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This paper delves into the advantages of authentication algorithms employing self-sovereign identity, highlighting a reduced communication overhead and the elimination of single points of failure. However, it acknowledges the vulnerability of digital wallets to real-world issues like loss or theft. To address these challenges, we propose an efficient key backup and recovery protocol based on the FROST threshold signature algorithm. This protocol involves trusted third parties and backup devices, ensuring secure secret key sharing and rapid key recovery. Performance evaluations, including key recovery time, demonstrate the protocol's efficiency and reliability, bolstering the overall robustness of self-sovereign identity systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stock price prediction has been a subject of significant interest in the financial mathematics field. Recently, interest in natural language processing models has increased, and among them, transformer models, such as BERT and FinBERT, are attracting attention. This study uses a mathematical framework to investigate the effects of human sentiment on stock movements, especially in text data. In particular, FinBERT, a domain-specific language model based on BERT tailored for financial language, was employed for the sentiment analysis on the financial texts to extract sentiment information. In this study, we use "summary" text data extracted from The New York Times, representing concise summaries of news articles. Accordingly, we apply FinBERT to the summary text data to calculate sentiment scores. In addition, we employ the LSTM (Long short-term memory) methodology, one of the machine learning models, for stock price prediction using sentiment scores. Furthermore, the LSTM model was trained by stock price data and the estimated sentiment scores. We compared the predictive power of LSTM models with and without sentiment analysis based on error measures such as MSE, RMSE, and MAE. The empirical results demonstrated that including sentiment scores through the LSTM model led to improved prediction accuracy for all three measures. These findings indicate the significance of incorporating news sentiment into stock price predictions, shedding light on the potential impact of psychological factors on financial markets. By using the FinBERT transformer model, this study aimed to investigate the interplay between sentiment and stock price predictions, contributing to a deeper understanding of mathematical-based sentiment analysis in finance and its role in enhancing forecasting in financial mathematics. Furthermore, we show that using summary data instead of entire news articles is a useful strategy for mathematical-based sentiment analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In digital identity authentication, credentials are typically stored in a digital wallet and authenticated through a single key-based signature and public key verification. However, ensuring compatibility between systems and credentials can be challenging and the existing architecture can create a single point of failure, which can hinder system stability and prevent data interchange. To address this problem, we propose a multiparty distributed signature structure using FROST, a Schnorr signature-based threshold signature algorithm, applied to the WACI protocol framework for credential interaction. This approach eliminates a single point of failure and secures the signer's anonymity. Additionally, by following standard interoperability protocol procedures, we can ensure interoperability during the exchange of digital wallets and credentials. This paper presents a method that combines a multiparty distributed signature algorithm and an interoperability protocol, and discusses the implementation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we consider a quantum channel that may help to discriminate quantum states, by which we may provide the solution for the unsolved problem of discrimination of quantum states. For the quantum channel to help the problem of discriminating given quantum states, the quantum channel should not change the guessing probability as well as the optimal measurement in minimum error discrimination of those quantum states. Therefore, we investigate a quantum channel that preserves an optimal measurement and the guessing probability with minimum error discrimination of quantum states. Then, we show that the channel does not exist in every set of quantum states but does exist when the channel and an optimal measurement commute with each other. The effectiveness of the channel can be shown more explicitly when the discrimination of linearly independent quantum states, which has not been solved yet, is considered. When we apply the channel to linearly independent quantum states, the discrimination of quantum states can be transformed into a problem in which the number of quantum states in discrimination is reduced, and we can provide a means of obtaining an answer to an unsolved quantum state discrimination. As an unsolved problem of discrimination of quantum states, we consider an ensemble of three pure states with real coefficients, whose subsets contain Unitary symmetry-called partial symmetry. By applying our strategy, we can provide an analytic result for optimal discrimination to the ensemble of three pure states with partial symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traffic environment of a bridge generally varies over its lifetime and can be affected by unexpected changes in the surroundings such as the construction of new roads. Therefore, for accurate estimation of traffic loads, changes in the traffic environment need to be continuously monitored and incorporated into traffic load predictions. To this end, this study first further develops the comprehensive probabilistic model of bridge traffic loads by introducing micro-simulation models to describe accurately congestion state. Next, a Bayesian methodology is proposed to update the parameters of the distributions in the probabilistic model of bridge traffic loads based on in-service data representing the traffic environment. Three Bayesian inference methods are used: conjugate prior distributions, Bayesian linear regression, and Gibbs sampling. Hyper-parameters of the prior model are set up appropriately based on the measurement accuracy and the degrees of belief in the prior model. The proposed Bayesian updating methodology is demonstrated by numerical examples with various scenarios of traffic environment changes and in-service weigh-in-motion (WIM) data measured on a real bridge. The results confirm that the proposed methodology can successfully incorporate changes of the traffic environment into the estimation of traffic load effects on bridges in operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time monitoring of suspended particulate matter (PM) has become essential in daily life due to the adverse effects of long-term exposure to PMs on human health and ecosystems. However, conventional techniques for measuring micro-scale particulates commonly require expensive instruments. In this study, a smartphone-based device is developed for real-time monitoring of suspended PMs by integrating a smartphone-based digital holographic microscopy (S-DHM) and deep learning algorithms. The proposed S-DHM-based PM monitoring device is composed of affordable commercial optical components and a smartphone. Overall procedures including digital image processing, deep learning training, and correction process are optimized to minimize the prediction error and computational cost. The proposed device can rapidly measure the mass concentrations of coarse and fine PMs from holographic speckle patterns of suspended polydisperse PMs in water with measurement errors of 22.8 ± 18.1% and 13.5 ± 9.8%, respectively. With further advances in data acquisition and deep learning training, this study would contribute to the development of hand-held devices for monitoring polydisperse non-spherical pollutants suspended in various media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Novelty Statement Cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoFe(CN)6; CoHCF) is coprecipitated as a cathode material in an Na‐ion aqueous battery with varying solution temperatures of 5°C, 25°C, 50°C, and 70°C to tailor the particle size and defect content. At a low temperature, the small cubic particle is prepared with high Fe vacancies and low Na amounts. Conversely, an elevated temperature results in the enlarged particle with lower Fe vacancies and high Na amounts. Meanwhile, the lattice parameter is extended at a high temperature based on the Co2+ evolution with a larger ionic radius than that of the Co3+ ion at the Co site. Contrary with the expectations, a lower specific capacity is obtained for the highly crystalline structure at high temperature due to the evolution of the irreversible redox‐inactive Co2+. The low temperature of 5°C confers an excellent rate capability, capacity retention of 89% at 20 times faster charging rate, based on the smaller particles and relieved distortion in cycling. The shorter diffusion path for Na intercalation due to the fine powder enables a faster charging process. Higher Fe vacancies induced at lower temperature limit Na accommodation, yielding a reduced distortion. The coprecipitation at low temperature enhances the rate performance and cyclability, sacrificing the capacity. High temperature builds the large particle with low Fe vacancies and high Na amounts. High temperature derives the extended lattice constant due to Co2+ evolution in CoHCF. Evolution of the irreversible redox‐inactive Co2+ degrades the specific capacity. Low temperature enhances rate performance due to small powder and relaxed distortion. High rate performance and cyclability at low temperature sacrifices the capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analyzed atmospheric and tide gauge data of hurricane leslie to study the combined effects of storm surge and meteotsunami. • Proposed a new numerical scheme combining storm surge and meteotsunami. • Identified the origin of the tsunami-like waves near leixões (north of Portugal) through numerical simulations. In recent years, Portugal's coastal regions have experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, including tropical cyclones and extratropical storms. This paper presents an analysis of Hurricane Leslie(2018)'s impact on Portugal, with a specific focus on the complex and often underestimated meteotsunami phenomena accompanying the storm system. Our analysis examines data collected from multiple sources, and employs advanced numerical simulations, integrated within the GeoClaw framework. These simulations encompass both storm surge and meteotsunami effects. One of the findings is the significant role played by meteotsunamis in amplifying coastal sea levels during extreme weather events. The observed sea-level fluctuations closely align with the combined surge-meteotsunami simulations, emphasizing the importance of considering these high-frequency phenomena in coastal hazard assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetocaloric properties of (La 1- x Nd x) 2 Fe 10.7 Mn 0.3 Si 2 H y (x = 0.1 and 0.2) are evaluated to develop a room-temperature magnetic refrigerant. While Nd which is introduced to reduce the thermal hysteresis has a negligible effect on magnetic properties, the partial replacement of Fe with Mn converted the first-order magnetic transition to a second-order and T C is reduced by 50 K to near room temperature. The peak entropy change, Δ S M | pk values are 10.4 J kg−1 K−1 (at 290 K) for x = 0.1 and 10.6 J kg−1 K−1 (at 286 K) for x = 0.2 with μ 0 ∆ H = 3 T. The maximum values of the adiabatic temperature change, Δ T ad are 4.11 K (at 283 K) for x = 0.1 and 4.05 K (at 289 K) for x = 0.2 with μ 0 ∆ H = 1.4 T. Because T C can be shifted by the addition of Mn to room temperature, this series of compounds can be used as an efficient magnetic refrigerant or a combination as a composite refrigerant for an active magnetic refrigeration cycle. • (La 1- x Nd x) 2 Fe 10.7 Mn 0.3 Si 2 H y was synthesized for room-temperature magnetic refrigeration. • Mn addition reduced thermal hysteresis of hydrogenated La(FeSi) 13 alloys. • The peak Δ S M of LaFeSi-based alloys were measured to be 10.4 J kg−1 K−1 and 10.6 J kg−1 K−1. • Δ T ad of (La 1- x Nd x) 2 Fe 10.7 Mn 0.3 Si 2 H y (x = 0.1 and 0.2) was measured to be 4 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pacific Island countries have a substantial socio-economic dependency on fisheries. Skipjack tuna is one of the most important species in the Western Central Pacific (WCP) and its catches in this region exhibit a spatio-temporal variability influenced by ocean conditions, mainly the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This study investigates the relationship between skipjack tuna catch amounts and environmental variables in the equatorial Pacific during 1990–2014, and evaluates the potential predictability of the catches based on their statistical relationship. A series of regressed and reconstructed spatial patterns of upper-ocean temperature, salinity, currents and precipitation represent ENSO-like variability, and their principal component time series are used to estimate the predictability of skipjack tuna catches in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). ENSO-like variability depicted from 100 m temperature and 5 m salinity in the equatorial Pacific exhibit a significant predictability for the annual catch amount in the FSM for several years with a training period of > 20 years. This suggests that the subsurface temperature or near surface salinity can be a better predictor of ecosystem variability than widely used sea surface temperature. Applications of this result to other species could have broad implications for the fishery industry in the WCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern wireless systems are evolving toward a heterogeneous environment where multiple radio access technologies (RATs) coexist. Most of the RATs in current use operate independently of each other, however, there is an increasing demand for coordination among different RATs in order to support exponentially growing wireless traffic. Our goal in this paper is to design a super-MAC that integrates multiple RATs in a tightly coupled manner. To this end, we propose an architecture for super-MAC, and develop an algorithm that splits IP traffic into multiple RATs and controls each RAT to exploit multi-RAT diversity. We prove the asymptotic optimality of the super-MAC algorithm by introducing a novel reference system that enables the analysis of the multi-RAT system where there is a mixture of slotted (such as cellular) and unslotted (such as WiFi) RATs. Through extensive simulations we show that the super-MAC algorithm can enhance the quality of service including throughput, energy efficiency, and fairness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A thermo-optically controllable fiberized saturable absorber (SA) that is based on a combination of graphene oxide (GO), a thermo-optic polymer adhesive, and a thermo-electric temperature controller (TEC), is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. By incorporating the SA into an all-fiberized erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring cavity, an operation-state-switchable fiber laser is successfully implemented. The operation state of the laser is shown to be switchable from a continuous wave (CW) to the Q-switching state to the harmonic mode-locking state depending on the current that is applied to the TEC under a fixed pump-power condition. As a function of the applied current, the temporal width and the repetition rate of the Q-switched pulses varied from ~5.54 μs to ~12.35 μs and from ~ 31.02 kHz to ~17.25 kHz, respectively. The maximum pulse energy is ~52.8 nJ. In the harmonic-mode-locking state, the 19th order of the harmonic-mode-locked pulses was generated. The pulse width was measured as ~595 fs with a pulse-repetition rate of ~237.5 MHz. It is believed that the operation-mode change is due to the variations of the insertion loss and the beam-polarization status of the implemented SA that are due to the temperature-variation-induced refractive-index changes of the thermo-optic polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a DC motor current control algorithm using a proportional-integral linear quadratic tracking (LQT) controller with a disturbance observer for the electronic stability control (ESC) brake system. Previously researched algorithms related to current control using disturbance rejection are robust control, adaptive control, LQT, or proportional-integral disturbance observer (PI-DOB); each of them has both advantages and disadvantages. The proposed algorithm uses a disturbance observer in order to improve disturbance rejection performance while avoiding the drawbacks of high gain property. Additionally, the proposed algorithm adds integral control in order to improve performance in the low frequency bands. In order to assess the performance of the proposed algorithm, simulations and experiments are performed in the time and frequency domains to compare the proposed algorithm with different algorithms which are actually implemented into the ESC. The proposed algorithm shows good characteristics near the cut-off frequency, which can be confirmed clearly by the time domain results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a new way to analyze the evolving dynamics of wealth concentration in the Global South, where indigenous norms and institutions play a crucial role in accumulating wealth. The study particularly focuses on the unique development of the Korean housing finance system: its development path can be characterized as the history of challenges, which refer to forces that have hindered the accumulation of wealth, and responses, which refer to counteractions that seek alternative modes of wealth accumulation. On the basis of such structural dissonance, this study situates how the reconstitution of housing capital discriminatorily reconstructs households’ resilience against economic and social insecurity to maintain and/or pursue homeownership. These findings explicitly contradict contemporary theories of financial intermediation that financial market reform that accompanies new products and services, lower interest rates, and greater liquidity substantially motivates households to purchase real estate. Rather, financial globalization increases inequalities in wealth that are set in motion through the tension between formal and informal housing capital by creating junctions that transfer risk and uncertainty in the financial market onto individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological and mechanical characteristics of red blood cells (RBCs) largely vary depending on the occurrence of hematologic disorders. Variations in the rheological properties of RBCs affect the dynamic motions of RBCs, especially their rotational behavior. However, conventional techniques for measuring the orientation of biconcave-shaped RBCs still have some technical limitations, including complicated optical setups, complex post data processing, and low throughput. In this study, we propose a novel image-based technique for measuring 3D position and orientation of normal RBCs using digital in-line holographic microscopy (DIHM) and artificial intelligence (AI). Formaldehyde-fixed RBCs are immobilized in coagulated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Holographic images of RBCs positioned at various out-of-plane angles are acquired by precisely manipulating the PDMS-trapped RBC sample attached to a 4-axis optical stage. With the aid of deep learning algorithms for data augmentation and regression analysis, the out-of-plane angle of RBCs is directly predicted from the captured holographic images. The 3D position and in-plane angle of RBCs are acquired by employing numerical reconstruction and ellipse detection methods. Combining these digital image processing techniques, the 3D positional and orientational information of each RBC recorded in a single holographic image is measured within 23.5 and 3.07 s, respectively. The proposed AI-based DIHM technique that can extract the 3D position, orientation, and morphology of individual RBCs would be utilized to analyze the dynamic translational and rotational motions of abnormal RBCs with hematologic disorders in shear flows through further research. • AI-based analysis of out-of-plane angles of RBCs was demonstrated. • 3D positions and in-plane angles of RBCs were measured using a DIHM technique. • 3D positions and orientations of RBCs recorded in a single hologram were measured. • This technique has a simpler optical setup and higher throughputs than others. • It would be utilized to analyze 3D dynamics of RBCs flowing in a microchannel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoremediation has emerged as an ecofriendly technique to reduce hazardous particulate matter (PM) in the air. Although previous studies have conducted statistical analyses to reveal PM removal capabilities of various plant species according to their leaf characteristics, the underlying physical mechanism of PM adsorption of plants remains unclear. Conventional methodologies for measuring PM accumulation usually require long-term field tests and provide limited understanding on PM removal effects of individual leaf traits of various plants. In this study, we propose a novel methodology which can compare the electrostatic interactions between PMs and plant leaves according to their trichome structures by using digital in-line holographic microscopy (DIHM). Surface characteristics of Perilla frutescens and Capsicum annuum leaves are measured to examine electrostatic effects according to the morphological features of trichomes. 3D settling motions of PMs near the microstructures of trichomes of the two plant species are compared in detail. To validate the PM removal effect of the hairy microstructures, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) replica model of a P. frutescens leaf is fabricated to demonstrate accelerated settling velocities of PMs near trichome-like microstructures. The size and electric charge distributions of PMs with irregular shapes are analyzed using DIHM. Numerical simulation of the PM deposition near a trichome-like structure is conducted to verify the empirical results. As a result, the settling velocities of PMs on P. frutescens leaves and a PDMS replica sample are 12.11 ± 1.88% and 34.06 ± 4.19% faster than those on C. annuum leaves and a flat PDMS sample, respectively. These findings indicate that the curved microstructures of hairy trichomes of plant leaves increase the ability to capture PMs by enhancing the electric field intensity just near trichomes. Compared with conventional methods, the proposed methodology can quantitatively evaluate the settling velocity of PMs on various plant leaves according to the morphological structure and density of trichomes within a short period of time. The present research findings would be widely utilized in the selection of suitable air-purifying plants for sustainable removal of harmful air pollutants in urban and indoor environments. [Display omitted] • The physical mechanism of PM adsorption process of plant leaves is investigated. • Hairy microstructures on leaves increase electric field intensity near trichomes. • Electrostatic interactions between PMs and hairy plant leaves are demonstrated. • 3D settling motion of PMs near hairy trichomes on leaves is quantitatively measured. • Settling velocity of PMs is elevated near the hairy trichomes on leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The order parameters and anisotropy constants of a series of epitaxial L10 FePt films with compositions in the range of 45–55 at. % Fe and nominal thicknesses of 50 nm have been characterized. The films were made by cosputtering the elements onto single crystal MgO(001) substrates. The substrates were coated with 1 nm Pt/1 nm Fe bilayer seeds prior to alloy deposition. Both the bilayer seed and the alloy film were deposited at 620 °C. Lattice and order parameters were obtained by x-ray diffraction. Film compositions and thicknesses were determined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, and room-temperature magnetocrystalline anisotropies were determined with a torque magnetometer. It was found that the order parameter had a maximum for the film composition closest to the equiatomic composition, whereas the magnetocrystalline anisotropy increased as the Fe content increased from below to slightly above the equiatomic composition. These results imply that nonstoichiometric FePt compositions, with a slight excess of Fe, may in fact be preferred for applications that require high anisotropy. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCF) suffers from low rate capability and lifespan because of the dissolution and structural instability of Co during cycling. A smaller active material can relieve the stress caused by volume change during cycling and enable shorter transport pathways. Here, particle size reduction is performed by reducing the mixing time or citrate concentration in the coprecipitation reaction to improve the rate capability and lifespan of CoHCF. The reduced mixing time produces smaller particles with enlarged active sites, thus improving the capacity. Upon coprecipitation at a low citrate concentration, particle precipitation at reduced sizes is achieved by preferential nucleation versus growth. Although lowering the citrate concentration enlarges the external surface area, the reduced redox-active Fe degrades the capacity. All CoHCF samples with small sizes achieved enhance rate capability and stability. In particular, the sample synthesized with a short mixing time (0 h) achieve a specific capacity of 122 mAh g−1 with improved rate capability (79.4%) and stability (79.3%) over 500 cycles. Structural distortions are relaxed because of the shortened transport pathways and relieved distortion owing to particle size reduction. This study paves the approach for fast rechargeable and long-lasting aqueous Na-ion batteries using CoHCF electrodes. [Display omitted] • A decreased mixing time or citrate concentration yielded smaller CoHCF particles. • The capacity, rate capability, and lifespan were improved with shorter mixing times. • The low citrate ion concentration increased Fe vacancies and decreased the capacity. • Fe vacancies limited Na access in the lattice, thus improving structural stability. • The reduced CoHCF particle size improved rate capability and lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure sensors made on a mechanically deformable substrates are widely available for health monitoring systems, tactile sensors, and human–machine interfaces. While their sensitivity typically exceeds that of the human skin, it is highly challenging to perceive multiple kinds of mechanical inputs, such as normal, stretching, bending, and/or twisting forces, in a decoupled manner. For example, the interpretation of the specific pressure‐related distortion requires differentiation of such pressure stimuli from the simultaneously measured mixed deformation. This report proposes a sensor with an engineered geometrical configuration that dramatically reduces its mechanical distortion made by non‐pressure related stimuli. Such decoupled‐sensing capability for normal force is characterized by a linear response of fractional resistance change at 2.07 kPa−1 and negligible responses to other deformations such as stretching and bending. An in vitro sensor demonstration for the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence presents one mode of practical application of the sensor. Facile fabrication allows an interconnected array and wireless network to capture the spatial distribution of normal force and to record the data with consumer devices, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present the first actual working system that can project content onto a tunnel wall from a moving subway train so that passengers can enjoy the display of digital content through a train window. Our stand-alone system can be easily deployed to existing trains because it does not assume any specific type of interface requiring data transfer with the train. To effectively estimate the position of the train in a tunnel, we propose counting sleepers, which are installed at regular interval along the railway, using a distance sensor. In the preprocessing step, the side depth variation along the tunnel is stored in synchronization with the train location in a tunnel profile. The tunnel profile is constructed using pointclouds captured by a depth camera installed next to the projector. The tunnel profile is used to identify projectable sections that will not contain too much interference by possible occluders. The tunnel profile is also used to retrieve the depth at a specific location so that a properly warped content can be projected for viewing by passengers through the window when the train is moving at runtime. Here, we show that the proposed system can operate on an actual train and evaluate the quality of the projection results through simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum technologies utilize photons in a wide range of spectra, from microwave to visible light. Interactions between photons at different frequencies can be mediated by the collective excitation of spins in a ferromagnetic material. Here, we present optic-to-microwave conversions using the spin mode. In the conversion system, we observe that the generation of microwaves can be controlled by the polarization of the infrared input. Furthermore, we miniaturize the system and demonstrate conversion in a cryogenic environment, where microwave photons can be manipulated in the quantum regime. We show that the conversion efficiency scales with the intensity of the infrared illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effect of shrinkage-reducing admixture (SRA) on the mechanical properties of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). Three different SRA to cement weight ratios (0%, 1%, and 2%) were considered using the UHPFRC including 2% of smooth steel fibers by volume. The specimen without SRA exhibited the best performance in almost all aspects of the mechanical behaviors in compression, fiber pullout, and biaxial flexure including load carrying capacity, strain capacity, and energy absorption capacity (pullout energy and toughness). The mechanical performances deteriorated with the increase in the amount of SRA up to 2%. Finally, a suggestion was made to define the first cracking point of deflection-hardening UHPFRC under biaxial flexure stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flexural resistance of fiber reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs) under biaxial condition was investigated by using two different types of biaxial bending test methods: the biaxial flexural test (BFT) and the centrally loaded round panel test (RPT). The flexural responses of FRCCs under biaxial condition were then compared with those of FRCCs under uniaxial condition; i.e. four-points bending test (4PBT). The test results, including the equivalent biaxial strength and normalized energy absorption capacity of the RPT, were found to be clearly higher than those of the BFT, and completely different cracking behavior was observed between the two biaxial test methods; the BFT generated numerous randomly distributed micro-cracks at the bottom of specimens, whereas the RPT mostly showed three major cracks, with minor radial cracks around them. In addition, the equivalent flexural tensile strength and normalized energy absorption capacity of the FRCCs under biaxial condition were found to be higher than those under uniaxial condition. The energy absorption capacity and the ratio of flexural tensile strength to the direct tensile strength of FRCCs are dependent on the stress state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this investigation was to study the factors influencing the mechanical tensile properties of steel-fibre-reinforced concrete exposed to high temperatures. The properties were estimated by the double-punch test having a high accuracy. Specimens reinforced with fibres of two types (twisted or hooked), two aspect ratios ( l / d = 60 or 80), and three fibre contents (volume fractions of 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1%) were tested after exposure to four different maximum temperatures (room temperature, 300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C). Test results show that the residual compressive strength, DPT tensile strength and rupture energy of the specimens decreased with their increased heating. After the SFRC was exposed to the high temperatures, the relative loss in tensile strength was higher than that in compressive strength, but the relative loss of rupture energy was comparatively lower. After exposure to high temperature, the behaviour of the samples was more sensitive to the volume fraction and aspect ratio of the fibre than to its type. The coefficients of variation (COVs) of the rupture energy for SFRC specimens heated to higher temperatures is similar to those of the tensile strength, although the results are considerably more scattered than the compressive strength. A model predicting the residual tensile strength of heated SFRC measured by the DPT was proposed based on the test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to evaluate the possibility of utilizing the waste glass sludge (WGS) from the cutting and polishing process of glass plates, as a partial replacement of cement. A total of seven mortar mix proportions were prepared, by replacing ordinary Portland cement with WGS and/or fly ash (FA). The influences of WGS and FA on the compressive strength of mortars and ASR expansion of mortars were investigated. In addition, X-ray diffraction analysis was performed, to evaluate the pozzolanic activity. The results show that the incorporation of the WGS yields mortars with improved strengths at the later age (28 days), in comparison with that of a control mortar (ordinary Portland cement only); while the WGS caused a lower early strength than that of control, but higher than that of mortars containing FA. The ASR expansion of the mortars can be reduced by incorporating WGS as effectively as by fly ash. It is found that the consumption rate of calcium hydroxide for the paste with the WGS was faster than that of paste with FA, up to 28 days. These results indicate that the WGS has a higher reactivity than FA; and therefore, the WGS can be used as a pozzolanic admixture in cement composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste glass sludge (WGS), a byproduct of glass plate manufacture, was used to improve the durability properties of concrete under an environmental condition of freezing and thawing, with the existence of de-icing salts. A total of five concrete mix proportions were prepared, by varying the amounts of WGS. In order to observe the effects and roles of WGS on the durability performances of concrete mixtures, compressive strength tests, freezing and thawing tests, chloride ion penetration and surface scaling were carried out. Test results showed that the incorporation of WGS as a partial replacement for cement has beneficial effects on the compressive strength of concrete, especially when used together with fly ash. Moreover, WGS improved the resistance of freezing and thawing with and without de-icing salts, the chloride ion penetration and the resistance of surface scaling of the concrete compared to the control mixture containing 20% fly ash as cement replacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scour is one of the most characteristic interactions between fluid and soil, and it can cause fatal structural or natural damage. In this study, Incompressible Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (ISPH) was used to overcome the drawbacks of FVM (Finite Volume Method) and WCSPH (Weakly-Compressible Smoothed Particles Hydrodynamics) as a fluid model. The coarse-grained Discrete Element Method (CGDEM) was employed to simulate the soil particles and reduce computational time by employing larger particle sizes than the experiments. ISPH and CGDEM were coupled by using the fluid porosity of each particle to compute interactions between fluid and solid particles. Three scour simulations based on the laboratory experiments were conducted and validated by the experiment results, and the final profiles of water and soil showed good agreements in the scour depth and length. Furthermore, the CGDEM reduced the computational time by more than 38.7 times compared to the simulations with the original experiment particle sizes. Thus, the ISPH-CGDEM in this paper enhanced the applicability of scouring simulation to large-scale and natural environments. • A GPU-based SPH-DEM is employed to simulate the large number of particles. • Computational efficiency has been improved via CGDEM. • A ISPH-CGDEM coupled model is developed for scour simulations. • Scouring phenomena by various water jets can be observed in the simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The biaxial flexure test (BFT) method for the biaxial tensile strength of concrete has been improved. To ensure the equi-biaxial stress condition during the test, the geometry of the specimen, proper treatment of the specimen surface, and the support conditions were proposed. The biaxial flexural strength of concrete was measured with the improved biaxial flexure test method. The coefficient of variation (c.o.v) of the biaxial flexure test method is comparable to that of the four-point bending test and ASTM C 1550. The improved biaxial flexure test provides a practical and reliable means of determining the biaxial flexural strength of concrete. The biaxial tensile strength given by the biaxial flexure test method and the ASTM C 1550 method is greater than the uniaxial tensile strength using the four-point bending test method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Due to the tradeoff between capacity and fairness in a wide variety of networks, increasing one objective may deteriorate the other. This paper investigates the possibility of improving capacity and fairness at the same time, specifically in two-hop cellular networks. First, we prove that an achievable capacity region can be enlarged by using relay, i.e., the capacity and fairness tradeoff relationship is alleviated. To achieve the Pareto-efficient boundary of this enlarged capacity region, an appropriate scheduling algorithm should be developed. Thus, second, we propose a generalized opportunistic scheduling algorithm for relaying mode that can improve both capacity and fairness. Furthermore, we propose a heuristic algorithm with low complexity and signaling overhead for relaying mode. Extensive simulations under various configurations demonstrate that the proposed algorithm not only increases the throughput of each user but also effectively alleviates unfairness among users. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A dual-mode CMOS power amplifier (PA) with an integrated tunable matching network is presented. A switched capacitor is fully analyzed to implement a tunable matching network in terms of power-handling capability, tuning ratio, quality factor, and linearity. Based on the presented consideration, a 3.3-V 2.4-GHz fully integrated CMOS dual-mode PA is implemented in a 0.18-\mum CMOS process. The PA has two power modes, high-power and low-power (LP), and each mode is optimally matched by the tunable matching network. The LP mode enables more than 50% dc current reduction from 0- to 10-dBm power range. The improved efficiency in this study is approximately twice that of other multimode CMOS PAs reported thus far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: While mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) increase competition in the mobile telecommunications industry, granting market access to MVNOs may have unwanted consequences. In particular, infrastructure investment by incumbent mobile network operators (MNOs) may be smaller. This paper examines the effects of MVNO entry and access regulation on the investment behavior of MNOs. It uses firm-level data for 58 MNOs in 21 OECD countries during 2000–2008. The results suggest that mandated provision of access is related to lower investment intensity of MNOs, while voluntary access provision has no effect. Although reduced investment incentives do not necessarily correspond to under-investment, this underscores the need for those countries where MVNOs are provided access to address the issue of investment incentives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The sulfur–iodine thermochemical water-splitting cycle (S–I cycle) is one of the most promising technologies for mass H2 production. The S–I cycle is generally divided into three sections, one of which involves a H2SO4 concentration and decomposition. In the sulfuric acid processing section (Section 2), H2SO4 is decomposed into H2O and SO3, and then the produced SO3 is further decomposed into SO2 and O2, which takes place in a H2SO4 decomposer and a SO3 decomposer, respectively. The SO3 decomposition requires heat of a high temperature and this suggests a heat-exchanger type reactor. To understand the temperature profiles and chemical reactions through a SO3 decomposer, a dynamic model was developed by considering the heat and material balances in partial differential forms. A model was used to size the decomposer to a proposed design basis and it was also applied to simulate the responses corresponding to the changes of the operation conditions such as increased or decreased flow rates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Airborne particulate matter (PM) has become a global environmental issue. This PM has harmful effects on public health and precision industries. Conventional air-quality monitoring methods usually utilize expensive equipment, and they are cumbersome to handle for accurate and high throughput measurements. In addition, commercial particle counters have technical limitations in high-concentration measurement, and data fluctuations are induced during air sampling. In this study, a novel smartphone-based technique for monitoring airborne PM concentrations was developed using smartphone-based digital holographic microscopy (S-DHM) and deep learning network called Holo-SpeckleNet. Holographic speckle images of various PM concentrations were recorded by the S-DHM system. The recorded speckle images and the corresponding ground truth PM concentrations were used to train deep learning algorithms consisting of a deep autoencoder and regression layers. The performance of the proposed smartphone-based PM monitoring technique was validated through hyperparameter optimization. The developed S-DHM integrated with Holo-SpeckleNet can be smartly and effectively utilized for portable PM monitoring and safety alarm provision under perilous environmental conditions. [Display omitted] • Smartphone-based PM monitoring device was developed. • PM concentration was predicted from holographic speckles of PMs by deep learning. • Volumetric monitoring of PMs was demonstrated without procedure of air intake. • Quasi-real-time PM monitoring was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate real-time monitoring of particulate matter (PM) has emerged as a global issue due to the hazardous effects of PM on public health and industry. However, conventional PM monitoring techniques are usually cumbersome and require expensive equipments. In this study, Holo-SpeckleNet is proposed as a fast and accurate PM concentration measurement technique with high throughput using a deep learning based holographic speckle pattern analysis. Speckle pattern datasets of PMs for a wide range of PM concentrations were acquired by using a digital in-line holography microscopy system. Deep autoencoder and regression algorithms were trained with the captured speckle pattern datasets to directly measure PM concentration from speckle pattern images without any air intake device and time-consuming post image processing. The proposed technique was applied to predict various PM concentrations using the test datasets, optimize hyperparameters, and compare its performance with a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm. As a result, high PM concentration values can be measured over air quality index of 150, above which human exposure is unhealthy. In addition, the proposed technique exhibits higher measurement accuracy and less overfitting than the CNN with a relative error of 7.46 ± 3.92%. It can be applied to design a compact air quality monitoring device for highly accurate and real-time measurement of PM concentrations under hazardous environment, such as factories or construction sites. ga1 • High PM concentration was predicted from holographic speckles by using deep learning. • Image processing for holographic speckles was demonstrated. • Air sampling time was reduced to few seconds without procedure of air intake. • The Holo-SpeckleNet showed better robustness against overfitting than CNN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass movements and delta collapses are significant sources of tsunamis in lacustrine environments, impacting human societies enormously. Paleotsunamis studies play an essential role in understanding historical events and their consequences, along with their return periods. This study investigates a paleotsunami induced by a subaqueous mass movement during the Younger Dryas to Early Holocene transition, ca. 11,700 years ago in Lake Aiguebelette (NW Alps, France). Utilizing high‐resolution seismic and bathymetric surveys associated with sedimentological, geochemical, and magnetic analyses, we uncovered a paleotsunami triggered by a seismically induced mass transport deposit. Numerical simulations of mass movement have been conducted using a visco‐plastic Herschel‐Bulkley rheological model and corresponding tsunami wave modeled with dispersive and nondispersive models. Our findings reveal for the first time that dispersive effects may be negligible for subaqueous landslides in a relatively small lake. This research reconstructs a previously unreported paleotsunami event and enhances our understanding of tsunami dynamics in lacustrine environments. Plain Language Summary: This study explores an ancient landslide and its ability to potentially generate a tsunami. This event took place in Lake Aiguebelette, located in the NW Alps, France. By applying advanced underwater mapping techniques and computer modeling, we were able to reconstruct the origins and impact of this underwater prehistoric landslide. Our work revealed that this underwater landslide may have triggered a significant tsunami wave. These findings are crucial as they provide new insights into the dynamics of such geological events in lake environments, enhancing our understanding of their potential impacts and aiding in the preparation for future similar hazards. Key Points: Uncovered a 11,700‐year‐old subaqueous landslide‐induced paleotsunami in Lake Aiguebelette (NW Alps, France)Numerical model is constrained to reproduce the available geological dataFound dispersion effects to be of minimal importance in the modeling of this historical tsunami event [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are considered as a possible modality to reduce particulate matter (PM) particles from ambient air in an ecofriendly manner. A new precise monitoring technique that can explore interactions between individual PM particles and a leaf surface is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms of PM removal of plant leaves. In this study, a digital in-line holographic microscopy (DIHM) was employed to experimentally investigate the settling motions of PM particles over the leaf surface. The in-plane positions and sizes of opaque PMs with irregular shapes were obtained from the projection images of numerically reconstructed holographic images. The depth positions of PMs were determined by using proper selection of an autofocusing criterion with automatic segmentation method. The edge of a hairy Perilla frutescens leaf was detected by adopting several digital imaging processing techniques. The DIHM technique was applied in this study to accurately detect 3D settling trajectories of PMs with velocity information of PMs in the midair and near leaf surface, simultaneously. ga1 • DHM based monitoring technique for 3D volumetric analysis of PM is proposed. • Sizes and 3D motions of hundreds of PMs can be extracted at the same time. • Settling behaviors of PMs in midair and near a real plant leaf are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of gemstone spectral imaging-metal artifact reduction (GSI-MAR) on different dual-energy CT monochromatic images for patients with total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKRA) and to identify an appropriate protocol for clinical practice.Method: We enrolled 34 patients with TKRA. CT images were iteratively reconstructed with or without GSI-MAR at different energy levels (70, 95, 115, and 140 keV). Two radiologists evaluated the objective and subjective image qualities and MAR-related new artifacts at the femoral and tibial levels. For objective analysis, the mean CT number and image noise of the selected regions of interest in the bone and muscle were recorded. To quantitatively evaluate the performance of GSI-MAR, a structural similarity index (SSIM) was used. For subjective analysis, streak artifacts and diagnostic confidence in detecting periprosthetic complications were assessed. Objective and subjective indicators were compared among the image combinations.Results: In the femoral component, 140 keV monochromatic energy images with GSI-MAR showed the lowest mean CT number, image noise, SSIM value, and streak artifacts, and the best diagnostic confidence. In the tibial component, the image noise differed significantly, but the SSIM and subjective indicators were similar among the image combinations. MAR-related new artifacts were noted in 14.7% of images, and all of them were observed in only the femoral component.Conclusion: GSI-MAR with higher-energy monochromatic images showed fewer metal artifacts and better visualization. We recommend 140 keV with GSI-MAR for improving image quality and 140 keV without GSI-MAR for identifying MAR-related new artifacts when evaluating TKRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considers the minimum error discrimination of two quantum states in terms of a two-party zero-sum game, whose optimal strategy is a minimax strategy. A minimax strategy is one in which a sender chooses a strategy for a receiver so that the receiver may obtain the minimum information about quantum states, but the receiver performs an optimal measurement to obtain guessing probability for the quantum ensemble prepared by the sender. Therefore, knowing whether the optimal strategy of the game is unique is essential. This is because there is no alternative if the optimal strategy is unique. This paper proposes the necessary and sufficient condition for an optimal strategy of the sender to be unique. Also, we investigate the quantum states that exhibit the minimum guessing probability when a sender's minimax strategy is unique. Furthermore, we show that a sender's minimax strategy and a receiver's minimum error strategy cannot be unique if one can simultaneously diagonalize two quantum states, with the optimal measurement of the minimax strategy. This implies that a sender can confirm that the optimal strategy of only a single side (a sender or a receiver but not both of them) is unique by preparing specific quantum states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which synthesized ferromagnetic exchange-spring nanocomposite thin films from sputter-deposited cobalt platinum. Experimental details; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

The potential of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles as a base material for saturable absorbers (SAs) that can operate in the 2 μm-wavelength regime, was investigated. An SA was fabricated on a sandwich-structured fiber-ferrule platform through the deposition of an Fe 3 O 4 mixture with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) onto the end surface of the fiber ferrule. Using the prepared Fe 3 O 4 /PVA-composite-based SA within a Tm-Ho codoped fiber laser, stable Q-switched pulses were readily produced at 1894 nm. The temporal characteristics of the output pulses were investigated as a function of the pump power, and the maximum energy of the output pulses was 322 nJ. The temporal width of the output pulses was measured as 2.6 µs at the maximum pulse-repetition rate of 37.2 kHz. The output performance of the passively Q-switched Tm-Ho-codoped fiber laser in this work was compared with those of recently demonstrated, passively Q-switched Tm-doped fiber lasers for which the other types of saturable-absorption materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this investigation was to study the effect of stress states on the flexural fatigue behaviour of concrete. The fatigue behaviours obtained from different test methods were compared, including the recently developed biaxial flexure test, ASTM C 1550 and four-point bending test. Fourteen specimens were cast and tested for each test method, under both monotonic and repeated loadings. The fatigue strength was compared with those recommended by existing design codes. Test results showed that there were no significant differences in the flexural fatigue behaviours under different stress states (i.e. uniaxial and biaxial). These results suggest that the uniaxial flexural tensile fatigue strength of concrete may be adopted for the design of concrete components subjected to biaxial flexural tensile fatigue loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue life in critical parts of structure components, which is subjected to variable amplitude loading, is a very complex subject. When a fatigue life is influenced by these load variations, accelerations and/or retardations in crack growth rate can occur. Thus, an accurate prediction of fatigue life requires an adequate evaluation of these stress interaction effects. There are many different indexes for calculating fatigue damage at critical locations. The crack severity index based on crack growth is one of the methodologies implemented for modern military aircrafts to define mission severity relative to a known reference usage. But, this index cannot consider stress interaction. In this study, a novel index was proposed to evaluate an effect for stress interaction by using entropy concept, and fatigue life prediction methodology was developed by using entropy index of stress interaction and crack severity index of effective stress. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Since the majority of schools are housed in buildings dating from the 1960s and 1970s, a comprehensive construction and renovation program of school buildings has been carried out to improve the educational conditions in Korea. However, classrooms and computer rooms, with pressed wood desks, chairs and furnishings, as well as construction materials, might have negative effects on the indoor air quality. Furthermore, most schools have naturally ventilated classrooms. The purpose of this study was to characterize the concentrations of different indoor air pollutants within Korean schools and to compare their indoor levels within schools according to the age of school buildings. Indoor and outdoor air samples of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM10), total microbial count (TBC), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO) were obtained during summer, autumn and winter from three sites; a classroom, a laboratory and a computer classroom at 55 different schools. The selection of the schools was based on the number of years since the schools had been constructed. The problems causing indoor air pollution at the schools were chemicals emitted by building materials or furnishings, and insufficient ventilation rates. The I/O ratio for HCHO was 6.32 during the autumn, and the indoor HCHO concentrations (mean=0.16ppm) in schools constructed within 1 year were significantly higher than the Korean Indoor Air Standard, indicating that schools have indoor sources of HCHO. Therefore, increasing the ventilation rate by means of a mechanical system and the use of low-emission furnishings can play key roles in improving the indoor air quality within schools. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), an antioxidant and cell signaling molecule, plays a critical role in redox reactions in the biological system, and its imbalances in blood levels have been implicated in various diseases. Here, we demonstrate a novel chemosensor-based "turn-on" electrochemiluminescence (ECL) system for the selective and sensitive detection of H 2 S in a type 1 diabetes rat model. Our luminogenic chemosensor (Probe) is a redox-stable cyclometalating iridium (III) complex with emission-quenching 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether (DNP) that shows a significant enhancement in emission intensity upon cleavage of DNP by selective reaction towards H 2 S. To achieve robust and reliable ECL emission of Probe for biological analysis, we developed a facile deproteinization protocol based on organic solvent-induced protein precipitation/syringe filtration that eliminates uncontrolled protein adsorption on the electrode surface from protein-rich biological samples. Our deproteinization-assisted ECL chemosensor system showed effectiveness in detecting disease-associated H 2 S levels in biological media with a linear response in the range of 0–250 µM (R2: 0.992). It enables reliable in vitro monitoring of H 2 S level changes in blood samples of a type 1 diabetes rat model (P = 0.0296). This strategy to integrate chemosensor-based ECL and facile deproteinization protocol provides a sensitive and rapid disease-monitoring platform for detecting small-molecule biomarkers. • Development of redox-stable cyclometalating iridium (III) complex (Probe) containing 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether (DNP) that selectively reacted with H 2 S. • Development of facile deproteinization protocol to eliminate proteins in biological samples which hinder the electrochemical reaction in chemosensor-based ECL. • Successful monitoring of H 2 S level in the blood of type 1 diabetes and control group. • The first report of a "turn-on" chemosensor-based ECL system with facile deproteinization protocol for reliable detection of the analytes that couldn't be analyzed in an ECL sandwich immunoassay in the preclinical blood specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, a number of studies have demonstrated the resistance of cancer cells to conventional drugs and have recognized this as a major challenge in cancer therapy. While attempting to understand the underlying mechanisms of chemoresistance, several studies have suggested that the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumors is one of the major pathways contributing toward resistance. Chemoresistance leads to cancer treatment failure and worsens the prognosis of patients. Natural herbal compounds are gaining attention as an alternative treatment strategy for cancer. These compounds may be effective against chemoresistant cells either alone or synergistically alongside conventional drugs, sensitizing cancer cells and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. BRM270 is a natural compound made from seven herbal plant (Saururus chinensis, Citrus unshiu Markovich, Aloe vera, Arnebia euchroma, Portulaca oleracea, Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina and Scutellaria bacicalensis) extracts used in Asian traditional medicine and has the potential to target CSCs. Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of BRM270 against chemoresistant cancer and its synergy alongside existing cancer drugs, including paclitaxel and gefitinib. These effects have been observed against various cancer types, including resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), glioblastoma, multi-drug resistant osteosarcoma, cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer and hepatocarcinoma. The present review discusses the effects of BRM270 treatment against CSC-associated chemoresistance in common types of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Black Lake rockslide is located on the east wall of an open-pit mine initially operated by LAB Chrysotile near Thetford Mines, Quebec. Movements were observed in July 2012 when a volume of 2.0 × 107 m3 was mobilized, destroying a large portion of Highway 112. Mining operations ceased in 2012, causing the complete shutdown of the pumping system whose goal was to prevent the rise of water level in the pit. As the water level increases in the pit, it is essential to determine the potential of tsunami generation by possible partially submerged rockslides and to understand the potential impacts. A series of possible scenarios have been analysed with regard to velocity and acceleration of the potential rockslide as well as the corresponding wave generation and inundation. Results from the simulation show that when the factor of safety of the global slope is less than unity, inundation would not reach the potentially vulnerable infrastructures. Maximum wave height will vary as a function of the filling of the lake, and the lower wave height relative to water depth will happen when the lake is completely filled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of mono- and multimeric polyamine-containing ferrocenyl complexes containing a quinoline motif were prepared. The complexes were characterised by standard techniques. The molecular structure of the monomeric salicylaldimine derivative was elucidated using single crystal X-ray diffraction and was consistent with the proposed structure. The antiplasmodial activity of the compounds were evaluated in vitro against both the NF54 (chloroquine-sensitive) and K1 (chloroquine-resistant) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The polyamine derivatives exhibit good resistance index values suggesting that these systems are beneficial in overcoming the resistance experienced by chloroquine. Mechanistic studies suggest that haemozoin formation may be the target of these quinoline complexes in the parasite. Some of the complexes exhibit moderate to high cytotoxicity against WHCO1 oesophageal cancer cells in vitro. The monomeric ferrocenyl-amine complexes exhibit potent activity against this particular cell line. The complexes were also screened against the G3 strain of Trichomonas vaginalis and the salicylaldimine complexes demonstrated promising activity at the tested concentration. All of these compounds show no inhibitory effect on several common normal flora bacteria, indicative of their selectivity for eukaryotic pathogens and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides are the second most important cause of tsunamis after earthquakes, and their potential for generating large tsunamis depend on the slide process. Among the world's largest submarine landslides is the Storegga Slide that generated a large tsunami over an ocean-wide scale, while no traces of a tsunami generated from the similar and nearby Trænadjupet Slide have been found. Previous models for such landslide tsunamis have not been able to capture the complexity of the landslide processes and are at odds with geotechnical and geomorphological data that reveal retrogressive landslide development. The tsunami generation from these massive events are here modeled with new methods that incorporate complex retrogressive slide motion. We show that the tsunamigenic strength is closely related to the retrogressive development and explain, for the first time, why similar giant landslides can produce very different tsunamis, sometimes smaller than anticipated. Because these slide mechanisms are common for submarine landslides, modeling procedures for dealing with their associated tsunamis should be revised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fe-AC/Fe 2 O 3 /PVA microgels were manufactured using a microfluidic approach. • The microgels were solidified via Schiff-base and acetalization reactions. • The microgels showed high adsorption selectivity and capacity for anionic dyes. • The microgels maintained a high reusability level of ∼ 85 % after five cycles. • The microgels can be easily recovered by an external magnetic field after adsorption. In this study, magneto-responsive iron-aminoclay/iron oxide/polyvinyl alcohol (Fe-AC/Fe 2 O 3 /PVA) composite microgels were successfully fabricated via a Schiff-base and acetalization reactions using a microfluidic approach. The as-prepared Fe-AC/Fe 2 O 3 /PVA composite microgels were used as adsorbents to remove organic dyes from aqueous solutions. The chemical cross-linking and morphology of the prepared microgel particles were evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, optical microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The Fe-AC/Fe 2 O 3 /PVA microgels served as an effective adsorbent by exhibiting a remarkable adsorption capacity for anionic dyes such as methyl orange (MO), Congo red (CR), and methyl blue (MB) owing to their fast diffusion kinetics, porous structures, and numerous amino groups. The microgels had maximum adsorption capacities of 457.31 mg/g for MO, 352.88 mg/g for CR, and 566.98 mg/g for MB. The prepared microgels were systematically evaluated for their adsorption behavior toward the anionic dyes from aqueous solutions at various process parameters, such as pH, contact time, and dye concentration. The adsorption process for the anionic dyes fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Sips isotherm model, verifying that the sorption process was mainly governed by chemisorption. Furthermore, the Fe 2 O 3 magnetic nanoparticle incorporation made it simple to separate the microgels from the aqueous solutions and reuse them. The microgels maintained an adsorption efficiency of above 80 % even after five adsorption–desorption cycles. These results demonstrate that the magneto-responsive Fe-AC/Fe 2 O 3 /PVA hybrid microgels are an effective and sustainable adsorbent for treating wastewater contaminated with anionic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of mono- and multimeric polyamine-containing ferrocenyl complexes containing a quinoline motif were prepared. The complexes were characterised by standard techniques. The molecular structure of the monomeric salicylaldimine derivative was elucidated using single crystal X-ray diffraction and was consistent with the proposed structure. The antiplasmodial activity of the compounds were evaluated in vitro against both the NF54 (chloroquine-sensitive) and K1 (chloroquine-resistant) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The polyamine derivatives exhibit good resistance index values suggesting that these systems are beneficial in overcoming the resistance experienced by chloroquine. Mechanistic studies suggest that haemozoin formation may be the target of these quinoline complexes in the parasite. Some of the complexes exhibit moderate to high cytotoxicity against WHCO1 oesophageal cancer cells in vitro. The monomeric ferrocenyl-amine complexes exhibit potent activity against this particular cell line. The complexes were also screened against the G3 strain of Trichomonas vaginalis and the salicylaldimine complexes demonstrated promising activity at the tested concentration. All of these compounds show no inhibitory effect on several common normal flora bacteria, indicative of their selectivity for eukaryotic pathogens and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]