bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Challenges and Opportunities in China’s Shared Accommodation Industry Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wang Xindi , Xu Zelong
Published: January 2024

In this study, the research delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on China’s shared accommodation economy and the trends for post-pandemic development. Despite the significant challenges the pandemic posed to the shared accommodation market, recovery is gradually taking place with the widespread vaccination and lifting of travel restrictions. However, the pace of recovery varies across different platforms and regions. In the post-pandemic era, the shared accommodation economy faces new opportunities and challenges. The advancement of technology, particularly the application of big data and artificial intelligence, presents new possibilities for business models in shared accommodation. The pandemic has accelerated structural adjustments in the shared accommodation industry, with relevant enterprises beginning to adjust their property and service structures to meet changing consumer demands. Nevertheless, this study has its limitations; the depth and breadth of the research need further expansion. For future research directions, the study suggests focusing on the long-term development of the shared accommodation market, conducting in-depth studies on various factors influencing the market, and further investigating the impact of policies on the shared accommodation market and how to better adjust policies to promote the healthy development of the market.
Research on the Strategic Positioning of the Korean Mainstream Film and Television Market based on Netflix Platform
Authors: Jiang Ziqing
Published: January 2024

Researching the strategic position of the mainstream Korean film and television market based on Netflix will greatly impact the development direction of the mainstream Korean film and television market in the next decade. At the same time, it has also planned and broadened the possibilities and development potential of Asian film, television, and Netflix in the Asian market to a certain extent. This paper chose this topic because the cultural output of Korean movies and TV dramas has had a wide range of influence and appeal in recent years, and the quality of movies and TV dramas has improved dramatically. It has a rich storyline, excellent visual effects, music, costumes, and stylistic designs that reflect Korean culture’s unique ideas and values. It deeply reflects the unique ideas and values of Korean culture. The research methods used are questionnaires and comparative analysis. The results are analyzed from data analysis and commons characteristic. Discussion is discussed reasonably from the creative stage and propagation stage. The value of this paper can be reflected in helping Korean film and television enterprises formulate strategies. Studying the strategic position of the Korean film and television market can help Korean film and television enterprises fully understand and analyze market trends. It can also promote the development of the film and television industry. Studying the film and television market’s strategic position in Korea can promote film development.
Diagnostic Utility of Integration of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced and Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast MR Perfusion Employing Split Bolus Technique in Differentiating High-Grade Glioma
Authors: Malik Virender , Kesavadas Chandrasekharan , Thomas Bejoy , N. Deepti A. , K. Krishna Kumar
Published: January 2024

Background: Despite documented correlation between glioma grades and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion-derived parameters, and its inherent advantages over dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion, the former remains underutilized in clinical practice. Given the inherent spatial heterogeneity in high-grade diffuse glioma (HGG) and assessment of different perfusion parameters by DCE (extravascular extracellular space volume [Ve] and volume transfer constant in unit time [k-trans]) and DSC (rCBV), integration of the two into a protocol could provide a holistic assessment. Considering therapeutic and prognostic implications of differentiating WHO grade 3 from 4, we analyzed the two grades based on a combined DCE and DSC perfusion.

Methods: Perfusion sequences were performed on 3-T MR. Cumulative dose of 0.1 mmol/kg of gadodiamide, split into two equal boluses, was administered with an interval of 6 minutes between the DCE and DSC sequences. DCE data were analyzed utilizing commercially available GenIQ software.

Results: Of the 41 cases of diffuse gliomas analyzed, 24 were WHO grade III and 17 grade IV gliomas (2016 WHO classification). To differentiate grade III and IV gliomas, Ve cut-off value of 0.178 provided the best combination of sensitivity (88.24%) and specificity (87.50%; AUC: 0.920; p < 0.001). A relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) of value 3.64 yielded a sensitivity of 70.59% and specificity of 62.50% (p = 0.018). The k-trans value, although higher in grade III than in grade IV gliomas, did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.108).

Conclusion: Uniqueness of employed combined perfusion technique, treatment naïve patients at imaging, user-friendly postprocessing software utilization, and ability of Ve and rCBV to differentiate between grade III and IV gliomas (p < 0.05) are the strengths of the present study, contributing to the existing literature and moving a step closer to achieving accurate MR perfusion-based glioma grading.
Identification of Two Variants c.2697A > C and c.3305A > C in USP7 by Analysis of Whole-Exome Sequencing in Chinese Patients with Hao-Fountain Syndrome
Authors: Sun Mei , Li Qing , Zhang Ying , Cai Yingzi , Dong Yan , Shu Jianbo , Li Dong , Cai Chunquan
Published: January 2024

Background Variants of ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) gene in humans are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder—Hao-Fountain syndrome, its core symptoms including developmental delay, intellectual disability, and speech delay. Other variable symptoms can affect multiple systems. In present study, we report two patients with core features from two unrelated consanguineous families originating from the Tianjin Children's Hospital.

Methods and Results Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples collected from the probands with their family members and whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to detect the pathogenic genes in the probands. Suspected variants were subsequently validated by Sanger sequencing. In family 1, WES revealed that the proband carried the de novo variant c.2697A > C (p.Leu899Phe) in USP7 (NM_003470.3). In family 2, WES identified the variant c.3305A > C (p.Asn1102Thr) in USP7 (NM_003470.3) from the proband.

Conclusion We reported two cases of Hao-Fountain syndrome caused by novel USP7 variants. In addition, we report the first case of mosaicism with a USP7 variant in Chinese family. Our findings demonstrate the importance of WES in diagnosis of genetic diseases and expands the USP7 variants spectrum in Hao-Fountain syndrome. Moreover, we summarize the cases caused by USP7 variants in the literature. Our study can provide a vital reference for the diagnosis of future cases.
Even without wings, V-formations save energy
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: January 2024

A laser-based technique reveals the flow around formations of non-lifting objects, which could inform vehicle swarming and flood mitigation strategies.
Soot emissions of steady and oscillatory candle flames
Authors: Balasubramaniyan Manikandan , Gaur Nikhil , Kannan B. T.
Published: January 2024

Soot particle emissions from steady flames have been extensively studied; however, less attention has been given to oscillating flames. This study aims to characterize the emission of soot particles from oscillatory flames generated by burning two bundles of candles (four candles per bundle) and compare them with a steady flame case. When two oscillating flames interact at varying separation distances, they exhibit two oscillatory modes and one steady mode, namely, in-phase (IP) oscillating flame, oscillation suppression (OS) flame, and anti-phase (AP) oscillating flame. Time-resolved flame images were captured using a digital camera, revealing that the OS mode represents steady flames, while the IP and AP modes represent symmetric and asymmetric oscillating flames, respectively. The flame height and the area were measured for both steady and oscillatory flames. The mean flame height remained nearly constant across all flame modes, whereas the mean flame area exhibited significant variations among each flame mode. Additionally, the diameter of soot particles was measured using the dynamic light scattering technique. The results indicate that steady flames produced the smallest soot particles (78 nm) compared to their counterparts in oscillatory flames. Furthermore, within the oscillatory flames, the symmetrically oscillating IP mode generated larger-sized soot particles (129 nm) compared to the asymmetrically oscillating AP mode (102 nm).
An application performance study of monoisopropanolamine carbonate in refrigerator insulation materials
Authors: Li Xin-Chao , Bi Yu-Sui , Bi Ge-Hua
Published: January 2024

Monoisopropanolamine carbonate is a green, safe, and environmentally friendly non-chlorofluorinated polyurethane chemical foaming agent (CFA-1) that can react directly and rapidly with isocyanate to release carbon dioxide for foaming purposes. In this study, we investigated a mixed system of CFA-1, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa), and cyclopentane (CP) to evaluate its foaming flow performance in refrigerator insulation material applications. We also examined various performance indicators of the resulting foam materials, such as compressive strength, closed cell ratio, and thermal conductivity. The experimental results demonstrated that by adding CFA-1 as a foaming agent, the density and dimensional stability of the foam were comparable to those achieved with the CP + water or CP + HFC-245fa system. In addition, there was a slight improvement in the closed cell ratio and compressive strength, which led to a reduction in the cell diameter within the CP + CFA-1 foaming system compared with those in both CP + water (28.79% decrease) and CP + HFC-245fa (26.11% decrease) systems. This optimized foam material exhibited an enhanced thermal insulation performance, with a 4.20% lower thermal conductivity compared to the CP + water system and 1.88% compared to the CP + HFC-245fa system. Replacing the HFC-245fa physical blowing agent with CFA-1 to prepare low-energy refrigerator insulation materials using rigid polyurethane foam technology offers significant benefits, including eliminating chlorofluorocarbon usage while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Physical consistency and invariance in machine learning of turbulent signals
Authors: Drikakis Dimitris , Kokkinakis Ioannis William , Tirchas Panagiotis , Spottswood S. Michael
Published: January 2024

This paper concerns an investigation of the invariance and consistency of deep learning of turbulent pressure fluctuations. The long-short-memory model is employed to predict wall pressure fluctuations across physical regimes featuring turbulence, shock–boundary layer interaction, and separation. The model's sensitivity to the data inputs is examined using different input data sets. Training the deep learning model based on the raw signals from different flow regions leads to large inaccuracies. It is shown that the data must be appropriately pre-processed before training for the deep learning model predictions to become consistent. Removing the mean and using the normalized fluctuating component of the signal, the deep learning predictions not only greatly improved in accuracy but, most importantly, converged and became consistent, provided that the signal sparsity remains within the inertial sub-range of the turbulence energy spectrum cascade. The power spectra of the surface pressure fluctuations reveal that the model provides high accuracy up to a certain frequency for the fully turbulent flow. The deep learning model's consistency is evidenced by being transferable across the various probe positions on the wall despite the significant differences in the turbulent flow properties in the training data set, i.e., signals obtained before, after, and inside the shock–boundary layer interaction regions. The model's prediction consistency and invariance to the turbulent signal training location(s) are promising for applying deep learning models to various turbulent flows.
Anti-inflammatory effects of pulsed magnetic field on the immune system
Authors: Kim Sojin , Lee H. S.
Published: January 2024

When an inflammatory response occurs in the body, primary immune cells, such as macrophages, phagocytize and present antigens, and secondary immune cells, such as T cells, produce antibodies against the presented antigens to prevent infection in the body. Abnormalities in the immune system releases pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, leading to rheumatoid arthritis and sepsis. This study aimed to confirm the change in inflammatory activity across innate immunity and acquired immunity while investigating the effects of pulsed magnetic field (PMF) on the immune system to regulate excessive inflammation. Raw 264.7 and EL4 cells were co-cultured in a DMEM medium using permeable cell culture inserts and inflammation was induced using LPS. Our PMF stimulator has the maximum intensity of 4700 G at a transition time of 136 μs with pulse intervals of 1 Hz. In order to confirm anti-inflammatory effects of PMF, the level of IL-6, pH and mitochondrial respiration rate (MRR) were measured using ELISA, pH meter and MTT assay, respectively. It was observed in vitro that inflammation-induced macrophages induce activation of T cells, as evidenced by the faster acidification in pH, increased IL-6 expression, and enhanced MRR, compared to T cells. But after PMF stimulation, pH levels improved, the concentration of IL-6 reduced, and MRR decreased in both macrophages and T-cells, which indicates inflammation relief. Our results show that macrophages, the primary immune cells, are first involved in the inflammatory response and recovery and influence T cells, the secondary immune cells. Therefore PMF stimulus is thought to affect the immune system of the human body by balancing the activation and suppression of immune cells and improve anti-inflammation. For clinical use, non-invasive PMF can be developed as a medical devices modulating immune system with optimizing the PMF conditions such as pulse shape, duration, or repetition rate.
Feasibility study on on-board magnetoencephalography with optically pumped magnetometers
Authors: Cao Xinyu , Fushimi Motofumi , Chikaki Shinichi , Kuwahata Akihiro , Sekino Masaki
Published: January 2024

In this study, the theoretical feasibility of utilizing optically pumped magnetometers for on-board magnetoencephalography measurements was explored. Simulations were conducted to generate steady-state visually evoked response (SSVER) signals that incorporate vehicle noise, and a noise reduction strategy specifically designed for on-board applications is proposed. Upon engine activation, the magnetic field vibration of a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle measured in an urban environment was found to be approximately seven times greater in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. The maximum signal-to-noise ratio of the SSVER in an automotive environment was simulated to be −110 dB. A 350-mm side-length, 20-turn active compensation coil can achieve an attenuation rate of approximately 28 dB at a target frequency of 24 Hz for measurements inside the vehicle cabin. Therefore, an increase in the number of coil turns would result in a higher attenuation rate. Further noise attenuation to the level inside a magnetically shielded room requires approximately 80 dB.
D-Q-axis magnetic field design and investigation of asymmetrical multi-layer flux barriers PM motor for speed regulation enhancement
Authors: Ji Liujie , Quan Li , Zhu Xiaoyong , Xiang Zixuan , Fan Deyang , Zheng Shiyue , Jiang Min
Published: January 2024

In this paper, an asymmetrical multi-layer flux barriers permanent magnet (AMFB-PM) motor is proposed. The key of this study is to design the d-q-axis magnetic field reasonably. Firstly, the influence of d-axis inductance on the constant power speed range is analyzed. To optimize the constant power speed regulation performance, an asymmetric flux barrier is employed to adjust the saturation degree of the d-axis magnetic circuit under flux-weakening state. Additionally, the introduction of the asymmetrical flux barrier enables directional deflection of reluctance torque, thereby enhancing the output torque. The analysis results verify the effectiveness of the asymmetrical flux barrier design, which provide a wide speed regulation with constant power operation and high torque density for PM motors.
Precise coordination of high-loading Fe single atoms with sulfur boosts selective generation of nonradicals
Authors: Jiang Xunheng , Zhou Binghui , Yang Weijie , Chen Jiayi , Miao Chen , Guo Zhongyuan , Li Hao , Hou Yang , Xu Xinhua , Zhu Lizhong , Lin Daohui , Xu Jiang
Published: January 2024

Nonradicals are effective in selectively degrading electron-rich organic contaminants, which unfortunately suffer from unsatisfactory yield and uncontrollable composition due to the competitive generation of radicals. Herein, we precisely construct a local microenvironment of the carbon nitride–supported high-loading (~9 wt.%) Fe single-atom catalyst (Fe SAC) with sulfur via a facile supermolecular self-assembly strategy. Short-distance S coordination boosts the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation and selectively generates high-valent iron–oxo species (Fe
IV
=O) along with singlet oxygen (
1
O
2
), significantly increasing the
1
O
2
yield, PMS utilization, and
p
-chlorophenol reactivity by 6.0, 3.0, and 8.4 times, respectively. The composition of nonradicals is controllable by simply changing the S content. In contrast, long-distance S coordination generates both radicals and nonradicals, and could not promote reactivity. Experimental and theoretical analyses suggest that the short-distance S upshifts the
d
-band center of the Fe atom, i.e., being close to the Fermi level, which changes the binding mode between the Fe atom and O site of PMS to selectively generate
1
O
2
and Fe
IV
=O with a high yield. The short-distance S-coordinated Fe SAC exhibits excellent application potential in various water matrices. These findings can guide the rational design of robust SACs toward a selective and controllable generation of nonradicals with high yield and PMS utilization.
Copper regulates the host innate immune response against bacterial infection via activation of ALPK1 kinase
Authors: Lu Jing , Liu Xue , Li Xinghua , Li Hongyan , Shi Liwa , Xia Xin , He Bai-liang , Meyer Thomas F. , Li Xiaofeng , Sun Hongzhe , Yang Xinming
Published: January 2024

Copper is an essential trace element for the human body, and its requirement for optimistic immune functions has been recognized for decades. How copper is involved in the innate immune pathway, however, remains to be clarified. Here, we report that copper serves as a signal molecule to regulate the kinase activity of alpha-kinase 1 (ALPK1), a cytosolic pattern-recognition receptor (PRR), and therefore promotes host cell defense against bacterial infection. We show that in response to infection, host cells actively accumulate copper in the cytosol, and the accumulated cytosolic copper enhances host cell defense against evading pathogens, including intracellular and, unexpectedly, extracellular bacteria. Subsequently, we demonstrate that copper activates the innate immune pathway of host cells in an ALPK1-dependent manner. Further mechanistic studies reveal that copper binds to ALPK1 directly and is essential for the kinase activity of this cytosolic PRR. Moreover, the binding of copper to ALPK1 enhances the sensitivity of ALPK1 to the bacterial metabolite ADP-heptose and eventually prompts host cells to elicit an enhanced immune response during bacterial infection. Finally, using a zebrafish in vivo model, we show that a copper-treated host shows an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, enhanced recruitment of phagosome cells, and promoted bacterial clearance. Our findings uncover a previously unrecognized role of copper in the modulation of host innate immune response against bacterial pathogens and advance our knowledge on the cross talk between cytosolic copper homeostasis and immune system.
Interlayer engineering of Fe
3
GeTe
2
: From 3D superlattice to 2D monolayer
Authors: Wu Yecun , Wang Bai Yang , Yu Yijun , Li Yanbin , Ribeiro Henrique B. , Wang Jierong , Xu Rong , Liu Yunzhi , Ye Yusheng , Zhou Jiawei , Ke Feng , Harbola Varun , Heinz Tony F. , Hwang Harold Y. , Cui Yi
Published: January 2024

The discoveries of ferromagnetism down to the atomically thin limit in van der Waals (vdW) crystals by mechanical exfoliation have enriched the family of magnetic thin films [C. Gong et al.,
Nature
546
, 265–269 (2017) and B. Huang et al.,
Nature
546
, 270–273 (2017)]. However, compared to the study of traditional magnetic thin films by physical deposition methods, the toolbox of the vdW crystals based on mechanical exfoliation and transfer suffers from low yield and ambient corrosion problem and now is facing new challenges to study magnetism. For example, the formation of magnetic superlattice is difficult in vdW crystals, which limits the study of the interlayer interaction in vdW crystals [M. Gibertini, M. Koperski, A. F. Morpurgo, K. S. Novoselov,
Nat. Nanotechnol.
14
, 408–419 (2019)]. Here, we report a strategy of interlayer engineering of the magnetic vdW crystal Fe
3
GeTe
2
(FGT) by intercalating quaternary ammonium cations into the vdW spacing. Both three-dimensional (3D) vdW superlattice and two-dimensional (2D) vdW monolayer can be formed by using this method based on the amount of intercalant. On the one hand, the FGT superlattice shows a strong 3D critical behavior with a decreased coercivity and increased domain wall size, attributed to the co-engineering of the anisotropy, exchange interaction, and electron doping by intercalation. On the other hand, the 2D vdW few layers obtained by over-intercalation are capped with organic molecules from the bulk crystal, which not only enhances the ferromagnetic transition temperature (
T
C
), but also substantially protects the thin samples from degradation, thus allowing the preparation of large-scale FGT ink in ambient environment.
Benchmarking face support practice in seismically active mines
Authors: Hadjigeorgiou J. , Potvin Y.
Published: January 2024

This paper presents the results of a benchmarking study on face support practice in seismically active mines in Australia and Canada. The choice of ground support strategies is based on the anticipated strainburst hazard as well as corporate, legislative, and operational requirements. Although mines appear to employ similar face support standards, using friction rock stabilizers and mesh, the details and the resulting coverage vary from site to site. The variations in design and coverage result in significantly different residual risks. The case is made for documenting strainburst events at the mining face and using this information to formally assess the effectiveness of implemented face support practice at the various mine sites.
A stochastic mine planning approach to determine the optimal open pit to underground mining transition depth – case study at the Geita gold mine, Tanzania
Authors: MacNeil J. , Dimitrakopoulos R. , Peattie R.
Published: January 2024

Several of the world's largest open-pit mines are expected to consider making a transition to underground mining because of the opportunity to access an increased amount of reserves and extend a mine's life. A case study exploring the optimal transition depth from open pit to underground mining at AngloGold Ashanti's Geita gold mine in Tanzania is presented herein. The approach considered assesses the problem by evaluating the profits of a set of candidate transition depths, which have been identified by the mining operation as viable opportunities. An accurate valuation for each candidate's transition depth is derived by producing yearly mine plans based on uncertainty, which outline expected yearly cash flows. Compared with the conventional deterministic approach, the results of this study show a 23% net present value increase for the stochastic mine plans, as well as an improved production performance and the ability to meet mill requirements throughout the life-of-mine.
Does a physical pendulum ever act like a simple pendulum?
Authors: Fulton E L , Gay T J
Published: January 2024

We show that for a physical pendulum comprising a massive sphere swinging from a massive string, there is, in general, a length of string for which its oscillatory period equals the period calculated by the simple pendulum model with a point-like mass swinging from a massless string whose model length equals the summed length of the real string and the sphere’s radius.
Depth acquisition from dual-frequency fringes based on end-to-end learning
Authors: Wu Yingchun , Wang Zihao , Liu Li , Yang Na , Zhao Xianling , Wang Anhong
Published: January 2024

The end-to-end networks have been successfully applied in fringe projection profilometry in recent years for their high flexibility and fast speed. Most of them can predict the depth map from a single fringe. But the depth map inherits the fringe fluctuation and loses the local details of the measured object. To address this issue, an end-to-end network based on double spatially frequency fringes (dual-frequency based depth acquisition network) is proposed. To release the periodic error of the predicted depth map, a dual-branch structure is designed to learn the global contour and local details of the measured object from dual-frequency patterns. To fully exploit the contextual information of the fringe patterns, five novel modules are proposed to accomplish feature extraction, down-sampling/up-sampling, and information feeding. Ablation experiments verify the effectiveness of the presented modules. Competitive experiments demonstrate that the proposed lightweight network presents higher accuracy compared to the existing end-to-end learning algorithms. Noise immunity test and physical validation demonstrate the generalization of the network.
A novel method for necking detection and measurement in automotive sheet metal components
Authors: Li Sixu , Wang Hao , Zhang Yanshun , Zhou Yunpeng , Liu Changying
Published: January 2024

In this article, a novel necking detection and measurement method for automotive sheet metal components is proposed to detect and measure necking. The proposed method utilizes a point cloud registration-based approach to achieve better defect detection performance in the region of interest. In this method, an efficient registration algorithm called global feature-iterative closest point is introduced, which exhibits excellent performance for complex surfaces, such as sheet metal parts. Subsequently, an algorithm called normal vector propagation is proposed for defect point cloud detection and extraction, enabling the acquisition of comprehensive necking information. Finally, a necking dimension measurement method, referred to as triangle mesh–registration distance elimination, is introduced to measure the surface area and depth of necking. Experimental investigations were conducted on two sheet metal components with necking, and comparisons were made with other methods. The results demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of this proposed method.
Pathology in the WKB wave function for tunneling assisted by gravity
Authors: Ansoldi Stefano , Tanaka Takahiro
Published: January 2024

There are several exotic tunneling processes that can be realized only by incorporating the effect of gravity. Here, we point out that we encounter difficulties in constructing the WKB wave function, once we try to describe quantum fluctuations around the semi-classical tunneling path. We present examples of pathology in the true vacuum decay/upward tunneling, the false vacuum decay catalyzed by a black hole and the tunneling with black hole/wormhole production.
High-performance ammonia gas sensor based on spray pyrolysis developed In2O3:La films
Authors: Jansi R , Revathy M S , Vinoth S , Isaac R S Rimal , Ashraf I M , Shkir Mohd
Published: January 2024

La doped indium oxide (In2O3:La) thin films were deposited on glass substrate by nebulizer spray pyrolysis by different La doping concentrations. The crystalline structure, morphology, optical and gas sensing properties of thin films were investigated. XRD diffractograms present cubic crystal structure of In2O3 films, with decreased crystallite size with the incorporation of La dopants. SEM analysis of thin film samples exhibits approximately cube-shaped morphology without any cracks of microstructures. The optical band gap magnitude shows shift in energy values in the range of 3.12–3.29 eV with increasing La concentrations. For all films, the photoluminescence spectra showed violet-blue emission peaks at around 420–480 nm. All of the developed films were tested for ammonia (NH3) gas detection at ambient temperature. In2O3:La 5% sensor had the highest gas response value of 1720%, a quicker response and recovery times of 48/12 s, respectively, suggesting the sample could be better suited for the application of NH3 gas sensor.
Low-frequency broadband characteristics of stepwise radial acoustical black holes
Authors: Li Lixia , Bai Jin , Yang Qian , Xie Miaoxia , Li Ling
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a stepped radial acoustic black hole (SR-ABH) structure formed via a stepwise arrangement of two-dimensional radial acoustic black holes(ABH) is proposed. The finite element method is used to calculate the energy band and frequency response curve of the SR-ABH structure. It is found that the low-frequency bandgap accounts for 83.4% of the whole energy band region (0-2000 Hz) , which is 7.6 times broader than that of a horizontally arranged radial acoustic black hole (HR-ABH). On the basis of modal analysis at special points, the introduction of gradient arrays into radial ABH is confirmed, which reduces the cut-off frequency of ABH and leads to a low-frequency broadband coupling of local resonance and acoustic black hole effects. In addition, the influence of geometric parameters on the bandgap is explored. The results indicate that as the step height increases, the coupling relationship between local resonance and acoustic black hole effects shows a trend of first strengthening and then weakening, thereby affecting the movement of the low-frequency bandgap. In addition, the proposed structure provides a way to reduce the high cutoff frequency of ABH.
Influence of different terminations on the surface properties of MB2: first principles study
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Huanbo , He Zhijun
Published: January 2024

Metal diborides MB2 (M = Zr, V, Ta, Nb) are widely used in many optoelectronic devices. Investigation into their surface stability and morphology is the first and essential step in exploring their properties. In the present work, the periodic density functional theory method was performed to study the surface properties and optical properties of MB2 (M = Zr, V, Ta, Nb). The effects of different surface terminations are discussed, which indicates metal terminations have low work functions. The calculation of optical properties indicates that the four borides are suitable for spectral selective materials and optical storage materials. These findings provide valuable theoretical data for the design and application of MB2 in optoelectronic materials.
Cosmological constraints on 4-dimensional Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity
Authors: Zanoletti C.M.A. , Hull B.R. , Leonard C.D. , Mann R.B.
Published: January 2024

4-Dimensional Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet (4DEGB) gravity has garnered significant attention in the last few years as a phenomenological competitor
to general relativity. We consider the theoretical and observational implications of this theory in both the early and late universe, (re-)deriving background and perturbation equations and constraining its characteristic parameters with data from cosmological probes.
Our investigation surpasses the scope of previous studies by incorporating non-flat spatial sections. We explore consequences of 4DEGB on the sound and particle horizons in the very early universe, and demonstrate that 4DEGB can provide an independent solution to the horizon problem for some values of its characteristic parameter α. Finally, we constrain an unexplored regime of this theory in the limit of small coupling α (empirically supported in the post-Big Bang Nucleosynthesis era by prior constraints). This version of 4DEGB includes a geometric term that resembles dark radiation at the background level, but whose influence on the perturbed equations is qualitatively distinct from that of standard forms of dark radiation. In this limit, only one beyond-ΛCDM degree of freedom persists, which we denote as α̃
C
. Our analysis yields the estimate α̃
C
 = (-9 ± 6) × 10-6 thereby providing a new constraint of a previously untested sector of 4DEGB.
Cosmological evolution from modified Bekenstein entropy law
Authors: de Cesare Marco , Gubitosi Giulia
Published: January 2024

We study the dynamics of the homogeneous and isotropic cosmological background in the
recently proposed “quantum phenomenological gravitational dynamics”, characterised by
logarithmic corrections to the Bekenstein entropy. We show that the model admits a family of
solutions that are self-accelerating both at early and late times: they approach de Sitter in the
future and admit a past attractor corresponding to an inflationary acceleration era. On the other
hand, there are no solutions corresponding to a primordial bounce. We also show that asking scalar
perturbations to be unaffected by instabilities on observable scales puts stringent constraints on
the deviations from general relativity encoded by the model.
Blandford-Znajek jets in MOdified Gravity
Authors: Camilloni Filippo , Harmark Troels , Orselli Marta , Rodriguez Maria J.
Published: January 2024

General relativity (GR) will be imminently challenged by upcoming experiments in the
strong gravity regime, including those testing the energy extraction mechanisms for black
holes. Motivated by this, we explore magnetospheric models and black hole jet emissions in
Modified Gravity (MOG) scenarios. Specifically, we construct new power emitting magnetospheres in
a Kerr-MOG background which are found to depend non-trivially on the MOG deformation
parameter. This may allow for high-precision tests of GR. In addition, a complete set of analytic
solutions for vacuum magnetic field configurations around static MOG black holes are explicitly
derived, and found to comprise exclusively Heun's polynomials.
Measurement model of circadian action factor of phosphor-converted white LEDs based on photometric, electrical, and thermal properties
Authors: Shen Xuehua , Chen Huanting , Xu Min , Ji Xiaoxi , Qin Qun
Published: January 2024

Light stimulus is confirmed to have critical non-visual biological effects on human beings, and thus evaluation of lighting quality should not be limited to traditional visual performance. The circadian action factor (CAF) has been put forward to quantify such non-visual effects of light sources. This paper focuses on studying the photometric, electrical, and thermal properties of widely used phosphor-converted white LEDs (PC-WLEDs), and establishes an indirect measurement model of CAF regarding temperature, current and excitation wavelength. During modeling, the spectral power distribution of PC-WLEDs is described as an extended Gaussian function of the double-color (blue-yellow) spectrum. In verifications, the remarkable consistency is obtained between indirect measurements and direct calculations, while the maximum relative errors do not exceed 2.6% and the mean relative errors do not exceed 0.9%. The proposed measurement model involves a series of optical tests and calibrations, which are simple for LED system designers to comply with. It offers an effective tool to quantify the PC-WLEDs’ non-visual biological effects on human beings, avoiding costly optical instruments and laborious calculations. Furthermore, it provides a potential theoretical foundation for realizing human-centric assessment, regulation and control of artificial lighting.
A machine learning approach for real-time cortical state estimation
Authors: Weiss David A , Borsa Adriano MF , Pala Aurélie , Sederberg Audrey J , Stanley Garrett B
Published: January 2024

Objective. Cortical function is under constant modulation by internally-driven, latent variables that regulate excitability, collectively known as ‘cortical state’. Despite a vast literature in this area, the estimation of cortical state remains relatively ad hoc, and not amenable to real-time implementation. Here, we implement robust, data-driven, and fast algorithms that address several technical challenges for online cortical state estimation. Approach. We use unsupervised Gaussian mixture models to identify discrete, emergent clusters in spontaneous local field potential signals in cortex. We then extend our approach to a temporally-informed hidden semi-Markov model (HSMM) with Gaussian observations to better model and infer cortical state transitions. Finally, we implement our HSMM cortical state inference algorithms in a real-time system, evaluating their performance in emulation experiments. Main results. Unsupervised clustering approaches reveal emergent state-like structure in spontaneous electrophysiological data that recapitulate arousal-related cortical states as indexed by behavioral indicators. HSMMs enable cortical state inferences in a real-time context by modeling the temporal dynamics of cortical state switching. Using HSMMs provides robustness to state estimates arising from noisy, sequential electrophysiological data. Significance. To our knowledge, this work represents the first implementation of a real-time software tool for continuously decoding cortical states with high temporal resolution (40 ms). The software tools that we provide can facilitate our understanding of how cortical states dynamically modulate cortical function on a moment-by-moment basis and provide a basis for state-aware brain machine interfaces across health and disease.
Coupled bunch mode zero correction within the orbit feedback bandwidth
Authors: Kallakuri P , Brill A , Carwardine J , Emery L , Sereno N
Published: January 2024

The fast orbit feedback (FOFB) bandwidth for Advanced photon source upgrade (APS-U) will be DC-1 kHz and the synchrotron frequency will be between 100-560 Hz. This frequency overlap places coupled bunch mode 0 (CBM0) induced horizontal orbit motion inside the orbit feedback bandwidth, potentially affecting our ability to achieve beam stability goals. Longitudinal feedback kicker is not strong enough to damp CBM0 oscillations. We developed new beam-based feedback method to suppress CBM0 oscillations with low level RF phase as actuator. It uses existent FOFB framework with no changes to the feedback algorithm. Effectiveness of this method is verified using present APS operations lattice where synchrotron frequency is outside orbit feedback bandwidth. In the present work, low alpha lattice is created to emulate APS-U setting where synchrotron frequency is inside the orbit feedback bandwidth. Experiments with this lattice successfully demonstrated CBM0 correction within orbit feedback bandwidth. Combined operation of orbit feedback and CBM0 correction is stable, and CBM0 oscillations are damped. We achieved better orbit motion suppression and corrector drive efforts are reduced as well.
Design and study of cavity quadrupole moment and energy spread monitor
Authors: Wang Q , Dong Q , Huang L , Luo Q
Published: January 2024

A nondestructive method to measure beam energy spread using the quadrupole modes within a microwave cavity is proposed. Compared with a button beam position monitor (BBPM) or a stripline beam position monitor (SBPM), the cavity monitor is a narrow band pickup and therefore has better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and resolution. In this study, a rectangular cavity monitor is designed. TM220 mode operating at 4.76 GHz in the cavity reflects the quadrupole moment of the beam. The cavity plans to be installed behind a bending magnet in Dalian Coherent Light Source (DCLS), an extreme ultraviolet FEL facility. In this position, the beam has a larger dispersion, which is beneficial to measure the energy spread. A quadrupole magnet, a fluorescent screen, and a SBPM with eight electrodes is installed near the cavity for calibration and comparison. The systematic framework and simulation results are also discussed in this paper.
Applications of nuclear physics to energy: the INFN-E project of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN)
Authors: Ripani M.
Published: January 2024

In this talk, the main issues in radioactive waste management worldwide will be briefly introduced, as well as the world roadmap towards nuclear fusion. Then, an overview of the activities of the INFN-E (INFN Energia) strategic project will be given, showing how INFN's skills on basic theoretical aspects and on the design, construction and use of accelerators and radiation detectors can be applied to specific projects for the characterization and monitoring of radioactive waste as a means to increase nuclear safety and in the context of advanced plants for the study of nuclear fusion.
Advances in the TCAD modelling of non-irradiated and irradiated Low-Gain Avalanche Diode sensors
Authors: Croci T. , Morozzi A. , Fondacci A. , Lanteri L. , Siviero F. , Sola V. , Ferrero M. , Menzio L. , Mulargia R. , Arcidiacono R. , Cartiglia N. , Bilei G.M. , Passeri D. , Moscatelli F.
Published: January 2024

The recently developed Low-Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD) technology has gained growing interest within the high-energy physics (HEP) community, thanks to its capability of internal signal amplification that improves the particle detection. Since the next generation of HEP experiments will require tracking detectors able to efficiently operate in environments where expected fluences will exceed 1 × 1017 1 MeV n
eq/cm2, the design of radiation-resistant particle detectors becomes of utmost importance. To this purpose, Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) simulations are a relevant part of the current detector R&D, not only to support the sensor design and optimization, but also for a better understanding and modelling of radiation damage. In this contribution, the recent advances in the TCAD modelling of non-irradiated and irradiated LGAD sensors are presented, whose validation relies on the agreement between the simulated and experimental data — in terms of current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V), and gain-voltage (G-V) characteristics, coming from devices manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics (HPK), and accounting for different irradiation levels and temperatures.
Hetero-epitaxial grown Pt@Au core-shell bimetallic nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Raghavendra P , Sekhar Y Chandra , Reddy G Vishwakshan , Chandana P Sri , Sarma L Subramanyam
Published: January 2024

The core-shell structured Pt@Aubimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) were decorated on the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) surface by a heteroepitaxial growth method. The morphological details of Pt@Au/RGO core/shell bimetallic NPs were assessed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Electron microscopy results revealed that Pt@Au particles of 3.4 nm were firmly attached to RGO sheets. The electrochemical response of Pt@Au/RGO nanostructured electrocatalyst was measured through cyclic voltammetry (CV) at room temperature in 0.1 M KOH solution. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) efficacies of Pt@Au/RGO were evaluated by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) by rotating catalyst-coated glassy carbon (GC) electrode at different rotation speeds in oxygen saturated 0.1 M KOH solution. The electrochemical activity descriptors (half-wave potential, onset potential, limiting current density) were assessed from ORR polarisation curves. The results revealed that Pt@Au/RGO bimetallic NPs showed enhanced higher catalytic activity towards ORR compared to commercial Pt/C catalyst as well as similarly synthesised Pt/RGO and Au/RGO. The enhanced catalytic activity of Pt@Au/RGO electrocatalyst might result from the core/shell structure with a tiny Pt core and a thin Au shell, as well as the synergistic effects of Au and Pt.
Dielectric barrier discharge plasma-assisted catalytic ammonia synthesis: synergistic effect of Ni-MOF-74 catalyst and nanosecond pulsed plasma
Authors: XU 徐 Xiaofang 晓芳 , SUN 孙 Meng 萌 , SONG 宋 Qinlong 勤龙 , WU 吴 Xuan 璇 , CHEN 陈 Chongchong 冲冲 , CHEN 陈 Qiang 强 , ZHANG 张 Haibao 海宝
Published: January 2024

Ammonia is one of the most important chemical raw materials in both manufacture and life of human. Traditionally Haber-Bosch method for ammonia synthesis involves high temperature and high pressure conditions, leading to significant energy consumption and environmental pollution. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) is a promising alternative approach to ammonia synthesis at low temperature and atmospheric pressure. In this study, the synergistic effect of nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (np-DBD) and Ni-MOF-74 catalyst was investigated in ammonia synthesis by utilizing nitrogen and hydrogen as feedstock. The results demonstrated that the plasma catalytic-synthesis process parameters play a crucial role in the synthesis process of ammonia. The highest ammonia synthesis rate of 5145.16 μmol·g−1·h−1 with an energy efficiency of 1.27 g·kWh−1 was observed in the presence of the Ni-MOF-74 catalyst, which was 3.7 times higher than that without Ni-MOF-74 catalyst. The synergistic effect of Ni-MOF-74 catalyst and nanosecond pulsed plasma was explored by in-situ plasma discharge diagnostics.
Preparation of palladium-based catalyst by plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition and its applications in CO2 hydrogenation reduction
Authors: TANG 唐 Shouxian 守贤 , TIAN 田 Di 地 , LI 李 Zheng 筝 , (王正铎) Zhengduo WANG , (刘博文) Bowen LIU , CHENG 程 Jiushan 久珊 , LIU 刘 Zhongwei 忠伟
Published: January 2024

Supported Pd catalyst is an important noble metal material in recent years due to its high catalytic performance in CO2 hydrogenation. A fluidized-bed plasma assisted atomic layer deposition (FP-ALD) process is reported to fabricate Pd nanoparticle catalyst over γ-Al2O3 or Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 support, using palladium hexafluoroacetylacetonate as the Pd precursor and H2 plasma as counter-reactant. Scanning transmission electron microscopy exhibits that high-density Pd nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed over Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 support with an average diameter of 4.4 nm. The deposited Pd-Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 shows excellent catalytic performance for CO2 hydrogenation in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor. Under a typical condition of H2 to CO2 ratio of 4 in the feed gas, the discharge power of 19.6 W, and gas hourly space velocity of 10000 h−1, the conversion of CO2 is as high as 16.3% with CH3OH and CH4 selectivities of 26.5% and 3.9%, respectively.
Machine learning-based prediction of multi-muon events in the INO-ICAL prototype stack
Authors: Samuel Deepak , Murgod Lakshmi P
Published: January 2024

The upcoming India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) will host a 50 kton magnetized Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) to study atmospheric neutrinos. As part of its proposal, small-scale prototype detectors have been built and are in operation. The primary focus in these prototypes has been on detector characterization studies. At the same time, few physics analyses were also carried out with the cosmic muon data collected. However, due to the small size of the detectors, such analyses always relied on the assumption that the tracks were of single muons only. Consequently, multi-muon events were discarded as noisy events, reducing the physics potential. In this work, we report the development of a machine learning model to predict multi-muon events, study its efficiency and report the muon multiplicity distribution observed using cosmic muon events from the prototype detector.