bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Random Search Hyperparameter Optimization for BPNN to Forecasting Cattle Population
Authors: Khotimah Bain Khusnul , Agustina Fitri , Puspitarini Oktavia Rahayu , Husni  , Anamisa Devie Rosa , Prayugo Natasha , Putri Aisyah Meta Sari
Published: March 2024

Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) is a suitable method for predicting the future. It has weaknesses, namely poor convergence speed and instability, requiring parameter tuning to overcome speed problems, and having a high bias. This research uses the Random Search hyperparameter technique to optimize BPNN to automatically select the number of hidden layers, learning rate, and momentum. The added accuracy of momentum will speed up the training process, produce predictions with better accuracy, and determine the best architectural model from a series of faster training processes with low bias. This research will predict the local Indonesian cattle population, which is widely developed by people in the eastern part, especially Madura, in 4 types of cattle: sono cattle, karapan cattle, mixed cattle, and breeder cattle. The results of BPNN hyperparameter measurements with the best model show that hyperparameter optimization did not experience overfitting and experienced an increase in accuracy of 2.5% compared to the Neural Network model without hyperparameter optimization. Based on the test results, the BPNN algorithm parameters with a data ratio of 70:30, the best architecture for backpropagation momentum is 6-6-1, with a learning rate of 0.002, momentum 0.3, which has an MSE during testing of 0.1176 on Karapan type Madurese cattle. Tests based on computing time measurements show that the BPNN hyperparameter algorithm stops at 490 iterations compared to regular BPNN. The research results show that the hidden layers, learning rate, and momentum if optimized simultaneously, have a significant influence in preventing overfitting, increasing accuracy, and having better execution times than without optimization.
Optimization of coastal land in Modung District, Bangkalan Regency as a conservation effort
Authors: Wardhani Maulinna Kusumo , Rosyid Daniel Mohammad , Farid Akhmad
Published: March 2024

The coast of Modung District is one of the areas in the south of Bangkalan Regency that is vulnerable to coastal erosion. This study focuses on optimizing coastal land in the vulnerable Modung District of Bangkalan Regency to address coastal erosion while enhancing agricultural productivity, economic valuation of mangrove forests, and minimizing soil erosion. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, Total Economic Value (TEV) assessment of mangrove forests, and the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) model for soil erosion estimation, the research employs goal programming techniques to optimize land allocation. The findings reveal valuable insights: agricultural productivity ranges from 57.07 to 5892.39 tons/Ha in the Modung coastal area, while the economic valuation of mangrove forests is estimated at IDR 55,748,386/Ha. Soil erosion potential is identified, with agricultural and residential areas facing 0.53 and 2.01 tons/ha/year, respectively, while mangrove areas experience 0.06 tons/ha/year. The total potential soil erosion loss in the area is estimated at IDR 11,941,375,649. The optimization analysis presents a scenario allocating 3897.85 Ha for agricultural use, 788.63 Ha for settlements, and 120.51 Ha for mangrove conservation. This approach aims to enhance agricultural productivity, mitigate soil erosion, and conserve mangrove areas, contributing to coastal land conservation efforts.
Utilization of the Internet of Things for Monitoring Salt Houses with Fuzzy Logic Rule-Based Model
Authors: Kuswanto Dwi , Solihin Firdaus , Ardinata
Published: March 2024

Salt is a crystalline substance that is important and needed in human life. However, salt production still needs to overcome various obstacles, such as the dependence on sunlight, the low quality and presentation of salt, and instability during the manufacturing process. Therefore, a better monitoring system is needed to increase and stabilize the temperature in salt production. To find an effective solution to salt production and quality problems using the Internet of Things through a salt house monitoring system that uses fuzzy logic rule-based model to automatically control the temperature by adjusting the brightness level of the light as a heat source. A monitoring website displays the news, which users can access from a laptop or cellphone connected to the Internet via a network. In the test scenario, the IoT salt house prototype could convert seawater into salt within six days by setting a temperature of 25.50℃-53.10℃ and humidity of 25.50RH-96.00RH. Using an IoT-based salt house prototype increased the efficiency and speed of making salt from seawater.
Precise and coordinated gearshift control for AMT gearshift system equipped with two linear actuators
Authors: Lin Shusen , Li Bo , Tang Min , Wang Libiao
Published: March 2024

A type of automated manual transmission gearshift system that uses two linear actuators to perform gearshift events is presented. The shifting mechanism can be made simpler by using linear actuator to drive the shift fork directly. The mathematical model of the actuator is built and analyzed. Coordinated control of the engagement and disengagement processes is created based on a detailed analysis of the gearshift process in order to shorten the shift time. The force characteristics test reveals the nonlinear output characteristics. The precise displacement control need for coordinated control and stable control requirement for the shifting operation are satisfied by a linear extended state observer based controller. To verify the novel gearshift system and the control method, a test bench and control system are constructed. The results of the simulations indicate that the displacement control's accuracy is enhanced. As the speed difference reaches 500 r/min, the testing results demonstrate a noticeably reduced of shift force fluctuation and jerk generated during the gearshift process, from 20 m/s3 to 3.1 m/s3. With the improved gearshift system and control method, the gearshift coordinated control can also save 25 ms of shift time.
Advanced Deep-Plane Rhytidectomy: Advantages for Neck Treatment and Volumization of the Midface
Authors: Gordon Neil A. , Lockwood Donovan B.
Published: March 2024

The aged neck is the most common motivator for patients seeking facial rejuvenation. Unlike the deflated midface, surgical treatment is still the gold standard for optimal outcomes. It is our view that the majority etiology of both the aged neck and deflated midface is gravity's effects on the superficial soft tissue envelope, leading to soft tissue redundancy. It is also our view that the deep-plane rhytidectomy is supported by anatomy, embryology, and clinical evidence as the best methodology to treat soft tissue redundancy without producing the aesthetic and longevity issues associated with superficial musculoaponeurotic system techniques. As one of the early pioneers in deep-plane rhytidectomy, the lead author will define contemporary advances in deep-plane technique such as dissection entry point, flap design, and flap fixation concepts that allow aggressive approach to treating both the aged neck and deflated midface.
Asymmetric Allylic Substitution Reactions Based on Relay Catalysis
Authors: Feng Xiaoming , Liu Yangbin , Wu Zhenwei
Published: March 2024

Transition-metal-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions represent a hot research topic in the field of asymmetric synthesis, with significant progress having been made. Among diverse catalysis systems, relay catalysis enables sequential activation of multiple steps in one pot and the rapid construction of multiple chiral centers, providing a simple and powerful platform for organic synthesis. Recently, relay catalysis has been successfully applied to asymmetric allylic substitution reactions, and a variety of challenging transformations have been realized. This Short Review summarizes the related progress on asymmetric allylic substitution reactions based on relay catalysis over the last decade.

1 Introduction

2 The General Transformation Model

3 Allylation Relays Further Reaction

4 Initial Reaction Relays Allylation

5 Conclusion and Outlook
Alveolar Bone Loss in a Ligature-Induced Periodontitis Model in Rat Using Different Ligature Sizes
Authors: Wichienrat Warintorn , Surisaeng Theeraphat , Sa-Ard-Iam Noppadol , Chanamuangkon Theerapat , Mahanonda Rangsini , Wisitrasameewong Wichaya
Published: March 2024

Objectives Ligature-induced periodontitis model has been widely used as a preclinical stage for investigating new treatment modalities. However, the effect of different ligature sizes on alveolar bone loss has never been studied. Therefore, we examined alveolar bone loss in this rat model using different sizes of silk ligatures, as well as healing after ligature removal.

Materials and Methods Left maxillary second molars of Sprague-Dawley rats were ligated with 3-0, 4-0, or 5-0 silk ligatures (n = 4–5/group) for 14 days before harvested maxillae and gingival tissues. For subsequent experiment, animals were ligated for 14 days using the ligature size that induced the most alveolar bone loss before ligature removal and sacrificed at 0, 7 and 14 days (n = 5–6/group). All maxillae and gingival tissues were harvested to evaluate alveolar bone level, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels.

Statistical Analysis Data was analyzed using SPSS Statistics 23.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States). Data from all experiments were tested for normality using Shapiro–Wilk test. Data between ligatured and nonligatured teeth were compared using Student's t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Differences among different ligature sizes were analyzed by analysis of variance followed by multiple comparisons with post-hoc test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results The alveolar bone loss of ligated teeth was substantially higher than that of control after 14 days of ligation. While 3-0 and 4-0 resulted in significantly greater bone loss than 5-0 silk, the 3-0 group had the lowest rate of ligature loss. Therefore, alveolar bone healing postligature removal was investigated further using 3-0 silk. The results showed no significant bone level change at 2 weeks after ligature removal. In term of IL-1β and TNF-α levels, there was no statistically significant difference in IL-1β level between groups at any time point, while TNF-α was undetectable.

Conclusion These data showed that 3-0 silk was the most effective ligature size in promoting alveolar bone loss comparing with 4-0 and 5-0 silk. During the 2-week period following ligature removal, spontaneous bone healing was not observed.
Cryptoart: ethical challenges of the NFT revolution
Authors: Calvo Patrici
Published: March 2024

The digital transformation of the art world has become a revolution for the sector. Cryptoart, based on non-fungible tokens (NFT), is attracting the attention of artists, collectors and enthusiasts for its ability to tokenise any element that can be sold as art in the digital market. In this way, it is able to become a scarce resource and an economic asset by encapsulating the market value of a piece of digital art, which may or may not have a reference in the real world. This study will delve into the ethical aspects underlying what is known as the NFT Revolution, particularly impacts related to the abuse or destruction of cultural heritage, speculation and the generation of economic bubbles and environmental unsustainability. To this end, this research has been carried out within the framework of a hermeneutic-critical proposal for analysing, understanding and prescribing cryptoart and its processes. This, methodology, typical of the human and social sciences, critically analyses the current context of the digital transformation of art through the study and interpretation of bibliographical sources and case studies in order to reconstruct the keys and conditions of possibility that guide its development in a fair and responsible way.
The Hull Cutoff condition for magnetic insulation in crossed-field electron devices in the presence of a slow-wave structure
Authors: Wong Patrick Y. , Kuskov Artem , Tobias Benjamin , Heinrich Jonathon
Published: March 2024

Crossed-Field Vacuum Electron Devices are ubiquitous in the High-Power Microwave field in either an oscillator/source or amplifier variant. A typical configuration consists of a magnetically insulated laminar electron flow in an anode–cathode gap with crossed electric (∝V, voltage) and magnetic (B-) fields and a series of open resonant cavities/vanes located on the anode block that serve as a slow-wave structure (SWS). The SWS slows the phase velocity of the electromagnetic signal down so that the wave becomes synchronous with a layer of the electron flow but is often neglected when calculating the Hull magnetic field necessary to insulate the electrons. In particular, the guiding design equation for the critical cutoff B-field assumes a smooth anode wall. In this paper, we show that such an assumption severely narrows the operating regime in B–V space and that upon inclusion of a revised Hull Cutoff condition taking into account the SWS, operation at lower B and higher V is possible. This revised Hull Cutoff criterion for magnetic insulation in crossed-field devices is corroborated by Particle-in-Cell simulations using CST Particle Studio.
Proving chaos for a system of coupled logistic maps: A topological approach
Authors: Bosisio A. , Naimzada A. , Pireddu M.
Published: March 2024

In the work, we prove the presence of chaotic dynamics, for suitable values of the model parameters, for the discrete-time system, composed of two coupled logistic maps, as formulated in Yousefi et al. [Discrete Dyn. Nat. Soc. 5, 161–177 (2000)], which describes two interdependent economies, characterized by two competitive markets each, with a demand link between them. In particular, we rely on the SAP (Stretching Along the Paths) method, based on a stretching relation for maps defined on sets homeomorphic to the unit square and expanding the paths along one direction. Such technique is topological in nature and allows to establish the existence of a semiconjugacy between the considered dynamical system and the Bernoulli shift, so that the main features related to the chaos of the latter (e.g., the positivity of the topological entropy) are transmitted to the former. In more detail, we apply the SAP method both to the first and to the second iterate of the map associated with our system, and we show how dealing with the second iterate, although being more demanding in terms of computations, allows for a larger freedom in the sign and in the variation range of the linking parameters for which chaos emerges. Moreover, the latter choice guarantees a good agreement with the numerical simulations, which highlight the presence of a chaotic attractor under the conditions derived for the applicability of the SAP technique to the second iterate of the map.
Development and characteristics of UV-photocurable anticorrosive MXene coatings
Authors: Quan Jingru , Dong Tienan , Shi Zixin , Xv Boqiang , Hu Hengming , Hao Shijie , Fan Haojie , Huang Xinyi , Fan Minmin , Cheng Qichen , Hang Zusheng
Published: March 2024

The instability of UV anti-corrosion coatings poses a significant threat to both air quality and the environment, highlighting the urgent need for efficient and eco-friendly anti-corrosion coatings. In this study, we synthesized a novel material, MXene, known for its well-defined layered structure and exceptional conductivity, by employing a MAX phase etching process. Our investigation encompassed the assessment of MXene’s compatibility within UV coating systems, as well as its dispersion and stability within composite coating systems. We observed that MXene’s substantial specific surface area and robust chemical adsorption capabilities played pivotal roles in the adsorption and stabilization of nanoparticles within the UV coating. Further exploration of MXene-based UV-curable anti-corrosion coatings revealed remarkable resistance to hydrogen-induced corrosion due to MXene’s outstanding electrical conductivity and its ability to regulate surface chemical reactions. This optimization not only enhances UV-curing and photostability performance in UV anti-corrosion coatings but also makes them highly suitable for producing efficient anti-corrosion coatings. This approach demonstrates broad applicability across various substrates where superior corrosion resistance is essential.
Radiation and heat transport in divergent shock–bubble interactions
Authors: Kurzer-Ogul K. , Haines B. M. , Montgomery D. S. , Pandolfi S. , Sauppe J. P. , Leong A. F. T. , Hodge D. , Kozlowski P. M. , Marchesini S. , Cunningham E. , Galtier E. , Khaghani D. , Lee H. J. , Nagler B. , Sandberg R. L. , Gleason A. E. , Aluie H. , Shang J. K.
Published: March 2024

Shock–bubble interactions (SBIs) are important across a wide range of physical systems. In inertial confinement fusion, interactions between laser-driven shocks and micro-voids in both ablators and foam targets generate instabilities that are a major obstacle in achieving ignition. Experiments imaging the collapse of such voids at high energy densities (HED) are constrained by spatial and temporal resolution, making simulations a vital tool in understanding these systems. In this study, we benchmark several radiation and thermal transport models in the xRAGE hydrodynamic code against experimental images of a collapsing mesoscale void during the passage of a 300 GPa shock. We also quantitatively examine the role of transport physics in the evolution of the SBI. This allows us to understand the dynamics of the interaction at timescales shorter than experimental imaging framerates. We find that all radiation models examined reproduce empirical shock velocities within experimental error. Radiation transport is found to reduce shock pressures by providing an additional energy pathway in the ablation region, but this effect is small (∼1% of total shock pressure). Employing a flux-limited Spitzer model for heat conduction, we find that flux limiters between 0.03 and 0.10 produce agreement with experimental velocities, suggesting that the system is well-within the Spitzer regime. Higher heat conduction is found to lower temperatures in the ablated plasma and to prevent secondary shocks at the ablation front, resulting in weaker primary shocks. Finally, we confirm that the SBI-driven instabilities observed in the HED regime are baroclinically driven, as in the low energy case.
Thermally stable Peltier controlled vacuum chamber for electrical transport measurements
Authors: Poole S. F. , Amin O. J. , Solomon A. , Barton L. X. , Campion R. P. , Edmonds K. W. , Wadley P.
Published: March 2024

The design, manufacture, and characterization of an inexpensive, temperature-controlled vacuum chamber with millikelvin stability for electrical transport measurements at and near room temperature is reported. A commercially available Peltier device and a high-precision temperature controller are used to actively heat and cool the sample space. The system was designed to minimize thermal fluctuations in spintronic and semiconductor transport measurements, but the general principle is relevant to a wide range of electrical measurement applications. The main issues overcome are the mounting of a sample with a path of high thermal conductivity through to the Peltier device and the heat sinking of the said Peltier device inside a vacuum. A copper slug is used as the mount for a sample, and a large copper block is used as a thermal feedthrough before a passive heat sink is used to cool this block. The Peltier device provides 20 W of heating and cooling power, achieving a maximum range of 30 K below and 40 K above the ambient temperature. The temperature stability is within 5 mK at all set points with an even better performance above the ambient temperature. A vacuum pressure of 10−8 hPa is achievable. As a demonstration, we present experimental results from current-induced electrical switching of a CuMnAs thin film. Transport measurements with and without the Peltier control emphasize the importance of a constant temperature in these applications. The thermal lag between the sample space measurement and the sample itself is observed through magnetoresistance values measured during a temperature sweep.
Ultraviolet-C mechanoluminescence from NaYF4:Pr3+
Authors: Li Leipeng , Li Pei , Lv Xiaohuan , Cai Chongyang , Li Tao , Shi Xingqiang , Peng Dengfeng , Yang Yanmin
Published: March 2024

Mechanoluminescent materials, which are capable of converting some ignored mechanical stimuli like friction, pressure, and distortion into useful photons, are gathering increasing attention nowadays, especially considering that a new round of energy crisis is sweeping across the globe. However, the wavelength of mechanoluminescence (ML) reported so far overlaps seriously with the solar spectrum, limiting the practical applications of mechanoluminescent materials to some extent. Here, we report the ultraviolet-C (UVC) ML from NaYF4:Pr3+ with the central wavelength at ∼250 nm, which is one of the shortest wavelengths for ML and is ascribed to the 1S0 → 3F4 transition of Pr3+. After being charged by x rays, NaYF4:Pr3+ is able to emit ML under the stimulation of external stress. The presence of UVC ML has been confirmed by both a spectrometer and a solar-blind camera. We confirm that the UVC ML belongs to the trap-controlled ML via thermoluminescence and related trap-filling-emptying measurements. With the aid of the density functional theory, we discuss the possible mechanism of the UVC ML from NaYF4:Pr3+.
Wide temperature span and giant refrigeration capacity magnetic refrigeration materials for hydrogen liquefaction
Authors: Tian Lu , Mo Zhaojun , Gong Jianjian , Gao Xinqiang , Li Zhenxing , Liu Jun , Liu Guodong , Shen Jun
Published: March 2024

Based on theoretical calculations and experiments, the crystal structure, electronic structure, magnetism, and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of the Ho5B2C5 compound have been systematically investigated. The Ho5B2C5 compound with a typical metallic nature was found to crystallize in a tetragonal structure belonging to space group P4/ncc (No. 130), and its magnetic ground state was identified as ferromagnetic (FM) ordering based on theoretical and experimental results. Additionally, a second-order magnetic phase transition from FM to paramagnetic around approximately 27 K was observed in the Ho5B2C5 compound, resulting in a large MCE. Under varying magnetic fields (ΔH) from 0 to 7 T, the maximum magnetic entropy change (−ΔSMmax), refrigeration capacity (RC), and δTFWHM are 21.3 J/kg K, 1001.6 J/kg, and 60.2 K (a wide temperature range from 15.2 to 75.4 K), respectively. The outstanding MCE performance of the Ho5B2C5 compound is expected to facilitate the progress of magnetic refrigeration for hydrogen liquefaction.
Numerical study of molten salt flow and heat transfer in a pipe applied non-uniform magnetic field
Authors: Hu Jin-Cao , Chen Yong-Chang , Guo You-Man , Guo Jia-Tao , Ma Chong-Fang
Published: March 2024

Based on the magnetohydrodynamics model, this study numerically investigated the influence of a transverse non-uniform magnetic field on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of molten salt in a conductive pipe. The magnetic field was constructed with three sections including gradient and uniform regions, which was fitting to real application of the magnetic field. The flow and heat transfer of molten salt were studied within the ranges of 0 ≤ Ha ≤ 200 and 3000 ≤ Re ≤ 12 000. The results indicated that variation of magnetic field had significant effects on the flow velocity, turbulent intensity, and Joule heat, thus influencing the temperature and the Nusselt number of molten salt. Although the flow in core region was suppressed by the magnetic field, the flow velocity was enhanced and turbulence was reduced near the pipe wall, which was shown obviously different within three regions of the magnetic field. An interesting phenomenon of local heat transfer enhancement with increasing magnetic intensity was observed in the first section of the magnetic field, which was from the complex effects of flow velocity and turbulence. In addition, the Joule heat was calculated and analyzed to determine its influence on heat transfer under the magnetic field. A detailed analyzation of magnetic fluid flow in this study was provided to hopefully promote the molten salt in real application of flow and heat transfer.
Viscoelastic relaxation and topological fluctuations in glass-forming liquids
Authors: Tung Chi-Huan , Chang Shou-Yi , Yip Sidney , Wang Yangyang , Carrillo Jan-Michael Y. , Sumpter Bobby G. , Shinohara Yuya , Do Changwoo , Chen Wei-Ren
Published: March 2024

A method for characterizing the topological fluctuations in liquids is proposed. This approach exploits the concept of the weighted gyration tensor of a collection of particles and permits the definition of a local configurational unit (LCU). The first principal axis of the gyration tensor serves as the director of the LCU, which can be tracked and analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations. Analysis of moderately supercooled Kob–Andersen mixtures suggests that orientational relaxation of the LCU closely follows viscoelastic relaxation and exhibits a two-stage behavior. The slow relaxing component of the LCU corresponds to the structural, Maxwellian mechanical relaxation. Additionally, it is found that the mean curvature of the LCUs is approximately zero at the Maxwell relaxation time with the Gaussian curvature being negative. This observation implies that structural relaxation occurs when the configurationally stable and destabilized regions interpenetrate each other in a bicontinuous manner. Finally, the mean and Gaussian curvatures of the LCUs can serve as reduced variables for the shear stress correlation, providing a compelling proof of the close connection between viscoelastic relaxation and topological fluctuations in glass-forming liquids.
Evaluation of silicon and indium gallium arsenide photodiodes as direct timing detectors for pulsed x-ray systems
Authors: Brown Cameron B. , Remelius Dennis K. , Smilowitz Laura B.
Published: March 2024

Benchtop pulsed x-ray systems are commonly used to record dynamic material data on the order of nanoseconds, but pulse timing is often difficult to accurately determine. This study demonstrates that commercially available photodiodes can be used effectively for direct x-ray pulse detection without the need for visible light scintillators. X-ray pulses from four commercially available flash x-ray systems were quantified using one silicon and two indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) photodiodes. The measured InGaAs pulse durations were strongly dependent on radiation dose in the non-linear operating regime, so the photodiodes were shielded to operate below the 2.5 V non-linear regime threshold. The average pulse duration and pulse arrival time jitter of the photodiodes for each x-ray source were within several nanoseconds with the exception of two sets of measurements that were affected by low instrument sensitivity and electrical noise. These results show that InGaAs photodiodes can be used as effective and repeatable stand-alone timing diagnostics for x-ray pulses as short as 20 ns or less.
The aggregation of micro-particles based on hydraulic vortices
Authors: Huang Jun , Yang Jinlan , Li Linjiao , Huang Yadong , Yue Tao , Zhang Quan
Published: March 2024

The large-scale and nondestructive aggregation of micro-particles in the solvent has a crucial role on cell detection and the preparation of micro-nano drugs. To achieve directional aggregation of micro-particles, a piezoelectric cantilever probe structure can be utilized to generate a vortex region by driving the liquid with low-frequency oscillation. By adjusting the driving voltage and frequency of the piezoelectric oscillator, polystyrene microspheres in the liquid can be effectively aggregated and manipulated. Experimental results using fixed concentration polystyrene solvent demonstrated that micro-particle aggregation occurred within the frequency range of 20–70 Hz and voltage range of 20–80 V. The particles were stably concentrated in front of the probe, with a maximum aggregation area of 0.71 mm2 and a maximum number of aggregated particles reaching 2495, when the driving voltage was 60 V and the driving frequency was 60 Hz. Furthermore, the flow field particle image velocimetry experiment revealed that when four main vortices with opposite rotation directions were present, the micro-particle aggregation exhibited a regular Arc and Witch-shaped pattern. Conversely, in the presence of an indefinite number of large main vortices in the flow field, the micro-particle aggregation displayed an irregular Small symmetry and Large symmetry-shaped pattern. This method of micro-particle aggregation manipulation using hydraulic vortices has the potential to meet the demands of biomedical and fine chemical fields for precise micro-particle manipulation.
Isotope effect on the formation of CN by radiative association reactions
Authors: Giani L. , Šimsová née Zámečníková M. , Di Genova G. , Ceccarelli C. , Balucani N. , Nyman G.
Published: March 2024

The formation of CN and its isotopologue C15N through radiative association has been investigated. We considered two processes for the collisions of ground state C(3P) and N(4S) atoms (A2Π → X2Σ+ and b4Π → a4Σ+), as well as, for the first time, we investigated the radiative association of ground state C(3P) and excited N(2D) atoms (B2Σ+ → X2Σ+). The cross-sections for the three processes have been calculated using semi-classical, quantum mechanical, and Breit–Wigner theories. The rate constants, derived from the combination of semi-classical and Breit–Wigner results, have been fitted to the Kooij formula to be used in astrochemical modeling. The rate constant for the B2Σ+ → X2Σ+ process dominates in the investigated temperature range (10–10 000 K), when its own asymptotic energy is used as a reference level. Moreover, the B2Σ+ → X2Σ+ process presents the most pronounced isotope effect on the rate constant. We suggest considering these newly investigated radiative association processes for the formation of CN and C15N in the interstellar medium.
Fragmentation of water clusters formed in helium nanodroplets by charge transfer and Penning ionization
Authors: De S. , Abid A. R. , Asmussen J. D. , Ben Ltaief L. , Sishodia K. , Ulmer A. , Pedersen H. B. , Krishnan S. R. , Mudrich M.
Published: March 2024

Helium nanodroplets (“HNDs”) are widely used for forming tailor-made clusters and molecular complexes in a cold, transparent, and weakly interacting matrix. The characterization of embedded species by mass spectrometry is often complicated by the fragmentation and trapping of ions in the HNDs. Here, we systematically study fragment ion mass spectra of HND-aggregated water and oxygen clusters following their ionization by charge transfer ionization (“CTI”) and Penning ionization (“PEI”). While the efficiency of PEI of embedded clusters is lower than for CTI by about factor 10, both the mean sizes of detected water clusters and the relative yields of unprotonated cluster ions are significantly larger, making PEI a “soft ionization” scheme. However, the tendency of ions to remain bound to HNDs leads to a reduced detection efficiency for large HNDs containing >104 helium atoms. These results are instrumental in determining optimal conditions for mass spectrometry and photoionization spectroscopy of molecular complexes and clusters aggregated in HNDs.
Revealing the reason for enhanced CZTSSe device performance after Ag heavily doped into absorber surface
Authors: Wang Siyu , Shen Zhan , Liu Yue , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2024

Ag-doping treatment is a popular method for enhancing the performance of kesterite-structured Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells. Among the various methods, incorporating a high concentration of Ag+ into an absorber surface has proven to be particularly effective. However, the exact mechanisms behind this improvement are still unclear. This study aims to investigate the key factors that improve device performance through simulation. Specifically, the influence of the change in the carrier density, CuZn antisite defects, interface defect density, and formation of an n-type AZTSSe surface after heavy surface Ag doping have been examined. The simulation results indicate that the formation of an n-type AZTSSe layer on an absorber surface can significantly improve the open circuit voltage (VOC) and overcome the efficiency saturation problem induced by severe interface recombination for CZTSSe devices with a negative conduction band offset (CBO), compared to other affecting factors. This is because the modified conduction band alignment and the realization of interface-type inversion reduce interface recombination and retard the Fermi level pinning. However, the formation of interface-type inversion does not significantly improve CZTSSe devices with a positive CBO, as these devices already have weaker interface recombination. This work implies that the formation of an n-type AZTSSe layer is crucial for further improving the performance of CZTSSe devices with a negative CBO and can pave the way for improving the performance of thin film solar cells with severe interface recombination.
Exploring flow boiling characteristics on surfaces with various micro-pillars using the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Luo Chao , Tagawa Toshio
Published: March 2024

In this study, the lattice Boltzmann method is utilized to simulate flow boiling within a microchannel featuring a micro-pillar surface. This investigation aims to explore the impacts of micro-pillar shape and quantity on the flow boiling characteristics across various superheats and Reynolds numbers (Re). A systematic examination is conducted on three types of micro-pillars, five quantities of micro-pillars, four Re values, and 18 superheat levels. The mechanisms contributing to enhanced heat transfer in flow boiling are elucidated through a comprehensive analysis of bubble dynamics, temperature and velocity fields, local and transient heat fluxes, and boiling curves. Moreover, the critical heat fluxes (CHF) of all surfaces are evaluated to identify the superior micro-pillar configurations. The findings revealed that microchannels with micro-pillar surfaces induce more vortices compared to those with smooth surfaces, attributable to the combined effects of bubble dynamics and micro-pillars. Bubble patterns and boiling curves demonstrated the significant impact of micro-pillar geometrical shapes on the boiling regime and heat transfer performance. As flow boiling progressed, an increase in micro-pillar quantity and Re can mitigate the fluctuation and decline rate in transient heat flux, respectively. Among the three types of micro-pillar surfaces, the circular shape exhibited the highest flow boiling performance, followed by the triangular and rectangular shapes. For all surfaces, the CHF increased with Re, and each micro-pillar type displayed an optimal quantity for achieving maximum CHF, with the highest increase reaching 45.2%. These findings are crucial for optimizing microchannel designs to enhance flow boiling heat transfer efficiency.
The influence of loading, road transport, unloading and time in lairage on body temperature in finished feedlot steers
Authors: Bonner S. L. , Loxton I. D. , Lisle A. , Lawrence R. J. , Lees A. M. , Gaughan J. B.
Published: March 2024

Context Transport of cattle can be stressful and may lead to increased body temperature. It is necessary to quantify the effect of transport on body temperature so that informed management decisions can be made. Aims This study aimed to determine the effects of a 5.5 h, 430 km road transport journey on body temperature (TB) of feedlot steers. Methods Body temperature was obtained at 30 min intervals. All cattle were weighed and randomly allocated to a truck pen prior to transport. Cattle were transported on a single B-double truck, with three upper-deck and three lower-deck compartments. At 0630 hours, cattle were walked from their pens (25 m), weighed and loaded onto the truck. Loading was completed by 1030 hours. Key results During the weighing and loading process prior to transport, mean TB increased from 39.37 ± 0.11°C to 40.21 ± 0.11°C. Immediately following loading, mean TB increased. The TB of cattle on the upper deck was 40.96 ± 0.08°C and on the lower deck 40.89 ± 0.08°C (P = 0.6299). During the first 3 h of the journey, the TB of lower-deck cattle decreased by 1.14°C (P < 0.01), compared with a 0.83°C reduction in cattle on the upper deck. Over the duration of the journey, which took 1 h longer than expected, the mean TB of the cattle on the upper deck (40.47 ± 0.11°C) was greater (P < 0.0001) than that on the lower deck (40.04 ± 0.12°C). One hour after unloading at the abattoir, pooled TB was 40.26 ± 0.12°C. Minimum TB (38.87 ± 0.04°C) occurred at 10.5 h after unloading. Conclusions The results from this study highlight that increases in TB were more associated with cattle handling and loading events, rather than transport, under these environmental conditions. Understanding the magnitude of this increase will help managers decide on pre- and post- transport management of cattle. Implications Cattle handling and loading for transport may lead to an increase in TB, which can remain elevated for a number of hours. However, it is unclear what the impact of hotter climatic conditions would have on trailer microclimate and, as such, TB regulation during road transport.
Joseph Bancroft’s discovery of Fusarium Wilt of banana
Authors: Ryley Malcolm J. , Drenth Andre
Published: March 2024

In the early decades of British settlement at Sydney Cove in 1788, the struggling colonials tried their hand at growing edible bananas but invariably failed. However, they grew extremely well in the Moreton Bay colony (Brisbane) and over time banana growing became an important agricultural industry there, particularly after the introduction of the Cavendish variety. All was progressing well until a new disease appeared in plantations around Brisbane in the early 1870s. The medical practitioner and naturalist Joseph Bancroft investigated the problem and concluded that a fungus was implicated as the causal agent. In the early 1900s, following serious outbreaks of a disease with similar symptoms in Caribbean countries (where it was called Panama Disease), the American bacteriologist Erwin Frink Smith studied the same disease in Cuba, and named the pathogen Fusarium cubense. Another American scientist, Elmer Walker Brandes, conclusively proved that Fusarium cubense (now called Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense) was the cause of the banana disease. Bancroft’s discovery of the disease now called Fusarium Wilt not only predates other reports of the disease in the Caribbean but also represents the first scientific investigation of a plant disease in Australia.
History and establishment of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve
Authors: Chatfield G. R. , Saunders Denis A.
Published: March 2024

Context This paper sets out the events leading to the establishment of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Methods This paper is based on research into literature relating to the Albany region, government files and oral accounts relating to the area. Key results Long known to the Noongar peoples, Two Peoples Bay was first mapped by Europeans in 1791 by Captain George Vancouver. The area was rapidly established as a base for the over-exploitation of natural resources. As the region became more developed and human population increased, recreational pressure on the area was such that the Western Australian Government surveyed Two Peoples Bay to establish a townsite. Just before the final surveys for the townsite were completed, the supposedly-extinct noisy scrub-bird (Atrichornis clamosus), was rediscovered there. National and international pressure on the WA Government from the conservation movement resulted in the reversal of the decision to develop a town in the area and led to the establishment of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve in 1967. Conclusions The establishment of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve in the face of pressure for the development of a town on the bay, provides an interesting example of the needs of nature conservation over-riding real estate development. Implications Although nature conservation values rarely stop real estate development, the Two Peoples Bay example demonstrates that nature conservation may prevail over real estate development, in this case involving the rediscovery of a species believed extinct.
Generation of human excitatory forebrain neurons by cooperative binding of proneural NGN2 and homeobox factor EMX1
Authors: Ang Cheen Euong , Olmos Victor Hipolito , Vodehnal Kayla , Zhou Bo , Lee Qian Yi , Sinha Rahul , Narayanaswamy Aadit , Mall Moritz , Chesnov Kirill , Dominicus Caia S. , Südhof Thomas , Wernig Marius
Published: March 2024

Generation of defined neuronal subtypes from human pluripotent stem cells remains a challenge. The proneural factor NGN2 has been shown to overcome experimental variability observed by morphogen-guided differentiation and directly converts pluripotent stem cells into neurons, but their cellular heterogeneity has not been investigated yet. Here, we found that NGN2 reproducibly produces three different kinds of excitatory neurons characterized by partial coactivation of other neurotransmitter programs. We explored two principle approaches to achieve more precise specification: prepatterning the chromatin landscape that NGN2 is exposed to and combining NGN2 with region-specific transcription factors. Unexpectedly, the chromatin context of regionalized neural progenitors only mildly altered genomic NGN2 binding and its transcriptional response and did not affect neurotransmitter specification. In contrast, coexpression of region-specific homeobox factors such as EMX1 resulted in drastic redistribution of NGN2 including recruitment to homeobox targets and resulted in glutamatergic neurons with silenced nonglutamatergic programs. These results provide the molecular basis for a blueprint for improved strategies for generating a plethora of defined neuronal subpopulations from pluripotent stem cells for therapeutic or disease-modeling purposes.
Common modular architecture across diverse cortical areas in early development
Authors: Powell Nathaniel J. , Hein Bettina , Kong Deyue , Elpelt Jonas , Mulholland Haleigh N. , Kaschube Matthias , Smith Gordon B.
Published: March 2024

In order to deal with a complex environment, animals form a diverse range of neural representations that vary across cortical areas, ranging from largely unimodal sensory input to higher-order representations of goals, outcomes, and motivation. The developmental origin of this diversity is currently unclear, as representations could arise through processes that are already area-specific from the earliest developmental stages or alternatively, they could emerge from an initially common functional organization shared across areas. Here, we use spontaneous activity recorded with two-photon and widefield calcium imaging to reveal the functional organization across the early developing cortex in ferrets, a species with a well-characterized columnar organization and modular structure of spontaneous activity in the visual cortex. We find that in animals 7 to 14 d prior to eye-opening and ear canal opening, spontaneous activity in both sensory areas (auditory and somatosensory cortex, A1 and S1, respectively), and association areas (posterior parietal and prefrontal cortex, PPC and PFC, respectively) showed an organized and modular structure that is highly similar to the organization in V1. In all cortical areas, this modular activity was distributed across the cortical surface, forming functional networks that exhibit millimeter-scale correlations. Moreover, this modular structure was evident in highly coherent spontaneous activity at the cellular level, with strong correlations among local populations of neurons apparent in all cortical areas examined. Together, our results demonstrate a common distributed and modular organization across the cortex during early development, suggesting that diverse cortical representations develop initially according to similar design principles.
Endogenous virophages are active and mitigate giant virus infection in the marine protist
Cafeteria burkhardae
Authors: Koslová Anna , Hackl Thomas , Bade Felix , Sanchez Kasikovic Alexander , Barenhoff Karina , Schimm Fiona , Mersdorf Ulrike , Fischer Matthias G.
Published: March 2024

Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) are common genetic passengers in various protists. Some EVEs represent viral fossils, whereas others are still active. The marine heterotrophic flagellate
Cafeteria burkhardae
contains several EVE types related to the virophage mavirus, a small DNA virus that parasitizes the lytic giant virus CroV. We hypothesized that endogenous virophages may act as an antiviral defense system in protists, but no protective effect of virophages in wild host populations has been shown so far. Here, we tested the activity of virophage EVEs and studied their impact on giant virus replication. We found that endogenous mavirus-like elements (EMALEs) from globally distributed
Cafeteria
populations produced infectious virus particles specifically in response to CroV infection. However, reactivation was stochastic, often inefficient, and poorly reproducible. Interestingly, only one of eight EMALE types responded to CroV infection, implying that other EMALEs may be linked to different giant viruses. We isolated and cloned several reactivated virophages and characterized their particles, genomes, and infection dynamics. All tested virophages inhibited the production of CroV during coinfection, thereby preventing lysis of the host cultures in a dose-dependent manner. Comparative genomics of different
C. burkhardae
strains revealed that inducible EMALEs are common and are not linked to specific geographic locations. We demonstrate that naturally occurring virophage EVEs reactivate upon giant virus infection, thus providing a striking example that eukaryotic EVEs can become active under specific conditions. Moreover, our results support the hypothesis that virophages can act as an adaptive antiviral defense system in protists.