bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling coal dust dispersion from pile with protection barriers
Authors: Biliaiev Mykola , Biliaieva Viktoriia , Berlov Oleksandr , Kozachyna Vitalii , Kirichenko Pavlo , Olatoye Oladipo Mutiu , Poltoratska Viktoriia
Published: May 2020

The results of laboratory studies to evaluate the effectiveness of barriers which are used to reduce dust pollution from the coal pile are presented. The use of the Г-shaped barrier, which is set differently near the coal pile model, has been studied. A numerical model is proposed to compute coal dust concentration in the air near the pile. The Navier–Stokes equations are used to model the wind flow over the coal pile. These equations are written in the variables “vorticity-stream function”. To simulate the process of coal dust dispersion from the coal pile, the equation of convective-diffusion transfer of the passive impurity is used. For numerical integration of the modeling equations, difference schemes of splitting are used. Developed numerical model allows to perform numerical experiments taking into account the complex geometric shape of the pile and screens. The results of the computational experiments are presented.
Civil legal aspects of the recodification of intellectual property rights
Authors: Bulat Ievgeniia , Pichko Roman
Published: May 2020

At the present stage those questions are especially relevant that are connected with civil legislation and intellectual property institution recodification. Intellectual property covers all fields of activity, in particular, agro-industrial, chemical, mining and other industries. The article defines that in Ukraine the necessity of civil legislation recodification includes the ridding of all explicit collisions. Also, it includes the implementation of the world’s best experience in civil relations regulation and its stability and in definition of the direction of the further normative and legislative development. The main directions of recodification of the Institute of Intellectual Property as one of the key civil law institutions of Ukraine are identified in the context of the article. The directions of improvement of legal norms, guaranteeing the inviolability of intellectual property rights, providing them with greater juridical security and their further rationalization are also determined in the context of the article.
Investigation of ultrasonic treatment of wastewater from iron compounds
Authors: Frolova Liliia , Shapa Mykola , Butyrina Tetiana , Savchenko Мariia , Hrydnieva Tetiana
Published: May 2020

The high level of wastewater pollution in the mining and metallurgical industries by compounds of heavy metals, including iron, enhances their migration into the environment. Due to the lack of universal high-performance and inexpensive methods of wastewater treatment and purification, the development of new technologies is very relevant. The article discusses the possibility of wastewater treatment by ultrasonic coagulation of iron compounds in a suspended colloidal state. It has been shown that the frequency of ultrasound does not affect the coagulation rate. The concentration of iron compounds in wastewater is inversely proportional to the intensity of ultrasound. It was also found that the dependence of the residual content of iron compounds on the processing time is extreme, which is associated with the formation of agglomerates and their subsequent destruction. The results obtained served as the basis for the development of the technological scheme.
Argumentation for critical parameters and operating modes in the process of underwater mining of placers
Authors: Fatehi Farzad , Semenenko Yevhen , Medvedieva Olha , Tatarko Larysa , Haminich Olexander
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the article is to study the connection between the parameters of the formation of the suction funnel, such as the scattering speed and concentration of the suction mixture, and the concentration of the slurry in the suction pipe, which provides supercritical flow conditions. This connection is considered in terms of the most common process of underwater mining of placers for the open mining technology by suction dredger. The importance of the research is conditioned by the well-known but not yet thoroughly studied phenomenon of a decrease in the performance of the dredger pump on solid material without breaking the vacuum, which in most cases leads to a hydraulic shock in the pressure line. It is argued that the cause of this occurrence is the onset of a critical flow regime in the suction pipe due to inconsistency of the parameters of the hydrotransport modes and suction funnel formation. A combined analysis of the known dependences for the critical rate of hydro transportation in an inclined pipeline and for the geometric parameters of the suction funnel made it possible to establish restrictions on the concentration of solid particles on the surface of the erosion funnel.
Identification of zones of influence of exogenous fire damaging factors
Authors: Kokoulin Ivan , Bunko Tetiana , Yashchenko Ihor , Papirnyk Ruslan , Belikov Anatolii , Myroshnychenko Vadym , Otchenashev Oleksandr
Published: May 2020

In this work, topological configuration of dangerous zone in the mine ventilation network and concentrations of fire gases in it are estimated and identified at vent impacting on the emergency conditions. The obtained information on gas-dynamic state of the mine ventilation network at a current moment of time is used for undertaking primary measures according to the plan of accident response: emergency evacuation of people and actions of militarized mine-rescue services for eliminating emergency at its initial stage with taking into account changed emergency ventilation mode. The proposed method allows identifying an area in the mine contaminated by combustion products with taking into account time of its formation, changes in ventilation mode during the accident and possible air stream reversal in zones with descentional ventilation under the influence of the fire source depression and formation of zones with fire gas recirculation. With implementation of this method, it becomes possible to improve accuracy of detecting gassy zones in the ventilation network and effectiveness of emergency response.
Scientific and technical aspects of grouting of marginal rocks of mine workings
Authors: Musiienko Serhii , Palamarchuk Tetiana , Prokhorets Liliia , Kurinnyi Volodymyr
Published: May 2020

The goal of the paper is to justify ways to achieve maximum radius of extent of grouting mortar in a rock massif and to maximize filling of cavities and cracks with minimal openings. Filling of cavities and cracks directly influences a “massif – roadway – safety structure” system. Some scientific and technical aspects of grouting and injecting inorganic binders into marginal rocks are considered. Advantages of usage of triple plunger pumps in injecting units are determined. The influence of pulsation on a condition and process of grouting mortar extension is justified. It is established that under equal operating conditions, pulsations created by a triple plunger pump reduce mortar viscosity by 15 %, and a radius of extent of mortar based on grouting cements is increased by an average of 12 %, and with usage of very finely dispersed substances – up to 20 %. Suggested recommendations significantly improve the technology of grouting of marginal rocks and concrete structures.
Mathematical modeling of heating of coal particle within the space between electrodes of arc-heating reactor
Authors: Zhevzhyk Oleksandr , Kholiavchenko Leonid , Davydov Serhii , Potapchuk Iryna , Kabakova Liudmyla , Gupalo Olena , Pertsevyi Vitalii , Morozova Nataliia
Published: May 2020

A mathematical model of heating of coal particles that move in the initial section of a submerged gas jet within the space between electrodes of reaction chamber of arc-heating reactor is created. The model takes into account convective heat transfer and heat transfer by radiation from a sphere (particle) – circle (anode) system. The temperatures of particles on mechanical trajectory are obtained depending on particle diameters and the initial coordinate of nozzle leaving.
Broadening and strengthening stakeholder engagement in emergency preparedness, response and recovery
Authors: Geysmans R. , Zeleznik N. , Abelshausen B. , Duranova T. , Schieber C. , Schneider T. , Crouail P. , Turcanu C. , Liutsko L. , Cantone M.C.
Published: May 2020

This article discusses stakeholder engagement in the field of nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness, response, and recovery (EPR & R). It argues that stakeholder engagement in this field could be broadened – in terms of stakeholders and forms of engagement, and strengthened – in terms of sustainability and impact. Four different dimensions are identified and presented along which this process of broadening and strengthening can occur: (1) the underlying rationales of engagement, (2) top-down and bottom-up engagement, (3) formal and informal engagement, and (4) radiological protection culture. Based on the analysis of these dimensions, a reflection on power and non-participation is provided, and recommendations on stakeholder engagement are formulated.
Liraglutide Ameliorates Lipotoxicity-Induced Oxidative Stress by
Activating the NRF2 Pathway in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Zhu Chong-gui , Luo Ying , Wang Hao , Li Jun-Yi , Yang Jie , Liu Ya-xin , Qu Hui-qi , Wang Bao-li , Zhu Mei
Published: May 2020

Although glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue has been reported to suppress
oxidative stress in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an effective
therapeutic agent for NAFLD is currently unavailable. Therefore, in this study,
we aimed to investigate the protective effects of the GLP-1 analogue liraglutide
against lipotoxicity-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and to elucidate
the underlying mechanisms. HepG2 cells were cultured for 48 hours and treated
with a free fatty acid (FFA) mixture: FFA mixture and liraglutide or FFA
mixture, liraglutide, and exendin (9–39). Lipid accumulation was
examined by oil red O staining. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring the
levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species using
2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and thiobarbituric
acid-reactive substances, whereas antioxidant capacity was assessed by measuring
the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Expression of the nuclear
factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) gene and the genes encoding
antioxidant enzymes was analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR. Cellular and nuclear
NRF2 expression levels were assessed using immunofluorescence cell staining and
western blotting. Liraglutide treatment reduced high fat-induced lipid formation
and the levels of oxidative stress markers and increased antioxidant enzyme
activity in HepG2 cells. Liraglutide treatment increased the mRNA expression of
NRF2 target genes, induced NRF2 nuclear translocation, and increased nuclear
NRF2 levels without altering NRF2 mRNA expression. Collectively, these
results indicate that liraglutide exhibits a protective effect against
lipotoxicity-induced oxidative stress, possibly via modulation of NRF2 and
expression of antioxidant enzymes in liver cells.
The effect of temperature change on fluoride uptake from a mouthrinse by enamel specimens
Authors: Baglar Serdar , Nalcaci Adil , Tastekin Mustafa
Published: May 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of temperature on fluoride uptake by enamel specimens from a 0.05% NaF-fluoridated mouthrinse (Oral-B Advantage; Oral-B Laboratories, Newbridge, UK).

Methods: Enamel specimens were prepared from extracted human maxillary central incisors. A fluoride-specific ion electrode was used to measure the uptake from a 2 ppm fluoride solution containing 50.0 mL of distilled water, total ion strength adjustment buffer, and fluoridated rinse at 3 different temperatures (room temperature, 25°C; human body temperature, 37°C; hyper-fever temperature, 43°C). One-way analysis of variance and least significant difference were used to assess intragroup and intergroup differences (P<.05).

Results: The study found that both the amount and the rate of fluoride uptake increased significantly with increase in temperature. This effect was particularly noticeable at 43°C.

Conclusions: The temperature of the NaF mouthrinse may easily and safely be increased beyond room temperature by placing a container of the NaF mouthrinse in a bowl of hot water, allowing greater fluoride penetration into the enamel from the mouthrinse when used at home as a routine prophylactic agent. (Eur J Dent 2012;6:361-369)
Clinical, radiographic, diagnostic and cephalometric features of pycnodysostosis in comparison with Turkish cephalometric norms: A case report
Authors: Kamak Hasan , Kamak Gulen , Yavuz Ibrahim
Published: May 2020

Pycnodysostosis is a rare genetic disorder and was first described in 1962 by Maroteaux and Lamy. The incidence of this anomaly is estimated to be 1.7 per 1 million births. The principal characteristics of this disorder are short stature, prominent eyes with blue sclera, beaked nose, cranial dysplasia, exposed fontanelles and cranial sutures, clavicular dysplasia, total/partial dysplasia of the terminal phalanges, obtused mandibular gonial angle, and generally increased bone density. Some features of pycnodysostosis are similar to osteopetrosis and cleidocranial dysostosis. Therefore, it must be distinguished from osteopetrosis and cleidocranial dysostosis in order to diagnose it in individuals of a younger age.

The aims of this case report were to show the clinical, radiographic, and diagnostic features, as well as the cephalometric characteristics of pycnodysostosis in comparison with Turkish cephalometric norms. (Eur J Dent 2012;6:454-456)
Revision Surgery of the Cleft Palate
Authors: Hu Shirley , Levinson Jared , Rousso Joseph J.
Published: May 2020

Cleft palate repairs often require secondary surgeries and/or revisions for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are symptomatic oronasal fistulas and velopharyngeal insufficiency. Complications from primary surgery, such as wound dehiscence, infection, and hematomas, contribute to the relatively high rate of revision surgery. Prevention of postoperative complications that may lead to fistula or velopharyngeal insufficiency is key, and many techniques have been described that have reportedly decreased the incidence of secondary surgery. Management varies depending on the nature of the fistulous defect and the type of velopharyngeal insufficiency. Numerous surgical options exist to fix this deficiency.
Surgery of the Palatomaxillary Structure
Authors: Jategaonkar Ameya A. , Kaul Vivian F. , Lee Eric , Genden Eric M.
Published: May 2020

The palatomaxillary structure plays critical roles in both form and function of the midface. Surgical defects of the palate and maxilla can be associated with significant morbidity and deformity. Various defect classification systems have been used to assist in reconstruction and rehabilitation. Reconstructive options include prosthetic rehabilitation, local flaps, and free tissue transfer. Here, we review the functional and surgical anatomy of the palatomaxillary complex, defect classification systems, and provide an overview of reconstructive options.
The Impact of Technology on Prescribing Errors in Pediatric Intensive Care: A Before and After Study
Authors: Howlett Moninne M. , Butler Eileen , Lavelle Karen M. , Cleary Brian J. , Breatnach Cormac V.
Published: May 2020

Background Increased use of health information technology (HIT) has been advocated as a medication error reduction strategy. Evidence of its benefits in the pediatric setting remains limited. In 2012, electronic prescribing (ICCA, Philips, United Kingdom) and standard concentration infusions (SCIs)—facilitated by smart-pump technology—were introduced into the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of an Irish tertiary-care pediatric hospital.

Objective The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the new technology on the rate and severity of PICU prescribing errors and identify technology-generated errors.

Methods A retrospective, before and after study design, was employed. Medication orders were reviewed over 24 weeks distributed across four time periods: preimplementation (Epoch 1); postimplementation of SCIs (Epoch 2); immediate postimplementation of electronic prescribing (Epoch 3); and 1 year postimplementation (Epoch 4). Only orders reviewed by a clinical pharmacist were included. Prespecified definitions, multidisciplinary consensus and validated grading methods were utilized.

Results A total of 3,356 medication orders for 288 patients were included. Overall error rates were similar in Epoch 1 and 4 (10.2 vs. 9.8%; p = 0.8), but error types differed (p < 0.001). Incomplete and wrong unit errors were eradicated; duplicate orders increased. Dosing errors remained most common. A total of 27% of postimplementation errors were technology-generated. Implementation of SCIs alone was associated with significant reductions in infusion-related prescribing errors (29.0% [Epoch 1] to 14.6% [Epoch 2]; p < 0.001). Further reductions (8.4% [Epoch 4]) were identified after implementation of electronically generated infusion orders. Non-infusion error severity was unchanged (p = 0.13); fewer infusion errors reached the patient (p < 0.01). No errors causing harm were identified.

Conclusion The limitations of electronic prescribing in reducing overall prescribing errors in PICU have been demonstrated. The replacement of weight-based infusions with SCIs was associated with significant reductions in infusion prescribing errors. Technology-generated errors were common, highlighting the need for on-going research on HIT implementation in pediatric settings.
Pierquin Syndrome: Report of a New Case
Authors: Cammarata-Scalisi Francisco , Willoughby Colin Eric , Lacruz- Rengel María Angelina , Bertini Enrico Silvio , Callea Michele
Published: May 2020

Pierquin syndrome is a rare genetic entity characterized by the association of Dandy–Walker malformation and postaxial polydactyly. The incidence is uncertain with only six cases previously reported in the literature. In this study, we reported a new case of Pierquin syndrome born from consanguineous parents, characterized by Dandy–Walker malformation, postaxial polydactyly, and congenital heart disease. The case reinforces an autosomal recessive modality of inheritance and expands the phenotypic spectrum of this rare malformation syndrome.
Herausforderung für das Management: Der Weg zurück zur Normalität
Authors: Bornemeier Olaf
Published: May 2020

Das Management in der Zeit der Corona-Krise hat etwas Besonderes bewirkt.
kma Entscheider Blog: Ein Blick in die Zukunft nach Corona
Authors: Heurich Manuel
Published: May 2020

Die Coronakrise überschattet alles. Dramatische Szenen mit schrecklichen individuellen Opfern gehen rund um die Welt. Lesen Sie in diesem Artikel, warum ich dennoch optimistisch in die Zukunft blicke und wir vor einem wirtschaftlichen Boom in der Gesundheitswirtschaft stehen könnten.
Pflegeimport aus China: Vom Land des Lächelns ins Land der Dichter und Denker
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: May 2020

In Deutschland fehlen bereits heute über 40 000 Fachkräfte in den Pflegeberufen. Im fernen Osten, und hier vor allem im bevölkerungsreichen China, gibt es hunderttausende arbeitssuchende Pflegekräfte. Ist ein Import chinesischer Pflegekräfte eine langfristige Chance, das Problem hierzulande zu lösen? Wahrscheinlich eher nicht, denn chinesische Pflegekräfte sind nicht erst seit heute in Deutschland tätig und es gibt durchaus Länder, die bessere Rahmenbedingungen bieten – und näher an China liegen.
Kreislaufwirtschaft: Für mehr Nachhaltigkeit im Krankenhaus
Authors: Dorner Carola
Published: May 2020

„Nachhaltigkeit ist Trumpf: Mit Kreislaufwirtschaft zum Green Hospital“ – darüber wollte Marcus Bracklo beim Hauptstadtkongress im Juni sprechen. Dieser kann als Präsenzveranstaltung vorerst nicht stattfinden. Ersatzweise spricht Bracklo im kma Interview über Wege zu mehr Nachhaltigkeit im Krankenhaus.
Personalmanagement: Soziale Medien besser nutzen
Authors: Lang Michael
Published: May 2020

Die meisten Krankenhäuser leiden unter Fachkräftemangel. Die Personalberaterin Andrea Lehwald erklärt im Interview, wie Kliniken neue Mitarbeiter im Bereich der Pflege gewinnen können.
Krisenmanagement: Das Unvorhersehbare vorhersehen
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: May 2020

Die Auswirkungen von SARS-CoV-2 auf unsere Gesellschaft, unsere Wirtschaft und vor allen Dingen auf unser Gesundheitssystem zeigen überdeutlich: Vorbereitung hilft. In manchen Punkten muss man wohl auch sagen, hätte geholfen. Was man nicht vorbereiten konnte oder wollte, bedarf rascher und angemessener Entscheidungen.
Sprechstunde in der PR-Ambulanz: Selbsthilfegruppe für Pressesprecher?
Authors: Endele Kirsten
Published: May 2020

Kirsten Endele ist zur Hälfte Journalistin …
Nano-spectroscopic and nanoscopic imaging of single GaN nanowires in the sub-diffraction limit
Authors: Parida Santanu , Patsha Avinash , Madapu Kishore K. , Dhara Sandip
Published: May 2020

The optical spatial resolution limit prohibits a precise spectroscopic characterization of objects at the nanoscale. However, plasmonic assisted microscopy at the nanoscale can overcome the diffraction limit owing to the confinement of the localized electric field. We report the spectroscopic imaging of a single GaN nanowire (NW) of diameter ∼200 nm with the help of Au nanoparticle assisted plasmonic tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), well below the diffraction limit of ∼750 nm. The challenge in the achievement was that the insignificant value of change of polarizability in the partially ionic III–V nitrides made the Raman scattering intensity too low for spectroscopic studies. Consequently, the enhancement factors for different observed Raman modes for the wurtzite GaN NW were also found to be significantly low. Spectroscopic imaging of such low scattering efficiency group III-nitride single GaN NW is achieved in the sub-diffraction limit by careful selection of the TERS substrate. Similarly, the nanoscopic optical imaging of a single GaN NW of diameter ∼10 nm using the confined electromagnetic wave is also achieved with the help of the plasmonic assisted near-field scanning optical microscopic technique in the sub-diffraction limit.
Hot-electron generation at direct-drive ignition-relevant plasma conditions at the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Solodov A. A. , Rosenberg M. J. , Seka W. , Myatt J. F. , Hohenberger M. , Epstein R. , Stoeckl C. , Short R. W. , Regan S. P. , Michel P. , Chapman T. , Follett R. K. , Palastro J. P. , Froula D. H. , Radha P. B. , Moody J. D. , Goncharov V. N.
Published: May 2020

Laser–plasma interaction instabilities can be detrimental for direct-drive inertial confinement fusion by generating high-energy electrons that preheat the target. An experimental platform has been developed and fielded on the National Ignition Facility to investigate hot-electron production from laser–plasma instabilities at direct-drive ignition-relevant conditions. The radiation-hydrodynamic code DRACO has been used to design planar-target experiments that generate plasma and interaction conditions comparable to direct-drive ignition designs: IL ∼ 1015 W/cm2, Te > 3 keV, and density-gradient scale lengths of Ln ∼ 600 μm in the quarter-critical density region. The hot-electron properties were inferred by comparing the experimentally observed hard x-ray spectra to Monte Carlo simulations of hard x-ray emission from hot electrons depositing energy in the target. Hot-electron temperatures of ∼40 keV to 60 keV and the fraction of laser energy converted to hot electrons of ∼0.5% to 5% were inferred in plastic targets for laser intensities at the quarter-critical density surface of (∼4 to 14) × 1014 W/cm2. The use of silicon ablators was found to mitigate the hot-electron preheat by increasing the threshold laser intensity for hot-electron generation from ∼3.5 × 1014 W/cm2 in plastic to ∼6 × 1014 W/cm2 in silicon. The overall hot-electron production is also reduced in silicon ablators when the intensity threshold is exceeded.
Accelerating quantum optics experiments with statistical learning
Authors: Cortes Cristian L. , Adhikari Sushovit , Ma Xuedan , Gray Stephen K.
Published: May 2020

Quantum optics experiments, involving the measurement of low-probability photon events, are known to be extremely time-consuming. We present a methodology for accelerating such experiments using physically motivated ansatzes together with simple statistical learning techniques such as Bayesian maximum a posteriori estimation based on few-shot data. We show that it is possible to reconstruct time-dependent data using a small number of detected photons, allowing for fast estimates in under a minute and providing a one-to-two order of magnitude speed-up in data acquisition time. We test our approach using real experimental data to retrieve the second order intensity correlation function, G(2)(τ), as a function of time delay τ between detector counts, for thermal light as well as anti-bunched light emitted by a quantum dot driven by periodic laser pulses. The proposed methodology has a wide range of applicability and has the potential to impact the scientific discovery process across a multitude of domains.
Prediction of gas–liquid interface in oscillatory period
Authors: Vafaei Saeid
Published: May 2020

A new theoretical expression was developed to predict the bubble shape under nonequilibrium conditions by considering damping and inertial forces. Nonequilibrium bubble formation may happen during the bubble departure and bubble oscillation and when shear stress between liquid and gas phases are relatively high. The new theoretical expression can be used to predict the bubble shape and variation of force and pressure across the liquid–gas interface along the perimeter. To enhance the accuracy of prediction of the new theoretical model, the bubble was divided into several parts, k (k = 1:N), and the new expression was solved separately for each individual part. The theoretical prediction was compared with experimental data, and a good agreement was observed. The new model can predict the fluctuation force across the liquid–gas interface along the perimeter of the bubble during the oscillatory period.
Investigation of anisotropic π plasmon induced by the intrinsic crystallographic defects in topological crystalline insulator material—tin-substitutional lead selenide (Pb1−xSnxSe)
Authors: Zhou Yubing , Liou Sz-Chian , Lee Meng-Ting , Klingshirn Christopher J. , Ge Xiaoxiao , Kuo W. C. H. , Shu Guo-Jiun
Published: May 2020

The presence of intrinsic defects in topological crystalline insulator materials has been predicted to improve the thermoelectric figure-of-merit values in the literature. Performing atomic-resolved high angle annular dark field imaging, momentum-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy, and electron spectroscopic diffraction, we observed those intrinsic defects, including interstitial Se atoms and Se vacancies, to cause localized mirror symmetry breaking and further result in the anisotropic π-plasmon dispersion along the ΓX¯ and ΓM¯ directions in single-crystal Pb1−xSnxSe (x = 0 and 0.34). In addition to the anisotropic π plasmon dispersion, the splitting lines along the ΓX¯ direction were revealed with selected π plasmon energy in the electron spectroscopic diffraction pattern.
Conductivity extraction of thin Ti3C2Tx MXene films over 1–10 GHz using capacitively coupled test-fixture
Authors: AlHassoon Khaled , Han Meikang , Malallah Yaaqoub , Ananthakrishnan Vaibhavi , Rakhmanov Roman , Reil William , Gogotsi Yury , Daryoush Afshin S.
Published: May 2020

Thin films of two-dimensional MXene (Ti3C2Tx) are evaluated in terms of their conductivity over the radio frequency (RF) range of 1–10 GHz using a custom designed test fixture. A contactless method is developed for extracting the conductivity of MXene films of various thickness (1.0–4.3 μm) at RF frequencies. Open ended MXene transmission lines with various thicknesses are spray-coated on polyethylene terephthalate substrates capacitively coupled to a copper transmission line test fixture realized on a RT/duroid (filled polytetrafluoroethylene composite laminate) substrate to provide solderless repeatable RF connection. The extraction process is based on the least squares error method of curve fitting to minimize the difference between the full wave numerically simulated scattering parameters and the measured values of the test circuit for various samples. RF characterization was performed for three MXene samples, with thicknesses of about 1.0, 1.5, and 4.3 μm to extract the corresponding conductivity. Moreover, MXene performance was compared against copper and graphite films. The highest conductivity of 1.2 × 106 S/m was extracted for the 4.3 μm thick Ti3C2Tx film. The extracted MXene conductivity is used to predict the quality factor and efficiency of antennas. This study suggests that MXene films are attractive for RF applications and can be used as conductive layers on 3D-printed RF circuits.
Equation of motion coupled-cluster cumulant approach for intrinsic losses in x-ray spectra
Authors: Rehr J. J. , Vila F. D. , Kas J. J. , Hirshberg N. Y. , Kowalski K. , Peng B.
Published: May 2020

We present a combined equation of motion coupled-cluster cumulant Green’s function approach for calculating and understanding intrinsic inelastic losses in core level x-ray absorption spectra (XAS) and x-ray photoemission spectra. The method is based on a factorization of the transition amplitude in the time domain, which leads to a convolution of an effective one-body absorption spectrum and the core-hole spectral function. The spectral function characterizes intrinsic losses in terms of shake-up excitations and satellites using a cumulant representation of the core-hole Green’s function that simplifies the interpretation. The one-body spectrum also includes orthogonality corrections that enhance the XAS at the edge.
Suppression of radiation loss in high kinetic inductance superconducting co-planar waveguides
Authors: Hähnle S. , Marrewijk N. v. , Endo A. , Karatsu K. , Thoen D. J. , Murugesan V. , Baselmans J. J. A.
Published: May 2020

We present a lab-on-chip technique to measure the very low losses in superconducting transmission lines at (sub-) mm wavelengths. The chips consist of a 100 nm-thick NbTiN Co-planar Waveguide (CPW) Fabry–Pérot (FP) resonator, coupled, on one side, to an antenna and, on the other side, to a Microwave Kinetic Inductance detector. Using a single frequency radiation source allows us to measure the frequency response of the FP around 350 GHz and deduce its losses. We show that the loss is dominated by radiation loss inside the CPW line that forms the FP and that it decreases with the decreasing linewidth and increasing kinetic inductance as expected. The results can be quantitatively understood using SONNET simulations. The lowest loss is observed for a CPW with a total width of 6 μm and corresponds to a Q-factor of ≈15 000.
Unsteady concentration transport over an array of cylinders in low-Reynolds-number flow
Authors: Lahooti Mohsen , Kim Daegyoum
Published: May 2020

The transport mechanism of concentration over an array of cylinders is investigated numerically for a transient low-Reynolds-number flow (Re = 1). This study is motivated by the olfactory sensing of antennules and their bio-inspired applications to chemical sensors. Two types of arrays, a single column of three cylinders and a square array of three by three cylinders, are used as simplified models for collecting concentration, and geometrical parameters such as gap size between the cylinders and initial distance between a concentration patch and the cylinder array are considered to evaluate how they change the concentration flux into the cylinders. The cumulative concentration flux of the array and the spatial distribution of concentration on the surface of the cylinder are compared between low and high Péclet numbers, Pe = 1 and 1000. For the low Péclet number, the flux efficiency is negatively affected by small gaps between the cylinders because the incoming concentration patch detours around the array due to hydrodynamic blockage in the gaps. By contrast, for the high Péclet number, the concentration flux benefits from entrapment of the patch over an extended period inside the array with narrow gaps, and thus, the flux efficiency can be superior to that of a single isolated cylinder. The flux efficiency of the array is in the inverse relationship with the initial distance of the patch from the cylinder array, and the high Péclet number exhibits a more notable drop in the flux efficiency with an increase in initial distance.
Limited evidence for the use of livestock for the conservation management of exotic plant cover
Authors: Eldridge David J. , Oliver Ian , Val James , Travers Samantha K.
Published: May 2020

Livestock grazing has been used for conservation management in some situations to reduce exotic plant cover, but supporting empirical evidence is scant. This is particularly true for eastern Australian semiarid woodlands and forests. We surveyed 451 sites across three broad semiarid vegetation communities (cypress pine, black box, red gum) in eastern Australia to examine the effects of recent and longer-term (historic) grazing by livestock on exotic (and native) plant cover. Because our focus was the use of domestic livestock for conservation management, our sites were mostly located in conservation reserves, travelling stock routes and native production forests where domestic grazing is approved via permit. We also included recent grazing by kangaroos and rabbits, which occur widely with livestock across the study sites. Structural equation modelling revealed that recent sheep and cattle grazing was associated with increased exotic plant cover in two of the three communities (cypress pine, black box), and historic grazing was associated with lower exotic (and native) plant cover across all communities. Recent cattle grazing-induced reductions in exotic plant cover in the red gum community resulted from declines in the palatable exotic annual grass Ehrharta longiflora. Higher intensity grazing by rabbits, sheep and cattle in the cypress pine community increased exotic plant cover by suppressing the negative effect of native cover on exotic cover. Higher intensity rabbit grazing reinforced the negative effect of nitrogen on native plant cover, resulting in increases in exotic cover. Overall, we found strong evidence that domestic livestock grazing reduces native plant cover either directly or indirectly in all three communities, but limited evidence that it would be a useful conservation management strategy to reduce exotic plant cover in these communities.
Testing the utility of dental morphological trait combinations for inferring human neutral genetic variation
Authors: Rathmann Hannes , Reyes-Centeno Hugo
Published: May 2020

Researchers commonly rely on human dental morphological features in order to reconstruct genetic affinities among past individuals and populations, particularly since teeth are often the best preserved part of a human skeleton. Tooth form is considered to be highly heritable and selectively neutral and, therefore, to be an excellent proxy for DNA when none is available. However, until today, it remains poorly understood whether certain dental traits or trait combinations preserve neutral genomic signatures to a greater degree than others. Here, we address this long-standing research gap by systematically testing the utility of 27 common dental traits and >134 million possible trait combinations in reflecting neutral genomic variation in a worldwide sample of modern human populations. Our analyses reveal that not all traits are equally well-suited for reconstructing population affinities. Whereas some traits largely reflect neutral variation and therefore evolved primarily as a result of genetic drift, others can be linked to nonstochastic processes such as natural selection or hominin admixture. We also demonstrate that reconstructions of population affinity based on many traits are not necessarily more reliable than those based on only a few traits. Importantly, we find a set of highly diagnostic trait combinations that preserve neutral genetic signals best (up tox∼r= 0.580; 95%rrange = 0.293 to 0.758;P= 0.001). We propose that these trait combinations should be prioritized in future research, as they allow for more accurate inferences about past human population dynamics when using dental morphology as a proxy for DNA.
Massively parallel CRISPRi assays reveal concealed thermodynamic determinants of dCas12a binding
Authors: Specht David A. , Xu Yasu , Lambert Guillaume
Published: May 2020

The versatility of CRISPR-Cas endonucleases as a tool for biomedical research has led to diverse applications in gene editing, programmable transcriptional control, and nucleic acid detection. Most CRISPR-Cas systems, however, suffer from off-target effects and unpredictable nonspecific binding that negatively impact their reliability and broader applicability. To better evaluate the impact of mismatches on DNA target recognition and binding, we develop a massively parallel CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) assay to measure the binding energy between tens of thousands of CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and target DNA sequences. By developing a general thermodynamic model of CRISPR-Cas binding dynamics, our results unravel a comprehensive map of the energetic landscape of nuclease-dead Cas12a (dCas12a) from
Francisella novicida
as it inspects and binds to its DNA target. Our results reveal concealed thermodynamic factors affecting dCas12a DNA binding, which should guide the design and optimization of crRNA that limits off-target effects, including the crucial role of an extended protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence and the impact of the specific base composition of crRNA–DNA mismatches. Our generalizable approach should also provide a mechanistic understanding of target recognition and DNA binding when applied to other CRISPR-Cas systems.
Sentence imitations in monolingual and early second language learners and the implications for grammar
teaching
Authors: Cristante Valentina
Published: May 2020

In the present article I investigated whether data obtained from 7-year-old German L1 and German-Turkish eL2
children by means of an elicited imitation task including grammatical and ungrammatical sentences mirrored current findings in
acquisition research concerning case marking, adjective inflection, V2 position and finiteness. The results show that L1 children
have full mastery of all four phenomena, as they revealed a greater tendency to correct ungrammatical sentences than to introduce
errors into grammatical sentences. On the other hand, eL2 children differed from L1 children in terms of how they dealt with the
noun-related phenomena, as they did not reveal a clear preference for either changing grammatical items or correcting
ungrammatical items. In the discussion, I propose how to minimise the likelihood that participants simply repeat ungrammatical
items verbatim in further imitation studies and be thus able to collect more reliable data on their grammatical knowledge. The
article ends with a proposal for a primary school exercise on case marking that involves correcting errors on case marking. The
suggestion is that ungrammatical sentences can be used in grammar teaching to assess pupils’ linguistic knowledge and also to
guide their attention to specific regularities of the language, thus stimulating language reflection.
A Preliminary Study on the Nicknames of the FIFA National Football Teams
Authors: Feng Wang , Shuyue Zhang , Cheng Chen
Published: May 2020

This study examines 315 nicknames of all the 211 FIFA national football teams (NFTs) as of January 2020. A preliminary analysis of these nicknames shows that they have statistically significant differences, suggesting subtle intercultural variation worthy of further investigation. It is hoped that this initial foray into these nicknames will inspire in-depth academic research at the continental and intercontinental levels.
Food Insecurity and Substance use in People with HIV Infection and Substance use Disorder
Authors: Raja Akila , Heeren Timothy C. , Walley Alexander Y. , Winter Michael R. , Mesic Aldina , Saitz Richard
Published: May 2020

Background

Food insecurity and substance use are common among people living with HIV (PLWH). Substance use may help people cope with hunger and thus be associated with food insecurity, but the association is uncertain. This study assessed whether, in PLWH and substance dependence, if there was an association between food insecurity and substance use.

Methods

We studied adults with HIV and current substance dependence or ever injection drug use interviewed at 12 and 24 months after enrollment in a prospective cohort study. The presence of food insecurity (insufficient food quantity or quality, or anxiety about its availability) was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Assessment Scale questionnaire (HFIAS). Unhealthy alcohol use was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test – Consumption (AUDIT-C) and past 30-day other drug use with the Addiction Severity Index. Associations using repeat cross-sectional data from each of two time-points, 12 months apart, from the same participants were tested using generalized estimating equations logistic regressions.

Results

The 233 participants had a mean age of 50 years and 65% were male. At the first interview, 44% reported food insecurity, 40% unhealthy alcohol use, 25% past 30-day cocaine use, and 17% past 30-day illicit opioid use. In analyses adjusted for demographics, social factors, physical and mental health function, and substance use related variables, there was no significant association between food insecurity and unhealthy alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.06 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.87)). Those with food insecurity had higher odds of illicit opioid use (aOR = 2.5 (95% CI: 1.12, 5.58)) and cocaine use (aOR = 1.95 (CI 95%: 1.00, 3.81)).

Conclusion

Food insecurity was not associated with unhealthy alcohol use but was associated with cocaine and illicit opioid use. Given the prevalence and impact substance use has on PLWH, food insecurity should be identified and addressed.
Self-testing and certification using trusted quantum inputs
Authors: Šupić Ivan , Hoban Matty J , Colomer Laia Domingo , Acín Antonio
Published: May 2020

Device-independent certification of quantum devices is of crucial importance for the development of secure quantum information protocols. So far, the most studied scenario corresponds to a system consisting of different non-characterized devices that observers probe with classical inputs to obtain classical outputs. The certification of relevant quantum properties follows from the observation of correlations between these events that do not have a classical counterpart. In the fully device-independent scenario no assumptions are made on the devices and therefore their non-classicality follows from Bell non-locality. There exist other scenarios, known as semi-device-independent, in which assumptions are made on the devices, such as their dimension, and non-classicality is associated to the observation of other types of correlations with no classical analogue. More recently, the use of trusted quantum inputs for certification has been introduced. The goal of this work is to study the power of this formalism and describe self-testing protocols in various settings using trusted quantum inputs. We also relate these different types of self-testing to some of the most basic quantum information protocols, such as quantum teleportation. Finally, we apply our findings to quantum networks and provide methods for estimating the quality of the whole network, as well as of parts of it.
Brownian yet non-Gaussian diffusion in heterogeneous media: from superstatistics to homogenization
Authors: Postnikov E B , Chechkin A , Sokolov I M
Published: May 2020

We discuss the situations under which Brownian yet non-Gaussian (BnG) diffusion can be observed in the model of a particle’s motion in a random landscape of diffusion coefficients slowly varying in space (quenched disorder). Our conclusion is that such behavior is extremely unlikely in the situations when the particles, introduced into the system at random at t = 0, are observed from the preparation of the system on. However, it indeed may arise in the case when the diffusion (as described in Ito interpretation) is observed under equilibrated conditions. This paradigmatic situation can be translated into the model of the diffusion coefficient fluctuating in time along a trajectory, i.e. into a kind of the ‘diffusing diffusivity’ model.
Throughput reduction on an air-ground transport system by the simultaneous effect of multiple traveling routes equipped with parking sites
Authors: Tsuzuki Satori , Yanagisawa Daichi , Nishinari Katsuhiro
Published: May 2020

This paper examines the traffic flows on a two-dimensional stochastic lattice model that comprises a junction of two traveling routes: the domestic route and the international route each of which has parking sites. In our model, the system distributes the arrived particles to either of the two routes and selects one of the parking sites in the route for each particle, which stops at the parking site once during its travel. Because each particle has antennas in the back and front directions to detect other approaching particles, the effect of the volume exclusion of each particle extends in the moving direction. The system displays interesting behavior; remarkably, the dependence of the throughput on the distribution ratio of particles to the domestic route reduces after reaching the maximum parking capacity of the domestic route. Our simulations and analysis with the queueing model describe this phenomenon and suggest the following fact: as the distribution ratio of particles to the international route decreases, the throughput of the international route reduces, and simultaneously, that of the domestic route saturates. The simultaneous effect of the decrease and saturation causes a reduction in the throughput of the entire system.
Character graphs with diameter three
Authors: Ebrahimi Mahdi
Published: May 2020

For a finite group

G
G

, let

Δ
(
G
)

\Delta (G)

denote the character graph built on the set of degrees of the irreducible complex characters of

G
G

. In this paper, we show that if the diameter of

Δ
(
G
)

\Delta (G)

is equal to three, then the complement of

Δ
(
G
)

\Delta (G)

is bipartite. Also in this case, we determine the structure of the character graph

Δ
(
G
)

\Delta (G)

.