bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eco-reclamative and agrochemical indicators of irrigated gray-meadow soils of Uzbekistan
Authors: Allaberdiyev Rustamjon , Ziyadov Shuqurillo , Sherimbetov Vafabay
Published: March 2024

The agricultural land in the Republic of Uzbekistan is strategically classified into three key categories: irrigated lands, arable lands, and natural pastures. Currently, the Republic faces a diverse range of salinization levels on its irrigated lands. This article endeavors to establish a scientific foundation for the systematic distribution of irrigated soils across the provinces of Uzbekistan, taking into account the varying ecological conditions prevalent in the region. The primary focus of this article is on the analysis of soil samples derived from the Tashkent and Syrdarya provinces. A comprehensive examination is conducted, encompassing ecological, reclamation, agrochemical, and physical properties of these soils. By shedding light on these key attributes, the article aims to provide valuable insights into the overall condition of agricultural lands in Uzbekistan. Crucially, the article delves into the state of mineralization of groundwater and surface runoff, both essential components in irrigated agriculture. This analysis is pivotal in understanding the impact of these water sources on the plants cultivated in the region. Given the vital role of irrigated agriculture in Uzbekistan's food production, addressing the challenges posed by salinization and ensuring sustainable land management practices are imperative for safeguarding the agricultural sector's productivity and ecological balance. Through this scientific exploration, the article contributes to the broader understanding of the intricate interplay between soil properties, water quality, and successful agricultural practices in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Indicators of valuable economic traits of hybrid F2 generations obtained with the participation of parental forms of different genotypes
Authors: Akhmedov Jamalkhon , Jabborov Jamoliddin , Tadjibayev Bahtiyar , Akhmedov Djabbarkhan , Rakhimov Azizbek , Mirkhamidova Gavhar
Published: March 2024

This article provides a comprehensive overview of 29 valuable economic traits observed in F2 hybrids as a result of research conducted in 2022. The study delves into the main economic characteristics of the plants, specifically focusing on key parameters such as the number of cocoons per plant, the weight of one cocoon raw material, the productivity of one plant, the weight of 1000 cotton seeds, fiber yield, and fiber length. It's noteworthy that the research was conducted against the backdrop of CBSPARI's natural wilt-infested conditions. This article presents information on 29 valuable economic traits of F2 hybrids selected as a result of our research conducted in 2022. Here are observations and analyzes of the main economic characteristics of the plant: the number of cocoons per plant, the weight of one cocoon raw material, the productivity of one plant, the weight of 1000 cotton seeds, fiber yield and length. Our research was carried out on CBSPARI's natural wilt-infested background. The choice to conduct the research on a natural wilt-infested background at CBSPARI adds an extra layer of significance, as it reflects the performance of the F2 hybrids under real-world challenges. This research provides valuable insights into the economic potential and adaptability of these hybrids, paving the way for informed decisions in cotton cultivation and breeding.
Predicting blast furnace permeability index: a deep learning approach with limited time-series data
Authors: Chu Li Ming , Cui Gui Mei
Published: March 2024

The blast furnace permeability index is one of the crucial technical indicators in the ironmaking process of a blast furnace. Given that the conventional models are not entirely suitable for accommodating the intricate characteristics of blast furnace production, this paper explores a comprehensive approach that involves data mining, the sparrow search algorithm (SSA), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and gated recurrent unit networks (GRUs) for predicting the blast furnace permeability index. Initially, to address the multi-noise nature of blast furnaces, outliers are eliminated, and a Kalman filter is devised for denoising purposes. Subsequently, in consideration of the nonlinear and substantial time-delay features of blast furnaces, the maximal information coefficient (MIC) method is employed for time-delay alignment, followed by the selection of model input variables based on process analysis and relevance. Subsequent to this, the SSA-CNN-GRU model is established. Within the modeling process, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network is utilized to extract distinct process variable features, thus further resolving the interdependence among blast furnace data. Ultimately, the effectiveness, accuracy, and advancement of the proposed method are validated using real production data.
Molecular prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. among children who have diarrheia or are asymptomatic in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Zhao Wei , Ren Guangxu , Wang Long , Xie Lisha , Wang Jiayang , Mao Jialiang , Sun Yanbin , Lu Gang , Huang Huicong
Published: March 2024

Blastocystis sp., a significant zoonotic parasite with a global distribution, was the focus of this study, which aimed to investigate its prevalence and genetic diversity among diarrheic and asymptomatic children in Wenzhou, China. We collected 1,032 fecal samples from Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou, China, comprising 684 from children with diarrhea and 348 from asymptomatic children. Genomic DNA extracted from these samples was used to detect Blastocystis spp. by PCR, targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was constructed, applying the maximum likelihood method. Blastocystis spp. were detected in 67 (6.5%) of the fecal samples. The prevalence rate of Blastocystis spp. in diarrheic children (8.8%; 60/684) was significantly higher than that in asymptomatic children (2.0%; 7/348) (χ
2 = 17.3, p < 0.001). Sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene identified five known Blastocystis spp. subtypes, ST1 (n = 12), ST2 (n = 5), ST3 (n = 35), ST4 (n = 12), and ST7 (n = 3). ST1 and ST3 were present in both diarrheic and asymptomatic children, while ST2, ST4, and ST7 were exclusive to diarrheic children. Intra-subtype genetic polymorphisms were identified, comprising four variations in ST1 (ST1-1 to ST1-4), five in ST3 (ST3-1 to ST3-5), two in ST4 (ST4-1 and ST4-2), and two in ST7 (ST7-1 and ST7-2). Notably, ST1-2 to ST1-4, ST3-3 to ST3-5, and ST7-1 and ST7-2 represent newly identified variations. The composition and genetic characteristics of subtypes among children in this region suggest various sources of infection, including human-to-human and animal-to-human transmission.
Community-bezogene Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung: Förderung
digitaler Gesundheitskompetenz bei Menschen in prekären
Lebenslagen
Authors: Wrona Kamil J. , Heckes Kolja , Aschentrup Leona , Fischer Florian
Published: March 2024

Die rasant fortschreitende digitale Transformation eröffnet innovative
Möglichkeiten zur Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung, insbesondere durch
soziotechnische Innovationen. Digital unterstützte Interventionen dienen als
erweiternde Werkzeuge zur Verbreitung gesundheitsrelevanter Informationen und
zur Förderung des individuellen Empowerments und der Selbstwirksamkeit. Trotz
ihres Potentials sind digitale Medien in der Community-bezogenen Prävention und
Gesundheitsförderung mit Herausforderungen konfrontiert, wie der Notwendigkeit
einer niedrigschwelligen Gestaltung und der Berücksichtigung technologischer
Akzeptanzfaktoren. Menschen in prekären Lebenslagen, die häufig mit
eingeschränktem Zugang und geringerer digitaler Kompetenz konfrontiert sind,
könnten von zielgerichteten, an ihren spezifischen Bedarfen und Bedürfnissen
ausgerichteten Maßnahmen profitieren. Gleichzeitig gilt es die Risiken einer
unzureichenden digitalen Gesundheitskompetenz hervorzuheben, die sich negativ
auf die Gesundheit auswirken können. Die Förderung der digitalen
Gesundheitskompetenz erscheint daher als ein wesentliches Instrument zur
Verbesserung der Gesundheitssituation von Menschen in prekären Lebenslagen.
Dieser Artikel plädiert für eine evidenzbasierte und zielgerichtete
Weiterentwicklung von digitalen Interventionen zur Gesundheitsförderung, die auf
die Bedürfnisse von Menschen in prekären Lebenslagen abgestimmt sind, und betont
die zentrale Rolle der digitalen Gesundheitskompetenz in diesem Prozess.
Beispielhaft wird hierfür die Gruppe der Frühen Hilfen in den Blick
genommen.
Role of EBUS-TBNA in Mediastinal Staging of NSCLC Patients
Authors: Gala Kunal B. , Shetty Nitin S. , Rao Saketh , Pramesh C.S. , Jiwnani Sabita , Kumar Virendra , Tandon Sandeep , Bhasker Maheema , Khushal Rajiv , Kulkarni Suyash
Published: March 2024

Purpose Mediastinal staging in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is essential for appropriate treatment. Invasive mediastinal staging is necessary and mediastinoscopy has been the gold standard, but it is associated with morbidity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of endobronchial ultrasonography transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), compare it with mediastinoscopy, and assess the endosonographic features of lymph nodes for prediction of metastasis.

Methods This is a retrospective study of 200 patients with NSCLC who underwent EBUS-TBNA from January 2017 to December 2019. The patients with potentially resectable NSCLC who underwent EBUS-TBNA were included. Standard definitions of sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and diagnostic accuracy were used to determine the diagnostic performance of EBUS-TBNA.

Results A total of 200 patients and 616 nodes were studied, out of which 515 were benign and 101 were malignant. Out of 200 cases, 129 (64.5%) had <N2 disease, 59 (29.5%) had N2 disease, and 12 (6%) had N3 disease. EBUS-TBNA had a sensitivity of 78.87%, specificity of 96.12%, NPV of 89.2%, PPV of 91.8%, and accuracy of 90%. Ultrasonography (USG) features of 297 nodes were available and statistical significance was seen in rounded shape, size greater than 10 mm, ill-defined nodal margins, absence of hilum, and hypoechoic echotexture (p < 0.05).

Conclusion EBUS-TBNA is a safe and efficacious procedure for mediastinal sampling of NSCLC patients. Familiarity with endosonographic features of lymph nodes, which can predict malignancy in nodes, may further improve the yield of EBUS-TBNA and reduce under-staging.
Mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy with quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Hayden Jakob , Geiser Markus , Gianella Michele , Horvath Raphael , Hugi Andreas , Sterczewski Lukasz , Mangold Markus
Published: March 2024

Since its invention in 1994, the quantum cascade laser (QCL) has emerged as a versatile light source of wavelength 4–12 µm, covering most of the mid- and long-wavelength infrared spectral ranges. Its application range has widened even further since frequency comb operation and its use as a light source for dual-comb spectroscopy (DCS) was demonstrated. In this tutorial, we introduce the unique properties of QCL frequency combs, such as high optical power, multi-GHz repetition rate, and narrow optical linewidths. Implemented in a dual-comb spectroscopy setup, this allows for broadband, low-noise measurements of strongly absorbing samples with sub-microsecond time resolution, and spectral resolution better than 10−3 cm−1/30 MHz. The advantages of QCL DCS will be discussed in the context of its broad range of applications. The high optical power (both total and per comb tooth) is leveraged for measurements in aqueous solution or at large stand-off distances. Microsecond temporal resolution measurements address the demand for probing rapid protein dynamics and combustion diagnostics. MHz-level spectral resolution, in turn, facilitates accurate line parameter studies in low pressure and cold molecular gases. Future development directions of the technology are discussed, including sub-microsecond response DCS, instrument miniaturization, or its expansion toward THz frequencies. Overall, the tutorial aims at giving a broad introduction to QCL DCS and its applications.
Fabrication of Sawfish photonic crystal cavities in bulk diamond
Authors: Pregnolato Tommaso , Stucki Marco E. , Bopp Julian M. , v. d. Hoeven Maarten H. , Gokhale Alok , Krüger Olaf , Schröder Tim
Published: March 2024

Color centers in diamonds are quantum systems with optically active spin-states that show long coherence times and are, therefore, a promising candidate for the development of efficient spin–photon interfaces. However, only a small portion of the emitted photons is generated by the coherent optical transition of the zero-phonon line (ZPL), which limits the overall performance of the system. Embedding these emitters in photonic crystal cavities improves the coupling to the ZPL photons and increases their emission rate. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication process of “Sawfish” cavities, a design recently proposed that has the experimentally realistic potential to simultaneously provide a high waveguide coupling efficiency and significantly enhance the emission rate. The presented process allows for the fabrication of fully suspended devices with a total length of 20.5 μm and feature sizes as small as 40 nm. The optical characterization shows fundamental mode resonances that follow the behavior expected from the corresponding design parameters and quality (Q) factors as high as (3800 ± 1200). Finally, we investigate the effects of nanofabrication on the devices and show that, despite a noticeable erosion of the fine features, the measured cavity resonances deviate by only 0.8 (1.2)% from the values estimated by simple inspection via scanning electron microscopy. This proves that the Sawfish design is robust against fabrication imperfections, which makes it an attractive choice for the development of quantum photonic networks.
Few-mode metal-free perovskite optical fiber with second-order optical nonlinearity
Authors: Tsui Hei Chit Leo , Sirbu Dumitru , Alsaif Naseem , Hill Nathan , Tizzard Graham , Docampo Pablo , Healy Noel
Published: March 2024

Semiconductor core optical fibers are highly desirable for fiber-based photonic and optoelectronic applications as they can combine strong optical nonlinearities, tight light confinement, wide transmission bands, and electronic functionality within a single platform. Perovskites have emerged as particularly exciting materials for semiconductor photonics as they have strong optical nonlinearities and tunable optoelectronic bandgaps. However, lead-based perovskites contain toxic elements and are, therefore, not environmentally friendly. Furthermore, in fiber form, their core-size is prohibitively large, making them unsuitable for nonlinear optics and applications that require single-mode guidance, such as telecommunications. Here, we report a metal-free perovskite core optical fiber where lead has been substituted for an ammonium cation in the perovskite structure. The core material has a wide bandgap greater than 5 eV, a high laser damage threshold, and a core diameter that can be produced as small as 5 µm. At this core size, the fiber supports just six modes, and the fundamental mode can readily be excited and isolated. Moreover, the metal-free perovskite has a second-order susceptibility that is absent in the archetypal lead-based perovskites and many other semiconductor core materials, such as silicon and germanium. The second-order susceptibility is important for many nonlinear optics applications, such as second-harmonic generation and quantum optics.
Investigation of viscoelastic behavior of Abaca-reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Anand Raj Mohan Kumar , Rathanasamy Rajasekar , Rathinasamy Parameshwaran , Muthusamy Suresh , Siddiqui Md Irfanul Haque , L Natrayan , Giri Jayant , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: March 2024

Natural fiber-based composites demonstrate excellent and comparable static and dynamic mechanical properties to conventional materials, such as steel and aluminum. They also extend their applications to aeronautical, sports equipment, and marine fields. This experimental study aims to find the effect of untreated and treated Abaca-reinforced epoxy composites on the viscoelastic behavior and the optimum combinations of fiber and resin to produce better bonding efficiency. The different specimens used for this study were pure epoxy, untreated, and chemically treated composite specimens. The four weight percentages of Abaca fibers are 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% used to prepare composite specimens. Similarly, four different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt. %/vol. %, have been used for the chemical treatment of fibers. The storage modulus of Abaca-reinforced epoxy composite specimen has been investigated with respect to temperature and fiber content. The result shows that the 30% weight fraction of fibers with chemically (8 wt. %/vol. %) treated fiber-reinforced epoxy specimen produces 41.67% higher storage modulus than the 10% weight fraction of fibers content of composite specimens. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) broad transmittance has been used to distinguish the raw and chemically treated fibers. FTIR results reveal the removal of functional groups after NaOH treatment.
Radio frequency discharge apparatus for studying spin transfer from solid surfaces to metastable helium gas
Authors: Maruyama Haruka , Shaku Keisuke , Saitoh Eiji , Hatakeyama Atsushi
Published: March 2024

We developed a radio frequency discharge apparatus for He gas to investigate the spin states of metastable helium (He*) interacting with solid-state surfaces. Our apparatus consisted of a stainless steel vacuum chamber, in which a coil produced He* by discharging introduced He gas. The spin states of the He* were detected using optical pumping and probing techniques. The chamber was designed to accommodate various solid-state samples. We measured the He* polarization produced at a dielectric prism surface by total internal reflection of the circularly polarized pumping light. Our apparatus can be used to investigate possible spin transfer from various solid surfaces to He* atoms.
A comparative study on the corrosion of pure titanium and titanium–12%zirconium alloy after different exposure periods of time in sodium chloride solution
Authors: Sherif El-Sayed M.
Published: March 2024

In this work, the powder metallurgy technique was employed to manufacture pure titanium (Ti) and 88% titanium–12% zirconium (TiZr) alloy. The electrochemical corrosion investigations for pure Ti and the TiZr alloy were carried out after exposure for 30 min and 3 days in 3.5% NaCl solutions. The Nyquist and Bode plots obtained from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments revealed that the presence of Zr remarkably magnifies the corrosion resistance of Ti via increasing the impedance and degree of the phase angle, as well as the polarization and solution resistances. The potentiodynamic cyclic polarization measurements revealed that the presence of 12% Zr highly enhances the corrosion resistance of Ti. These polarization results showed that Zr addition reduces the corrosion of Ti via decreasing its corrosion rate. The intensity of the current when measured with increasing time of the experiment at −0.10 mV (Ag/AgCl) indicated that the addition of 12% Zr greatly decreases the absolute current, which indicates that alloying Zr within Ti reduces the severity of its corrosion in the chloride electrolyte. The morphology of the surfaces and the possible surface layer(s) for the corroded Ti and TiZr samples were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x rays. Results collectively depicted that the presence of Zr increases the corrosion resistance when alloyed with Ti.
The role of magnetic anisotropy in the magnetoresistance of Cr2O3/Al2O3 thin film antiferromagnets
Authors: Wisser Jacob J. , Xue Fen , Wang Shan X. , Suzuki Yuri
Published: March 2024

The magnetic states of antiferromagnetic insulating thin films are a promising medium for information storage, but characterization of these states has proven to be challenging. One approach is via magnetotransport measurements in an adjacent heavy metal layer. To this end, we synthesized and characterized a series of Cr2O3 films and bilayers on Al2O3 substrates with three different orientations: m-plane, a-plane, and c-plane. X-ray diffraction results demonstrated orientation control of the Cr2O3 thin film, with m-plane films displaying a higher degree of mosaic spread than the a- and c-plane films. Reciprocal space maps showed that the films are mostly relaxed, although there was a small and different degree of strain in each orientation. The m-plane films were under 2% compressive strain, the a-plane film was under 0.5% compressive strain, and the c-plane film was completely relaxed to bulk values. To probe the magnetic state of the films, we measured the angular dependent magnetoresistance of Cr2O3/Pt bilayers for each orientation. We found a nontrivial temperature dependence of the sign of the magnetoresistance, pointing to the complex interplay between the exchange and anisotropy energies that vary with orientation. We propose that strain and mosaic spread may contribute to a difference in magnetic anisotropies among the samples and the resulting temperature dependence of the magnetoresistance. This work demonstrates the importance of considering the competition between antiferromagnetic exchange and magnetic anisotropy when storing information in the spin state of an antiferromagnetic insulator.
Comparison of machine learning algorithms based on machine learning for the prediction of thermal plasma physical parameters of C4F7N and CO2 environmentally friendly gas mixtures
Authors: Ding Can , Tian Haobo , Yu Donghai
Published: March 2024

With the goal of “carbon peak and carbon neutrality,” the need for environmentally friendly gases to replace SF6, a high greenhouse effect gas, is urgent. C4F7N, as an environmentally friendly gas with the greatest potential to replace SF6 as an arc extinguishing medium in circuit breakers, can be mixed with CO2 to greatly improve the shortcomings of its high liquefaction temperature, and the calculation of the physical parameters of the mixed gas plasma is a prerequisite for the computational simulation of the arc process in the opening of circuit breakers. Because solving the physical parameters is expensive, based on the system of differential equations, this paper adopts several machine learning algorithms by mining the relationship between the data using the known physical parameter data to predict the results of the physical parameters to be solved under certain conditions, which greatly reduces the cost of computation. The machine learning algorithms used in this paper are K-nearest-neighbor regression, decision tree, random forest, support vector machine, and gradient boosting regression, of which for the support vector machine, hyperparameters find it difficult to determine the problem of optimization using the gray wolf algorithm. The prediction results of several algorithms show that they are more accurate and that the problem can be solved better by using the method of machine learning. Finally, the comparison results show that the support vector machine exhibits better performance in most cases and that the gray wolf algorithm can make the results of the support vector machine more accurate.
Simulation study on rotor speed of combined rotary separator in coal pneumatic conveying
Authors: Zhou Feng , Fan Chunyong , Zhang Qiang , Luan Hengxuan
Published: March 2024

The separator is a key component of coal pneumatic conveying systems, which plays an important role in improving particle collection efficiency and reducing dust pollution. In this paper, a combined rotary separator was designed. Based on the traditional cyclone separator, the rotor blades were installed and matched with the guide vanes to increase the material separation and collection performance. The influence of rotor speed on the characteristics of the separator was studied by computational fluid dynamics simulation, and the flow field velocity and pressure distribution and the particle trajectory and separation degree were obtained. The results showed that the flow field tangential velocity plays a dominant role in the separation process and is approximately symmetrically distributed with the rotor axis as the center. The velocity of the flow field in the inner rotor is approximately positively correlated with the rotor speed, and the tangential velocity gradually decreases with the increase in the flow field height. The static pressure of the flow field is approximately axisymmetric along the rotor axis, and there is a pressure gradient from the outer separation cone to the rotor axis. The particles in the separator show a separation phenomenon based on the different sizes, and the change trend of the separation degree under different rotor speeds is similar. When the rotor speed is 160 rpm, the particles maintain the highest integrity. The rotor speed of 320 rpm has a protective effect on coarse particles above 1000 µm.
Elucidating the role of water in collagen self-assembly by isotopically modulating collagen hydration
Authors: Giubertoni Giulia , Feng Liru , Klein Kevin , Giannetti Guido , Rutten Luco , Choi Yeji , van der Net Anouk , Castro-Linares Gerard , Caporaletti Federico , Micha Dimitra , Hunger Johannes , Deblais Antoine , Bonn Daniel , Sommerdijk Nico , Šarić Andela , Ilie Ioana M. , Koenderink Gijsje H. , Woutersen Sander
Published: March 2024

Water is known to play an important role in collagen self-assembly, but it is still largely unclear how water–collagen interactions influence the assembly process and determine the fibril network properties. Here, we use the H

2

O/D

2

O isotope effect on the hydrogen-bond strength in water to investigate the role of hydration in collagen self-assembly. We dissolve collagen in H

2

O and D

2

O and compare the growth kinetics and the structure of the collagen assemblies formed in these water isotopomers. Surprisingly, collagen assembly occurs ten times faster in D

2

O than in H

2

O, and collagen in D

2

O self-assembles into much thinner fibrils, that form a more inhomogeneous and softer network, with a fourfold reduction in elastic modulus when compared to H

2

O. Combining spectroscopic measurements with atomistic simulations, we show that collagen in D

2

O is less hydrated than in H

2

O. This partial dehydration lowers the enthalpic penalty for water removal and reorganization at the collagen–water interface, increasing the self-assembly rate and the number of nucleation centers, leading to thinner fibrils and a softer network. Coarse-grained simulations show that the acceleration in the initial nucleation rate can be reproduced by the enhancement of electrostatic interactions. These results show that water acts as a mediator between collagen monomers, by modulating their interactions so as to optimize the assembly process and, thus, the final network properties. We believe that isotopically modulating the hydration of proteins can be a valuable method to investigate the role of water in protein structural dynamics and protein self-assembly.
Social bond dynamics and the evolution of helping
Authors: Leimar Olof , Bshary Redouan
Published: March 2024

Empiricists often struggle to apply game theory models to real-life cases of animal cooperation. One reason is that many examples of cooperation occur in stable groups, where individuals form social bonds that influence exchanges of help in ways that are not well described by previous models, including the extent of reciprocity and how relationships are initiated. We present a game theory model exploring the conditions under which social bonds between group members promote cooperation. In the model, bonds build up from exchanges of help in a similar way as the strength of association increases in learning, as in the Rescorla–Wagner rule. The bonds in turn affect partner choice and influence helping amounts. The model has a mechanism of reciprocity for bonded pairs, which can evolve toward either loose or strict reciprocation. Several aspects of the model are inspired by observations of food sharing in vampire bats. We find that small social neighborhoods are required for the evolutionary stability of helping, either as small group sizes, or if bonded members of larger groups can form temporary (daily) smaller groupings. The costs of helping need to be fairly low, while the benefits can be substantial. The form of reciprocity that evolves is neither immediate nor very strict. Individuals in need request help based on bond strength, but there is also an evolved preference for initiating bonds with new group members. In contrast, if different groups come into temporary contact, the evolved tendency is to avoid forming bonds between groups.
Phase structures and critical behavior of rational non-linear electrodynamics Anti de Sitter black holes in Rastall gravity
Authors: Sekhmani Yassine , Gogoi Dhruba Jyoti , Myrzakulov Ratbay , Rayimbaev Javlon
Published: March 2024

This research paper presents a black hole solution with a rational nonlinear electrodynamics source within the Rastall gravity framework. The paper analyzes the thermodynamic properties of the solution in normal phase space and explores its critical behavior. The phase structure is examined using the extended first law of thermodynamics, with the cosmological constant Λ serving as pressure P. The isotherms exhibit van der Waals behavior at small values of horizon r
+. The paper also investigates the Gibbs free energy behavior and finds two critical points with two pressures where the re-entrant phase transition occurs and disappears. We also explore the prevalent microstructure of black holes in Ruppeiner geometry, uncovering significant deviations in the nature of particle interactions from conventional practice. Moreover, the thermodynamic geometry is analyzed using the Ruppeiner formalism, with the normalized Ricci scalar indicating possible point-phase transitions of the heat capacity, and the normalized extrinsic curvature having the same sign as the normalized Ricci scalar. The three-phase transitions of the heat capacity are those that we find for the normalized Ruppeiner curvatures. Thus, there is an absolute correspondence.
Atomic vs. sub-atomic layer deposition: impact of growth rate on the optical and structural properties of MoS2 and WS2
Authors: Tessarek Christian , Grieb Tim , Krause Florian F , Petersen Christian , Karg Alexander , Hinz Alexander , Osterloh Niels , Habben Christian , Figge Stephan , Krisponeit Jon-Olaf , Schmidt Thomas , Falta Jens , Rosenauer Andreas , Eickhoff Martin
Published: March 2024

MoS2 and WS2 mono- and multilayers were grown on SiO2/Si substrates. Growth by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at fast growth rates is compared to sub-ALD, which is a slow growth rate process with only partial precursor surface coverage per cycle. A Raman spectroscopic analysis of the intensity and frequency difference of the modes reveals different stages of growth from partial to full surface layer coverage followed by layer-by-layer formation. The initial layer thickness and structural quality strongly depend on the growth rate and monolayers only form using sub-ALD. Optical activity is demonstrated by photoluminescence (PL) characterization which shows typical excitonic emission from MoS2 and WS2 monolayers. A chemical analysis confirming the stoichiometry of MoS2 is performed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface morphology of layers grown with different growth rates is studied by atomic force microscopy. Plan-view transmission electron microscopy analysis of MoS2 directly grown on freestanding graphene reveals the local crystalline quality of the layers, in agreement with Raman and PL results.
Optimization of Newtonian fluid pressure in microcantilever integrated flexible microfluidic channel for healthcare application
Authors: Saxena Ankur , Kumar Mahesh , Mishra Dhaneshwar , Singh Kulwant
Published: March 2024

The demand for microfluidic pressure sensors is ever-increasing in various industries due to their crucial role in controlling fluid pressure within microchannels. While syringe pump setups have been traditionally used to regulate fluid pressure in microfluidic devices, they often result in larger setups that increase the cost of the device. To address this challenge and miniaturize the syringe pump setup, the researcher introduced integrated T-microcantilever-based microfluidic devices. In these devices, microcantilevers are incorporated, and their deflections correlate with the microchannel’s pressure. When the relative pressure of fluid (plasma) changes, the T-microcantilever deflects, and the extent of this deflection provides information on fluid pressure within the microchannel. In this work, finite element method (FEM) based simulation was carried out to investigate the role of material, and geometric parameters of the cantilever, and the fluid viscosity on the pressure sensing capability of the T-microcantilever integrated microfluidic channel. The T-microcantilever achieves a maximum deflection of 127 μm at a 5000 μm/s velocity for Young’s modulus(E) of 360 kPa of PDMS by employing a hinged structure. On the other hand, a minimum deflection of 4.05 × 10−5
μm was attained at 5000 μm/s for Young’s modulus of 1 TPa for silicon. The maximum deflected angle of the T-cantilever is 20.46° for a 360 kPa Young’s modulus while the minimum deflection angle of the T-cantilever is measured at 13.77° for 900 KPa at a fluid velocity of 5000 μm s−1. The T-cantilever functions as a built-in microchannel that gauges the fluid pressure within the microchannel. The peak pressure, set at 8.86 Pa on the surface of the cantilever leads to a maximum deflection of 0.096 μm (approximately 1 μm) in the T-cantilever at a 1:1 velocity ratio. An optimized microfluidic device embedded with microchannels can optimize fluid pressure in a microchannel support cell separation.
Development of a cross-linkable, EDOT-based conjugated polymer for stable temperature sensors
Authors: Beaumont Catherine , Beaupré Patrick , Bouch Nolwenn Le , Leclerc Mario
Published: March 2024

We report the synthesis of a cross-linkable conjugated polymer for the fabrication of stable temperature sensors. This new water-processable polymer possesses a temperature coefficient of resistance of −1.66% °C−1 between −20 °C and 50 °C and presents a stable temperature dependence even at temperatures below the freezing point and with high humidity levels.
A physically based constitutive model considering dynamic recrystallization of ERNiCrMo-3 alloy
Authors: Yang Yan , Sun Zhiren , Miao Chengpeng , Fan Yu , Yang Sen , Wang Zekun , Wang Kaikun
Published: March 2024

ERNiCrMo-3 alloy is widely used in the welding of nickel-based alloys. This study investigated the hot deformation and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of ERNiCrMo-3 alloy through hot compression tests at deformation temperatures ranging from 990 °C to 1170 °C and strain rates ranging from 0.01 to 10 s−1. Experimental results showed that under conditions of elevated temperatures and lower strain rates, discontinuous dynamic recrystallization was prone to occur upon reaching critical strain, and the distribution of carbide and nitride particles within the alloy matrix affects recrystallization nucleation and grain boundary migration. A two-stage constitutive model was established based on classical dislocation density theory and DRX kinetics. Comparison between predicted and experimental data demonstrated a strong agreement, highlighting the accuracy and utility of the proposed constitutive model.
A dual-band MIMO PIFA antenna with a printed rectangular open-ended ring for 5G/WLAN mobile terminal
Authors: Boufouss Rachida , Najid Abdellah
Published: March 2024

A dual-band 8 × 8 multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) PIFA antenna that operates in the sub-6 GHz spectrum for 5G and WLAN mobile terminals is presented. The eight elements of the MIMO antenna are formed by using an L-slotted PIFA antenna, an L-shaped parasitic element, and a 2D rectangular open-ended ring parasitic structure that is printed next to the L-shaped parasitic element. In this article, we first proposed an ultra-thick PIFA antenna element to work in the 3.4-3.8 GHz 5G band and the 5.15-5.85 GHz WLAN band, adopting a new method that can provide dual-band behavior with wide bandwidth. Then, the final antenna element is used to design an eight-port MIMO antenna system, and the results show good MIMO performance in terms of envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), diversity gain (DG), mean effective gain (MEG), and multiplexing efficiency (ME).
A New Traditionalism in the City
Authors: Robison Claire C
Published: March 2024

This chapter focuses on how Mumbai’s devotees navigate their religious lifestyles alongside other desires and commitments, grappling with becoming religious in a modern city. Tensions center on notions of ISKCON’s “ideal culture,” expressed in Bhaktivedanta’s writings and through their embodied transnational community. Resident guru Radhanath Swami is viewed as a representative of Indian culture, embodying Hindu traditionalism despite his Western roots. Meanwhile, some Indian aspirants find it difficult to embody ISKCON’s prescriptions on culture, as many urban spaces and activities are deemed too Western and not conducive to devotional life. I follow everyday conflicts, from debates about vegetarianism and wearing saris to negotiating non-binary gender identities amid temple norms, analyzing how notions of “Indian” and “Western” culture are both essentialized but also deterritorialized in these contexts. ISKCON’s elastic understanding of culture enables instances of remarkable social mobility but also produces tensions over how to live as a devotee in a contemporary Indian city.
Finding the balance between person-centred and treatment-centred discussions in advance care planning—a qualitative analysis of conversations within the MUTUAL (Multidisciplinary Timely Undertaken Advance Care Planning conversations) intervention using a narrative analysis
Authors: van Lummel Eline V T J , Ietswaard Larissa , Rigter Marloes , Tjan Dave H T , van Delden Johannes J M , Milota Megan
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Advance care planning (ACP) aims to create conditions for more person-centred care. We aimed to explore variations in person-centred care discussions and treatment-centred care discussions within ACP conversations in the Multidisciplinary Timely Undertaken Advance Care Planning (MUTUAL) intervention and how person-centred care discussions could be encouraged. The MUTUAL intervention consists of the following: (i) timely patient selection, (ii) the patient and healthcare professionals preparing for the conversation, (iii) a scripted ACP conversation in a multidisciplinary setting and (iv) documentation.

Methods

We conducted a narrative analysis of ACP conversations. A narrative summary template was created and used to analyse 18 audio-recordings.

Results

We noticed variations in person-centred and treatment-centred focus within the ACP conversations. We identified three important strategies that facilitated person-centred care discussions within ACP conversations. First, healthcare professionals’ acceptance that ACP is an individual process. We believe it is important that healthcare professionals recognise and accept where the patient is in his or her individual ACP process; not making decisions right away can also be part of a decisional process. Secondly, exploring the underlying motivation for treatment wishes can give insights into patient’s wishes, values and needs. Lastly, healthcare professionals who demonstrated an adaptive, curious and engaged attitude throughout the ACP process achieved more person-centred ACP conversations. This coincided with elaborating on the patient’s emotions, fears and worries.

Conclusion

Person-centred and treatment-centred focus varied within the ACP conversations in the MUTUAL intervention. Certain strategies by healthcare professionals facilitated a more person-centred focus.
Identification of critical industry skills in an industrial hygiene graduate training program
Authors: Moore Jillian , Brazile William J , Brazile Mollie , Zarestky Jill
Published: March 2024

Graduates of industrial hygiene training (IH) programs must be able to meet continuously evolving health and safety needs in a wide variety of occupational settings. Therefore, academic IH graduate programs must regularly evaluate their curricula and solicit input from industry professionals to make curricular changes that will better prepare their students for professional roles in industry. The purpose of this study was to identify the training gaps that existed between industry needs and the current curriculum for a United States-accredited IH graduate training program. The research team facilitated two group interviews with the IH program advisory board, collected alumni survey data, and performed a qualitative analysis to identify skills gaps/needs for the IH Program graduates. The research team identified 3 themes from participant interviews and alumni surveys (technical, applied, and essential skills) and selected several skills within each theme that interview participants thought were necessary proficiencies for junior IH professionals. The skills identified in the qualitative interview and survey data can be incorporated into the curriculum to improve the training of IH graduate students. Additionally, by using qualitative analysis, the researchers uncovered essential skills previously unidentified in IH needs assessments, providing valuable information for all IH graduate programs.
Rhinoplasty Outcomes in Patients With Symptoms of Body Dysmorphia
Authors: Losorelli Steven , Kimura Kyle S , Wei Eric X , Abdelhamid Ahmed S , El Abany Ahmed , Green Allen , Karki Sabin , Stephanian Brooke A , Kandathil Cherian K , Most Sam P
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients with symptoms of body dysmorphia often seek consultation for aesthetic rhinoplasty. While body dysmorphic disorder is a formal psychiatric diagnosis, recent evidence indicates that patients with symptoms of this condition who seek rhinoplasty may experience increased satisfaction with their appearance following surgery.

Objectives

To determine the psychological impact of rhinoplasty in patients screened preoperatively and postoperatively with a body dysmorphia screening questionnaire.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent aesthetic and/or functional rhinoplasty by a single surgeon from June 2021 to April 2023. Adult patients with a complete preoperative and postoperative Body Dysmorphic Disorder–Aesthetic Surgery questionnaire (BDDQ-AS), Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey–Obstruction and Cosmesis (SCHNOS), and visual analog scale (VAS) were included. Patient characteristics and outcomes were analyzed, stratifying by BDDQ-AS screen.

Results

One-hundred fifteen patients (88% female) met criteria for inclusion. There was an 83% resolution rate of BDDQ-AS positive screening following rhinoplasty. Positive BDDQ-AS screening status preoperatively and postoperatively correlated with worse aesthetic satisfaction (all P < .002). No patient-reported outcome measures were indicative of which patients with a BDDQ-AS positive screen preoperatively would experience “resolution” postoperatively.

Conclusions

Body dysmorphia screening resolution following surgical intervention correlated with improved patient aesthetic satisfaction, pointing to a potential positive psychological impact of undergoing rhinoplasty.

Level of Evidence: 3
Smooth muscle cell-specific matrix metalloproteinase 3 deletion reduces osteogenic transformation and medial artery calcification
Authors: Xie Yangzhouyun , Lin Tonghui , Jin Ying , Berezowitz Alexa G , Wang Xue-Lin , Lu Jinny , Cai Yujun , Guzman Raul J
Published: March 2024

Aims

Vascular calcification is highly prevalent in atherosclerosis, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), also known as stromelysin-1, is part of the large matrix metalloproteinase family. It can degrade extracellular matrix components of the arterial wall including elastin, which plays a central role in medial calcification. In this study, we sought to determine the role of MMP-3 in medial calcification.

Methods and results

We found that MMP-3 was increased in rodent models of medial calcification as well as in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) cultured in a phosphate calcification medium. It was also highly expressed in calcified tibial arteries in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Knockdown and inhibition of MMP-3 suppressed phosphate-induced SMC osteogenic transformation and calcification, whereas the addition of a recombinant MMP-3 protein facilitated SMC calcification. In an ex vivo organ culture model and a rodent model of medial calcification induced by vitamin D3, we found that MMP-3 deficiency significantly suppressed medial calcification in the aorta. We further found that medial calcification and osteogenic transformation were significantly reduced in SMC-specific MMP-3-deficient mice, suggesting that MMP-3 in SMCs is an important factor in this process.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that MMP-3 expression in vascular SMCs is an important regulator of medial calcification and that targeting MMP-3 could provide a therapeutic strategy to reduce it and address its consequences in patients with PAD.
Primary percutaneous intervention in an unusual vessel using an unusual technique: a case report
Authors: Gupta Mohit D , Gautam Ankur , MP Girish , Bansal Ankit , Batra Vishal
Published: March 2024

Background

Primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI) of the saphenous vein graft (SVG) is associated with a high risk of distal embolization and no reflow, since SVG lesions are often very friable and have a large thrombotic burden. We report a case of successful PPCI of the SVG using guide catheter thrombectomy with novel double wire technique.

Case summary

A 60-year-old male with a past history of coronary artery bypass grafting presented with acute thrombotic occlusion of the SVG to the obtuse marginal graft. Despite appropriate pharmacotherapy (GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors) and thrombosuction, there was a large residual thrombus burden with poor distal flow. In the present case, we decided to perform guide catheter thrombosuction. An exchange length floppy 0.014' wire was passed alongside the pre-existing wire and the 6 Fr JR guide catheter was exchanged for a less traumatic 5 Fr JR guide catheter over the exchange wire. The first wire was kept distally in the vessel along the guiding catheter to maintain the access to the graft vessel. The 5 Fr JR guide catheter was slowly advanced over the wire to the distal portion of the graft, keeping the other wire in the distal portion of the graft to maintain access. A large amount of thrombus was aspirated and the patient improved dramatically.

Discussion

This double wire technique is an effortless and novel way to maintain access to the distal vasculature of the occluded artery, while the guide can be safely intubated deep into the coronary artery that helps in removing a very large amount of thrombus because of their larger internal lumen.
Casualties of border changes: evidence from nighttime lights and plant exit
Authors: Behrens Kristian
Published: March 2024

We investigate the economic effects of the Russia–Ukraine conflict – following the 2014 annexation of Crimea – on Russian border regions. While southern regions gained market access to Crimea, northern regions lost market access to Ukraine. Using nighttime lights data and geo-referenced plant-level data, we find that regions with deteriorating market access saw 43% less growth in lights – translating into 6–12% lower growth in GDP depending on the assumed lights-GDP elasticity – and a 35% increase in the exit probability for manufacturing plants after 2014. Exploiting variations in closed local border crossings in the northern regions, we find that these effects may be partly driven by less cross-border labour flows.