bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel approach to cosmological particle production
Authors: Fiol Bartomeu , Komendyak Mickael , Ruiz-Ponsell Jordi
Published: April 2024

In this work we present a novel approach to the study of cosmological particle production in asymptotically Minkowski spacetimes. We emphasize that it is possible to determine the amount of particle production by focusing on the mathematical properties of the mode function equations, i.e. their singularities and monodromies, sidestepping the need to solve those equations. We consider in detail creation of scalar and spin 1/2 particles in four dimensional asymptotically Minkowski flat FLRW spacetimes. We explain that when the mode function equation for scalar fields has only regular singular points, the corresponding scale factors are asymptotically Minkowski. For Dirac spin 1/2 fields, the requirement of mode function equations with only regular points is more restrictive, and picks up a subset of the aforementioned scale factors. For the scalar case, we argue that there are two different regimes of particle production; while most of the literature has focused on only one of these regimes, the other regime presents enhanced particle production. On the other hand, for Dirac fermions we find a single regime of particle production. Finally, we very briefly comment on the possibility of studying particle production in spacetimes that don't asymptote to Minkowski, by considering mode function equations with irregular singular points.
Modeling neutrino-induced scale-dependent galaxy clustering for photometric galaxy surveys
Authors: Rogozenski P. , Krause E. , Miranda V.
Published: April 2024

The increasing statistical precision of photometric redshift surveys requires improved accuracy of theoretical predictions for large-scale structure observables to obtain unbiased cosmological constraints. In ΛCDM cosmologies, massive neutrinos stream freely at small cosmological scales, suppressing the small-scale power spectrum. In massive neutrino cosmologies, galaxy bias modeling needs to accurately relate the scale-dependent growth of the underlying matter field to observed galaxy clustering statistics. In this work, we implement a computationally efficient approximation of the neutrino-induced scale-dependent bias (NISDB). Through simulated likelihood analyses of Dark Energy Survey Year 3 (DESY3) and Legacy Survey of Space and Time Year 1 (LSSTY1) synthetic data that contain an appreciable NISDB, we examine the impact of linear galaxy bias and neutrino mass modeling choices on cosmological parameter inference. We find model misspecification of the NISDB approximation and neutrino mass models to decrease the constraining power of photometric galaxy surveys and cause parameter biases in the cosmological interpretation of future surveys. We quantify these biases and devise mitigation strategies.
Two-dimensional and absolutely entanglement-breaking subspaces
Authors: Yan Jian , Chen Lin
Published: April 2024

Entanglement-breaking (EB) subspaces determine the additivity of entanglement of formation (EOF), which is a long-standing issue in quantum information. We explicitly construct the two-dimensional EB subspaces of any bipartite system, when system dimensions are equal, and we apply the subspaces to construct EB spaces of arbitrary dimensions. We also present partial construction when system dimensions are different. Then, we present the notion and properties of EB subspaces for some systems, and in particular the absolute EB subspaces. We construct some examples of absolute EB subspaces, as well as EB subspaces for some systems by using multiqubit Dicke states.
Imaging plate scanners calibration and the attenuation behavior of imaging plate signals
Authors: Bo 薄 Nan 楠 , Wang 王 Nai-Yan 乃彦
Published: April 2024

Based on previously reported work, we propose a new method for calibrating image plate (IP) scanners, offering greater flexibility and convenience, which can be extended to the calibration tasks of various scanner models. This method was applied to calibrate the sensitivity of a GE Typhoon FLA 7000 scanner. Additionally, we performed a calibration of the spontaneous signal attenuation behavior for BAS-MS, BAS-SR, and BAS-TR type IPs under the 20±1 °C environmental conditions, and observed significant signal carrier diffusion behavior in BAS-MS IP. The calibration results lay a foundation for further research on the interaction between ultra-short, ultra-intense lasers and matter.
Effects of plasma nonuniformity on toroidal Alfvén eigenmode nonlinear decay
Authors: Cheng Zhiwen , Shen Kexun , Qiu Zhiyong
Published: April 2024

The parametric decay of toroidal Alfvén eigenmode (TAE) in nonuniform plasmas is investigated using nonlinear gyrokinetic equation. It is found that, the plasma nonuniformity not only significantly enhances the nonlinear coupling cross-section, but also qualitatively modifies the decay process. Specifically, the condition for spontaneous decay becomes the toroidal mode number of the sideband TAE being higher than that of the pump TAE, instead of the frequency of the sideband TAE being lower than the pump TAE in uniform plasmas. The consequences on TAE saturation and energetic particle transport are also discussed.
Comparison between conventional Si and new generation of SiC detector for high proton energy spectrometry
Authors: Torrisi L. , Havranek V. , Mackova A. , Calcagno L. , Torrisi A. , Cutroneo M.
Published: April 2024

A SiC Schottky diode and a Si surface barrier detector have
been compared during Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS)
using 2–3 MeV proton beams. Both detectors are suited to detect
high energetic ions with high-energy resolution for spectroscopic
analysis.

The correlations between the detector parameters and the surface
passivating layers, ion energy and current dependence, ion
penetration depth, detection efficiency and energy resolution, are
outlined.

Comparative RBS analysis performed using SiC and Si detectors has
been investigated to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of
the use of SiC with respect to the traditional Si junction
detector. RBS spectrometry has been carried out using projectiles of
proton incident on different targets to analyse their composition
and thickness by the detection of the backscattered ions revealed by
Si and SiC detectors.
Study of residual artificial neural network for particle identification in the CEPC high-granularity calorimeter prototype
Authors: Song S. , Chen J. , Liu J. , Liu Y. , Qi B. , Shi Y. , Wang J. , Wang Z. , Yang H.
Published: April 2024

Particle Identification (PID) plays a central role in
associating the energy depositions in calorimeter cells with the
type of primary particle in a particle flow oriented detector
system. In this paper, we propose novel PID methods based on the
Residual Network (ResNet) architecture which enable the training of
very deep networks, bypass the need to reconstruct feature
variables, and ensure the generalization ability among various
geometries of detectors, to classify electromagnetic showers and
hadronic showers. Using Geant4 simulation samples with energy
ranging from 5 GeV to 120 GeV, the efficacy of Residual
Connections is validated and the performance of our model is
compared with Boosted Decision Trees (BDT) and other pioneering
Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approaches. In shower
classification, we observe an improvement in background rejection
over a wide range of high signal efficiency (> 95%). These
findings highlight the prospects of ANN with Residual Blocks for
imaging detectors in the PID task of particle physics experiments.
DEDALO: Device for Enhanced Dust Analyses with Light Obscuration sensors
Authors: Teruzzi L. , Cremonesi L. , Potenza M.A.C.
Published: April 2024

Instruments based on light obscuration sensors are widely
used for measuring the size distribution of insoluble sub-visible
particles in liquid suspensions, being fast and suitable for in situ
and real-time measurements. Such instruments are typically
calibrated by means of reference polystyrene spherical particles
with a specific refractive index, which unavoidably leads to
systematic errors when determining the size of particles of
different materials. In this paper, we propose a reliable and
consistent method to overcome this limitation by setting the
refractive index value according to the sample, thus achieving an
improved particle size distribution (PSD) measurement. An ad hoc,
ready-to-use, open source code with a graphical interface able to
drive an in-line instrument and obtain a real-time correction to the
PSD has been developed. The method has been extensively validated
with several oil emulsions characterized by different refractive
index values and the results have been compared with an independent
optical method. As an example of application, we have adopted this
approach for the analysis of dust suspended in meltwater of an ice
core from a glacier in the Aosta Valley (Italy). We believe that our
approach will strongly improve the accuracy in characterizing liquid
suspensions and reduce discrepancies between data obtained with
different methods. The code has been made publicly available at:
https://instrumentaloptics.fisica.unimi.it/dedalo/ and on the
GitHub page of the corresponding author
(https://github.com/LucaTeruzzi/DEDALO).
WASA: a low power and high integration readout ASIC for TPCs in 65 nm CMOS
Authors: Liu Wei , Liu Canwen , Deng Zhi , Li Fule , Li Yulan , Qi Huirong
Published: April 2024

The paper presents the development of a low-power and
high-integration readout ASIC (WASA) for time projection chambers
(TPCs). Each channel of the ASIC consists of the analog front-end, a
waveform sampling ADC and digital signal processing circuits. To
reduce power consumption, a simple CR-RC shaper and a digital
trapezoid filter are adopted to achieve comparable performance to a
CR-RC4 shaper with much lower power. Trigger logic and data
buffer have also been integrated to reduce the data bandwidth. A
16-channel prototype chip was fabricated in a 65 nm CMOS process and
was tested. The test results were consistent with the simulation. At
40 MSPS sampling rate, the power consumption of the chip was only
4.94 mW per channel, including 1.38 mW from the
analog front-end, 0.83 mW from the waveform sampling ADC
and 2.73 mW from digital logics. The equivalent noise
charge of 569 e+14.8 e/pF has been
achieved. The measured dynamic range was 120 fC and the
integral nonlinearity was less than 0.74%. More design details
and test results will be given in this paper.
Software compensation for highly granular calorimeters using machine learning
Authors: Lai S. , Utehs J. , Wilhahn A. , Bach O. , Brianne E. , Ebrahimi A. , Gadow K. , Göttlicher P. , Hartbrich O. , Heuchel D. , Irles A. , Krüger K. , Kvasnicka J. , Lu S. , Neubüser C. , Provenza A. , Reinecke M. , Sefkow F. , Schuwalow S. , De Silva M. , Sudo Y. , Tran H.L. , Buhmann E. , Garutti E. , Ḣuck S. , Kasieczka G. , Martens S. , Rolph J. , Wellhausen J. , Blazey G.C. , Dyshkant A. , Francis K. , Zutshi V. , Bilki B. , Northacker D. , Onel Y. , Hummer F. , Simon F. , Kawagoe K. , Onoe T. , Suehara T. , Tsumura S. , Yoshioka T. , Fouz M.C. , Emberger L. , Graf C. , Wagner M. , Pöschl R. , Richard F. , Zerwas D. , Boudry V. , Brient J-C. , Nanni J. , Videau H. , Liu L. , Masuda R. , Murata T. , Ootani W. , Takatsu T. , Tsuji N. , Chadeeva M. , Danilov M. , Korpachev S. , Rusinov V. ,   The CALICE collaboration
Published: April 2024

A neural network for software compensation was developed for the highly granular CALICE Analogue Hadronic Calorimeter (AHCAL). The neural network uses spatial and temporal event information from the AHCAL and energy information, which is expected to improve sensitivity to shower development and the neutron fraction of the hadron shower. The neural network method produced a depth-dependent energy weighting and a time-dependent threshold for enhancing energy deposits consistent with the timescale of evaporation neutrons. Additionally, it was observed to learn an energy-weighting indicative of longitudinal leakage correction. In addition, the method produced a linear detector response and outperformed a published control method regarding resolution for every particle energy studied.
Treatment of polluted water with pesticides by photo-oxidation (Fenton photo)
Authors: Al Mayali Mohammed H. K. , Al-Azawey Atheer S. N.
Published: April 2024

In this study, advance photo oxidation (Fenton Photo) used to treat some pesticides. Three pesticides were used: spider pesticides (Pyridaben), herbicides (Atlantes), and insecticides (Acetop-20). The ferric sulphate (FeSo4.7H2O) used as oxidant agents, hydrogen peroxide as catalase and sunlight as a source of ultraviolet radiation, TOC and COD tests were used to measure organic matter the variables in treatment are time and pesticide concentration. Removable Effeciency (RE) % of COD are (31.6, 44.1, 46.4) and of TOC test are (63, 58.4, 43.5) at the treatment time (15, 30, 40) minute. According to the findings, treatment duration and pollutant concentration significantly impacted the effectiveness of the removal process.
Determination of Some Heavy Metal Concentrations and Physical/Chemical Properties of Well Water in Babylon Governorate/ Iraq
Authors: Mudhehe Sekeb Mohammed , Abdul Kadhim Hadi Al – Sadi Mohammed
Published: April 2024

The presence of One of the most significant is heavy metals in water. risks, which may cause health problems. In this work, we tried to determine the amount of three heavy metals (lead, nickel, and cadmium) in groundwater in different locations in Babylon Governorate The current study aims to estimate the quality of groundwater by evaluating its physical and chemical properties, as well as evaluating lead, nickel, and cadmium (Pb, Cd, Ni) in this water and monitoring the variation in their concentration rates during the seasons of the year. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrometer to determine their lead, nickel and cadmium content and compare their levels with the maximum level of contaminants specified by the World Health Organization. Water samples were collected from 15 wells in different areas (Abu Ghariq, Sinjar, Hilla, Al-Mahawil, Al-Imam, Al-Nile, Jableh, Al-Mashrou, Al-Hashimiya, Al-Qasim, Madhatiya, Al-Taliah, Al-Musayyab, Alexandria and Al-Sada) during the period from September 25, 2022 to July 25, 2023.The concentrations of lead and cadmium were higher than the permissible limits suggested by the World Health Organization. As for nickel it did not exceed the permissible limit. The study can then be concluded that it is contaminated with some heavy metals due to the influence of several activities in the study area. Decreased treatment, regulations and integrated management have led to the deterioration of groundwater quality. Total dissolved salts, turbidity, conductivity, and total hardness in the groundwater of these sites were also studied.
The Anti-Bacterial Activity of Titanium Nanofibers Prepared by Electrospinning A group of Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Tayeh Mayes.mohammead. , Al-hadedee LameesThamer.
Published: April 2024

PVP/TiO2 fibers were prepared using the electrospinning method, and the diameter of the fibers at a concentration of (1) mg/ml reached (42.96, 21.99, 21.72, 17.17, 14.16) nm, while at a concentration of (0.75), the diameter of the fibers was (27.15, 20.02, 45.82, 28.42). The diameter of the fibers was (20.89, 24.04, 24.40, 24.28) for concentration (0.5), and the shape of the fibers prepared for concentration (1) was straight and without beads compared to concentrations (0.75, 0.5) that were not straight. The inhibitory effectiveness of the compound prepared for electrospinning PVP/TiO2 was tested at concentrations Different types of (0.5, 0.75, 1) mg/ml and 6 grams of PVP were inhibited, and all types of Gram-negative and positive bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli) were inhibited, reaching the highest inhibition zone at a concentration of (1) mg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, as the diameter of inhibition was (20). As for PVP, it had no inhibitory activity for the same types of bacteria mentioned above. The effectiveness of NF TiO2 was tested at different concentrations (0.5, 0.75, 1) mg/ml against the same types of bacteria mentioned above. The highest inhibition zone was reached at a concentration of (1) mg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, as the diameter of inhibition was (21). Through the results, it was found that the inhibition of TiO2NF is better than TiO2 NP, and this is due to This increases the surface area of nanofibers compared to TiO2 NP, which leads to increased resistance to bacteria.
Effect of using Plantago ovata psyllium seed powder in the diet on productive performance and water consumption of broiler chickens
Authors: Jasim Mohammed Aseel , Saadi Rasool Bushra , Muzahem Al-Khailani Firas
Published: April 2024

This study took place from January 13 to February 23, 2023, at the poultry field of the Office of Agricultural Research, Animal Resource Department, and Poultry Research Station. An average weight of 38.1 grams was employed in the experiment with 300 Ross 308 chicks that were one day old. Within a confined hallway with thirty chambers, the chicks were nurtured. With five treatments and five replications for every treatment, a total of ten birds were assigned at random to the chicks throughout the quarantine period. Both the food and the feeding schedule for the birds were balanced. The amount of psyllium in Plantago ovata seeds varied depending on the treatment (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5): 0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1% of the ration. Out of the experiment’s third, fourth, fifth, and sixth weeks, the average body weight of the T4 treatment was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the control treatment and the remaining treatments. Comparing the T4 therapy to the control treatment and all other research treatments during the course of the trial, the findings likewise revealed a substantial increase (P < 0.05) in the rate of weight gain and consumption. The weekly feed conversion coefficient for each experimental treatment for comparison with the control treatment and for each experimental period shown a substantial improvement (P < 0.05) in the findings. Regarding the weekly water consumption rate, there were no appreciable variations across the testing treatments. After 42 days of raising broiler chicks, the study’s findings indicate that adding psyllium seed powder to broiler meals at a rate of 0.4-1% increased performance.
Study of some chemical characteristics of Eruca sativa treated with Tecamin fertilizer
Authors: Ayad Jassem Safa , Latif khudhair Zainab
Published: April 2024

Herbaceous plants and herbal extracts have occupied great importance since ancient times and have been used in traditional medicine for having large groups of chemical compounds that are used to improve the performance of human biological functions. Eruca sativa is one of the important nutrients that contains various phytochemicals and effective compounds. This experiment was carried out in the autumn agricultural season 2022/2023 in one of the Diwaniyah governorate nurseries to study the effect of spraying Tecamin fertiliser on improving the chemical characteristics of Eruca sativa plant. The plant was grown in plastic pots with four concentrations (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 ml/L) and at 3 repetitions per treatment. The results showed that the treatment with a concentration of 2.5 ml/L achieved highest significant significance to the other concentrations used in the study, and highest significant significance was recorded for all of the chemical characteristics studied represented by (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein and carbohydrates), which amounted to (47.50±3.21, 0.46±0.04, 2.15±0.08, 8.21±0.42, 1.96±0.03) for each treat, respectively.
Detection of High Temperature Effect on Quality of Drinking Water Bottled with PET Plastic
Authors: Sami Jafat Hawraa , Al-Khalaf Alaa K.H.
Published: April 2024

Plastic pollution is currently a global problem and a major threat to human health and the environment. The effect of exposure to thermal and solar stress on the quality of drinking water bottled in plastic for the two types (Aquafina and Alhilwa) was studied. Chemical tests of the drinking water were conducted after each exposure and during different times.

Thermal analysis of bottled drinking water plastic that was exposed to solar and thermal stress was studied to indicate the type and level of chemical contamination of bottled drinking water with chemical compounds released as a result of thermal stress or solar stress.

From the results of chemical tests to raise awareness of drinking water, it was found that some characteristics exceeded the permissible limits, such as total hardness, chloride, pH level, etc., and that they increased with increasing exposure to high temperature, depending on the type of stress.

When exposure to high temperatures increased, the plastic cracked and transformed at a temperature of (55) Celsius and an exposure time of 12 hours.

Through the results of the thermal analysis of plastic before and after exposure to thermal and olfactory stress, the significant effect of exposure became clear and the difference between thermal exposure and solar exposure was evident through the variation in readings of transition peaks and phase transition energy for thermal analysis by thermal scanning calorimetry.
Use of the newly isolated bacteria E. coli (SAY) in bioethanol production from organic wastes
Authors: Mustafa Sama A. , Mohammed Ahmed J.
Published: April 2024

This work was carried out to find a new and cheap material as source for alternative energy. In the present study a newly recorded bacterial sub-strain (E. coli SAY) was used for the bio-fermentation of latus leaves. The results show that the bacteria were able to fermenting the sugar presented in the latus leaves and produce ethanol. It was found that the pretreatment increases the amount of sugar available for fermentation and the best results were found with HCL pretreatment. The resulted ethanol concentrations were increased with distillation as well as with dehydration process.
The impact of some environmental variables on the performance of solar PV module
Authors: Mohammed Kalf Yahya , Atwan Ahmed F.
Published: April 2024

The country of Iraq tops the list of countries in solar activity and therefore has the most important renewable energy sources, which we desperately need to fill the acute shortage of electrical energy. The availability of this source coincides with a significant rise in temperature in most of its regions and a wide range of days of the year. Where temperatures play a key role in wind activity and the provocation of dust storms, which urgently requires a field study to find out the impact of these factors on the performance of photovoltaic solar modules. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of the solar module under the influence of dust accumulation, temperature and wind speed. A group symmetric of monocrystalline silicon solar modules have been experimented to see how these factors affect the performance of the modules. The results showed that there is a clear impact by the heat factor and dust accumulation on the performance of solar modules, but the wind factor is the least influential and what can be concluded is that Iraq, especially the city of Baghdad, is an ideal place to invest solar energy in the production of electrical energy.
NIR heterojunction based on porous silicon and CuO:Cu2O nanoparticle for photovoltaic devices
Authors: Radhy Hassan Hala , Abd Ahmed N. , Jassim Mohammed Ali Mohammed
Published: April 2024

Solar cells are considered one of the most important sources of renewable energy and have high economic quality within sustainable development programs. Nanoparticles have higher photoresponsivity than microscopic counterparts due to their increased surface area per unit volume, which considerably lowers charge carrier recombination and scattering. CuO and Cu2O are common transition metal oxides with optical band gaps appropriate for near-infrared detection. They also form a type II heterojunction, which allows for efficient charge separation. In addition to constructing this photodetector, we synthesize CuO:Cu2O composite nanoparticles by laser ablation, fabricate photodetector devices and photoelectric cells and deposit them on porous silicon by drop-casting method to examine photoresponse and specific detectivity. as a solar cell.
Thermoplastic polymers as water substitutes
Authors: Quiñones Luis Ángel , Sánchez Andrea , Pérez Joaquín , Seguro Álvaro , Castro Ignacio , Castanedo Miguel , Vicent Diana , Iborra María Amparo
Published: April 2024

Background. New applications of 3D printing have recently appeared in the fields of radiotherapy and radiology, but the knowledge of many radiological characteristics of the compounds involved is still limited. Therefore, studies are needed to improve our understanding about the transport and interaction of ionizing radiation in these materials. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to perform an analysis of the most important radiation interaction parameters in thermoplastic materials used in Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing. Additionally, we propose improvements to bring their characteristics closer to those of water and use them as water substitutes in applications such as radiodiagnosis, external radiotherapy, and brachytherapy. Methods. We have calculated different magnitudes as mass linear attenuation, mass energy absorption coefficients, as well as stopping power and electronic density of several thermoplastic materials along with various compounds that have been used as water substitutes and in a new proposed blend. To perform these computations, we have used the XCOM and ESTAR databases from NIST and the EGSnrc code for Montecarlo simulations. Results. From the representation of the calculated interaction parameters, we have been able to establish relationships between their properties and the proportion of certain chemical elements. In addition, studying these same characteristics in different commercial solutions used as substitutes for water phantoms allows us to extrapolate improvements for these polymers. Conclusion. The radiological characteristics of the analyzed thermoplastic materials can be improved by adding some chemical elements with atomic numbers higher than oxygen and by using polyethylene in new blends.
Integration of metformin-loaded MIL-100(Fe) into hydrogel microneedles for prolonged regulation of blood glucose levels
Authors: Feng Mingjia , Li Yan , Sun Yanfang , Liu Tianqi , Yunusov Khaydar E , Jiang Guohua
Published: April 2024

The transdermal drug delivery based on microneedles (MNs) provides a suitable and painless self-administration for diabetic patients. In this work, the hydrogel-forming MNs were firstly fabricated using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (CS) as matrix. A hypoglycemic drug, metformin (Met), had been loaded into MIL-100(Fe). Then, both of free Met and Met-loaded MIL-100(Fe) were integrated into hydrogel-forming MNs for regulation of blood glucose levels (BGLs) on diabetic rats. After penetrated into the skin, the free Met could be firstly released from MNs. Due to the absorption of interstitial fluid and subsequent release of loaded Met from MIL-100(Fe), leading to a sustainable and long-term drug release behaviors. A notable hypoglycemic effect and low risk of hypoglycemia could be obtained on diabetic rat models in vivo. The as-fabricated hydrogel-forming MNs expected to become a new type of transdermal drug delivery platform for transdermal delivery of high-dose drugs to form a long-term hypoglycemic effect.
Multi-scale 3D-CRU for EEG emotion recognition*
Authors: Dong Hao , Zhou Jian , Fan Cunhang , Zheng Wenming , Tao Liang , Kwan Hon Keung
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we propose a novel multi-scale 3D-CRU model, with the goal of extracting more discriminative emotion feature from EEG signals. By concurrently exploiting the relative electrode locations and different frequency subbands of EEG signals, a three-dimensional feature representation is reconstructed wherein the Delta (δ) frequency pattern is included. We employ a multi-scale approach, termed 3D-CRU, to concurrently extract frequency and spatial features at varying levels of granularity within each time segment. In the proposed 3D-CRU, we introduce a multi-scale 3D Convolutional Neural Network (3D-CNN) to effectively capture discriminative information embedded within the 3D feature representation. To model the temporal dynamics across consecutive time segments, we incorporate a Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) module to extract temporal representations from the time series of combined frequency-spatial features. Ultimately, the 3D-CRU model yields a global feature representation, encompassing comprehensive information across time, frequency, and spatial domains. Numerous experimental assessments conducted on publicly available DEAP and SEED databases provide empirical evidence supporting the enhanced performance of our proposed model in the domain of emotion recognition. These findings underscore the efficacy of the features extracted by the proposed multi-scale 3D-GRU model, particularly with the incorporation of the Delta (δ) frequency pattern. Specifically, on the DEAP dataset, the accuracy of Valence and Arousal are 93.12% and 94.31%, respectively, while on the SEED dataset, the accuracy is 92.25%.
A vibrating membrane ejector for direct ink writing of printed electronics
Authors: Liu Shangjian , Hu Shuohao , Lin Song , Wu Jiakang , Shao Feng , Liang Junge , Wan Xi , Gu Xiaofeng
Published: April 2024

Direct ink writing (DIW) represents a technical branch of additive manufacturing technology, particularly suitable for prototyping or small-batch printing production of printed electronic components. However, the existing print heads required for near or sub-100 μm line width are quite sophisticated, limiting the accessibility and application of the DIW method. This paper reports the use of the vibrating membrane ejector (VME) as a new option for the print head of DIW. The structure of the VME-based print head was specially designed for this purpose. Finite element modeling and analysis of the VME’s vibration characteristics were performed to provide insights into the ejection conditions and behaviors. The factors influencing the size of printed structures were identified and analyzed through the printing of a metal–organic complex silver (Ag) ink. After optimizing several operational parameters to limit the spreading effects and suppress the satellite droplets, the DIW printed line width has reached about 100 μm. The effectiveness of the VME-based print head was further demonstrated through the DIW fabrication of interdigitated electrodes and microstrip transmission lines. This highlights the versatility of the VME-based print head as a practical tool for device prototyping and ink development in the field of printed electronics.
Inkjet-printed heater on flexible substrates for low voltage applications
Authors: Khan Muhammad Atif , Khan Danial , Massoud Yehia
Published: April 2024

Flexible heaters (FHs) have applications ranging from defoggers to flexural warmers, food processors, and thermotherapy. Printed FHs are particularly of interest as they offer unique advantages like high resolution, customization, low cost, and ease of fabrication. Here, we report printed FHs on polyethylene terephthalate substrate. The heater design is optimized to operate on a low voltage of five volts and yield high temperatures with a uniform temperature distribution across the surface. The heater has a fast response time of 15 s to reach its maximum temperature and does not show any degradation in performance after three months of operation. The heater maintains its temperature after continuous use for two hours and exhibits a minimum change in temperature upon bending. We have also developed and tested designs for zone heaters and nano heaters, where zone heater is suited for applications requiring heating in specified locations on a surface only. Whereas nano heater has an area of 1 mm2 and can produce high temperatures in this small area. Finally, we developed similar printed heaters on paper and polyimide (PI) substrates as well. Paper-based heater can achieve a temperature of 210 °C and can be used in disposable applications due to its low cost, whereas PI heater can achieve a temperature of 380 °C and is suitable for attaining high temperatures. These results manifest the use of FHs for various practical applications.
In-situ observations of cloud microphysics over Arabian Sea during dust transport events
Authors: Bera Sudarsan , Patade Sachin , Prabhakaran Thara
Published: April 2024

The unique in situ measurements of clouds and precipitation within the shallow and deep cumulus over the north-eastern Arabian Sea region during the Indian monsoon are illustrated in this study with a focus on droplet spectral parameters. The observational period showed a significant incursion of Arabian dust and the presence of giant cloud condensation nuclei (GCCN), modifying the cloud and precipitation spectral properties. Warm rain microphysics supported the mixed-phase development in these clouds and exhibited hydrometeors of snow, graupel and large aggregates as part of ice processes. Cloud base droplet number concentration is about 142

±

79 cm−3 which is one third of the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) number concentration at 0.2% supersaturation. A rapid broadening of droplet size distribution (DSD) near to the cloud base was noted in contrast to polluted continental clouds. Relationship between the relative dispersion (

ε
;

the ratio of DSD spectral width (

σ

) to mean radius (

r

m

)) and liquid water adiabatic fraction (AF) indicates that the entrainment effect has increased relative dispersion significantly (2–3 times larger) in these clouds. Effective radius (

r

eff

) is found to be proportional to mean volume radius (

r

v

) with a proportionality constant (

β

) that varies between 1.0–1.6, depending on the spectral dispersion parameter. Drop size distributions for the small cloud droplets with size range 2–50

μ

m and the large drizzle drops (or ice hydrometeors) with size range 100–6400

μ

m are parameterized using the gamma function distributions useful for large-scale cloud models.
Coating solutions for enhancing automotive brake disc durability against corrosion and wear—a review
Authors: S Krishnanunni , Paul Jinu , R S Prakash
Published: April 2024

The automotive industry’s relentless pursuit of improved safety, performance, and durability has spurred a continuous search for innovative solutions for crucial components like brake discs. These components endure extreme thermal and mechanical stresses, making them highly susceptible to corrosion and wear. Inadequate corrosion resistance and excessive wear of brake disc material during service remain significant concerns, with the latter resulting in brake emissions in the form of dust and particulate matter that pose health risks to humans. As exhaust emission standards grow more stringent, it becomes imperative to address brake disc wear issues while maintaining material braking performance. This paper extensively examines recent brake disc coating advancements specifically designed to combat corrosion and wear challenges. It explores how these protective coatings interact with the broader automotive ecosystem, highlighting their pivotal role in ensuring safer, more resilient, and environmentally responsible vehicles. This paper also evaluates traditional coating technologies and materials alongside emerging alternatives for brake disc applications.
Plantar pressure distribution using personalised 3D printed lattice insoles with distributed stiffness
Authors: Siegkas Petros , Lane Charlie , Apps Charlotte
Published: April 2024

This work presents a proof-of-concept study on the use of additive manufacturing for developing customised lattice topology insoles, with the aim of redistributing plantar pressures. Four cubic lattice structures were applied to five sections of the moulded insole contours, which were based in 3D foot scans using Ansys material designer to predict material properties. The variation of the elastic modulus across the sections was controlled via the lattice cell structure volume ratio. The insole lattice structures were made from elastic photosensitive liquid resin resulting in flexible parts. A commercially available shoe was used to compare pressure distribution between the original and customised insole. Plantar pressure distribution and peak pressures were measured during standing, walking, and running. Pressure redistribution varied between insole conditions. During standing, the customised insole reduced peak pressure at the left heel, while the right foot experienced increased peak pressure compared to the control insole. Substantial peak pressure reduction was observed on the left foot during walking and running whilst the reduction was much less for the right foot. The study highlights the potential of additive manufacturing for cost-effective, accurate, and personalized insole production, offering material control and pressure redistribution benefits for various applications like injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Experimental investigation on fiber laser micro drilling of Titanium grade 5: fabrication, nature-inspired optimization and analysis through image processing
Authors: Kar Tuhin , Goswami Arjyajyoti
Published: April 2024

This investigation showed that micro holes were created on Titanium grade 5 substrate surface using a 30 W fiber laser. The impact of the control factors such as scan speed, frequency, number of passes and power were studied on the responses namely heat affected zone (HAZ), hole circularity (HC) and deviation in diameter (DIV). The control factors were optimized using firefly algorithm. Mathematical models were developed for each response having significant R-square value. 3D surface plots were used to examine how the control parameters affected the response. The firefly algorithm identifies the optimal conditions for micro drilling as scan speed of 210 mm s−1, frequency of 40 kHz, power of 8 W and total of 40 passes which improved experimental findings i.e. HC-0.974, DIV-37.02 μm and HAZ-19.53. After comparing the predicted values with the experimental findings, it was observed that the prediction error is lowest for HC (1.23%) followed by DIV (13.9%) and HAZ (16.9%). Image processing technique was used to convert regular images into a digital format to extract useful information.
Material characterization of graphene and boron nitride for composites reinforcement
Authors: A Madhankumar , M Anthony Xavior
Published: April 2024

In this research work, the characterization studies and property evaluation of graphene and boron nitride were performed through various devices/techniques like Particle Size Analyzer, Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). This experimental work is focused on validating the suitability of graphene and boron nitride for use as reinforcement materials for fabricating ceramic matrix composites. The parameters influencing the properties of graphene and boron nitride such as phase change, particle size, number of layers, defects, and the presence of oxygen groups were analyzed and presented. This work is also presented through TGA to ascertain the effect of various factors on graphene and boron nitride such as degradation of carbon and nitride region and also maximum mass change rate (Tmax) due to temperature. It also provides an insight into the graphene’s behaviour in a zero-air environment, showing that the breakdown begins at temperatures below 250 °C and peaks at 850 °C. In which a lower quantity of weight loss occurs therefore in a nitrogen atmosphere at 250 °C. Graphene decomposes at a rate of 69.94 wt% in a zero-air environment, but just 8.78 wt% and also In nitrogen, the breakdown weight percentage of boron nitride is 3.54%, while in a zero-air environment, it is 11.99%.
Free-standing arrays of BaTiO3 nanotubes for non-enzymatic glucose sensing & hydrophobic coating applications
Authors: Gousiya Bhanu Ganganapalli , Manmadha Rao B
Published: April 2024

BaTiO3 nanostructures have been considered as a promising candidates in recent past for energy and biomedical sectors owing to their excellent physiochemical properties, such as high dielectric constant, excellent piezoelectric property, good biocompatibility, non-linear optical characteristics etc. Present study reveals on free-standing arrays of BaTiO3 nanostructures, were fabricated by hydrothermal conversion of anodic TiO2 nanotubes. Morphological and structural information of the BaTiO3 nanotubes were done using FESEM and XRD studies. FESEM analysis revealed that the fabricated samples were having tubular morphology of average length and pore diameter of 4.63 μm and 290 nm respectively. Cubical perovskite crystalline phase of BaTiO3 was confirmed through XRD analysis. The BaTiO3 nanotube samples had shown a higher sensitivity of 44.43 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a faster response of 0.1 s for glucose detection. The fabricated BaTiO3 nanotubes film also showed a higher contact angle of 122.70°. Therefore, our present fabrication on Titanium foil study emphasizes on arrays of BaTiO3 nanotubes which will open up a new window in the development of various types of sensing and hydrophobic coating applications.
Fintech Ecosystem—Part Two
Authors: Lu Lerong
Published: April 2024

This chapter continues to analyse the Fintech ecosystem. It focuses on Fintech corporations, as a key player in the ecosystem, that offer innovative products and services to consumers. Fintech businesses exist in various forms, ranging from smaller start-ups to successful unicorn corporations or FHCs. In addition, BigTech, such as Apple, Amazon, Alibaba, Meta, Alphabet (Google), and Tencent, rely on their technological advantages and enormous customer base to offer financial services like banking, payments, investment, and digital currency. The rise of virtual worlds and digital assets such as Metaverse, Web 3.0, and NFTs further contributes to the development of Fintech. This chapter critically discusses the opportunities, challenges, and risks for each category of Fintech. It also evaluates corporate governance issues relating to Fintech businesses, such as DCSS. It discusses diverse financing options for Fintech corporations like VC, PE, IPO, and SPAC.
Fintech in Online Lending Marketplaces
Authors: Lu Lerong
Published: April 2024

The Fintech case study in this chapter evaluates the alternative financing markets for smaller businesses and individual consumers, especially online P2P lending platforms. P2P lending improves the effectiveness of allocating credit resources and fosters financial equality among businesses of different sizes. The chapter considers the economic importance and financial dilemma of SMEs and illustrates the need for SMEs to have P2P lending as a vital fundraising option. It presents the online P2P lending markets in three countries with the most active loan transactions: the UK, the US, and China. The chapter claims that P2P lending has a number of advantages over bank lending because of the added value that financial disintermediation generates for both investors and borrowers, such as more diverse funding sources, higher investment returns, the expedited process, and increased transparency. Finally, it investigates the industry policies and regulatory frameworks governing online lending marketplaces.
Fintech in Monetary and Payment Systems
Authors: Lu Lerong
Published: April 2024

This chapter analyses Fintech application in monetary and payment systems, as a final case study. Money is at the heart of any financial system. Both public and private sectors have proposed to create their own digital currency for the future economy. The chapter discusses the operating mechanisms, benefits, and limitations of three generations of digital money: blockchain-based cryptocurrencies (e.g., BTC and Ethereum) and stablecoins (e.g., Tether and Diem), as well as CBDCs (e.g., Digital Pound, Digital Euro, Digital Yuan, Digital Dollar). It assesses popular mobile payment systems around the world (e.g., Apple Pay, Android Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay), including those based on NFC technology or QR code. It also analyses the official initiative of building a cashless society proposed by governments and financial authorities. The case study of digital money showcases the breadth and depth of the global Fintech revolution.
Introduction
Authors: Oweidat Nadia
Published: April 2024

Abu Zayd’s writings comprise an exemplar of modernist scholarship and a uniquely nuanced expression of it. This chapter introduces Abu Zayd, his background, and the legal case against him that led to his international recognition and exile from Egypt. The introduction contextualizes Abu Zayd’s school of thought and shows the evolution of modernist ideas from the previous generations of intellectuals, especially the nineteenth-century Arab renaissance (al-nahḍa). The chapter explores the evolution of modernist ideas and many of the shared characteristics that define the movement. In addition to providing an overview of the book, this chapter defines key concepts in Abu Zayd’s work as well as that of his contemporaries, such as “modernity” and the “religious discourse.”
Abu Zayd’s Intellectual Lineage
Authors: Oweidat Nadia
Published: April 2024

This chapter illuminates three primary influences in Abu Zayd’s intellectual journey: first, the previous generations of reformers, the nahḍa scholars, including professors who held positions in Abu Zayd’s university, who are treated here and in Chapter 2. By the time Abu Zayd assumed his position at Cairo University, his department had fired five professors for conducting research that the religious establishment deemed controversial. The chapter illuminates how their work informed Abu Zayd’s own scholarship. The second influence stems from another period of enlightenment, but this time from a medieval era, namely, the rationalism of the Muʿtazila and the spirituality of Sufism. Both of these Islamic intellectual trends have been marginalized or considered controversial in Muslim societies in modern times. Finally, the chapter addresses how Abu Zayd was profoundly shaped by what he called the “religious discourse.” As Abu Zayd employed it, the religious discourse is a derogatory term. It encompasses all religious opponents to modern humanist values.
Shariʿa and the Status of the Qurʾan
Authors: Oweidat Nadia
Published: April 2024

This chapter examines Abu Zayd’s theories on the status of the Qur’an and the different interpretive approaches that can be used for understanding the text. It is in this arena that Abu Zayd went further than the majority of his contemporaries in applying modern sciences of linguistics, semantics, and hermeneutics to the Islamic tradition in order to adapt it to the human-rights norms of the twentieth century. More than any other area, reinterpretation of the sacred text most exemplifies the tension that many Muslims experience between their cherished Islamic identities and their modern lives and values. Abu Zayd argued that the traditional interpretation of the sacred texts are outdated for the needs of modern Muslims.