bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and Optical Characterization of Cu2Se0.8S0.2 Thin Films Deposited by Thermal Evaporation
Authors: Hadi Shaimaa Mohsein , Khudayer Iman Hameed
Published: October 2024

A simple cost thermal evaporation deposition technique was used to prepare of Cu2SeS thin films on the substrates made of glass at RT with thickness

(

500

+
−

20
)
nm

. Structural, and optical properties of these films were investigated. The films were structurally characterized using X-ray diffraction XRD analyses, the film samples were morphologically characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and optical UV-Vis spectroscopy was also to characterize the samples. The films have been treated at deferent temperatures (403, 453 &503) K for 1 hour, X-ray diffraction (XRD-with wavelength 1.54 A) study the structure properties of this films suggest a cubic structure and have prominent (111) orientation. AFM analysis, it is evident that Cu2SeS film is polycrystalline in nature, and that crystallite size and average grain size for films after annealing were increasing. The optical absorption coefficient (α) of the film was evaluated using absorbance spectra in the wavelength range (400-1100) nm. The direct band gap of about 2.2 eV, decrease by increasing annealing temperature, The structure and the optical characteristics of these films may have practical applications in renewable energy.
Lateral Distribution Function Estimation of Electrons and Muons using Nishimura-Kamata-Greisen Function
Authors: Taha Rawaa Yaseen , Al-Rubaiee A A , Hussein I F
Published: October 2024

The density of charged particles in extensive air showers reaching the surface of the Earth was calculated by estimating the lateral distribution function (LDF) of different primary particles at high energies. LDF simulation was performed using the AIRES system (version 19.04.10), a set of programs and subroutines designed to simulate ultra-high-energy air showers resulting from the interaction of cosmic rays with the Earth’s atmosphere. This system includes algorithms for fast simulation and output data management, and can simulate particle showers realistically and manage the related data efficiently. Its aim is to contribute to research on high-energy cosmic ray interactions for two charged particles, like muons and electrons, at very high energies (1016, 1018, and 1019 eV) and taking into account the effect of particles, such as protons, helium nuclei, and iron nuclei, and primary energies and zenith angles (0°, 20°, and 40°). The LDF was also calculated using the Nishimura–Kamata–Greisen function, and good agreement was found with the results produced by the AIRES system for high-energy muons and electrons created by primary particles.
Ammonia Gas Sensing Using Porous silicon
Authors: Salman Seham H. , Jahil Sarab S. , Hassan N. A. , Abbas Shaimaa A. , Jasim Kareem A.
Published: October 2024

Psi prepared by Electrochemical etching technique at invariable etching current density of 10 mA/cm2 and at different times (7 and 17) min. The porous Si structure was studied using XRD, (FE-SEM) and EDS. The process of sensing NH3 gas is carried out at different operating temperatures (R.t,80,130 and 200)°C and the gas concentration is constant. It is measured by changing the resistance of the sensor as a function of exposure time to the gas. The result showed the XRD patterns of the PS at (7 and 17) min etching time. the peak samples at (111) around 2θ = 28.5°. It is observed that the peak intensity declines with rising the etching time, and some structural parameters for porous silicon are calculated. From FE-SEM, the images show the sample prepared in (7 and 17) min with the depth of (6.18 12.82) μm, with a size of about 50 nm. Porous silicon that was produced in a time of 17 min has a higher sensitivity to NH3 gas than that of the sample that was produced in a time of 7 min. It was found that when the operating temperature changes from (R.T -200C°), the sensitivity of the samples changes with the stability of the etching time. The PSi sample (17 min) has a high sensitivity for NH3 gas at room temp.
Preparation of the scattering layer based on SnO2 nanocrystals for dye sensitized solar cell application
Authors: Ghazi Zahraa Faisal , Salman Odai N. , Dawood Mohammed O.
Published: October 2024

In this work, SnO2 paste was prepared based on (0.1 and 0.12 g) of SnO2 nanoparticles. The SnO2 film was deposited using Screen printing and doctor blade techniques, which it employed as scattering layer in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC). The crystal structure, morphology, and thermal stability of the paste were investigated using XRD, FE-SEM, and TGA techniques. The DSSC parameters were achieved to examining the effect of scattering layer on performance of DSSC. The results showed a crystalline structure predominantly composed of rutile SnO2 crystals arranged in a tetragonal pattern, with individual crystallites measuring approximately 100 nanometers in size. SEM images depicted the surface of SnO2 resembling a sponge with fine pores facilitating dye adsorption and electron mobility. Moreover, a decrease in average particle size was observed with increasing dye concentration, with the average grain size of SnO2 particles being below 100 nanometers at lower dye concentrations. TGA measurements indicated a phase transition occurring around 400 °C.
Diverse energy laser ablation in liquid for indium oxide nanoparticles on porous silicon: enhancing photodetector performance
Authors: Abdulhasan Wasan , Rasheed Mohammed , Nayef Uday M.
Published: October 2024

The fabrication and analysis of a photodetector using copper oxide nanoparticles (In2O3-NPs) embedded in a porous silicon (PS) structure are detailed in this study. One method used to create In2O3 NPs was pulsed laser ablation in ethanol (PLAL), while another was photo-assisted electrochemical etching to create a porous silicon substrate. The optical, structural, and electrical features of In2O3-NPs/PS devices are investigated, with a particular emphasis on their variations with laser energy. After successfully applying In2O3 nanoparticles onto PS, the X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of distinct peaks that correlate to a copper cubic structure. Using field emission scanning electron microscopy, the researchers determined that the particles had a spherical shape. Absorption increased with increasing laser intensity, and the In2O3-nanocolloids showed clear surface plasmon resonance peaks between 570 and 590 nm in wavelength range. Band gaps of 3.5, 3.4, 3.2, and 3.1 eV were found for the In2O3-NPs generated at 500, 600, 700, and 800 mJ of laser energy, according to the optical properties. According to the optoelectronic properties of the In2O3-NPs/PS photodetector, it was built with an energy level of 700 mJ and had a maximum responsivity of 0.2766 A/W at 650 nm. The In2O3NPs/PS devices discussed in this study have excellent photodetecting performance because they integrate In2O3-NPs with PS.
Investigating the Influence of Die Structure on the Transverse Uniformity of Slot Coating
Authors: Wang Liang , Liu Jie , Tang Jinzhou , Li Yubiao , Wang Xiaodong
Published: October 2024

Transverse uniformity is an important measurement of the coating quality for slot coating. In this paper, the influence of die structure on the transverse uniformity is investigated according to a fully 3D mathematical modelling and numerical simulations. In the modelling part, the coating liquid is regarded as generalized Newtonian fluid and the fluid flow inner the die head is governed by the 3D incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. In solving the model, an efficient fractional step finite element method is used. Four kinds of commonly used die structures are simulated and analysed. The results show that the die structure has great influence on the transverse uniformity. Generally, dies with double cavities can get better transverse uniformity that single cavity.
Drilling Fluid Density Optimization for Narrow Density Window Fractured Formation
Authors: Chen Qing , Huang Zhiqiang , Kong Xiangwei , Guo Lianglin , Xu Zhou , An Guotao
Published: October 2024

Fractures are prevalent in the Leikoupo Formation in western Sichuan, with a narrow safe density window of 0.06-0.12 g/cm3, leading to frequent downhole accidents like kicks and losses. Using Pengzhou X well as a case study, this research employed numerical simulation to analyze the impact of various drilling fluid densities within this window on displacement rate and bottomhole pressure. It established an optimal drilling fluid density model for fractured formations with narrow density windows. Findings reveal that as drilling fluid density increases, annulus up-return velocity decreases, potentially trapping fracture gas in the upper annulus. Optimal drilling fluid density lies within this narrow window, maintaining a dynamic balance between preventing fast gas return and fluid accumulation in fractured formations. The model applied to Pengzhou Y well yields a drilling density correlation of 0.000001036, consistent with optimized model results. This approach optimizes drilling fluid density within narrow density windows, mitigating downhole gushing and leakage accidents.
Particle-Scale Research on the Unsteady Gas-Solid Flow in the Launch System with a Complex Charging Structure
Authors: Chen An , Yu Yonggang
Published: October 2024

This work is focused on the the intricate behavior of gunpowder particles in a dynamic gas-solid flow with sudden spatial changes, crucial for the stability in a launch system (LS) with a complex charging structure. The 3D particle-scale gas-solid flow model is developed to explore particle detail characteristics in the LS with the hollow base projectile by the CFD-DEM method. The results show that the dispersion of particles characterized by slope stacking and the horizontal stacking when particles are stationary. The axial length of horizontality is 164mm, and the thickness of it is 43mm. The majority of particles are concentrated in the sloped area, and the total length of the three slope stacking is 551mm. The height of the slope shape in the chamber changes exponentially along the axial position, while that of the slope shape in the groove increases linearly along the axial position.
Analysis of Vibration Characteristics of Cryogenic Insulated Cylinders Based on ANSYS
Authors: Yang Gang , Chen Xinhui , Hu Yuxiong , Huang Si , Xu Haiyan
Published: October 2024

To ensure the safety of vehicle mounted cryogenic insulated cylinders during transportation, a finite element model for analyzing the vibration characteristics of vertical cryogenic insulated cylinders considering the frame was established based on ANSYS. The vibration characteristics of vertical cryogenic insulated cylinders under no-load conditions were studied, and the natural frequency patterns of cylinders under different filling rates were compared. The results showed that the connection between the bottom head of the inner liner and the cylinder, the operating frame, and the root of the bottom support were the locations where resonance occurs with larger amplitude. As the filling rate increased, the natural frequencies of each order of the cylinder decreased, and the maximum vibration amplitude of the inner cylinder decreased.
Research on Internal Flooding Analysis of Small Modular Reactors Based on Particle Method
Authors: Wang Chenhui , Li Ye , Zhao Ziwei , Chen Huicui
Published: October 2024

The analysis of internal water flooding in nuclear power plants is a necessary part of safety review in the approval process of nuclear power plant construction projects. According to relevant regulations, it is necessary to conduct water flooding spread analysis on pipelines, water tanks, or pools filled with liquid in nuclear power plant buildings, analyze the spread path and water flooding height. This article analyzes and calculates the flow characteristics of water in a nuclear power plant building using a fluid calculation method based on the Lagrangian method (particle method). Taking the small modular reactor JR building as a case study, it analyzes the spread and height of four water flooding sources inside the building. According to the simulation time of 1800S, the results show that the flooding caused by the No. 2 water source is the most severe, with a flooding height of 1.367m. Drainage or preventive measures need to be taken to prevent the pipeline from breaking accidents; The flooding sources 1, 2, and 4 have a relatively mild impact, resulting in a lower flooding height and will not have a significant impact on important safety equipment, with little impact on the safety of nuclear power plants. The CFD analysis method was used to conduct water flooding analysis for nuclear power plants, which has the characteristics of strong adaptability and good visualization. It can dynamically simulate the entire process of water flooding analysis and better guide the design of water flooding protection for nuclear power plants.
Drillability Evaluation and Sensitivity Analysis of the Fencheng Formation Strata in Maye Exploration Area
Authors: Yi Ming , Zhang Xi , Wang Bohui , Jiang Hui , Guo Jun , Ye Jun , Huang Zhiqiang , Kong Xiangwei
Published: October 2024

Predicting drillability ratings and selecting suitable drill bits are crucial for improving drilling efficiency. This investigation employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to normalize adjacent well logging parameters such as natural gamma, well diameter, natural potential, and others as influencing factors and established a mathematical model for the drillability ratings of hard rock formations. A sensitivity analysis of drilling parameters for the Fencheng Formation rocks revealed that sonic time difference, formation density, natural gamma, and resistivity were closely associated with drillability ratings. Empirical results showed that a multiple logarithmic linear regression approach accurately predicted drillability ratings for hard rock formations with over 95% precision compared to experimental values. The Fencheng Formation strata’s high hardness and abrasion resistance result in poor drillability (with ratings above 7.5), with rotational speed sensitivity found to be higher than drilling pressure sensitivity for expediting drilling in hard formations. For the “turbine + PDC bit” drill tool combination, it is recommended to use a drilling pressure of 40 - 80KN and a rotary table speed of 50 - 70r/min. High rotational speeds and low drilling pressures effectively reduce bit sticking effects, while using PDC bits with turbines reduces bit wear, improving the economic efficiency of drilling operations without sacrificing mechanical drilling speed.
Experimental Analysis of Weld Slag Separation in Pipelines
Authors: Liu Xuru , Zhu Dashu , Luo Baoyang , Ji Hongbin , Li Pujiang , Wang Ji
Published: October 2024

In order to effectively eliminate welding slag from pipelines, ensure equipment operates normally, and reduce production costs, experiments were conducted based on field construction operations, with a focus on the intensity and frequency of tapping. The study findings indicate that a tapping force of 341.8 N leads to a stabilization in the rate of welding slag removal. Following manual tapping of the pipelines, the welding slag removal rate is approximately 60 %, and it stabilizes gradually after four tapping instances. To provide guidance for on-site operations, an empirical expression capturing the pattern of welding slag removal was derived from experiments by establishing the correlation between tapping frequency, tapping force, and welding slag removal rate.
Corrosion Inhibition Performances of Amino Acids Corrosion Inhibitors on Carbon Steel in Sulphuric Acid Medium
Authors: Gao Y H , Li H H , Liu Z , Yan M F , Liu Z F
Published: October 2024

The amino acids have great potential in inhibiting metal corrosion. The corrosion inhibition performances of amino acids corrosion inhibitors on A3 carbon steel in sulphuric acid medium were investigated by weight loss method. The corrosion inhibition performances of the alanine, glycine, aspartate, arginine and methionine increase gradually with the dosage of amino acid corrosion inhibitor increase gradually. The five composite corrosion inhibitors were prepared by compound of the five amino acid and potassium iodide respectively to improve the corrosion inhibition performances of amino acids. The corrosion inhibition rate of the five composite corrosion inhibitors is about 20% higher than the amino acid corrosion inhibitors respectively. The amino acid and potassium iodide composite corrosion inhibitors have good protective effects on A3 carbon steel at 30-45°C. The amino acid and potassium iodide composite corrosion inhibitors used for sulfuric acid medium have good protective effects on A3 carbon steel.
Kinetics Study on Microwave Alkaline Roasting-Water Dissolving of Germanium from Zinc Oxide Dust
Authors: Wang Wankun , Wang Fuchun
Published: October 2024

Zinc hydrometallurgy plants produce large amounts of germanium (Ge)-containing zinc oxide (ZnO) dust during the production process. However, the present leaching percentages of Ge by the sulfuric leaching process from ZnO dust are generally lower than 60%. Thus, a novel process of microwave alkaline roasting followed by water dissolving is proposed to further improve Ge extraction from ZnO dust, and the kinetic behaviors and related theoretical models are studied. Perhaps it can be promoted Ge leaching percentages by water after microwave alkaline roasting, the dissolving reaction kinetics follow the diffusion control model, and the apparent activation energy is 15.46 kJ/mol.
Numerical Analysis of Spray Evaporation Process in Desuperheater
Authors: Wang Jianqing , Du Bin , Xu Lintao , Hu Jiansheng , Sun Jian , Wu Jiajia , Liu Baoqing
Published: October 2024

The cooling water is sprayed into the desuperheater to regulate the temperature of the superheated steam. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was applied to investigate the spray evaporation process in the desuperheater. Discrete phase model (DPM) was applied to describe the gas-liquid two-phase flow characteristics based on the Eulerian-Lagrangian approach. The Rosin-Rammler distribution and TAB model were used for the description of the primary and secondary droplet breakup, respectively. The coupling effect of gas-liquid two-phase, influence of temperature on latent heat, the stochastic collision and coalescence of droplets were considered in the CFD model. The numerical results show good agreement with the plant data. The hydrodynamics and temperature distribution characteristics were analysed. The influence of water mass flow rate and orifice dimensions on temperature distribution and temperature non-uniformity was further investigated. The results indicate that increasing the water flow rate can improve the desuperheating ability, but it will make the temperature uniformity worse. Under the same operating conditions, smaller orifice diameters are beneficial for production of droplets with smaller size, leading to better desuperheating ability.
The Heat Transfer Characteristics of Vapor Condensation in a Plate Heat Exchanger
Authors: Zhang Shengli , Liu Junwei , Wang Jinhao , Zhou Gauangxu , Hou Junfeng , Ma Fei , Zhang Jiangtao , Li Can , Liu Yong
Published: October 2024

The model of a single flow channel of a plate heat exchanger (PHE) has been established, and the condensation characteristics of vapor with different saturation temperatures and vapor superheating levels have been investigated. The results show that with a higher vapor saturation temperature, the average surface heat transfer coefficient (HTC) increases. The HTC of saturated steam at a saturation temperature of 348.15 K is about 104.1% higher than that at a saturation temperature of 323.15 K. The influence of vapor superheating is weaker compared to that of the saturation temperature. With the increase of vapor superheat, the surface average HTC first increased and then decreased. The HTC of superheated vapor with a vapor superheating of 10 °C is about 0.72% higher than that of saturated vapor. In industrial applications, it is appropriate to control the vapor inlet superheating to be between 5-10°C.
Based on the Fuel Cell Stack Vibration Test and Evaluation Method under the Actual Operation Scenario of Vehicles
Authors: Guo Ting , Zhou Mingyue , Wang Guozhuo , Wu Shiyu , Wang Fang
Published: October 2024

Based on the application scenario of fuel cell vehicle, a test and evaluation method of bench vibration of fuel cell stack based on actual operation requirements is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the application requirements of logistics vehicles are analyzed, and the impact of vibration and shock on fuel cell piles under different road conditions is studied. Secondly, based on the condition of the proportion of the road used by the logistics vehicle, based on the principle of user correlation and other damage, a bench vibration test method based on the use scenario of the logistics vehicle is proposed. The research shows that the fuel cell stack has the maximum vibration frequency at 50hz, and there is basically no vibration frequency above 200HZ.
Low-impact thermal insulation materials for sustainable retrofitting: potentialities and barriers from a literature review
Authors: Susca Tiziana , Marchi Lia , Gaspari Jacopo , Antonini Ernesto , Benedetti Miriam
Published: October 2024

The present study provides both an updated overview of the most recent studies about low environmental impact materials for building retrofitting and meta-analyses of the most important features, such as the thermal conductivity, allowing to evaluate their insulation potential against the diffused and recurrent conventional competitors. Specifically, 466 case studies about materials derived by co-production, wastes of other products and recycled ones have been selected and their thermal performances have been analysed. The materials have been clustered into homogeneous classes: lose materials and foams; structural materials; panels; finishing materials. The results show that some low environmental impact materials are characterized by thermal performances which can position them as materials able to contribute to building decarbonization, but little information can be found about other characteristics which can be crucial when the built environment is considered, such as durability, fire resistance, costs, and load resistance. Yet, these latter aspects may be investigated further when the material is considered to enter the prototyping phase whether in the academic or market context.

The present study provides a base for discussion about the use of more environmentally friendly thermal insulation materials which in the coming years might represent a valid option for sustainable building renovation.
Streamlining Demolition Processes: A Material Cadaster-Based Digitalization and Automation of Predemolition Audit
Authors: Pešta Jan , Trubina Nika , Schulzová Kristýna , Vlasatá Barbora , Pavlů Tereza
Published: October 2024

A key prerequisite for the implementation of circular economy principles in the building sector is the effort to maximize the use of construction and demolition waste, which is, however, limited by the low demand for secondary raw materials in the Czech Republic. The reason for this is the variable and difficult-to-predict availability of these raw materials at the place and time of planned construction and the variability of their technical characteristics, which leads to the insufficient scope of the market for reclaimed materials.

Therefore, the objective was to develop an online tool for the processing of demolition audits and a linked national deconstruction database. The system is supported by information gathered from the material cadaster, which provides a comprehensive inventory of the materials assumed in a building as a default value for predemolition audit. In this study, we present progress on the development of the tool, which includes basic data from a Prague material cadaster, as a city where the piloting was conducted. Furthermore, the user’s navigation through the collection of data needed for the final use of materials was integrated as a key feature, streamlining the placement of the product with recycled content on the market.
Technological scenarios of posthumanism: which [built] environment towards sustainability
Authors: Lavagna Monica
Published: October 2024

Human kind has always been an explorer and technological innovation over the centuries is been implemented thanks to his thirst for novelty. Technological progress today clashes with the limitations of available resources and environmental impacts. The acceleration in the introduction of technological innovations determines rapid obsolescence of human artifacts and the need for continuous replacement, reducing the useful life of products. Having exhausted the physicality of planet Earth, human exploration now continues in two directions: on the one hand, the colonization of Space, on the other, the construction of new virtual worlds (Metaverse) and new physical and cognitive capabilities (biotechnology and artificial intelligence). However, these explorations are the source of considerable energy consumption (e.g., of space flights and data centers) and contribute to climate change, increasing the critical issues regarding the sustainability of lifestyles. Technological and scientific progress, after having changed the natural environment, today comes to change human nature (posthumanism), and consequently the living environment of human kind. The research is approached through the comparison of different philosophical and scientific positions (literature analysis), transferring some general considerations to the building sector. What next generation built environment will be?
New paradigms shift in buildings: experimental application of Digital Twin for safety and well-being
Authors: Azzalin Maria , Lauria Massimo , Gulletta Antonino , Melchini Tommaso
Published: October 2024

Enhancing durability and service life of buildings and components is pivotal for sustainable development. It constitutes an opportunity to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and life cycle impact of buildings in a climate neutral perspective. Issues strongly introduced and set as priorities by EU policies that highlight the urgent need to tackle them also through deeply heritage renovation and digital transformation in the building sector. Digitalization is a cornerstone of this transformation, instrumental in facilitating and enabling it sustainably. The Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) are directly associated with new technological potential and emerging technologies. Digital Twin (DT) approach appears alongside these. Its experimentation and widespread application are gaining prominence in innovating Life Cycle Management (LCM) and sustainability practices of buildings.

In this scenario the paper explores the role and potentialities of DT approach presenting the experimental application of the DT4SEM. A digital infrastructure that, by integrating Internet of Things (IoT), synchronizes a physical building with its virtual counterpart. The two realities (physical and virtual) remain interconnected through the mutual exchange of data, both in real-time and asynchronously enabling proactive monitoring and analysis of seismic behaviour. The experimental setup involves simultaneously Big Data analytics, simulation tools and deploying sensors within the sample building. Data is then fed into the virtual DT model, allowing for continuous comparison and analysis to detect anomalies and predict potential risks. This approach facilitates enhanced decision-making, performance optimization and sustainability improvements across the building’s lifecycle: a new vision for built environment management that evolves from a process resulting in a sequence of operative phases into a complex digital infrastructure. The design of the DT4SEM and the current application for seismic monitoring in buildings, results from a collaborative effort involving the academic spinoff BIG srl, the startup Sysdev, the company Berna Engineering srl, and ACCA Software spa.
The Doughnut Biotool: A tool to assess life-cycle biodiversity impacts from building projects
Authors: Francart Nicolas , Nøddegaard Hansen Rasmus , Ernst Andersen Camilla , Ryberg Morten , Kristenssen Stranddorf Liv , Birgisdóttir Harpa
Published: October 2024

Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is widely used in certifications, regulations, and voluntary declarations covering the climate impact of buildings over their entire value chain. However, biodiversity impacts and other environmental impact categories are often disregarded. Conversely, there is a trend towards more systematic assessments of the biodiversity impacts that occur on-site as part of development projects (e.g. land transformation on the project site). However, off-site biodiversity impacts occurring throughout the rest of the value chain (e.g. from forestry activities, mining, manufacturing, heat and electricity production) are rarely considered. To bridge this gap, this article introduces the Doughnut Biotool, an open-source calculation tool to assess biodiversity impacts throughout the entire life cycle of development projects. The tool was initially developed to help implement Doughnut Economics and absolute sustainability principles in development projects. It constitutes a first step towards a better consideration of biodiversity impacts related to material- and energy use in building and construction projects. This paper presents the design of the tool and the method and data it relies on. The tool is applied to two separate case study projects, and used as a basis to discuss hotspots of biodiversity impacts within the building’s life cycle. Finally, the paper includes a discussion of the main challenges and opportunities for the future development and use of the tool, as well as for biodiversity impact assessments in the building sector as a whole.
Dynamic culture of cerebral organoids using a pillar/perfusion plate for the assessment of developmental neurotoxicity
Authors: Acharya Prabha , Shrestha Sunil , Joshi Pranav , Choi Na Young , Lekkala Vinod Kumar Reddy , Kang Soo-Yeon , Ni Gabriel , Lee Moo-Yeal
Published: October 2024

Despite the potential toxicity of commercial chemicals to the development of the nervous system (known as developmental neurotoxicity or DNT), conventional in vitro cell models have primarily been employed for the assessment of acute neuronal toxicity. On the other hand, animal models used for the assessment of DNT are not physiologically relevant due to the heterogenic difference between humans and animals. In addition, animal models are low-throughput, time-consuming, expensive, and ethically questionable. Recently, human brain organoids have emerged as a promising alternative to assess the detrimental effects of chemicals on the developing brain. However, conventional organoid culture systems have several technical limitations including low throughput, lack of reproducibility, insufficient maturity of organoids, and the formation of the necrotic core due to limited diffusion of nutrients and oxygen. To address these issues and establish predictive DNT models, cerebral organoids were differentiated in a dynamic condition in a unique pillar/perfusion plate, which were exposed to test compounds to evaluate DNT potential. The pillar/perfusion plate facilitated uniform, dynamic culture of cerebral organoids with improved proliferation and maturity by rapid, bidirectional flow generated on a digital rocker. Day 9 cerebral organoids in the pillar/perfusion plate were exposed to ascorbic acid (DNT negative) and methylmercury (DNT positive) in a dynamic condition for 1 and 3 weeks, and changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression were measured to determine DNT potential. As expected, ascorbic acid did not induce any changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression. However, exposure of day 9 cerebral organoids to methylmercury resulted in significant changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression. Interestingly, methylmercury did not induce adverse changes in cerebral organoids in a static condition, thus highlighting the importance of dynamic organoid culture in DNT assessment.
Recent advances in electrical engineering: exploring graph neural networks for weather prediction in data-scarce environments
Authors: Bhandari Harish Chandra , Pandeya Yagya Raj , Jha Kanhaiya , Jha Sudan
Published: October 2024

In regions like Nepal, characterized by diverse geography, missing weather data poses a significant challenge for traditional imputation methods. These methods often struggle to capture the complexities of dynamic environments adequately. To overcome this challenge, our study explores the application of graph neural networks for weather prediction in data-scarce environments. Our approach entails the development of specialized models tailored to accommodate the non-Euclidean topology inherent in weather data. This framework encompasses preprocessing, graph representation, feature selection, and imputation techniques to predict missing atmospheric variables. The adaptability of our models to intricate geography ensures more precise representations of weather conditions. Our research demonstrates the efficacy of these models through rigorous testing on a substantial dataset spanning four decades since 1981. By harnessing state-of-the-art graph neural network technology, our study aims to address existing gaps in weather data prediction, leading to improved historical weather forecasting accuracy. Ultimately, this advancement contributes to enhanced meteorological understanding and forecasting precision in data-scarce regions.
Thermal performance and characterization of phase change material composites reinforced with nano-particles in thermal energy storage systems: a review
Authors: Upadhyay Viyat Varun , Singhal Sandeep , Pandey Adarsh
Published: October 2024

Energy storage nowadays is a cumbersome process that needs to be exploited for its best use. This review paper discusses the challenges of efficiently utilizing energy storage and proposes phase-change materials (PCMs) with Nano-particle reinforcement as a solution, particularly for storing solar thermal energy. Various synthesis methods for PCM, including impregnation and encapsulation, are examined, emphasizing factors like particle size, shape, and solid content. Carbon-based materials, including carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide, emerge as superior options due to their reliability, cost-effectiveness, lightweight nature, and high heat transfer efficiency, with minimal environmental impact. This review highlights the enhanced thermal conductivity of Nano-particle-reinforced PCM composites, emphasizing their thermally stable, durable, and conductive properties. Additionally, it discusses thermal performance through techniques like DSC, TGA, and DTG, along with material characterization methods such as FTIR, SEM, XRD, EDX, and XPS analysis. Overall, the research underscores the promising potential of Nano-particle-reinforced PCM composites for efficient energy storage and thermal management applications.
Anchoring criminal justice to facts
Authors: Kivivuori Janne
Published: October 2024

This chapter discusses the origins of data-driven criminology from the point of view of the prison and criminal justice reform movements. The study period witnessed the rise of both criminology and criminal justice somptudies, and these were intimately connected. A central frame provided by the criminal justice reformers was the ‘gentlification’ process, referring to people’s increasing distaste for harsh punishments in the context of a drop in violence. The new data gave novel assets to argue for this frame. The data–policy link was bridged by the halo argument, connecting good policies with other good policies, and the foil argument, using foreign lands as useful backdrops in criminal justice policy battles. The latter concept draws on David Nelken’s seminal work on the foil argument and generalizes it to the historical origins of criminal justice research. Thus, some of the first generation of data-driven criminologists saw the US as a Nordic paradise, an epitome of humane and rational criminal justice.
Insight from critique: the Genevans
Authors: Kivivuori Janne
Published: October 2024

This chapter deals with the Genevan connection in the emergence of the first data-driven criminology. This contribution is linked to the names of Alphonse de Candolle (1806–93) and Pellegrino Rossi (1787–1848), the law professor of Italian background. Rossi examined how crime statistics were embedded in the societies and cultures of their origin, formulating a social–cultural perception theory of crime. De Candolle, in turn, perfected the skill of statistics interpretation by engaging in detailed analysis of the recording ladder—the social and legal thresholds an act had to cross to reach statistics. He did this to enable, rather than to preclude, the use of administrative crime data for research purposes. While doing this, he formulated the basic axiom of routine activity theory, pointing out the logical conditions for a crime to take place: motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of obstacles for the commission of crime.
Salafism between purism and politicking: Chieftaincy struggles, party competition, and the Anbariya movement in Dagbon, Northern Ghana
Authors: Saalfeld Jannis , Iddrisu Abdulai
Published: October 2024

The dynamics of Salafi activism in African settings have gained attention in recent years. In the light of the regional spread of jihadist militancy, Salafi-jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and al-Shabaab have made international headlines. At the same time, Salafi groups and activists across the region have not shied away from ‘playing politics’ and engaging with secular elites and political parties. What explains this Salafi involvement in secular party politics? This article addresses this question based on a case study of the Ghanaian Anbariya movement, an influential Islamic group that was created by the eminent cleric Afa Ajura in Dagbon in the 1950s and gradually evolved into a major pillar of homegrown Ghanaian Salafism. Identifying the Anbariya as a reformist group in the sphere of political Salafism, we contend that the movement’s sustained involvement in the political process has been inextricably linked with a protracted chieftaincy rivalry pitting against each other the Abudu and Andani royal gates of Dagbon. As we explore the Anbariya’s involvement in this conflict and in Ghanaian party politics, we highlight the potential of communal cleavages for shaping the political preferences of religious actors.
It can be rational to change priors
Authors: Ye Ru
Published: October 2024

According to a widely held norm of rationality, one should not change prior credences without new evidence. An important argument for this norm appeals to accuracy considerations, which say that changing priors does not maximize expected accuracy. This is because accuracy measures are strictly proper, and thus any probabilistically coherent person regards her own priors as uniquely maximizing expected accuracy compared with other priors. This paper attempts to resist the accuracy argument against changing priors. We argue that even if rational epistemic decisions maximize expected accuracy according to strictly proper accuracy measures, it can still be rational to change priors sometimes. The core idea of our argument is that changing priors can be rational if one wants to maximize not just one’s current, short-term accuracy but also future, long-term accuracy. Our argument, if successful, shows that considering long-term accuracy has significant ramifications for the accuracy-first project.
Improving the Supraalar Groove Aesthetic Subunit and Lateral Crura Convex-Concave Deformity
Authors: Guilarte Ruben , Çakir Baris
Published: October 2024

Background

Lateral crura surface problems are one of the most difficult challenges in nose tip surgery. Closed preservation rhinoplasty (CPR) is a revolutionary concept that keeps nose tip flexibility and elasticity. By solving lateral crura surface problems and keeping tip flexibility the surgeon will accomplish a sharper supraalar groove transition between the dorsum and the tip.

Objectives

The convex-concave lateral crura deformity (CCLCD) or S-shaped lateral crura is one of the biggest constraints to accomplishing a beautiful tip and dorsum-tip transition (DTT). This deformity is the reason for the commonly called parenthesis deformity of cephalic malposition. This LLC convex-concave shape creates a C-shaped shadow. This DTT is one of the key areas for accomplishing natural results, and it depends on different nose structures, not just the lower lateral cartilages (LLC).

Methods

A total of 560 rhinoplasty cases were studied retrospectively between September and December 2023. Three hundred and twenty patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. Patients had follow-up at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. No secondary rhinoplasty was included. Only 2 secondary septoplasty cases were included, without any nose skin undermining in the previous surgery. Surgical details were documented, including the 6 fundamental steps of this technique: (1) mucosal lower lateral incision, (2) dorsum subperichondral dissection and vertical scroll release, (3) lateral crura tail caudal release, lateral crura steal and slide-under flap lateralization, (4) upper lateral caudal resection, (5) vertical scroll reconstruction, and (6) turning point extension graft.

Results

Three hundred and twenty patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. In total, 516 patients underwent a closed approach and 47 patients an open approach. All patients had subperichondral dissection of the hump envelope. All patients who underwent a closed approach had a low-strip letdown dorsal preservation technique. All patients who underwent an open approach had a structural technique with spreader flaps or grafts at the keystone area. All the patients underwent osteotomies with a piezoelectric device. Twenty-three revisional surgeries were necessary.

Conclusions

CPR taught us how important ligament and soft tissue preservation are. We learned that the less damage you do to the nose soft tissues and scaffold, the less support you need for it. Surgeons have been overgrafting the lateral crura to solve postoperative problems mainly because of dissection problems and lack of lateral crura support. This paper describes how to solve lateral crura surface problems, keeping the tip flexible and elastic, and also creating a nice and natural supraalar groove transition, by applying 6 surgical maneuvers.

Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic)
Xenomake: a pipeline for processing and sorting xenograft reads from spatial transcriptomic experiments
Authors: Strope Benjamin S , Pendleton Katherine E , Bowie William Z , Echeverria Gloria V , Zhu Qian
Published: October 2024

Xenograft models are attractive models that mimic human tumor biology and permit one to perturb the tumor microenvironment and study its drug response. Spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) provides a powerful way to study the organization of xenograft models, but currently there is a lack of specialized pipeline for processing xenograft reads originated from SRT experiments. Xenomake is a standalone pipeline for the automated handling of spatial xenograft reads. Xenomake handles read processing, alignment, xenograft read sorting, and connects well with downstream spatial analysis packages. We additionally show that Xenomake can correctly assign organism-specific reads, reduce sparsity of data by increasing gene counts, while maintaining biological relevance for studies.

Availability and implementation

Xenomake is an open-source program that is available on Github (https://github.com/qianzhulab/Xenomake). Complete documentation can be found at the link.
Statistical batch-aware embedded integration, dimension reduction, and alignment for spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Li Yanfang , Zhang Shihua
Published: October 2024

Motivation

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies provide richer insights into the molecular characteristics of cells by simultaneously measuring gene expression profiles and their relative locations. However, each slice can only contain limited biological variation, and since there are almost always non-negligible batch effects across different slices, integrating numerous slices to account for batch effects and locations is not straightforward. Performing multi-slice integration, dimensionality reduction, and other downstream analyses separately often results in suboptimal embeddings for technical artifacts and biological variations. Joint modeling integrating these steps can enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between technical artifacts and biological signals, leading to more accurate and insightful results.

Results

In this context, we propose a hierarchical hidden Markov random field model STADIA to reduce batch effects, extract common biological patterns across multiple ST slices, and simultaneously identify spatial domains. We demonstrate the effectiveness of STADIA using five datasets from different species (human and mouse), various organs (brain, skin, and liver), and diverse platforms (10x Visium, ST, and Slice-seqV2). STADIA can capture common tissue structures across multiple slices and preserve slice-specific biological signals. In addition, STADIA outperforms the other three competing methods (PRECAST, fastMNN, and Harmony) in terms of the balance between batch mixing and spatial domain identification, and it demonstrates the advantage of joint modeling when compared to STAGATE and GraphST.

Availability and implementation

The source code implemented by R is available at https://github.com/zhanglabtools/STADIA and archived with version 1.01 on Zenodo https://zenodo.org/records/13637744.
Functional characterization of human recessive DIS3 variants in premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Kline Brianna L , Siddall Nicole A , Wijaya Fernando , Stuart Catherine J , Orlando Luisa , Bakhshalizadeh Shabnam , Afkhami Fateme , Bell Katrina M , Jaillard Sylvie , Robevska Gorjana , van den Bergen Jocelyn A , Shahbazi Shirin , van Hoof Ambro , Ayers Katie L , Hime Gary R , Sinclair Andrew H , Tucker Elena J
Published: October 2024

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by the loss or complete absence of ovarian activity in women under the age of 40. Clinical presentation of POI varies with phenotypic severity ranging from premature loss of menses to complete gonadal dysgenesis. POI is genetically heterogeneous with >100 causative gene variants identified thus far. The etiology of POI varies from syndromic, idiopathic, monogenic to autoimmune causes the condition. Genetic diagnoses are beneficial to those impacted by POI as it allows for improved clinical management and fertility preservation. Identifying novel variants in candidate POI genes, however, is insufficient to make clinical diagnoses. The impact of missense variants can be predicted using bioinformatic algorithms but computational approaches have limitations and can generate false positive and false negative predictions. Functional characterization of missense variants, is therefore imperative, particularly for genes lacking a well-established genotype:phenotype correlation. Here we used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify the first case of a homozygous missense variant in DIS3 (c.2320C > T; p.His774Tyr) a critical component of the RNA exosome in a POI patient. This adds to the previously described compound heterozygous patient. We perform the first functional characterization of a human POI-associated DIS3 variant. A slight defect in mitotic growth was caused by the variant in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. Transgenic rescue of Dis3 knockdown in Drosophila melanogaster with human DIS3 carrying the patient variant led to aberrant ovarian development and egg chamber degeneration. This supports a potential deleterious impact of the human c.2320C > T; p.His774Tyr variant.