bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Location Privacy-Preserving Query Scheme Based on the Moore Curve and Multi-User Cache
Authors: Liu Zhenpeng , Liu Qiannan , Wei Jianhang , Miao Dewei , Wang Jingyi
Published: September 2022

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things, location-based services have emerged in many social and business fields. In obtaining the service, the user needs to transmit the query data to an untrusted location service provider for query and then obtain the required content. Most existing schemes tend to protect the user’s location privacy information while ignoring the user’s query privacy. This paper proposes a secure and effective query privacy protection scheme. The multi-user cache is used to store historical query results, reduce the number of communications between users and untrusted servers, and introduce trust computing for malicious users in neighbor caches, thereby reducing the possibility of privacy leakage. When the cache cannot meet the demand, the user’s location coordinates are converted using the Moore curve, processed using encryption technology, and sent to the location service provider to prevent malicious entities from accessing the transformed data. Finally, we simulate and evaluate the scheme on real datasets, and the experimental results demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the scheme.
Local Multi-Head Channel Self-Attention for Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: Pecoraro Roberto , Basile Valerio , Bono Viviana
Published: September 2022

Since the Transformer architecture was introduced in 2017, there has been many attempts to bring the self-attention paradigm in the field of computer vision. In this paper, we propose LHC: Local multi-Head Channel self-attention, a novel self-attention module that can be easily integrated into virtually every convolutional neural network, and that is specifically designed for computer vision, with a specific focus on facial expression recognition. LHC is based on two main ideas: first, we think that in computer vision, the best way to leverage the self-attention paradigm is the channel-wise application instead of the more well explored spatial attention. Secondly, a local approach has the potential to better overcome the limitations of convolution than global attention, at least in those scenarios where images have a constant general structure, as in facial expression recognition. LHC-Net achieves a new state-of-the-art in the FER2013 dataset, with a significantly lower complexity and impact on the “host” architecture in terms of computational cost when compared with the previous state-of-the-art.
Development of a Kairomone-Based Attractant as a Monitoring Tool for the Cocoa Pod Borer, Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)
Authors: Niogret Jerome , Kendra Paul E. , Ekayanti Arni , Zhang Aijun , Marelli Jean-Philippe , Tabanca Nurhayat , Epsky Nancy
Published: September 2022

The cocoa pod borer (CPB), Conopomorpha cramerella, is a major economic pest of cocoa, Theobroma cacao, in Southeast Asia. CPB monitoring programs currently use a costly synthetic pheromone lure attractive to males. Field trapping experiments demonstrating an effective plant-based alternative are presented in this study. Five lychee-based products were compared for their attractiveness to CPB males. The organic lychee flavor extract (OLFE), the most attractive product, captured significantly more CPB as a 1 mL vial formulation than unbaited traps, while being competitive with the commercial pheromone lures. Additional experiments show that a 20 mL membrane OLFE lure was most effective, attracting significantly more CPB than the pheromone. When the kairomone and pheromone lures were combined, no additive or synergistic effects were observed. Concentrating the OLFE product (OLFEc) using a rotary evaporator increased the lure attractiveness to field longevity for up to 28 weeks; in contrast, pheromone lures were effective for approximately 4 weeks. The 20 mL concentrated OLFE membrane lures should provide a cheaper and more efficient monitoring tool for CPB than the current commercial pheromone lures.
The Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Skills Inventory (BESSI): Psychometric Properties of a German-Language Adaptation, Temporal Stabilities of the Skills, and Associations with Personality and Intelligence
Authors: Lechner Clemens M. , Knopf Thomas , Napolitano Christopher M. , Rammstedt Beatrice , Roberts Brent W. , Soto Christopher J. , Spengler Marion
Published: September 2022

Social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills comprise a broad set of abilities that are essential for building and maintaining relationships, regulating emotions, selecting and pursuing goals, or exploring novel stimuli. Toward an improved SEB skill assessment, Soto and colleagues recently introduced the Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Skills Inventory (BESSI). Measuring 32 facets from 5 domains with 192 items (assessment duration: ~15 min), BESSI constitutes the most extensive SEB inventory to date. However, so far, BESSI exists only in English. In three studies, we comprehensively validated a novel German-language adaptation, BESSI-G. Moreover, we expanded evidence on BESSI in three ways by (1) assessing the psychometric properties of the 32 individual skill facets, in addition to their domain-level structure; (2) providing first insights into the temporal stabilities of the 32 facets over 1.5 and 8 months; and (3) investigating the domains’ and facets’ associations with intelligence, in addition to personality traits. Results show that BESSI-G exhibits good psychometric properties (unidimensionality, reliability, factorial validity). Its domain-level structure is highly similar to that of the English-language source version. The facets show high temporal stabilities, convergent validity with personality traits, and discriminant validity with fluid and crystallized intelligence. We discuss implications for research on SEB skills.
Three-Dimensional Semantic Segmentation of Diabetic Retinopathy Lesions and Grading Using Transfer Learning
Authors: Shaukat Natasha , Amin Javeria , Sharif Muhammad , Azam Faisal , Kadry Seifedine , Krishnamoorthy Sujatha
Published: September 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a drastic disease. DR embarks on vision impairment when it is left undetected. In this article, learning-based techniques are presented for the segmentation and classification of DR lesions. The pre-trained Xception model is utilized for deep feature extraction in the segmentation phase. The extracted features are fed to Deeplabv3 for semantic segmentation. For the training of the segmentation model, an experiment is performed for the selection of the optimal hyperparameters that provided effective segmentation results in the testing phase. The multi-classification model is developed for feature extraction using the fully connected (FC) MatMul layer of efficient-net-b0 and pool-10 of the squeeze-net. The extracted features from both models are fused serially, having the dimension of N × 2020, amidst the best N × 1032 features chosen by applying the marine predictor algorithm (MPA). The multi-classification of the DR lesions into grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 is performed using neural network and KNN classifiers. The proposed method performance is validated on open access datasets such as DIARETDB1, e-ophtha-EX, IDRiD, and Messidor. The obtained results are better compared to those of the latest published works.
Left Ventricular Unloading in Acute on Chronic Heart Failure: From Statements to Clinical Practice
Authors: Sacco Alice , Morici Nuccia , Oreglia Jacopo Andrea , Tavazzi Guido , Villanova Luca , Colombo Claudia , Garatti Laura , Mondino Michele Giovanni , Nava Stefano , Pappalardo Federico
Published: September 2022

Cardiogenic shock remains a deadly complication of acute on chronic decompensated heart failure (ADHF-CS). Despite its increasing prevalence, it is incompletely understood and therefore often misdiagnosed in the early phase. Precise diagnosis of the underlying cause of CS is fundamental for undertaking the correct therapeutic strategy. Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) is the mainstay of management: identifying and selecting optimal patients through understanding of the hemodynamics and a prompt profiling and timing, is key for success. A recent statement from the American Heart Association provided pragmatic suggestions on tMCS device selection, escalation, and weaning strategies. However, several areas of uncertainty still remain in clinical practice. Accordingly, we present an overview of the main pitfalls that can occur during patients’ management with tMCS through a clinical case. This case illustrates the strict interdependency between left ventricular unloading and right ventricular dysfunction in the case of low filling pressures. Moreover, it further illustrates the pivotal role of stepwise escalation of therapy in a patient with an ADHF-CS and its peculiarities as compared to other forms of acute heart failure.
Alpha-Mangostin Reduces Pericellular Fibronectin on Suspended Tumor Cells and Therapeutically, but Not Prophylactically, Suppresses Distant Metastasis
Authors: Huang Li-Tzu , Kuo Chin-Ho , Tseng Lin , Li Yi-Syuan , Cheng Li-Hsin , Cheng Chin-Yun , Sheu Shane-Rong , Chang Wen-Tsan , Chen Chien-Chin , Cheng Hung-Chi
Published: September 2022

Major cancer deaths can be ascribed to distant metastasis to which the assembly of pericellular fibronectin (periFN) on suspended tumor cells (STCs) in the bloodstream that facilitate endothelial attachment can lead. Even though mangosteen pericarps (MP) extracts and the major component α-mangostin (α-MG) exhibit potent cancer chemopreventive properties, whether they can prophylactically and therapeutically be used as dietary nutraceuticals to prevent distant metastasis by suppressing periFN assembly on STCs within the circulation remains obscure. Immunofluorescence staining, MTT assays, flow cytometric assays, immunoblotting, and experimental metastasis mouse models were used to detect the effects of MP extracts or α-MG on periFN on STCs, tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis, the AKT activity, and tumor lung metastasis. The periFN assembly on STCs was significantly diminished upon treatments of STCs with either α-MG or MP extracts in a dose-dependent manner without inhibiting cell proliferation and viability due to increased AKT activity. Pretreatment of STCs with α-MG appeared to suppress tumor lung metastasis and prolong mouse survival rates. Oral gavage with MP extracts could therapeutically, but not prophylactically, prevent lung metastasis of STCs. We concluded that MP extracts or the major component α-MG may therapeutically serve as a potent anti-metastatic nutraceutical.
Radiomics from Various Tumour Volume Sizes for Prognosis Prediction of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Voted Ensemble Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Tang Fuk-Hay , Cheung Eva-Yi-Wah , Wong Hiu-Lam , Yuen Chun-Ming , Yu Man-Hei , Ho Pui-Ching
Published: September 2022

Background: Traditionally, cancer prognosis was determined by tumours size, lymph node spread and presence of metastasis (TNM staging). Radiomics of tumour volume has recently been used for prognosis prediction. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of various sizes of tumour volume. A voted ensemble approach with a combination of multiple machine learning algorithms is proposed for prognosis prediction for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: A total of 215 HNSCC CT image sets with radiotherapy structure sets were acquired from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). Six tumour volumes, including gross tumour volume (GTV), diminished GTV, extended GTV, planning target volume (PTV), diminished PTV and extended PTV were delineated. The extracted radiomics features were analysed by decision tree, random forest, extreme boost, support vector machine and generalized linear algorithms. A voted ensemble machine learning (VEML) model that optimizes the above algorithms was used. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC-AUC) were used to compare the performance of machine learning methods, including accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Results: The VEML model demonstrated good prognosis prediction ability for all sizes of tumour volumes with reference to GTV and PTV with high accuracy of up to 88.3%, sensitivity of up to 79.9% and specificity of up to 96.6%. There was no significant difference between the various target volumes for the prognostic prediction of HNSCC patients (chi-square test, p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the proposed VEML model can accurately predict the prognosis of HNSCC patients using radiomics features from various tumour volumes.
L-DOPA and Droxidopa: From Force Field Development to Molecular Docking into Human β2-Adrenergic Receptor
Authors: Catte Andrea , Biswas Akash Deep , Mancini Giordano , Barone Vincenzo
Published: September 2022

The increasing interest in the molecular mechanism of the binding of different agonists and antagonists to β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) inactive and active states has led us to investigate protein–ligand interactions using molecular docking calculations. To perform this study, the 3.2 Å X-ray crystal structure of the active conformation of human β2AR in the complex with the endogenous agonist adrenaline has been used as a template for investigating the binding of two exogenous catecholamines to this adrenergic receptor. Here, we show the derivation of L-DOPA and Droxidopa OPLS all atom (AA) force field (FF) parameters via quantum mechanical (QM) calculations, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in aqueous solutions of the two catecholamines and the molecular docking of both ligands into rigid and flexible β2AR models. We observe that both ligands share with adrenaline similar experimentally observed binding anchor sites, which are constituted by Asp113/Asn312 and Ser203/Ser204/Ser207 side chains. Moreover, both L-DOPA and Droxidopa molecules exhibit binding affinities comparable to that predicted for adrenaline, which is in good agreement with previous experimental and computational results. L-DOPA and Droxidopa OPLS AA FFs have also been tested by performing MD simulations of these ligands docked into β2AR proteins embedded in lipid membranes. Both hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interaction networks observed over the 1 μs MD simulation are comparable with those derived from molecular docking calculations and MD simulations performed with the CHARMM FF.
Wear Behavior of Bronze vs. 100Cr6 Friction Pairs under Different Lubrication Conditions for Bearing Applications
Authors: Demirsöz Recep
Published: September 2022

Damage due to a shortage or excess of or the pollution of lubricating oil is often cited as one of the most significant issues confronted by the rolling mill sectors. Lubrication can be provided by either central lubrication systems or individual lubrication systems. In this study, the wear characteristics of the mono-block rolling plain bearing material that is utilized in wire rod rolling mills were evaluated under conditions where the lubricating oil medium included either 2.5% of scale, 5% of scale, or no scale at all. In this experimental study, a unique ball-on-flat experimental setup similar to the one used in the ASTM G133-05 standards was used. Bronze was used as the bearing material and 100Cr6 roller-bearing steel was used as a steel ball of 6 mm in diameter. The experiments were carried out at room temperature, at three different sliding speeds of 5 mm/s, 10 mm/s, and 15 mm/s, and with three different loads of 10 N, 20 N, and 30 N. The wear mechanisms were analyzed visually and elementally using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) methods. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Response Surface Method (RSM) were used to analyze the test results, such as volumetric material loss, the coefficient of friction, and the surface profile. In this study, which was carried out in a lubricant environment containing solid particles, the most effective parameter was the environmental parameter. The increase in the number of solid particles caused an increase in volume loss and friction coefficient.
TiNi Alloy Lattice Structures with Negative Poisson’s Ratio: Computer Simulation and Experimental Results
Authors: Farber Eduard , Orlov Alexey , Borisov Evgenii , Repnin Arseniy , Kuzin Stepan , Golubkov Nikita , Popovich Anatoly
Published: September 2022

One of the issues that modern implants face is their high stiffness, coupled with a positive Poisson’s ratio along the implant. This creates certain problems with bone inflammation and implant detachment. A possible solution to these problems is TiNi alloy lattice structure implants with low stiffness and negative Poisson’s ratio. This paper presents the results of simulation, fabrication by the SLM technique, and study of lattice structures with negative Poisson’s ratio, which can help to solve said problems. The studies involve the determination of mechanical characteristics, Poisson’s ratio, transformation temperatures, and the potential for a superelasticity effect of the lattice structure. The characteristics obtained at initial simulation were partially confirmed in the course of the works. Moreover, the possibility of fabricating TiNi alloy lattice structures with negative Poisson’s ratio (about −0.00323) and low Young’s modulus values (0.818 GPa) was confirmed by the SLM technique.
Synergetic-Deformation-Induced Strengthening in Gradient Nano-Grained Metals: A 3D Discrete Dislocation Dynamics Study
Authors: Lu Songjiang , Kan Qianhua , Zhang Bo , Yu Chao , Zhang Xu
Published: September 2022

Gradient nano-grained (GNG) metals have shown high synergetic strength and good ductility due to their unique gradient microstructure. In this study, the mechanical behavior of gradient nano-grained metals was investigated by three-dimensional discrete dislocation dynamics. The simulation results show a trend that the successive yielding and gradual “transmission” of dislocations along the gradient direction result in a gradient distribution of stress and plastic strain. The distribution of geometrically necessary dislocations is more inhomogeneous in the gradient nano-grained (GNG) sample compared with those homogenous counterparts. The non-uniform deformation response of component layers induces the synergetic-deformation-induced (SDI) strengthening in the GNG sample. The back stress originates from geometrically necessary dislocations that pile up near the interface of gradient layers and leads to a significant hardening while there is a slight softening in different gradient layers in the GNG sample. This study provides a deeper insight into the SDI strengthening in gradient structure from the submicron scale.
Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins in Psoriasis—A Review
Authors: Nowowiejska Julia , Baran Anna , Flisiak Iwona
Published: September 2022

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases in dermatological practice. It affects about 1–3% of the general population and is associated with different comorbidities, especially metabolic syndrome. Fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are a family of cytosolic proteins which are an important link in lipid metabolism and transport; moreover, they have different tissue specificity and properties. So far, ten FABPs have been discovered and seven have been investigated in psoriasis. In this review, we discuss the nature of all FABPs and their role in psoriasis. FABPs have different organ and tissue expression, and hence various functions, and may be markers of different disorders. Considering the concentration of a few of them tends to be elevated in psoriasis, it confirms the current perception of psoriasis as a multiorgan disorder associated with plenty of comorbidities. Some FABPs may be also further investigated as biomarkers of psoriasis organ complications. FABP-1 and FABP-5 may become potential markers of metabolic complications and inflammation in psoriasis. FABP-7 could perhaps be further investigated as an indicator of the neurodegenerative processes in psoriatic patients.
Implementation and Performance Analysis of Constellation Dynamic Selection in Multi-Constellation RAIM
Authors: Meng Qian , Zhuang Yuan , Li Shengying
Published: September 2022

Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) plays a crucial role in many fields, such as aerospace and transportation. Integrity is the measure of trust used in GNSS positioning especially in safety-critical applications. Advanced receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (ARAIM), taking full advantage of multi-constellation GNSS, shows huge potential to provide vertical navigation in civil aviation en route navigation and terminal approaches. However, the multi-constellation ARAIM also greatly exposes computational complexity and potential performance hazards in fault modes determination and fault-tolerant positioning. From the perspective of integrity risk control, rather than the pursuit of better positioning accuracy blindly for safety-critical applications, the concept of constellation dynamic selection is proposed and implemented in ARAIM and the performance analysis is discussed in this paper. Only the best two constellations which have the best vertical geometry performance are involved in ARAIM calculation anytime anywhere. The proposed method shows superiority in both integrity availability and computational complexity in both simulations and actual GNSS signal experiments. While the computational complexity is less than 10% of that using four constellations, 100% availability under LPV-200 criteria can be achieved in worldwide coverage experiment. The proposed method also overcomes the shortcomings of ARAIM with two fixed constellations and shows good robustness under depleted scenarios. Furthermore, the statistics results from observation stations proved the applicability and generality of the proposed method under current developing GNSS constellations.
Z-Shaped Electrothermal Microgripper Based on Novel Asymmetric Actuator
Authors: Tecpoyotl-Torres Margarita , Vargas-Chable Pedro , Escobedo-Alatorre Jesus , Cisneros-Villalobos Luis , Sarabia-Vergara Josahandy
Published: September 2022

Based on a V-shaped microactuator with a pair of beams, modifications were made to the length and width of a microactuator to observe the effects. A theoretical approach and numerical characterization of the modified microactuator were performed. Its performance was compared to a similar microactuator with equal beam widths, and a V-shaped microactuator. The proposed microactuator, fed at 2 V, compared to the V-shaped actuator, showed a 370.48% increase in force, but a 29.8% decrease in displacement. The equivalent von Mises stress level increased (until 74.2 MPa), but was below the silicon ultimate stress. When the modified microactuator was applied to the proposed microgripper, compared to the case using a V-shaped actuator, the displacement between the jaws increased from 0.85 µm to 4.85 µm, the force from 42.11 mN to 73.61 mN, and the natural frequency from 11.36 kHz to 37.99 kHz; although the temperature increased, on average, from 42 °C up to 73 °C, it is not a critical value for many microobjects. The maximum equivalent von Mises stress was equal to 68.65 MPa. Therefore, it has been demonstrated that the new modified microactuator with damping elements is useful for the proposed microgripper of novel geometry, while a reduced area is maintained.
Construction of Ultrastable Conjugated Microporous Polymers Containing Thiophene and Fluorene for Metal Ion Sensing and Energy Storage
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Gamal , Hu Huan-Yu , Madhu Manivannan , Ejaz Mohsin , Sharma Santosh U. , Tseng Wei-Lung , Samy Maha Mohamed , Huang Cheng-Wei , Lee Jyh-Tsung , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: September 2022

In this study, we have used the one-pot polycondensation method to prepare novel 2D conjugated microporous polymers (Th-F-CMP) containing thiophene (Th) and fluorene (Fl) moieties through the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data revealed that Th-F-CMP (Td10 = 418 °C, char yield: 53 wt%). Based on BET analyses, the Th-F-CMP sample displayed a BET specific surface area of 30 m2 g−1, and the pore size was 2.61 nm. Next, to show the effectiveness of our study, we utilized Th-F-CMP as a fluorescence probe for the selective detection of Fe3+ ions at neutral pH with a linear range from 2.0 to 25.0 nM (R2 = 0.9349). Furthermore, the electrochemical experimental studies showed that the Th-F-CMP framework had a superior specific capacity of 84.7 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 and outstanding capacitance retention (88%) over 2000 cycles.
ZrB2/SiCN Thin-Film Strain Gauges for In-Situ Strain Detection of Hot Components
Authors: Lin Fan , Pan Xiaochuan , Wu Chao , Zeng Yingjun , Chen Guochun , Chen Qinnan , Sun Daoheng , Hai Zhenyin
Published: September 2022

The in-situ strain/stress detection of hot components in harsh environments remains a challenging task. In this study, ZrB2/SiCN thin-film strain gauges were fabricated on alumina substrates by direct writing. The effects of ZrB2 content on the electrical conductivity and strain sensitivity of ZrB2/SiCN composites were investigated, and based on these, thin film strain gauges with high electrical conductivity (1.71 S/cm) and a gauge factor of 4.8 were prepared. ZrB2/SiCN thin-film strain gauges exhibit excellent static, cyclic strain responses and resistance stability at room temperature. In order to verify the high temperature performance of the ZrB2/SiCN thin-film strain gauges, the temperature-resistance characteristic curves test, high temperature resistance stability test and cyclic strain test were conducted from 25 °C to 600 °C. ZrB2/SiCN thin-film strain gauges exhibit good resistance repeatability and stability, and highly sensitive strain response, from 25 °C to 600 °C. Therefore, ZrB2/SiCN thin-film strain gauges provide an effective approach for the measurement of in-situ strain of hot components in harsh environments.
A Novel L-Gate InGaAs/GaAsSb TFET with Improved Performance and Suppressed Ambipolar Effect
Authors: Ma Boyang , Chen Shupeng , Wang Shulong , Han Tao , Zhang Hao , Yin Chenyu , Chen Yaolin , Liu Hongxia
Published: September 2022

A heterojunction tunneling field effect transistor with an L-shaped gate (HJ-LTFET), which is very applicable to operate at low voltage, is proposed and studied by TCAD tools in this paper. InGaAs/GaAsSb heterojunction is applied in HJ-LTFET to enhance the ON-state current (ION). Owing to the quasi-broken gap energy band alignment of InGaAs/GaAsSb heterojunction, height and thickness of tunneling barrier are greatly reduced. However, the OFF-state leakage current (IOFF) also increases significantly due to the reduced barrier height and thickness and results in an obvious source-to-drain tunneling (SDT). In order to solve this problem, an HfO2 barrier layer is inserted between source and drain. Result shows that the insertion layer can greatly suppress the horizontal tunneling leakage appears at the source and drain interface. Other optimization studies such as work function modulation, doping concentration optimization, scaling capability, and analog/RF performance analysis are carried out, too. Finally, the HJ-LTFET with a large ION of 213 μA/μm, a steep average SS of 8.9 mV/dec, and a suppressed IOFF of 10−12 μA/μm can be obtained. Not only that, but the fT and GBP reached the maximum values of 68.3 GHz and 7.3 GHz under the condition of Vd = 0.5 V, respectively.
Simulation Study: The Impact of Structural Variations on the Characteristics of a Buried-Channel-Array Transistor (BCAT) in DRAM
Authors: Sun Minjae , Baac Hyoung Won , Shin Changhwan
Published: September 2022

As the physical dimensions of cell transistors in dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) have been aggressively scaled down, buried-channel-array transistors (BCATs) have been adopted in industry to suppress short channel effects and to achieve a better performance. In very aggressively scaled-down BCATs, the impact of structural variations on the electrical characteristics can be more significant than expected. Using a technology computer-aided design (TCAD) tool, the structural variations in BCAT (e.g., the aspect ratio of the BCAT recess-to-gate length, BCAT depth, junction depth, fin width, and fin fillet radius) were simulated to enable a quantitative understanding of its impact on the device characteristics, such as the input/output characteristics, threshold voltage, subthreshold swing, on-/off-current ratio, and drain-induced barrier lowering. This work paves the road for the design of a variation-robust BCAT.
New Compact Antenna Array for MIMO Internet of Things Applications
Authors: Abdulkawi Wazie M. , Alqaisei Mohammed A. , Sheta Abdel-Fattah A. , Elshafiey Ibrahim
Published: September 2022

A communication system is proposed for the Internet of Things (IoT) applications in desert areas with extended coverage of regional area network requirements. The system implements a developed six-element array that operates at a 2.45 GHz frequency band and is optimized to reduce the size and limit element coupling to less than −20 dB. Analysis of the proposed system involves a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) operation to obtain the diversity gain and spectral efficiency. In addition, the radiation efficiency of the proposed antenna is greater than 65% in the operation bandwidth (more than 30 MHz) with a peak of 73% at 2.45 GHz. Moreover, an adaptive beamforming system is presented based on monitoring the direction of arrival (DOA) of various signals using the root MUSIC algorithm and utilizing the DOA data in a minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) technique beamformer. The developed array is found to have an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) value of less than 0.013, mean effective gain (MEG) of more than 1 dB, diversity gain of more than 9.9 dB, and channel capacity loss (CCL) of less than 0.4 bits/s/Hz over the operation bandwidth. Adaptive beamforming is used to suppress interference and enhance the signal-to-interference noise ratio (SINR) and is found to achieve a data rate of more than 50 kbps for a coverage distance of up to 100 km with limited power signals.
Optimization of Operating Parameters for Coal Low-Temperature Ashing: A Suitable and Efficient Treatment Method for Mineral Analysis in Coal
Authors: Han Qiuchan , Liu Jingjing , Shang Niande , Zhao Shumao , Jia Rongkun
Published: September 2022

Low-temperature oxygen-plasma ashing plus X-ray diffraction analysis is one of the effective techniques to identify minerals in coal. However, previous publications have not provided any details of the exact low-temperature degrees and corresponding working conditions of ashers, and this could lead to two adverse effects without proper operating guidance: (1) a relatively high temperature (e.g., >150 °C) may cause alteration of minerals (particularly clay minerals), and (2) a relatively low temperature (e.g., <80 °C) may cause a long ashing time and incomplete ashing of organic matter. In this study, the authors introduced the most frequently used low-temperature plasma ashers (PVA TePla IoN 40 made in America and Quorum K1050X made in Britain) to reveal optional operating parameters for low-temperature ashing. The ashing effects were analyzed from the aspects of ash mass, X-ray diffraction patterns, and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of minerals. Considering all the factors above, it is concluded that the ashing is the best when the running power is 200 W for the IoN 40, at which the diffraction peaks of chlorite d(004) and kaolinite d(002) can be clearly distinguished by LTAs-XRD analysis. In addition, different low temperatures have certain influence on the crystal structure of minerals. When the power rises to above 300 W (about 150 °C), the crystal structure of minerals undergoes changes. The symmetry and integrity of the mineral peaks became worse, and destructive interference occurred between the spacing of reflection planes, resulting in significant decrease in diffraction peak intensity; thus, some trace minerals were unable to be identified. The study on the working parameters of the instrument would be helpful to ash coals more effectively and make qualitative and quantitative analysis of minerals more accurate.
Association of Rare Earths in Different Phases of Marcellus and Haynesville Shale: Implications on Release and Recovery Strategies
Authors: Bhattacharya Shailee , Agrawal Vikas , Sharma Shikha
Published: September 2022

Hydrocarbon-rich shales have been a major natural gas source in the US over the last decade. These organic-rich shales can also potentially serve as a source of some rare earth elements (REYs). However, the mode of occurrence and the geochemical processes that led to REY enrichment in these shales are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the whole-rock REY content and associations of REYs in the different phases of Marcellus and Haynesville Shale samples. A traditional sequential extraction procedure was adopted to understand the association of REYs in (i) exchangeable, (ii) acid-soluble, (iii) pyritic, (iv) organic matter, and (v) silicate fractions. Extraction efficiency was assessed by comparing the mineralogy of the pre- and post-sequential extraction samples using XRD. Elemental ratios such as La/Lu, La/Sm, Gd/Lu, Y/Ho, and Ce and Eu anomalies were utilized to understand whole-rock-normalized REY distribution patterns. Further, the distribution pattern in each extracted phase was examined to account for the relative contribution of phases to REY enrichment. The economic potential of these samples was evaluated by calculating HREE/LREE ratios, outlook coefficients, and by comparing their REY levels with those of coal fly ash deposits. Our results indicate that whole-rock REY content in the analyzed shale samples ranged from 295 to 342 ppm, with Haynesville Shale having a higher concentration than the Marcellus Shale sample. All samples exhibited an MREE–HREE-enriched pattern, indicating that the REY content is primarily contributed by carbonate and siliciclastic inputs. However, the average total REY extraction efficiency was only approximately 20% from the Haynesville samples and 9% from the Marcellus sample. We postulate that the poor REY yield is due to a high amount of refractory aluminosilicate/clay fraction in these samples. We demonstrate that traditional sequential extraction procedures may not be effective for extracting REYs from high organic–high aluminosilicate shale.
Zircon U–Pb Age and Geochemistry of Ore-Hosting Rocks from the Liuhe Orefield of the Jiapigou Gold Ore Belt, NE China: Magmatism and Tectonic Implications
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yang Yanchen , Guo Piyi , Wutiepu Wukeyila
Published: September 2022

Liuhe gold orefield is being newly explored in the southeast part of the Jiapigou gold ore belt, and occurs in the Neoarchean basement composed of trondhjemite–tonalite–granodiorite (TTG). Zircon U–Pb data suggest that the ore-hosting magma emplacement in the Liuhe orefield mainly took place in two epochs: late Neoarchean to early Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2500 Ma) and early Jurassic of the Mesozoic era (ca. 170 Ma). The TTG rocks show higher A12O3 (12.58 to 15.71%) and Na2O/K2O ratios (1.16 to 2.9), and lower MgO (0.93 to 2.73%) and Mg# values, with positive Eu anomaly and low Y and Yb content, and high Sr/Y (22.3–79.6), and the plot in the adakite field in the Sr/Y-Y discriminant diagram belongs to the modern island-arc adakite rocks. Samples in this study are plotted in the pre-plate collision area in the R1-R2 discrimination diagram, and fall into the VAG and VAG + Syn-COLG field in the Rb-Y + Nb and Nb-Y diagram, respectively, indicating that the magmatism is related to plate subduction. The ore-bearing TTGs of the late Neoarchean to early Paleoproterozoic deposits were derived from the partial melting of mafic lower crustal caused by the underplating of basaltic magma on the island-arc or active continental margin before plate collision. The magmatism of the Dajiagou deposit occurred in active continental margin setting associated with the westward subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate beneath Eurasian Plate during the early Jurassic of Mesozoic period.
Two Periods of Porphyry Cu Mineralization and Metallogenic Implications in the Tuwu–Yandong Belt (NW China), Based on Re–Os Systematics of Molybdenite
Authors: An Weicai , Xue Chunji , Zhao Yun , Li Chao
Published: September 2022

The Tuwu–Yandong belt contains five porphyry Cu deposits (Fuxing, Yandong, Tuwu, Linglong, and Chihu), constituting the largest Cu metallogenic belt in Northwest China. However, the metallogenic framework for porphyry Cu deposits in the belt remains controversial. Rhenium-osmium dating of molybdenite from the Tuwu, Linglong, and Chihu deposits and comparisons with previous geochronological data of five deposits suggest that two episodes (335–330 Ma and 323–315 Ma) of porphyry Cu–Mo mineralization occurred in the Tuwu–Yandong belt, and the metals were mainly sourced from the mantle. Moreover, combined with the geodynamic framework of this belt, the compressional environment may be more favorable for porphyry Cu mineralization, and further exploration into the Early Carboniferous porphyry Cu deposits in this belt is expected.
Exploration of the Interrelationship within Biomass Pyrolysis Liquid Composition Based on Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Guo Genmao , Huang Qing , Jin Fangming , Lin Linyi , Wang Qingqing , Fu Qionglin , Liu Yin , Sajjad Muhammad , Wang Junfeng , Liao Zhenni , Cai Miao
Published: September 2022

The diverse utilization of pyrolysis liquid is closely related to its chemical compositions. Several factors affect PA compositions during the preparation. In this study, multivariate statistical analysis was conducted to assess PA compositions data obtained from published paper and experimental data. Results showed the chemical constituents were not significantly different in different feedstock materials. Acids and phenolics contents were 31.96% (CI: 25.30–38.62) and 26.50% (CI: 21.43–31.57), respectively, accounting for 58.46% (CI: 46.72–70.19) of the total relative contents. When pyrolysis temperatures range increased to above 350 °C, acids and ketones contents decreased by more than 5.2-fold and 1.53-fold, respectively, whereas phenolics content increased by more than 2.1-fold, and acetic acid content was the highest, reaching 34.16% (CI: 25.55–42.78). Correlation analysis demonstrated a significantly negative correlation between acids and phenolics (r2 = −0.43, p < 0.001) and significantly positive correlation between ketones and alcohols (r2 = 0.26, p < 0.05). The pyrolysis temperatures had a negative linear relationship with acids (slope = −0.07, r2 = 0.16, p < 0.001) and aldehydes (slope = −0.02, r2 = 0.09, p < 0.05) and positive linear relationship with phenolics (slope = 0.04, r2 = 0.07, p < 0.05). This study provides a theoretical reference of PA application.
Essential Oil Compositions of Pinus Species (P. contorta Subsp. contorta, P. ponderosa var. ponderosa, and P. flexilis); Enantiomeric Distribution of Terpenoids in Pinus Species
Authors: Ankney Elizabeth , Swor Kathy , Satyal Prabodh , Setzer William N.
Published: September 2022

Pinus species are important in traditional medicine throughout their ranges, and pine essential oils are of interest in aromatherapy and as topical treatments. In this work, the leaf (needle) essential oils of Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa and Pinus contorta subsp. contorta from Oregon and Pinus flexilis growing in Idaho, have been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatographic techniques. The leaf essential oil of P. ponderosa was dominated by β-pinene (21.5–55.3%), methyl chavicol (8.5–41.5%), α-pinene (3.6–9.6%), δ-3-carene (3.6–6.2%), and α-terpineol (1.4–5.3%). The major components of P. contorta essential oil were β-phellandrene (23.8%), terpinen-4-ol (11.0%). The essential oil of P. flexilis was dominated by α-pinene (37.1%), β-pinene (21.9%), bornyl acetate (12.8%), and camphene (8.5%). Chiral gas chromatography revealed the enantiomeric ratios of α-pinene and limonene to be variable, but (−)-β-pinene predominated in Pinus essential oils.
The Influence of Yb Doping and Sintering Conditions on the Magnetocaloric and Mechanical Properties of EuS
Authors: Li Liang , Chen Yuqi , He Junbao , Zhou Aiguo
Published: September 2022

For this work, europium monosulfide (EuS) powders were prepared by sulfurizing Eu2O3 powder with CS2 gas. The synthesized EuS powders were sintered by SPS at temperatures in the 800–1600 °C range for 0.33–1 h at 50 MPa under vacuum conditions. The influences of Yb doping and sintering conditions on the magnetocaloric and mechanical properties of EuS were investigated systematically. An increase in sintering temperature caused the rise of lattice parameters of EuS, whereas Yb doping caused them to drop. SEM showed that the grain size of the EuS increased with sintering temperatures in the 1000–1400 °C range. Higher sintering temperatures can enlarge the magnetizability and saturation magnetization of EuS compact. On the contrary, Yb doping can weaken the magnetizability and saturation magnetization of EuS compact. All sintered polycrystalline EuS compacts had weaker thermomagnetic irreversibility and lower magnetic anisotropy.
Enumeration of the Multiplicative Degree-Kirchhoff Index in the Random Polygonal Chains
Authors: Zhu Wanlin , Geng Xianya
Published: September 2022

Multiplicative degree-Kirchhoff index is a very interesting topological index. In this article, we compute analytical expression for the expected value of the Multiplicative degree-Kirchhoff index in a random polygonal. Based on the result above, we also get the Multiplicative degree-Kirchhoff index of all polygonal chains with extremal values and average values.
Confined Crystallization of Thin Plasma-Polymerized Nanocomposite Films with Maleic Anhydride and Cellulose Nanocrystals under Hydrolysis
Authors: Samyn Pieter
Published: September 2022

The creation of novel surface morphologies through thin-film patterning is important from a scientific and technological viewpoint in order to control specific surface properties. The pulsed-plasma polymerization of thin nanocomposite films, including maleic anhydride (MA) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), may result in different metastable film morphologies that are difficult to control. Alternatively, the transformation of deposited plasma films into crystalline structures introduces unique and more stable morphologies. In this study, the structural rearrangements of plasma-polymerized (MA+CNC) nanocomposite films after controlled hydrolysis in a humid atmosphere were studied, including effects of plasma conditions (low duty cycle, variable power) and monomer composition (ratio MA/CNC) on hydrolysis stability. The progressive growth of crystalline structures with fractal dendrites was observed in confined thin films of 30 to 50 nm. The structures particularly formed on hydrophilic substrates and were not observed before on the more hydrophobic substrates, as they exist as a result of water penetration and interactions at the film/substrate interface. Furthermore, the nucleating effect and local pinning of the crystallites to the substrate near CNC positions enhanced the film stability. The chemical structures after hydrolysis were further examined through XPS, indicating esterification between the MA carboxylic acid groups and CNC surface. The hydrolysis kinetics were quantified from the conversion of anhydride groups into carboxylic moieties by FTIR analysis, indicating enhanced hydrolytic stability of p(MA+CNC) nanocomposite films relative to the pure p(MA) films.
New 1,2,3-Triazole-Coumarin-Glycoside Hybrids and Their 1,2,4-Triazolyl Thioglycoside Analogs Targeting Mitochondria Apoptotic Pathway: Synthesis, Anticancer Activity and Docking Simulation
Authors: El-Sayed Wael A. , Alminderej Fahad M. , Mounier Marwa M. , Nossier Eman S. , Saleh Sayed M. , F. Kassem Asmaa
Published: September 2022

Toxicity and resistance to newly synthesized anticancer drugs represent a challenging phenomenon of intensified concern arising from variation in drug targets and consequently the prevalence of the latter concern requires further research. The current research reports the design, synthesis, and anticancer activity of new 1,2,3-triazole-coumarin-glycosyl hybrids and their 1,2,4-triazole thioglycosides as well as acyclic analogs. The cytotoxic activity of the synthesized products was studied against a panel of human cancer cell lines. Compounds 8, 10, 16 and 21 resulted in higher activities against different human cancer cells. The impact of the hybrid derivative 10 upon different apoptotic protein markers, including cytochrome c, Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-7 along with its effect on the cell cycle was investigated. It revealed a mitochondria-apoptotic effect on MCF-7 cells and had the ability to upregulate pro-apoptotic Bax protein and downregulate anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and thus implies the apoptotic fate of the cells. Furthermore, the inhibitory activities against EGFR, VEGFR-2 and CDK-2/cyclin A2 kinases for 8, 10 and 21 were studied to detect the mechanism of their high potency. The coumarin-triazole-glycosyl hybrids 8 and 10 illustrated excellent broad inhibitory activity (IC50= 0.22 ± 0.01, 0.93 ± 0.42 and 0.24 ± 0.20 μM, respectively, for compound 8), (IC50 = 0.12 ± 0.50, 0.79 ± 0.14 and 0.15± 0. 60 μM, respectively, for compound 10), in comparison with the reference drugs, erlotinib, sorafenib and roscovitine (IC50 = 0.18 ± 0.05, 1.58 ± 0.11 and 0.46 ± 0.30 μM, respectively). In addition, the docking study was simulated to afford better rationalization and put insight into the binding affinity between the promising derivatives and their targeted enzymes and that might be used as an optimum lead for further modification in the anticancer field.
Nucleophilic Functionalization of 2-R-3-Nitropyridines as a Versatile Approach to Novel Fluorescent Molecules
Authors: Nikol’skiy Vladislav V. , Minyaev Mikhail E. , Bastrakov Maxim A. , Starosotnikov Alexey M.
Published: September 2022

A number of new 2-methyl- and 2-arylvinyl-3-nitropyridines were synthesized and their reactions with thiols were studied. It was found that 3-NO2 tends to be selectively substituted under the action of sulfur nucleophiles in the presence of another nucleofuge in position 5. Correlations between the substitution pattern and regioselectivity as well as photophysical properties were established. Some synthesized compounds possessed a large Stokes shift.