Wideband radar cross-section reduction by a double-layer-plasma-based metasurface

Reduction of the radar cross-section(RCS) is the key to stealth technology. To improve the RCS reduction effect of the designed checkerboard metasurface and overcome the limitation of thinlayer plasma in RCS reduction technology, a double-layer-plasma-based metasurface—composed of a checkerboard metasurface, a double-layer plasma and an air gap between them—was investigated. Based on the principle of backscattering cancellation, we designed a checkerboard metasurface composed of different artificial magnetic conductor units;the checkerboard metasurface can reflect vertically incident electromagnetic(EM) waves in four different inclined directions to reduce the RCS. Full-wave simulations confirm that the doublelayer-plasma-based metasurface can improve the RCS reduction effect of the metasurface and the plasma. This is because in a band lower than the working band of the metasurface, the RCS reduction effect is mainly improved by the plasma layer. In the working band of the metasurface,impedance mismatching between the air gap and first plasma layer and between first and second plasma layers cause the scattered waves to become more dispersed, so the propagation path of the EM waves in the plasma becomes longer, increasing the absorption of the EM waves by the plasma. Thus, the RCS reduction effect is enhanced. The double-layer-plasma-based metasurface can be insensitive to the polarization of the incoming EM waves, and can also maintain a satisfactory RCS reduction band when the incident waves are oblique.

Prediction of(n,2n)reaction cross-sections of long-lived fission products based on tensor model

Interest has recently emerged in potential applications of(n,2n)reactions of unstable nuclei.Challenges have arisen because of the scarcity of experimental cross-sectional data.This study aims to predict the(n,2n)reaction cross-section of long-lived fission products based on a tensor model.This tensor model is an extension of the collaborative filtering algorithm used for nuclear data.It is based on tensor decomposition and completion to predict(n,2n)reaction cross-sections;the corresponding EXFOR data are applied as training data.The reliability of the proposed tensor model was validated by comparing the calculations with data from EXFOR and different databases.Predictions were made for long-lived fission products such as^(60)Co,^(79)Se,^(93)Zr,^(107)P,^(126)Sn,and^(137)Cs,which provide a predicted energy range to effectively transmute long-lived fission products into shorter-lived or less radioactive isotopes.This method could be a powerful tool for completing(n,2n)reaction cross-sectional data and shows the possibility of selective transmutation of nuclear waste.

Theoretical analysis of the double-differential cross-sections of neutron,proton,deuteron,^(3)He,andαfor the p+^(6) Li reaction

Based on the unified Hauser–Feshbach and exciton model,which can describe the particle emission processes between discrete energy levels with energy,angular momentum,and parity conservations,a statistical theory of light nucleus reaction(STLN)is developed to calculate the double-differential cross-sections of the outgoing neutron and light charged particles for the proton-induced^(6) Li reaction.A significant difference is observed between the p+^(6) Li and p+^(7) Li reactions owing to the discrepancies in the energy-level structures of the targets.The reaction channels,including sequential and simultaneous emission processes,are analyzed in detail.Taking the double-differential cross-sections of the outgoing proton as an example,the influence of contaminations(such as^(1) H,^(7)Li,^(12)C,and^(16)O)on the target is identified in terms of the kinetic energy of the first emitted particles.The optical potential parameters of the proton are obtained by fitting the elastic scattering differential cross-sections.The calculated total double-differential cross-sections of the outgoing proton and deuteron at E_(p)=14 MeV agree well with the experimental data for different outgoing angles.Simultaneously,the mixed double differential cross-sections of^(3) He andαare in good agreement with the measurements.The agreement between the measured data and calculated results indicates that the two-body and three-body breakup reactions need to be considered,and the pre-equilibrium reaction mechanism dominates the reaction processes.Based on the STLN model,a PLUNF code for the p+^(6) Li reaction is developed to obtain an ENDF-6-formatted file of the double-differential cross-sections of the nucleon and light composite charged particles.

Optimization Design of the Multi-Layer Cross-Sectional Layout of An Umbilical Based on the GA-GLM

Marine umbilical is one of the key equipment for subsea oil and gas exploitation,which is usually integrated by a great number of different functional components with multi-layers.The layout of these components directly affects manufacturing,operation and storage performances of the umbilical.For the multi-layer cross-sectional layout design of the umbilical,a quantifiable multi-objective optimization model is established according to the operation and storage requirements.Considering the manufacturing factors,the multi-layering strategy based on contact point identification is introduced for a great number of functional components.Then,the GA-GLM global optimization algorithm is proposed combining the genetic algorithm and the generalized multiplier method,and the selection operator of the genetic algorithm is improved based on the steepest descent method.Genetic algorithm is used to find the optimal solution in the global space,which can converge from any initial layout to the feasible layout solution.The feasible layout solution is taken as the initial value of the generalized multiplier method for fast and accurate solution.Finally,taking umbilicals with a great number of components as examples,the results show that the cross-sectional performance of the umbilical obtained by optimization algorithm is better and the solution efficiency is higher.Meanwhile,the multi-layering strategy is effective and feasible.The design method proposed in this paper can quickly obtain the optimal multi-layer cross-sectional layout,which replaces the manual design,and provides useful reference and guidance for the umbilical industry.

Association between triglyceride-glucose index and colorectal polyps:A retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Colorectal polyps(CPs)are frequently occurring abnormal growths in the colorectum,and are a primary precursor of colorectal cancer(CRC).The triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index is a novel marker that assesses metabolic health and insulin resistance,and has been linked to gastrointestinal cancers.AIM To investigate the potential association between the TyG index and CPs,as the relation between them has not been documented.METHODS A total of 2537 persons undergoing a routine health physical examination and colonoscopy at The First People's Hospital of Kunshan,Jiangsu Province,China,between January 2020 and December 2022 were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study.After excluding individuals who did not meet the eligibility criteria,descriptive statistics were used to compare characteristics between patients with and without CPs.Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between the TyG index and the prevalence of CPs.The TyG index was calculated using the following formula:Ln[triglyceride(mg/dL)×glucose(mg/dL)/2].The presence and types of CPs was determined based on data from colonoscopy reports and pathology reports.RESULTS A nonlinear relation between the TyG index and the prevalence of CPs was identified,and exhibited a curvilinear pattern with a cut-off point of 2.31.A significant association was observed before the turning point,with an odds ratio(95% confidence interval)of 1.70(1.40,2.06),P<0.0001.However,the association between the TyG index and CPs was not significant after the cut-off point,with an odds ratio(95% confidence interval)of 0.57(0.27,1.23),P=0.1521.CONCLUSION Our study revealed a curvilinear association between the TyG index and CPs in Chinese individuals,suggesting its potential utility in developing colonoscopy screening strategies for preventing CRC.

Dyslipidemia in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in a Rural Community in Ganadougou, Mali: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dyslipidemia is a disorder where abnormally lipid concentrations circulate in the bloodstream. The disorder is common in type 2 diabetics (T2D) and is linked with T2D comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia in T2D is typically characterized by elevated plasma triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. There is a significant gap in the literature regarding dyslipidemia in rural parts of Africa, where lipid profiles may not be captured through routine surveillance. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence and demo-graphic profile of dyslipidemia in T2D in the rural community of Ganadougou, Mali. We performed a cross-sectional study of 104 subjects with T2D in Ganadougou between November 2021 and March 2022. Demographic and lipid profiles were collected through cross-sectional surveys and serological analyses. The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia in T2D patients was 87.5% (91/104), which did not differ by sex (P = .368). High low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was the most common lipid abnormality (78.9%, [82/104]). Dyslipidemia was associated with age and hypertension status (P = .013 and.036, respectively). High total and high LDL-C parameters were significantly associated with hypertension (P = .029 and .006, respectively). In low-resource settings such as rural Mali, there is a critical need to improve infrastructure for routine dyslipidemia screening to guide its prevention and intervention approaches. The high rates of dyslipidemia observed in Gandadougou, consistent with concomitant increases in cardiovascular diseases in Africa suggest that lipid profile assessments should be incorporated into routine medical care for T2D patients in African rural settings.

Mental health and insomnia problems in healthcare workers after the COVID-19 pandemic:A multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Healthcare workers(HCWs)are at increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)as well as worsening mental health problems and insomnia.These problems can persist for a long period,even after the pandemic.However,less is known about this topic.AIM To analyze mental health,insomnia problems,and their influencing factors in HCWs after the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS This multicenter cross-sectional,hospital-based study was conducted from June 1,2023 to June 30,2023,which was a half-year after the end of the COVID-19 emergency.Region-stratified population-based cluster sampling was applied at the provincial level for Chinese HCWs.Symptoms such as anxiety,depression,and insomnia were evaluated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7,Patient Health Questionnaire-9,and Insomnia Severity Index.Factors influencing the symptoms were identified by multivariable logistic regression.RESULTS A total of 2000 participants were invited,for a response rate of 70.6%.A total of 1412 HCWs[618(43.8%)doctors,583(41.3%)nurses and 211(14.9%)nonfrontline],254(18.0%),231(16.4%),and 289(20.5%)had symptoms of anxiety,depression,and insomnia,respectively;severe symptoms were found in 58(4.1%),49(3.5%),and 111(7.9%)of the participants.Nurses,female sex,and hospitalization for COVID-19 were risk factors for anxiety,depression,and insomnia symptoms;moreover,death from family or friends was a risk factor for insomnia symptoms.During the COVID-19 outbreak,most[1086(76.9%)]of the participating HCWs received psychological interventions,while nearly all[994(70.4%)]of them had received public psychological education.Only 102(7.2%)of the HCWs received individual counseling from COVID-19.CONCLUSION Although the mental health and sleep problems of HCWs were relieved after the COVID-19 pandemic,they still faced challenges and greater risks than did the general population.Identifying risk factors would help in providing targeted interventions.In addition,although a major proportion of HCWs have received public psychological education,individual interventions are still insufficient.

Patterns of Infertility and Abortion in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Infertility and abortion are significant reproductive health concerns globally, impacting individuals' well-being and healthcare systems. In Saudi Arabia, cultural, social, and religious factors influence perceptions and management of these issues, necessitating research to understand the patterns and associated factors. Study Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the patterns of infertility and abortion among 458 women in Saudi Arabia, focusing on demographic profiles, reproductive histories, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. Methodology: Participants were recruited from healthcare facilities, and data on age, BMI, reproductive history, medical conditions, assisted reproduction methods, and lifestyle behaviors were collected. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were conducted to examine associations between variables. Results: The majority of participants were aged 30 - 39 years (47.4%), with 76.9% experiencing secondary infertility. Among those with offspring (76.9%), 31% reported using assisted reproduction methods, primarily ovarian stimulators (54.2%). Abortion history was reported by 39.5% of participants. Significant associations were found between age and infertility type (X2 = 5.8, p = 0.054), having offspring and infertility type (X2 = 458.0, p = 0.001), menstrual irregularity and infertility type (X2 = 11.4, p = 0.001), and abortion history and delayed fertility (X2 = 10.4, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study reveals significant associations between demographic, medical, and lifestyle factors with infertility patterns and abortion history among Saudi women. These findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions addressing medical conditions, age-related factors, and access to reproductive healthcare services.

First Born Double Differential Cross-Section for Ionization of H (3d) by Incident Electron Impact

Double differential cross section (DDCS) of First-Born approximation is calcu-lated for the ionization of metastable 3d-state hydrogen atoms by electron impact energy at 150 eV and 250 eV. A multiple scattering theory is applied in the present study. The present results are compared with the other related the-oretical results for the ionization of hydrogen atoms from different metastable states and ground-state experimental results. The findings demonstrate a strong qualitative agreement with the existing results. The obtained results have an extensive scope for further study of such an ionization process.

A Cross-Sectional Study on The Prevalence of Anemia in Maintenance Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients and Its Related Factors

Objective:To study the prevalence of anemia,the proportion of hemoglobin(Hb)levels,the treatment methods,and the influencing factors of Hb levels in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)and peritoneal dialysis patients.Methods:In this study,602 patients with maintenance hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were enrolled from December 2020 to December 2022 in our hospital,and their medical records were collected and summarized.The main contents included the patient’s gender,age,primary disease,dialysis duration,dialysis method,the use of erythropoietic stimulating agents(ESA),intravenous iron,and laboratory tests.A Hb index exceeding 110 g/L was set as the standard for the prevalence of anemia.Results:The rate of anemia in patients undergoing blood purification was 83%.The proportion of ESA use was 84.1%,and the proportion of iron use was 76.7%,of which the proportion of intravenous iron used was 17.0%,and the proportion of folic acid used was 28.3%.Conclusion:The incidence of anemia in MHD patients was relatively high,with a low proportion of patients reaching the standard Hb levels.Risk factors include albumin(ALB)levels,iron storage,white blood cells,C-reactive protein,cholesterol,etc.Nutritional support,iron supplementation,and prevention of micro-inflammatory reactions can effectively promote the improvement of Hb indicators in dialysis patients to prevent anemia.

Prediction models of the ionization coefficient and ionization cross-section based on multi-layer molecular parameters

Prediction models were proposed to estimate the reduced Townsend ionization coefficient and ionization cross-section.A shape function of the reduced Townsend ionization coefficient curves was derived from the ionization collision probability model.The function had three parameters:the first ionization potential energy,A_(α),and B_(α).A_(α)and B_(α)were related to the molecule symmetry and size.The polarization of molecules could characterize the molecule symmetry.The multi-layer molecular cross-section(MMCS)was proposed to describe the contributions of electrons and molecule radius on different molecule surfaces to collisions.A prediction model of the ionization cross-section was also proposed based on Aα.The molecule parameters were calculated by the Becke3–Lee–Yang–Parr(B3LYP)method and the 6–311G**basis set.We used available data of 30 and 23 gases,respectively,to build the prediction models of reduced Townsend ionization coefficients and ionization cross-sections.The relationships between the molecular parameters Aαand Bαand the ionization cross-section were built up via nonlinear fittings.The determination coefficients R^(2)of Aα,Bα,and the ionization cross-section were 0.877,0.887,and 0.838,respectively.The results showed that the accuracy of models was positively correlated with the molecule symmetry and reduced electric field.This was mainly related to the accuracy of the MMCS model in predicting Aα.The MMCS model needed to be improved to describe the collision direction selectivity caused by the molecule asymmetry.Under a high reduced electric field,that error of Aαhad less influence on the prediction results.However,the prediction results for single atoms with high symmetry were poor.This may be due to the absolute error of the model close to single atoms’reduced Townsend ionization coefficients.The models could provide the basis for gas insulation prediction and discharge calculations,especially for symmetric molecules under a high electric field.

Direct measurement of an energy-dependent single-event-upset cross-section with time-of-flight method at CSNS

To predict the soft error rate for applications, it is essential to study the energy dependence of the single-event-upset(SEU) cross-section. In this work, we present a direct measurement of the SEU cross-section with the Back-n white neutron source at the China Spallation Neutron Source. The measured cross section is consistent with the soft error data from the manufacturer and the result suggests that the threshold energy of the SEU is about 0.5 Me V, which confirms the statement in Iwashita’s report that the threshold energy for neutron soft error is much below that of the(n, α) cross-section of silicon.In addition, an index of the effective neutron energy is suggested to characterize the similarity between a spallation neutron beam and the standard atmospheric neutron environment.

Large eddy simulation of supersonic flow in ducts with complex cross-sections

Large Eddy Simulation(LES)has been employed for the investigation of supersonic flow characteristics in five ducts with varying cross-sectional geometries.The numerical results reveal that flow channel configurations exert a considerable influence on the mainstream flow and the near-wall flow behavior.In contrast to straight ducts,square-to-circular and rectangular-to-circular ducts exhibit thicker boundary layers and a greater presence of vortex structures.Given the same inlet area,rectangular-to-circular ducts lead to higher flow drag force and total pressure loss than square-to-circular ducts.Characterized by the substantial flow separation and shock waves,the"S-shaped duct shows significant vertically-asymmetric characteristics.

Numerical Analysis of Flow-Induced Vibration and Noise Generation in a Variable Cross-Section Channel

Flow channels with a variable cross-section are important components of piping system and are widely used in variousfields of engineering.Using afinite element method and modal analysis theory,flow-induced noise,mode shapes,and structure-borne noise in such systems are investigated in this study.The results demonstrate that the maximum displacement and equivalent stress are located in the part with variable cross-sectional area.The aver-age excitation force on theflow channel wall increases with theflow velocity.The maximum excitation force occurs in the range of 0–20 Hz,and then it decreases gradually in the range of 20–1000 Hz.Additionally,as theflow velocity rises from 1 to 3 m/s,the overall sound pressure level associated with theflow-induced noise grows from 49.37 to 66.37 dB.Similarly,the overall sound pressure level associated with the structure-borne noise rises from 40.27 to 72.20 dB.When theflow velocity is increased,the increment of the structure-borne noise is higher than that of theflow-induced noise.

High frequency doubling efficiency THz GaAs Schottky barrier diode based on inverted trapezoidal epitaxial cross-section structure

A high-performance terahertz Schottky barrier diode(SBD)with an inverted trapezoidal epitaxial cross-sectional structure featuring high varactor characteristics and reverse breakdown characteristics is reported in this paper.Inductively coupled plasma dry etching and dissolution wet etching are used to define the profile of the epitaxial layer,by which the voltage-dependent variation trend of the thickness of the metal-semiconductor contact depletion layer is modified.The simulation of the inverted trapezoidal epitaxial cross-section SBD is also conducted to explain the physical mechanism of the electric field and space charge region area.Compared with the normal structure,the grading coefficient M increases from 0.47 to 0.52,and the capacitance modulation ratio(C^(max)/C_(min))increases from 6.70 to 7.61.The inverted trapezoidal epitaxial cross-section structure is a promising approach to improve the variable-capacity ratio by eliminating the accumulation of charge at the Schottky electrode edge.A 190 GHz frequency doubler based on the inverted trapezoidal epitaxial cross-section SBD also shows a doubling efficiency of 35%compared to that 30%of a normal SBD.

Double Differential Cross-Section for the Ionization of Hydrogenic 2S Metastable State

Double differential cross-sections of first Born estimation for ionization of hydrogenic 2S state by electrons are assessed for various kinematics situations in the asymmetric coplanar geometry. A final state wave function of multiple scattering theory is followed in this study. The present outcomes are compared with those of hydrogenic ground state, 2P state and ground state experimental results. Obtained findings show a good qualitative agreement with existing results.

Stability evaluation method of large cross-section tunnel considering modification of thickness-span ratio in mechanized operation

Purpose-This study aims to research the large cross-section tunnel stability evaluation method corrected after considering the thickness-span ratio.Design/methodology/approach-First,taking the Liuyuan Tunnel of Huanggang-Huangmei High-Speed Railway as an example and taking deflection of the third principal stress of the surrounding rock at a vault after tunnel excavation as the criterion,the critical buried depth of the large section tunnel was determined.Then,the strength reduction method was employed to calculate the tunnel safety factor under different rock classes and thickness-span ratios,and mathematical statistics was conducted to identify the relationships of the tunnel safety factor with the thickness-span ratio and the basic quality(BQ)index of the rock for different rock classes.Finally,the influences of thickness-span ratio,groundwater,initial stress of rock and structural attitude factors were considered to obtain the corrected BQ,based on which the stability of a large cross-section tunnel with a depth of more than 100 m during mechanized operation was analyzed.This evaluation method was then applied to Liuyuan Tunnel and Cimushan No.2 Tunnel of Chongqing Urban Expressway for verification.Findings-This study shows that under different rock classes,the tunnel safety factor is a strict power function of the thickness-span ratio,while a linear function of the BQ to some extent.It is more suitable to use the corrected BQ as a quantitative index to evaluate tunnel stability according to the actual conditions of the site.Originality/value-The existing industry standards do not consider the influence of buried depth and span in the evaluation of tunnel stability.The stability evaluation method of large section tunnel considering the correction of overburden span ratio proposed in this paper achieves higher accuracy for the stability evaluation of surrounding rock in a full or large-section mechanized excavation of double line high-speed railway tunnels.

Wood anatomy chronologies of Scots pine in the foothills of the Western Sayan(Siberia)

Recent methodological advances in quantitative wood anatomy have provided new insights into the climatic responses of radial growth at the scale of cell structure of tree rings. This study considered long-term chronologies of tracheid measurements, indexed by a novel approach to separate their specific climatic responses from signal recorded in cell production(closely reflected in tree-ring width). To fill gaps in understanding the impact of climate on conifer xylem structure, Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris L.)trees > 200 years old were selected within the forest-steppe zone in southern Siberia. Such habitats undergo mild moisture deficits and the resulting climatic regulation of growth processes. Mean and maximum values of cell radial diameter and cell wall thickness were recorded for each tree ring.Despite a low level of climatogenic stress, components of cell chronologies independent of cambial activity were separated to obtain significant climatic signals revealing the timing of the specific stages of tracheid differentiation. Cell expansion lasted from mid-April to July and was impacted similarly to tree-ring width(stimulated by precipitation and stressed by heat), maximum cell size formed late June. A switch in the climatic responses of mean anatomical traits indicated transition to latewood in mid-July. Secondary wall deposition lasted until mid-September, suppressed by end of season temperatures. Generally, anatomical climatic responses were modulated by a less dry May and September compared with summer months.

Opinions of Students on the Contribution of the DIVA 3D Virtual Dissection Table to the Teaching of Anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology of Bamako

Objective: Study the contribution of the DIVA 3D dissection table in the teaching of anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine and Odontology of Bamako. Material and Methods: This was a qualitative study carried out from November 1 to December 30, 2023 at the clinical and morphological anatomy laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology of Bamako. Included in this study were students who participated in practical and tutorial sessions. The variables studied during this study were: the previous performance of dissection on a cadaver by the students, the opinion of the students on dissection on a cadaver, the replacement of dissection on a cadaver by virtual dissection in the absence of a body, the level student satisfaction. Results: We surveyed 130 participants. The average age was 22 ± 0.2 years with extremes of 17 and 29 years. 95.3% of participants were students. According to 66.7% of participants, virtual dissection is a good palliative in the absence of a corpse. 95.3% of participants found using the virtual dissection table easy with an average of 7.88 ± 1.4. The overall assessment was well rated by 99.3% of participants. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the virtual dissection table should be improved by integrating commented videos. The use of the DIVA 3D virtual dissection table during practical and tutorial sessions is well appreciated by the students. We believe that the teaching of anatomy using 3D digital technology should be included in the study programs of the Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology.