bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical study of thermocapillary and slip effects on interfacial destabilization under surface acoustic waves
Authors: Ning Jia , Huang Qing-Yun , Gai Chen-Hui , Ding Yi-Zhan , Zhang Bing , Lei Yu-Lin , Wu Yang , Hu Hong
Published: July 2024

The rapid development of microfluidics has significantly highlighted the role of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in microfluidic actuation. SAW influences droplet manipulation, inducing interface instability and processes such as droplet splitting, jetting, and atomization, which have been key research focal points. Previous studies have identified a close correlation between these instability mechanisms and three critical parameters: the Marangoni number (Ma), associated with piezoelectric substrate thermal effects; the slip coefficient (β0), related to piezoelectric substrate slip; and the acoustic capillary number (C). Given the intimate link between the aspect ratio (H/L, where H is the characteristic height, and L is the characteristic width of droplets) and atomization size, this study comprehensively investigates the combined effects of these factors on the droplet aspect ratio H/L. Specifically, increases in the acoustic capillary number C and slip coefficient β0 promote reductions in droplet height (H) and outward expansion (L), while the Marangoni number Ma counteracts this expansion, maintaining larger H/L values. This inhibitory effect is particularly pronounced when C and β0 are small but diminishes as their values increase. Additionally, higher values of C and β0 accelerate the convergence of the H/L ratio, whereas Ma decreases the rate of this convergence. Through the coordinated interplay of Ma, β0, and C, multidimensional and fine-tuned adjustments of the droplet aspect ratio H/L over a wide range can be achieved.
Pinch-off dynamics of an electrohydrodynamic tip streaming jet transforming into the microdroplet
Authors: Wang Guozhen , Chen Wei , Chen Jiankui , Hu Chao , Chen Hao , Yin Zhouping
Published: July 2024

The drop-on-demand electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing is promising for manufacturing high-resolution dot arrays. Such dot fabrication is commonly achieved through two printing modes (jet/droplet mode), i.e., continuous jet directly flying to or broken jet induced droplet depositing in the substrate. The droplet mode commonly has a higher printing frequency than the jet mode, indicating the droplet mode's advantage in drop-on-demand EHD printing. However, most research on EHD printing focuses on the jet mode, which causes the mechanism of droplet production through jet pinch-off remains unclear. This study employs an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method capable of getting a sharp interface to reveal the pinch-off mechanism. First, the development of a tip streaming from a meniscus to the pinch-off is analyzed. It is found that the high pressure at the neck is the main reason for the pinch-off of the jet into the droplet. Second, the EHD phase diagram in the parameter space of We–Cae is plotted, where We is the Weber number and Cae is the electric capillary number. Finally, the important influences of the charge relaxation on the EHD tip streaming jet's breakup behavior and the generated droplets' properties are revealed. Evolutions of the droplet's properties, including radius, velocity, and charge, with varying charge relaxation parameters are offered. These properties of the droplet show their relationships with extreme values as a function of the charge relaxation parameter. This work can serve as the theoretical basis for tuning the EHD printing manufacturing performance.
An advanced heat source localization technology for intelligent warehousing: A multi-source fusion image segmentation approach leveraging infrared and visible light data
Authors: Chen Junliang , Xu Haojun , Wei Xiaolong , Hu Qichun , Cai Yu , Zhu Senlin
Published: July 2024

Infrared thermography technology, leveraging its unique ability to capture temperature features, has significantly improved the precision of high-temperature target localization. However, infrared imaging technology is limited by issues such as low image contrast, difficulty in distinguishing object categories, and limited image clarity. To enable intelligent detection of high-temperature objects that may cause fires in warehouses, this paper proposes an innovative method that integrates deep learning image segmentation with infrared and visible light image technology. We developed a new image segmentation model based on improved Fully Convolutional Networks and Deconvolutional Networks, introducing a batch normalization layer to accelerate convergence and employing the PReLU activation function to prevent neuron death, thereby enhancing convergence speed and accuracy. Through a feature dynamic image registration method combining a joint model and a cross-modulation strategy, we achieved efficient image fusion. In addition, a game theory-based strategy was adopted to correct localization results, ensuring accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved model achieves localization accuracy and precision rates of up to 89.30% and 88.00%, respectively, in real-world warehouse heat source scenarios, representing a significant improvement of 9.90% and 2.85% compared to the pre-improvement model, fully validating its advancement and effectiveness.
Fundamentals and recent developments of free-space optical neural networks
Authors: Montes McNeil Alexander , Li Yuxiao , Zhang Allen , Moebius Michael , Liu Yongmin
Published: July 2024

Machine learning with artificial neural networks has recently transformed many scientific fields by introducing new data analysis and information processing techniques. Despite these advancements, efficient implementation of machine learning on conventional computers remains challenging due to speed and power constraints. Optical computing schemes have quickly emerged as the leading candidate for replacing their electronic counterparts as the backbone for artificial neural networks. Some early integrated photonic neural network (IPNN) techniques have already been fast-tracked to industrial technologies. This review article focuses on the next generation of optical neural networks (ONNs), which can perform machine learning algorithms directly in free space. We have aptly named this class of neural network model the free space optical neural network (FSONN). We systematically compare FSONNs, IPNNs, and the traditional machine learning models with regard to their fundamental principles, forward propagation model, and training process. We survey several broad classes of FSONNs and categorize them based on the technology used in their hidden layers. These technologies include 3D printed layers, dielectric and plasmonic metasurface layers, and spatial light modulators. Finally, we summarize the current state of FSONN research and provide a roadmap for its future development.
Oxygenate-induced structural evolution of high-entropy electrocatalysts for multifunctional alcohol electrooxidation integrated with hydrogen production
Authors: He Jinfeng , Tong Yun , Wang Zhe , Zhou Guorong , Ren Xuhui , Zhu Jiaye , Zhang Nan , Chen Lu , Chen Pengzuo
Published: July 2024

High-entropy compounds have been emerging as promising candidates for electrolysis, yet their controllable electrosynthesis strategy remains a formidable challenge because of the ambiguous ionic interaction and codeposition mechanism. Herein, we report a oxygenates directionally induced electrodeposition strategy to construct high-entropy materials with amorphous features, on which the structural evolution from high-entropy phosphide to oxide is confirmed by introducing vanadate, thus realizing the simultaneous optimization of composition and structure. The representative P-CoNiMnWVO
x
shows excellent bifunctional catalytic performance toward alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR), with small potentials of −168 mV and 1.38 V at 100 mA cm
−2
, respectively. In situ spectroscopy illustrates that the electrochemical reconstruction of P-CoNiMnWVO
x
induces abundant Co–O species as the main catalytic active species for EOR and follows the conversion pathway of the C
2
product. Theoretical calculations reveal the optimized electronic structure and adsorption free energy of reaction intermediates on P-CoNiMnWVO
x
, thereby resulting in a facilitated kinetic process. A membrane-free electrolyzer delivers both high Faradaic efficiencies of acetate and H
2
over 95% and superior stability at100 mA cm
−2
during 120 h electrolysis. In addition, the unique composition and structural advantages endow P-CoNiMnWVO
x
with multifunctional catalytic activity and realize multipathway electrosynthesis of formate-coupled hydrogen production.
Anaphora resolution in L2 European Portuguese
Authors: Madeira Ana , Fiéis Alexandra , Teixeira Joana
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the interpretation of subject pronouns in L1 Italian – L2 European
Portuguese, considering animacy effects and the position of the antecedent. Participants were 25 adult EP native
speakers, 25 upper-intermediate, 25 advanced, and 19 near-native Italian adult learners of L2 EP. They were
administered two multiple-choice tasks (speeded and untimed) with a 2 x 2 design crossing the following variables:
animacy of the matrix object (animate vs. inanimate) and type of embedded pronominal subject (overt vs. null). Results
indicate that L2 learners show problems only in the areas where the L1 and the L2 differ, namely: the resolution of
overt subjects in the presence of [−animate] object antecedent and the resolution of null subjects. Learners’
performance in these areas remains unstable even at the near-native level. These findings challenge the ideas that
only overt subjects are persistently problematic in L2 acquisition and that the L1 plays a minor role in anaphora
resolution.
Relative clauses and intervention effects
Authors: Lira Thainá Amador , Augusto Marina
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the presence of pronoun elements as
intervening subjects in the elicitation of object relative clauses (ORCs) by children and adults (as a control group).
It has been argued that the presence of a full DP intervening subject in ORCs brings difficulties for young children
and that a significant improvement is obtained when the intervening subject lacks a lexical restriction. In this
study, the elicitation of subject RCs, ORCs displaying a full DP, ORCs displaying third person pronouns, and ORCs
displaying second person pronouns is contrasted. It is hypothesized that the person feature plays a role in helping to
distinguish the moved object from the intervening subject and subsequently producing ORCs with first or second
pronouns should be facilitated. Brazilian Portuguese (BP) speakers participated in the study: 14 younger 4-year-old
children; 14 older 6-year-old children; and 21 adults. Results show better performance for ORCs displaying second
person pronouns, suggesting that the person feature matters. Alternative and non-adequate responses are evaluated. So
far, adults appear, despite the presence of a lexical restriction, to mostly benefit from the presence of an indexical
pronoun as intervener, and children demonstrate a developmental trend in the same direction; it seems that processing
capacities as an explanatory hypothesis are at stake.
On the production and omission of dative and accusative clitics in Italian children with learning
difficulties
Authors: Cerutti Sara , Cardinaletti Anna , Volpato Francesca
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the production of third person singular dative (3DAT) and accusative
clitic pronouns (3ACC) in Italian children diagnosed with Learning Difficulties (LD), compared to a group of typically
developing (TD) age peers (mean age 9;1). Results show that 3DAT clitics are produced in significantly higher
percentages than 3ACC clitics by both children with LD and TD children. We claim that for children with LD, the
invariable dative clitic gli is easier to retrieve than 3ACC clitics, as suggested for TD school-age
children by Cardinaletti et al. (2021) and replicated here. With 3ACC
clitics, feature sharing with the extra-clausal antecedent contributes to complexity in addition to the derivation by
syntactic movement (Tuller et al., 2011). The two groups also did not differ
in the production of DPs and PPs instead of 3ACC and 3DAT clitics, respectively, but children with LD omitted more
clitics (both 3ACC and 3DAT) than TD age peers. After removing from the analysis the children who scored more than 1.5
SD below the mean of age-matched controls, as was done in the study by Vender
et al. (2018), the performance of the group with LD no longer differed from that of controls. Results
suggest that at school age, omission of both 3ACC and 3DAT clitics differentiate typical development from children
with LD and oral language difficulties, presumably due to an unrecognized Developmental Language Disorder (Guasti, 2013; Arosio et al.,
2016).
Using CRISPR-Cas9 to create knockout mutants in insects
Authors: Hillary Varghese Edwin , Ceasar Stanislaus Antony
Published: July 2024

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) is a potent genome editing tool that has rapidly revolutionized research in natural science disciplines. The CRISPR/Cas9 system surpasses traditional zinc finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases because of its simplicity in design, cost-effectiveness, and labor intensity. The CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing system has been used to generate precise and targeted mutations in many different organisms, including insects. However, there is still a lack of a comprehensive review that systematically summarizes the successful utilization of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in generating knockout (KO) mutations in insects (both model and non-model). Thus, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current advancements in CRISPR/Cas9-based KO mutants in insects, including both model and non-model species. We also discussed the limitations of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Finally, we discuss the biosafety concerns associated with the release of CRISPR/Cas9-edited insects into the environment and draw inroads and insights into the future application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in insects.
Promoting Cultural Heritage Preservation through Agrotourism in Saint Lucia
Authors: Nava Leonardo , Mathurin Rocksun Y.
Published: July 2024

Since Saint Lucia became an accessible and consolidated destination in the 1990s, the domestic agricultural industry suffered a sharp decline. Many communities abandoned their fields and aimed for better-paid jobs in the tourism sector. Over time, the nation’s tourism sector reached a point of stagnation, lacking innovation and differentiation from neighbouring islands. The increase in tourism favoured the importation of foreign products rather than the use of local products to cater to international guests. The identity of local cuisine and traditional farming practices have been gradually lost. Through a series of interviews with local tourism entrepreneurs, this case study analyses the initiatives, challenges, and opportunities for integrating elements of traditional agricultural heritage into the tourism industry as an element of differentiation and cultural preservation.

Information

© The Authors 2024
Bound and Resonating Multiquark Configurations
Authors: Richard Jean-Marc
Published: July 2024

We review the predictions of quark models for multiquark configurations that are bound or resonant states, and compare different methods for estimating the properties of resonances.
A review of research on RF MEMS for metaverse interactions
Authors: Nan Xueli , Jia Qikun , Lv Fei , Wang Xin , Wu Guirong , Zhao Yunlong , Qin Bolin , Hao Jinjin , Cao Xinxin , Mei Shixuan , Xu Zhikuan , Zhang Kuanwei , Bai Tingting , Xue Chenyang , Gao Libo
Published: July 2024

Metaverse as a comprehensive integration of multiple digital technologies of the new generation, enables human beings to bring unprecedented immersive experiences with the support of virtual reality, augmented reality, blockchain, digital twin, Artificial Intelligence, haptic internet of things (IoT), and human–computer interaction. In view of the urgent need for high-speed and high-capacity data transmission as well as high integration, RF MEMS devices have become the core components for metaverse system building due to their advantages of miniaturization, high integration, and low power consumption. Playing a pivotal role in real-time high-capacity data transmission and signal processing in metaverse interactive systems, the low cost and high performance of RF MEMS devices have once again become the focus of attention for people from all walks of life. Therefore, this paper focuses on the working principles and performance optimization of RF MEMS devices. Firstly, the classification and basic principles of RF MEMS devices are introduced, followed by the advanced fabrication technology and optimization scheme of MEMS devices, and then the advanced applications of RF MEMS devices in the field of metaverse are discussed in focus, including IoT mobile communication, Artificial Intelligence, and flexible wearables. Finally, the prospects and potential challenges for the development of RF MEMS devices interacting with the metaverse are summarized and discussed.
High-accuracy and lightweight weld surface defect detector based on graph convolution decoupling head
Authors: Wang Guanqiang , Chen Mingsong , Lin Yongcheng , Tan Xianhua , Zhang Chizhou , Li Kai , Gao Baihui , Kang Yuxin , Zhao Weiwei
Published: July 2024

The essence of the difficulties for weld surface detection is that there is a lot of interference information during detection. This study aims to enhance the detection accuracy while keeping great deployment capabilities of a detection model for weld surface defects. To achieve this goal, an improved Yolo-graph convolution head (GCH) model is proposed based on the stable and fast Yolo-v5. The improvements primarily involve introducing a graph convolution network combined with a self-attention mechanism in the head part (i.e. GCH). This component focuses on improving the insufficient recognition capability of convolutional neural networks for similar defects in complex environments. Furthermore, to address the presence of potentially ambiguous samples in complex welding environments, the label assignment strategy of simOTA is implemented to optimize the anchor frame. Additionally, a streamlined structure, aiming to improve model detection speed while minimizing performance impact, has been designed to enhance the applicability of the model. The results demonstrate that the cooperation of GCH and simOTA significantly improves the detection performance while maintaining the inference speed. These strategies lead to a 2.5% increase in mAP@0.5 and reduce the missing detection rates of weld and 8 types of defects by 32.9% and 84.1% respectively, surpassing other weld surface detection models. Furthermore, the impressive applicability of the model is verified across four scaled versions of Yolo-v5. Based on the proposed strategies, the FPS increases by more than 30 frames in the fast s and n versions of Yolo-v5. These results demonstrate the great potential of the model for industrial applications.
Investigation of electromagnetic fluctuations in a magnetically screened high beta plasma
Authors: Adhikari Ayan , Sanyasi A K , Awasthi L M , Srivastava P K , Bandyopadhyay Mainak , Sharma Devendra , Verma Anshu , Sugandhi Ritesh
Published: July 2024

We report low-frequency electromagnetic turbulence in large-volume plasma devices in a region that receives magnetically screened plasma. The magnetic screen is produced by the activation of a large solenoid that generates a strong magnetic field (

B

EEF

) transverse to the background axial magnetic field (

B
z

). The magnetic field strength variation in

B

EEF

controls the plasma diffusion and is responsible for parametric profile modifications in large volume plasma devices. The turbulence is characterized by the observed features of an electromagnetic mode having frequency ordering in the lower hybrid range (f
ci < f < f
LH). The free energy source for the excited turbulence is believed to be the prevalent finite radial pressure gradient in the system. The excited electromagnetic mode shows typical scales for the wave number,

k
⊥

∼ 0.13 cm−1 and frequency f ∼ 6 kHz and propagates with phase velocity comparable to ion acoustic velocity, C
s in electron diamagnetic drift direction. It is believed that the low-frequency pressure gradient-driven electromagnetic mode exhibits coupling with the lower hybrid or whistler wave.
Two-dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model with imaginary potentials and nonreciprocal couplings
Authors: Wang Jian-Dong , Li Jia-Rui , Zhang Lian-Lian , Jiang Cui , Gong Wei-Jiang
Published: July 2024

We examine the 2D-SSH model and focus on its topological states and skin effects resulting from imaginary potentials and nonreciprocal couplings. Our calculations demonstrate that inducing topological edge and corner states allows for different topological phase transitions in the 2D-SSH model. The topological phase transition is achieved by adjusting the ratio of the intercell electron hopping to the intracell electron hopping. The PT symmetry of the system is destroyed when an imaginary potential is present. If non-reciprocal effects are introduced, then skin effects will be seen. This work contributes to understanding how the interplay between imaginary potentials and nonreciprocal couplings modulates the skin effects and topological states in 2D-SSH model.
Dynamical symmetries of supersymmetric oscillators
Authors: Sinha Akash , Ghosh Aritra , Bagchi Bijan
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we describe the dynamical symmetries of classical supersymmetric oscillators in one and two spatial (bosonic) dimensions. Our main ingredient is a generalized Poisson bracket which is defined as a suitable classical counterpart to commutators and anticommutators. In one dimension, i.e., in the presence of one bosonic and one fermionic coordinate, the Hamiltonian admits a U(1, 1) symmetry for which we explicitly compute the first integrals. It is found that suitable forms of the supercharges emerge in a natural way as fermionic conserved quantities. Following this, we describe classical supercharge operators based on the generalized Poisson bracket and subsequently define supersymmetry transformations. We perform a straightforward generalization to two spatial dimensions where the Hamiltonian has an overall U(2, 2) symmetry. We comment on plausible supersymmetric generalizations of the Pais-Uhlenbeck and isotonic oscillators, and also present the possibility of defining a generalized Nambu bracket within the classical formalism.
Structural, optical, and morphological evaluation of PVA/Bi-Ni oxide-rGO nanocomposite casted films for optical devices applications
Authors: Soliman T S , Abdel-Salam Ahmed I , Morsy Mohamed , A Matar Hanan , Khalid A
Published: July 2024

Herein, the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films doped with various concentrations of Bi2O3-NiO-rGO (BNG) nanoparticles were prepared through casting method. BNG nanoparticles were synthesized first using the co-precipitation method and then loaded into the polymer matrix. Various techniques like X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and optical microscopes were used to determine the PVA’s structure after BNG nanoparticle additives. The thermal stability of the PVA’s film after the additive BNG nanoparticles was examined using the DSC technique. Furthermore, the optical parameters including bandgap energy (Eg), Urbach energy (EU), refractive index (n), optical conductivity, and optical dielectric constants were investigated via the absorbance and transmission data recorded using UV-visible spectroscopy. In addition, the photoemission spectra of the PVA matrix were determined after the inclusion of BNG nanoparticles. The Eg value decreases from 5.57 eV to 3.94 eV and from 4.8 eV to about 1.98 eV for direct and indirect transitions, respectively. While the EU value increases from 0.39 eV for pure PVA to about 3.23 eV for PVA: 4%BNG. The refractive index grows with the insertion of BNG to the PVA from 1.387 for pure PVA to about 5.157 for PVA: 4%BNG, which is a good suggestion for optical glasses applications. In addition, the increase in optical dielectric constants and optical conductivity with rising the BNG nanoparticle concentrations in the PVA matrix was confirmed. Such enhancement suggests the use of prepared samples in optical device applications.
Designing five-dimensional non-degeneracy chaotic system and its application in reversible data hiding
Authors: Ye Chunhui , Tong Xiaojun , Zhang Miao , Wang Zhu
Published: July 2024

The application of privacy protection techniques combining chaotic systems with data hiding has attracted considerable attention in recent years. However, the existing schemes have been found to be defective in terms of security and embedding capacity. This paper proposes a construction method for a 5-dimensional non-degeneracy chaotic system (5D-NDCS) to address the shortcomings of the previous approach. The 5D-NDCS possesses five positive Lyapunov exponents, and each dimension can generate chaotic sequences with strong randomness. Utilizing the pseudo-random sequence generated by the 5D-NDCS to encrypt the compressed image can enhance the security of the encrypted image. Subsequently, this paper introduces a joint bit-plane compression (JBPC) algorithm, which is based on the chaotic system and pixel value prediction technique. This algorithm effectively utilizes the pixel correlation of the original image to compress the bit sequence sufficiently, thereby reserving the hiding space. Finally, this paper proposes a reversible data hiding in encrypted images (RDHEI) scheme that supports multiple data hiders, based on the JBPC algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate the scheme’s advantages in terms of embedding rate, security, and fault tolerance.
Stretching and folding analysis of fluid based on covariance method
Authors: Wei Zeming , Wang Boxuan
Published: July 2024

Fluid in a turbulent state will be continuously stretched and folded, and the boundaries of fluid elements will grow exponentially, leading to an intense mixing process between different regions. However, most studies focus on the fluid’s stretching process, and the definition of folding still needs to be clarified. In this paper, the covariance method is extended to study the nonlinear deformation of fluid. First, particle sets are used to characterize the fluid elements, and the evolution of particle sets could reflect the deformation process of fluid. Then, the stretching and folding degrees of fluid are defined based on the statistical parameters of the particle sets. Finally, the extended covariance method is applied to the double gyre and the flow around the square cylinder, and the results show that the stretching process dominates the early stage of fluid deformation, and the fluid in high stretching regions has a higher probability of folding. Importantly, the nonlinear stretching regions with high non-affine deformation-low folding properties are identified, and the spurious folding caused by nonlinear stretching is eliminated. In summary, the extended covariance method shows great potential in the nonlinear deformation analysis of fluid, contributing to a deeper understanding of transport and mixing.
Finite-time funnel synchronization control based on distributed observer for multi-motor driving systems with input saturation
Authors: Huang Xin , Liu Cheng-Lin , Shan Liang
Published: July 2024

In this article, the finite-time synchronization control problem is developed for multi-motor driving systems with input saturation. A radial basis function (RBF) neural network is utilized to estimate the unknown uncertainties and the disturbances. In contrast to current control strategies, this study proposes a new approach that utilizes a finite-time distributed observer to estimate the reference signal and then uses the estimated signal to design a synchronization controller, which effectively separates the tracking problem from the synchronous controller design. Furthermore, a funnel function is constructed to actualize the state constraints and confine the synchronization error within a specified boundary. Then, a finite-time funnel control protocol is proposed to ensure that each motor follows the estimated reference signal. Eventually, we illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method through a numerical example.
Investigation of capacitive deionization process parameters on salt adsorption capacity via experimental design approach
Authors: Açıkgül Demet , Duranoğlu Dilek
Published: July 2024

Process parameters of Capacitive Deionization (CDI) was investigated and optimized in this study. The effect of adsorption period (7–13 min), flow rate (5–20 ml min−1), and NaCl concentration (2–22 mM) on salt adsorption capacity was examined via Box-Behnken experimental design approach. A quadratic regression model (R2 = 0.9987) was developed, revealing significant individual and binary effects between process parameters and salt adsorption capacity. The ANOVA results demonstrated its high significance with the p-value<0.0001. Optimal conditions varied with salt concentration, indicating significant interactions between the parameters. Maximum salt adsorption capacity occurred at 5 ml min−1 flow rate and 13 min adsorption period for 22 mM NaCl, whereas for 12 mM and 2 mM NaCl concentrations, maximum adsorption capacity was obtained at the flow rate of 20 ml min−1 and duration of 13 min. This study provided deep insights into CDI modelling and optimization, crucial for water treatment advancements.
X-ray diffraction profile analysis of green synthesized ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Mathumba Penny , Bilibana Mawethu P , Olatunde Olalekan C , Onwudiwe Damian C
Published: July 2024

ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared through a plant-extract mediated hydrothermal synthesis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirmed the crystalline nature and the phase characteristic of the obtained nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction profile analysis models such as Williamson–Hall analysis, size-strain plot and Rietveld analysis were further used in evaluating the microstructural parameters of the obtained materials. The calculated particle size for all the models was in great agreement, with values in the range of 55.46–87.6 nm recorded for ZnO, while for TiO2, the crystallite size was in the range of 33.82–41.9 nm. The calculated crystal microstrain varied based on the model, while the stress in the ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles was evaluated at 3.8 and 13.7 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, TiO2 nanoparticles had a higher energy density of 8.96 × 10–8 KJ m−3 compared to 7.12 × 10–8 KJ m−3 obtained for ZnO.
Sensitivity changes of US maize yields to extreme heat through timely precipitation patterns
Authors: Zhao Haidong , Zhang Lina , Wan Nenghan , Avenson Tom J , Welch Stephen M , Lin Xiaomao
Published: July 2024

Warm temperatures due to increases of greenhouse gas emissions have changed temperature distribution patterns especially for their extremes, which negatively affect crop yields. However, the assessment of these negative impacts remains unclear when surface precipitation patterns are shifted. Using a statistical model along with 23,944 county-year maize-yield data during 1981–2020 in the US Corn Belt, we found that the occurrence of timely precipitation reduced the sensitivity of maize yields to extreme heat by an average of 20% during the growing season with variations across phenological periods. Spatially across the US corn belt, maize in the northern region exhibited more significant benefits from timely precipitation compared to the southern region, despite the pronounced negative effects of extreme heat on yields in cooler regions. This study underscores the necessity of incorporating timely precipitation as a pivotal factor in estimating heat effects under evolving climates, offering valuable insights into complex climate-related challenges.
Effect of R410a coolant on tool wear, dimensional deviation and surface roughness in turning of AISI 1045 steel
Authors: Khalaj Gholamreza , Haghparast Mohammad-Javad , Salari Mohammad-Sadegh , Motahari Alireza
Published: July 2024

Friction between the tool and the workpiece during machining operations always increases the tool wear rate. Removing this problem by using fluids and cooling the tools is essential. In this research, the effects of two cooling conditions: Water Soluble Cutting Oil (WSCO) fluid and R410a coolant, on the tool wear rate, dimensional deviation and surface roughness of AISI 1045 steel (CK45) in turning with a high-speed steel (HSS) tool were investigated. The selected parameters were cutting speeds of 15, 25, 40 and 55 m min−1, cutting depths of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mm and feed rates of 0.05, 0.12 and 0.2 mm rev−1. The results show that cooling by R410a coolant reduces the tool wear rate due to its high cooling power and better temperature control at the cutting zone compared to WSCO fluid. Based on the minimums of tool wear, dimensional deviation and surface roughness in different conditions, using R410a coolant can increase the cutting speed by 60% from 25 to 40 m min−1. Also, in the optimal condition at a cutting speed of 40 m min−1, cutting depth of 1 mm and feed rate of 0.05 mm rev−1., tool wear, dimensional deviation and surface roughness are reduced by up to 20, 6 and 10 times respectively. In the optimal condition, the dimensional deviation based on the diameter difference along 300 mm is reduced to 14 μm and also the tool wear rate and surface roughness after 60 min of turning are reduced to 20 and 3.1 μm respectively. The effect of each input variable on tool wear, dimensional deviation and surface roughness was calculated by statistical analysis and was validated by ANOVA.
Tissue-like interfacing of planar electrochemical organic neuromorphic devices
Authors: Rana Daniela , Kim Chi-hyeong , Wang Meijing , Cicoira Fabio , Santoro Francesca
Published: July 2024

Electrochemical organic neuromorphic devices (ENODes) are rapidly developing as platforms for computing, automation, and biointerfacing. Resembling short- and long-term synaptic plasticity is a key characteristic in creating functional neuromorphic interfaces that showcase spiking activity and learning capabilities. This potentially enables ENODes to couple with biological systems, such as living neuronal cells and ultimately the brain. Before coupling ENODes with the brain, it is worth investigating the neuromorphic behavior of ENODes when they interface with electrolytes that have a consistency similar to brain tissue in mechanical properties, as this can affect the modulation of ion and neurotransmitter diffusion. Here, we present ENODEs based on different PEDOT:PSS formulations with various geometries interfacing with gel-electrolytes loaded with a neurotransmitter to mimic brain-chip interfacing. Short-term plasticity and neurotransmitter-mediated long-term plasticity have been characterized in contact with diverse gel electrolytes. We found that both the composition of the electrolyte and the PEDOT:PSS formulation used as gate and channel material play a crucial role in the diffusion and trapping of cations that ultimately modulate the conductance of the transistor channels. It was shown that paired pulse facilitation can be achieved in both devices, while long-term plasticity can be achieved with a tissue-like soft electrolyte, such as agarose gel electrolyte, on spin-coated ENODes. Our work on ENODe-gel coupling could pave the way for effective brain interfacing for computing and neuroelectronic applications.
Black Diaspora and Media Use
Authors: Ogunyemi Ola
Published: July 2024

The article contributes to the understanding of the historically evolving and contemporary nature of how Black diasporas make use of the media.It examines how diaspora was appropriated to describe Black diasporas and their lived experiences in retaining the memory of the homeland and identity formation in their new environment. Drawing on the prism of physical and psychological dimensions of Black diaspora enables us to gain an insight into how diasporic media not only perform connective and orientation roles, that have received dominant attention in scholarly studies, but also perform entertainment/lifestyle and advocacy roles. These roles have been repurposed for online platforms as new media technology requires journalists to reimagine what constitutes the Black press in the new media age. Literature shows that Black diasporas are active audiences judging by their high educational attainment and media literacy. Hence, there is a need to focus on the motivations that drive their media consumption by using the concept of uses and gratifications to elucidate how Black diasporas engage with the media to meet their information, entertainment, and education needs.

The article observes that scholars of Black diasporas employ methodological pluralism, that is, finding value in a variety of sources of information, to address the complexity of issues about Black diasporas and their media use. It concludes by highlighting some areas where there is a need for more research and some areas that have been overlooked in the literature. Filling these gaps in future research will enhance the understanding of Black diasporas and their media use in the 21st century.
Green Criminology and Biodiversity Loss: Crimes and Harms against Flora and Fauna
Authors: van Uhm Daan
Published: July 2024

Biodiversity is essential for the well-being of the world but has been declining at an alarming rate in the 20th and 21st centuries. An important threat to biodiversity consists of criminal and harmful activities against the environment. Biodiversity crime refers to illicit and unlawful acts or serious harms that pressure biological entities, including individuals and populations of species and their habitats, as well as the ecosystem’s functions and the services it supports and generates. A green criminological perspective, in which environmental crimes are approached from an extended principle of harm that encompasses adverse effects on human and non-human victims, serves to understand actors, legal–illegal interfaces, and harms behind biodiversity crimes. Flora and fauna crime groups are not homogeneous but include organized crime groups, corporate crime groups, and disorganized crime groups; they utilize different approaches and become involved in different flora and fauna markets. The legal–illegal dynamics of the market facilitate the laundering of flora and fauna, and some biodiversity crimes converge with other forms of crime, including drugs, arms, and sex trafficking. The harms linked to biodiversity crimes are illustrated by forced displacement, land-grabbing, and gross human rights abuses, including forced labor, and severe threats to workers’ health and safety. Biodiversity crimes are also connected to tragic and incalculable ecological consequences, since biodiversity decline alters key processes important to the productivity and sustainability of Earth’s ecosystems, and further loss will rapidly accelerate change in ecosystem processes.
Commercial Laws of the Indian Ocean, 1400–1800 CE
Authors: Kooria Mahmood
Published: July 2024

Laws pertaining to commercial transactions in the Indian Ocean littoral emerged from diverse regional, political, religious, and philosophical orientations. While Muslim merchants dominated the oceanic waters up to the 15th century, European regimes attempted to assert their supremacy from the 16th century onward through various strategies such as treaty-making, diplomacy, and war. In both eras, a diverse array of legal systems contributed to the commercial frameworks in the oceanic littoral. These frameworks derived mainly from Islamic, Hindu, Christian, European, and Arabian legal systems, but regional and transregional Malay, Javanese, Indic, Persian, and Swahili frameworks also played a significant role. Jurists, rulers, companies, and traders from these various backgrounds made the commercial legal sphere of the Indian Ocean very complex and diverse, rooted in a long tradition yet breaking away from it with new forms, devices, institutions, and structures. While very few scholars have focused on the intricacies of commercial law in the Indian Ocean world between 1400 and 1800, the sources on this topic from multiple languages, regions, and collections are very extensive.
Women in Botswana
Authors: LaRocco Annette A.
Published: July 2024

Botswana is a stable, multiparty democracy often lauded as an “African miracle.” Despite the optimistic discourse, scholars have critiqued this characterization along numerous lines, including by noting the ambiguous status of women in the country. While making some strides in education and the private sector, Botswana lags behind its regional neighbors in terms of women's political representation. Moreover, for most of precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial history, women occupied an explicitly inferior position in law and society. It is only since the late 1980s that women in Botswana have been able to challenge their formal legal subservience to men, largely due to pressure from an active women’s movement. However, gender-oriented civil society (like all civil society in Botswana) has been impacted by a lack of donor funding since the country’s classification as being middle income, leading some to argue that the movement has been weakened. The government, while less recalcitrant than in years past, does not strongly prioritize gender equality outside of discursive support for gender mainstreaming and women’s economic empowerment. In fact, its approach can be described as largely gender-neutral and opposed to “special treatment,” with a reluctance to view the state as having a role in leveling the playing field. This is despite pervasive obstacles women continue to face in social, cultural, and political contexts.
Urban Health in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Galvão Luiz , Caiaffa Waleska Teixeira , Rocha Solimar Carnavalli , Liese Bernhard
Published: July 2024

Urbanization can enhance the quality of life in cities and promote healthy living conditions. Unfortunately, according to the World Health Organization, 24% of urban populations live in unhealthy slums, making early intervention and public policies imperative. While urban areas have the advantage of access to essential services like transportation and healthcare, inadequate planning can lead to health issues.

Rural populations also face challenges accessing safe drinking water and sanitation, leading to unequal distribution of drinking-water quality. Climate change exacerbates these issues, resulting in conflicts, social and economic instability, and adverse environmental and public health effects. Additionally, population growth and improved water access have intensified wastewater treatment problems, and waste generation remains a significant issue in Latin America. Homeless communities in urban areas are particularly vulnerable to crises like COVID-19 and climate change. Access to healthcare is crucial for urban health, but half of the population lacks this access, leading to poverty due to healthcare expenses. Promoting social equity through healthcare access is vital.

The United Nations recognizes the devastating impact of COVID-19 and calls for a transformative approach to rebuild economies that prioritize social equity and environmental sustainability. Sustainable development policies can combat poverty, hunger, climate change, and environmental degradation. The Barcelona Institute for Global Health has developed a framework that connects healthy urban development to the sustainable development goals, emphasizing intersectoral work, health equity, and data quality. However, COVID-19 has severely affected the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Research in Brazil and Latin America reveals that economic segregation and inequality contribute to higher homicide rates and lower life expectancy. Effective urban policies can improve population health, and understanding the factors that impact elderly health can lead to better planning for active aging and reducing health disparities.

Successful approaches to research and addressing urban health issues involve interdisciplinary collaboration among academia, public and private sectors, and communities. Policies that impact health, with particular attention to the social, economic, and urban determinants of health in urban areas, are essential. The aim of the authors of this article, as public health researchers, is to identify targets for large-scale policy interventions in these areas.

The Belo Horizonte Observatory for Urban Health was founded in 2002 through a process led by the local university and health services to bring together academics and public sector services as part of a broader agenda to strengthen local and national health systems. This model could be a modern approach to Urban Health and play a central role in the current global health challenges.
Popular Culture and World Politics
Authors: Hozić Aida , Davies Matt
Published: July 2024

Popular culture covers a wide range of cultural products, practices, and industries, embraced by the public, immersed in everyday life, and both structuring of and structured by politics. Despite the ubiquity of pop-culture objects and their obvious and frequent use for political purposes, the discipline of International Relations (IR) had long remained aloof to its potential to illuminate world politics. But in the 21st century, studies of popular culture as a site for politics have proliferated in IR. With some important exceptions, most of this work, in both critical and pedagogical genres, initially looked for representations of themes, problems, or actors in popular culture texts—warfare in video games or diplomacy in Star Trek, for example, or genres as exemplifying concepts from IR. Both theoretically and in terms of subject matters, the scholarship of popular culture has since significantly expanded, uncovering the potential of popular culture to illuminate and even alter prevailing power relations. And yet, despite these new openings and a much wider range of engagements with popular culture, including its production as a mode of IR scholarship, certain limitations—indicative of the discipline’s own persistent bounds—remain. While the abundance and accessibility of cultural products in global circulation—from K-pop to Turkish soap operas and from memes to artificial intelligence–generated art—may not have been greater, the shape and political orientation of the communities that they will create are yet to be determined.