DG configuration scheme obtained by this method can effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions, reduce network loss costs, and reduce voltage deviation, which verifies the usefulness of the model and algorithm.
Research on Cable Head Monitoring Technology for Transmission Lines
Authors: Zhang Duohan , Dai Liangliang , Li Lianbing , Tian Zhuofan
Published: September 2023

Buried cables are located in harsh environments with high corrosion, uneven soil acidity and alkalinity, and groundwater immersion, resulting in complex structures. Especially for long-distance 10 kV transmission cables, the path planning is relatively long and cannot be connected at once, requiring a connection at the middle end of the cable. The production of cable joints is generally carried out in the foundation pit or well, with complex processes and manual production throughout the entire process, which cannot avoid manual technical deviations. Therefore, cable line faults mostly occur in the intermediate joints. Due to the uneven distribution of the temperature field caused by the accumulation of the electric field, the heat is transferred outward from the peeling chamfer point, resulting in uneven heating. In addition to the skin effect and proximity effect of current, the accumulation of electric field at the chamfer process point of the main insulation and outer semiconducting layer is intensified, and then the insulation is gradually broken down, causing a short circuit or ground fault. This article first studies the temperature and electric field distribution at the cable joint, and considers installing a small temperature sensor at the middle joint of the cable. The sensor is powered by a small electromagnetic energy coil, which can monitor abnormal temperature and electric field changes at the joint in real-time.
Structural Vibration Suppression of Wind Turbine Based on Dynamic Vibration Absorption
Authors: Xia Yalei , Liu Liqun , Xu Hui , Lai Youfu , Liu Weitao , Zhang Xuyang
Published: September 2023

The vibration of wind turbine towers is a critical issue affecting the reliability and safety of wind turbines. Tuned mass dampers (TMD) have been widely used to reduce the vibration of structures. In this study, the finite element simulation method is used to investigate the tower structure’s response to vibration with and without TMD at different placement positions. The results show that under fluctuating wind loads, the vibration displacement and acceleration in the downwind surface of the tower are larger than those in the windward surface. After installing TMD, the damping effect of the wind power tower can be effectively improved. Under the condition that the total mass ratio is constant, the arrangement of placing a single TMD at the top of the tower is changed to a distributed arrangement at the top and the flange. The placement position of TMD affects the vibration reduction effect and the reliability of the tower structure. A distributed arrangement of TMD can improve the reliability of the tower structure and reduce the space occupied by a single TMD.
Effective machine learning-based skin disease diagnosis using PyTorch
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Wang Hwang-Cheng , Mukundan B. , Gupta Saurav Kumar , Kumari C. Shyamala
Published: September 2023

The application of machine learning in medical diagnosis has become a trend in research. Skin infection is one of the most seen diseases and one of the world’s most infectious diseases, influencing people of all ages. The reason for the explicit attention of the researchers in skin detection is due to the reason that skin disease is more visible compared to any other disease. In the past, varied methods have been proposed, which have rendered remarkable results. However, the presently functional models are trained on specific kinds of diseases and are limited to 4 to 5 classes, which is inefficient in detecting a large set of diseases. The paper offers a weightless model for detecting 23 different kinds of skin diseases. The model is trained on the PyTorch backend, which gives the flexibility of developing an algorithm. The model attained 96.37% accuracy on training data, and 87.75% accuracy on test data, which is expected to improve as the size of the dataset is increased.
Bioactivity and antibacterial properties of zinc-doped Ta2O5 nanorods on porous tantalum surface
Authors: Cai Anqi , Yin Hairong , Wang Cuicui , Chen Qian , Song Yingxuan , Yin Ruixue , Yuan Xin , Kang Haoran , Guo Hongwei
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on the preparation of Zn2+-doped Ta2O5 nanorods on porous tantalum using the hydrothermal method. Porous tantalum is widely used in biomedical materials due to its excellent elastic modulus and biological activity. Porous tantalum has an elastic modulus close to that of human bone, and its large specific surface area is conducive to promoting cell adhesion. Zinc is an important component of human bone, which not only has spectral bactericidal properties, but also has no cytotoxicity. The purpose of this study is to provide a theoretical basis for the surface modification of porous tantalum and to determine the best surface modification method. The surface structure of the sample was characterized by x-ray diffractometer, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and the Zn-doped Ta2O5 nanorods are characterized by antibacterial test, MTT test, ICP and other methods. The sample has good antibacterial properties and no cytotoxicity. The results of this study have potential implications for the development of new and improved biomedical materials.
Giant atom induced zero modes and localization in the nonreciprocal Su–Schrieffer–Heeger chain
Authors: Wang J J , Li Fude , Yi X X
Published: September 2023

A notable feature of non-Hermitian systems with skin effects is the sensitivity of their spectra and eigenstates to the boundary conditions. In the literature, three types of boundary conditions–periodic boundary condition, open boundary condition (OBC) and a defect in the system as a boundary, are explored. In this work we introduce the other type of boundary condition provided by a giant atom. The giant atom couples to a nonreciprocal Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) chain at two points and plays the role of defects. We study the spectrum and localization of eigenstates of the system and find that the giant atom can induce asymmetric zero modes. A remarkable feature is that bulk states might localize at the left or the right chain-atom coupling sites in weak localization regimes. This bipolar localization leads to Bloch-like states, even though translational invariance is broken. Moreover, we find that the localization is obviously weaker than the case with two small atoms or OBCs even in strong coupling regimes. These intriguing results indicate that nonlocal coupling of the giant atom to a nonreciprocal SSH chain weakens the localization of the eigenstates. We also show that the Lyapunov exponent in the long-time dynamics in real space can act as a witness of the localized bulk states.
Storing quantum information in a generalised Dicke model via a simple rotation
Authors: López-Peña R , Cordero S , Nahmad-Achar E , Castaños O
Published: September 2023

A method for storing quantum information is presented for three-level atomic systems interacting dipolarly with a single radiation field. The method involves performing simple local SU(2) rotations on the Hamiltonian. Under equal detuning, these transformations decouple one of the atomic levels from the electromagnetic field for the Λ- and V-configurations, yielding two effective two-level systems (qubits) plus an isolated atomic level; this allows for the exchange of information between the qubits. This rotation preserves the quantum phase diagram of the system. The method could possibly be used as a means to manipulate quantum information, such as storage and retrieval, or communication via a transmission line.
Denoising land-based controlled-source electromagnetic data based on a same-site noise reference channel
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Heng , Zhu Yuzhen , Zhou Changyu , Sun Huaifeng
Published: September 2023

The applications of land-based controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) exploration are severely limited by strong noise interferences, particularly in mining areas. In this study, we introduce a novel denoising method for CSEM data using a same-site noise reference channel (NRC). While recording data through the normal survey channel (NSC), an additional set of the NRC was added at the same site. The NRC had a different surveying azimuth compared to the NSC and contained minimal or no useful signals. However, the noise characteristics in both the NRC and NSC were considerably similar due to their simultaneous acquisition at the same site. By establishing a set of overdetermined equations for the NSC based on quantified spectrogram characteristics of the NRC, the noise can be effectively eliminated from the NSC using least-squares inversion, resulting in enhanced signal-to-noise ratio data. The effectiveness of the proposed CSEM data-denoising method was validated through its application on real data, and the proposed method is applicable to other types of artificial source data.
Plato’s legacy to education: addressing two misunderstandings
Authors: Kotsonis Alkis
Published: September 2023

Building on Jonas and Nakazawa’s recent work (A Platonic Theory of Moral Education), my aim in this paper is to address two widespread misunderstandings of Plato’s ideas about education. The first is that the Platonic theory of education is nonegalitarian, promoting an educational system that justifies and perpetuates a caste-based society. The second is that the Platonic conception of the virtuous agent is primitive and far inferior to the Aristotelian conception, especially concerning the psychological make-up of the virtuous agent. By exploring some of the ways these misreadings can be countered, I defend the value of the Platonic educational theory for contemporary education and show the value of Jonas and Nakazawa’s project.
Implications for the explosion mechanism of Type Ia supernovae from their late-time spectra
Authors: Liu Jialian , Wang Xiaofeng , Filippenko Alexei V , Brink Thomas G , Yang Yi , Zheng Weikang , Sai Hanna , Xi Gaobo , Yan Shengyu , Elias-Rosa Nancy , Li Wenxiong , Zeng Xiangyun , Iskandar Abdusamatjan
Published: September 2023

Late-time spectra of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are important in clarifying the physics of their explosions, as they provide key clues to the inner structure of the exploding white dwarfs. We examined late-time optical spectra of 36 SNe Ia, including five from our own project (SNe 2019np, 2019ein, 2021hpr, 2021wuf, and 2022hrs), with phase coverage of ∼200 to ∼400 d after maximum light. At this late phase, the outer ejecta have become transparent and the features of inner iron-group elements emerge in the spectra. Based on multicomponent Gaussian fits and reasonable choices for the pseudo-continuum around Ni and Fe emission features, we get reliable estimates of the Ni to Fe ratio, which is sensitive to the explosion models of SNe Ia. Our results show that the majority (about 67 per cent) of our SNe Ia are more consistent with the sub-Chandrasekhar-mass (i.e. double-detonation) model, although they could be affected by evolutionary or ionization effects. Moreover, we find that the Si ii λ6355 velocity measured around the time of maximum light tends to increase with the Ni to Fe ratio for the subsample with either redshifted or blueshifted nebular velocities, suggesting that progenitor metallicity might play an important role in accounting for the observed velocity diversity of SNe Ia.
The start matters: time-varying investor demand, hedge fund inceptions, and performance
Authors: Sun Lin , Sun Zheng , Zheng Lu
Published: September 2023

We examine whether time-varying investor demand affects hedge fund companies’ decision to start new funds. We find significantly more fund inceptions in hot markets than in cold markets. Funds opened in hot markets exhibit weaker long-term performance, shorter survival time, and greater fraud risk. Investor clientele also varies with market conditions. Investors in hot markets appear to be less sophisticated, which may provide opportunities for more low-quality funds to enter the industry. Overall, inceptions due to high investor demand are not in the best interest of investors.
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring for Spines at Risk During Nonspine Surgery: A 9-Year Review
Authors: Jackson Madeleine E. , Galambas Amanda K. , Bauer Jennifer M.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Patients with certain spinal anomalies are at risk for rare but devastating spinal cord injuries under anesthesia. We created a Spine at Risk (SAR) program to evaluate and recommend precautions for such patients, including intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) use for the highest-risk patients. We aimed to review all monitored nonspine procedures to determine rate of potential spinal cord injuries avoided in those who would otherwise have been unmonitored.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of our institutional SAR program from 2011 to 2019 to analyze the number of nonspine anesthetized procedures that were done under IONM, the characteristics of those that had an IONM alert; and the clinical outcomes.

Results:

Of the 3,453 patients flagged for SAR review, 1121 (33%) received a precaution recommendation, and 359 (10% of all flagged) were given IONM recommendations. Of those, 57 patients (16% of recommendations, 2% of all flagged) had a total of 102 nonspine anesthetized procedures done under IONM. Seven patients had a total of 10 cases with IONM alerts. Two cases were aborted when improved signals could not be obtained after working through a checklist; one of these patients woke with transient neurological deficits. Signals improved to baseline in 7 cases by working through a signal loss checklist. One case was aborted preoperatively when monitorable baseline signals could not be obtained.

Conclusions:

In the highest-risk spinal anomaly patients, we monitored an average of 11.7 nonspine cases per year, with a 10% rate of IONM alerts, and no permanent neurological deficits. Although the majority of patients remain safe during procedures, in the most critical patients IONM allowed the team to identify and react to alerts that may have otherwise led to permanent neurological injury. This is the largest series of spinal cord-monitored nonspine pediatric cases. It is important for pediatric orthopedic surgeons to evaluate at-risk patients and recommend IONM where appropriate, to protect both patients and our procedural colleagues.

Level of Evidence:

Case series, level IV.
Analysis of septic arthritis in a sample of Syrian population: a retrospective study
Authors: Khalayli Naram , Shahada Zienab , Kudsi Maysoun , Alcheikh Salwa
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

This study found an increasing incidence and cost burden of septic arthritis because there are no criteria guiding the decision to perform arthrocentesis in adults. In this study, the authors aimed to determine whether arthrocentesis can be used as a diagnostic criterion for suspected septic arthritis.

Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in our rheumatology department, and include patients aged greater than 18 years with mono-arthritis suspected to be septic arthritis. The exclusion criteria were prosthetic joints, inflammatory arthritis, participation in the study, and the inability to provide informed consent.

Information was registered, including demographic data, smoking, alcoholism, comorbidities, BMI, symptoms and signs via medical history, clinical examinations (joint pain, local fever, and range-of-motion), fever (temperature >38°C), and laboratory markers including white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (patients who had arthrocentesis) and group 2 (patients who did not). The authors also divided patients who had arthrocentesis into two subgroups: patients with septic arthritis and patients without. Arthrocentesis was done.

Results:

A total of 256 patients were entered in our study, divided into two groups according to arthrocentesis. In all patients, the joint involved was the knee. Group 1 included 142 knee-aspirated patients (55.46%), and group 2 included 114 nonaspirated patients (44.53%). All aspirations were performed without image guidance. The ages, laboratory markers, physical exams, and comorbidities were not significant between the two groups on multivariate analysis. Synovial cultures were positive in 75.67% of patients. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common germ. No patient had died. The authors did not find any predictive risk factors for whether a joint was septic or not. Fever was significantly more frequent in joint-aspirated patients with septic arthritis.

Conclusion:

The aspiration decision is still the best in clinical practice in light of available clinical and laboratory findings, although further multicenter, larger studies are needed. Based on our findings, the authors decided to aspirate the joint based on positive guided findings and comorbidity risk factors.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress impairs trophoblast syncytialization through upregulation of HtrA4 and causes early-onset preeclampsia
Authors: Yuan Xi , Liu Xiyao , Zhu Fangyu , Huang Biao , Lin Li , Huang Jiayu , Wen Li , Kilby Mark D. , Baker Philip N. , Fu Yong , Wu Weiwei , Qi Hongbo , Tang Jing , Tong Chao
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Syncytiotrophoblasts form via mononuclear cytotrophoblast fusion during placentation and play a critical role in maternal–fetal communication. Impaired syncytialization inevitably leads to pregnancy-associated complications, including preeclampsia. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is reportedly linked with preeclampsia, but little is known about its association with syncytialization. High temperature requirement factor A4 (HtrA4), a placental-specific protease, is responsible for protein quality control and placental syncytialization. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among HtrA4, ERS, and trophoblast syncytialization in the development of early-onset preeclampsia (EO-PE).

Methods:

HtrA4 expression and ERS in preeclamptic placentas and control placentas were analyzed by Western blotting and qRT-PCR. HtrA4 and ERS localization in placentas was determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. BeWo cells were used to stimulate the effects of HtrA4 and ERS on syncytialization.

Results:

HtrA4 expression was upregulated in EO-PE and positively correlated with ERS. HtrA4 activity was increased in preeclampsia. Under normoxia, HtrA4 overexpression in BeWo cells did not alter the ERS level. In addition, treatment with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) or an ERS inducer increased HtrA4 expression. HtrA4 upregulation suppressed the levels of syncytin-2 and β-HCG in the presence of forskolin (FSK), and this change was exaggerated after ERS activation. In addition, treatment with an ERS inhibitor markedly suppressed FSK-treated cell fusion in a manner related to downregulation of HtrA4 expression.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that ERS enables syncytialization of placental development by upregulating HtrA4, but that excessive HtrA4 expression and preexisting ERS impair syncytialization and cause EO-PE.
Associations and Predictive Pathways Between Shared Governance, Autonomy, Magnet Status, Nurse-Sensitive Indicators, and Nurse Satisfaction
Authors: McGinnis Juli , Dee Vivien , Rondinelli June , Li Hong
Published: September 2023

Background:

Evidence is limited to the effects of shared governance (SG) and autonomy on nurse-sensitive indicators (NSIs).

Purpose:

To explore the effects of SG, autonomy, and Magnet status on nurse and patient outcomes.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a convenience sample of 404 nurses from 4 hospitals. Descriptive analyses of variance (ANOVAs), and path analysis were conducted to identify hypothesized associations and predictive pathways among study variables.

Results:

Nurse managers reported higher perceptions of SG, autonomy, and satisfaction than staff nurses. SG and autonomy were significant predictors of patient falls and hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Nurses' autonomy, SG, and Magnet accreditation were significant predictors of nurse satisfaction.

Conclusions:

Leadership support of SG and autonomous practice are key strategies to improve nurse satisfaction and NSI outcomes.