bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faith in Frames: Constructing a Digital Game‐Based Learning Framework for Religious Education
Authors: Papakostas Christos
Published: December 2024

This paper discusses the potential of DGBL to facilitate transformation in the context of religious education, arguing for the fact that it is immersive, interactive, and experiential. The paper outlines how this could substantially provide a more engaging learning environment for students, develop critical thinking, and ensure effective learning outcomes. This study explores the advantages and challenges involved in integrating DGBL into curricula for religious education in regard to the alignment between digital game design and pedagogical objectives. These are the important discussions of the application of methodologies in education, constructivist and experiential learning theories, and incorporation of cognitive load optimization strategies to ensure that DGBL does not just enchant students with games but fosters deep understanding of religiously related concepts. Of importance is sharing information to ensure that the content of digital games correctly exemplifies the various traditions of religion and student identity to foster belongingness and respect towards cultural diversity. This paper also takes on board some of the pragmatic issues, among which are professional development by teachers, game design challenges, and possible resistance from other stakeholders who are concerned by the perceived risks associated with gaming. This paper argues that the strategic use of DGBL as a methodology will permit educators to design personalized, engaging, and culturally sensitive learning contexts that enhance students' understanding of and engagement with religious teachings, thus working towards a framework of more inclusive religious education.
VOZ‐dependent priming of salicylic acid‐dependent defense against Rhizopus stolonifer by β‐aminobutyric acid requires the TCP protein TCP2 in peach fruit
Authors: Wang Kaituo , Li Chunhong , Cao Shifeng , Lei Changyi , Ji Nana , Zou Yanyu , Tan Meilin , Wang Jinsong , Zheng Yonghua , Gao Haiyan
Published: December 2024

Vascular plant one‐zinc finger (VOZ) transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in plant immunity. Nevertheless, how VOZs modulate defense signaling in response to elicitor‐induced resistance is not fully understood. Here, the defense elicitor β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA) resulted in the visible suppression of Rhizopus rot disease of peach fruit caused by Rhizopus stolonifer. Defense priming by BABA was notably associated with increased levels of salicylic acid (SA) and SA‐dependent gene expression. Data‐independent acquisition proteomic analysis revealed that two VOZ proteins (PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2) were substantially upregulated in BABA‐induced resistance (BABA‐IR). Furthermore, the interaction of PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2 and their potential target of the TEOSINTE‐BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP)‐family protein PpTCP2 screened from protein–protein interaction networks was confirmed by yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H), luciferase complementation imaging and glutathione S‐transferase pull‐down assays. Furthermore, subcellular localization, yeast one‐hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and dual‐luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that nuclear localization of both PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2 was critical for their contribution to BABA‐IR, as these proteins potentiated the PpTCP2‐mediated transcriptional activation of isochorismate synthase genes (ICS1/2). The overexpression of both PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2 could activate the transcription of SA‐dependent genes and provide disease resistance in transgenic Arabidopsis. In contrast, the ppvoz1cas9 and ppvoz2cas9 loss‐of‐function mutations and the voz1cas9 voz2cas9 double mutation attenuated BABA‐IR against R. stolonifer. Therefore, the three identified positive TFs, PpVOZ1, PpVOZ2, and PpTCP2, synergistically contribute to the BABA‐activated priming of systemic acquired resistance in postharvest peach fruit by a VOZ‐TCP‐ICS regulatory module.
Displacement of extracellular chloride by immobile anionic constituents of the brain's extracellular matrix
Authors: Normoyle Kieran P. , Lillis Kyle P. , Egawa Kiyoshi , McNally Melanie A. , Paulchakrabarti Mousumi , Coudhury Biswa P. , Lau Lauren , Shiu Fu Hung , Staley Kevin J.
Published: December 2024

GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Membrane currents evoked by GABAA receptor activation have uniquely small driving forces: their reversal potential (EGABA) is very close to the resting membrane potential. As a consequence, GABAA currents can flow in either direction, depending on both the membrane potential and the local intra and extracellular concentrations of the primary permeant ion, chloride (Cl). Local cytoplasmic Cl concentrations vary widely because of displacement of mobile Cl ions by relatively immobile anions. Here, we use new reporters of extracellular chloride (Cl−o) to demonstrate that Cl is displaced in the extracellular space by high and spatially heterogenous concentrations of immobile anions including sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs). Cl−o varies widely, and the mean Cl−o is only half the canonical concentration (i.e. the Cl concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid). These unexpectedly low and heterogenous Cl−o domains provide a mechanism to link the varied but highly stable distribution of sGAGs and other immobile anions in the brain's extracellular space to neuronal signal processing via the effects on the amplitude and direction of GABAA transmembrane Cl currents.

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Key points

Extracellular chloride concentrations in the brain were measured using a new chloride‐sensitive organic fluorophore and two‐photon fluorescence lifetime imaging.

In vivo, the extracellular chloride concentration was spatially heterogenous and only half of the cerebrospinal fluid chloride concentration

Stable displacement of extracellular chloride by immobile extracellular anions was responsible for the low extracellular chloride concentration

The changes in extracellular chloride were of sufficient magnitude to alter the conductance and reversal potential of GABAA chloride currents

The stability of the extracellular matrix, the impact of the component immobile anions, including sulfated glycosaminoglycans on extracellular chloride concentrations, and the consequent effect on GABAA signalling suggests a previously unappreciated mechanism for modulating GABAA signalling.
Research on the Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Sensitive Factors of Gasoline Engine Using a Support Vector Machine Coupling Sobol Method
Authors: Li Yinlong , Han Yongqiang , Zhang Kechao
Published: December 2024

With the increasing prominence of energy and environmental issues, research in the field of internal combustion engines is becoming more and more refined. Engines are affected by the coupling of many factors, and it is necessary to decouple and quantify the impact of inputs on the objectives. In this paper, the effect of engine configuration parameters, operating conditions, and fuel parameters on fuel efficiency and emissions was investigated based on a support vector machine coupling Sobol method. The results of Sobol sensitivity analysis show that the most sensitive parameters for both brake specific fuel consumption and carbon monoxide emission are excess air ratio, total hydrocarbon emission and nitrogen oxides emission, engine load, and intake pressure; the first-order indices are 0.72, 0.27, 0.17, and 0.20, respectively. The most sensitive combustion parameters are maximum pressure in the cylinder, indicated mean effective pressure, maximum temperature in the cylinder, and high-temperature range, and the first-order indices are 0.40, 0.25, 0.39, and 0.57, respectively. It can be summarized through all the Sobol indices that, on the one hand, some input parameters, such as excess air ratio, affect fuel efficiency and emissions through the combustion process and, on the other hand, such as oxygen mass fraction directly affects carbon monoxide emission and total hydrocarbon emission by affecting the oxygen concentration in the cylinder. Sensitivity analysis based on the Sobol method coupling support vector machine was proved to be feasible and will provide valuable guidance for the optimization of internal combustion engines.
Effect of Fuel Injection Pressure on Stoichiometric and Lean-Burn Characteristics of Methanol Blended DISI Engine
Authors: Kumar Singh Rahul , Kalwar Ankur , Agarwal Avinash Kumar
Published: December 2024

Alternative fuels and low engine out emissions are the major focus of the engine research community to tackle future fuel demand and meet emission norms. Methanol is a suitable alternative sustainable fuel for spark ignition engines. Methanol has a high-octane number, inherent oxygen in the molecule, and low carbon-containing fuel. In this study, the effect of fuel injection pressure on stoichiometric and lean combustion of M20 (20% v/v methanol + 80% v/v gasoline) was investigated. The results were also compared for M20 and baseline G100 (gasoline). The combustion and performance characteristics of M20 and gasoline changed slightly with fuel injection pressure. However, the effect of fuel injection pressure was significant on emissions. At medium engine speed and load, overall combustion, performance, and emissions characteristics for gasoline were marginally better than M20 for lean and stoichiometric combustion. This study explains the fast combustion of gasoline observed at medium speed and load. Only the advantage of the M20 was seen for NOx emissions. Lean combustion of M20 improved brake-specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, carbon monoxide, and NOx emissions. The hydrocarbon and smoke opacity were higher for the lean mixture than the stoichiometric mixture for M20. Cyclic variations were within the drivability limit for lean and stoichiometric mixture combustion of M20 and gasoline. A higher fuel injection pressure is suitable for stoichiometric and lean combustion of M20 to achieve high peak pressure, better performance, and lower emissions at medium speed and load.
Exploring Pilot-Assisted Hydrogen High-Pressure Direct-Injection Engines by Numerical Modeling
Authors: Leenders Tom P. E. , Diepstraten Nick , Bekdemir Cemil , van Oijen Jeroen A.
Published: December 2024

Hydrogen (H2) High-Pressure Direct-Injection (HPDI) emerges as a promising combustion concept in heavy-duty engines for GHG emissions reduction through the use of a carbon-free main fuel while preserving the high efficiency of a compression ignition engine. A pilot injection of diesel is employed to act as an ignition source for the main fuel, hydrogen, both of which are directly injected into the combustion chamber. H2 HPDI measurements are conducted under various conditions. To gain insights into the details of the fuel injection and combustion processes, an adequate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation is desired. Modeling such a system requires that the injection properties are accurately prescribed. It is found in the literature, that substantial uncertainties exist in these parameters. This research aims to increase the understanding of H2 HPDI combustion through a numerical investigation. Both measurement and CFD simulation are processed identically, enabling a fair comparison of the apparent rate of heat release (aROHR), which is a key indicator of their combustion phenomena. Reasonable agreement is observed between CFD simulations and measurement data. The uncertainty in the main fuel injection is investigated by varying the inflow boundary conditions. Here it is observed that with the increasing injection pressure and fuel temperature, the jet is ignited earlier and more mixing-controlled combustion is observed. Additionally, a pilot separation sweep is performed, highlighting the importance of the spatial position of the pilot combustion. Retarding the pilot injection significantly suppresses the peak aROHR.
A Fundamental Study on the Potential LSPI Promoting Mechanisms of Ca and Mg Based Oil Detergents
Authors: McAllister Matthew J. , Davy Martin H. , Doherty Luke J. , LePage Laurent M. , Wheeler Christopher
Published: December 2024

Abnormal combustion, in its various forms, has presented a challenge to the design and operation of spark-ignited internal combustion engines for well over a century. During the last decade the relative prevalence of low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in highly boosted and downsized engines has led to significant research efforts directed at understanding its origins. Two key mechanisms; oil droplet release from the piston top land crevice region and the accumulation and release of in-cylinder deposits, have both been shown to trigger LSPI. With respect to the oil release mechanism, multiple authors have reported a link between LSPI propensity and the calcium treat rate as detergent in the oil additive pack. It is, similarly, widely reported that magnesium based detergent packs do not promote LSPI in the same way. However, no fundamental explanation as to why calcium is ‘bad’ and why magnesium is ‘good’ has yet been presented in the literature. This paper reports the preliminary results from a series of fundamental shock tube experiments exploring the reactions between calcium and magnesium oxides, and a range of gases in relation to their potential as a trigger for LSPI. Visible light emissions are shown from shock heated calcium oxide particles in a 100% carbon dioxide environment at high temperature, T > 1173 K. Unexpectedly, light emitting reactions are also shown for calcium oxide in a 100% nitrogen environment at temperatures T > 773 K, suggesting that there may be a previously unidentified LSPI trigger mechanism in which nitrogen plays a key role. No visible emissions were seen from magnesium oxide powders.
Accelerating Detailed Chemistry Simulations of Hydrogen Combustion in IC Engines Using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) Turbulence Modeling and a Thickened Flame Model
Authors: Sapkota Pradeep , Wijeyakulasuriya Sameera , Liu Shuaishuai , Zhang Yu , Parmar Basu , Gomez-Soriano Josep , Novella Ricardo
Published: December 2024

Green hydrogen, with its potential to significantly reduce transportation CO2 emissions, emerges as a promising solution to combat human-induced climate change. However, challenges such as flame instability and pre-ignition pose significant obstacles to its integration into internal combustion engines (ICEs). Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an important tool available for engineers to overcome these challenges towards enhancing engine efficiency, combustion stability and reducing emissions. Hence, novel CFD approaches to simulate hydrogen ICEs in an economical way is of importance. In the current study, hydrogen combustion is simulated in a turbocharged port fuel injection (PFI) spark ignited (SI) engine utilizing detailed chemistry along with a thickened flame model (TFM). The primary objective of employing a TFM is to increase the turbulent flame thickness, thus enabling more economical simulations while maintaining solution accuracy. The turbulence model utilized in this investigation is the RNG k-ϵ model, as this model also facilitates economical simulations. While TFMs are conventionally used with Large Eddy Simulation (LES) turbulence models, the current implementation extends this approach to Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) models. RANS models inherently introduce a thickening effect on the flame due to their higher turbulent viscosity. However, additional thickening can be beneficial for hydrogen flames, which tend to be thinner compared to traditional hydrocarbon fuel flames. This model effectively alleviates the computational burden associated with resolving thin hydrogen flames, rendering them computationally efficient for CFD simulations of H2 ICEs. In this study, a mixture-averaged diffusion model combined with detailed chemistry is employed to account for both preferential diffusion and H2 combustion. Several engine operating points are simulated and compared against measured cylinder pressure data, demonstrating good agreement. The utilization of TFM enables the simulation of multiple engine cycles with a significantly reduced wall clock time. The paper compares the cylinder pressure predictions and the run times from RANS simulations with and without the use of TFM with that of LES simulations with TFM to show how the use of TFMs with RANS in hydrogen ICE simulations offer a promising avenue for advancing research in sustainable transportation technologies.
Comparison of Ring Axial Position Measurements and Simulation Results in a Large Bore Engine
Authors: Marzemin Francesco , Higgs Ansel , Rossegger Bernhard , Vareka Martin , Engelmayer Michael , Wimmer Andreas
Published: December 2024

Liner-piston-ring interaction is a crucial driver of blow-by emission and lube-oil consumption in internal combustion engines (ICE). It also largely influences friction losses, as up to 50 percent of the internal friction losses can be attributed to the liner-piston-ring system. A deeper understanding of this tribological system and the complex combustion process in an ICE is necessary for creating cleaner and more robust combustion engines. New ICEs must be capable of facing new industry demands, such as higher peak firing pressures and lower emissions for established and new fuels. Using simulations as an explanatory tool combined with new state-of-the-art measuring systems is fundamental for a better understanding of liner-piston-ring dynamics. Simulation tools, such as the commercial Software AVL EXCITE Piston&Rings, paired with calibration and validation, can be used to simulate the axial ring movement inside the piston grooves during the combustion cycle. The simulation is calibrated using measurements obtained from a large single-cylinder engine equipped with an LEC Smart Telemetry system. It is equipped with displacement sensors capable of measuring the distance between the ring and groove flank during engine operation. This paper compares the simulation’s ring axial position results, before and after calibration from the measurement results, with the sensor outputs and discusses the discrepancies. Ring dynamics are shown to be less stable than simulated values. The ring movement of the second ring and third ring are shown to change between cycles during similar engine operation conditions.
Virtual Pressure Sensor Based on Ion Current Measurements Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Björnsson Ola , Tunestål Per
Published: December 2024

In-cylinder pressure measurements serve as the gold standard for combustion diagnostics in Internal Combustion Engines. However, the associated costs render it unfeasible to equip engines with in-cylinder pressure sensors. For spark-ignited engines, using the more affordable in-cylinder ion current measurements as an alternative to the traditional pressure sensors has shown promising results for combustion diagnostics. Still, it has not been widely adopted, most likely due to concerns regarding robustness.

The recent advancements in machine learning and big data have attracted significant attention. Given the strong correlation between ion current measurements and in-cylinder pressure, combined with the simplicity of collecting a large amount of data, ion current measurements are a good candidate for building machine learning models.

In this paper, we show the feasibility of utilizing Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to estimate the in-cylinder pressure using the ion current measurement as an input, effectively creating a virtual pressure sensor. Additionally, we calculate different combustion metrics useful for combustion diagnostics and compare them with those calculated on the measured in-cylinder pressure trace. The following combustion metrics are considered: Gross Indicated Mean Effective Pressure (IMEPg), Peak Pressure Location (PPL), maximum pressure, and heat release-based measurements such as total heat release and CA50. All of which could be estimated with good accuracy.
Improving the Predictive Capability of Empirical Heat Transfer Correlations for Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Parsons Dominic , Yuan Hao , Akehurst Sam , Esposito Stefania
Published: December 2024

Hydrogen internal combustion is widely considered as a viable technology to achieve near-zero tailpipe CO2 and NOx emissions for difficult to electrify applications due to the maturity of ICE technology and production facilities.

1D/0D modelling is a valuable tool for engine development due to its relatively low computational requirements, but hydrogen combustion models still require further development to enable accurate predictive capabilities across a larger operating range. A large factor in this is the gas to wall heat transfer, which is much higher for hydrogen combustion than for hydrocarbon fuels at equivalent conditions due to its higher flame temperatures and shorter quenching distance. For accurate prediction of in-cylinder temperatures, and therefore combustion rates and knock propensity, a well calibrated heat transfer model is essential.

This paper evaluates existing heat transfer models against previously published experimental cylinder pressure and heat flux data from a Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine with hydrogen Port Fuel Injection (PFI) at compression ratios from 8.5 to 9.5 and lambda ranging from 1.4–2.2. A new heat transfer correlation is developed against this data, utilising a newly developed fluid properties correlation to better represent the change in viscosity and conductivity resulting from changes in hydrogen concentration. Recent developments in 0D turbulence models also contribute to the improvement of the characteristic velocity calculation, which is augmented with a combustion term to improve the accuracy of the model during combustion.

This model is tested against a second dataset from the CFR engine with lambda ranging from 1.0–4.0 and compression ratios of 9–13, showing improved performance for hydrogen combustion in comparison to previously published models. Whilst the new model provides more consistent results during the combustion phase for variations in lambda and compression ratio, it requires improvement in its prediction of heat loss during expansion, and further validation at higher engine speeds and different engine configurations.
Reducing NOx Emissions From Ammonia Combustion Through Staged Combustion
Authors: Nasim Md Nayer , Landis Joshua , Das Shubhra Kanti , Nawaz Behlol , Mack J. Hunter
Published: December 2024

While the absence of carbon makes ammonia (NH3) a promising alternative fuel, some challenges need to be addressed before commercial implementation in practical systems such as gas turbines or internal combustion engines. One potential obstacle is an increase in NOx and N2O emissions due to the fuel-bound nitrogen in ammonia. This study investigates the reduction of NOx emissions from NH3 combustion through staged combustion, incorporating features of exhaust gas recirculation, where two distinct ignition events occur at disparate conditions; a primary ignition that burns a rich fuel-air mixture prior to completing the combustion in a subsequent stage after the introduction of additional air. This process can be emulated in a constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC) by initially igniting a rich mixture, adding air to the combustion products, and then igniting a second time at a globally lean condition. This approach provides isolated insight into how changes in initial equivalence ratios affect the production of NOx emissions for both single-stage and 2-stage combustion. The experimental results indicate that a staged approach reduces NOx emissions, particularly in comparison to stoichiometric and lean ammonia combustion.
Characterization of Knocking on Spark Assisted Compression Ignition Mode in a Rapid Compression Machine
Authors: Jin Long , Yu Xiao , Reader Graham , Zheng Ming
Published: December 2024

Spark-assisted compression ignition (SACI) employs a direct spark event to control the combustion phasing of homogeneously charged compression ignition mode. However, the induced deflagration process results in elevated pressure and temperature within the unburned gas zone, leading to the end gas autoignition. In addition, the rapid heat release in the chamber potentially leads to the internal damage caused by conventional knocking, heavy knocking, or detonation knocking. This represents the primary challenge to improving power density and thermal efficiency under a high compression ratio and boosted engine. This study investigates knocking combustions and characterizes the oscillating pressure waves from the end gas autoignition using the DME/air mixtures in a rapid compression machine. The circumferential frequency of the vibration modes is computed with respect to the combustion chamber (Ø50mm). The first (11.5kHz) circumferential mode is the primary focus to explore the impact of end-gas autoignition on the individual wave intensity since they contain the majority of the acoustic energy from the decomposed harmonic waves. A detailed analysis of the ringing intensity, knock intensity, and duration of ratio on excitation to residence are performed to characterize the knocking behaviors under the HCCI and SACI combustion modes. The high-speed images are utilized to observe the end-gas autoignition onset timing and process, and identify transition of the fast flame propagation to detonation which exceeds 2km/s. The knocking suppression is also investigated by increasing the excessive air-fuel ratio up to lambda 2.
Large-Eddy Simulations of N-Heptane/Ammonia Dual-Fuel Spray Flames
Authors: Singh Harsimran , Pal Pinaki , Aggarwal Suresh Kumar
Published: December 2024

Diesel engines are extensively used in heavy-duty transportation, power generation, and marine vehicles due to their superior thermal efficiency and extended high-load operability compared to spark ignition (SI) engines. However, combustion in diesel engines is generally characterized by locally rich fuel-air mixtures and high combustion temperatures, causing significant amounts of soot and NOx emissions from these engines. Utilizing carbon-free alternative fuels and enhancing fuel efficiency represent promising strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) and other emissions in the heavy-duty transportation sector. In this context, ammonia (NH3), as a hydrogen carrier, has received significant attention as a viable substitute for hydrocarbon fuels, due to its carbon-free composition, relatively high energy density, and well-established infrastructure. Many previous studies have considered combustion and emission characteristics of ammonia-hydrocarbon fuel blends in engines and simplified flames. However, detailed investigations on the effect of ammonia on the performance of hydrocarbon fuels under engine conditions are lacking. In the present study, we perform large-eddy simulations (LES) of the ignition and flame processes in a constant volume combustion reactor, where n-heptane is injected in an ammonia/air ambient mixture in a diesel-like environment. A detailed and validated reaction mechanism containing 302 species and 1981 reactions is employed. The ECN Spray H experimental data is used to validate the spray model under non-reacting and reacting conditions. Dual-fuel combustion is simulated using the well-stirred reactor (WSR) approach. Results are presented for two spray cases: (1) Single fuel (SF) case with n-heptane injected into a mixture of air and combustion products; (2) Dual-fuel (DF) case with the injection of n-heptane in a mixture of air, ammonia, and combustion products. It is observed that the presence of ammonia has a significant effect on the ignition and flame development processes. First, the ignition delay time increases significantly. Second, the ignition kernel size (both in physical and temperature-composition space), and its location and growth rate decrease noticeably. Third, the spray flame development and final quasi-steady flame structure are also modified. The outcome of this research would enable better understanding of ammonia-diesel dual-fuel spray flame behavior and development of optimized fuel injection strategies with respect to emissions.
Investigating the Influence of Evaporation and Mixing Regimes on Droplet Evaporation Rate at Elevated Pressure
Authors: Manin Julien , Crua Cyril
Published: December 2024

Understanding the evaporation of spray droplets under high-pressure conditions holds significant relevance across various applications, particularly in combustion systems such as rocket combustors, gas turbine engines, and compression-ignition engines. Operating at pressures above the fuel’s critical point, these systems undergo a transcritical change of state where the injected fuel transitions from a liquid-like to a gas-like state. This complex process involves diffusive evaporation and mixing, challenging the classical perspective of droplet evaporation governed solely by surface area. To shed light on the evaporation characteristics of fuel droplets under such transcritical conditions, we conducted experimental measurements in well-controlled, high-pressure, and high-temperature inert gaseous environments. High-resolution imaging experiments at high repetition rates enabled us to detect and characterize fuel droplets as function of time, until complete evaporation. By comparing the droplet population decays with time, which was expressed as a droplet population lifetime metric, the results confirm that higher temperatures led to faster evaporation. Using the droplet lifetimes, the evaporation rate constant was estimated, showing an expected increase with temperature. However, deviations from the expected linear behavior were observed, particularly in cases where the droplet evaporation regime was identified as diffusive, with evaporation rate constant estimates up to nearly 70% higher than predicted by established correlations such as the d2-law of evaporation. Our findings bridge a significant gap in understanding droplet evaporation under extreme conditions, revealing that the evaporation rate is strongly influenced by the evaporation regime.
On the use of pulsed DC bias for etching high aspect ratio features
Authors: Shi Xingyi , Sadighi Samaneh , Rauf Shahid , Luo Han , Wang Jun-Chieh , Kenney Jason , Booth Jean-Paul , Marinov Daniil , Foucher Mickaël , Sirse Nishant
Published: December 2024

Inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) containing Cl2 are widely used for plasma etching in the semiconductor industry. One common issue during plasma etching is aspect ratio dependent etching (ARDE), which is generally attributed to variation in the flux of etchant species to the bottom of features with different dimensions. Insufficient fluxes of neutral etchants to the bottom of high aspect ratio features can also result in sputtering, which tends to distort the feature profile. This article addresses two issues relevant to Cl2 ICP and plasma etching in these plasmas. First, a comprehensive set of diagnostics is used to validate a model for Cl2 ICP for gas pressure between 3 and 90 mTorr. The plasma diagnostics include microwave resonant hairpin probe-based measurements of electron density, photolysis-calibrated two-photon laser induced fluorescence measurement of Cl density, photo-detachment-based measurement of Cl− density, and laser diode absorption spectroscopy of argon metastable species to measure the gas temperature. Consistent with the experiments, the model shows that the electron density peaks near the center of the chamber at low gas pressure due to rapid diffusion. The electron density peak moves under the coils at higher pressures. Using the validated Cl2 model, we investigate ICPs with rectangular pulsed DC voltage for bias. It is shown that the Cl flux at the bottom of a trench decreases significantly with increasing aspect ratio of the trench. Neutral to ion flux ratio is therefore low at the bottom of higher aspect ratio trenches. The duty cycle of the pulsed bias waveform is found to be an effective means of increasing the neutral to energetic ion flux ratio, which should help with ARDE and sputter reduction.
Supplemental Material: Geochronology and provenance of the Huangyangling Formation in the East Kunlun orogen, NW China: Insight from detrital zircon and calcite cement records
Authors: Qi Nan , LI NUO , al. et
Published: December 2024

Tables S1–S3 and Supplemental Data S1. 
Home self-management of type 2 diabetes with diabetes technologies in northern France: a focused ethnographic study protocol
Authors: Marcilly Romaric , Quindroit Paul , Lemaitre Madleen , Vambergue Anne , Avez Eric , Bubeck Arnaud , Hehn Coline , Beuscart Jean-Baptiste , Grimes Tamasine C
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition associated with impaired glucose tolerance and a high prevalence of comorbidity, polypharmacy and medication safety incidents. Little is known about the patient work associated with using diabetes management technologies by patients and their informal caregivers at home. This study aims to apply a systems engineering approach to better understand this work.

Methods and analysis

This is a qualitative focused ethnographic study using interview and photography. Adults, living independently at home, with type 2 diabetes who have been using insulin as part of their treatment regimen for a minimum of 6 months and who are using at least one diabetes management technology without support of a professional at home are eligible for inclusion. Participants will be recruited through advertisements on social media, in diabetes clinics and by contacting associations of persons living with diabetes and diabetes specialists. Participant consent will be taken, interviews will be undertaken in the participant’s home, audio-recorded and photographs securely saved. The Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model will frame the data coding and we will develop new codes to accommodate data outside the SEIPS model. Results will be interpreted to produce a description of work processes, work system elements and interactions that support or jeopardise the achievement of safety. This protocol will follow the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist for the reporting of qualitative research interviews.

Ethical considerations and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the University of Lille’s Behavioural Sciences Ethics Committee. The study will comply with data protection legislation: the protocol has been declared by the Data Protection Officer of the University of Lille to the National Commission on Informatics and Liberty. We plan to disseminate our findings via presentations at relevant patient/public, professional, academic and scientific meetings, and publish in a peer-reviewed journal.
Relationship between anxiety and poor sleep quality in family caregivers of psychiatric patients based on history of sharp object injuries: a case-control study in Bitlis, Turkey
Authors: Önen Cihan , Göktaş Ahmet , Okutan Şerafettin
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the relationship between anxiety levels and poor sleep quality among family caregivers of psychiatric patients, based on the history of sharp object injuries (SOI) inflicted by the patients.

Design

A case-control study.

Setting and data

The data were collected through face-to-face interviews with family caregivers of patients at the Bitlis Province Community Mental Health Center and Bitlis State Hospital Psychiatry Service between December 2021 and May 2022.

Participants

A total of 111 family caregivers participated in the study.

Outcome measures

The sleep quality of family caregivers was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, while anxiety levels were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).

Results

Among family caregivers, 52.3% had poor sleep quality, 24.3% experienced moderate anxiety and 31.5% experienced severe anxiety. An increase of one point on the anxiety scale (measured by BAI) raised the odds of poor sleep by 14%. The anxiety-poor sleep relationship was stronger in SOI-exposed caregivers (r=0.699) than in non-exposed ones (r=0.607). When age was controlled, the relationship strengthened among SOI-exposed individuals (r=0.722) but remained unchanged for non-exposed ones (r=0.608).

Conclusions

This study shows that each point increase on the anxiety scale is associated with a 14% increase in the odds of poor sleep among family caregivers of psychiatric patients. The relationship between anxiety level and poor sleep quality was further elevated among individuals exposed to SOI. Providing family caregivers of psychiatric patients, especially those exposed to SOI, with coping strategies and sleep hygiene training can improve their anxiety and sleep quality and assist in managing the care process.
Migration and mental health care in South Africa: the question of language in context
Authors: Anthonissen Christine , Madzamba Rowan , Nozewu Asithandile , Mateane Warona , Swartz Leslie , Higgen Sanna , Hall Brian , Moesko Mike
Published: December 2024

Access to mental healthcare for migrants is a global problem, with many challenges and barriers, including the issue of language discordance. Most research on this topic comes from well-resourced countries such as those in Europe, Northern America, and Australasia despite the fact that most migration occurs from poorer contexts, such as many in Africa, into more closely situated countries. As an introductory part of a broader international study, we started out investigating the views of key stakeholders in South Africa on language barriers to accessing mental healthcare for migrants and suggestions for how to address these. Two senior researchers interviewed a total of 10 key stakeholders (mental health and primary healthcare providers, some also users of mental healthcare, policymakers in mental healthcare, and refugee centre coordinators) virtually, using semistructured interviews. Interview recordings were transcribed and the content was analysed. The following key themes emerged from our data: general barriers to mental healthcare; linguistic barriers to mental healthcare; proposed solutions to overcoming language discordance and alternatives suggested by professionals and mental health service users. Issues of language were intertwined with a range of other service delivery and political problems. The issue of lack of language concordance is a major concern in providing mental healthcare for migrants in South Africa. This is, however, by no means the only concern, as access to care in general is poor. Innovative, cost-effective local solutions are needed to bridge the enormous gap between needs and service provision.
Aspects of a novel nonlinear electrodynamics in flat spacetime and in a gravity-coupled scenario
Authors: Kar Anjan
Published: December 2024

A novel nonlinear electrodynamics (NLE) model with two dimensionful parameters is introduced and investigated. Our model obeys the Maxwellian limit and exhibits behaviour similar to the Born–Infeld Lagrangian in the weak field limit. It is shown that the electric field of a point charge in this model has a definite maximum value. Thus, the self-energy of the point charge is finite. The phenomenon of vacuum birefringence is found to occur in the presence of an external uniform electric field. Causality and unitarity conditions for all background electric fields hold, whereas, for magnetic fields, a restricted domain of validity is found. Moreover, a minimal coupling of Einstein’s General Relativity (GR) with this NLE results in solutions of regular black holes or naked singularities, depending on whether the source is a nonlinear magnetic monopole or an electric charge, respectively.
Neighborhood version of molecular descriptors for benzene type ring graphs
Authors: Ali Parvez , Jabeen Mah , Kirmani Syed Ajaz K.
Published: December 2024

This study explores the utilization of topological graph invariants, or molecular descriptors, to mathematically model chemical compounds. These descriptors are vital in quantifying the physio-chemical characteristics of a compound, and are commonly represented as shapes such as polygons, bushes, and grapes. Specifically, this research focuses on computing selected fifth multiplicative first and second Zagreb indices, third and fourth multiplicative general fifth multiplicative Zagreb indices, and other degree-based topological indices for the benzene ring graph ([Formula: see text] and the simple bounded dual of benzene ring graph ([Formula: see text]. The findings of this study are then compared to demonstrate the impact of these molecular descriptors.
Analysis of the Most Essential Physical Meaning of the Basic Physical Constants
Authors: Wang Jian
Published: December 2024

This paper deals with the ultimate mystery of the universe: what is the physics that is contained in the basic constants of physics? Combined with the real phenomenon, starting from the root, this paper proposes that the most basic elements of the universe are the energy element and the mass element, defined as dualism. The energy element provides the “dynamic” energy of the matter, and the mass element makes the energy element “static” so that it can regulate the movement. A mass element can be combined with 1–9 energy elements to form a matter called a matter element, also known as a generalized photon. Various matter elements produced by different combinations of energy elements with different numbers and angles (or the same angle) and single mass elements, single or multiple matter elements are polymerized to form different types of matter. From this, the analysis is carried out to answer the birth of the matter universe, and to explain the space and matter structure, as well as the operation mechanism of the universe. Based on the explained matter structure and the operation mechanism of the universe, a physical model is established. Based on this model, we derive formulae for the gravitational constant, the electrostatic force constant, and the fine structure constant, and relate basic physical constants. At the same time, the mass quantization value ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kg), the energy quantization value ([Formula: see text] Planck constant value) and the generalized photon space number density ([Formula: see text]) are calculated, and so on. Therefore, these theories suggest novel explanations to understand the essence of gravity and the essence of the relationship between space and matter structure and the operation mechanism of the universe as represented by the fine structure constant. By analyzing the basic physical constants, the correctness of dualism and its derivative theory are verified. This also shows that we have found the direction and theoretical basis for correctly understanding the real universe.
Pr-Ge-Ne
: Efficient Encoding of Pervasive Video Sensing Streams by Pruned Generative Networks
Authors: Wu Ji-Yan , Gamlath Kasun , Misra Archan
Published: December 2024

While video sensing, performed by resource-constrained pervasive devices, is a key enabler of many machine intelligence applications, the high energy and bandwidth overheads of streaming video transmission continue to present formidable deployment challenges. Motivated by the recent advancements in deep learning models, this article proposes the usage of a Generative Network-based technique for resource-efficient streaming video compression and transmission. However, we empirically show that while such generative network-based models offer superior compression gains compared to H.265, additional DNN optimization mechanisms are needed to substantially reduce their encoder complexity. Our proposed optimized system, dubbed
Pr-Ge-Ne
, adopts a carefully pruned encoder-decoder DNN, on the pervasive device, to efficiently encode a latent vector representation of intra-frame relative motion, and then uses a generator network at the decoder to reconstruct the frames by overlaying such motion information to ”animate” an initial reference frame. By evaluating three representative streaming video datasets, we show that
Pr-Ge-Ne
achieves around

\(6\)

–

\(10\)

-fold reduction in video transmission rates (with negligible impact on the accuracy of machine perception tasks) compared to H.265, while simultaneously reducing latency and energy overheads on a pervasive device by

\(\sim\)

90% and 15–50%, respectively.
Snakebite Envenomation From the Large Palearctic Viper, Macrovipera razii (Squamata: Serpentes; Viperidae), in Fars Province, Southern Iran
Authors: Shahabi Saeed , Azizi Kourosh , Soltani Aboozar , Paksa Azim , Moemenbellah-Fard Mohammad Djaefar , Kalantari Mohsen
Published: December 2024

Snakebites are a significant health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Envenomation from snakebites is a clinical emergency requiring prompt treatment. Recently, a new species of blunt‐nosed viper, Macrovipera razii, was identified in central and southern Iran through morphological and molecular studies. This large, dangerous viper can deliver substantial amounts of venom. Following reports to the Faculty of Health at Shiraz University of Medical Science (SUMS), the identification of venomous snakes involved in envenomation cases in Fars province was undertaken. Approximately 20 snakes were captured and presented by locals, while others provided photos. Despite some information being photo‐based, the data highlighted the significant role of this viper in envenomation cases. Macrovipera razii is now recorded from 12 counties in Fars province. One incident involved a male bitten in Shiraz, and another case led to a male needing limb amputation. This study emphasizes the importance of this newly described viper in recent snakebite envenomations in the region and reviews its distribution within the Fars province.
Supplementary figure 3 from Targeting NTRK1 Enhances Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy in NTRK1 Wild-Type Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Smith Margaret R. , Dixon Caroline B. , Wang Yuezhu , Liu Yin , D’Agostino Ralph , Ruiz Jimmy , Oliver George , Miller Lance D. , Topaloglu Umit , Chan Michael D. , Farris Michael , Su Jing , Mileham Kathryn F. , Zhao Dawen , Li Wencheng , Sexton Tammy , Lycan Thomas , Haas Karen M. , Grayson Jason M. , Xing Fei
Published: December 2024

Supplementary figure 3
Supplementary figure 1 from Targeting NTRK1 Enhances Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy in NTRK1 Wild-Type Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Smith Margaret R. , Dixon Caroline B. , Wang Yuezhu , Liu Yin , D’Agostino Ralph , Ruiz Jimmy , Oliver George , Miller Lance D. , Topaloglu Umit , Chan Michael D. , Farris Michael , Su Jing , Mileham Kathryn F. , Zhao Dawen , Li Wencheng , Sexton Tammy , Lycan Thomas , Haas Karen M. , Grayson Jason M. , Xing Fei
Published: December 2024

Supplementary figure 1
Supplementary Figures from Extracellular Vesicle–Packaged ACSL4 Induces Hepatocyte Senescence to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Hou Pei-pei , Zheng Chong-ming , Wu Si-hong , Liu Xi-xiao , Xiang Guang-xin , Cai Wei-yang , Chen Gang , Lou Yong-liang
Published: December 2024

This file contains 6 supplementary figures supporting that extracellular vesicle-packaged ACSL4 induces hepatocyte senescence to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression.
Supplementary Table 11 from NUAK1-Mediated Phosphorylation of NADK Mitigates ROS Accumulation to Promote Osimertinib Resistance in Non–Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Wei , Wang Na , Wu Shihao , Diao Mingxin , Huang Quanfu , Li Kuo , Mei Peiyuan , Wang Xiaojun , Liao Yongde , Meng Yunchong
Published: December 2024

Supplementary Table 11 Detection of SNVs and CNVs in HCC827OR and PC9OR
Figure S6 from B7-H3–Targeted CAR-Vδ1T Cells Exhibit Potent Broad-Spectrum Activity against Solid Tumors
Authors: Jiang Licui , You Fengtao , Wu Hai , Qi Changsong , Xiang Shufen , Zhang Ping , Meng Huimin , Wang Min , Huang Jiequn , Li Yafen , Chen Dan , An Gangli , Yang Nan , Zhang Bozhen , Shen Lin , Yang Lin
Published: December 2024

AQ-CAR-IL2-Vδ1T cells exhibited obvious antitumor efficacy in the acute myeloid leukemia AML-3 model.