bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phonon-assisted carrier transport and indirect optical absorption of cubic boron nitride from first-principles
Authors: Iqbal Safdar , Cheng Tao , Duan Xinlei , Liu Linhua , Yang Jia-Yue
Published: February 2024

Inquiring the isotopically engineered carrier transport in polar materials remains an open question. Herein, the phonon-limited drift carrier mobility of single-crystal cubic boron nitride is presented using first-principles calculations. Natural c-BN has the predicted electron mobility of 1230 and 760 cm2/V s by solving the iterative Boltzmann transport equation and self-energy relaxation time approximation, respectively. The hole mobility under the Boltzmann transport equation and self-energy relaxation time approximation is 193 and 105 cm2/Vs, respectively. Subsequently, the electron and hole mobilities at the stable isotope levels of boron and nitride are predicted, and nitride isotopes are found to be more effective than boron for carrier mobility. Those carrier mobilities further decrease with increasing temperature due to the strengthened electron–phonon interactions. Moreover, the phonon-assisted indirect optical absorption of c-BN is investigated by considering the contribution of phonons to the indirect electronic inter-band transitions. The predicted imaginary part of the dielectric function is in better agreement with previous experiments. This work aims to understand the role of phonons in determining the carrier mobility and indirect optical absorption of c-BN.
Characterization of ferroelectric domains in magnetite (Fe3O4)
Authors: Seddon S. D. , Cooper A. , Fricke T. , Ebbinghaus S. G. , Walker M. , Hase T. P. A. , Blackmore W. J. A. , Alexe M.
Published: February 2024

Magnetite has long been investigated across many disciplines due to the interplay between its ferroic order parameters, namely, its ferrimagnetism, ferroelasticity, and ferroelectricity. Despite this, the experimental difficulty in measuring low temperature real space images of the ferroelectric domains has meant that the local behavior of ferroelectric domains emergent below the ∼38 K phase transition have yet to be realized. This work presents real space images of the ferroelectric domains and uses piezoresponse force microscopy as a function of temperature to probe the onset of piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity across the 38 K transition.
The limiting behavior of Riemann solutions to the Euler equations of compressible fluid flow for the modified Chaplygin gas with the body force
Authors: Zhu Jiayi , Huang Meixiang , Shao Zhiqiang
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we investigate the limiting behavior of Riemann solutions to the Euler equations of compressible fluid flow for modified Chaplygin gas with the body force as the two parameters tend to zero. The formation of delta shock waves and the vacuum states is identified and analyzed during the process of vanishing pressure in the Riemann solutions. The concentration and cavitation are fundamental and physical phenomena in fluid dynamics, which can be mathematically described by delta shock waves and vacuums, respectively. In this paper, our main objective is to rigorously investigate the formation of delta shock waves and vacuums and observe the concentration and cavitation phenomena. First, the Riemann problem of the Euler equations of compressible fluid flow for the modified Chaplygin gas with the body force is solved. Second, we rigorously confirm that, as the pressure vanishes, any two shock Riemann solution to the Euler equations of compressible fluid flow for the modified Chaplygin gas with the body force tends to a δ-shock solution to the pressureless gas dynamics model with a body force, and the intermediate density between the two shocks tends to a weighted δ-measure that forms the δ-shock; any two-rarefaction-wave Riemann solution to the Euler equations of compressible fluid flow for the modified Chaplygin gas with the body force tends to a solution consisting of four contact discontinuities together with vacuum states with three different virtual velocities in the limiting situation.
Wind turbine wake superposition under pressure gradient
Authors: Dar Arslan Salim , Porté-Agel Fernando
Published: February 2024

We investigate the effect of pressure gradient on the cumulative wake of multiple turbines in wind tunnel experiments spanning across a range of adverse pressure gradient (APG), zero pressure gradient (ZPG), and favorable pressure gradient (FPG). Compared to the upstream-most turbine, the in-wake turbines exhibit lower (higher) wake velocity in APG (FPG) than in the ZPG. The maximum velocity deficit shows a lesser difference for the in-wake turbine between different cases compared to the upstream-most one. This is linked to the effect of the wake of the upstream turbine. Conversely, the wake width varies more for the in-wake turbines. A new analytical approach to model the cumulative wake velocity deficit is proposed. This approach extends the application of the analytical pressure gradient model to multiple turbine wakes. Specifically, the new approach explicitly accounts for the effect of the pressure gradient induced by the wake of the upstream turbine on the wake of the downstream one. The new method is compared to the linear summation approach and experimental data. It agrees well with the experiments and outperforms the linear summation approach.
Heterogeneous integrated InP/SiC high-performance multilevel RRAM
Authors: Kang Ruyan , Liu Zehan , Cheng Pengpeng , Zhou Jian , Wang Xiaoshan , Duan Xueyi , Li Xiaoxuan , Zuo Zhiyuan
Published: February 2024

With the advent of the Age of Big Data, resistive random-access memory (RRAM) shows considerable potential for next generation nonvolatile storage technologies owing to its simplified structure, high switching speed, and low power consumption. However, mainstream prepared materials, such as oxides and halide perovskite, face critical issues for practical applications such as switching uniformity and long-term environmental stability. In this work, we report that high carrier mobility material indium phosphide (InP) is prepared as an RRAM medium and is directly bonded to the high thermal conductivity substrate silicon carbide (SiC) at 200 °C, overcoming large (14.9%) lattice mismatch. Importantly, the bonding strength reaches 9.3 MPa, and this high-performance stable RRAM exhibits nonvolatile and reliable switching characteristics including stable endurance (200 cycles) and long data retention (2000 s). Moreover, multilevel storage is also available by modulating RESET stop voltages. This work provides broad possibilities for high-performance RRAM with structures based on traditional semiconductors in the field of nonvolatile storage.
Continuous-wave cavity ringdown for high-sensitivity polarimetry and magnetometry measurements
Authors: Tran Dang-Bao-An , Edwards Evan G. P. , Tew David P. , Peverall Robert , Ritchie Grant A. D.
Published: February 2024

We report the development of a novel variant of cavity ringdown polarimetry using a continuous-wave laser operating at 532 nm for highly precise chiroptical activity and magnetometry measurements. The key methodology of the apparatus relies upon the external modulation of the laser frequency at the frequency splitting between non-degenerate left- and right-circularly polarized cavity modes. The method is demonstrated by the evaluation of the Verdet constants of crystalline CeF3 and fused silica, in addition to the observation of gas- and solution-phase optical rotations of selected chiral molecules. Specifically, optical rotations of (i) vapors of α-pinene and R-(+)-limonene, (ii) mutarotating D-glucose in water, and (iii) acidified L-histidine solutions are determined. The detection sensitivities for the gas- and solution-phase chiral activity measurements are ∼30 and ∼120μdeg over a 30 s detection period per cavity round trip pass, respectively. Furthermore, the measured optical rotations for R-(+)-limonene are compared with computations performed using the TURBOMOLE quantum chemistry package. The experimentally observed optically rotatory dispersion of this cyclic monoterpene was thus rationalized via a consideration of its room temperature conformer distribution as determined by the aforementioned single-point energy calculations.
Excitation of flatland surface-wave leakage on an equivalent reactance surface by a single-wire transmission line
Authors: Li Shunli , Bao Shuo , Xu Zhixia , Yin Xiaoxing
Published: February 2024

Recently, researchers have demonstrated, both theoretically and experimentally, that low-dimensional version of conventional leaky waves, known as “flatland leaky waves” (FLWs). FLWs can be supported by planar junctions of metasurfaces and are completely confined to a plane. Here, we design a structure that places an equivalent reactance surface near the transmission line to excite the FLWs. By properly designing the geometry of the unit cell, conditions can be created for faster surface waves (SWs) to excite slower SWs on the surface, resulting in the desired form of two-dimensional (2D) leaky-wave radiation. A sample was fabricated and measured, and both the simulation results and the experimental results yielded the desired results. Finally, we design the equivalent impedance surface model on which we can also observe the 2D FLWs. Our research not only deepens the understanding of the phenomenon of FLWs but also brings the application of equivalent reactance surfaces in the field of electromagnetic phenomena research to a higher level.
The effect of powder shape on the magnetic anisotropy in NdFeB bonded magnets
Authors: Qu Zhongjie , Wu Qiong , Zhang Mengkang , Wang Zhanjia , Yue Ming , Liu Weiqiang
Published: February 2024

The advent of NdFeB bonded magnets with freedom of shape design is effective in achieving motor size and weight reductions. In this paper, the NdFeB bonded magnets were produced through calendaring molding, and the effect of powder shape on degree of alignment (DOA) of NdFeB bonded magnets was investigated. The magnetic measurement results demonstrate that platelet-shaped anisotropic Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) powders exhibit a significantly higher DOA compared to sphere-shaped anisotropic HDDR powders. Microstructural analysis reveals the presence of an oriented structure induced by mechanical stress in MQA bonded magnets, resulting in magnetic anisotropy. This observation is consistent with the difference in X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns between the cross-section and surface of MQA bonded magnets. Conversely, spherical HDDR particles display minimal orientation and maintain a random distribution, resulting in magnetic isotropy. The XRD pattern of the cross-section of HDDR bonded magnets closely resembles that of its surface. In summary, our findings highlight the superior potential of platelet-shaped anisotropic MQA powders for achieving enhancing magnetic properties during the calendaring molding process, in contrast to sphere-shaped anisotropic HDDR powders. This study provides valuable insights into the determinants of mechanical particle orientation during the fabrication of anisotropic NdFeB bonded magnets, with implications for the development of high-performance bonded magnets.
Sea changes for scientific ocean drilling
Authors: Robinson Rebecca S. , Tikoo Sonia , Fulton Patrick
Published: February 2024

An era of exploration and discovery beneath the seafloor is coming to an end. Yet there is much more to learn.
SETI, artificial intelligence, and existential projection
Authors: Charbonneau Rebecca
Published: February 2024

SETI’s birth during the Cold War may have prompted consideration of existential threats to humanity and proposals for using nuclear bombs to communicate with extraterrestrials.
The influence of bait and camera type on detection of a spectrum of medium-sized Australian mammals
Authors: Goldingay Ross L.
Published: February 2024

Camera-trapping programs are most effective when informed by knowledge of the influence of components of the camera setup such as bait and camera type. I investigated the influence of two baits and three camera types on detection of eight species of medium-sized mammals across a 10-month survey. The spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) was the only species that favoured a meat bait (sardines) over a peanut-butter bait. The long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus), Parma wallaby (Notamacropus parma), long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) and swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) favoured the peanut-butter bait over the meat bait. The northern brown bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus), mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus caninus) and feral cat (Felis catus) showed no preference. Camera type influenced weekly detection in three species. The long-nosed bandicoot had lower detection at a Reconyx white-flash (WF) camera compared with a Reconyx infra-red flash (IR) and a Swift wide-angle (Sw) camera. The mountain brushtail possum had higher detection at a Sw compared with WF and IR. The feral cat had higher detection at a WF compared with IR and Sw. The findings have implications in relation to selection of bait and camera type that can lead to more effective monitoring, whether a program is directed at one of these species or the spectrum of species.
Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of seawater quality of Larimichthys Crocea mariculture areas in Zhoushan, China
Authors: Yu Jianwei , Wu Shun , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2024

Context Aquaculture is an essential industry and assessing its impact on the environment, particularly water quality, is crucial for sustainable practices. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the seawater quality in the Dongji Island yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) aquaculture area by using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and field survey. Aims The main objective of this study was to assess the seawater quality in the aquaculture area during 2 consecutive years (2019 and 2020) on the basis of monitoring data. Methods The researchers utilised the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to assess seawater quality in the Dongji Island yellow croaker aquaculture area. Seawater monitoring data from 6 months in 2019 and 6 months in 2020 were collected for the evaluation. The method included an annual average evaluation, and membership degrees were calculated for each year and individual months. Qualitative interviews with 30 local fish farmers were conducted to unravel the challenges faced by aquaculture water quality management. Key results The evaluation results indicated that the seawater quality in the aquaculture area was classified as Class I water in both 2019 and 2020 on the basis of the annual average evaluation. However, the membership degrees for 2019 were higher than those for 2020, suggesting that water quality was better in 2019. Furthermore, individual monthly evaluations in 2020 showed varying membership degrees, with May and June having higher membership degrees, indicating better water quality than in other months. August had the lowest membership degree, implying poorer water quality during that month. Conclusions The study demonstrated that the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is effective for evaluating seawater quality in aquaculture areas. It also concluded that the water quality in 2019 was superior to that in 2020, raising concerns about potential environmental degradation. Implications The quantitative and qualitative findings of this research have important implications for aquaculture practices in the Zhoushan area. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring and management of water quality to ensure sustainable aquaculture practices and adherence to water-quality policies. Future aquaculture endeavours in the region should consider the potential impact on water quality to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
The intrinsic twinning and enigmatic twisting of aragonite crystals
Authors: Gavryushkin Pavel N. , Rečnik Aleksander , Donskikh Katerina G. , Banaev Maksim V. , Sagatov Nursultan E. , Rashchenko Sergey , Volkov Sergey , Aksenov Sergey , Mikhailenko Denis , Korsakov Andrey , Daneu Nina , Litasov Konstantin D.
Published: February 2024

It is generally accepted that aragonite crystals of biogenic origin are characterized by significantly higher twin densities compared to samples formed during geological processes. Based on our single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study of aragonite crystals from various localities, we show that in geological aragonites, the twin densities are comparable to those of the samples from crossed lamellar zones of molluscs shells. The high twin density is consistent with performed calculations, according to which the Gibbs free energy of twin-free aragonite is close to that of periodically twinned aragonite structure. In some cases, high twin densities result in the appearance of diffuse scattering in SCXRD patterns. The obtained TEM and optical micrographs show that besides the twin boundaries (TBs) of growth origin, there are also TBs and especially stacking faults that were likely formed as the result of local strain compensation. SCXRD patterns of the samples from Tazouta, in addition to diffuse scattering lines, show Debye arcs in the

a
∗

b
∗

plane. These Debye arcs are present only on one side of the Bragg reflections and have an azimuthal extent of nearly 30°, making the whole symmetry of the diffraction pattern distinctly chiral, which has not yet been reported for aragonite. By analogy with biogenic calcite crystals, we associate these arcs with the presence of misoriented subgrains formed as a result of crystal twisting during growth.
New opportunities for discourse studies
Authors: Brown Katy
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a methodological framework that integrates poststructuralist Discourse Theory (DT), Critical Discourse Studies (CDS) and Corpus Linguistics (CL). While previous research has discussed potential compatibility between combinations of these approaches, there have been few attempts to bring them all together into a cohesive research programme. Fostering dialogue between diverse methodological perspectives can facilitate multi-level analysis to capture the complex dynamics of sociopolitical issues. In this vein, the article presents the methodological tree, an analogy used to illustrate how these traditions may come together to complement one another. This foundation lays the groundwork for practical application in discursive analysis, with a flexible analytical structure proposed and examples provided to illustrate its implementation. It is hoped that the article can stimulate further discussion around how DT, CDS and CL can be brought together to harness their strengths.
The distributional properties of prefixes influence lexical decision latencies
Authors: Maziyah Mohamed Mirrah , Jared Debra
Published: February 2024

Morphological processing has been extensively studied in English and European languages, but there is a growing
interest in extending the research to other languages. Here we examined Malay, an Austronesian language that is morphologically
rich. We investigated the effects of morphological constituents on lexical decisions for prefixed words. Specifically, we explored
whether readers are sensitive to any distributional properties of the prefix and root morphemes. Variables investigated included
length and family size for both prefixes and roots, as well as number of allomorphs, consistency, and productivity for prefixes.
Decision latencies were collected for 1,280 Malay words of various morphological structures. Data from the 640 prefixed words were
analyzed in a series of GAMM models. We observed a facilitative effect of root family size and an effect of several distributional
properties of prefixes on decision latencies after accounting for word frequency and length. Furthermore, a larger interaction
between frequency and several distributional properties of prefixes was found for words with three-letter prefixes than for those
with two-letter prefixes. These findings provide insight into the types of distributional properties to which Malay readers are
sensitive in multimorphemic words.
Production of charmonium pentaquarks from b-baryon and B-meson decays: SU(3) analysis*
Authors: Han 韩 Wei-Hao 伟毫 , Xing 邢 Ye 晔 , Xu 徐 Ji 吉
Published: February 2024

Here, we study the production of charmonium pentaquarks

from bottom baryon and B-meson decays under the flavor

symmetry. Decay amplitudes for various processes are parameterized in terms of

irreducible nonperturbative amplitudes. Numerous relations between decay widths are deduced. Moreover, the strong decays of pentaquarks are considered. Our results can be tested in future measurements at LHCb, Belle II, and CEPC. Once decay branching fractions are measured, this study will be useful for the exploration of new decay channels and pentaquark states.
Analysis of geometric uncertainties in 3D thermo-fluid problems solved by RBF-FD meshless method
Authors: Zamolo R , Miotti D , Nobile E
Published: February 2024

The tolerances of production processes can lead to uncertainties in the behaviour and in the features of the manufactured products. From the point of view of the design of engineering components it is therefore of valuable practical interest to be able to quantify such uncertainties as well as the expected, i.e., averaged, performances. Such uncertainty quantification is carried out in this work by means of the Non-Intrusive Polynomial Chaos (PC) method in order to estimate the propagation of geometrical uncertainties of the boundaries, i.e., when the boundaries are described by stochastic variables. Existing deterministic solvers can be used with the PC method because of its non-intrusive formulation, allowing an accurate and practical prediction of the random response through a simple set of deterministic response simulations. The Radial Basis Function Finite Differences (RBF-FD) method is employed as a black box solver for the computation of the required set of responses defined over deterministic boundaries. The RBF-FD method belongs to the class of meshless methods which do not require a computational mesh/grid, therefore its main capability is to easily deal with practical problems defined over complex-shaped domains. The geometrical flexibility of the RBF-FD method is even more advantageous when coupled to the Non-Intrusive PC method for uncertainty quantification since different deterministic solutions over different geometries are required. The applicability of the proposed approach to practical problems is presented through the prediction of geometric uncertainty effects for a steady-state forced convection problem in a 3D complex-shaped domain.
Effect of closed-loop nanochannels on the onset of explosive boiling: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Fallahzadeh R , Bozzoli F , Cattani L
Published: February 2024

As a primary boiling mode, explosive boiling has shown a promising future in many applications and received much research attention. The topology of the solid surface in contact with the liquid, particularly nanostructured surfaces, significantly affects the onset time of explosive boiling of a liquid nanofilm. Most studies investigated explosive boiling on non-closed-loop (parallel) nanochannel surfaces. Here, for the first time, explosive boiling in a closed-loop nanochannel was studied by the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation method. Explosive boiling of liquid argon nanofilm on solid copper surfaces with different topologies, including an ideally smooth, a non-closed-loop, and a closed-loop nanochannel, was simulated. The results showed that, compared with the ideally smooth surface, the onset time of explosive boiling decreased for the non-closed-loop and closed-loop nanochannel surfaces. However, it turned out that compared to the non-closed-loop nanochannel, using the closed-loop nanochannel has an adverse effect on heat flux and the onset time of explosive boiling.
Experimental validation of a heat exchanger model for thermoacoustic applications
Authors: Di Meglio A , Massarotti N , Piccolo A
Published: February 2024

Thermoacoustics is a promising technology for energy conversion purposes. Among the bottlenecks limiting a large diffusion of thermoacoustic devices, there are heat exchangers, whose behaviour in oscillatory flows is rather different than those working in stationary flows. Furthermore, the classical linear acoustic theory in the frequency domain cannot predict with high-fidelity the thermo-fluid dynamics of such heat exchangers. In this article, a CFD model based on a standing wave device including a parallel plate heat exchanger is proposed. The setup is inspired by a similar prototype of a thermoacoustic engine in which the performance of the ambient heat exchanger was tested. The results of the CFD model are therefore compared, in terms of the temperature difference between fluid and solid wall in the heat exchanger, average heat flux and Nusselt number, with experimental data showing a satisfying agreement.
A 3D numerical model for the performance analysis of a differential pressure flow meter in transient conditions for liquid fuels
Authors: Canale C. , Arpino F. , Cortellessa G. , Ficco G. , Grossi G. , Huovinen M. , Karvinen A.
Published: February 2024

In the present paper, the metrological performance of a single-hole, sharped edge, and the orifice flow meter is numerically investigated employing different liquid fuels. Numerical investigations have been performed for a three-dimensional transient flow. Turbulence has been modeled employing the Realizable K-ε turbulence model, based on the Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS). The present work is conducted in the context of the European SAFEST 20IND13 project, aimed at investigating the performance of the orifice flow meter numerical model in a wide range of temperatures, density, viscosity, and different liquid fuels. The numerical model, validated according to the ISO standard 5167-2 is employed to analyze the metrological performance of a test rig available at project partners’ laboratories and was aimed at reproducing the fuel consumption curve of a light and heavy transport vehicle.
Numerical modelling of an electric motor cooling jacket
Authors: Grespan M , Campanelli L , Angeli D , Freddi R
Published: February 2024

The automotive industry is amid a sweeping change of propulsion technology to meet the increasingly stringent limits on emissions and fuel consumption. Traditional combustion engines are gradually being replaced by electric motors or hybrid power trains. The efficiency and power density levels achievable by electric motors are entirely dependent on the effectiveness of the employed cooling solution. Therefore, extensive analyses are needed to determine and optimise the thermal performance of these systems. In this work a numerical model is developed to determine the friction losses and the heat transfer properties of an electric motor cooling jacket. The cooling channels, which coil along the circumferential direction within the motor casing, are studied by means of CFD analysis of a basic periodic module. Flow and temperature fields are determined by applying a 3D Finite Volume approach. Numerical solutions are obtained by means of a validated conjugate heat transfer solver. Integral flow field results are employed to derive the equivalent Darcy friction factor and side-wall specific Nusselt numbers for several flow regimes. A lumped parameter thermal model, based on the graph theory and aforementioned CFD results is also developed to determine the overall system performance. The equivalent thermal resistances are computed from geometric parameters and CFD results. Finally preliminary numerical results on friction losses and heat transfer are compared with available experimental data.
Combined Experimental and Numerical Approach for the Thermal Heat Exchange Investigation of Li-Ion Cells for Automotive Applications
Authors: Karaca C. , Baldinelli G. , Postrioti L. , Scrucca F.
Published: February 2024

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is an advanced technology in the field of electrochemical energy storage, but its management constitutes one of the most intriguing challenges for electric vehicles. Many parameters need to be controlled and managed and many aspects need to be optimised. This work presents a methodology for laboratory characterization of Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Lithium-Ion batteries suited for automotive applications. The purpose consists of obtaining a detailed description of the electrical and thermal behaviour of a single battery cell to provide an accurate model (static, dynamic, and thermal) that could ensure optimized real-time battery management by a management system for several battery packs. A battery testing system was built using a bidirectional power supply and a software/hardware interface was implemented within the National Instruments LabVIEW environment that monitors current, voltage and temperature sensors. This dedicated laboratory equipment can be used to apply and report charging/discharging cycles according to the user-defined load profile. A bidimensional CFD dynamic condition/transient simulation in the Ansys FLUENT environment was performed to study the heat thermal fluxes generated by a determined current value in the battery cells, and the results have been compared to the experimental data for validation.
Influence on energy demand of thickness, thermal conductivity, and volumetric heat capacity of ladle working lining in secondary steel-making process
Authors: Neri M , Pilotelli M , Lezzi A M
Published: February 2024

The secondary steel-making process involves several steps during which steel is kept in a ladle, that is, a vessel made of an outer steel layer (carpentry), an intermediate refractory layer, and an internal refractory layer. Unlike the intermediate layer, the internal layer undergoes a progressive reduction in thickness and a periodic restoration. Traditionally, it is made of alumina or magnesite. During the process, the ladle undergoes unsteady heating and cooling; therefore, heat transfer depends on thermal conductivity and heat capacity. This study aims to identify the ladle internal layer characteristics that affect the energy demand. This analysis investigates the effect of the internal layer thickness S, volumetric heat capacity C, and thermal conductivity λ. Through the Design Of the Experiments (DOE), different scenarios have been selected and analyzed by means of numerical simulations performed on a numerical model defined in COMSOL Multiphysics. The energy demand as a function of the internal layer properties has been estimated, and it has emerged that low thermal conductivity and heat capacity values require a lower amount of energy.
A novel Ground Source heat exchanger in an underground metro tunnel
Authors: Ahmed F , Massarotti N , Mauro A , Normino G
Published: February 2024

Using Ground Coupled Heat Pump (GCHP) systems in urban areas can be particularly difficult due to space or legislative constraints, other than excessive costs due to drilling. To overcome these problems, the authors proposed to use Artificial Ground Freezing (AGF) probes, used for tunnel excavation, as Ground Heat Exchangers (GHE). It is a widespread practice to seal the probes in the tunnel after the completion. The conversion of existing AGF probes into GHE for GCHP allows us to avoid additional drilling costs, and other space or legislative constraints associated with the use of GCHP systems in urban areas. Such systems could be developed to use underground urban transportation tunnels for heating and cooling in smart cities. These systems were tested after the construction of two tunnels, as part of the GeoGRID project, in Piazza Municipio, Naples, Italy. The data obtained from the experimental setup have been analysed and used for validation of a finite element model developed by the authors to simulate heat transfer between the probes and the surrounding ground. A simplified pipe flow model was introduced, in combination with a 3D model of the ground, to reduce the complexity and computational effort to solve the discretized equations. The simulation results have been compared with experimental data, showing a good agreement, and observing differences in the range of 2 – 5 %. The model can therefore be used as a predictive tool for the development of this type of innovative heat exchanger.
Development of lumped-parameters models for the thermal evaluation and air quality in aircrafts
Authors: Tognon G , Biasibetti P , Zarrella A
Published: February 2024

Aircraft cabins are a challenging category when dealing with thermal comfort and air quality inside means of transport. Two simplified dynamic models are developed. The first one is a lumped resistance-capacitance model for assessing the cabin thermal behaviour during the cruise phase. The fuselage is discretised into several slices and each one is represented through an RC network consisting of eleven nodes, thirteen resistances and three capacities. A thermal balance equation is set for each node and the linear system is solved to calculate the air and surfaces’ temperatures. The model is validated by comparison with literature experimental data from ten flights, showing that the predicted temperatures agree well with the measured ones, presenting an RMSE of 1.5, 1.9 and 1.3 °C for cabin air, floor and cabin internal surface temperatures, respectively. A sensitivity analysis is conducted, for which the internal air temperature increases linearly with occupancy rate and decreases with cruising altitude. Secondly, an air quality model is proposed to evaluate the presence of pollutants inside the cabin, based on a simple concentration balance equation. Ventilation flow rates recommended from standards and a recirculation rate below 50-60% should be set to maintain acceptable CO2 levels.
An overview on Finite Different Method (FDM) in multilayer thermal diffusion problem
Authors: Ricciu R , Congedo P M , Baccoli R , Mastino C C , Baglivo C , Buonomo P L M , Popolano G
Published: February 2024

Numerous mathematical models have been developed for thermal diffusion through single-layer materials, while further developments are needed for multi-layer materials. Diffusion processes through a multilayer material are of interest in industrial, applied thermodynamics, physics, electrical and civil engineering applications. The proposed scheme is easily applicable in various fields, demonstrating that Finite Different Methods (FDMs) are flexible, simple to implement and help to represent multilayer materials even without associating them with other numerical methods. The numerical method studied is a FDM in a civil engineering application. Through the study of a multilayer wall, its criticalities are highlighted, and a possible implementation is proposed.
BEPU analysis of an Upgraded ICE facility test by TRACE/DAKOTA coupling
Authors: Bersano A. , Agnello G. , Di Maio P. A. , Grippo G. , Mascari Fulvio
Published: February 2024

The Ingress of Coolant Event (ICE) in the plasma chamber is one of the safety issues in fusion nuclear plants. The best estimate thermal-hydraulic system codes adopted to perform deterministic safety analysis should be validated against the phenomena typical of accidental transients in fusion installations. TRACE (TRAC/RELAP Advanced Computational Engine), best estimate thermal-hydraulic system code developed by USNRC, has been adopted to simulate an ICE. The calculated results have been compared to the experimental data obtained in one test performed in the upgraded Integrated ICE facility at JAERI. In this updated configuration the pressure suppression system is connected to the top of the plasma chamber instead of the bottom of the vacuum vessel. The facility nodalization has been developed in the SNAP environment/architecture. To qualify the code and the nodalization, an accuracy evaluation has been performed both from a qualitative and quantitative point of view. Then, considering the presence of some uncertainties in the input-deck development, an uncertainty analysis has been carried out. The probabilistic method to propagate the input uncertainties has been selected and the analysis has been carried out with the DAKOTA toolkit coupled with TRACE code in SNAP. In the uncertainty analysis, some relevant statistical parameters have been considered to characterize the dispersion of the results and the correlation between the uncertain input parameters selected and the PC pressure chosen as figure of merit.
Multi-scale analysis of respiratory droplets transport within the breathing cloud
Authors: Campanelli L , Cavazzuti M , Tartarini P
Published: February 2024

Infectious diseases are transmitted primarily through pathogen laden droplets commonly exhaled during respiratory events such as breathing, coughing, or sneezing. The transport and evaporation of droplets are governed by the fundamental laws of fluid mechanics and convection-diffusion. From these, analytical models can be created helping in better understanding pathogens transmission from a mechanical perspective. The droplet transport within the humid air breath cloud and the local ventilation are crucial for accurately predicting the droplet fate. Different levels of complexity are possible for modelling the breath cloud, from simple 1D models to complex unsteady 3D simulations including discrete phase models for the droplets simulation. The former are too simple to capture the fluid dynamics of intermittent jets in detail, while the latter are too computationally expensive. The current work presents a novel multi-scale approach where an analytical model of the droplet transport and evaporation is coupled to unsteady CFD simulations of warm humid puffs of exhaled air. The proposed model has the advantage of the accuracy of an analytical model and the computational cost of a relatively standard unsteady CFD simulation, and can be used to predict the trajectory of the exhaled droplets for a variety of respiratory events.
Biochar powders coating to improve evaporative cooling in Maisotsenko-cycle systems
Authors: Morselli N , Fracasso F D , Cossu M , Ottani F , Puglia M , Pedrazzi S , Allesina G , Muscio A , Tartarini P
Published: February 2024

This work presents an experimental study on the performance of biochar powder coatings on aluminum surfaces for use in indirect evaporative coolers based on the Maisotsenko cycle. The performance of the biochar coated samples was compared to cellulose-coated aluminum samples and uncoated ones. Results showed that biochar coatings improved the performance of uncoated aluminum, with the 150 μm particle size coating offering performance comparable to cellulose. However, wetting times were longer, which has implications for spraying strategies.
A test bench for the assessment of flow meters accuracy for fuel consumption measurement in highly dynamic drive cycle tests
Authors: Martino M. , Postrioti L. , Malengo A.
Published: February 2024

The transport sector is one of the most significant contributors in terms of NOx, particulate matter and net CO2 emission. In order to mitigate this environmental impact, severe homologation limits have been introduced by the different regional Authorities. Both pollutant emissions and CO2 production of vehicles are measured during standardized laboratory test cycles and road tests, both characterized by relatively abrupt powertrain load and fuel rate transients. This dynamic approach results in severe issues in terms of fuel flow measurement capabilities as flow meters are typically calibrated in steady fuel flow conditions. In the present activity, an experimental test bench was developed with the aim of offering a flexible and affordable test system to evaluate the performances of different flow meters in dynamic conditions. The test bench consists of a complete fuel injection system managed to reproduce an assigned cycle; by this approach the highly-dynamic engine-like fuel flow rate is replicated, offering the opportunity to compare the accuracy of the flow meter under test with both a master Coriolis-type flow meter and the nominal fuel flow time-profile. This bench allows the execution of flow meter accuracy tests in controlled operating conditions with reduced efforts with respect to conventional vehicle test benches and with a high reproducibility level.
More Equal Than Others
Authors: Fasel Raffael N
Published: February 2024

Unprecedented demands have recently arrived at the doorstep of courts and parliaments the world over: that nonhuman animals should receive some of the rights that have so far been reserved to human beings. This development has raised fundamental questions about the nature of legal rights and who should have them. One of the key questions, which this book addresses, is whether conferring fundamental legal rights to animals would undermine the equal status and rights of humans. The book explains that, while failing to extend legal rights to animals withholds entitlements from them that they deserve based on their capacities, granting animals rights based on capacities threatens to undermine the status and rights of humans lacking these capacities. The book proposes an unorthodox but practical solution to this conundrum: the Species Membership Approach (SMA). According to the SMA, legal rights and similar entitlements should be granted to animals based on the species to which they belong, not their individual capacities. The book develops this proposal by shedding light on the forgotten history of animal and human rights in the French Enlightenment, examining the antithetical nature of the human rights and animal rights conceptions that have since dominated the debate, and demonstrating how a middle ground can be reached between these opposing conceptions.
Summary of best evidence for prevention and management of frailty
Authors: Guo Yinning , Miao Xueyi , Hu Jieman , Chen Li , Chen Yimeng , Zhao Kang , Xu Ting , Jiang Xiaoman , Zhu Hanfei , Xu Xinyi , Xu Qin
Published: February 2024

Background

Frailty in older people can seriously affect their quality of life and increase the demand for long-term care and health care expenses. Aims of this study are to provide an evidence-based basis for clinical practice of frailty in older people by systematically searching for the best current evidence on interventions for the prevention and management of frailty.

Methods

According to the ‘6S’ evidence resource model, evidence retrieval is searched from the top-down and collected relevant guidelines, best practices, evidence summaries, systematic reviews and expert consensus. The retrieval time limit was from the database establishment to 20 March 2023. Two reviewers independently screened and evaluated the literature, and then extracted and summarised the evidence according to the JBI grading of evidence and recommendation system.

Results

A total of 44 publications were finally included, including 12 guidelines, 5 best practices, 4 expert consensus, 5 evidence summaries and 18 systematic reviews. Through the induction and integration of the evidence, the evidence was finally summarised from eight aspects: frailty screening, frailty assessment, exercise intervention, nutrition intervention, multi-domain intervention, drug administration, social support and health education, and 43 best evidences were formed.

Conclusions

This study summarised the best evidence for the prevention and management of frailty from eight aspects, which can provide guidance for clinical or community medical staff to develop and apply frailty intervention and practice programmes for older people and improved the clinical outcome and quality of life of older people.
Technical Refinements and Outcomes Assessment in Prepectoral Pocket Conversion After Postmastectomy Radiotherapy
Authors: Pagliara Domenico , Rubino Corrado , Grieco Federica , Pili Nicola , Serra Pietro Luciano , Schiavone Laurenza , Lattanzi Melba , Montella Rino Aldo , Rinaldi Pierluigi Maria , Ribuffo Diego , De Santis Giorgio , Salgarello Marzia
Published: February 2024

Background

Several studies show how submuscular breast reconstruction is linked to animation deformity, shoulder dysfunction, and increased postoperative chest pain, when compared to prepectoral breast reconstruction. In solving all these life-impairing side effects, prepectoral implant pocket conversion has shown encouraging results.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to propose a refinement of the prepectoral implant pocket conversion applied to previously irradiated patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on 42 patients who underwent previous nipple- or skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate submuscular reconstruction, followed by radiotherapy. We performed fat grafting sessions as regenerative pretreatment. Six months after the last fat graft, we performed the conversion, with prepectoral placement of micropolyurethane foam–coated implants. We investigated the preconversion and postconversion differences in upper limb range of motion, Upper Extremity Functional Index, and patient satisfaction with the breast and physical well-being of the chest.

Results

We reported a resolution of animation deformity in 100% of cases. The range of motion and the Upper Extremity Functional Index scores were statistically improved after prepectoral implant pocket conversion. BREAST-Q scores for satisfaction with the breast and physical well-being of the chest were also improved.

Conclusions

The refined prepectoral implant pocket conversion is a reliable technique for solving animation deformity and improving quality of life in patients previously treated with submuscular reconstruction and radiotherapy.

Level of Evidence: 3
Breast Implants and the Risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast: A Systematic Literature Review and Epidemiologic Study
Authors: Santanelli di Pompeo Fabio , Firmani Guido , Stanzani Emilia , Clemens Mark W , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Di Napoli Arianna , Sorotos Michail
Published: February 2024

Squamous cell carcinoma may arise primarily from the breast parenchyma (PSCCB) or from the periprosthetic capsule in patients with breast implants (breast implant–associated squamous cell carcinoma [BIA-SCC]). A systematic literature review was performed to identify all PSCCB and BIA-SCC cases, and to estimate prevalence, incidence rate (IR), and risk. Studies up to November 2023 were searched on PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library for predefined keywords. The numerator for PSCCB and BIA-SCC was the number of cases obtained from the literature; the denominator for PSCCB was the female population aged from 18 to 99, and the denominator for BIA-SCC was the population with breast implants. Overall, 219 papers were included, featuring 2250 PSCCB and 30 BIA-SCC cases. PSCCB prevalence was 2.0 per 100,000 (95% CI, 0.2:100,000 to 7.2:100,000) individuals, with a lifetime risk of 1:49,509 (95% CI, 0.2:10,000 to 5.6:10,000); and BIA-SCC prevalence was 0.61 per 100,000 (95% CI, 0.2:100,000 to 1.3:100,000), with a lifetime risk of 1:164,884 (95% CI, 0.2:100,000 to 5.6:100,000). The prevalence of BIA-SCC is 3.33 times lower than that of PSCCB, while the prevalence of breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is 3.84 times higher than that of primary breast ALCL. When comparing the BIA-SCC prevalence of 1:164,910 individuals with breast implants regardless of texture to the BIA-ALCL prevalence of 1:914 patients with textured implants, the BIA-SCC risk is 180 times lower than the BIA-ALCL risk. BIA-SCC occurs less frequently than PSCCB and considerably less than BIA-ALCL. The association between textured implants and BIA-SCC cases is relevant for patient education regarding uncommon and rare risks associated with breast implants, and ongoing vigilance, research, and strengthened reporting systems remain imperative.