bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain technology: a novel approach to enhance ecology conservation and management
Authors: Nazarov Dmitry , Sulimin Vladimir , Shvedov Vladislav
Published: August 2023

Blockchain technology has shown promise in various industries, but its application in ecology has been limited. This study explores the potential of blockchain in addressing ecological challenges, improving transparency, and promoting sustainable practices. A comprehensive literature review is conducted, followed by a qualitative analysis of relevant case studies. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of blockchain in enhancing data security, traceability, and stakeholder collaboration. The study concludes that blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize ecological conservation and management, ultimately leading to more sustainable ecosystems.
Characteristics of mycobiota in some cultivated plants by species composition and frequency of occurence in the conditions of Azerbaijan
Authors: Rauf Mehriban , Baba Elsevar , Mazahir Gunash
Published: August 2023

The mycobiota of various plants used for food and fodder purposes in Azerbaijan was studied in the presented paper. It was shown that 127 species of fungi participate in formation of the mycobiota from 19 species of the studied plants, 115 species of which belong to fungi (mycota) and 12 species belong to mushroom-like organisms (chromistan fungi). 38 species of reported mushrooms can spread throughout the territory of Azerbaijan, and their frequency of occurrence ranges from 3.4 to 54.3%. Among the fungi characterizing by distribution on a certain plant, as well as by various indicators of the frequency of occurrence, there are species (Botrytis cinerea, Erysiphe communis, Fuzarium oxysporum F.moniliforme, F.solani, Uromyces pisi, Vertisillium dahlias and others) that cause dangerous diseases in cultivated plants. The results obtained during the research are important from the point of view of taking preventive measures to limit the activity of phytopathogenic fungi in the future.
Criteria for evaluation of response to biologics in severe asthma – the Biologics Asthma Response Score (BARS)
Authors: Milger Katrin , Korn Stephanie , Feder Claudia , Fuge Jan , Mühle Andreas , Schütte Wolfgang , Skowasch Dirk , Timmermann Hartmut , Suhling Hendrik
Published: August 2023

Background The introduction of monoclonal antibodies (biologics) has revolutionized the therapy of severe asthma. Even though there is a response in the majority of patients, the degree of response varies. To date criteria for assessment of response to biologics are not consistently defined.

Aim To define criteria for evaluation of response to biologics that are precise, simple and suitable for daily use in order to guide decision-making regarding continuation, switching or stopping of biological therapy.

Methods 8 physicians with large experience in this indication, supported by a data-scientist, developed a consensus on criteria to evaluate response to biologics in patients with severe asthma.

Result We developed a combined score based on current literature, own experience and practicability. It uses the main criteria exacerbations, oral corticosteroid (OCS) therapy and asthma control (asthma control test, ACT). We defined thresholds for “good response”, “response” and “insufficient response” rated with a score of “2”, “1” and “0” respectively: annual exacerbations (“0 or reduction ≥ 75 %”, “reduction 50–74 %”, “reductio < 50 %”), daily OCS dose (“stopping or reduction ≥ 75 %”, “reduction 50–74 %”, “reduction < 50 %”), asthma control (“ACT increase ≥ 6 or ≥ 3 with result ≥ 20”, “ACT increase 3–5 with result < 20”, “ACT increase < 3”). Additional individual criteria like lung function and comorbidities may be important for evaluation of response. We propose 3, 6 and 12 months timepoint for assessment of tolerability and response. Using the combined score, we developed a scheme to guide the decision whether switching the biologic should be considered.

Conclusion The Biologic Asthma Response Score (BARS) serves as objective and simple tool to evaluate response to biologic therapy using the three main criteria exacerbations, OCS use and asthma control. A validation of the score was initiated.
Lupeol: A Triterpenoid Isolated from the Stem Bark of Hymenocardia
Acida (tul.) Exhibits a van der Waal Antagonism on the Alpha Subunit of Gastric
H+K+Atpase – A Promising Antiulcer
Principle
Authors: Oluwasegun Adedokun , Ogochukwu Ume , Ugochukwu Ojukwu , Mussaddiq Ismail , Bunyamin Ayinde
Published: August 2023

Background
Hymenocardia acida (HA) is one of the numerous medicinal
plants in Nigeria with ethnomedicinal history of usage in the treatment of
ulcer. The study aimed at isolating antiulcer principle(s) from the stem bark of
HA as well as the mechanism of action determination.

Methods Antiulcer screenings of the crude extract, aqueous fraction, and
bulked VLC fractions were performed using in vivo and in vitro
models. Docking was carried out by using PyRx.

Results Crude extract (HA; 1 mg/mL) and the aqueous
fraction of H. acida (HAA; 1 mg/mL) showed an acid
neutralizing capacity (MEq) of 0.3948 and 0.4035, respectively which is
significantly different from 0.431 MEq showed by negative control (distilled
water) at p<0.05. BVLC 3 (1 mg/mL) showed a
significant value of 0.4049 MEq. However, HA showed a dose-dependent decrease in
activity across doses examined, with 100 mg/kg showing an ulcer
index of 10.00±2.89 (61.50%) and cimetidine (positive control;
100 mg/kg), also showed the highest ulcer index of
3.67±0.88 (85.9%), which is significantly different from ulcer
index of 26.00±6.35 (0.00%) p<0.05 observed in
the negative control (5% dimethylsulphoxide). The highest ulcer index of
8.00±1.32 (65.10%) was noted in BVLC 3. Bioactive BVLC 3,
resulted in an isolated compound (BF3B2A). The compound was suggested to be
lupeol, with a docking score of −7.7. It showed a van der Waal
interaction with some key amino acid residues in the vonoprazan binding
site.

Conclusion The experimental studies justify the ethnomedicinal claim of
usage among locals.
Investigation of Serum Amphiregulin Concentrations in Pregnant Women
Diagnosed with Isolated Fetal Growth Restriction in the Third
Trimester
Authors: Ramadan Fatma İsmail Ali , Kale İbrahim , Kobal Berna Buse , Ozel Aysegul , Muhcu Murat
Published: August 2023

Objective We aimed to investigate serum amphiregulin (AREG) concentrations
in pregnant women with isolated fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the third
trimester.

Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 90
pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital
Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between January 2022 and May 2022. The FGR
group consisted of 45 pregnant women diagnosed with FGR in the third trimester,
and the control group consisted of 45 healthy pregnant women matched with the
FGR group in terms of age and body mass index (BMI). Demographic
characteristics, ultrasound findings, and neonatal outcomes were noted. As a
primary outcome, the two groups were compared for maternal serum AREG
concentrations.

Results Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics
(p>0.05). While fetal BPD, AC, and FL measurements in the group
diagnosed with FGR were significantly lower than in the control group, umbilical
artery Doppler PI and S/D were higher (p=0.000, for all).
Gestational age at birth, newborn birth weight, birth height, and 1-minute Apgar
score were significantly lower and the NICU admission rate was higher in the FGR
group (p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.027,
p=0.011 respectively). Gestational age at blood sampling for AREG was
similar in both groups (p=0.869). While maternal serum AREG
concentration was 969.39 ng/L in the FGR group, it was
795.20 ng/L in the control group (p=0.018). AUC analysis
of AREG for estimation of FGR in ROC analysis was 0.57 (p<0.247,
95% CI=0.44–0.69). The optimal threshold value for FGR
estimation of maternal serum AREG concentration was determined as
874.03 ng/L with 55% sensitivity and 55%
specificity.

Conclusion High maternal serum AREG concentrations appear to be associated
with isolated FGR in the third trimester. The pathways through which AREG
modulates fetal growth remain to be investigated.
Abandoned children in China: the son-preference culture and the gender-differentiated impacts of the one-child policy
Authors: Yang Mei , Xia Xinming , Zhou Yi
Published: August 2023

China has experienced an upsurge in child abandonment since the late 1970s in parallel with its one-child policy (OCP) and market reforms. Due to the scarcity of individual-level data, the literature focuses on informal adoption and child trafficking. This study first demonstrates the spatial-temporal trends of child abandonment across over 100,000 self-reported cases spanning 40 years in China collected from an internet platform. We then examine how the OCP and the long-established clan culture influence the incidence of child abandonment at the provincial level. We further compare whether the influences vary across genders. The results indicate that a tougher OCP penalty increases child abandonment, particularly the abandonment of girls. The influence of the OCP on girl abandonment is weaker in provinces with a strong clan culture, where sex ratios at birth are more unbalanced due to an increased incidence of gender-selective abortions.
Irradiation methods for engineering of graphene related two-dimensional materials
Authors: Tung Tran Thanh , Pereira Ana L. C. , Poloni Erik , Dang Minh Nhat , Wang James , Le Truong-Son Dinh , Kim Young-Jin , Pho Quoc Hue , Nine Md J. , Shearer Cameron James , Hessel Volker , Losic Dusan
Published: August 2023

The research community has witnessed an exceptional increase in exploring graphene related two-dimensional materials (GR2Ms) in many innovative applications and emerging technologies. However, simple, low-cost, sustainable, and eco-friendly methods to manufacture large quantities and high-quality GR2Ms still remain an unsolved challenge. To address limitations of conventional wet chemical-based exfoliation methods using graphite resources, the top-down irradiation approach has proven to be an ultrafast, effective, and environmentally friendly technology for scalable exfoliation, production, and processing of GR2Ms providing new properties for emerging applications. Significant advancements have been made for preparation of broad range of GR2Ms from graphite, such as graphene, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide, and their doped, functionalized and modified forms over the past two decades, thanks to the availability of photon and ion irradiation techniques, such as microwave, infrared, ultraviolet, solar, x-ray, gamma, laser, and plasma. This review presents recent advances on the application of these various irradiation techniques and highlights their mechanism, differences in properties of prepared GR2Ms, and their advantages and disadvantages in comparison with other conventional methods. The review provides an insight into the irradiation strategies and their prospective applications to produce, at a large scale, low-cost, high-quality GR2Ms for practical applications in transparent electrodes, optoelectronic devices, sensors, supercapacitors, protective coatings, conductive inks, and composites.
A multifunctional mechanical testing stage for micro x-ray computed tomography
Authors: Ruf Matthias , Lee Dongwon , Steeb Holger
Published: August 2023

An existing open and modular designed micro X-Ray Computed Tomography (μXRCT) system is extended by a test rig in order to combine mechanical and hydro-mechanical experiments with μXRCT characterization. The aim of the system is to cover the complete resolution range of the underlying μXRCT system in combination with a broad load capacity range. A characteristic feature of the developed setup is that it consists mainly of standard components. This makes the shown test rig potentially interesting for other researchers considering extending an existing μXRCT system with an apparatus for mechanical and hydro-mechanical in situ testing. For the load frame, an uniaxial 10 kN universal testing machine with a digital control system was employed, which was extended by two aligned rotational stages. The uniaxial load capacity is ±3.1 kN and can be combined with torque moments of up to ±15 N m both limited by the used rotational stages. The setup is designed in such a way that different x-ray transparent cells (flow cells, oedometer cells, triaxial cells, etc.) can be integrated to generate three-dimensional stress/strain states as required for porous media research. Three applications demonstrate the possible versatile use of the system. As part of these examples, we show how corresponding x-ray transparent cells are designed and implemented. Finally, we discuss the presented approach’s technical advantages and disadvantages and suggest improvements.
Characterization of time-dependence for dissipative solitons stabilized by nonlinear gradient terms: Periodic and quasiperiodic vs chaotic behavior
Authors: Descalzi Orazio , Facão M. , Cartes Carlos , Carvalho M. I. , Brand Helmut R.
Published: August 2023

We investigate the properties of time-dependent dissipative solitons for a cubic complex Ginzburg–Landau equation stabilized by nonlinear gradient terms. The separation of initially nearby trajectories in the asymptotic limit is predominantly used to distinguish qualitatively between time-periodic behavior and chaotic localized states. These results are further corroborated by Fourier transforms and time series. Quasiperiodic behavior is obtained as well, but typically over a fairly narrow range of parameter values. For illustration, two examples of nonlinear gradient terms are examined: the Raman term and combinations of the Raman term with dispersion of the nonlinear gain. For small quintic perturbations, it turns out that the chaotic localized states are showing a transition to periodic states, stationary states, or collapse already for a small magnitude of the quintic perturbations. This result indicates that the basin of attraction for chaotic localized states is rather shallow.
Chemical evolution in nitrogen shocked beyond the molecular stability limit
Authors: Lindsey Rebecca K. , Bastea Sorin , Lyu Yanjun , Hamel Sebastien , Goldman Nir , Fried Laurence E.
Published: August 2023

Evolution of nitrogen under shock compression up to 100 GPa is revisited via molecular dynamics simulations using a machine-learned interatomic potential. The model is shown to be capable of recovering the structure, dynamics, speciation, and kinetics in hot compressed liquid nitrogen predicted by first-principles molecular dynamics, as well as the measured principal shock Hugoniot and double shock experimental data, albeit without shock cooling. Our results indicate that a purely molecular dissociation description of nitrogen chemistry under shock compression provides an incomplete picture and that short oligomers form in non-negligible quantities. This suggests that classical models representing the shock dissociation of nitrogen as a transition to an atomic fluid need to be revised to include reversible polymerization effects.
Mechanism of antifreeze protein functioning and the “anchored clathrate water” concept
Authors: Zielkiewicz Jan
Published: August 2023

In liquid water, there is a natural tendency to form aggregates that consist of water molecules linked by hydrogen bonds. Such spontaneously formed aggregates are surrounded by a “sea” of disordered water molecules, with both forms remaining in equilibrium. The process of creating water aggregates also takes place in the solvation water of proteins, but in this case, the interactions of water molecules with the protein surface shift the equilibrium of the process. In this paper, we analyze the structural properties of the solvation water in antifreeze proteins (AFPs). The results of molecular dynamics analysis with the use of various parameters related to the structure of solvation water on the protein surface are presented. We found that in the vicinity of the active region responsible for the binding of AFPs to ice, the equilibrium is clearly shifted toward the formation of “ice-like aggregates,” and the solvation water has a more ordered ice-like structure. We have demonstrated that a reduction in the tendency to create “ice-like aggregates” results in a significant reduction in the antifreeze activity of the protein. We conclude that shifting the equilibrium in favor of the formation of “ice-like aggregates” in the solvation water in the active region is a prerequisite for the biological functionality of AFPs, at least for AFPs having a well-defined ice binding area. In addition, our results fully confirm the validity of the “anchored clathrate water” concept, formulated by Garnham et al. [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 108, 7363 (2011)].
Investigating electromagnetically induced transparency spectral lineshape distortion due to non-uniform fields in Rydberg-atom electrometry
Authors: Rotunno Andrew P. , Holloway Christopher L. , Prajapati Nikunjkumar , Berweger Samuel , Artusio-Glimpse Alexandra B. , Brown Roger , Simons Matthew , Robinson Amy K. , Kayim Baran N. , Viray Michael A. , Jones Jasmine F. , Sawyer Brian C. , Wyllie Robert , Walker Thad , Ziolkowski Richard W. , Jefferts Steven R. , Geibel Steven , Wheeler Jonathan , Imhof Eric
Published: August 2023

We investigate the effects of spatially non-uniform radio-frequency electric (E) field amplitudes on the spectral line shapes of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) signals in Rydberg atomic systems used in electrometry (i.e., the metrology of E-field strengths). Spatially non-uniform fields distort the EIT spectra from that of an ideal case, and understanding this distortion is important in the development of Rydberg atom-based sensors, as these distortions can limit accuracy and sensitivity. To characterize this distortion, we present a model that approximates the atom vapor as multi-layered media and then uses Beer’s law to combine the absorption through its many discrete thin segments. We present a set of expected line distortions caused by various RF electric-field distributions found in practice. This provides an intuitive diagnostic tool for experiments. We compare this model to measured experimental atomic spectra in both two-photon and three-photon excitation schemes in the presence of non-uniform radio-frequency fields. We show that we can accurately model and reproduce the EIT lineshape distortion observed in these experimental data.
Helium prices surge to record levels as shortage continues
Authors: Kramer David
Published: August 2023

The shortfall may end if a new supply from Russia reaches the market. Growing numbers of universities and labs are recycling their supplies.
Improved logistic models of crown fire probability in Canadian conifer forests
Authors: Perrakis Daniel D. B. , Cruz Miguel G. , Alexander Martin E. , Hanes Chelene C. , Thompson Dan K. , Taylor Stephen W. , Stocks Brian J.
Published: August 2023

Background Crown fires are an ecologically necessary but hazardous process in conifer forests. Prediction of their behaviour in Canada has largely depended on the Canadian Forest Fire Behaviour Prediction System, in which fire weather indices drive primarily fixed fuel type models. The Crown Fire Initiation and Spread (CFIS) system presents a more flexible approach to predicting crown fire occurrence than fixed fuel type models. Aims Using a multi-decadal database of experimental fires carried out in conifer plots (1960–2019, n = 113), our aim was to develop updated models based on the CFIS system approach, fitting crown fire occurrence models to fire environment variables using logistic regression. Methods We tested alternative fuel moisture estimates and compared various model forms using repeated cross-validation. In two-storeyed stands, crown fire occurrence was defined as the involvement of lower canopy stratum fuels. Key results Final models based on wind speed, fuel strata gap, litter moisture and surface fuel consumption predicted crowning events correctly in up to 92% of cases in training data (89% in cross-validation). Conclusions and implications These new models offer improved accuracy and flexibility that will help users assess how competing environmental factors interact under different fuel treatments and wildfire scenarios.
The characteristics and effects of peer feedback on second language pronunciation
Authors: Huang Yuhui , Lee Andrew H. , Ballinger Susan
Published: August 2023

In order to investigate the characteristics and effects of peer feedback targeting second language (L2) pronunciation, the present study recruited 32 Mandarin-speaking learners of English who received five pronunciation instructional sessions through an instant messaging application on their smart phones. The phonological targets, types, and formats of peer feedback as well as its effects on their pronunciation (i.e., comprehensibility and accentedness) were examined. Results revealed that the participants mainly targeted segmental errors rather than suprasegmental errors and that they tended to provide more feedback on vowels rather than on consonants. Their feedback, delivered mainly in writing, was found to be effective in improving learners’ comprehensibility, but not their accentedness. The findings demonstrate the potential of peer feedback complementary to teacher feedback in instructed L2 pronunciation and highlight the importance of training in optimizing the effectiveness of peer feedback.
Petrogenesis and geological implications of the trachytic rocks in the South Eastern Desert, Egypt: Mineralogical, geochemical, and radioactivity insights
Authors: Saleh Gehad M. , Mohamed Gehan A. , El Tohamy Amira M.
Published: August 2023

The investigated Phanerozoic volcanic (Gabal Um Itly, G. El Beida, G. Um Domi and G. Um Doweila) areas in the south Eastern Desert of Egypt of the Northern Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS), have been a peralkaline affinity and display a continuous composition trachyte rocks. Geochemically, the studied rocks show significant negative anomalies in Ba, Sr, and Ti on the primitive mantle normalized trace element plot, indicating an ancestry involving plagioclase and Fe-Ti oxide fractionation. The concentrations of uranium mineralization and rare earth elements in the trachyte rocks is related to the presence of uranophane, kasolite, umohoite, autunite, monazite and allanite. The distribution of uranium, thorium and their ratios in the trachyte rocks reflects a direct strong relation, which suggests that U distribution is, at least in part, governed primarily by magmatic processes and disturbed later by a hydrothermal solution.
Defective LAT signalosome pathology in mice mimics human IgG4-related disease at single-cell level
Authors: Joachim Anais , Aussel Rudy , Gélard Léna , Zhang Fanghui , Mori Daiki , Grégoire Claude , Villazala Merino Sergio , Gaya Mauro , Liang Yinming , Malissen Marie , Malissen Bernard
Published: August 2023

Mice with a loss-of-function mutation in the LAT adaptor (LatY136F) develop an autoimmune and type 2 inflammatory disorder called defective LAT signalosome pathology (DLSP). We analyzed via single-cell omics the trajectory leading to LatY136F DLSP and the underlying CD4+ T cell diversification. T follicular helper cells, CD4+ cytotoxic T cells, activated B cells, and plasma cells were found in LatY136F spleen and lung. Such cell constellation entailed all the cell types causative of human IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), an autoimmune and inflammatory condition with LatY136F DLSP-like histopathological manifestations. Most previously described T cell–mediated autoimmune manifestations require persistent TCR input. In contrast, following their first engagement by self-antigens, the autoreactive TCR expressed by LatY136F CD4+ T cells hand over their central role in T cell activation to CD28 costimulatory molecules. As a result, all subsequent LatY136F DLSP manifestations, including the production of autoantibodies, solely rely on CD28 engagement. Our findings elucidate the etiology of the LatY136F DLSP and qualify it as a model of IgG4-RD.
Fermi equation of state with finite temperature corrections in quantum space-times approach: Snyder model vs GUP case
Authors: Pachoł Anna , Wojnar Aneta
Published: August 2023

We investigate the impact of the deformed phase space associated with the quantum Snyder space on microphysical systems. The general Fermi–Dirac equation of state and specific corrections to it are derived. We put emphasis on non-relativistic degenerate Fermi gas as well as on the temperature-finite corrections to it. Considering the most general one-parameter family of deformed phase spaces associated with the Snyder model allows us to study whether the modifications arising in physical effects depend on the choice of realization. It turns out that we can distinguish three different cases with radically different physical consequences.
Broadside radiation antenna based on tightly coupled spoof surface plasmon polaritons
Authors: Han Yajuan , Wang Jiafu , Fu Xinmin , Chen Hongya , Ding Chang , Qu Shaobo
Published: August 2023

A spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) is a hybrid mode of a surface wave in the air and electron oscillation within artificial electromagnetic (EM) media, with the dispersion curve lying below the light line, giving rise to many unique EM properties. In this paper, we investigate the EM properties of tightly coupled SSPP (TC-SSPP) modes and propose a slender broadside antenna based on the TC-SSPP. With the comb structure (CS), dispersion properties of different SSPP modes are firstly analyzed under plane wave illumination, and then we introduce a modified SSPP structure, the broadside-coupled (BC)-CS, to excite and guide TC-SSPP modes. Since TC-SSPP modes can be confined tightly around the slender BC-CS, EM waves can be manipulated within a much more compact space, which is favorable for miniaturization, compactness and the light weight of microwave devices. To demonstrate this, we propose a slender broadside radiation antenna based on the TC-SSPP, using a probe as the feed and a finite-length BC-CS as the radiator. Due to near-field magnetic coupling, the SSPP wave can be excited on the BC-CS. By varying the geometric parameters, the antenna can radiate in the broadside direction. A prototype was designed, fabricated and measured. Both the simulated and measured results verify our design.
Engineering the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of GaP monolayer by substitutional doping: a first-principles study
Authors: Dange Khushboo , Yogi Rachana , Shukla Alok
Published: August 2023

In this paper we present a thorough first-principles density functional theory based computational study of the structural stability, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of pristine and doped gallium phosphide (GaP) monolayers. The pristine GaP monolayer is found to have a periodically buckled structure, with an indirect band gap of 2.15 eV. The doping by X (B, Al, In, C, Si, Ge, Sn, Zn, and Cd) at the Ga site, and Y (N, As, Sb, O, S, Se, Te, Zn, and Cd) at the P site is considered, and an indirect to direct band gap transition is observed after doping by In at the Ga site. For several cases, significant changes in the band gap are seen after doping, while the system becomes metallic when O is substituted at the P site. The spin-polarized band structures are calculated for the monolayers with doping-induced magnetism, and we find that for some cases a direct band gap appears for one of the spin orientations. For such cases, we investigate the intriguing possibility of spin-dependent optical properties. Furthermore, for several cases the band gap is very small for one of the spin orientations, suggesting the possibility of engineering half metallicity by doping. For the layers with direct band gaps, the calculated optical absorption spectra are found to span a wide energy range in the visible and ultraviolet regions. The computed formation energies of both the pristine and doped structures are quite small, indicating that the laboratory realization of such structures is quite feasible. On the whole, our results suggest that the doped GaP monolayer is a material with potentially a wide range of applications in nanoelectronics, spintronics, optoelectronics, solar cells, etc.
Superconductivity and phase transitions in Kagome compound Pd3P2S8 from first-principles calculation
Authors: Li Bin , Yang Yeqian , Fan Yuxiang , Zhu Cong , Liu Shengli , Shi Zhixiang
Published: August 2023

Pd3P2S8 is a semiconductor that contains Kagome lattices, which exhibits various physical phenomena. Structural searches of Pd3P2S8 in the pressure range from 0 to 120 GPa have revealed two phases of the space group

P

3
‾

m
1

(designated as

P

3
‾

m
1

-1 and

P

3
‾

m
1

-2) and two phases of the space group

C
2

/

m

(designated as

C
2

/

m

-1 and

C
2

/

m

-2), with all but

C
2

/

m

-2 phase being dynamically stable. Electron–phonon calculations combined with Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer’s argument have shown that both phases are superconductors. Notably, the

P

3
‾

m
1

-1 phase undergoes a semiconductor-to-superconductor transition, with superconducting critical temperature (

T

c

) increasing up to a maximum of 9.13 K at 70 GPa. Both

C
2

/

m

-1 and

P

3
‾

m
1

-2 phases exhibit superconductivity at 0 GPa. Our calculations demonstrate several new superconducting phases of Pd3P2S8, providing a pathway and platform for exploring superconductivity in materials with Kagome lattices and expanding the options for studying such lattices.
Optimal static light scattering detection angle for particulate matter size and concentration measurement
Authors: Zhao Heng , Wang Xingbo , Wang Ruofei , Hua Dengxin , Li Kun , Ji Feng
Published: August 2023

The serious pollution of particulate matter (PM) causes many adverse effects on human health and industrial production. High-precision, real-time monitor of atmospheric particulate concentration is becoming increasingly important. In this study, a method to find the optimal detection angle to measure the mass concentration of PM is proposed. To find an optimal angle, a motorized rotary system is used to measure the light scattering signal of particles from 0° to 180°. The new method obtains parameters such as mass concentration factor, deviation, mass concentration coefficient and deviation coefficient, which can be measured more accurately. Through theoretical calculation and experimental analysis, the optimal detection angle is 45°. At the optimal angle, the correlation between the scattered light intensity and the mass concentration of spherical SiO2 particles reaches 0.9836. Then, the mass concentration of PM is inverted and calculated at the optimal angle. The results showed that the correlation coefficient R2 of different particle sizes is larger than 0.952, and the measurement results were highly correlated.
Directional iDBSCAN to detect cosmic-ray tracks for the CYGNO experiment
Authors: Amaro F D , Antonietti R , Baracchini E , Benussi L , Bianco S , Borra F , Capoccia C , Caponero M , Cardoso D S , Cavoto G , Costa I A , D’Imperio G , Danè E , Dho G , Di Giambattista F , Di Marco E , Iacoangeli F , Kemp E , Lima Júnior H P , Lopes G S P , Maccarrone G , Mano R D P , Marcelo Gregorio R R , Marques D J G , Mazzitelli G , McLean A G , Meloni P , Messina A , Monteiro C M B , Nobrega R A , Pains I F , Paoletti E , Passamonti L , Petrucci F , Piacentini S , Piccolo D , Pierluigi D , Pinci D , Prajapati A , Renga F , Roque R J d C , Rosatelli F , Russo A , Saviano G , Spooner N J C , Tesauro R , Tomassini S , Torelli S , Tozzi D , dos Santos J M F
Published: August 2023

The CYGNO experiment aims to study rare events related to the search for low-mass dark matter and solar neutrino events. One of the main components of background comes from cosmic rays that generate long tracks in the detector’s images. The interaction of such particles with the gas releases a variable energy profile along its trajectory to form tracks with multiple cores that can be easily reconstructed erroneously by being split into more than one cluster. Thus, this work offers a newly adapted version of the well-known density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm, called iDDBSCAN, which exploits the directional characteristics of the clusters found by the DBSCAN to improve its clustering efficiency when dealing with multi-core tracks. This paper provides a detailed explanation of this algorithm, covering its parameter validation and evaluating its influence when integrated into the experiment’s event selection routine. To generate background events, data acquisition was performed with the detector installed in an overground laboratory, leaving it exposed to natural radiation. To produce signals in the energy range of interest for the experiment, a 55Fe radioactive source was used. The achieved results showed that the iDDBSCAN algorithm is capable of improving the background rejection of the experiment, through a more accurate reconstruction of the tracks produced by natural radiation such as cosmic rays, without deteriorating its signal detection efficiency and energy estimation.
Advances in field-effect biosensors towards point-of-use
Authors: Chen Sihan , Bashir Rashid
Published: August 2023

The future of medical diagnostics calls for portable biosensors at the point of care, aiming to improve healthcare by reducing costs, improving access, and increasing quality—what is called the ‘triple aim’. Developing point-of-care sensors that provide high sensitivity, detect multiple analytes, and provide real time measurements can expand access to medical diagnostics for all. Field-effect transistor (FET)-based biosensors have several advantages, including ultrahigh sensitivity, label-free and amplification-free detection, reduced cost and complexity, portability, and large-scale multiplexing. They can also be integrated into wearable or implantable devices and provide continuous, real-time monitoring of analytes in vivo, enabling early detection of biomarkers for disease diagnosis and management. This review analyzes advances in the sensitivity, parallelization, and reusability of FET biosensors, benchmarks the limit of detection of the state of the art, and discusses the challenges and opportunities of FET biosensors for future healthcare applications.
Nitrogen-doped hollow mesoporous carbon spheres for efficient oxygen reduction
Authors: Wang Hao , Zheng Caixia , Huang Bing , Jiang Nannan , Li Yaoxin , Wang Minghao , Wu Qirui , Wang Huiying , Guan Lunhui
Published: August 2023

Extensive investigations have been devoted to nitrogen-doped carbon materials as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in various conversion technologies. In this study, we introduce nitrogen-doped carbon materials with hollow spherical structures. These materials demonstrate significant potential in ORR activity within alkaline media, showing a half-wave potential of 0.87 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres (N-CHS) exhibit unique characteristics such as a thin carbon shell layer, hollow structure, large surface area, and distinct pore features. These features collectively create an optimal environment for facilitating the diffusion of reactants, thereby enhancing the exposure of active sites and improving catalytic performance. Building upon the promising qualities of N-CHS as a catalyst support, we employ heme chloride (1 wt%) as the source of iron for Fe doping. Through the carbonization process, Fe-N active sites are effectively formed, displaying a half-wave potential of 0.9 V versus RHE. Notably, when implemented as a cathode catalyst in zinc-air batteries, this catalyst exhibits an impressive power density of 162.6 mW cm−2.
Enhanced multi-band acoustic energy harvesting using double defect modes of Helmholtz resonant metamaterial
Authors: Xiao Hanjie , Tan Ting , Li Tianrun , Zhang Liang , Yuan Chaolian , Yan Zhimiao
Published: August 2023

Acoustic metamaterials (AMs) based on phononic crystals have been widely employed for acoustic energy harvesting, for their capacity to amplify incident sound waves and transfer them to piezoelectric devices. By substituting a resonator unit with a piezoelectric material having distinct characteristics, the periodicity of the AM is locally disrupted, resulting in the generation of defect bands within the band gap. At the frequencies corresponding to these defect bands, the AM exhibits the phenomenon of local resonance, which concentrates the incident acoustic energy at the defect sites and significantly enhances the output power of the piezoelectric devices. Conventional AMs primarily consist of elastic resonators, which can be regarded as spring-mass systems. The elastic resonances of these resonators lead to local resonance in the AM and are utilized for single-band acoustoelectric conversion. In contrast, Helmholtz resonators (HRs), in addition to demonstrating mechanical resonance, generate acoustic resonance at specific frequencies. By combining AM with HRs, the resulting Helmholtz AM (HAM) achieves energy localization effects within two defect bands, thereby increasing the output power and broadening the operational frequency range of the AM. This study aims to investigate the energy localization in HAM with multiple point defects within the two defect bands through numerical simulations and experimental analysis. Multiple HRs are intentionally removed from the HAM to introduce these multi-point defects. The interaction of elastic waves localized within these defects further enhances the energy harvesting efficiency of the HAM. Comparing the voltage frequency response functions, it is observed that, in both the first and second band gaps, the output voltage of the three double-defect HAM structures surpasses that of the single-defect HAM. As the distance between the two defects decreases, the energy harvesting at the defect modes intensifies due to a stronger coupling effect.
Resonant NLSE in the presence of spatio-temporal and intermodal dispersion is dominated by a myriad of nonlinearities
Authors: Ozisik Muslum , Secer Aydin , Bayram Mustafa
Published: August 2023

This article is dedicated to investigating a myriad of nonlinear forms of the resonant nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which is one of the essential examples of evolution equations, and providing some observations. The resonant nonlinear Schrödinger equation, in the presence of spatio-temporal and inter-modal dispersion, was addressed using the recently introduced Kudryashov’s method, and solution functions were obtained for eleven different nonlinear forms (Kerr, power, parabolic, dual-power, polynomial, triple-power, quadratic-cubic, generalized quadratic-cubic, anti-cubic, generalized anti-cubic, and parabolic law with non-local nonlinearity). The study will contribute to the literature not only by examining such a diverse set of nonlinear forms together but also by investigating the impact of the degree of nonlinearity and the coefficients of different nonlinearity terms on soliton behavior. Detailed examinations of all these points, the results obtained, observations, and necessary comments have been made in the relevant sections.
Numerical simulation study on pile expansion by shock waves of electrical wire explosion in liquids
Authors: Huang Shijie , Liu Yi , Zhao Yong , Xu Youlai , Wang Tianyu , Lin Fuchang
Published: August 2023

Compaction of the soil around the borehole filled with cement paste can build shaped pile foundations, effectively enhancing the bearing capacity of the pile foundations. Shock waves of electrical wire explosion in liquids can compact the soil and build expanded pile foundations, which has broad industrial application prospects. Electrical wire explosion in liquids has the advantages of high efficiency, good repeatability and controllability. In order to analyze the mechanism of pile expansion by electrical wire explosion in liquids, in this paper, a comprehensive test platform for pile expansion by electrical wire explosion was established, the voltage and current of the discharge channel were measured. The expanded piles were built through multiple discharges, and the size and bearing capacity of the piles were measured. Based on the finite element numerical method, a three-dimensional model of soil compaction by shock waves was established, and the material parameters, model dimensions were reasonably determined. The propagation and attenuation processes of shock waves in cement paste and soil were simulated, and the soil compaction process was obtained. The cumulative effect of pile expansion under multiple shock wave actions was analyzed and compared with test results.
State-of-the-art advances in vacancy defect engineering of graphitic carbon nitride for solar water splitting
Authors: Li Jie , Huang Kaige , Huang Yanbin , Ye Yumin , Ziółek Marcin , Wang Zhijie , Yue Shizhong , Ma Mengmeng , Liu Jun , Liu Kong , Qu Shengchun , Zhao Zhi , Zhang Yanjun , Wang Zhanguo
Published: August 2023

Developing low-cost, efficient, and stable photocatalysts is one of the most promising methods for large-scale solar water splitting. As a metal-free semiconductor material with suitable band gap, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has attracted attention in the field of photocatalysis, which is mainly attributed to its fascinating physicochemical and photoelectronic properties. However, several inherent limitations and shortcomings—involving high recombination rate of photocarriers, insufficient reaction kinetics, and optical absorption—impede the practical applicability of g-C3N4. As an effective strategy, vacancy defect engineering has been widely used for breaking through the current limitations, considering its ability to optimize the electronic structure and surface morphology of g-C3N4 to obtain the desired photocatalytic activity. This review summarizes the recent progress of vacancy defect engineered g-C3N4 for solar water splitting. The fundamentals of solar water splitting with g-C3N4 are discussed first. We then focus on the fabrication strategies and effect of vacancy generated in g-C3N4. The advances of vacancy-modified g-C3N4 photocatalysts toward solar water splitting are discussed next. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities of vacancy-modified g-C3N4 are summarized. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis and guidance for future research on the design and development of highly efficient defective g-C3N4.
Pressure manipulation of ultrafast carrier dynamics in monolayer WS2
Authors: Li Yao , Zhu Haiou , Song Zongpeng
Published: August 2023

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have intriguing physic properties and offer an exciting platform to explore many features that are important for future devices. In this work, we synthesized monolayer WS2 as an example to study the optical response with hydrostatic pressure. The Raman results show a continuous tuning of the lattice vibrations that is induced by hydrostatic pressure. We further demonstrate an efficient pressure-induced change of the band structure and carrier dynamics via transient absorption measurements. We found that two time constants can be attributed to the capture process of two kinds of defect states, with the pressure increasing from 0.55 GPa to 2.91 GPa, both of capture processes were accelerated, and there is an inflection point within the pressure range of 1.56 GPa to 1.89 GPa. Our findings provide valuable information for the design of future optoelectronic devices.
Modeling and analysis of the tritium fuel cycle for ARC- and STEP-class D-T fusion power plants
Authors: Meschini Samuele , Ferry Sara E. , Delaporte-Mathurin Rémi , Whyte Dennis G.
Published: August 2023

The limited tritium resources available for the first fusion power plants (FPPs) make fuel self-sufficiency and tritium inventory minimization leading issues in FPP design. This work builds on the model proposed by Abdou et al (2020 Nucl. Fusion
61 013001), which analyzed the fuel cycle (FC) of a DEMOnstration nuclear FPP-class FPP with a time-dependent system-level model. Here, we use a modified version of their model to analyze the FC of an Affordable, Robust, Compact (ARC)-class tokamak and two versions of a Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP)-class tokamak. The ARC-class tokamak breeds tritium in a 2LiF + BeF2 liquid immersion blanket, while the STEP-class tokamak breeds tritium utilizing either a liquid-lithium blanket design or an encapsulated breeding blanket. A time-dependent system-level model is developed in Matlab Simulink® to simulate the evolution of tritium flows and tritium inventories in the FC. The main goals of this work are to assess tritium self-sufficiency of the ARC- and STEP-class designs and to determine quantitative design requirements that can be used to analyze the adequacy of a proposed FC system. These design requirements are aimed at achieving a low tritium inventory doubling time (

t

d

) and a low start-up inventory (

I

s
t
a
r
t
u
p

) while keeping the required tritium breeding ratio (TBR

r

) as low as possible. We also consider how improvements in FC technology and POs affect TBR

r

and

I

s
t
a
r
t
u
p

. The model results show that TBR

r

for ARC- and STEP-class FPPs should be achievable if the tritium burn efficiency (TBE) reaches 0.5%–1% (TBR

r

<

1.2). This assumes significant, but attainable, improvements over current abilities. However, the model results indicate that an FPP must achieve ambitious performance targets, including FPP availability

>

70%, tritium processing time

<

4 h, and the implementation of direct internal recycling (DIR). If future research yields major improvements to achievable TBE, it may be possible to achieve tritium self-sufficiency while operating at lower availability and without implementing DIR.
Improvement of Remote sensing image target detection algorithm based on YOLO V5
Authors: Li Meiyan , Aviles Joey S.
Published: August 2023

YOLO V5 algorithm is the current target detection algorithm, but the accuracy of target boundary regression is relatively low, and it cannot be used in scenarios with high requirement of prediction frame intersection ratio. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved YOLO V5 algorithm with high accuracy of target frame and fast convergence of model. The algorithm can avoid the loss of shallow semantic information, deepen the pyramid depth and increase the detection layer by using cross-hierarchy method and multiple feature fusion. By reducing network computation and parameter number, network lightweight processing is realized, and real-time performance loss caused by model complexity is avoided.
Lane Detection Network with Direction Context
Authors: Cheng Jingchun , Zhu Yi , Zhang Zhen , Huang Chenwei , Pan Xiong , Zhang Chunxi , Song Chen
Published: August 2023

Lane detection has been a research hot-spot these years for it is a key technique in autonomous driving. As lane detection requires real-time performance on car systems with limited computation ability and memorizer space, most algorithms employ small networks with higher speed but lower accuracy. These methods mostly rely on various distillation techniques or multi-task learning to enhance the overall precision, but few have exploited the direction context which is closely related to lane pixel distribution. In this paper, we tackle the problem of boosting lane detection performance by adding in direction context. For algorithm efficiency, we use the light-weight ERF-Net as our backbone network. Firstly, we incorporate spatial convolutions to propagate lane features directionally. Then we feed four supervision signals by a specially designed Cross-Sum Loss to train these features with rich direction context. We show that the proposed Cross-Sum Loss can enrich the direction sensitivity of lane features, improving both the precision and the interpretability of the lane detection network with negligible time and computation cost during inference. Besides, we also conduct a knowledge distillation step on the direction-sensitive features for a further precision gain. Extensive experiments and analyses conducted on the widely-used CULane dataset illustrate that the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance with real-time processing speed, demonstrating the effectiveness of adding in direction context with the Cross-Sum Loss.