bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovative Approaches to Torsion Analysis in Functionally Graded Iso/Orthotropic Sections: A Differential Quadrature and pb2-Rayleigh Ritz Exploration
Authors: Sundaramoorthy  
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study focuses on the determination of torsional rigidity and maximum shear stresses in arbitrarily shaped isotropic and orthotropic composite sections with functional grading of material. A series of numerical examples are solved to validate this approach, with a comprehensive parametric study also conducted. The paper presents the practical application of the DQM and pb-2 Rayleigh-Ritz methods for evaluating shear stress and torsional rigidity in various section shapes, including quadrilaterals and triangles with both straight and curved edges, as well as elliptical, circular, and rounded polygonal shapes. The boundary conditions are specified as Dirichlet. To facilitate the analysis, four-nodded (for sections with straight edges) or eight-nodded (for sections with curved edges) iso-parametric rectangular elements, and three-nodded (for sections with straight edges) or six-nodded (for sections with curved edges) for triangular elements are used to map the irregular physical domain into a square or triangular computational domain, as appropriate. A noteworthy advantage of this approach is that the governing equation for torsion, which relies on the Prandtl stress function approach, reduces to a second-order differential equation (Poisson's equation). The transformation to this second-order equation is efficiently accomplished, resulting in reduced computational effort. Both within the computational domain and along its boundary, the primary unknowns are the values of Prandtl's stress functional (for Poisson's equation) or the warping displacement function (for Laplace's equation). This approach streamlines the analysis, making it a powerful tool for understanding the torsional behaviour of functionally graded isotropic and orthotropic and composite sections with complex shapes.
Comparison of Scrotal Orchiopexy and Traditional Inguinal Orchiopexy for Palpable Undescended and Retractile Testis in Children: A Single Center’s Study in Greece
Authors: Florou Maria , Koletsa Triantafyllia , Raptou Georgia , Syrnioti Antonia , Spyridakis Ioannis , Kaselas Christos 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
PURPOSE: Congenital cryptorchidism and retractile testes are two of the commonest abnormalities of the genitourinary system in boys. Orchidopexy is the final surgical treatment for both clinical conditions. It can be applied either with the traditional two-incision inguinal approach, or with the single-scrotal incision technique. This study aimed to investigate the complications of each orchidopexy procedure in a pediatric surgery department, and then to compare the traditional two-incision with the single incision technique in children diagnosed with cryptorchidism or retractile testes.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with congenital cryptorchidism or retractile testes who underwent orchidopexy from 2015 to 2019 was conducted. Diagnosis, patients’ details, the applied orchidopexy technique, the short-term complications and the long-term complications were recorded. Patients were separated based on the applied orchidopexy either two-incision inguinal approach or single-incision scrotal orchidopexy, and a descriptive statistical analysis followed.
RESULTS: We identified 362 children who underwent 443 orchidopexies. The 227 of them were inguinal orchidopexies and the 216 were scrotal orchidopexies. Sixteen orchidopexies (3.6%) applied in fourteen patients (3.8%) had complications. The short-term complications were in four cases (0.9%) and included wound dehiscence. The long-term complications regarding the rest twelve cases (2.7%) included: the recurrence of cryptorchidism for 6 testes (1.3%), the testicular atrophy for 3 patients (0.6%), the presentation of hydrocele and inguinal hernia for 2 (0.4%) and 1 (0.2%) patient respectively. For the 13 out of the 16 orchidopexies the preoperative diagnosis was congenital cryptorchidism, p=0.01, and 12 of them were performed with the two-incision inguinal technique, p=0.07.
CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of cryptorchidism associates with the orchidopexy complications. Specifically, the preoperative diagnosis of congenital cryptorchidism is a possible risk factor of complications in comparison with the retractile testis diagnosis. Regarding the surgical technique, the single scrotal orchidopexy is a safe management for the palpable undescended testes, in comparison to the two-incision, inguinal orchidopexy. Concerning the high-lying cases of undescended testes, although the single scrotal technique provides also good results and low complication rate, more prospective studies with selected impalpable UDT cases are needed to compete the existing literature.
Normal-mode splitting, sideband cooling and force sensitivity in a linear and quadratic optomechanical system with phase noise
Authors: He Qing , Bai Yufeng , Badshah Fazal , Li Liping , Qi Haoqiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In a linear and quadratic optomechanical system (OMS) with optical parametric amplifier's phase noise, we consider a study on normal-mode splitting, sideband cooling and force sensitivity. The system encompasses an optical cavity, a mechanical membrane and a degenerate optical parametric amplifier (OPA). When there is OPA's pump phase noise, normal-mode splitting still occurs and displays more complex splitting than the case of no phase noise. Specifically, for increasing quadratic coupling, the left peak shrinks steadily until it vanishes while the right peak increases to a larger value. In addition, the nonlinear gain of OPA and the quadratic coupling parameter play a key role as cooling the mechanical membrane in the existence of certain phase noise. Phase noise needs to be reduced, and the proper parameters (i.e., the nonlinear gain of OPA and the quadratic coupling) are helpful to improve the cooling effect. Furthermore, in the presence of OPA's phase noise, when the value of quadratic coupling is negative, the standard quantum limit is beaten and force sensitivity can be enhanced with the higher negative values of quadratic coupling. In the realm of quantum optomechanics, our proposed scheme has viable applications in enhancing the performance of quantum manipulation and precision measurement.
Preparation and Simulation of AlGaN/CdS/Si Double Heterojunction for Solar Cell Application
Authors: Salih Bashar M. , Ramizy Asmiet , Afzal Naveed 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study presents a simple pulsed laser deposition technique (PLD) for the preparation of aluminium gallium nitride (AlGaN) thin film on CdS/Si substrate for solar cell application. A CdS layer was deposited on Si using thermal evaporator system and then AlGaN was grown on CdS/Si using the PLD technique using AlN and GaN targets. The effect of varying the number of laser pulses (300 and 600) and GaN/AlN ratio on structural, optical and morphological properties of the AlGaN thin film was investigated. Structural characterizations by x-ray diffraction revealed (0002) plane of AlGaN along with the diffraction peaks of GaN and AlN. The crystallite size of the AlGaN was decreased by increasing the GaN/AlN ratio. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed that the energy band gap of AlGaN was slightly varied between 3.6 eV and 3.7 eV due to change of the GaN/AlN ratio. Surface roughness of the AlGaN was increased on increasing then laser pulses from 300 to 600 at lower GaN/AlN ratio, while it showed opposite trend in the case in which relatively higher ratio was used. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy showed semi-spherical grains of the films whose size was changed by changing the number of laser pulses and also the GaN/AlN ratio. The results of solar cell efficiency indicated a low efficiency (0.27%) of CdS/Si based solar cell which was significantly improved due to the growth of AlGaN on CdS/Si. solar cells based on AlGaN/CdS/Si prepared under various were found to be 2.50%, 2.83%, 2.23% and 2.81%. The solar cell efficiency obtained from the simulation study (2.68%, 2.50%, 3.29% and 3.25%) was in good agreement with the experimental results.
Soliton Management for ultrashort pulse: dark and anti-dark solitons of Fokas-Lenells equation with a damping like perturbation and a gauge equivalent spin system
Authors: Dutta Riki , Saharia Gautam K. , Talukdar Sagardeep , Nandy Sudipta 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We investigate the propagation of an ultrashort optical pulse using Fokas-Lenells equation (FLE) under varying dispersion, nonlinear effects and perturbation. Such a system can be said to be under soliton management (SM) scheme. At first, under a gauge transformation, followed by shifting of variables, we transform FLE under SM into a simplified form, which is similar to an equation given by Davydova and Lashkin for plasma waves, we refer to this form as DLFLE. Then, we propose a bilinearization for DLFLE in a non-vanishing background byintroducing an auxiliary function which transforms DLFLE into three bilinear equations. We solve these equations and obtain dark and anti-dark one-soliton solution (1SS) of DLFLE. From here, by reverse transformation of the solution, we obtain the 1SS of FLE and explore the soliton behavior under different SM schemes. Thereafter, we obtain dark and anti-dark two-soliton solution (2SS) of DLFLE and determine the shift in phase of the individual solitons on interaction through asymptotic analysis. We then, obtain the 2SS of FLE and represent the soliton graph for different SM schemes. Thereafter, we present the procedure to determine N-soliton solution (NSS) of DLFLE and FLE. Later, we introduce a Lax pair for DLFLE and through a gauge transformation we convert the spectral problem of our system into that of an equivalent spin system which is termed as Landau-Lifshitz (LL) system. LL equation (LLE) holds the potential to provide information about various nonlinear structures and properties of the system.
Diagnostic performance of adenosine-stress dynamic CT myocardial perfusion imaging in detecting myocardial ischemia in patients with intermediate coronary stenosis
Authors: Li Yiwen , Jia Chongfu , Liu Shuang , Yin Da , Lv Haichen , Zhou Xuchen , Li Xinsheng , Pan Shuang , Wang Hao , Zou Yujie , Sun Xixia , Yang Zhiqiang , Wang Zhaoqian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of CT myocardial perfusion imaging (CT-MPI) in detecting myocardial ischemia in patients with intermediate coronary stenosis (50%–70%) using fractional flow reserve (FFR) as the reference standards.
Methods: Consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosed using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) were prospectively enrolled and scanned with adenosine-stress dynamic CT-MPI and referred to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and FFR within 10 days. The inclusion criteria were as follows: intermediate coronary artery stenosis confirmed using quantitative ICA, and the FFR was measured to assess its hemodynamic significance.
Results: In 31 patients, intermediate stenosis was confirmed using ICA in 31 vessels, and FFR was measured in these vessels. Based on the FFR results, 24 vessels were assessed as causing ischemia in 24 patients (FFR £ 0.80). On a per-vessel basis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) and relative MBF were 79.17%, 85.71%, 54.54%, 95%, and 80.65% and 95.83%, 85.71%, 85.71%, 95.83%, and 93.55%, respectively. With FFR £ 0.8 as a positive event, the area under the curve (AUC) values for the qualitative (visual) assessment, absolute MBF, and relative MBF were found to be 0.601, 0.792, and 0.899, respectively. The relative MBF was higher than the qualitative assessment (P < 0.05). The AUC of the relative MBF value was higher than the absolute MBF value, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.0649). The absolute MBF cutoff value was 116.275 mL·100 mL-1·min-1, and the relative MBF cutoff value was 0.736.
Conclusion: The CT-MPI is feasible in detecting myocardial ischemia in patients with intermediate coronary stenosis.
Optimization Methods for Graph Applications Based on GPGPU Prefetcher
Authors: Wei Xiong , Zhang Haoran 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

As artificial intelligence models continue to grow in size, the demand for computing and storage resources has increased significantly. Optimizing artificial intelligence models on GPUs to fully utilize the available resources is currently a major challenge in the field of High-Performance Computing (HPC). Graph structures in computers are commonly stored in matrix form, and to conserve computer storage resources, Compressed Sparse Row (CSR) or Compressed Sparse Column (CSC) matrix compression is often employed. Previous GPGPU Prefetcher studies have primarily focused on thread-aware prefetching. However, due to the complexity of graph structures, it is challenging to determine the storage location of the next traversed node during traversal. Therefore, thread-aware prefetching methods are not suitable for graph structures. In this work, we address the application of graph structures in GPGPU architecture and design two new Prefetchers (C-Prefetcher and X-Prefetcher) based on CSR and CSC. When the SIMT Core loads Cache Line from Global memory to L2 Cache, C-Prefetcher fetches the next accessed data to L2 Cache based on CSC or CSR. Building upon C-Prefetcher, This work further propose X-Prefetcher. Through experimental comparisons in this paper involving multiple graph applications, the results indicate that the LLC (Last Level Cache) Miss rates during graph traversal are respectively reduced by 4.5% and 11% compared to the Baseline architecture, where no Prefetcher is employed, for C-Prefetcher and X-Prefetcher architectures. Additionally, the IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) is increased by 3.2% and 6.8% for C-Prefetcher and X-Prefetcher architectures, respectively, compared to the Baseline architecture during graph traversal.
Biochemical characterization and biocatalyticapplication of a novel L- isoleucine-4-dioxygenase (RaIDO) from Rahnella aquatilis
Authors: 单 瑞达 , Yang Xiaohui , Wang Yishu , Li Xia , Li Piwu , Sun Dengyue 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The L-isoleucine-4-dioxygenase can convert isoleucine into (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-HIL), a naturally occurring hydroxy amino acid which is a promising compound for drug and functional food development because of its management of diabetes mellitus and reducing of total cholesterol levels in the body. Here, a novel L-isoleucine-4-dioxygenase (RaIDO) from Rahnella aquatilis was cloned, expressed and characterized, as one of only a few reported L-isoleucine-4-dioxygenase. Compared to functionally and structurally characterized BtIDO, recombinant RaIDO showed a higher catalytic efficeinecy (kcat/Km, against L-isoleucine) and stability. Homologous sequences analysis showed that shares a below 30% similarity with reported BtIDO. Notably, the RaIDO revealing a temperature tolerance range with the highest catalytic activity observed at 40℃, and an optimal reaction temperature range of 30℃-45℃. Additionally, the enzyme exhibited an optimal pH of 8.0. In a word, a new L-isoleucine-4-dioxygenase (RaIDO)has been discovered with higher catalytic efficiency and stability, making it a strong candidate for mass production within the industry.
Studying the role of elevated eosinophils in warning of an acute attack of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Joubeh Mohammed 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disorder, with patients varying in response to treatment. Blood eosinophils are a potential biomarker to stratify subgroups of patients for treatment of COPD. In general, clinical data suggest that in patients with a history of COPD exacerbations, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a higher blood eosinophil count predicts an increased risk of future exacerbations and is associated with improved response to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (in combination with long-acting bronchodilators).
Methods and materials: A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study to determine the role of elevated eosinophils in warning of an acute attack of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among those who visited the chest clinic or were admitted to the chest diseases department at Al-Mujtahid Hospital in the period between 9/1/2023 and 1/1/2024. The study included 76 patients. They meet the exclusion and inclusion criteria.
Results: The sample included 75% males and 25% females, and the most prevalent age group was over 60 years, with a percentage of 76.3%. Death occurred in the hospital in (18%) of the patients. Our study showed that high eosinophils play an important role in predicting the deaths of patients in the hospital, as they increased an eosinophil value higher than 300 increases the probability of death in hospital with a risk ratio of 4.11, and patients with eosinophil levels higher than 1500 are at high risk of death. An increase in peripheral blood eosinophils is associated with a longer length of stay in the hospital, and high eosinophils are not related to the need for intensive care or a ventilator. Mechanism: High eosinophils in the peripheral blood play a major role in predicting seizure remission and diagnosing acute exacerbations.
Conclusion: Blood acids must be monitored when acute attacks occur because they have an important role in diagnosing an acute attack and also have a role in predicting the decline of the attack, predicting mortality, and the length of stay in the hospital.
Variability and High Temperature Reliability of
Graphene Field-Effect Transistors with Thin
Epitaxial CaF2 Insulators
Authors: Illarionov Yury , Knobloch Theresia , Uzlu Burkay , Banshchikov Alexander , Ivanov Illiya , Sverdlov Viktor , Vexler Mikhail , Waltl Michael , Wang Zhenxing , Manna Bibhas , Neumaier Daniel , Lemme Max C. , Sokolov Nikolai , Grasser Tibor , Otto Martin , Stoll Stefanie Linda 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Graphene is a promising material for applications as a channel in graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) which may be used to produce optoelectronics, high-frequency devices and sensors. However, these devices require gate insulators which ideally should form atomically flat interfaces with graphene and at the same time contain small densities of traps to maintain high device stability. Previously used amorphous oxides, such as SiO2 and Al2O3, however, typically suffer from oxide dangling bonds at the interface and numerous border oxide traps. In order to address these challenges, here we use for the first time 2 nm thick epitaxial CaF2 as a gate insulator in GFETs. By analyzing device-to-device variability for about 200 devices fabricated in two batches, we find that tens of them show similar gate transfer characteristics. Our statistical analysis of the hysteresis up to 175C has revealed that while an ambient-sensitive counterclockwise hysteresis can be present in some devices, the dominant mechanism is thermally activated charge trapping by border defects in CaF2 which results in the conventional clockwise hysteresis. We demonstrate that both the hysteresis and bias-temperature instabilities in our GFETs with CaF2 are comparable to similar devices with SiO2 and Al2O3. In particular, we achieve a small hysteresis below 0.01 V for equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of about 1 nm at the electric fields up to 15 MV/cm and sweep times in the kilosecond range. Thus, our results demonstrate that crystalline CaF2 is a promising insulator for highly-stable GFETs.
Implication of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus coexistence on malaria elimination efforts in a peri-urban setting in Ndola district, Zambia
Authors: Hamwata Westone P. , Muleba Mbanga , Hazyondo Mwendalubi , Daka Victor , Shimaponda-Mataa Nzooma M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Malaria remains a public health issue in Zambia and insecticide-based vector control is the main malaria elimination strategy. Success of vector control is dependent on a clear understanding of bionomics and susceptibility of the local vectors to insecticides used. Therefore, this study was conducted to generate baseline data on vector behaviour and phenotypic resistance for effective vector control programming.
Methods
Data collection was conducted in Ndola district from July 2021 to October 2021 from four sites; two peri-urban and two rural sites using Centre for Disease Control – light traps (CDC – LT), Pyrethrum Spray Catches (PSC) and Larval Collection. Mosquito identification was done using standard identification keys and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Williams’s mean was used to determine mosquito densities and Kruskall Wallis H test was used to compare the distribution of mosquitoes. A negative binomial with a log link function was used to determine factors affecting mosquito counts. Susceptibility of the local vectors was determined using WHO tube and CDC bottle bioassay.
Results
The main breeding sites identified were irrigation trenches (4.67 larvae/dip) and garden ponds (2.72 larvae/dip) created from extensive urban agriculture practices. Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae were found to coexist in all the four sites with An. funestus identified as the most dominant malaria vector. Densities of An. gambiae s.s were found to be higher in urban than rural sites compared to An. funestus s.s which had similar distribution across the four study sites. Sprayed houses were significantly associated with reduced mosquito numbers (B = -0.956, IRR = 0.384, P ˂ 0.05). An. gambiae s.s was fully susceptible to organophosphates and neonicotinoids but highly resistant to pyrethroids, carbamates and organochlorines.
Conclusions
The emergence of An. funestus s.s in an area previously dominated by An. gambiae s.s and its coexistence with An. gambiae s.s in the dry season pose a risk of sustaining malaria transmission all year round. Agriculture practices in peri-urban areas resulted in highly productive mosquito breeding sites, thus the need for targeted vector control. Lastly, the two main vectors in Ndola vary in bionomics and control measures must be tailored to these findings.