bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of erbium on structural, optical, magnetic and photocatalytic performance of Co-Mn nanoferrites
Authors: Abu-Elsaad N I , Mazen S A , Nawara A S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The citrate method was used successfully to synthesize rare earth erbium (Er3+) doped Co-Mn nanoferrites (CME nanoferrites) with the chemical formulation Co0.5Mn0.5ErxFe2−xO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1). Specimens’ X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns ensured the production of a single-phase cubic spinel structure; although, a secondary phase of Er2O3 had been observed at higher Er concentration (x ≥ 0.06). The lattice parameter (a) rose as the Er3+ content in the lattice grew. Average crystallite size, determined by Williamson–Hall method, increased first up to x = 0.06 and then declined at higher values of x. According to FTIR analysis revealed that the spectra included two main absorption bands at ∼600 and 400 cm−1, as well as other bands. The band gap was estimated using UV-Diffuse reflectance (DR) spectroscopy, which ranged between 1.39 and 1.48 eV. The saturation magnetization was first boosted by doping Er3+ till x = 0.02, then decreased as the Er3+ ion concentration rose. Inclusion of erbium ions significantly increased the coercivity from 538 G to 569 G. Photocatalytic effectiveness of CME nanoferrites was examined by measuring Methylene Blue (MB) photocatalytic degradation (PCD) under natural Sunshine. Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 had the highest photocatalytic activity in natural Sunlight (59% after 270 min), followed by Co0.5Mn0.5Er0.1Fe1.9O4 (49% after 270 min). As a result, CME nanoferrites could be considered as a suitable material for water purification.
A comprehensive study of structural, electrical and ferroelectric properties of NdFeO3-SnO2 nanocomposite
Authors: Ahmad Naseem , Somvanshi Anand , Husain Shahid , Khan Shakeel 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The NdFeO3-SnO2 nanocomposite was successfully prepared using a solid-state reaction route. The dual-phase (orthorhombic and tetragonal) in the NdFeO3-SnO2 composite was confirmed by XRD and then analyzed by Rietveld refinement. In the Raman spectrum, the A1g and B2g modes of SnO2 were observed at 650 cm−1, and 770 cm−1, and 7Ag and 1B1g modes of NdFeO3 were observed at 95 cm−1 and 650 cm−1. The Raman fingerprint modes provide good support for the formation of NdFeO3-SnO2 composite. The optical band gap evaluated by using defused reflectance spectroscopy of the as-prepared composite is found to be 3.60 eV. DC resistivity of the nanocomposite decreased with temperature and the sample exhibited the typical semiconducting behavior. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss decreased with frequency while increased with temperature. AC conductivity of the sample increases with the increase in frequency as well as temperature. P-E plots at different temperatures and electric fields reflected the well-known hysteresis loops and hence established the ferroelectric nature of the sample. The low leakage current of the sample observed in the I-E plot hints towards the possible use of this material in dielectric devices.
Spinal stimulation for motor rehabilitation immediately modulates nociceptive transmission
Authors: Bandres Maria F , Gomes Jefferson L , McPherson Jacob G 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Objective. Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in debilitating movement impairments and neuropathic pain. Electrical stimulation of spinal neurons holds considerable promise both for enhancing neural transmission in weakened motor pathways and for reducing neural transmission in overactive nociceptive pathways. However, spinal stimulation paradigms currently under development for individuals living with SCI continue overwhelmingly to be developed in the context of motor rehabilitation alone. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that motor-targeted spinal stimulation simultaneously modulates spinal nociceptive transmission. Approach. We characterized the neuromodulatory actions of motor-targeted intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) on the firing dynamics of large populations of discrete nociceptive specific and wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons. Neurons were accessed via dense microelectrode arrays implanted in vivo into lumbar enlargement of rats. Nociceptive and non-nociceptive cutaneous transmission was induced before, during, and after ISMS by mechanically probing the L5 dermatome. Main results. Our primary findings are that (a) sub-motor threshold ISMS delivered to spinal motor pools immediately modulates concurrent nociceptive transmission; (b) the magnitude of anti-nociceptive effects increases with longer durations of ISMS, including robust carryover effects; (c) the majority of all identified nociceptive-specific and WDR neurons exhibit firing rate reductions after only 10 min of ISMS; and (d) ISMS does not increase spinal responsiveness to non-nociceptive cutaneous transmission. These results lead to the conclusion that ISMS parameterized to enhance motor output results in an overall net decrease n spinal nociceptive transmission. Significance. These results suggest that ISMS may hold translational potential for neuropathic pain-related applications and that it may be uniquely suited to delivering multi-modal therapeutic benefits for individuals living with SCI.
Modified Thirring model beyond the excluded-volume approximation
Authors: Campa Alessandro , Casetti Lapo , Di Cintio Pierfrancesco , Latella Ivan , Rubi J Miguel , Ruffo Stefano 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Long-range interacting systems may exhibit ensemble inequivalence and can possibly attain equilibrium states under completely open conditions, for which energy, volume and number of particles simultaneously fluctuate. Here we consider a modified version of the Thirring model for self-gravitating systems with attractive and repulsive long-range interactions in which particles are treated as hard spheres in dimension d = 1, 2, 3. Equilibrium states of the model are studied under completely open conditions, in the unconstrained ensemble, by means of both Monte Carlo simulations and analytical methods and are compared with the corresponding states at fixed number of particles, in the isothermal-isobaric ensemble. Our theoretical description is performed for an arbitrary local equation of state, which allows us to examine the system beyond the excluded-volume approximation. The simulations confirm the theoretical prediction of the possible occurrence of first-order phase transitions in the unconstrained ensemble. This work contributes to the understanding of long-range interacting systems exchanging heat, work and matter with the environment.
On the depletion behaviour of low-temperature covalently bonded silicon sensor diodes
Authors: Wüthrich J. , Rubbia A. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Low temperature covalent direct wafer-wafer bonding allows for the fusion of multiple semiconductor wafers without any additional material at the bonding interface. In the context of particle pixel detectors this might provide an alternative to bump-bonding for joining sensors to readout chips. Previous investigations have shown that the amorphous layer formed at the interface during bonding is detrimental to charge propagation. To investigate the influence of the bonding interface on signal collection we have fabricated custom test structures by bonding high-resistivity N to high-resistivity P-type silicon wafers thus forming P-N junctions. Scanning transmission electron microscopy shows indeed the formation of ca. 3 nm wide amorphous layer at the interface. Using a scanning transient current technique (TCT) setup we were able to record generated signals. Illuminating our sample with light of different wavelengths and from different sides, indicates that the P side of the bonded structures can be fully depleted, but not the N side. This indicates a strongly asymmetric depletion behaviour which we attribute to the presence of the bonding interface.
To tread or not to tread: comparison between water treading and conventional flapping wing kinematics
Authors: Krishna Swathi , Gehrke Alexander , Mulleners Karen 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Hovering insects are limited by their physiology and need to rotate their wings at the end of each back-and-forth motion to keep the wing’s leading edge ahead of its trailing edge. The wing rotation at the end of each half-stroke pushes the leading edge vortex away from the wing which leads to a loss in the lift. Unlike biological fliers, human-engineered flapping wing micro air vehicles have different design limitations. They can be designed to avoid the end of stroke wing rotation and use so-called water-treading flapping kinematics. Flapping wings using conventional flapping kinematics have a designated leading and trailing edge. In the water-treading mode, the role of the leading and trailing edges are continuously alternated throughout the stroke. Here, we compare velocity field and force measurements for a rectangular flapping wing conducting normal hovering and water-treading kinematics to study the difference in fluid dynamic performance between the two types of flapping kinematics. We show that for similar power consumption, the water-treading mode produces more lift than the conventional hovering mode and is 50% more efficient for symmetric pitching kinematics. In the water-treading mode, the leading edge vortex from the previous stroke is not pushed away but is captured and keeps the newly formed leading edge vortex closer to the wing, leading to a more rapid increase of the lift coefficient which is sustained for longer. This makes the water-treading mode a promising alternative for human-engineered flapping wing vehicles.
U.S. decarbonization impacts on air quality and environmental justice
Authors: Gallagher Ciaran L , Holloway Tracey 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
As policy organizations consider strategies to mitigate climate change, decarbonization initiatives can also reduce health-impacting air pollutants and may affect the associated racial disparities of adverse effects. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency CO-Benefits Risk Assessment Health Impacts Screening Tool (COBRA), we compare three decarbonization scenarios and their impacts at the regional and county scales. COBRA calculates changes in county-level ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and associated mortality impacts, for each decarbonization scenario. We compare these patterns with demographic data to evaluate the relative exposure reduction benefit across race and ethnicity. Carbon-free electricity would reduce national average ambient PM2.5 concentrations by 0.21 μg m−3, compared with a 0.19 μg m−3 reduction associated with carbon-free industrial activity, and a 0.08 μg m−3 reduction associated with carbon-free light duty vehicle (LDV) transportation. Decarbonization strategies also vary in terms of the racial groups most benefitting from each scenario, due to regional and urban/rural patterns in emission sources and population demographics. Black populations are the only group to experience relative exposure reduction benefits compared to the total population in every scenario, with industrial decarbonization yielding 23% greater reductions in ambient PM2.5 concentrations for Black populations than for the total U.S. population. The largest relative reduction in PM2.5 exposure was found for Asian populations in the carbon-free LDV transportation scenario (53%). The magnitudes of total air quality improvements by scenario vary across regions of the U.S., and generally do not align with the decarbonization policy that achieves the largest equity goal. Only the transportation decarbonization scenario meets the criteria of the Justice40 Initiative nationwide, fulfilling the 2021 commitment by U.S. President Biden that federal investments in clean energy are designed to allocate at least 40% of benefits to disadvantaged communities.
Assessment of Liquefaction Potential of Ash Ponds in Indian Regions Incorporating Different Seismic Conditions
Authors: Harihara Kumar PV , Sravanam Sasanka Mouli , Shiva Bhushan JYV , Mohammed Faizanjunaid 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn India, coal ash is produced in quantities of over 70 million tons per year by NTPC plants with a global coal reserve of 8%. This coal ash will be held in ash ponds, which will be closed out when their capacity is reached. It can be decided whether to use the current ash pond or leave it unaltered based on the physical attributes and seismic characterization of the pond. Therefore, the characterization of coal ash ponds situated at NTPC Korba, Ramagundam, Singrauli, Sipat, and VTPS Vijayawada is presented in this research by considering shear wave velocity and penetration number. The seismic characterization of these sites is carried out in Deep-Soil employing equivalent linear analysis by considering the moment magnitude of four different earthquakes (Bhuj, Chamoli, India-Burma, and Kobe) through which peak surface accelerations and maximum strains are inferred. With the magnitudes of factor of safety and acceleration, respectively, it is determined that the ash ponds examined in this research are susceptible to liquefaction. The results of the Mercalli scale are compared to show the potentiality of vibrations induced by the earthquakes evaluated in this study. The ranges of accelerations determined from the final analysis show that the Kobe earthquake produced moderate to heavy damage while inflicting severe perceived shaking.
Comparative analysis of strength and deformation characteristics of clayey soil, when treated with fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag
Authors: Naga Bharath Ch , Babu Padavala Siva Shanmukha Anjaneya , Phani Kumar V , Hari Pavan N 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Clayey soils swell on absorbing water and shrinks on drying, any constructions built on them are subjected to the differential settlements due to the loss of support from soil. Stabilization of clays with various additives have considerable successes. Lime, cement, CaCl2, fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), pond ash and other chemical reagents have been effective in stabilizing expansive soils and improving their characteristics like strength. This paper presents the comparison for strength and compressibility characteristics of clays when treated with FA and GGBS. In this investigation, FA content of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and GGBS of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% were been used with the soil. The strength was observed to be high at 20% of FA & 20% of GGBS when compared with normal clayey soil. The time required for 90% consolidation and compression index were considerably reduced for both FA and GGBS at addition of 20% to soil.
India’s new Environmental Impact Assessment (2020) draft notification: futuristic or retrograde?
Authors: Seetha Ram Katakam Venkata , Apurva S R 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is defined as the study to predict the outcome or the result of a proposed project on the environment. EIA is a resolution making tool as it suggests various options from the environment pollution point view from which an environment friendly one can be selected. Spread over four stages from screening, scoping, public consultation to the final approval EIA plays an important role for the decision makers for accepting or rejecting the development projects. In India the first EIA was notified in 1994 and was subsequently expanded in 2006. Recently in 2020 the Government released a new EIA draft which it claimed takes care of amendments and judgments related to the topic and invited suggestions from the stake holders. However, the new policy drew protests from many stake holders and environment experts who claim that the new draft dilutes the existing EIA process. This article looks critically into the contentious provisions of the new draft and suggests the way ahead.
Multiplex mobility network and metapopulation epidemic simulations of Italy based on open data
Authors: Desiderio Antonio , Salina Gaetano , Cimini Giulio 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The patterns of human mobility play a key role in the spreading of infectious diseases and thus represent a key ingredient of epidemic modeling and forecasting. Unfortunately, as the Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically highlighted, for the vast majority of countries there is no availability of granular mobility data. This hinders the possibility of developing computational frameworks to monitor the evolution of the disease and to adopt timely and adequate prevention policies. Here we show how this problem can be addressed in the case study of Italy. We build a multiplex mobility network based solely on open data, and implement an susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) metapopulation model that allows scenario analysis through data-driven stochastic simulations. The mobility flows that we estimate are in agreement with real-time proprietary data from smartphones. Our modeling approach can thus be useful in contexts where high-resolution mobility data is not available.
Vector design for enhancing expression level and assembly of knob-into-hole based FabscFv-Fc bispecific antibodies in CHO cells
Authors: Ong Han Kee , Nguyen Ngan T B , Bi Jiawu , Yang Yuansheng 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Two-armed FabscFv-Fc is a favoured bispecific antibody (BsAb) format due to its advantages of the conventional IgG structure. Production of FabscFv-Fc requires expression of three polypeptide chains, one light chain (LC), one heavy chain (HC) and a scFv fused to the Fc (scFvFc) at optimal ratios.

Methods
We designed a set of internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated multi-cistronic vectors tailoring to various expression ratios of the three polypeptides to study how the chain ratios affect the FabscFv-Fc production.

Results
Expression of HC and scFvFc chains at 1:1 ratio and excess LC gave the highest yield of correctly assembled product. Compared to the use of IRES and multiple promoters, using 2A peptides for co-expression of the three polypeptides gave the highest titre and correctly assembled product.

Conclusion
The results obtained in this work provide insights to the impacts of hetero-chain ratios on the BsAb production.
Shock Wave Therapy in Plastic Surgery: A Review of the Current Indications
Authors: Wigley Catrin H , Janssen Tim J , Mosahebi Afshin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundExtracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) represents a promising, non-invasive management strategy supporting the treatment of a variety of conditions related to plastic surgery.ObjectivesThis literature review aimed to give a systematic overview of current applications, its mechanism of action, and its potential to provide tangible therapies in plastic surgery.MethodsThe databases PubMed (National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD), Embase (via Ovid [Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands]), and the Cochrane Library (Cochrane, London, UK) were searched for articles published up to June 1, 2021. Clinical studies of any design including ESWT in the context of plastic surgery were included. Two reviewers extracted data, and 46 articles were analyzed after application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsForty-six included studies (n = 1496) were categorized into the following broad themes: cellulite/body contouring/skin rejuvenation, burns/scar treatment, diabetic foot ulcers/chronic wound, and future perspectives of ESWT. Overall, applications of ESWT were heterogenous, and the majority of studies reported effectiveness of ESWT as an alternative treatment technique. Flawed methodology and differences in technical standards limit the outcome and conclusion of this review.ConclusionsThere is yet insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of any specific intervention included in this review; however, all included studies reported improvements in key outcomes. Where reported, ESWT displayed a good safety profile with no serious adverse events. Further research is needed to provide more evidence to delineate the indications of ESWT in plastic surgery.
BJS-03 DO WE NEED FIXATION OF THE MESH IN LAPAROENDOSCOPIC TECHNIQUES FOR M3 INGUINAL DEFECTS? AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: Zamkowski M , Tomaszewska A , Lubowiecka I , Karbowski K , Śmietański M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Hernia societies strongly recommend fixing the mesh in case of large M3 defects in laparoendoscopic repairs. The purpose is to reduce recurrence, which is alarmingly high for this defect. The authors conducted a research experiment to verify the hypothesis that it is possible to preserve the mesh in the operating field in large direct hernias (M3) without the need to use fixing materials.

Method
Authors conducted an experiment with scientists from Universities of Technology in a model that reflects the conditions in the groin area. By simulating conditions of the highest possible intra-abdominal pressure, they examined the mesh behavior within the groin and its ability to dislocate under the forces generated by this pressure. The experiment involved six spatial implants and one flat macroporous mesh.

Results
Heavyweight spatial meshes and lightweight spatial individualized mesh showed no tendency to dislocate or move directly to the gate, which was considered a rapid hernia recurrence. Lightweight Meshes, both spatial and flat, underwent significant migration and shifting towards the hernial gates.

Conclusion
Based on the results, we believe that mesh fixation is not the only alternative to preventing recurrence in complex defects. Similar effects can be achieved by using a larger, more rigid and anatomically fitted implant. The type of implant (rather than its fixation) seems to be a key factor from the point of view of mechanics and biophysics. Clinical trials confirming the results in vivo, will allow to supplement or amend the guidelines for the treatment of large inguinal hernias.
DD-04 INVESTIGATING COLLAGEN IN INCISIONAL HERNIA MIDLINE SCARS USING RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: Kiss S , Chintapatla S , Kroger R 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Aim
Connective tissue alterations may lead to incisional hernia (IH) formation in a subgroup of individuals. A decreased ratio of collagen types I and III was observed in several studies. White, hard and brittle hernia scars have also been reported suggesting possible mineral deposition. These processes could affect incisional scar integrity leading to IH formation. Using advanced spectroscopy, we aim to establish whether these alterations are present in IH scars.

Materials & Methods
Our pilot study has been granted IRAS approval and we began recruitment to investigate scar collagen in patients undergoing IH repair. We focus on the midline linea alba as the most critical layer in post-laparotomy healing and will use the participants’ fascia lata as a scar free control. Raman spectroscopy was selected to perform chemical and structural characterisation of our samples. Collagen types I, III and mineralised tissue have unique Raman spectra, which allow their identification and analysis.

Results
Preliminary spectral data from a porcine abdomen showed clear collagen bands in corresponding layers. We also showed mineral formation in reconstituted collagen fibres using this technique. In our pilot, Raman spectroscopy will be used to identify the bands associated with scar tissue collagen and determine differences in hernia versus hernia-free collagen.

Conclusions
Investigating hernia scars and the fascia lata will shed light on the local and systemic collagen changes in the scar tissue associated with IH. Raman spectroscopy provides a high-resolution insight into the composition of tissues and will identify any collagen changes in IH patients.