bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusive fluxes of secondary air-shower particles
Authors: Sogarwal Hariom , Shukla Prashant
Published: August 2024

The particle showers produced in the atmosphere due to the interactions of primary cosmic
particles require a thorough understanding in the backdrop of searches for rare interactions. In
this work, we made a comprehensive study of air shower simulations using various combinations of
hadronic models and particle transport code of the CORSIKA package. The primary proton and helium
distributions are taken as power law which are scaled to match the measured flux in balloon and
satellite-based experiments at the top of atmosphere. The shower simulation includes production,
transport and decays of secondaries up to the ground level. In this study, we focus on the bulk
of the spectra and particles which is computationally intensive and hence parallel processing of
events is done on computer cluster. We provide a way to normalize the simulation results to be
compared with the ground-based measurements namely, single and multiple muon yields and their
charge ratios as a function of zenith angle and momentum. This provides a basis for comparisons
among the six model combinations used in this study and the differences are outlined. Most of the
hadronic models in CORSIKA produce the bulk ground based measurements fairly well. We use one of
the best model combinations to quantitatively predict the absolute and relative yields of various
particles at ground level as well as their correlations with primaries and with each other. The
leptonic ratios are obtained as a function of energy and zenith angle which are important inputs
for the neutrino oscillation physics.
Effect of carbonation on calcium silicate hydrate
Authors: Bhattacharjee Saurav , Nair Syam
Published: August 2024

Calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) phases precipitated during cementitious reactions are responsible for strength gain in lime and cement-stabilized subgrade layers. Exposure of these treated layers to environmental factors can lead to carbonation of CSH phases and can be detrimental to the long-term performance of these materials. The study focuses on understanding the physio-chemical changes incurred in CSH phases during carbonation and developing a methodology to shorten the timescale required for carbonation studies where field carbonation needs to be simulated. Pure CSH phases were synthesized in accordance with Greenberg et al. (1960) and were subjected to varying levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) exposure under controlled conditions. Impact of diffusion of CO2 was identified based on changes in Ca/Si ratio, pH values and morphology variations in the samples. Observations suggest that carbonation of CSH phases in presence of moisture is a multistep process where metastable calcium bicarbonate phases form initially. 30-day exposure to one percent CO2 was observed to mimic 720 days of infield carbonation due to atmospheric exposure whereas five to seven days exposure to three percent CO2 was found to be equivalent to 720 days of atmospheric carbonation incurred by stabilized samples in field.
Performance based evaluation on strengthening of flexible pavement using sbr and rice husk ash as filler material.
Authors: karthik Ch Krishna , Kanta Rao M , Narra Malathi , Srinivas Ch , Mani Kiran P
Published: August 2024

This research paper explores the performance-based evaluation of flexible pavement reinforcement through the incorporation of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) in bitumen and the utilization of rice husk ash as a filler material. The study aims to assess the impact of these additives onthe mechanical and functional properties of flexible pavements, considering factors such as durability, stability, cracks and rutting resistance. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing insights into the effects of SBR-modified bitumen and rice husk ash on the pavement’s response to various load. With the addition of the SBR in bitumen and rice husk ash in aggregate improve the properties like stability, flow value and amount of voids. The findings are expected to aid in the development of sustainable and cost-effective pavement solutions with enhanced mechanical properties and extended service life. The paper concludes with recommendations for the practical implementation of these modifications inpavement construction, emphasizing the potential benefits for long-term performance, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This research addresses the current challenges in pavement engineering and offers a valuable contribution to the optimization of flexible pavement materials.
Comprehensive Review on Utilization of Construction Demolished Waste and Crumb Rubber for Sustainable Pavement Construction
Authors: Harinder D. , Srujana M. , Jai Charan Reddy Y. , Akshay Goud D.R. , Sai Priya K.
Published: August 2024

Several researchers are focusing on the utilization of Construction Demolished Waste (CDW) and Crumb Rubber (CR). They assess CDW’s acoustic, workability, durability, and mechanical properties. Numerous studies are addressing the benefits of using Crumb Rubber in various applications. Research has also shown that various fiber materials can be utilized to boost the strength of concrete. Some examples of typical fiber material are basalt, steel, glass, and polypropylene fibers. But the studies do not address the combination of CDW and CR with other fibers. This article discusses the state-of-the-art in CDW and CR properties with the respective combinations of fiber materials used in pavement engineering. Additionally, the literature review has been completely revised to understand the structural arrangement and material composition of particles for further research in the future.
Analysis of Morphometric Characteristics of Watershed’s by using DEM and QGIS
Authors: Dileep Kumar Reddy B , Jyothirmayee S , Niranjan Reddy B L , Murali D , Sree Mouna T , Priyanka D , Venkata Sai Reddy V
Published: August 2024

Watershed management is a prerequisite for achieving sustainability. Insufficient financial and human resources make it impossible to properly execute management and conservation measures across broad watersheds. In order to attain sustainability, watershed management is crucial. Large watersheds provide a challenge because of the lack of funding and human resources necessary to effectively manage and conserve the whole region. The morphometric analysis was used to determine various linear as well as aerial characteristics, including stream length, bifurcation ratio, drainage area, flow length, slope, drainage density, stream frequency, shape factor, and relief ratio. Given the significance of the SRTM-DEM extract from the USGS earth explorer and the QGIS used for the assessment of drainage and the determination of them with respect parameters for the related information at the Badvel Tank (Kadapa district), Venkatachalam Cheruvu (Nellore district), and Kalangi Reservoir (Chittor district), the current study was conducted. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable resource for recommending infrastructure in specific watersheds and aiding local government officials in making informed decisions regarding irrigation and water resources. Additionally, the study demonstrates that hydrological evaluation at the watershed level using SRTM DEM is a more practical and accurate approach compared to other existing techniques.
Parametric and Non-parametric Analysis of Annual Precipitation for Amaravati: A Spatial and Temporal Analysis
Authors: Seenu P Z , Chebrolu Madhu Sudhan , Shradha M , Vidya Sagar G , Harinder D , Jayakumar K V
Published: August 2024

Analysis of the trends, homogeneity and stationarity of yearly rainfall series at gauged stations located in and around Amaravati, the research is centered on the new declared capital of Andhra Pradesh, India. Thirty years (1985-2014) of annual precipitation data from 17 gauged stations were available for the study. The study is conducted using both parametric linear regression and non-parametric approaches, namely the Sen’s slope method and Mann-Kendall trend test. The homogeneity of the precipitation series is assessed using the Standard Normal Homogeneity Test (SNHT), von Neumann’s test, and Pettitt’s test and von Neumann’s test. Stationarity and non-stationarity of precipitation time series are determined using Dickey-Fuller (ADF), Kwiatkowski–Phillips–Schmidt–Shin (KPSS) and Phillips-Perron (PP) methods. For most of the stations, the parametric linear regression analysis of annual precipitation indicated a positive trend. Out of all the stations analysed in the non-parametric test for the average yearly precipitation series, 47 percent exhibited a positive trend. Specifically, a significant trend was seen at the Vijayawada urban station. Sen’s slope values varied from -1.233 mm/year (at Kanchikacherala) to 1.744 mm/year (in Vijayawada Urban). With the exception of Amaravati and Vijayawada urban stations, the remaining stations demonstrated more stationarity and homogeneity in the conducted tests. With the exception of Amaravati and Vijayawada urban stations, the remaining stations demonstrated more stationarity and homogeneity in the conducted tests. The findings of this study will assist in making informed choices on the organising, management, as well as growth of the water supply within the Amaravati region, in response to climate change.
An assessment of seismic performance of high-rise diagrid structure with plan irregularity
Authors: Siva Bharath P.L.S. , Bommisetty Jagadeesh , Keertan Tirukovela Sai , Manoj Tangudu
Published: August 2024

Urbanization has led to land scarcity which in turn has given rise to tall structures these days. Predominance of the lateral loads such as seismic and wind loads increase with the height of the structure. In this sense, the lateral load-resisting system dominates over traditional systems that resist gravity loads. The interior and exterior structural systems contribute to the lateral load resistance. The diagrid system is one of the predominantly used exterior systems used to resist lateral loads and was used to assess the performance of a high-rise structure (30-and 60-storey) irregular in plan (L-shaped and C-shaped) in this study. The irregularity in the plan that can test the potentiality of seismic performance of diagrid structure is observed through a case study through a modelling and analyzing using ETABS software. The seismic performance of the models prepared in various seismic zones as per Indian standard was studied and concluded that the diagrid system performs effectively for both 30- and 60-storey buildings (L-shaped and C-shaped) in all seismic zones. The values attained by both L-shaped and C-shaped models noticed to be satisfying the Indian Standard codal provisions.
Evaluation of Hardened Properties of Ferro Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Sai Kishore K , Lalitha G
Published: August 2024

Increase in growth of construction industry is eventually leading to a rise in output of Portland cement which in turn increases the pollution. This has effect on global warming. As to reduce the effect of green-house gases, sustainable materials are being used in concrete intensively. One among which is the Geo-polymer concrete (GPC). In this project steel wire mesh has been inculcated into GPC forming “Ferro Geo-polymer concrete (FGPC)”. Specimens have been cast using GPC inculcated with various layers of wire mesh. Ferro geo-polymer concrete specimens were cast with wire mesh in single and double layers and values are compared with same grade of conventional GPC specimens. Mechanical properties of G40 grade Ferro geo-polymer concrete have been studied at the age of 28, 56 and 90 days. It is found that for double layer at 90 days of ambient curing maximum percentage increase of 10.18%, 10.37% and 27.46% in compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths correspondingly. The evaluated values are compared with values of ML (MATLAB) application and achieved accuracy of more than 98%.
Geopolymer Concrete with Nano Silica: A Review on the Impact of Sodium Hydroxide Solution Molarity
Authors: Dhanashire Abhishek , Harika Mrs R , Sai Goutham R , Srinivas Y , Amith Reddy K
Published: August 2024

Geopolymer concrete is gaining popularity as a sustainable substitute for conventional cement concrete, primarily attributed to its reduced carbon footprint and enhanced properties. As geopolymer technology advances, ongoing research is directed towards optimizing mix designs, clarifying long-term performance traits, and broadening the material’s range of applications. The practical application of geopolymer concrete faces a limitation in the form of heat activation at different temperatures. Several studies have undertaken the use of nanoparticles to overcome this constraint in optimal proportion. This review provides a thorough examination of the recent research on the integration of nano silica in geopolymer concrete, while also exploring the impact of varying sodium hydroxide solution molarity levels on microstructures and mechanical properties. The findings suggest that the inclusion of an appropriate percentage of nano silica enhances various properties of geopolymer concrete. As the molarity increases it is evident that, properties such as compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and bond strength exhibit parallel improvements. Upon analyzing various studies, 14M NaOH solution with alkaline-to-binder ratio of 0.4 exhibited superior performance. An accelerated rate of polymerization and the conversion of amorphous compounds into crystalline ones are revealed by applying highly reactive analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM and EDS to geopolymer concrete.
Sustainable mix design for 3D printable concrete
Authors: Mahanthi S , Kantarao M , Uma Maheswara Rao S , Niharika M , Munnisa Sk Shami
Published: August 2024

3D concrete printing is a new building process that has great potential for the construction industry in terms of optimizing construction time, cost, design flexibility, error reduction, and environmental factors. The most influential factor that determines successful printing is the concrete mix. This study focuses on designing a sustainable 3D printable mix and further examining its fresh and hardened mechanical properties. This study concentrated on the performance requirements for 3D printable concrete, which include printability, extrudability, and buildability. The trail mixes are conducted using cement, fine aggregate, and water. Crucial components like GGBS, fly ash, and crystalline silica are replaced with cement to improve the performance of the concrete mix. The mechanical and fresh properties of the 3D printable mix are examined using compressive and unconfined uniaxial compression tests. The early-age strength of the trail mixes was assessed using the unconfined uniaxial compression test. The findings showed that the best mix could withstand deposited layers for 60 minutes after adding water to the binder. The mix containing cement, fly ash, GGBS, silica, sand, and water is the optimal mix. The compressive test of the printed specimen revealed that it attained 44.5% and 23% more strength compared to other mixes. The inclusion of crystalline silica is the reason behind increased compressive strength and an inter-layer bond between the layers.
Study on Influence of Brine Solution on swelling Behaviour of Expansive soil
Authors: Yantrapalli Sudheerkumar , Noolu Venkatesh , Priyam N. B , Anitha K , Hari Krishna P
Published: August 2024

Clay soils show considerable variations in their behaviour with changes in the pore-fluids. Contaminations from potash industries and leakages from oil and gas industries, underground petrol storage tanks, nuclear repositories and leachates from municipal and hazardous waste landfills can often introduce new pore–fluids into the soil. Brine is a solution of salt in water and finds many commercial uses in industries. Sodium Chloride (NaCl) is one important constituent that can come into contact with soil from the above–mentioned sources. The present study aims at finding the physicochemical and index properties of brine – infused black cotton soils from Telangana region. Studies on the index properties of clay – brine interactions with different concentrations of NaCl solution (0.4M, 2M and 4M) indicate that brine contamination has noticeable effects even in lime modified soils.
Investigation of dolochar-stabilized stone columns incohesive soils: implications for foundation design
Authors: Panda H , Sahu R , Giri D
Published: August 2024

Stone columns, a ground improvement technique, can enhance load-bearing capacity and reduce settlements but often lack sufficient friction and bonding with cohesive soils. Dolochar, a novel cementitious additive derived from the sponge iron industry, presents promising potential in addressing these limitations. This study investigates the effectiveness of dolochar-stabilized stone columns in improving the performance of foundation. Undisturbed clay samples with varying liquidity indices (IC) of 0.3, 0.65, and 0.8 were collected and characterized through a comprehensive suite of geotechnical tests, including specific gravity, dry and wet sieve analysis, liquid and plastic limit, compaction test, triaxial compression test, and direct shear test. Stone columns fabricated with different dolochar at L/D Ratios of (2.5, 4, 6 & 8) were installed in prepared soil specimens within a pressure-controlled apparatus at varying different percentages of dolochar (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%) relative to the soil area. At each and every percentage settlement of the column has been observed at mentioned liquidity-indices on dolochar treated stone columns and surrounding soil to evaluate their mechanical behavior. The influence of dolochar and area replacement ratio on the overall system performance was observed, with higher dolochar content and larger replacement ratios leading to greater stiffness and reduced settlements.
Experimental investigation on partial replacement of coconut shells as coarse aggregate and rubber as fine aggregate in concrete
Authors: Kruthika Kancharla , Suma Yarlagadda , Tej Naik Mude Amar , Chowdary Nekkalapu Nagini , Sai Puli Pavan
Published: August 2024

Concrete is the most widely used artificial material worldwide, and its production depends on the availability of components like sand, granite, and cement. The prices of these materials have significantly increased in recent years. This study investigates the effect of using coconut shells (12mm – 16 mm) as the coarse aggregate and rubber (4.75 mm) as the fine aggregate in concrete. The concrete was intended to achieve compressive strength of 40 N/mm2, with coarse aggregate replacing coconut shells and fine aggregate replacing rubber at 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight. According to the study, 5% is the optimum amount of coconut shell to replace coarse aggregate with. The optimal replacement percentage of fine aggregate with rubber is 5%. Therefore, tests will be conducted on all of the aforementioned samples to determine their different characteristics, including compressive strength, split tensile strength, RCPT test, and sorptivity test.
Reviewing the potential of waste paper incorporation in enhancing concrete sustainability
Authors: Birajdar Roopadevi B , Babu Chittela Vijaya , Ganta Mounika , Nagaraja Kandagal , Santhoshi Yerragolla Mailikol
Published: August 2024

Concrete is made from a mix of aggregate, sand, water, and cement. Waste Paper Concrete (WPC) is a mix of concrete and Waste Paper (WP). Every year, WP production slowly goes up. Because of this, more space is needed for disposal sites, which use energy, use up natural resources, and make the world dirtier. By using WP in concrete, pollution in the environment could be cut down. So, this review paper looks at what can be done with WP by replacing fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and cement in concrete at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. This study talks about the physical and chemical properties of the WP. This study also looks at the fresh, mechanical, and structural characteristics of WPC, like slump, modulus of elasticity and stress-strain relation. Based on this review, the fresh, mechanical, and structural characteristics of concrete improve when WP is added at 5% and 10%, but they get worse when WP is added at more than 10%. The SEM shows that there are some pieces of wet cement. When adding 10% WP, the hydrated cement particles are inclined to improve the strength of the concrete more than when adding 5% WP. It’s clear that adding WP to regular concrete, which doesn’t have any waste paper in it, gives it a lot of good qualities that regular concrete doesn’t have. By improving its properties and efficiency, WP could have the right qualities to be used in making concrete.
Mechanical and durability performance of bentonite clay blended cement composites - A Review
Authors: Ruthik B. , Praseeda D.
Published: August 2024

Cement plays a crucial role as a binder in concrete production. With the evolving population, there is tremendous development happening all over the world in terms of infrastructure which is mostly of concrete. With this development, there is also a greater dependency on the cement. As known cement production contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases which cause harm to the environment. To overcome this problem to some extent, supplementary cementitious materials play a greater role. Materials that are mostly used as partial replacements for cement are the by-products of various industries such as fly ash, GGBS, spent pot lining, etc. There is also another material called Bentonite clay which can be used as a supplementary cementitious material as a partial replacement to cement. However, the study is limited owing to its properties such as its swelling nature etc. So, this paper reviews the feasibility of the utilization of bentonite clay as one of the materials as a partial replacement for cement in the production of concrete. This paper mainly reviews the mechanical properties and durability performance of bentonite-modified cement composites. It has been observed from the studies carried out that there is an enhancement in the mechanical properties and durability performance with the utilization of Calcined bentonite clay as a partial replacement for cement. The optimum dosage of the utilization of the bentonite clay was found to be in the range between 20-30 % by weight of the cement content.
Low cost water purifier using natural and waste material
Authors: Afreen Mohammad , Suma Yarlagadda , Sri Matta Swapna , Rohit Gorle , Ashish Raju Jangam Dev
Published: August 2024

The initial exploration of an affordable water purification system led to the creation of a novel water purifier crafted from natural and discarded materials, along with a budget-friendly filtration unit. Velagapudi Ramakrishna Siddhartha Engineering College in Kanuru, Vijayawada, innovatively designed this low-cost filtration device. The primary objective is to diminish the reliance on potable water by establishing a new source through the reuse of wastewater. The wastewater treatment process involves the utilization of coconut shells, corn cobs, sugar cane pulp, charcoal, intact sea shells, pebble stones, aiming to enhance the quality of treated wastewater. Employing recycled wastewater for activities like gardening and flushing emerges as an effective strategy for water conservation and the promotion of sustainability.
Physicochemical quality investigation and sustainable management of first biodiversity heritage site in India
Authors: Soumya Kiran P
Published: August 2024

Earth is empowered with an astounding variety of living organisms in only one part if whole earth’s mass is divided into 10 billion parts which means whole diversity restricted to just about a kilometer thick layer of soil, water and air. Biodiversity heritage sites are well defined areas known for their unique and complex ecosystems. Ameenpur lake situated in Sangareddy District near outskirts of Hyderabad, Telangana state is a first water body in India declared as Biodiversity heritage site in November 2016 by Ministry of Environment under section 37 of National Biodiversity Act 2002 known for its unique faunal biological diversity. Lake is being deteriorated by effluents discharged from industries, domestic sewage, and agricultural runoff from surrounding zones of Ameenpur. Haphazard urban development, Human encroachment and industrialization are the main causes for declining water quality of lake which making lake to lose its unique identity. Present study deals with determining physicochemical quality parameters which includes turbidity, Total Solids, Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Total Hardness, Alkalinity, chlorides, Nitrates, sulphates, Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand etc as per IS 3025(1987) and comparing with recommended surface water quality standards as per IS 2296, drinking water permissible limits adopted by BIS as per IS10500. Present research extends to study recommend sustainable management approaches and suggest few for enhancement of water quality in lake without posing harm to aquatic life by bringing quality parameters nearer their permissible limits.
Effect of stack geometry and operating frequency on performance of thermoacoustic refrigeration
Authors: Jadhav Pravin V. , Mehta Girish D. , Sakhale Chandrashekhar N.
Published: August 2024

Different researches have given a broad canvas about investigation of performance of thermoacoustic refrigeration system (TARS) considering geometrical changes in stack, resonator tube and different operating parameters including gas pressure, working medium, frequency and temperature gradient. Limited work is reported involving the variation in stack geometry with different operating frequency to provide the choice of parameters for improving the performance of TARS. In present work, investigation is executed to ascertain the effect of different stack geometry and operating frequencies on the performance of (TARS) thermoacoustic refrigerator system. The difference in temperature at two ends of stack is the performance indictor of thermoacoustic systems. Three different stack geometries constructed from a Mylar sheet of 0.18 mm were used. The parallel plate stack fabricated was 0.13 mm thick and spaced 3 mm while the tubular stack had circular cross section with 3 mm diameter. Tests are performed to measure the performance of TARS for parallel, tubular, and spiral geometry of stacks with varying operating frequencies at the tune of 200 Hz, and 400 Hz, at 2 bar operating pressure with helium gas. From the investigation it is speculated that, the tubular type stack geometry gives improved results, whilst the increased operating frequency had a considerable impact on the temperature achieved at lower and high temperature heat exchangers. Experiments showed that the tubular stack achieved the lowest minimum temperature among the three geometries considered. Temperature achieved for lower temperature heat exchanger were 20.5 °C and 20 °C with tubular stack at 200 Hz and 400 Hz followed by parallel stack as 29°C and 22.8 °C and spiral stack as 28.7 °C and 25.1 °C respectively at 200 Hz and 400 Hz frequencies. The maximum temperature difference between lower and high temperature heat exchanger observed was of 22 °C for tubular stack geometry followed by parallel and spiral stack geometry.
Design of multiphase BUCK DC-DC converter chip
Authors: Fu Mingshuo , Dai Lan
Published: August 2024

This article proposes a design of a multiphase BUCK-type DC-DC voltage converter. This buck converter allows for a high input voltage range from 3 V to 22 V and integrates two voltage modes, namely pulse width modulation control and input feedforward synchronous buck PWM control, to control dual independent voltage regulators or two-phase single output regulators. This type of step-down converter adopts multiphase cascade technology, which can effectively reduce output voltage ripple and increase output current. Multiphase cascade technology utilizes the controller to output ripples with different phases, interleaving and paralleling the ripple, ultimately reducing the ripple and improving the conversion efficiency of the controller with high stability.
A Sub-1V High PSRR Bandgap Voltage Reference with Temperature Compensation for Low Dropout Regulator
Authors: Wu Yufei , Guo Aiying , Zhang Jianhua
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a sub-1V high Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR) Bandgap Voltage Reference with temperature compensation is presented to provide a reference voltage for the Low Dropout Regulator (LDO). This bandgap can compensate the output circuit through a temperature compensation structure, which outputs a sub-1V reference voltage and has a low-temperature coefficient. The 55 nm CMOS process is used for design and simulation. The temperature range is 165°C (-45°C∼120°C). At the TT process corner, when the typical voltage value is 2.5 V, the Temperature Coefficient (TC) is 4.751 ppm/°C, and the PSRR is up to -107 dB at low frequencies.
A Low-temperature drift bandgap reference circuit with startup enhancement and high currents driving
Authors: Chen Fengli , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2024

Based on the H*C 0.18 μm BCD process, this paper uses a low-temperature drift bandgap reference circuit with startup enhancement and high currents driving. The circuit employs a startup enhancement circuit to ensure its capability of driving high currents while preventing the circuit from entering metastable states. The simulation results demonstrate that under the TT process corner, the bandgap reference can operate at a supply voltage of above 1.6 V. When driving a high current, the output remains stable at 1.2 V. In the temperature range of -40°C to 140°C, the temperature coefficient reaches 6.5×10-6/°C.
Design of refrigerated micro-flow thermal mass flow controller
Authors: Lv Jiawen , Zhang Wang , Sui Xuejun
Published: August 2024

The article addresses the problems of low linearity, poor reliability, and susceptibility to environmental and other factors in the measurement of small flow rates by liquid mass flow meters in industry and designs a refrigeration-type thermal mass flow controller without making the device large-scale. Adopting a microprocessor and pt1000 temperature sensor, the semiconductor refrigeration sheet utilizing the Peltier effect makes the temperature difference of the flowing liquid so as to measure the liquid mass flow rate by obtaining the temperature data and analyzing the data in order to achieve the function of flow rate measurement, so as to realize the purpose of flow rate measurement and control. By keeping the heating element and the measured fluid temperature difference constant after constant power work, measuring the fluid temperature after heat transfer, and finally detecting the voltage connected to the platinum resistor to react to the fluid flow. After preliminary testing in non-extreme environments, it is proved that the system has the characteristics of low cost and low power consumption, which is of reference value for the development and application of embedded systems and provides an effective method for the measurement of micro-flow liquids.
Performance simulation and analysis of the orthogonal frequency discriminator
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Guo Yueting , Qin Jinguo
Published: August 2024

The orthogonal frequency discrimination is achieved by utilizing waveform transformation in the phase-shift multiplier frequency discriminator. Firstly, the constraint relationship is derived between the circuit parameters of the phase shifter and the maximum frequency spectrum of the input FM signal. Subsequently, the demodulation system for the input FM signal is designed using a combination of a phase shifter and multiplier. Finally, the maximum frequency offset range of distortion-free output from the frequency discriminator is analyzed, and the influence of resistance and capacitance parameters in the phase-shift network on the input frequency offset range is researched using parameter scanning analysis. Theoretical derivation analysis and simulation testing confirm that this designed circuit can effectively demodulate FM signals with a wide range of non-distortion when the circuit parameters match those of input signals. This circuit simulation method has been proven to visually demonstrate different output waveforms under various parameter settings, thereby facilitating the visualization of abstract theoretical knowledge.
State-of-the-art bias correction of climate models misrepresent climate science and misinform adaptation
Authors: Chandel Vikram Singh , Bhatia Udit , Ganguly Auroop R , Ghosh Subimal
Published: August 2024

Quantile mapping based bias correction and spatial disaggregation (BCSD) have emerged as the de facto standard for rectifying bias and scale-mismatch in global climate models (GCMs) leading to novel climate science insights and new information for impacts and adaptation. Focusing on critical variables crucial for understanding climate dynamics in India and the United States, our evaluation challenges the premise of BCSD approach. We find that BCSD overcorrects GCM simulations to observed patterns while minimizing or even nullifying science-informed projections generated by GCMs. Furthermore, we show that BCSD incorrectly captures extremes and complex climate signals. Our evaluation in the context of the Walker circulation suggests that this inability to adequately capture multivariate and spatial-temporal dependence patterns may at least partially explain the challenges with BCSD.
Training quantum neural networks using the quantum information bottleneck method
Authors: Çatlı Ahmet Burak , Wiebe Nathan
Published: August 2024

We provide in this paper a concrete method for training a quantum neural network to maximize the relevant information about a property that is transmitted through the network. This is significant because it gives an operationally well founded quantity to optimize when training autoencoders for problems where the inputs and outputs are fully quantum. We provide a rigorous algorithm for computing the value of the quantum information bottleneck quantity within error ε that requires

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High-temperature tribological properties of AlCrN coatings deposited on textured surfaces under dry friction
Authors: Dou Zhongping , Deng Jianxin , Tian Runzhou , Bao Yichen
Published: August 2024

Linear textures and AlCrN coatings were produced on cemented carbides using laser and physical vapor deposition, respectively. Reciprocal sliding friction studies were conducted under dry friction conditions to examine the tribological properties of the AlCrN coatings placed on textured surfaces against Si3N4 ceramic balls at various temperatures. The findings demonstrated that at friction temperatures of 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C, the average friction coefficient of the AlCrN coating samples placed on textured surfaces was lower than that of the samples deposited on smooth surfaces. This reduction occurred by 9.6%, 15.1%, and 23.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, because micro-textures trap wear debris, AlCrN coating samples put on textured surfaces had lower surface adhesions, indicating that micro-textures can improve the tribological properties of AlCrN coatings. Finally, the mechanisms of micro-texture improving tribological properties were investigated. Micro-textures can store wear debris, reducing friction coefficients and thereby minimizing abrasive wear. Micro-textures, on the other hand, can prevent coating oxidation by lowering the temperature of the friction area, resulting in less oxidative wear.
Philosophy and Theology, Reason and Revelation
Authors: Garber Daniel
Published: August 2024

This chapter follows some themes in Spinoza’s complex dialogue between reason and revelation. When we examine what Spinoza thinks revelation teaches, it quickly turns out that there is an apparent inconsistency between revelation, that’s to say theology, and philosophy. What revelation teaches, Spinoza argues, is obedience to God and his laws. But to be obedient, it will turn out, we must conceive of God as a law-giver who enforces the laws that he frames, a conception of God radically at odds with the God that reason shows us in the Ethics. If the philosopher’s conception of God is right, then we must reject the theologian’s conception of God. But if the theologian is right, then we must reject the conception of God that reason demands. In this chapter, the author explores a way of resolving this conflict by appeal to the imagination that supports obedience without a formal conflict with the philosopher’s conception of God.
Experiences of family carers supporting older people within the last year of life in rural and remote areas in the UK
Authors: Mogan Caroline , Davies Nathan , Harrison-Dening Karen , Lloyd-Williams Mari
Published: August 2024

Background

In the UK, a large proportion of older adults live in rural/remote locations. More people are dying at home and require care from their families. Little is known about the experiences of family carers of older people in rural/remote areas in the last year of life.

Aim

To explore the experiences of current and bereaved family carers who support/ed an older person in a rural area in the UK towards the end-of-life.

Design

Qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis methods.

Method

Interviews were conducted with family carers of rural/remote-dwelling older people in the last year of life. Participants were recruited through national support services, third sector organisations and social media.

Results

Interviews were conducted with 20 family carers. Most were female (n = 17) and aged 52–80 years. Family carers experienced difficulties in accessing health and social care in rural/remote areas due to workforce and skills shortages within their regions. The wider community helped with practical tasks and made carers feel less alone. Community-based services, such as day care, helped to provide respite for carers and promoted meaningful activity and social inclusion for older people. Although internet access was problematic, family carers gained support remotely via social media and telehealth services.

Conclusion

Family carers of older people in the last year of life in rural/remote areas value support from the wider community. Further work is required to understand how Public Health approaches to palliative care and workforce distribution can support rural/remote carers and older people.
CAPE: a deep learning framework with Chaos-Attention net for Promoter Evolution
Authors: Ren Ruohan , Yu Hongyu , Teng Jiahao , Mao Sihui , Bian Zixuan , Tao Yangtianze , Yau Stephen S-T
Published: August 2024

Predicting the strength of promoters and guiding their directed evolution is a crucial task in synthetic biology. This approach significantly reduces the experimental costs in conventional promoter engineering. Previous studies employing machine learning or deep learning methods have shown some success in this task, but their outcomes were not satisfactory enough, primarily due to the neglect of evolutionary information. In this paper, we introduce the Chaos-Attention net for Promoter Evolution (CAPE) to address the limitations of existing methods. We comprehensively extract evolutionary information within promoters using merged chaos game representation and process the overall information with modified DenseNet and Transformer structures. Our model achieves state-of-the-art results on two kinds of distinct tasks related to prokaryotic promoter strength prediction. The incorporation of evolutionary information enhances the model’s accuracy, with transfer learning further extending its adaptability. Furthermore, experimental results confirm CAPE’s efficacy in simulating in silico directed evolution of promoters, marking a significant advancement in predictive modeling for prokaryotic promoter strength. Our paper also presents a user-friendly website for the practical implementation of in silico directed evolution on promoters. The source code implemented in this study and the instructions on accessing the website can be found in our GitHub repository https://github.com/BobYHY/CAPE.
Single-cell RNA sequencing comparison of CD4+, CD8+ and T-cell receptor γδ+ cutaneous T-cell lymphomas reveals subset-specific molecular phenotypes
Authors: Chennareddy Sumanth , Rindler Katharina , Ruggiero John R , Alkon Natalia , Cohenour Emry R , Tran Sophia , Weninger Wolfgang , Griss Johannes , Jonak Constanze , Brunner Patrick M
Published: August 2024

Background

Malignant clones of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) can show a CD4+, CD8+ or T-cell receptor (TCR)-γδ+ phenotype, but their individual impact on tumour biology and skin lesion formation remains ill defined.

Objectives

To perform a comprehensive molecular characterization of CD4+ vs. CD8+ and TCR-γδ+ CTCL lesions.

Methods

We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) of 18 CTCL skin biopsies to compare classic CD4+ advanced-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) with TCR-γ/δ+ MF and primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (Berti lymphoma).

Results

Malignant clones of TCR-γ/δ+ MF and Bertilymphoma showed similar clustering patterns distinct from CD4+ MF, along with increased expression of cytotoxic markers such as NKG7, CTSW, GZMA and GZMM. Only advanced-stage CD4+ MF clones expressed central memory T-cell markers (SELL, CCR7, LEF1), alongside B1/B2 blood involvement, whereas TCR-γδ+ MF and Berti lymphoma harboured a more tissue-resident phenotype (CD69, CXCR4, NR4A1) without detectable cells in the blood. CD4+ MF and TCR-γδ+ MF skin lesions harboured strong type 2 immune activation across myeloid cells, while Berti lymphoma was more skewed toward type 1 immune responses. Both CD4+ MF and TCR-γδ+ MF lesions showed upregulation of keratinocyte hyperactivation markers such as S100A genes and KRT16. This increase was entirely absent in Berti lymphoma, possibly reflecting an aberrant keratinocyte response to invading tumour cells, which could contribute to the formation of the typical ulceronecrotic lesions within this entity.

Conclusions

Our scRNAseq profiling study reveals specific molecular patterns associated with distinct CTCL subtypes.
Fecal Calprotectin Diagnostic Level Gradient Along the Small Bowel in Patients With Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Ukashi Offir , Kopylov Uri , Ungar Bella , Talan Asher Adi , Shachar Eyal , Engel Tal , Albshesh Ahmad , Yablecovitch Doron , Lahat Adi , Eliakim Rami , Ben-Horin Shomron ,   For the Israeli IBD Research Nucleus (IIRN)
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Fecal calprotectin (FC) is known to be a sensitive biomarker of colonic inflammation but to a lesser degree of small bowel (SB) inflammation. Moreover, data on FC’s diagnostic levels in different SB segments are scarce. We aimed to examine FC’s diagnostic levels along the SB axis in CD.

Methods

This was a post hoc aggregated analysis of 5 prospective studies of adult CD patients who underwent FC testing and SB video capsule endoscopy. Lewis score (LS) inflammation in different SB segments was tested for correlation with FC level after the exclusion of colonic disease. The diagnostic levels of FC for SB inflammatory topographical gradient were assessed using a receiver operating characteristic.

Results

Two hundred and fourteen patients were included (age: 30 [24-43] year-old, males-57%). For a similar SB inflammatory activity (LS ≥ 135), FC levels incrementally increased from proximal to distal SB segments (63 [30-121] vs 190 [78-549], p = 0.005) and from distal SB segment to the colon (190 [78-549] vs 542 [185-1000], p = 0.010). The best FC cutoffs to identify isolated mild proximal/distal SB inflammation (LS ≥ 135) were 77 µg/g and 123 µg/g, respectively. A cutoff of 234 µg/g was best to detect more significant proximal inflammation (LS ≥ 350) when only mild distal SB inflammation was present. In sensitivity analyses, this proximal-to-distal FC gradient was maintained when LS ≥ 350 and LS ≥ 790 were used as the inflammatory reference values. Unlike FC, the magnitude of CRP elevation was unrelated to the topography of inflammation along the SB axis.

Conclusions

FC may serve as a topographical biomarker of CD-activity, with its sensitivity to identify mucosal inflammation increases from proximal to distal SB segments.
Assessing the role of mitonuclear interactions on mitochondrial function and organismal fitness in natural Drosophila populations
Authors: Bettinazzi Stefano , Liang Jane , Rodriguez Enrique , Bonneau Marion , Holt Ruben , Whitehead Ben , Dowling Damian K , Lane Nick , Camus M Florencia
Published: August 2024

Mitochondrial function depends on the effective interactions between proteins and RNA encoded by the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Evidence suggests that both genomes respond to thermal selection and promote adaptation. However, the contribution of their epistatic interactions to life history phenotypes in the wild remains elusive. We investigated the evolutionary implications of mitonuclear interactions in a real-world scenario that sees populations adapted to different environments, altering their geographical distribution while experiencing flow and admixture. We created a Drosophila melanogaster panel with replicate native populations from the ends of the Australian east-coast cline, into which we substituted the mtDNA haplotypes that were either predominant or rare at each cline-end, thus creating putatively mitonuclear matched and mismatched populations. Our results suggest that mismatching may impact phenotype, with populations harboring the rarer mtDNA haplotype suffering a trade-off between aerobic capacity and key fitness aspects such as reproduction, growth, and survival. We discuss the significance of mitonuclear interactions as modulators of life history phenotypes in the context of future adaptation and population persistence.
The effect of fluralaner treatment of small mammals on the endemic cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi in a natural environment
Authors: Pelletier Jérôme , Bouchard Catherine , Aenishaenslin Cecile , Dibernardo Antonia , Dimitri Masson Gabrielle , Fernandez-Prada Christopher , Gagnon Simon , Victoria Ibarra Meneses Ana , Lindsay Robbin , Ogden Nicholas , Rocheleau Jean-Philippe , Leighton Patrick
Published: August 2024

Among approaches aimed at reducing Lyme disease risk in the environment, those targeting reservoirs of Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson are promising because they have the potential to reduce both the density of questing Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidea) ticks and the prevalence of B. burgdorferi in the tick population. In this 4-yr field study, we treated a population of wild small mammals with 2 densities of fluralaner baits and investigated the effect of the treatment on 3 parameters of the endemic cycle of B. burgdorferi: (i) the prevalence of infected Peromyscus mice (PIM), (ii) the density of questing nymphs (DON), and (iii) the prevalence of infected questing nymphs (NIP). We demonstrated that fluralaner baiting is effective at reducing tick infestation of Peromyscus mice, the main reservoir of B. burgdorferi in central and northeastern North America, in the laboratory and the field. Results from this study showed a significant decrease in B. burgdorferi infection in mice (odds ratio: 0.37 [CI95: 0.17 to 0.83]). A reduction in the DON between 45.4% [CI95: 22.4 to 61.6] and 62.7% [CI95: 45.9 to 74.2] occurred in treated area when compared with control areas. No significant effect was reported on the NIP. These results confirm the hypothesis that fluralaner baits have an effect on B. burgdorferi endemic cycle, with the potential to reduce the density of B. burgdorferi-infected ticks in the environment. Further studies performed in various habitats and public health intervention contexts are needed to refine and operationalize this approach for reducing Lyme disease risk in the environment.