bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keprok tangerine supply chain management in Batu City and Malang Region East Java
Authors: Saptana  , Makky Ar Rozi Ahmad
Published: November 2023

Changes in the strategic environment in the form of economic globalization, urbanization, and market segmentation, as well as consumer preferences, require changes in the approach to operating business organizations. This study aims to analyze the performance of keprok tangerine commodity supply chain management in Batu City and Malang, East Java. The research method was conducted with a survey method by conducting interviews with 60 respondents of the citrus commodity supply chain from upstream to downstream. Citrus commodity supply chains from production centers to consumption centers are classified as moderate involving four to five supply chain actors. The keprok tangerine marketing system in Batu City and Malang Regency is not yet efficient, which is reflected in the price share received by farmers (42.28%-57.94%) with marketing margins (42.06%-57.72%) respectively. Supply chain management performance in the planning aspect is at a moderate to very good level, procurement performance is at a moderate to good level, delivery performance is at a moderate to very good level, and the performance of receiving goods is at a lesser level. The keprok tangerine commodity development strategy can be done by building an integrated supply chain management from upstream to downstream with agricultural, post-harvest, and marketing infrastructure.
The factors of affecting level of implementation Standard Operational Procedure-Good Agriculture Practice (SOP-GAP) organic rice farming
Authors: Istiyanti Eni , Huda Aditya Darmawan Aldian , Keothoumma Khamsing
Published: November 2023

Organic farming systems can be an alternative to environmentally friendly and sustainable farming. The environmental benefits obtained by implementing organic farming are that it is easier to cultivate the land and does not cause environmental pollution. The limited knowledge of farmers regarding organic rice and the ability of farmers causes them to use production facilities based on their abilities and habits. The aim of this study was to determine the level of SOP-GAP implementation and to analyze the factors that influence the implementation of SOP-GAP in organic rice farming. The research was conducted in Seyegan District, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta which was determined purposively. Farmer sampling was carried out using the Proportional Random Sampling method. Data analysis using Binary Logistic Regression. The results showed that the level of implementation of SOP-GAP organic rice farming was included in the appropriate category with a score of 2.91 or 72.75%. The highest level of implementation of SOP-GAP was at the cultivation stage, namely the treatment of seeds and nurseries Internal factors of farmer’s age, farming experience, land area, production costs, and farming income have no effect on the level of implementation of SOP-GAP organic rice farming.
Farmers’ Perceptions of Sustainable Palm Oil Certification in Jambi Province
Authors: Muchlis Fuad , Amalia Dwi Nurul , Jamil Ahmad Syariful , Zainuddin Ahmad , Destiarni Resti Prastika , Meilin Araz
Published: November 2023

The purpose of implementing ISPO is to increase the competitiveness of palm oil products for the international market. However, most of the independent smallholders have not implemented the ISPO policy. This is because farmers’ awareness of sustainable oil palm farming is still relatively low. Therefore, it is necessary to study farmers’ perceptions of ISPO. The purpose of this study was to determine farmers’ perceptions and to analyze the relationship between farmer characteristics and farmers’ perceptions of ISPO. This research was conducted in one of Indonesia’s palm oil production centers, namely Jambi Province. This study involved a sample of 300 respondents using the multistage disproportionate purposive sampling. Data were analyzed descriptively qualitatively using descriptive data analysis techniques using a Likert scale measurement approach and testing the characteristic relationship hypothesis using the Spearman Rank Correlation Test. The results showed that farmers have a high perception of the implementation of ISPO (3.47 Likert scale) and the benefits of ISPO (4.38 Likert scale). Farmers’ overall perception of ISPO implementation is positive. Farmers like indicators of relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, observability and environmental aspects but do not like complexity indicators. Characteristics of farmers that correlate with farmers’ perceptions are formal education, non-formal education, and income.
Efficient Production Factors Taking into Account The Risks In Shallot: Case Study in Nawungan Village, Imogiri District, Bantul Regency, DIY
Authors: Sriyadi  , Hanifah Nurul , Heri Isnawan Bambang , Budiarto  , Wan Ibrahim Nik Rahila
Published: November 2023

The risks of shallot farming refer to the failure of production and price due to fluctuating prices. These farming risks cause farmers to be reluctant to take risks. Differences in risk aversion between individuals can lead to disparities in decision-making. This research seeks to analyze (1) the behavior of farmers towards the risks, and (2) the efficient use production factors by considering production risks. The study was undertaken through interviews with farmers and other relevant stakeholders and field observations. The total sample of 100 farmers was taken at simple random. The majority of farmers behaved reluctantly toward the risks. The use of production factors for land area, labor and organic fertilizers in the shallot production function is not yet efficient. While the use of seeds, Urea fertilizer, TSP fertilizer, NPK fertilizer, POSKA fertilizer, Curacron EC pesticide, Score pesticide, Sellestol pesticide and Dithane M-45 pesticide is inefficient. It is time for farmers to be advised to use organic fertilizers and organic pesticides as a substitute for inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides.
Millennial Generation’s Perception on Organic Rice Farming Sustainability in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Triyono  , Anggi Wiradhani Faozia , Nur Mila Amalia , Nur Habibi Luthfan
Published: November 2023

The characteristic of farming in Indonesia and other developing countries is predominantly small-scale farming with family members as the main labor sources. Organic rice farming as an environmentally friendly agricultural effort is also included in this family-oriented farming. Currently, a large proportion of local farmers fall into the category of the elderly individuals. Meanwhile, the young generation or so-called millennials of the rural communities indicates not to continue their parents farm business. This study aimed to determine the perception of the millennial generation towards organic rice farming and analysis the determinant factors. Quantitative descriptive research was carried out by interviewing 40 respondents from millennial generation in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the factors that influencing the millennial generation’s perception to organic rice farming. The results showed that the millennial generation’s perception towards organic rice farming was included in the good category. Socialization activities and involvement in farming improved millennials perception towards organic rice farming in the social aspect. Socialization through social media also beneficial for the economic aspect of organic farming according to millennials. Thus, for the sustainability of organic farming, millennials need to get education through the practice of being directly involved in the organic rice farming process and socialization through social media.
The Role of Trichoderma in The Early Growth of Rice and Soybean in Saline Soils
Authors: Sutarman  , Prihatiningrum Andriani E. , Indarwati Noviana , Hasanah Risalatul , Miftahurrohmat Agus
Published: November 2023

Optimizing the use of marginal saline soils to improve food security requires solutions that involve exploiting local potential resources, including the use of biological agents. This research aims to determine the ability ofTrichodermasp. Tc-31 andAspergillussp. As-27 to overcome salinity stress in rice and soybean seedlings. Both isolates were tested for their ability to grow in vitro in saline soil. Next, the ability to overcome saline soil stress during germination and initial growth of rice and soybean seedlings was tested. The experiment consisted of three types of treatment, namely the use of As-27, Tc-31, and the use of husks treated with complete basic fertilizer. The average inhibitory power of saline soil against As-27 and Tc-31 was (-)62.50±16.68% and (-) 52±3.54% respectively at 48 days of incubation. The application of biological agents had an effect on germination in rice 94.10-94.46% and soybeans 74.49-77.04%. Biological agents also influence the height growth of rice and soybean seedlings. These two fungal isolates have the potential to be used as biological agents to help rice and soybean seeds overcome salinity stress.
Increasing the Effectivity of Liquid Organic Fertilizer Enriched with Enterobacter cloacae to increase Phosphate Availability and Yield of Maize in Inceptisols
Authors: Sofatin Septyani , Citraresmini Ania , Sapta Sara Dirga
Published: November 2023

Inceptisols have problems of low availability of phosphorus. To improve soil phosphate and P fertilizer efficiency, it is necessary to develop fertilizer enriched with phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB). Liquid organic fertilizer enriched with PSB is expected to increase the efficiency in fertilization and improve the yield of sweet corn plants. This study was aimed to determine the effectiveness of liquid organic fertilizer enriched with Enterobacter cloacae on phosphate availability and increase the yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Jatinangor Inceptisols. This experiment has been carried out at the Laboratory and Experimental Garden, Jatinangor, West Java, Indonesia with altitude of ±725 m above sea level. This experiment was conducted from March to September 2021. This experiment used Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three repetitions. The experiment showed the 10 L ha-1 of liquid organic fertilizer enriched with Enterobacter cloacae indigenous from Inceptisols enhanched the availability of phosphate (22,48 mg kg-1) and yield of maize (14,11 ton ha-1). Liquid organic fertilizer enriched with Enterobacter cloacae can reduced 50% of P fertilization and proposed as an alternative corn fertilizer and increased the yield of maize up to 55%, because Enterobacter cloacae to increase P solubility that caused soil available P increased.
Changes in physical properties of natural pesticides formulated from liquid smoke during storage
Authors: Hernani  , Yuliani Sri
Published: November 2023

Natural pesticides are commonly used active ingredients that are naturally non-chemical synthetic. The present work was to evaluate the changes in the quality of natural biopesticides formulated from rice husk liquid smoke during storage for 6 months. The formulation of biopesticide was carried out in the form of emulsified concentrate (EC) has 3 formulas (F1, F2, and F3). The physical properties were characterized by the observed pH, specific gravity, phase separation, particle size, and PDI (polydispersity index). The particle size tended to increase during the storage, however, PDI only F3 was increased and F1 and F2 fluctuated. Moreover, neither pH nor specific gravity changed significantly after six months of storage. pH and specific gravity ranged from 3.11 to 4.31 and 1.0179 to 1.0309, respectively. There was phase separation on all formulas, where F1 and F2 showed lower separation than F3 after 6 months of storage. The phase separation ranged from 71.42 to 92.86 %. This study provides information that natural pesticides can be stored for 6 months with slight changes in their physicochemical properties.
Two approaches to compute unsteady compressible two-phase flow models with stiff relaxation terms
Authors: Hérard Jean-Marc , Jomée Guillaume
Published: November 2023

The paper deals with the numerical modeling of two-phase flows while using Baer–Nunziato type models. Focus is given here on the numerical treatment of source terms that involve three (or four) relaxation time scales. A new coupled approach relying on the continuous analysis of the system of ODEs is compared with a more widely used strategy grounded on the fractional step approach. Properties of schemes are given in both cases. Several numerical applications show that the coupled approach should be preferred for both stability and accuracy reasons.
Varroa destructor relies on physical cues to feed in artificial conditions
Authors: Piou Vincent , Vilarem Caroline , Blanchard Solène , Armengaud Catherine , Heeb Philipp , Vétillard Angélique
Published: November 2023

Olfaction is a major sense in Varroa destructor. In natural conditions, it is known that this honey bee parasite relies on kairomones to detect its host or to reproduce. Yet, in artificial conditions, the parasite is able to feed and survive for a few days even though most honey bee pheromones are lacking. Other key cues are thus probably involved in V. destructor perception of its close environment. Here, we used several artificial feeding designs to explore the feeding behaviour of the parasite when it is deprived of olfactory cues. We found that V. destructor is still able to feed only guided by physical cues. The detection of the food source seems to be shape-related as a 3D membrane triggers arrestment and exploration more than a 2D membrane. The tactile sense of V. destructor could thus be essential to detect a feeding site, although further studies are needed to assess the importance of this sense combined with olfaction in natural conditions.
Self-interacting diffusions: Long-time behaviour and exit-problem in the uniformly convex case
Authors: Aleksian A. , Del Moral P. , Kurtzmann A. , Tugaut J.
Published: November 2023

We study a class of time-inhomogeneous diffusion: the self-interacting one. We show a convergence result with a rate of convergence that does not depend on the diffusion coefficient. Finally, we establish a so-called Kramers’ type law for the first exit-time of the process from domain of attractions when the landscapes are uniformly convex.
Simple and cost-effective way to make mobile antibiotic cement spacer: hand-made silicone mold
Authors: Nguyen Quang Ton Quyen , Vo Ta Hoc , Phan Duc Tri , Truong Nguyen Khanh Hung
Published: November 2023

Background: Two-stage exchange arthroplasty is considered the most common approach for the management of prosthetic joint infections. There has been plentiful evidence to support the superiority of the mobile spacers over the static ones. Unfortunately, articulating options are not available in our low-resource environment, which motivated us to come up with an affordable way to create a mobile cement spacer. After experimenting with a variety of materials and producing methods, we realized that silicone is a favorable material for mold building and established a simple process of making a handmade silicone mold. We demonstrate the clinical outcomes of three prosthetic joint infections by using these spacers in the hope of spreading the idea to our colleagues who work in the circumstances of a developing country. Construction of the spacer molds: The molds, consisting of two parts, were shaped by using high viscosity addition silicone (elite HD+ putty soft, Zhermack SpA, Italy) as material, and previously removed implants as template. They were sterilized using ethylene oxide treatment before being ready for casting antibiotic-loaded bone cement spacer. Case report: Three cases of prosthetic infection were treated with two-stage revision, using antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer cast in hand-made silicone molds. We sought to determine intraoperative complications, postoperative range of motion, and functional scores. All the patients were regularly followed up to identify fractures or dislocation of the spacer, and reinfection. Results: At the end of the follow-up, all three patients had the infection eradicated. The three patients could sit comfortably with bent knees, walk with partial weight-bearing, and achieve 75–80 degrees of knee flexion in the first week after surgery. Follow-up X-rays revealed no fractures or dislocation in any of the spacers. Conclusion: Silicone molds offer a simple and cost-effective alternative to costly commercial products in producing articulating spacers. Treating infected joints arthroplasty with these spacers allows for early motion and partial weight bearing and improves patient satisfaction and life quality before reimplantation without significant complications.
Reconstruction of electron precipitation spectra at the top of the upper atmosphere using 427.8 nm auroral images
Authors: Robert Elisa , Barthelemy Mathieu , Cessateur Gael , Woelfflé Angélique , Lamy Hervé , Bouriat Simon , Gullikstad Johnsen Magnar , Brändström Urban , Biree Lionel
Published: November 2023

We present an innovative method to reconstruct the characteristics of precipitated electrons in auroral regions from optical measurements. This method is based on an optimization implemented between numerical simulations of the Transsolo code and tomographic maps made from the Auroral Large Imaging System (ALIS) network. We focus on the Volume Emission Rate (VER) of the blue line
$ {\mathrm{N}}_2^{+}$
1NG 427.8 nm, which is the most representative line of the energy deposition by electrons. The optimization is tested with the ALIS measurements carried out on March 05, 2008, at 18:41:30 UT and 18:42:40 UT. The reconstruction is performed by extracting the energy flux and the mean energy of the precipitating particles. Both Maxwellian and quasi-monoenergetic energy distributions are considered. Calculations performed with a Maxwellian energy distribution yielded a mean energy ranging from 1.8 to 5.2 keV with energy flux from 0.1 to 44.3 erg·cm−2·s−1 for 18:41:30 UT, and a mean energy from 2.2 to 9.5 keV with energy flux from 2.1 to 136.7 erg·cm−2·s−1 for 18:42:40 UT. Assuming a quasi-monoenergetic energy distribution, we find a mean energy ranging from 4.2 to 11.8 keV with energy flux ranging from 0.1 to 45 erg·cm−2·s−1 for 18:41:30 UT, and 8 to 17.1 keV with energy flux ranging from 2.2 to 110.1 erg·cm−2·s−1 for 18:42:40 UT. Moreover, we show this method allows us to reconstruct the energy characteristic of the precipitating electrons on a large region covering approximately 150 km × 150 km. This study also shows that some VER profiles of the maps are better fitted by quasi mono-energetic distributions while some others correspond to broadband distributions. It appears clearly that the energy flux is linked to the column integrated intensity, the mean energy is linked with the peak altitude of the emission, and the width of the energy distribution with the altitude thickness of the emissions.
Neue Aspekte bei der pulmonalen Hypertonie im Kindesalter – kommentierte 2022ERS/ESC-PH-Guidelines
Authors: Apitz Christian , Kozlik-Feldmann Rainer , Eichstaedt Christina A. , Gorenflo Matthias , Lammers Astrid E. , Geiger Ralf
Published: November 2023

Lungenhochdruck im Kindesalter unterscheidet sich von dem des Erwachsenenalters insbesondere durch die spezifische Pathophysiologie der herzfehlerassoziierten pulmonalarteriellen Hypertonie, das Vorkommen von entwicklungsbedingten Lungenerkrankungen und die häufige Assoziation mit chromosomalen, genetischen und syndromalen Auffälligkeiten. Die Behandlung von Kindern mit pulmonaler Hypertonie erfordert einen auf das Kindesalter zugeschnittenen modifizierten diagnostischen Algorithmus sowie pathophysiologisch orientierte therapeutische Strategien. In den aktuellen 2022 ERS/ESC-Pulmonale Hypertonie-Leitlinien werden die spezifischen Besonderheiten des Lungenhochdrucks im Kindesalter in einem Extrakapitel hervorgehoben und in diesem Artikel vom Kreis der Autorenschaft kommentiert.
The Potential of Anti-coronavirus Plant Secondary Metabolites in COVID-19 Drug Discovery as an Alternative to Repurposed Drugs: A Review
Authors: Alipour Zahra , Zarezadeh Somayeh , Ghotbi-Ravandi Ali Akbar
Published: November 2023

In early 2020, a global pandemic was announced due to the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known to cause COVID-19. Despite worldwide efforts,
there are only limited options regarding antiviral drug treatments for COVID-19. Although vaccines are now available, issues such as declining efficacy against different SARS-CoV-2 variants
and the aging of vaccine-induced immunity highlight the importance of finding more antiviral drugs as a second line of defense against the disease. Drug repurposing has been used to rapidly
find COVID-19 therapeutic options. Due to the lack of clinical evidence for the therapeutic benefits and certain serious side effects of repurposed antivirals, the search for an antiviral
drug against SARS-CoV-2 with fewer side effects continues. In recent years, numerous studies have included antiviral chemicals from a variety of plant species. A better knowledge of the
possible antiviral natural products and their mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 will help to develop stronger and more targeted direct-acting antiviral agents. The aim of the present study was to
compile the current data on potential plant metabolites that can be investigated in COVID-19 drug discovery and development. This review represents a collection of plant secondary
metabolites and their mode of action against SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
Endovascular Management of Postoperative Hemorrhage after Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Shariq Mohd , Gala Kunal , Gandhi Aditi , Gandhi Rozil
Published: November 2023

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular management for postpancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage.

Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent endovascular management for hemorrhage after pancreatic surgery between January 2015 to December 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, angiography findings, endovascular procedure, technical success, clinical success, and complications were assessed.

Results Seventeen patients, comprising 14 (82.4%) males and 3 (17.6%) females, aged 37 to 68 years underwent endovascular management for postpancreatectomy hemorrhage. Patients presented with hemorrhage on their postoperative days 4 to 22 (mean: 9.8th day; median: 8th day); the presentation was with extraluminal hemorrhage in 11 patients (64.7%) and intraluminal hemorrhage in 6 patients (35.2%). The gastroduodenal artery (GDA) stump (10 patients, 58.8%) was the most commonly involved artery. The majority of cases were treated using coils as embolizing agents (13/17 patients, 76.5%). The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. The complication rate was 5.9% (1/17) and the mortality rate was 11.8% (2/17). The relaparotomy rate was 23.5% (4/17); however, none of the relaparotomy was for hemorrhage.

Conclusion Endovascular treatment provides a minimally invasive, safe, and effective method for the management of pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage.
Limb Ischemia Secondary to Inadvertent Intravascular Angio-Seal Closure Device Deployment
Authors: Justaniah Almamoon I. , Alharbi Ahmad T.
Published: November 2023

Vascular closure devices (VCD) are frequently used after endovascular interventions to attain faster hemostasis, earlier mobilization, and patient comfort compared to manual compression. VCDs are safe. However, rare complications have been reported. We report a case of an inadvertent intravascular deployment of an Angio-Seal VCD causing limb ischemia and discussing management options from our experience and the previously published cases.
CT and Angiographic Findings among COVID-19-Positive Patients Presenting with Stroke and Their Outcomes
Authors: Badrawi Noor , Elawad Noon , Mukherjee Amritendu , Muhdi Ahmad Abdel , Al-Sibaie Ayman
Published: November 2023

Background The study aims to assess and compare the computed tomographic and angiographic findings and clinical outcomes among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive and COVID-19-negative patients.

Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all patients presenting with acute stroke to our facility between March 2020 and October 2021. Demographics, risk factors, COVID-19 status, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), mode of treatment, length of hospital stay, imaging findings, and angiographic and clinical outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Pregnant patients, those under the age of 18, and those found to have an alternative diagnosis were excluded. We identified 103 patients with acute stroke who underwent thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy, 16 of whom were found to be COVID-positive (study group), while 87 of them had negative status (control group).

Results The mean age of both groups (COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative) was 56 years, and 85% were male. The most frequently involved vessel was the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (37% in COVID-19-positive patients vs. 41% in COVID-19-negative patients). Sixty-one patients underwent thrombectomy, and both groups had comparable successful recanalization. Patients with COVID-19 infection were more likely to have a more extended hospital stay and a higher average NIHSS score at discharge.

Conclusion Our study shows that ischemic stroke in COVID-19 occurs in predominantly male patients, with the middle cerebral artery being the most frequently involved vascular territory. Furthermore, there is a longer hospital stay and worse morbidity regardless of the mode of treatment and imaging findings in COVID-19-positive patients.
Co-learning in university-community engagement for sustainable local food systems in South Africa
Authors: Habiyaremye Alexis
Published: November 2023

The legacy of racial and spatial segregation in South Africa has left an epistemic chasm between knowledge-producing institutions and members of disadvantaged communities most in need of applying scientific knowledge to address their local societal challenges. The aim of this study is to examine how the co-learning approach can be used to bridge the knowledge asymmetry between university researchers and communities within which their institutions are embedded by building bonds of mutual trust and involving target knowledge users in the design and testing of technological solutions targeted to their needs. Using the outcome mapping (OM) analysis of project documents and key informant interviews of participants in the co-learning project between the University of Johannesburg and Soweto smallholder farmers, this study illustrates the contribution of the co-learning approach to shaping networks of successful innovation co-creation. Our findings indicate that co-learning leads to the optimisation of the capacity building speed when co-learning partners have a shared commitment to the outcomes and application of the co-created knowledge.
Theoretical study on the origin of anomalous temperature-dependent electric resistivity of ferromagnetic semiconductor
Authors: Shinya Hikari , Fukushima Tetsuya , Sato Kazunori , Ohya Shinobu , Katayama-Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

Employing Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker Green’s function methodology, our investigation elucidates the previously obscure origins of the anomalous temperature-dependent electrical resistivity behavior of (Ga,Mn)As ferromagnetic semiconductors. Phonon and magnon excitations induced by temperature effects are addressed via the coherent potential approximation, while the Kubo–Greenwood formula is employed to compute transport properties. Consequently, the anomalous temperature-dependent electrical resistivity arising from the ferromagnetic–paramagnetic transition is successfully replicated. Our examination of electronic structures and magnetic interactions reveals pivotal roles played by antisite defects and interstitial Mn atoms in governing this behavior. As this approach enables both the estimation of temperature-dependent transport properties and the assessment of underlying mechanisms from a microscopic standpoint, it holds significant potential as a versatile tool across diverse fields.
Numerical simulation of shock wave propagation over a dense particle layer using the Baer–Nunziato model
Authors: Utkin P. , Chuprov P.
Published: November 2023

The present study examines the possibility of numerical simulation of a strong shock wave propagating over the surface of a dense layer of particles poured onto an impermeable wall using the Baer–Nunziato two-phase flow model. The setting of the problem follows the full-scale experiment. The mathematical model is based on a two-dimensional system of Baer–Nunziato equations and takes into account intergranular stresses arising in the solid phase of particles. The computational algorithm is based on the Harten–Lax–van Leer–Contact method with a pressure relaxation procedure. The developed algorithm proved to be workable for two-phase problems with explicit interfacial boundaries and strong shock waves. These issues are typical of problems arising from the interaction of a shock wave with a bed or a layer of particles. A comparison with the simulations and full-scale experiments of other authors is carried out. A reasonable agreement with the experiment is obtained for the angles of the transmitted compaction wave and granular contact, including their dependency on the intensity of the propagating shock wave. The granular contact angle increases with the incident shock wave Mach number, while the transmitted compaction wave angle decreases. An explanation is given of the phenomenon of the decrease in thickness of the compacted region in the layer with the increase in intensity of the propagating shock wave. The main reason is that the maximal value of the particle volume fraction in the plug of compacted particles in the layer rises with the increase in shock wave intensity.
A streamlined molecular-dynamics workflow for computing solubilities of molecular and ionic crystals
Authors: Reinhardt Aleks , Chew Pin Yu , Cheng Bingqing
Published: November 2023

Computing the solubility of crystals in a solvent using atomistic simulations is notoriously challenging due to the complexities and convergence issues associated with free-energy methods, as well as the slow equilibration in direct-coexistence simulations. This paper introduces a molecular-dynamics workflow that simplifies and robustly computes the solubility of molecular or ionic crystals. This method is considerably more straightforward than the state-of-the-art, as we have streamlined and optimised each step of the process. Specifically, we calculate the chemical potential of the crystal using the gas-phase molecule as a reference state, and employ the S0 method to determine the concentration dependence of the chemical potential of the solute. We use this workflow to predict the solubilities of sodium chloride in water, urea polymorphs in water, and paracetamol polymorphs in both water and ethanol. Our findings indicate that the predicted solubility is sensitive to the chosen potential energy surface. Furthermore, we note that the harmonic approximation often fails for both molecular crystals and gas molecules at or above room temperature, and that the assumption of an ideal solution becomes less valid for highly soluble substances.
High-performance self-powered solar-blind ultraviolet photodetector based on a 4H-SiC/ZnGa2O4 heterojunction and its application in optical communication
Authors: Han Dongyang , Yang Yuxia , Meng Lin , Hu Shudong , Liu Kaisen , Lin Haobo , Liu Ningtao , Zhang Wenrui , Ye Jichun
Published: November 2023

With the urgent demand for low power consumption, environment-friendly, and portable devices, self-powered solar-blind ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors that only rely on built-in electric fields without external power sources have received extensive attention. In this paper, we have demonstrated a self-powered solar-blind UV photodetector based on a 4H-SiC/ZnGa2O4 heterojunction, along with its application in optical communication. At 0 V bias, the device exhibits a peak responsivity of 115 mA/W with an external quantum efficiency of 58.4% at 244 nm, a fast response speed with a rise/decay time of 18.36/16.15 ms, and a high UV-vis rejection ratio of 4.5 × 104, suggesting that the device has an excellent self-powered solar-blind UV photodetection performance. The exceptional performance of the photodetector is mainly attributed to the 4H-SiC/ZnGa2O4 type I heterojunction with a large conduction band offset (ΔEC = 0.99 eV) and a large valence band offset (ΔEV = 0.75 eV), which is determined by the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technique. Moreover, the solar-blind UV optical communication is realized by utilizing the 4H-SiC/ZnGa2O4 heterojunction device to receive signals modulated by the solar-blind UV light. This work provides an effective approach to realizing high-performance self-powered solar-blind UV photodetectors and their potential applications in optical communication.
Phase-field analysis of the effects of particle size, diffusivities, and mechanical properties on the cracking of silicon nanoparticle
Authors: Choi Junhyeok , Lee Yong Min , Kim Sung Yeol
Published: November 2023

In this study, a multiphysics model that reproduces the cracking of Si nanoparticle for a battery application was demonstrated. Two types of cracks appear on Si nanoparticle during lithiation. An essential condition for surface crack (SC) nucleation and propagation is a fast charging rate to form a high concentration gradient of lithium ions near the surface. A slower charging rate induces internal cracks (ICs) radiating from the center of the particle. The critical charging rates, at which SC or IC occurs, decrease rapidly with increasing particle radius. This indicates the difficulty of cracking of small nanoparticles, which is in a good agreement with the previous experimental results. Multiple cracks can appear in the particle, especially when the diffusivity is high. These cracks can be combined during the charging process, leading to the fracture or isolation of the particles. Additionally, two different peak stresses and Young's moduli from the literature were used considering their effects on the cracking of Si nanoparticle films. We believe our results provide a guideline for the fabrication and operation of Si nanoparticle-based anodes for lithium ion batteries.
Causal evidence for a coordinated temporal interplay within the language network
Authors: Schroën Joëlle A. M. , Gunter Thomas C. , Numssen Ole , Kroczek Leon O. H. , Hartwigsen Gesa , Friederici Angela D.
Published: November 2023

Recent neurobiological models on language suggest that auditory sentence comprehension is supported by a coordinated temporal interplay within a left-dominant brain network, including the posterior inferior frontal gyrus (pIFG), posterior superior temporal gyrus and sulcus (pSTG/STS), and angular gyrus (AG). Here, we probed the timing and causal relevance of the interplay between these regions by means of concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG). Our TMS-EEG experiments reveal region- and time-specific causal evidence for a bidirectional information flow from left pSTG/STS to left pIFG and back during auditory sentence processing. Adapting a condition-and-perturb approach, our findings further suggest that the left pSTG/STS can be supported by the left AG in a state-dependent manner.
Matrix Product Belief Propagation for reweighted stochastic dynamics over graphs
Authors: Crotti Stefano , Braunstein Alfredo
Published: November 2023

Stochastic processes on graphs can describe a great variety of phenomena ranging from neural activity to epidemic spreading. While many existing methods can accurately describe typical realizations of such processes, computing properties of extremely rare events is a hard task, particularly so in the case of recurrent models, in which variables may return to a previously visited state. Here, we build on the matrix product cavity method, extending it fundamentally in two directions: First, we show how it can be applied to Markov processes biased by arbitrary reweighting factors that concentrate most of the probability mass on rare events. Second, we introduce an efficient scheme to reduce the computational cost of a single node update from exponential to polynomial in the node degree. Two applications are considered: inference of infection probabilities from sparse observations within the SIRS epidemic model and the computation of both typical observables and large deviations of several kinetic Ising models.
Cellular nucleic acid-binding protein restricts SARS-CoV-2 by regulating interferon and disrupting RNA–protein condensates
Authors: Chen Yongzhi , Lei Xuqiu , Jiang Zhaozhao , Humphries Fiachra , Parsi Krishna Mohan , Mustone Nicholas J. , Ramos Irene , Mutetwa Tinaye , Fernandez-Sesma Ana , Maehr René , Caffrey Daniel R. , Fitzgerald Katherine A.
Published: November 2023

A detailed understanding of the innate immune mechanisms involved in restricting SARS-CoV-2 infection and how the virus disrupts these processes could reveal new strategies to boost antiviral mechanisms and develop therapeutics for COVID-19. Here, we identify cellular nucleic acid-binding protein (CNBP) as a key host factor controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection. In response to RNA-sensing pathways, CNBP is phosphorylated and translocates from the cytosol to the nucleus where it binds to the interferon-β enhancer to initiate transcription. Because SARS-CoV-2 evades immune detection by the host’s RNA-sensing pathways, CNBP is largely retained in the cytosol where it restricts SARS-CoV-2 directly, leading to a battle between the host and SARS-CoV-2 that extends beyond antiviral immune signaling pathways. We further demonstrated that CNBP binds SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA directly and competes with the viral nucleocapsid protein to prevent viral RNA and nucleocapsid protein from forming liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) condensates critical for viral replication. Consequently, cells and animals lacking CNBP have higher viral loads, and CNBP-deficient mice succumb rapidly to infection. Altogether, these findings identify CNBP as a key antiviral factor for SARS-CoV-2, functioning both as a regulator of antiviral IFN gene expression and a cell-intrinsic restriction factor that disrupts LLPS to limit viral replication and spread. In addition, our studies also highlight viral condensates as important targets and strategies for the development of drugs to combat COVID-19.
Rapid and signal crowdedness-robust in situ sequencing through hybrid block coding
Authors: Chang Tianyi , Han Wuji , Jiang Mengcheng , Li Jizhou , Liao Zhizhao , Tang Mingchuan , Zhang Jianyun , Shen Jie , Chen Zitian , Fei Peng , Ren Xianwen , Pang Yuhong , Wang Guanbo , Wang Jianbin , Huang Yanyi
Published: November 2023

Spatial transcriptomics technology has revolutionized our understanding of cell types and tissue organization, opening possibilities for researchers to explore transcript distributions at subcellular levels. However, existing methods have limitations in resolution, sensitivity, or speed. To overcome these challenges, we introduce SPRINTseq (Spatially Resolved and signal-diluted Next-generation Targeted sequencing), an innovative in situ sequencing strategy that combines hybrid block coding and molecular dilution strategies. Our method enables fast and sensitive high-resolution data acquisition, as demonstrated by recovering over 142 million transcripts using a 108-gene panel from 453,843 cells from four mouse brain coronal slices in less than 2 d. Using this advanced technology, we uncover the cellular and subcellular molecular architecture of Alzheimer's disease, providing additional information into abnormal cellular behaviors and their subcellular mRNA distribution. This improved spatial transcriptomics technology holds great promise for exploring complex biological processes and disease mechanisms.
Political framing of Covid-19
Authors: Mohammadi Ariana N
Published: November 2023

The present study is a corpus-based discourse analysis of the metaphorical framing of Covid-19 in American political discourse. Drawing on data from a corpus of the White House briefings and statements, the study investigates the corpus profile of war and virus and illustrates how the Coronavirus is primarily represented as an enemy to go to war with, rather than a public health crisis to control and mitigate. The study further situates the militaristic framing of Covid-19 within the theoretical framework of moral panic and examines the discursive features that ultimately bridge the metaphorical representation of the pandemic and the construction of moral panic. The study points to nuanced discourse strategies used in the White House press briefings that reconstruct the enemy and regroup the Coronavirus with other so-called enemies of the United States, such as the Communists, as well as the Islamic radicals and the Latin gangs and cartels.
Inter-generational attrition
Authors: Smith Giuditta , Spelorzi Roberta , Sorace Antonella , Garraffa Maria
Published: November 2023

The phenomenon of language change in contact has been explored most significantly in speakers of a language who
migrate, while fewer studies explore how language is affected across different generations. In this study, we aimed to investigate
the role of inter-generational attrition on the production of clitic pronouns and clitic clusters. 86 adult speakers of Italian
took part in the study: homeland residents, long-term UK residents, and heritage speakers born and living in the UK from Italian
families. Participants were tested on the production of different instances of clitic pronouns including clusters, a novelty of
the study, and differences in response distribution were analysed with General Additive Models. Results reveal that the homeland
population shows a strong preference for the production of clitics and clitic clusters, long-term residents retain a preference
for clitics but not clusters, and heritage speakers disfavour the use of both clitics and clusters across the board, preferring
the use of lexical items. This neat pattern of use across generations of migrants suggests a loss of the specificity and
preference of clitics through language transmission between different generations of speakers of Italian removed from the homeland
and immersed in a non-clitic language.
The study of N-polar GaN/InAlN MOS-HEMT and T-gate HEMT biosensors
Authors: Liu Yue , Ma Yuzhen , Guo Haiqiu , Fu Su , Liu Yuhui , Wei Guangfen , Liu Yanli , Hao Yaming , Chen Dunjun
Published: November 2023

The sensing performance of N-polar GaN/InAlN MOS-HEMT biosensors for neutral biomolecules was investigated and compared with the Ga-polar MOS-HEMT and N-polar T-gate HEMT by numerical simulation. The results indicate that the N-polar GaN/InAlN MOS-HEMT biosensor has higher sensing sensitivity than the Ga-polar MOS-HEMT and N-polar T-gate HEMT biosensors. Furtherly, to improve the sensing performance of N-polar MOS-HEMT, the influence of cavity dimensions, GaN channel layer thickness, and InAlN back barrier layer thickness on device performance was investigated. It is demonstrated that the sensitivity of the biosensor increases as the cavity height decreases and the cavity length increases. Therefore, the sensing performance of the N-polar MOS-HEMT device will be enhanced by thinning the GaN channel layer thickness or increasing the InAlN back barrier thickness, which can be mainly attributed to the variation of the energy band structure and two-dimensional electron gas concentration in the HEMT heterostructure. Finally, the highest sensitivity can be obtained for the N-polar MOS-HEMT with 6 nm-thick GaN channel layer, 30 nm-thick InAlN back barrier layer, and two 0.9 μm-long and 5 nm-high cavities. This work provides structural optimal design guidance for the N-polar HEMT biosensor.
Symmetric bidirectional quantum teleportation via eight-qubit cluster state
Authors: Dai Rui , Li Haisheng
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a symmetric bidirectional quantum teleportation protocol through an eight-qubit cluster state as a quantum channel to achieve GHZ state interchange between two parties. Alice and Bob must first perform two CNOT gate operations on the unknown GHZ state to be sent in our scheme. Next, they need to complete the Bell state measurements and the corresponding unitary operations to obtain the corresponding GHZ state. Our protocol has lower operational complexity and higher inherent efficiency compared to other protocols. In addition, we have simulated the quantum circuit on the IBM qasm simulator to verify the feasibility of the protocol.
Ambient humidity, the overlooked influencer of radioactivity measurements
Authors: Pommé S , Stroh H , Altzitzoglou T , Paepen J , Van Ammel R , Marouli M , Verheyen L , Unterweger M , Fitzgerald R , Bergeron D E , Pibida L , Nähle O , Kossert K , Ramirez N , Bendall E , Fenwick A , Ferreira K , Keightley J , Baker M , Collins S , Michotte C , Courte S , Coulon R , Jackson T W , Van Wyngaardt W M , Fazio A , De Felice P , Vodenik B , Korun M , Juget F , Bailat C , Nedjadi Y , Bochud F , Buchillier T , Roy T , Galea R , Kajan I , Van Rooy M W , McGinnity P , Tucakovic I , Osvath I , Pelczar K
Published: November 2023

When verifying the validity of the exponential-decay law through 137 precise decay rate measurement series at various nuclear laboratories, minor violations have been observed in the shape of annual cycles in the residuals with different amplitudes and phase shifts. The timing and amplitude of these deviations have been compared with local weather data and it appears that ambient humidity is highly correlated with the observed instabilities in these radioactivity measurements. In fact, when compensating the residuals for a linear relationship with absolute humidity in air, most of the annual cycles are no longer statistically significant. As a result, the validity of the exponential-decay law can now be demonstrated with even higher fidelity.
The role of distinct ECoG frequency features in decoding finger movement
Authors: Merino Eva Calvo , Faes A , Van Hulle M M
Published: November 2023

Objective. To identify the electrocorticography (ECoG) frequency features that encode distinct finger movement states during repeated finger flexions. Approach. We used the publicly available Stanford ECoG dataset of cue-based, repeated single finger flexions. Using linear regression, we identified the spectral features that contributed most to the encoding of movement dynamics and discriminating movement events from rest, and combined them to predict finger movement trajectories. Furthermore, we also looked into the effect of the used frequency range and the spatial distribution of the identified features. Main results. Two frequency features generate superior performance, each one for a different movement aspect: high gamma band activity distinguishes movement events from rest, whereas the local motor potential (LMP) codes for movement dynamics. Combining these two features in a finger movement decoder outperformed comparable prior work where the entire spectrum was used as the average correlation coefficient with the true trajectories increased from 0.45 to 0.5, both applied to the Stanford dataset, and erroneous predictions during rest were demoted. In addition, for the first time, our results show the influence of the upper cut-off frequency used to extract LMP, yielding a higher performance when this range is adjusted to the finger movement rate. Significance. This study shows the benefit of a detailed feature analysis prior to designing the finger movement decoder.