bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Closing the Loop: Advances in Materials, Energy, and Waste Management
Authors: Bharadwaj Gaurav , Chopde Sushil , Taluja Resham , Lalitha G. , Chandrashekar Rakesh , Dhahi Hasan Ali
Published: December 2023

The notion of “closing the loop” has become a fundamental principle in contemporary society, particularly within the context of sustainable and circular systems. This abstract examines the notable progress achieved in the field of materials science, energy management, and waste reduction methods, all of which play a crucial role in the attainment of a more environmentally conscious and resource-efficient future. The field of materials science has experienced significant advancements, characterised by a notable transition towards the utilisation of sustainable and recyclable materials. The manufacturing and consuming sectors are undergoing significant transformations due to the emergence of many innovations, including biodegradable plastics, smart materials, and the study of innovative composites. These advancements are playing a crucial role in redefining the current landscape of these industries. By incorporating principles of durability, reusability, and recyclability into the design of materials, we are effectively mitigating our dependence on finite resources and mitigating the environmental impact of products. Alongside advancements in materials, the field of energy management has emerged as a prominent focus. The incorporation of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and grid optimisation is revolutionising the methods by which energy is produced, distributed, and consumed. These technological advancements not only serve to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases but also facilitate the achievement of energy self-sufficiency and enhance the ability to withstand and adapt to climate-related adversities. As we explore these notable developments, we uncover the interconnections among materials, energy, and waste management. The convergence of these fields illustrates that a comprehensive approach to sustainability is not just attainable but necessary. Through the integration of these advancements, there is not only a mitigation of environmental consequences but also a promotion of economic growth, the creation of employment opportunities, and the enhancement of societal well-being.
From Waste to Worth Management: A Comprehensive Intelligent Approach to Resource Utilization and Waste Minimization
Authors: Sharma Neha , Ingole Sunil , Pokhariya Hemant Singh , Parmar Ashish , Shilpa K. , Reddy Uma , Hussny Hanan Askar
Published: December 2023

In a period characterised by increasing apprehensions about the environment and limited resources, the need to shift from a linear and inefficient model to a circular and sustainable one is of utmost importance. The publication titled ‘From Waste to Worth: A Comprehensive Approach to Resource Utilisation and Waste Minimization’ delves into the complex interrelationships among materials, energy, and waste management. This detailed analysis explores the importance of achieving closed-loop systems in our economic and industrial sectors, with a particular focus on optimising resources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing waste-to-wealth projects. This comprehensive review explores the fundamental principles and technologies that constitute the foundation for the conversion of waste materials into useful resources. The exploration of several aspects, such as sustainable materials, recycling, circular design, advanced energy-efficient technologies, and waste-to-energy innovations, is conducted with painstaking attention to detail. The practical implications of sustainable practises can be observed in various areas, such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and technology, hence highlighting their real effects. The manuscript emphasises the pressing need to tackle environmental concerns and emphasises the necessity of joint endeavours including governments, companies, and communities in order to promote a circular economy. The publication titled ‘From trash to Worth’ provides a comprehensive guide towards achieving a sustainable and economically prosperous future. It emphasises the conversion of trash into valuable resources, the optimisation of resource utilisation, and the preservation of the environment for future generations.
Virtual Vistas: Exploring the Evolution of E-Design and Virtual Design for Sustainable Assessment
Authors: Goud K. Anand , Sharma Smita , Meheta Ankit , Kanday Rajeev , Tyagi Lalit Kumar , Chandrashekar Rakesh , Alkhafaji Mohammed Ayad
Published: December 2023

Over the past few years, the disciplines of E-Design and Virtual Design have experienced significant advancements, leading to transformative changes in our understanding, production, and engagement with digital environments. This abstract offers a look into our extensive investigation of this shift, as we delve into the various aspects that have influenced the virtual design field. Our study employs a comprehensive methodology that incorporates historical analysis, technological progress, and the diverse range of applications of E-Design and Virtual Design across different sectors. This study explores the historical trajectory of digital design, examining its evolution from first experimentation to its present level of advanced complexity. This paper examines the significant impact of technology on the creative process, specifically exploring the transformative influence of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and immersive 3D modelling. This study investigates the influence of these technologies on architectural design, gaming, education, and healthcare, with a focus on the significant advancements that have arisen. Also,, we analyse the societal and cultural ramifications of virtual design, encompassing concerns related to accessibility, ethics, and sustainability. As we contemplate the future, we engage in speculation regarding the different trajectories that this continuously developing discipline may pursue. Our focus lies specifically on the convergence of virtual and physical areas, and the accompanying difficulties and opportunities that arise from this integration.
Flowing Futures: Innovations in WASH for Sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Authors: Kumar G. Mahesh , Chaturvedi Prateek , Rao A. Kakoli , Vyas Manish , Sethi Vandana Arora , Swathi B. , Jabbar Kadim A.
Published: December 2023

The future of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) entails a combination of urgent difficulties and unparalleled prospects. In the pursuit of achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation, together with the promotion of sanitary practises, innovation has emerged as a crucial driver for sustainable advancement within the global society. The present study, entitled “Flowing Futures: Innovations in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) for Sustainable Provision of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene,” examines the ever-changing terrain of WASH by examining novel approaches, with the ultimate goal of visualising a future in which all individuals have equal and fair access to these essential human entitlements. This study focuses on the convergence of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) with technology, emphasising advancements in water purification, sanitation infrastructure, and interventions targeting behaviour change. This study investigates the impact of recent improvements in data analytics, remote sensing, and smart infrastructure on the monitoring and management of water resources. These technological developments have the potential to significantly improve efficiency and enable prompt response during times of crisis. Also, the initiative known as “Flowing Futures” places significant emphasis on the importance of community-led strategies, acknowledging that the establishment of sustainable solutions is contingent upon local empowerment and active participation. This study examines many case studies from different geographical areas, demonstrating the significant effects of participatory programmes that enable communities to assume responsibility for their water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. These initiatives also promote a sense of stewardship towards the environment.
Unveiling Ethereum’s Future: LSTM-Based Price Prediction and a Systematic Blockchain Analysis
Authors: Likhitha B. Bhavya , Raj C.H. Akshay , Ul Islam Mir Salim
Published: December 2023

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a revolutionary innovation that has been replacing traditional finances and enthralling the worldwide technology landscape. This has gained a lot of popularity worldwide for its potential to enable peer-to-peer transactions and offer opportunities for investment and novelty. Nevertheless, it gives rise to issues concerning regulatory adherence, instability, and security apprehensions, turning them into a topic of continuous evaluation and investigation within the fields of finance and technology. This research paper presents a comprehensive exploration of the historical evolution of “Ethereum” as one of the leading blockchain platforms, with a primary focus on price prediction using a long-short-term memory (LSTM) machine learning model. The study includes various critical aspects of Ethereum, starting from its historical evolution to its potential future scope in scaling solutions and payments, and also covering the insights of Ethereum’s tokenomics, utility, and beyond. In addition, the methodology involves using the LSTM model to analyze data from Ethereum. The accuracy of price predictions is assessed by evaluating error metrics and further improved by visualizing the data through graphs that show indicators. This paper gives an in-depth perspective for anyone who is seeking a holistic understanding of cryptocurrencies, mainly concentrated on Ethereum, and also provides valuable guidance to investors, developers, and enthusiasts, encouraging them to make knowledgeable decisions in the everchanging blockchain ecosystem.
Connecting the Unconnected: Bridging the Digital Divide with Affordable Satellite Through Enabled Smartphones
Authors: Akhtar M.D. Samir , Mathur Gauri , Kravchenko Oleg , Rakhra Manik
Published: December 2023

In the current digital era, having connection to the internet is essential for economic opportunities, education, and communication. However, there is unequal access to these digital resources due to the ongoing global problem of the “digital divide”. In order to close this gap, this project investigates the creation of a satellite-connected, reasonably priced smartphone. Traditional terrestrial networks have their limitations, especially in isolated and rural locations where it can be difficult to access the internet. Furthermore, communication in metropolitan areas is hampered by worries about radiation from cellular towers. This method overcomes the constraints of conventional terrestrial networks to provide internet access to even the most remote locations by outfitting smartphones with satellite communication capabilities. This technology not only offers economic opportunities, education, and basic services, but it also lessens the need for traditional cellular towers in crowded places, which may allay worries about radiation exposure from towers. The study highlights how crucial it is to overcome technological obstacles, work with manufacturers, develop encouraging regulations, and run awareness efforts in order to promote the adoption of this ground-breaking strategy. The main conclusions indicate that, in addition to addressing connection and health issues, reasonably priced smartphones with satellite connectivity can make a substantial contribution toward bridging the digital divide and helping urban and impoverished communities. This study makes a very clear point: adopting smartphones with satellite capabilities can open the door to a more connected and just digital society.
Optoelectronic behavior of some spinel oxides for sustainable engineering
Authors: Karthika  , Srivastava Vipul
Published: December 2023

Spinel oxides have a pivotal role in material science due to their structural, electrical, magnetic and optical properties, rendering them essential for wide range of applications. Spinel oxides, characterized by their spinel crystal structure, belong to a group of inorganic compounds with a general chemical formula of AB2O4, where A and B represent distinct metal ions. These compounds are frequently encountered in minerals, rocks, and soils, and their versatility makes them invaluable in numerous domains, including catalysis, energy storage, electronics, and ceramics. This paper briefly reports existing fascinating structural, opto-electronic properties of some spinel oxides, to understand electronic band structure, density of states and optical properties such as dielectric function, refractive index, absorption, reflectivity and optical conductivity for their applications in engineering devices. Basically, spinel compounds have physical properties such as high reflectivity, high melting point, high strength and chemical resistivity at elevated temperatures as well as low electrical loss. Therefore, we have made an attempt to showcase considered properties of these materials at one place.
The Nobel Prize in Physics 2023
Authors: Dombi Peter , Schultze Martin
Published: December 2023

The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Pierre Agostini of Ohio State University, Ferenc Krausz of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics and the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich and Anne L’Huillier of the Lund University for "experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter". The Prize acknowledges the tremendous experimental progress in the past 35 years that eventually enabled the investigation of the fastest electron transition processes in atoms, molecules and solids by using state-of-the-art femtosecond laser technology. As a result, a new field of research emerged and shortly after the establishment of the field of femtochemistry, attophysics came of age.
Research infrastructure for nano foundries and fine analysis
Authors: Rossi Giorgio
Published: December 2023

The research infrastructure for Nano Foundries and Fine Analysis (NFFA) was designed under FP7 to become a European research infrastructure on nanoscience based on integrated access of co-located foundry-type nanoscience laboratories and large-scale facilities for fine analysis. Those facilities are generally not mutually integrated nor run by the same organisations, albeit co-located in key European science campuses.
A Mathematical Model Of Transient Adjustments During Renal Autoregulation
Authors: Hutchins P. M. , Thurstone F. L.
Published: December 2023

This report describes a model that may be used in the evaluation of the mechanism(s) of action engaged in renal autoregulation of blood flow. This model was derived from both the steady-state and transient behavior of the renal autoregulatory response. The response computed by an analog computer simulation of the model compared favorably to those observed in experimental animals.
Model validation method by considering uncertainty for numerical simulation
Authors: REN Chengkun , XIONG Fenfen , WANG Yuanhao , LI Na , JIANG Bo , GUO Zhiping
Published: December 2023

There is a great amount of uncertainties in the whole life cycle of a flight vehicle, which can induce anon-negligible uncertainty in the numerical simulation output, then the model validation of the numerical simulation is the premise of design optimization. Lots of researches on the uncertainty quantification (UQ) of numerical simulation has been carried out. However, literature has rarely seen works about performing scientific model parameter correction by using the results of UQ and establishing a closed-loop procedure of numerical simulation model validation in a systematic way. Therefore, a numerical simulation model validation method by considering uncertainties is proposed, and a model parameter correction approach based on high-quality small samples is developed, and then a closed-loop model validation process composed by uncertainty quantification, global sensitivity analysis, and parameter correction strategy to provide a scientific and systematic procedure for constructing high-fidelity numerical simulations is established. The effectiveness and advantages of the model validation method is verified through airfoil simulation.
Evaluation method of filling difficulty for profile ring rolling cavity based on FEM and RSM
Authors: HU Yang , LIU Dong , YANG Yanhui , WANG Jianguo , LYU Nan , RAO Haodong
Published: December 2023

During the rolling process of profile ring, the design of the rolling cavity directly affects the forming quality of the final ring. In order to improve the cavity filling rate and reduce the production cycle time, this paper proposes a general evaluation method of the filling difficulty for profile ring rolling cavity by combining the response surface method(RSM) and the finite element method(FEM) with the step-type ring as the research object. Firstly, a universally applicable design method for profile ring rolling cavity is proposed, and based on the description of the rolling cavity, three design variables and a corresponding response objective are defined to achieve multi-objective optimization. Secondly, a finite element model of this step-type ring rolling process is established, and the response model is built and improved by significance analysis and analysis of variance(ANOVA) based on the forming simulation results. Then, the effects of different variables on the optimization objectives are comprehensively investigated by this response model. Finally, the evaluation method of the filling difficulty for profile ring rolling cavity is obtained by combining the contour plot of the response objective.
Evolutionary game of digital decision-making in supply chains based on system dynamics
Authors: Zhao Dan , Wang Xiaofei
Published: December 2023

This paper primarily focuses on whether supply chains enterprises adopt a digital strategy and the impact of various government measures on supply chain digital decision-making. The study develops a multi-agent decision-making evolutionary game model to examine the stability of decision-making among the government, suppliers, and manufacturers. Additionally, a system dynamics model is established to analyze the governing dynamics within the supply chain’s digital decision-making process, identifying characteristic patterns and trends. The analytical results of this study illustrate the government’s strength thresholds exist regardless of ex-part penalties or the mix of rewards and punishment. Once the government’s strength exceeds these thresholds, the evolutionary game system undergoes abrupt changes. Suppliers and manufacturers who adopt digital strategies are more affected by government penalties than incentives. The stronger the mix of government incentives and penalties, the higher the incentives for the supplier and the manufacturer to adopt a digital strategy, but the lower the incentives for the government to choose a regulatory strategy. Low-intensity mixed rewards and punishments, as well as low-intensity government rewards, are effective mechanisms for promoting government decision-making and supervision. Conversely, high government penalties do not motivate governments to choose regulatory strategies. The unit cost of products to deploy digital strategies directly affects the final digital strategy choice of supply chain enterprises. To choose a digital strategy, supply chain companies must ensure that the unit cost of products remains within a reasonable range.
Evaluation of the “Neonatal Sequential Organ Failure
Assessment” to Predict Mortality in Late-Onset Sepsis in Very Preterm
Infants
Authors: Kraja Elvis , Demirtas Ferhan , Kostekci Yasemin Ezgi , Turker Nazmiye , Okulu Emel , Erdeve Ömer , Atasay Begum , Arsan Saadet
Published: December 2023

Introduction We aimed to evaluate the use of “Neonatal Sequential
Organ Failure Assessment” (nSOFA) scoring in predicting mortality, to
compare the accuracy of nSOFA scores at different time points in very preterm
infants with late-onset sepsis (LOS), and to investigate other possible
parameters that would improve the prediction.

Methods This single-center, retrospective study included preterm infants
born atS<32 weeks’ gestation with culture-proven LOS. The nSOFA
scores of non-fatal and fatal episodes were compared at nine time points.

Results Of 120 culture-proven LOS episodes in 106 infants, 90
(75%) episodes were non-fatal and 30 (25%) episodes were fatal.
The mean birth weight (BW) of the infants who died was lower than that of
survivors (p=0.038). In the fatal LOS episodes, median nSOFA scores were
higher at all time points measured before sepsis evaluation, at the time of
evaluation, and at all time points measured after the evaluation
(p<0.001). nSOFA scores before death and at 48 hours were higher in the
fatal episodes (p<0.001). At the time of sepsis assessment, nSOFA
score>4 was associated with a 7- to 16-fold increased risk of mortality.
Adjustment for BW, lymphocyte and monocyte counts increased the risk to 9- to
18-fold.

Conclusion This study demonstrated that the use of nSOFA to predict
mortality and morbidity in extremely preterm infants seems feasible. The scoring
system could be improved by evaluating the other parameters.
Therapien zur Verbesserung der Schlaganfall-Regeneration –
Ergebnisse klinischer Studien im wissenschaftlichen Kontext
Authors: Rogalewski Andreas , Schäbitz Wolf
Published: December 2023

Zu den Erholungsprozessen nach einem Schlaganfall gehören die
Wiederherstellung oder Kompensation von Funktionen, die ursprünglich
verloren gingen oder nach einer Verletzung neu erworben wurden. Therapeutische
Eingriffe können diese Prozesse entweder direkt verbessern oder Prozesse
hemmen, die die Regeneration behindern. Zahlreiche experimentelle Studien
ließen auf eine große Chance für solche Behandlungen
hoffen, doch die Ergebnisse der jüngsten großen klinischen
Studien mit Neuromodulatoren wie Dopamin und Fluoxetin waren leider
enttäuschend. Die Gründe dafür sind vielfältig
und betreffen die Übertragung der Ergebnisse aus Tiermodellen auf den
Menschen. Diese Translationsblockade wird durch Unterschiede zwischen Tier und
Mensch in Bezug auf den genetischen und epigenetischen Hintergrund, die
Größe und Anatomie des Gehirns, die zerebrale
Gefäßanatomie, das Immunsystem sowie die klinische Funktion und
das Verhalten definiert. Zu den Rückwärtsblockaden
gehört die inkompatible Anpassung von Zielen und Ergebnissen in
klinischen Studien im Hinblick auf frühere präklinische
Erkenntnisse. So variiert beispielsweise das Design der klinischen
Regenerationsstudien stark und war durch die Auswahl unterschiedlicher
klinischer Endpunkte, die Einbeziehung eines breiten Spektrums von
Schlaganfall-Subtypen und klinischen Syndromen sowie durch unterschiedliche
Zeitfenster für den Behandlungsbeginn nach Infarktbeginn gekennzeichnet.
Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit diskutiert diese Aspekte anhand der
Ergebnisse der letzten Schlaganfall-Regenerationsstudien mit dem Ziel, einen
Beitrag zur Entwicklung einer Therapie zu leisten, die das funktionelle Ergebnis
eines chronischen Schlaganfallpatienten verbessert.
Electroencephalographic Changes in Pregnant Women with Hyperemesis
Gravidarum: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Çelik Meryem Nur , Aldemir Ramazan , Sürmeli Reyhan , Kale İbrahim , Tokmakçı Mahmut , Muhcu Murat
Published: December 2023

Objective Electroencephalogram (EEG), which is frequently used in the
clinical practice of neurology, has also been investigated in eating disorders
and some cortical dysfunctions have been reported. Based on this, we aimed to
investigate EEG changes in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG).

Materials and methods This case-control study was conducted on 66 pregnant
women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study group consisted of 34 pregnant women
diagnosed with HEG. The control group consisted of 32 healthy pregnant women who
were matched with the HEG group in terms of age and gestational week. EEGs of
the participants were performed with a Micromed Brain Rapid EEG device in the
Neurology Department of Umraniye Training and Research Hospital. In EEGs, all
channels were selected as bipolar and samples of 18 channels (Fp2-F4, F4-C4,
C4-P4, P4-O2, Fp2-F8, F8-T4, T4-T6, T6-O2, Fz-Cz, Cz-Pz, Fp1-F3, F3-C3, C3-P3,
P3-O1, Fp1-F7, F7-T3, T3-T5, and T5-O1) were obtained. EEG signals were sampled
with a sampling frequency of 200 Hz and digitized with 12-bit
resolution. EEG signals were converted to EDF (European Data Format) extension
files using the MATLAB software program and analyzed using statistical features
on the time and frequency axis. HEG and control groups were compared in terms of
signals obtained from these 18 selected channels.

Results Both groups were similar in terms of mean age, gestational age,
and parity (p>0.05). Among the 18 channels, significant changes were
detected between the two groups only in the theta, beta, and gamma bands in the
C4-P4 channel and the delta, beta, and gamma bands in the T4-T6 channel
(p<0.05). No significant changes were detected in the channels and
bands.

Conclusion Theta, beta, and gamma band abnormalities in the
centro-parietal area of the right hemisphere and delta, beta, and gamma band
abnormalities in the temporal area of the right hemisphere were observed on HEG.
However, it is unclear whether abnormalities in EEG are primary changes
responsible for the development of HEG or secondary to metabolic and hormonal
changes resulting from HEG itself.
Study Sheds Light on Ciliate Feeding Strategies
Authors: Ikenson Ben
Published: December 2023

Numerical simulations reveal shape and motility of planktonic particles play significant role in feeding behavior.
Electronic spectroscopy of gemcitabine and derivatives for possible dual-action photodynamic therapy applications
Authors: Abdelgawwad Abdelazim M. A. , Roca-Sanjuán Daniel , Francés-Monerris Antonio
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we explore the molecular basis of combining photodynamic therapy (PDT), a light-triggered targeted anticancer therapy, with the traditional chemotherapeutic properties of the well-known cytotoxic agent gemcitabine. A photosensitizer prerequisite is significant absorption of biocompatible light in the visible/near IR range, ideally between 600 and 1000 nm. We use highly accurate multiconfigurational CASSCF/MS-CASPT2/MM and TD-DFT methodologies to determine the absorption properties of a series of gemcitabine derivatives with the goal of red-shifting the UV absorption band toward the visible region and facilitating triplet state population. The choice of the substitutions and, thus, the rational design is based on important biochemical criteria and on derivatives whose synthesis is reported in the literature. The modifications tackled in this paper consist of: (i) substitution of the oxygen atom at O2 position with heavier atoms (O → S and O → Se) to red shift the absorption band and increase the spin–orbit coupling, (ii) addition of a lipophilic chain at the N7 position to enhance transport into cancer cells and slow down gemcitabine metabolism, and (iii) attachment of aromatic systems at C5 position to enhance red shift further. Results indicate that the combination of these three chemical modifications markedly shifts the absorption spectrum toward the 500 nm region and beyond and drastically increases spin–orbit coupling values, two key PDT requirements. The obtained theoretical predictions encourage biological studies to further develop this anticancer approach.
Calcium-based metal–organic framework as an optimized anode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Ge Yu , Gou Wenshan , Jiang Tian , Yu Anyang , Shen Kai , Fan Qi , Xu Qingyu
Published: December 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as attracting electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) suffer seriously from structural instability, leading to the fast decay of capacity. Introducing insolvable metal ion bonding strongly with functional groups into MOF may effectively stabilize the electrode and improve the Li+ ion reaction stability during the electrochemical processes. In this work, a calcium-based metal–organic framework (Ca2PMA) is synthesized by a cation exchange method and explored as an anode material for LIBs. Ca2PMA exhibits a large reversible capacity of 673.9 mAh g−1 (100 mA g−1) as well as good cycle performance. Upon activation from the first cycle to the 320th cycle at 500 mA g−1, an extremely large reversible capacity of ∼360 mAh g−1 is achieved and there is almost no capacity fading until the 800th cycle. During the activation stage, the crystalline structure of Ca2PMA deteriorates quickly to be amorphous, while the capacity continuously increases. A 14-electron redox chemistry is proposed for the Ca2PMA monomer, and the high cycle stability is attributed to the insolvable Ca2+ stabilized functional groups.
An embedded microfluidic valve for dynamic control of cellular communication
Authors: DeAngelis Mark A. , Ruder Warren C. , LeDuc Philip R.
Published: December 2023

The communication between different cell populations is an important aspect of many natural phenomena that can be studied with microfluidics. Using microfluidic valves, these complex interactions can be studied with a higher level of control by placing a valve between physically separated populations. However, most current valve designs do not display the properties necessary for this type of system, such as providing variable flow rate when embedded inside a microfluidic device. While some valves have been shown to have such tunable behavior, they have not been used for dynamic, real-time outputs. We present an electric solenoid valve that can be fabricated completely outside of a cleanroom and placed into any microfluidic device to offer control of dynamic fluid flow rates and profiles. After characterizing the behavior of this valve under controlled test conditions, we developed a regression model to determine the required input electrical signal to provide the solenoid the ability to create a desired flow profile. With this model, we demonstrated that the valve could be controlled to replicate a desired, time-varying pattern for the interface position of a co-laminar fluid stream. Our approach can be performed by other investigators with their microfluidic devices to produce predictable, dynamic fluidic behavior. In addition to modulating fluid flows, this work will be impactful for controlling cellular communication between distinct populations or even chemical reactions occurring in microfluidic channels.
An insight into the severe slugging characteristics in a catenary flexible riser
Authors: Zhu Hongjun , Hu Jie , Gao Yue , Li Wei , Li Jianan , Xu Bing
Published: December 2023

This paper reports the experimental results of the severe slugging (SS) flow characteristics in a downward inclined pipeline-catenary flexible riser system. The non-intrusive optical measurement with high-speed cameras was employed to capture the evolution of liquid slugs and the gas–liquid interface. Five SS patterns are identified in the considered flow velocity range. There are two kinds of severe slugging I (SSI-1 and SSI-2) with the essential difference in the occurrence of the fast blockage stage before the slug formation (SF) stage. The severe slugging II (SSII) is characterized with the longest liquid slug less than a riser length and the absence of slug production stage. The liquid slug is further shortened in severe slugging III (SSIII), exhibiting local liquid fallback and accumulation of multiple slugs in the riser. The severe slugging transition (SST) occurs due to the switching between the SSI-1 and SSII. The flow regime partition is plotted in the vsl (liquid superficial velocity)–vsg (gas superficial velocity) diagram, presenting alteration as the inclination angle of upstream pipeline varies. Generally, the SSI is easier to form at a higher inclination angle. The intermittent occurrence of hydrodynamic slug in the upstream pipeline in the SF stage contributes to the appearance of SSI-2 to SST. The SS cycle has approximately a negative exponent relation with vsg, while the riser base pressure changes exponentially with the increase in vsl.
Ultra-low reverse leakage in large area kilo-volt class β-Ga2O3 trench Schottky barrier diode with high-k dielectric RESURF
Authors: Roy Saurav , Kostroun Benjamin , Cooke Jacqueline , Liu Yizheng , Bhattacharyya Arkka , Peterson Carl , Sensale-Rodriguez Berardi , Krishnamoorthy Sriram
Published: December 2023

We introduce vertical Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) based on β-Ga2O3 with trench architecture, featuring a high-permittivity dielectric RESURF structure. These diodes are designed for application demanding high voltage and current capacities while maintaining ultra-low reverse leakage currents. The trench design plays a pivotal role in reducing the electric field at the metal–semiconductor junction, thereby yielding minimal reverse leakage attributed to field emission under high reverse bias conditions. Additionally, the incorporation of a high-k dielectric helps to suppress leakage through the trench bottom corner dielectric layer. The small area trench SBD (200 × 200 μm2) demonstrates a breakdown voltage exceeding 3 kV, accompanied by a reverse leakage current of less than 1 μA/cm2 at 3 kV. Moving on to larger area devices, the 1 × 1 and 2 × 2 mm2 devices exhibit breakdown voltages of 1.8 and 1.4 kV, while accommodating pulsed forward currents of 3.5 and 15 A, respectively. The capacitance, stored charge, and switching energy of the trench SBDs are also found to be less than the similarly rated commercial SiC SBDs, reinforcing their potential for enhanced switching efficiency.
Electric-field-induced ion evaporation from the ionic liquid–vacuum interface
Authors: Tao Xianzan , Jiang Xikai
Published: December 2023

We studied ion evaporation from a planar interface between the room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) and vacuum under external electric fields by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We calculated the ion evaporation rate (je) as a function of the electric field normal to the RTIL surface (En), and results under Langevin, dissipative particle dynamics (DPD), and Berendsen thermostats were compared. It was found that DPD thermostat is more suitable for simulating the ion evaporation phenomenon. We also compared results under different methods for applying the electric field (constant potential, constant charge, and constant field methods) and found that je-En curves from the three methods agree with each other. Temporal evolution of electric fields in vacuum was further analyzed, and variations of electric fields over time were traced to the induced electric field between the evaporated ion and RTIL film. This work could guide the selection of proper methods for MD simulations of electrospray in the pure ion regime and lays the foundation to study more complex electrospray phenomena using MD simulations.
Spatially modulated interface states in a two-dimensional potential: Single-layer RbI on Ag(111)
Authors: McDowell Benjamin W. , Mills Jon M. , Honda Motoaki , Nazin George V.
Published: December 2023

Alkali halides are known to exhibit interface electronic states (IES) when deposited on metal surfaces with ultra-thin coverage. Here, we examine the IES formed by sub-monolayer RbI growth on Ag(111), which exhibits spatial variations in electronic structure in surprising contrast to the results previously obtained for other alkali halides. We find that this spatially dependent behavior can be qualitatively modeled by using a two-dimensional cosine potential commensurate with the moiré superstructure, where the IES is constructed from the well-known analytical solutions to the Mathieu equation. Our results indicate this potential is more corrugated than for similar potentials reported for other alkali halides, a result of substrate–adlayer charge transfer interactions that are stronger for RbI. This two-dimensional effective potential leads to anisotropy in the effective electron mass, in surprising contrast to previous results for other alkali halides, which report a single isotropic mass.
Experimental investigation on diffusion and fountain behavior of bubble plumes in quiescent water
Authors: Li Qing , Zhang Rui , Xu Hui , Ye Han
Published: December 2023

Bubble plumes are a common phenomenon, which are simultaneously hazardous and exploitable. Diffusion and fountain behavior, regarded as significant characteristics of bubble plumes, were investigated in this experiment utilizing high-speed photography and image processing techniques within a rectangular bubble column crafted from organic glass. The diffusion, coalescence, and collapse phenomena of bubble plumes were visualized during their ascent under varying gas flow rates in quiescent water. Furthermore, the influence of gas supply pressure, flow rate, and water depth on the fountain height was examined. The research findings demonstrate that an increase in gas supply pressure and flow rate leads to a subsequent rise in fountain height once the bubble plume reaches the surface. Conversely, a reduction in the fountain height is observed with an increase in the depth of gas release. Through the application of a dimensionless analysis method, the factors influencing the fountain height were correlated, resulting in the proposal of a relationship formula for predicting fountain height. The predicted outcomes exhibited good consistency with the data reported in this experiment.
2H and 13C nuclear spin relaxation unravels dynamic heterogeneities in deep eutectic solvents of ethylene glycol, glycerol, or urea with choline chloride
Authors: Hinz Yannik , Böhmer Roland
Published: December 2023

Using deuteron spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxometry, the reorientational dynamics of ethaline (choline chloride/ethylene glycol) and reline (choline chloride/urea) are studied in a component-selective, isotope-edited manner over a wide temperature range, thereby complementing previous work on glyceline (choline chloride/glycerol). Differences in the hydrogen bond propensities effectuate that in reline and glyceline, the choline ions move faster than the hydrogen bond donors, glycerol and urea; in ethaline, the ethylene glycol molecules are reorienting faster. For glyceline and reline, the increase in the corresponding time scale ratio indicates a pronounced strengthening of the glycerol and urea networks upon cooling, while in ethaline, the time scale ratio remains essentially constant. For the three deep eutectic solvents, a comparison of the present component-selective results with the dielectric time constants shows that the latter are primarily sensitive to the dynamics of the respective hydrogen bond donors. In a Walden-type plot, the reorientation rates, selectively determined for the hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, are compared with their conductivity and fluidity, revealing that the dynamics of the choline ions relate most directly to the charge transport.
Toward determining amyloid fibril structures using experimental constraints from Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Harper Madeline , Nudurupati Uma , Workman Riley J. , Lakoba Taras I. , Perez Nicholas , Nelson Delaney , Ou Yangguang , Punihaole David
Published: December 2023

We present structural models for three different amyloid fibril polymorphs prepared from amylin20–29 (sequence SNNFGAILSS) and amyloid-β25–35 (Aβ25–35) (sequence GSNKGAIIGLM) peptides. These models are based on the amide C=O bond and Ramachandran ψ-dihedral angle data from Raman spectroscopy, which were used as structural constraints to guide molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The resulting structural models indicate that the basic structural motif of amylin20–29 and Aβ25–35 fibrils is extended β-strands. Our data indicate that amylin20–29 forms both antiparallel and parallel β-sheet fibril polymorphs, while Aβ25–35 forms a parallel β-sheet fibril structure. Overall, our work lays the foundation for using Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with MD simulations to determine detailed molecular-level structural models of amyloid fibrils in a manner that complements gold-standard techniques, such as solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and cryogenic electron microscopy.
Shear banding in monodisperse polymer melt
Authors: Peng Fan , Cao Renkuan , Nie Cui , Xu Tingyu , Li Liangbin
Published: December 2023

We performed a series of molecular dynamics simulations on monodisperse polymer melts to investigate the formation of shear banding. Under high shear rates, shear banding occurs, which is intimately accompanied by the entanglement heterogeneity. Interestingly, the same linear relationship between the end-to-end distance Ree and entanglement density Z is observed at homogeneous flow before the onset of shear banding and at the shear banding state, where Ree ∼ ln(Wi0.87)−ξ0Z is proposed as the criterion to describe the dynamic force balance of the molecular chain in flow with a high rate. Deviating from this relation leads to a force imbalance and results in the emergence of shear banding. We establish a scaling relation between the disentanglement rate Vd and the Weissenberg number Wi as Vd∼Wi0.87 for stable flow in homogeneous shear and shear banding states. The formation of shear banding prevents chains from further stretching and disentanglement. The transition from homogeneous shear to shear banding partially dissipates the increased free energy from shear and reduces the free energy of the system.
Correlation functions for confined wormlike chains
Authors: Gard Joel , Morrison Greg
Published: December 2023

Polymer models describing the statistics of biomolecules under confinement have applications to a wide range of single-molecule experimental techniques and give insight into biologically relevant processes in vivo. In this paper, we determine the transverse position and bending correlation functions for a wormlike chain confined within slits and cylinders (with one and two confined dimensions, respectively) using a mean-field approach that enforces rigid constraints on average. We show the theoretical predictions accurately capture the statistics of a wormlike chain from Monte Carlo simulations in both confining geometries for both weak and strong confinement. We also show that the longitudinal correlation function is accurately computed for a chain confined to a slit and leverages the accuracy of the model to suggest an experimental technique to infer the (often unobservable) transverse statistics from the (directly observable) longitudinal end-to-end distance.
Rotavirus-mediated DGAT1 degradation: A pathophysiological mechanism of viral-induced malabsorptive diarrhea
Authors: Liu Zheng , Smith Hunter , Criglar Jeanette M. , Valentin Antonio J. , Karandikar Umesh , Zeng Xi-Lei , Estes Mary K. , Crawford Sue E.
Published: December 2023

Gastroenteritis is among the leading causes of mortality globally in infants and young children, with rotavirus (RV) causing ~258 million episodes of diarrhea and ~128,000 deaths annually in infants and children. RV-induced mechanisms that result in diarrhea are not completely understood, but malabsorption is a contributing factor. RV alters cellular lipid metabolism by inducing lipid droplet (LD) formation as a platform for replication factories named viroplasms. A link between LD formation and gastroenteritis has not been identified. We found that diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), the terminal step in triacylglycerol synthesis required for LD biogenesis, is degraded in RV-infected cells by a proteasome-mediated mechanism. RV-infected DGAT1-silenced cells show earlier and increased numbers of LD-associated viroplasms per cell that translate into a fourfold-to-fivefold increase in viral yield (
P
< 0.05). Interestingly, DGAT1 deficiency in children is associated with diarrhea due to altered trafficking of key ion transporters to the apical brush border of enterocytes. Confocal microscopy and immunoblot analyses of RV-infected cells and DGAT1
−/−
human intestinal enteroids (HIEs) show a decrease in expression of nutrient transporters, ion transporters, tight junctional proteins, and cytoskeletal proteins. Increased phospho-eIF2α (eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha) in DGAT1
−/−
HIEs, and RV-infected cells, indicates a mechanism for malabsorptive diarrhea, namely inhibition of translation of cellular proteins critical for nutrient digestion and intestinal absorption. Our study elucidates a pathophysiological mechanism of RV-induced DGAT1 deficiency by protein degradation that mediates malabsorptive diarrhea, as well as a role for lipid metabolism, in the pathogenesis of gastroenteritis.
A Na pump with reduced stoichiometry is up-regulated by brine shrimp in extreme salinities
Authors: Artigas Pablo , Meyer Dylan J. , Young Victoria C. , Spontarelli Kerri , Eastman Jessica , Strandquist Evan , Rui Huan , Roux Benoît , Birk Matthew A. , Nakanishi Hanayo , Abe Kazuhiro , Gatto Craig
Published: December 2023

Brine shrimp (
Artemia
) are the only animals to thrive at sodium concentrations above 4 M. Salt excretion is powered by the Na
+
,K
+
-ATPase (NKA), a heterodimeric (αβ) pump that usually exports 3Na
+
in exchange for 2 K
+
per hydrolyzed ATP.
Artemia
express several NKA catalytic α-subunit subtypes. High-salinity adaptation increases abundance of α2
KK
, an isoform that contains two lysines (Lys308 and Lys758 in transmembrane segments TM4 and TM5, respectively) at positions where canonical NKAs have asparagines (
Xenopus
α1’s Asn333 and Asn785). Using de novo transcriptome assembly and qPCR, we found that
Artemia
express two salinity-independent canonical α subunits (α1
NN
and α3
NN
), as well as two β variants, in addition to the salinity-controlled α2
KK
. These β subunits permitted heterologous expression of the α2
KK
pump and determination of its CryoEM structure in a closed, ion-free conformation, showing Lys758 residing within the ion-binding cavity. We used electrophysiology to characterize the function of α2
KK
pumps and compared it to that of
Xenopus
α1 (and its α2
KK
-mimicking single- and double-lysine substitutions). The double substitution N333K/N785K confers α2
KK
-like characteristics to
Xenopus
α1, and mutant cycle analysis reveals energetic coupling between these two residues, illustrating how α2
KK
’s Lys308 helps to maintain high affinity for external K
+
when Lys758 occupies an ion-binding site. By measuring uptake under voltage clamp of the K
+
-congener
86
Rb
+
, we prove that double-lysine-substituted pumps transport 2Na
+
and 1 K
+
per catalytic cycle. Our results show how the two lysines contribute to generate a pump with reduced stoichiometry allowing
Artemia
to maintain steeper Na
+
gradients in hypersaline environments.
A multimodal analysis of (de)legitimation through argumentation in extremist discourse: The case of Dabiq
Authors: Rasoulikolamaki Sahar , Kaur Surinderpal , Salahshour Neda
Published: December 2023

Even after the demise of its territorial caliphate in 2019, ISIS persists as a potent threat, adapting to new technologies and maintaining its status as an active insurgency. Amidst the backdrop of the terror group’s demonstrated resilience, this paper examines its practice of (de)legitimation and language of persuasion through a multimodal argumentation analysis. It combines the argumentation strategies (topoi) proposed by Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA) and tools from Social Semiotics with argumentation theories, achieved through a comprehensive enthymematic deconstruction of arguments in ISIS’s e-magazine, Dabiq. The findings reveal four interrelated sets of plausibly inferable premises, namely, advantage and disadvantage; threat and obligation; negative consequence and history; and authority and Shariah law. These premises fall within broad social, political, historical, and religious categories and are deliberately crafted to lend support to ISIS’s desired conclusions, aimed at systematically altering the addressees’ state of knowledge and eventually eliciting acceptance from the intended public.