bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AI-based efficiency analysis technique for photovoltaic renewable energy system
Authors: Alam Md Mottahir , Alshahrani Thamraa , Khan Firoz , Hakami Jabir , Shinde Sangram M , Azim Rezaul
Published: November 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) in renewable energy technologies plays a crucial part due to its modeling and performance forecasting. Therefore, a novel AI-based evolving generative adversarial Fuzzy network (EGAFN) has been presented in this paper as a forecasting tool for the efficiency analysis of renewable solar energy for four distinct regions. The power ratings from environmental parameters and solar panels were monitored and recorded for a year. The data pre-processing is primarily applied to improve the system’s function using a data filter. Furthermore, the data’s energy estimation accuracy is enhanced using feature extraction and selection by a multi-objective lionized manta-ray foraging optimizer (MLMRFO). Finally, the hyperparameters of the EGAFN method are optimized by multi-objective optimization. The proposed technique uses an optimized multi-objective algorithm to enhance the energy efficiency of PV systems for solar power production forecasting. The findings show that the suggested technique’s prediction performance is better than earlier methods. Thus, the proposed methodology can assist in increasing energy efficiency and making better use of renewable energy sources.
Ricci solitons on anisotropic fluid spacetime in f(R, T)-gravity
Authors: Khan Suhail , Ali Ahmad T , Gul Uzma
Published: November 2023

In this paper we study the behaviour of anisotropic fluid spacetimes in f(R, T)-gravity for admitting Ricci Soliton. We obtain the form of tangential pressure of the fluid for steady, shrinking and expanding Ricci soliton when Ricci soliton vector field becomes a Killing vector field. Modified Poisson and Liouville equations are derived from the Ricci soliton equation in f(R, T)-gravity having anisotropic fluid. Also harmonic significance of Ricci soliton on anisotropic fluid spacetime in f(R, T)-gravity with a harmonic potential function is derived. We derive field equations for perfect fluid plane symmetric static spacetime and obtain their solutions. For each solution we then obtain Ricci soliton vector fields. We observe that such spacetimes admit expanding, shrinking or steady Ricci solitons. All the obtained solitons are trivial in nature. When these Ricci soliton vector fields become Killing vector fields then our results are in full agreement with the theorems deduced from our study.
Samarium-modified NBT ceramics: a comprehensive exploration of cumulative effects
Authors: Neeli Jyothi , Jaladi Nitchal Kiran , Sangula Nagamani , Garlapati Vijaya Lakshmi , Kurapati Srinivasa Rao
Published: November 2023

In the present report, ceramic specimens of sodium bismuth titanate [Na0.5(Bi1-xSmx)0.5TiO3] were prepared through solid-state reaction method with variations in the dopant concentrations specifically, x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5. The structural, optical, mechanical, and magnetic properties of lead-free NBT ceramics were investigated. The rhombohedral phase with space group R3c was confirmed in all prepared ceramic samples using X-ray diffraction patterns and Rietveld analysis. SEM micrographs and Energy Dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) assess the morphology, grain size, overall structure, and stoichiometry of the developed compounds. FTIR spectroscopy was used for characterizing and identifying the functional groups. UV–vis spectroscopy revealed that band gap values decreased as dopant concentration increased, confirming the use of NBT-based perovskite as a photoactive material. PL spectra at room temperature exhibited reddish-orange emission. Colour coordinates and CCT values are in the range of 3483 K to 5912 K. At a concentration of x = 0.3, the materials displayed a high Vickers hardness of 8.20 GPa and exhibited minimal wear with low frictional coefficient values. Ferromagnetic behaviour at room temperature (RTFM) was detected in Sm-modified ceramic samples, as confirmed by the VSM study. The cumulative effect impact of the rare earth dopant cation at the Bi-site of NBT was widespread and demonstrated significant potential for use in optoelectronic devices.
Color image encryption by a non-chain Galois ring extension
Authors: Shah Tariq , Safdar Muhammad Umair , Ali Asif , ul Haq Tanveer
Published: November 2023

The S-box is a vital component for producing nonlinearity in a block cipher. Seldom this component is constructed through finite fields; however, sometimes Galois rings are used for its construction. In this work, we utilize the extended Galois ring to construct a Substitution box (S-box) over the ring

GR

4,4

[
x
]

<

x

2

>

.

The designed S-box is generated by multiple elements and thus exhibits a high level of confusion compared to typical S-boxes. An encrypted color image is compared to existing encrypted S-box images to investigate their effects. First, we separate the distinct channels from a digital image and create 256-order matrices with 16-bit entries for each channel. We then apply the designed image encryption algorithm to these matrices. For the permutation step, we use the 1-dimensional logistic map to generate the key. Then, we apply the exclusive-or operation to all three layers of the image using the key. Finally, concatenate all these layers to create the encrypted image. The result is the proposal of a new RGB image encryption technique. The proposed encryption technique can replace several image encryption techniques that rely on S-boxes. In general, this technique aims to achieve optimal values.
A study on analytical solutions and conservation laws of the cgKP occurring in straits
Authors: Shukla Shitesh , Kumar Mukesh , Kumar Raj
Published: November 2023

The (2+1)-KP equation in its canonical generalized form i.e. cgKP relates to water waves that propagate exclusively in straits or rivers, as opposed to unbounded surfaces such as oceans. The cgKP, an example of a complex nonlinear system, is solved analytically in this article. To solve analytically the cgKP, the Lie symmetries are generated to get several novel invariant solutions to the cgKP, which are rare as far as the authors are aware. The cgKP reduces to an equivalent PDE with fewer independent variables than the original PDE. Animation profiles are utilized to better understand the obtained solutions, and they reflect transition from doubly solitons to single soliton; transition from negatons to positons and negatons; single solitons and multi solitons; annihilation of multi solitons; elastic parabolic profiles; single front parabolic and positons; multi-negatons on flat surface, and fusion of multi solitons wave types. Because of the presence of arbitrary functions in infinitesimal transformations, the Lie symmetry method has the potential to provide more variety in solutions. When compared to previously published findings, this study convincingly highlights the originality of the solutions. In the future, without assuming any relation among the arbitrary functions involved in infinitesimals, someone can explore the possibility of some more solutions. The physical character of the analytical results could help coastal engineers develop models of coastlines and ports in the current study.
Role of vacuum annealing on the structural, optical properties and Dc conductivity of titanium (IV) phthalocyanine dichloride thin films
Authors: Abdelhamid Sabrien M , Dongol M , Elhady A F , Abuelwafa Amr Attia
Published: November 2023

The present work elucidates the significant alterations in several physical characteristics of thermally evaporated TiPcCl2 thin films resulting from vacuum annealing at 373 and 473 K. The structure, surface morphologies, and molecular structure of TiPcCl2 thin films were studied using x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR). Results confirmed nanostructure attributes of as-deposited and annealed films, as well as the phase transition in TiPcCl2 was observed during annealing. The optical constants of as-deposited and annealed films in the wavelength range of 200–2500 nm were determined using spectrophotometric techniques. The indirect optical energy gap was observed to diminish with increasing annealing temperature due to enhanced crystallinity of thin films. Using the single oscillator model, the dispersion of the refractive index at normal dispersion was investigated. The third-order nonlinear susceptibility, χ(3), the nonlinear refractive index n2 and the nonlinear absorption coefficient, βc, were calculated and then discussed for both the as-deposited and annealed films. The electrical conductivity of TiPcCl2 exhibited increased as the temperature increased, suggesting its characteristic as a conventional organic semiconductor. The parameters of Mott’s model were obtained and discussed under low-temperature conditions afterward. Conclusions derived from this research indicate that the unique properties of vacuum annealing TiPcCl2 have great promise for future use in optoelectronic systems.
Real time detection of multiple stable MHD eigenmode growth rates towards kink/tearing modes avoidance in DIII-D tokamak plasmas
Authors: Liu T. , Munaretto S. , Logan N.C. , Wang Z.R. , Boyer M.D. , Wang Z.X. , Keith E. , Park J.-K.
Published: November 2023

Real time detection of time evolving growth rates of multiple stable magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) eigenmodes has been achieved in DIII-D tokamak experiments via multi-mode three-dimensional (3D) active MHD spectroscopy. The measured evolution of the multi-modes’ growth rates is in good accordance with the variation of the plasma β

N
. Using experimental equilibria, resistive MARS-F simulations found the two least stable modes to have comparable growth rates to those experimentally measured. Real time and offline calculations of the modes’ growth rates show comparable results and indicate that cleaner system input and output signals will improve the accuracy of the real time stability detection. Moreover, the shortest real time updating time window of multi-mode eigenvalues can be about 2 ms in DIII-D experiments. This real time monitoring of stable, macroscopic kink and tearing modes thus provides an effective tool for avoidance of the most common causes of tokamak disruption.
The Structural and Optical Properties of Zinc-Oxide Nanomaterials Synthesized via Thermal Decomposition Method
Authors: Rathore Ravi , Choudhary K. K. , Kaurav Netram
Published: November 2023

The current study describes a novel, solvent-free, template solid-state synthesis of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (NPs). The prepared sample was prepared by thermal decomposition route. The prepared sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinement, Field emissionscanningelectronmicroscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Ultra violet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Singlephase crystalline structure of prepared NPs was confirmed using X-ray diffraction and the mean crystallite size of ZnO NPs was about 14nm. Rietveld refinement study,which yielded a good peak fitting between measured and calculated patterns. Chemical composition of the prepared sample was determined using EDX. The size and morphology were evaluated using FESEM which has almost spherical shapein the range of 6-35 nanometres. The optical properties of the as-prepared sample and their bandgap were determined using UV-Vis and it was calculated as 3.19 eV. These findings demonstrated that ethylene glycol (EG) inhibits nanoparticles for coagulate and results in the formation of homogeneous NPs with an optical bandgap of 3.19eV. This study represents an efficient thermal degradation synthesis process for the ZnO NPs with a broad range of potential applications.
Structural analysis and polarization study of CoCr2O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Garg Tarun , Choudhary Pankaj , Yadav Priya , Yadav Anand
Published: November 2023

We present the room temperature polarization study of the multiferroic compound CoCr2O4. The co-existence of two elements (Co and Cr) in partially filled d-blocks makes these compounds exhibit a wide range of physical properties. The Cr3+ions almost invariably cover the octahedral (Oh) sites as the crystal field stabilization energy (CFSE) is more than 224 kJ mol
−1. The chemical based Sol-gel self-combustion method has been used to successfully synthesize CoCr2O4 chromite. Laboratory X-ray diffraction (LXRD) and synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD) investigations approve the single-phase face centered crystalline structure. The obtained space group is Fd3m. The average crystallite size has been determined by Debye Scherrer’s method and the Williamson Hall [W-H] method. The obtained size is found to be ~ 27 and 17 nm respectively, for both methods when the data is measured by SXRD. The scanning electron micrograph (SEM) shows the agglomeration of particles, which is confirmed by surface topography. Room temperature polarization study exposes the weaker strength of ferroelectricity, which is principally due to charge reversal in the CoCr2O4 compound. The experimental value for retaining polarization is found to be ~ 65% at room temperature (300K).
A Review on Thermophotovoltaic Energy Conversions and its Space Power Applications
Authors: Nayak Jagannath , Kumar Deepak
Published: November 2023

Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system coverts heat radiations from various sources like Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system coverts heat radiations from various sources like combustion of fuels, industrial waste heat and nuclear energy into electricity. To fulfil the demand of energy TPV is an alternate, can enable approaches to energy storage and conversion. The TPV model consists of multiple arrays of TPV cells, an emitter, a radiator and a filter. one of the important advantages of TPVs are the high efficiencies and direct conversion of DC power. This paper presents the research being conducted till date in the field of Thermophotovoltaic cell and space applications of TPV cells. We have Thermophotovoltaic has been regarded as an energy substitute in radioisotope deep space power system for thermoelectric. TPV provides outstanding potential improvement in mass specific power as well as in efficiency. TPV system also proposed for inner planetary solar system. This idea leads TPV capability to store energy in the form of heat energy rather than electrical energies which is common in photovoltaic system. The current effort to derive the demonstration of efficiency conversion up to 19% and it enhances the specific power W/kg at the system level. Next generation TPV concepts are also reviewed in order to explore the future space power application. The application of TPV that includes radioisotope Thermophotovoltaic (RTPV) and solar Thermophotovoltaic (STPV) plays a vital role in deep space powered systems.
Thermoelectric Properties of HfSe2 Monolayer
Authors: Mathapati S I , Harapanahalli S S , Chinnappagoudra R F. , Patil N R , Kamatagi M D
Published: November 2023

In this work detailed investigation of thermoelectric properties of HfSe2 monolayer is investigated employing Boltzmann transport formalism. We present numerical calculations of thermoelectric properties namely, electrical conductivity, σ, electronic thermal conductivity, Ke
, diffusion thermopower, Sd
and thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT
, considering the scattering of electrons from acoustic phonons and charged impurities. We find that HfSe2 monolayer possess extremely low electronic thermal conductivity and relatively high thermopower (~ 100µV/K). Our calculations show that thermoelectric figure of merit is more than one at higher temperatures thus making HfSe2 monolayer suitable candidate for thermoelectric applications.
Mechanical and Optical Properties of Topological Semimetal Compound YPtBi
Authors: Yadav Suman , Gour Atul , Sarwan Madhu , Singh Sadhna
Published: November 2023

We have reported the mechanical properties of topological semimetals half-Heusler compound YPtBi with LDA and GGA approximation which is implemented in density functional theory. We have calculated elastic parameters which ensure good machinability, covalent bonding, brittleness, low value of Kleinman parameter and high Vickers hardness. Our results reveal the hardness or large resistance of these topological semimetals. Moreover, Born mechanical stability conditions are well fulfilled by the topological semimetal YPtBi. Present study reveals that the low value of bulk modulus and shear modulus wheras high value of Youngs modulus of this topological semimetals which deforms easily with applied external force. We have also calculated optical properties of topological semi-metal YPtBi with both LDA and GGA. Optical properties are calculated in terms of dielectric function and we have calculated dielectric constant, optical reflectivity, absorption co-efficient, optical conductivity, refractive index and electron energy loss in the energy range 0 – 14 eV. We have found higher dielectric constants with GGA in comparison to LDA that imply YPtBi is excellent materials in solar cell applications. Also, YPtBi possess high refractive index in the visible range and it is optically isotropic.
Phase transformations in Ni-Ti SMA spring
Authors: Mahesh K. K. , Braz Fernandes F. M.
Published: November 2023

Equi-atomic Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) alloy is one of the prominent materials to exhibit two way shape memory effect (TWSME). Since the material by itself can change shape due to variation in temperature, it is also used as an actuator. In the present study, Ni-Ti (49.5at%Ni-Ti) alloy wire is converted into a spring coil with straight portions on either ends by shape setting. Training is provided to the spring coil portion to achieve TWSME. Separate specimens from the spring and straight portions were extracted. Phase transformations were observed in the spring and straight portions during heating and cooling. Phase transformation behaviour of the spring coil and straight portions were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The straight portion undergoes simple thermal cycles. But the spring coil portion undergoes thermomechanical (TM) cycles due to change in shapes during heating and cooling. The thermograms obtained show difference in their nature of phase transformations. Discussion focusses on the difference in the thermograms appearing for the specimens from straight and coil portions.
Elucidation of Structural and Morphological Properties of Cu0.6Ni0.4Fe2O4 Ferrite
Authors: Chaturvedi P. , Saleem M. , Srivastava B. D. , Mishra A.
Published: November 2023

Solid state reaction has been used successfully to prepare the spinel ferrite Cu0.6Ni0.4Fe2O4. The cubic structure of the sample was discovered by XRD crystal structure analyses. The Rietveld Refinement was used to further refine the XRD spectra, and all of the structure-related data were acquired, confirming the cubic (Fd-3m) structure. The calculated particle size was 91 nm. Five active Raman modes were visible in the Raman spectra, confirming the spinel structure. Raman analysis of the produced samples provided evidence of the lattice structure. Employing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the sample formation was further confirmed. Compositional studies revealed that all the integral elements of the sample are present and there is no trace of impurity whereas morphological analysis infers the dominance of agglomeration phenomenon. The dielectric properties were investigated which were exceptionally good. Optical bandgap studies revealed wide band nature of the materials.
Study of Proton Radiation Damage Effects in Si microstrip Detector for New and Fast Tracking System of pCT
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Srivastava Ajay Kumar
Published: November 2023

A new and fast radiation hard p-Si micro strip detector requires for the high proton imaging performance using the Proton Computed Tomography (pCT) system. Silicon trackers of the pCT have been measured the actual proton dose delivered to the cancer patient during the medical treatment. In this paper, several proton cancer doses up to 9.62x 1014 neq,/cm2 are used for the SRH modelling of the full depletion voltage and leakage current at 293 K of the Si micro-strip detector using microscopic radiation damage model. Radiation hard thin (150μm) p-type MCz Si micro strip detector design is proposed for the pCT that can work up to 800V for very high-irradiated proton cancer doses.
Investigation of Structural and Dielectric Properties of Sr doped LaCrO3Synthesized by Auto-Combustion Method
Authors: Soni Neha , Karma Nikita , Bhataniya Lalit Kumar , Dubey Paras , Kaurav Netram
Published: November 2023

We synthesized the undoped lanthanum chromium oxide, LaCrO3 (LCO), and Strontium (Sr) doped La1-xSrxCrO3 (x=0.1) perovskite compounds using auto-combution method. X-ray Diffraction technique reveals that both the samples possess Cubic crystal structure with Pm-3m space group. Furthermore, room temperature dielectrical properties of both the samples were emphasized. Dielectric constant and loss value of both the samples decreases as frequency increases attributed to Maxwell-Wagner type of relaxation.
Fabrication and Characterization of Ni-Carbon nanofibers by Electrospinning Technique
Authors: Sethy Pujashree Priyadarshini , Sundaray Bibekananda
Published: November 2023

Carbon nanofibers with the distribution of magnetic Ni metal (Ni-CNFs) have been synthesized using Nickel (II) acetate tetrahydrate (Ni (OCHCH3)2.4H2O), polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as precursors by electrospinning technique. The as-prepared nanofibers were dried in a vacuum oven, stabilized, and followed by carbonization at 850 °C in N2 atmosphere. Their structural phase composition, microstructure, and magnetic properties have been investigated. The phase formation of pure Ni-CNF without any impurity has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The average diameter of the nanofibers and the Ni nanoparticles has been calculated to be 159±25.72 nm and 67±11.24 nm, respectively. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurement has been carried out to confirm the presence of Ni and C elements with their weight%. Raman spectrum attributes the presence of two characteristic absorption peaks of carbon materials. Room temperature (300 K) magnetic measurement shows the ferromagnetic behavior of Ni-CNF. These nanofibers have the potential to be used in a wide variety of applications including These materials have wide variety of applications as in different magnetic devices (magnetic sensors, magnetic recording devices, and soft magnetic materials.), microwave absorption materials, supercapacitors and batteries etc.
Green biosynthesis of stable silver nanoparticles bound with macaranga indica plant extracts for the purification of drinking water
Authors: Hegde G , Kadre T
Published: November 2023

Plant-assisted green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (NPs) has become the most powerful technique to prepare stable NPs. Macaranga indica is a medicinal plant widely available in the western ghats. It has verities of medical properties like antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxicity, and antidysentery and is commonly used in the traditional medicine system. This plant also contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and other plant constituents. Here, in this study, macaranga indicia leaf extract is used as a capping agent for the synthesis of silver NPs by using the microwave irradiation technique. Synthesized NPs are characterized by using Uv-Vis Spectra, XRD, EDX, FESEM, and FTIR. Interpretation of characterization data reveals that synthesized NPs are in a spherical shape, monodispersed, and have particles the size of ~15-20 nm. These bicapped silver NPs have shown potential thermotolerant bacterial inhibition activity and are also efficient in methylene blue dye removal and hence can be used in the purification process of drinking water at its source.
Investigation on the thermal properties of carbon fibres with silica-based aerogel composites
Authors: Ponnusamy Prasanth , Girisha L , Balamurugan S , Benham A , Vivek R , Loganathan Ganesh Babu , Girimurugan R
Published: November 2023

In this research, thermal protection systems of space hardware have prompted the development and study of silica aerogel composites bonded with a variety of Carbon fibres. Carbon fibres were woven into a matrix of tetra ethoxy silane (Ts) and vinyl tri-methoxy silane (Vs) to create these composites. Many different composites were developed, each with its own set of characteristics and capabilities because to the wide range of fibres used. The measured bulk density values were often relatively low, with the lowest recorded value being only 180 kg m−3. The thermal conductivity was reduced to below 30 mW m−1 K−1 and the stability was maintained up to 600°C. Nanocomposites consisting of longer fibres containing meta-Carbons are superior insulators, while short-fiber composites are stiffer and have lower thermal conductivities. The aerogel composites compliance with Space conditions was evaluated using standard Space materials qualification procedures like thermal cycling and outgassing, proving their fitness for use in this context.
Hybrid calotropis gigantea fibre-reinforced epoxy composites with SiO2’s longer-term moisture absorbable and its impacts on mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties
Authors: Velmurugan G , Suresh Kumar S , Chohan Jasgurpreet Singh , Sathish R , Panneer Selvan S , Muhammed Abraar S A , Elil Raja D , Nagaraj M , Palani Sivaprakasam
Published: November 2023

Opportunities for the fabrication of plant fiber hybrids using thermoplastics and thermosets may be found in a variety of industries, including automobiles and agriculture. This can lessen reliance on crude oil, which contributes to a number of sustainability problems. In the current study, calotropis gigantea fiber (CGF) and nanosilicon dioxide (SiO2)-derived hybridized materials’ mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and water absorption properties were examined. Utilizing varying weight proportions of nanoSiO2 (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 wt%) and 30 wt% of CGF, we manufactured the composite using the hand lay-up method. The moisture absorption of the manufactured composites was measured during periods of 500, 1000, and 2000 h. For composite materials containing 1.5 wt% SiO2, the highest interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) failure point was 12.52 MPa for 500 h, which is 12.32% lower than the breaking strength for dried products (14.28 MPa). In comparison to the dry specimens, the bending strength of hybrids with 1.5% SiO2 that were immersed in water for 500, 1000, and 2000 h decreased by 2.56%, 5.21%, and 9.65%, respectively. The storage modulus of the damp hybrids with 3% and 4.5 wt% SiO2 was higher than that of the dry samples in terms of their dynamic mechanical properties. While the inclusion of nano-SiO2 significantly reduced water absorption and moisture diffusion, especially for hybrid materials with 4.5 weight percent SiO2, the water-absorption behaviour of hybrid natural fiber materials followed the Fickian law. With prolonged exposure time, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite, both with and without nano-SiO2, such as ILSS and bending strength, declined. Due to the effective distribution of filler in the matrices, the samples with 4.5 weight percent SiO2 exhibited the smallest drop in strengths for both the flexural and interlaminar examinations, although all of them remained stronger than the CGF blends. The outcomes of the study point to potential applications in areas such as automobile manufacture, agriculture, construction, and general manufacturing.
High-temperature reduction thermochemistry of SrVO3−δ
Authors: Ghose Krishna K , Liu Yun , Frankcombe Terry J
Published: November 2023

Cubic SrVO3 perovskite oxide is an attractive candidate for high-temperature energy applications due to its favorable features such as multiple oxidation state cations, high structural and thermal stabilities, ability to accommodate a large number of oxygen vacancies, and cost-effectiveness. Herein, the temperature-dependent reduction properties of SrVO3 have been studied using accurate first-principles calculations to reveal the effects of oxygen vacancies and temperature on the reduction potential of SrVO3−δ
, δ = 0–0.125. The reduction potential of SrVO3−δ
was found to be significantly impacted by increasing oxygen vacancy concentration and temperature. Analysis of the electronic and vibrational properties of SrVO3−δ
for differing δ revealed the origin of this reduction behavior. The electronic structure analysis shows that the reduction of SrVO3−δ
upon oxygen vacancy formation is highly localized to the neighboring V4+ t2g states in the vicinity of the oxygen defect, irrespective of δ. A comparison of the vibrational density of states of defect-free and reduced SrVO3 demonstrated that the ionic contributions to the phonon density of states, and hence to the thermal contributions to the SrVO3−δ
lattices, were significantly altered by the introduction of oxygen vacancies, which ultimately impacted the temperature-dependent reduction behavior of SrVO3−δ
.
The NICHD Fetal 3D Study: A Pregnancy Cohort Study of Fetal Body Composition and Volumes
Authors: Grantz Katherine L , Lee Wesley , Chen Zhen , Hinkle Stefanie , Mack Lauren , Cortes Magdalena Sanz , Goncalves Luis F , Espinoza Jimmy , Gore-Langton Robert E , Sherman Seth , He Dian , Zhang Cuilin , Grewal Jagteshwar
Published: November 2023

There’s a paucity of robust normal fractional limb and organ volume standards from a large and diverse ethnic population. The Fetal 3D Study was designed to develop research and clinical applications for fetal soft tissue and organ volume assessment. The NICHD Fetal Growth Studies (2009–2013) collected 2D and 3D fetal volumes. In the Fetal 3D Study (2015–2019), sonographers performed longitudinal 2D and 3D measurements for specific fetal anatomical structures in research ultrasounds of singletons and dichorionic twins. The primary aim was to establish standards for fetal body composition and organ volumes, overall and by maternal race/ethnicity, and determine whether these standards vary for twins versus singletons. We describe the study design, methods, and details about reviewer training. Basic characteristics of this cohort, with their corresponding distributions of fetal 3D measurements by anatomical structure, are summarized. This investigation is responsive to critical data gaps in understanding serial changes in fetal subcutaneous fat, lean body mass, and organ volume in association with pregnancy complications. In the future, this cohort can answer critical questions regarding the potential influence of maternal characteristics, lifestyle factors, nutrition, and biomarker and chemical data on longitudinal measures of fetal subcutaneous fat, lean body mass, and organ volumes.
Relative Role of Age Groups and Indoor Environments in Influenza Transmission Under Different Urbanization Rates in China
Authors: Lei Hao , Zhang Nan , Xiao Shenglan , Zhuang Linan , Yang Xueze , Chen Tao , Yang Lei , Wang Dayan , Li Yuguo , Shu Yuelong
Published: November 2023

Exploring the relative role of different indoor environments in respiratory infections transmission remains unclear, which is crucial for developing targeted nonpharmaceutical interventions. In this study, a total of 2,583,441 influenza-like illness cases tested from 2010 to 2017 in China were identified. An agent-based model was built and calibrated with the surveillance data, to assess the roles of 3 age groups (children <19 years, younger adults 19–60 years, older adults >60 years) and 4 types of indoor environments (home, schools, workplaces, and community areas) in influenza transmission by province with varying urbanization rates. When the urbanization rates increased from 35% to 90%, the proportion of children aged <19 years among influenza cases decreased from 76% to 45%. Additionally, we estimated that infections originating from children decreased from 95.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 92.7, 97.5) to 59.3% (95% CI: 49.8, 68.7). Influenza transmission in schools decreased from 80.4% (95% CI: 76.5, 84.3) to 36.6% (95% CI: 20.6, 52.5), while transmission in the community increased from 2.4% (95% CI: 1.9, 2.8) to 45.4% (95% CI: 35.9, 54.8). With increasing urbanization rates, community areas and younger adults contributed more to infection transmission. These findings could help the development of targeted public health policies. This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
Impact of a systematic framework for anticipatory compounding on medication waste reduction in a mid-size community hospital
Authors: Toraño Michael , Agbara Echefula , Makanji Bharat
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In current hospital pharmacy practice, the need to compound medications ahead of patient orders often results in an increase in medication waste. The purpose of this study was to implement a strategic approach for anticipatory sterile compounding and evaluate its effect on the reduction of expired medication waste.

Methods

This was a pre-/post-intervention quasi-experimental study with 3 weeks of data collection for both arms and a 1-week washout period to implement process changes. A par log was placed on the medication storage refrigerator used for anticipatory compounding, with minimum and maximum levels determined by the demand-forecasting model. The primary outcome was the percentage of observations associated with waste. The secondary outcomes were the overall percentage of sterile compounding spending attributable to waste, median wasted dollars per sterile compounded product, and median dollars spent per sterile product compounded as anticipatory stock. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Minitab version 20, with the α level set to 0.05.

Results

A total of 4,619 observations were included in the analysis: 2,433 in the preintervention group and 2,186 in the postintervention group. Despite the median price being higher in the postintervention group than in the preintervention group, both the primary and secondary outcomes indicated that waste was reduced following the intervention.

Conclusion

Overall, implementation of the framework reduced sterile products waste at our institution. More research is needed to evaluate the effects of this framework at institutions of different sizes and with different patient populations. Further research on probabilistic models for sterile compounded products is also needed.
Retrieval of long DNA reads from herbarium specimens
Authors: Quatela Anne-Sophie , Cangren Patrik , Jafari Farzaneh , Michel Thibauld , de Boer Hugo J , Oxelman Bengt
Published: November 2023

High-throughput sequencing of herbarium specimens’ DNA with short-read platforms has helped explore many biological questions. Here, for the first time, we investigate the potential of using herbarium specimens as a resource for long-read DNA sequencing technologies. We use target capture of 48 low-copy nuclear loci in 12 herbarium specimens of Silene as a basis for long-read sequencing using SMRT PacBio Sequel. The samples were collected between 1932 and 2019. A simple optimization of size selection protocol enabled the retrieval of both long DNA fragments (>1 kb) and long on-target reads for nine of them. The limited sampling size does not enable statistical evaluation of the influence of specimen age to the DNA fragmentation, but our results confirm that younger samples, that is, collected after 1990, are less fragmented and have better sequencing success than specimens collected before this date. Specimens collected between 1990 and 2019 yield between 167 and 3403 on-target reads > 1 kb. They enabled recovering between 34 loci and 48 (i.e. all loci recovered). Three samples from specimens collected before 1990 did not yield on-target reads > 1 kb. The four other samples collected before this date yielded up to 144 reads and recovered up to 25 loci. Young herbarium specimens seem promising for long-read sequencing. However, older ones have partly failed. Further exploration would be necessary to statistically test and understand the potential of older material in the quest for long reads. We would encourage greatly expanding the sampling size and comparing different taxonomic groups.
Role of Peer Support in Building Motivation to Change Addictive Behaviour
Authors: Čtvrtečková Markéta , Stromšíková Alžběta , Roman Lukáš
Published: November 2023

This article deals with the results of a qualitative, multiple-case study that examined the impact of peer support on motivation for change amongst service users in a drug addiction recovery program. A total of nine semi-structured interviews were carried out with patients who also worked with a peer worker as part of their involvement with the service. Participant observation and keeping a research diary were additional methods of data collection. The data collected was further processed using reflective thematic analysis. This article draws on DiClemente’s (2018. Addiction and Change: How Addictions Develop and Addicted People Recover, Guilford Publications) transtheoretical model model of intentional behaviour change and McClelland’s (1951. ‘Personality, Sloane, New York’, in The Achievement Motive, p. 28, New York, Appleton-Century-Crofts) theory of motivation and current research findings on motivation in the context of peer support. Main research question is ‘What mechanisms of formal peer support influence motivation to change harmful behaviour in people who take drugs?’ A key finding is that a successfully established peer-service user relationship is a key instrument and premise for building motivation for change. It also presents an overview of the basic mechanisms that build the peer-service user relationship as well as the basic mechanisms that build motivation for change. It is concluded by a discussion on these mechanisms and the current literature as well as drawing implications for practice.
Three out of one: revising the species delimitation of the tree fern Gymnosphaera salletii (Cyatheaceae), with particular reference to the foliar nectary
Authors: Li Shu-Han , Zuo Zheng-Yu , Chen Cheng-Wei , Pham Van The , Luu Hong Truong , Dong Shi-Yong
Published: November 2023

In Indochina the species diversity of Cyatheaceae remains insufficiently known. Here we demonstrate the scaly tree fern Gymnosphaera salletii in Vietnam to be an assemblage of three distinct species based on molecular and morphological data, and report for the first time the occurrence of foliar nectaries in Gymnosphaera. The true G. salletii is morphologically unique based on the protuberant glands present on the petiole. Gymnosphaera phankelocii sp. nov. and Gymnosphaeravietnamensis sp. nov. are recognized as new species; G. phankelocii is characterized by its distant two-rowed sori and G. vietnamensis by the sub-tripinnate fronds. Our phylogenetic analyses indicated that G. phankelocii is a relatively isolated species, while G. vietnamensis is a member of the G. salletii clade along with G. austroyunnanensis, G. salletii, and G. saxicola. The two new species and members of the G. salletii clade are all local endemics, and provide good examples to understand the frequent local endemics and their evolution in scaly tree ferns. Eleven species of Gymnosphaera are now known from Indochina; we provide a diagnostic key to these species.
Effects of climatic fluctuations on the fragmented distribution pattern of a Tertiary relict plant, Pseudotaxus chienii (Taxaceae), in subtropical China
Authors: Li Ning , Wang Zhen , Deng Qi , Wang Ting , Su Ying-Juan
Published: November 2023

Habitat fragmentation can facilitate local adaptation of species to heterogeneous environments and affect population demographic history. To understand the factors influencing evolutionary dynamics, such as climatic fluctuations and complex geomorphological features, we used 18 chloroplast microsatellites, 15 nuclear microsatellites, three chloroplast fragments, and two nuclear regions to explore the genetic structure and phylogeographical history of Pseudotaxus chienii. Furthermore, its current and past distributions were constructed based on ecological niche modelling. Moderate to high levels of genetic diversity were found at the species level. Precipitation was a decisive factor influencing the genetic structure of P. chienii. In addition, local adaptation to heterogeneous environments also contributed to maintain the fragmented distribution. Finally, incomplete lineage sorting led to the cyto-nuclear discordance. Overall, we show that pre-Quaternary and Quaternary climatic fluctuations and restricted gene flow exerted significant effects on the formation and maintenance of the fragmented distribution of P. chienii. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary history of plants in subtropical China.
Comparison of the effects of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis on spontaneous brain activity in CKD patients: an rs-fMRI study
Authors: Zhang Chaoyang , Cai Yan , Yu Huan , Wu Ning , Liu Jiexi , Liang Shuang , Zhang Chun , Duan Zhiyu , Zhang Zhou , Cai Guangyan
Published: November 2023

Objective

To compare the effects of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis on spontaneous brain activity in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Methods

A total of 52 dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease, including 25 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD-CKD) and 27 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD-CKD), and 49 healthy controls (normal control) were included. All participants underwent neuropsychological testing (Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal cognitive assessment) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations and Regional Homogeneity algorithms were employed to evaluate spontaneous brain activity. Statistical analysis was performed to discern differences between the groups.

Results

When compared with the normal control group, the PD-CKD group exhibited significant alterations in fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations in various cerebellum regions and other brain areas, while the HD-CKD group showed decreased fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations in the bilateral pericalcarine cortex. The Regional Homogeneity values in the PD-CKD group were notably different than those in the normal control group, particularly in regions such as the bilateral caudate nucleus and the right putamen.

Conclusion

Both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis modalities impact brain activity, but manifest differently in end-stage renal disease patients. Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing patient care.
Characterizing microstructural development in the fetal brain using diffusion MRI from 23 to 36 weeks of gestation
Authors: Calixto Camilo , Machado-Rivas Fedel , Cortes-Albornoz Maria C , Karimi Davood , Velasco-Annis Clemente , Afacan Onur , Warfield Simon K , Gholipour Ali , Jaimes Camilo
Published: November 2023

We utilized motion-corrected diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to evaluate microstructural changes in healthy fetal brains during the late second and third trimesters. Data were derived from fetal magnetic resonance imaging scans conducted as part of a prospective study spanning from 2013 March to 2019 May. The study included 44 fetuses between the gestational ages (GAs) of 23 and 36 weeks. We reconstructed fetal brain DTI using a motion-tracked slice-to-volume registration framework. Images were segmented into 14 regions of interest (ROIs) through label propagation using a fetal DTI atlas, with expert refinement. Statistical analysis involved assessing changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) throughout gestation using mixed-effects models, and identifying points of change in trajectory for ROIs with nonlinear trends. Results showed significant GA-related changes in FA and MD in all ROIs except in the thalamus’ FA and corpus callosum’s MD. Hemispheric asymmetries were found in the FA of the periventricular white matter (pvWM), intermediate zone, and subplate and in the MD of the ganglionic eminence and pvWM. This study provides valuable insight into the normal patterns of development of MD and FA in the fetal brain. These changes are closely linked with cytoarchitectonic changes and display indications of early functional specialization.
Cortical microstructural brain network mediates the association between personality trait of agreeableness and life satisfaction
Authors: Wu Huijun , Fan Shijia , Yan Chuyao , Wang Hao
Published: November 2023

Personality traits are commonly regarded as relatively stable, whereas life satisfaction can fluctuate with time and circumstances, shaped by external influences and personal encounters. The correlation between personality traits and life satisfaction is well-established, yet the underlying neural mechanisms of the myelin-based microstructural brain network connecting them remain unclear. Here, we constructed individual-level whole-brain myelin microstructural networks from the MRI data of 1,043 healthy adults and performed correlation analysis to detect significant personality trait-related and life satisfaction-related subnetworks. A mediation analysis was used to verify whether the shared structural basis of personality traits and life satisfaction significantly mediated their association. The results showed that agreeableness positively correlated with life satisfaction. We identified a shared structural basis of the personality trait of agreeableness and life satisfaction. The regions comprising this overlapping network include the superior parietal lobule, inferior parietal lobule, and temporoparietal junction. Moreover, the shared microstructural connections mediate the association between the personality trait of agreeableness and life satisfaction. This large-scale neuroimaging investigation substantiates a mediation framework for understanding the microstructural connections between personality and life satisfaction, offering potential targets for assessment and interventions to promote human well-being.
Age-associated cortical similarity networks correlate with cell type-specific transcriptional signatures
Authors: Niu Jinpeng , Jiao Qing , Cui Dong , Dou Ruhai , Guo Yongxin , Yu Guanghui , Zhang Xiaotong , Sun Fengzhu , Qiu Jianfeng , Dong Li , Cao Weifang
Published: November 2023

Human brain structure shows heterogeneous patterns of change across adults aging and is associated with cognition. However, the relationship between cortical structural changes during aging and gene transcription signatures remains unclear. Here, using structural magnetic resonance imaging data of two separate cohorts of healthy participants from the Cambridge Centre for Aging and Neuroscience (n = 454, 18–87 years) and Dallas Lifespan Brain Study (n = 304, 20–89 years) and a transcriptome dataset, we investigated the link between cortical morphometric similarity network and brain-wide gene transcription. In two cohorts, we found reproducible morphometric similarity network change patterns of decreased morphological similarity with age in cognitive related areas (mainly located in superior frontal and temporal cortices), and increased morphological similarity in sensorimotor related areas (postcentral and lateral occipital cortices). Changes in morphometric similarity network showed significant spatial correlation with the expression of age-related genes that enriched to synaptic-related biological processes, synaptic abnormalities likely accounting for cognitive decline. Transcription changes in astrocytes, microglia, and neuronal cells interpreted most of the age-related morphometric similarity network changes, which suggest potential intervention and therapeutic targets for cognitive decline. Taken together, by linking gene transcription signatures to cortical morphometric similarity network, our findings might provide molecular and cellular substrates for cortical structural changes related to cognitive decline across adults aging.