bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition in the societal value and governance of water resources in Australia and China
Authors: Wei Jing , Wei Yongping , Tian Fuqiang , Xiong Yonglan , Hu Hongchang
Published: June 2023

The transition of a country or a whole society to sustainability is a long-term goal that involves a society’s willingness to carry out such a change and the governance structure to support it. Understanding the role of the governance structure in enabling or constraining the change dynamics of societal values can more effectively foster desired transitions. This paper aims to reveal the co-evolutionary dynamics in the transition processes of the societal value of water resources and the network configurations of water governance in Australia and China in different socioecological contexts. Newspapers were used to track societal value and structural change in water governance. One mainstream newspaper was selected from each country, spanning a timeframe of 175 years in Australia and 72 years in China. The key finding is that the transition in societal value in both countries followed a similar sigmoid function. The value transition process in both countries benefited from a centralized governance structure, particularly in the take-off stage of the transition.
The concepts and laws applicable to hybrid threats, with a special focus on Europe
Authors: Sanz-Caballero Susana
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the consequences of the lack of definition of so-called hybrid threats is explored. Special attention was paid to the importance of the work already completed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union (EU) regarding the ever evolving types of actions associated with hybrid threats in the so called grey zone. The latter can be thought of as activities undertaken by one state that are harmful to another, albeit not legal acts of war, sometimes referred to as a malevolent manifestation of the concept of peace. The vastly different experiences of democratic and authoritarian states acting in the grey zone was also examined. In addition, the law applicable to hybrid threats was studied to determine if the legal framework is sufficiently adapted to repel state-sponsored and non-state-sponsored hybrid threats. In addition, the use of the European Convention on Human Rights in the struggle against hybrid threats in Europe and the limits to how state parties can react to hybrid threats established by this treaty was analysed. Lastly, the international rules of attribution of responsibility and difficulties associated with their application with respect to hybrid threats was considered. This article is structured in two parts. The first part explores the difficulty of defining hybrid threats, while the second presents the legal framework used to counter such threats, both at the international and European levels.
Examining downstream impacts of riverbed dredging
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: June 2023

Complex flow behaviors can lead to increased turbulence and erosion on riverbanks.
Cross Sections for Electron Collisions with N2, N2*, and N2+
Authors: Song Mi-Young , Cho Hyuck , Karwasz Grzegorz P. , Kokoouline Viatcheslav , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: June 2023

Electron collision cross section data are complied from the literature for electron collisions with the nitrogen molecules, N2, N2+, and N2*. Cross sections are collected and reviewed for total scattering, elastic scattering, momentum transfer, rotational excitation, vibrational excitation, electronic excitation, dissociative processes, and ionization. The literature has been surveyed up to the end of 2021. For each of these processes, the recommended values of the cross sections are presented.
Measuring lateral capillary forces on floating particles using the Moses effect
Authors: Shulman David
Published: June 2023

This study presents a novel and user-friendly technique for detecting the lateral capillary force on a floating spherical particle. The technique leverages the interplay between the capillary attracting forces, hydrostatic pressure forces, and magnetic repulsion forces. A magnetic field is applied to induce a surface curvature in the liquid, resulting in a non-uniform distribution of capillary and hydrostatic pressure forces across the particle’s surface. This leads to a stable equilibrium position of the particle at a specific distance from the magnet. The study analyzes the equilibrium position and other relevant parameters in comparison with the developed theory. Classical mechanics and intermolecular forces are applied to establish the theoretical basis for the method, modeling the behavior of the particle in response to the magnetic field, surface curvature, and hydrostatic pressure. The equilibrium position of the particle is determined by numerically solving the balance of forces equation.
Managing co-presence with a wave of the hand
Authors: Siitonen Pauliina , Helisten Marika , Siromaa Maarit , Rauniomaa Mirka , Holmström Mari
Published: June 2023

The article examines naturally-occuring video-mediated breaks from work as social activity and focuses on the use
of waving gestures in their openings and closings. Drawing on multimodal conversation analysis as a research method and recorded
virtual breaks of two work communities in Finland as data, the study shows that, contrary to openings and closings in a physical
breakroom at the workplace, waving ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’ is a prevalent practice in video-mediated break openings and closings. By
waving their hand(s), which is typically accompanied by a verbal greeting or farewell, participants make their own arrival or
departure, or their orientation to the arrival or departure of someone else, visible and explicit. Thus, waving facilitates the
management of co-presence in technology-mediated encounters. Further, by waving in conjunction with other upgraded features of
openings and closings, participants engage in important relationship maintenance work during their encounter.
Synthesis of Chemically Sharp Interface in NdNiO3/SrTiO3 Heterostructures
Authors: Li Yueying , Cai Xiangbin , Sun Wenjie , Yang Jiangfeng , Guo Wei , Gu Zhengbin , Zhu Ye , Nie Yuefeng
Published: June 2023

The nickel-based superconductivity provides a fascinating new platform to explore high-T
c superconductivity. As the infinite-layer nickelates are obtained by removing the apical oxygens from the precursor perovskite phase, the crystalline quality of the perovskite phase is crucial in synthesizing high quality superconducting nickelates. Especially, cation-related defects, such as the Ruddlesden–Popper-type (RP-type) faults, are unlikely to disappear after the topotactic reduction process and should be avoided during the growth of the perovskite phase. Herein, using reactive molecular beam epitaxy, we report the atomic-scale engineering of the interface structure and demonstrate its impact in reducing crystalline defects in Nd-based nickelate/SrTiO3 heterostructures. A simultaneous deposition of stoichiometric Nd and Ni directly on SrTiO3 substrates results in prominent Nd vacancies and Ti diffusion at the interface and RP-type defects in nickelate films. In contrast, inserting an extra [NdO] monolayer before the simultaneous deposition of Nd and Ni forms a sharp interface and greatly eliminates RP-type defects in nickelate films. A possible explanation related to the polar discontinuity is also discussed. Our results provide an effective method to synthesize high-quality precursor perovskite phase for the investigation of the novel superconductivity in nickelates.
Spin textures induced in n-doped solid electrolytes
Authors: Maznichenko I V , Buczek P , Mertig I , Ostanin S
Published: June 2023

A strongly insulating solid-state electrolyte may become conducting upon n-doping. On the basis of ab initio calculations, we demonstrate how the charge-to-spin conversion takes place in Li-doped lithium tantalate. Due to an excess of electrons induced by each Li dopant, the low-conduction 5d band of the nearest Ta shifts down and crosses the Fermi level. The band structure of the doped material displays its spin polarization, whilst the relatively large spin–orbit coupling stimulates the spin textures. Additionally, we anticipate that spin-orbitronic effects may be generated by the charge current via n-doped solid-state electrolytes.
Time-dependent axial fluid model of the Hall thruster discharge and its plume
Authors: Poli D , Bello-Benítez E , Fajardo P , Ahedo E
Published: June 2023

One-dimensional axial models of a Hall thruster give a good qualitative picture of the main physical phenomena in the discharge with small computational effort. Time-dependent models, in particular, are widely used for the analysis of low-frequency axial oscillations (i.e. the breathing mode). The standard time-dependent three-fluid model found in the literature is here enhanced by extending the physical domain beyond the cathodic surface into the far plume, and improving the modeling of some physical phenomena. A suite of five models is presented in this work with an increasing complexity of added physics; the most complete version accounting for ion and neutral energy evolution equations along with the partial inclusion of electron inertia. The added physics has a non negligible impact on both the dynamics of the breathing mode and the time-averaged response of the plasma. In particular, it is found that the onset of the instability is sensitive to both the level of modeled physics and the operational parameters. In some cases, the strong breathing mode oscillations can result in a weak plasma attachment to the anode, leading to the collapse of the normal anode sheath and to the subsequent failure of the model.
Statistical laws of a one-dimensional model of turbulent flows subject to an external random force
Authors: Tsuji Yuta , Sakajo Takashi
Published: June 2023

This paper provides mathematical and numerical analysis of a one-dimensional model of turbulent flow generating the anomalous cascade of the inviscid conserved quantity. The model is based on the generalized Constantin–Lax–Majda–DeGregorio (gCLMG) equation with viscous dissipation under a large-scale forcing. Suppose that the forcing function and the initial data are random variables defined on a certain probability space. Then, the equation is regarded as a random partial differential equation. We prove the global existence of a unique solution to the gCLMG equation, from which a stochastic process is defined. In addition, by approximating the solutions numerically by Galerkin approximation of random variables with generalized polynomial chaos, we confirm the existence of a steady distribution. We find that the steady distribution reproduces qualitatively the same cascades of the energy and the enstrophy spectra as those of a turbulent flow generated by randomly moving pulse (Matsumoto and Sakajo 2016 Phys. Rev. E 93 053101). We also investigate the structure functions, showing intermittency.
Noise detection with spectator qubits and quantum feature engineering
Authors: Youssry Akram , Paz-Silva Gerardo A , Ferrie Christopher
Published: June 2023

Designing optimal control pulses that drive a noisy qubit to a target state is a challenging and crucial task for quantum engineering. In a situation where the properties of the quantum noise affecting the system are dynamic, a periodic characterization procedure is essential to ensure the models are updated. As a result, the operation of the qubit is disrupted frequently. In this paper, we propose a protocol that addresses this challenge by making use of a spectator qubit to monitor the noise in real-time. We develop a machine-learning-based quantum feature engineering approach for designing the protocol. The complexity of the protocol is front-loaded in a characterization phase, which allow real-time execution during the quantum computations. We present the results of numerical simulations that showcase the favorable performance of the protocol.
CMB and Lyman-α constraints on dark matter decays to photons
Authors: Capozzi Francesco , Ferreira Ricardo Z. , Lopez-Honorez Laura , Mena Olga
Published: June 2023

Dark matter energy injection in the early universe modifies both the ionization history and the temperature of the intergalactic medium. In this work, we improve the CMB bounds on sub-keV dark matter and extend previous bounds from Lyman-α observations to the same mass range, resulting in new and competitive constraints on axion-like particles (ALPs) decaying into two photons. The limits depend on the underlying reionization history, here accounted self-consistently by our modified version of the publicly availableDarkHistoryandCLASScodes. Future measurements such as the ones from the CMB-S4 experiment may play a crucial, leading role in the search for this type of light dark matter candidates.
Fuel desorption from JET-ILW materials: assessment of analytical approach and identification of sources of uncertainty and discrepancy
Authors: Zayachuk Y. , Jepu I. , Zlobinski M. , Porosnicu C. , Catarino N. , Pajuste E. , Petersson P. , Dittrich L. , Coad J.P. , Grigore E. , Postolache C. , Alves E. , Kizane G. , Rubel M. , Widdowson A.
Published: June 2023

This work was carried out to identify sources of errors, uncertainties and discrepancies in studies of fuel retention in wall components from the JET tokamak using methods based on thermal desorption. Parallel aims were to establish good practices in measurements and to unify procedures in data handling. A comprehensive program designed for deuterium quantification comprised the definition and preparation of two types of materials (samples of JET limiter Be tiles and deuterium-containing targets produced in the laboratory by magnetron-assisted deposition), their pre-characterization, quantitative analyses of the desorption products in three different thermal desorption spectroscopy systems and a detailed critical comparison of the results. Tritium levels were also determined by several techniques in samples from JET and in tritiated targets manufactured specifically for this research program. Facilities available for studies of Be- and tritium-contaminated materials from JET are presented. Apparatus development, future research options and challenges are discussed.
A global time series dataset to facilitate forest greenhouse gas reporting
Authors: Gorelick Noel , Yang Zhiqiang , Arévalo Paulo , Bullock Eric L , Insfrán Katherin Patricia , Healey Sean P
Published: June 2023

We have developed a version of the Continuous Change Detection and Classification algorithm within the Google Earth Engine environment. It has been used with 20 years of Landsat data (1999–2019) to produce a new, publicly available global dataset of pre-computed time series break points and harmonic coefficients. We present results from regional use cases demonstrating classification and change detection with this new dataset and compare them to other temporal compositing techniques. Our results demonstrate that gains in overall accuracy using CCDC may be small on a yearly basis, but they are consistent, and improvements in temporal coherence—correctly detecting land use transitions and temporal trends—can be significant. These improvements can translate into better estimates of land use change activity and reduce the uncertainty in the greenhouse gas emissions estimates in REDD+ reporting.
Seed conservation of Begonia spp. from West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Lailaty I Q , Suhendri Y , Efendi M
Published: June 2023

Begoniacollections in Indonesian Botanic Gardens are a source of germplasm for ornamental plants, foods, and future medicinal plants. Seed exploration activity was focused on the West Sumatra area to increase the representation ofBegoniacollections at the Indonesian Botanic Gardens’s Seed Bank. It will accommodate collection numbers and genetic variation. The purpose of this study was to collect seeds and living collections of the SumatranBegoniaspecies, mainly from West Sumatra. Beside that, this study aimed to identify the storage characteristics ofBegoniaseeds in the Seed Bank. The research method was carried out exploratory and investigated in several districts of West Sumatra. From the explorations, we collected 27 species ofBegoniasfrom five districts, namely Solok, Sijunjung, Tanah Datar, Lima Puluh Kota, and West Pasaman. The mostBegoniaspecies were found in Solok Regency (25%). We found thoseBegoniasin the vegetative and generative phases. About 76.67% of the plants found produce flowers. Some plants were producing fruit (60%).Begoniahabitat is generally a humid area (karst cliffs, caves, streams, forest floors and wet rocks). Furthermore, the characteristics of 30Begonias, types of seeds, and its storage, also associated plants aroundBegoniawill be described in this paper.
Increased cocoa production due to organic fertilizer application
Authors: Sinaga A , Jambang N , Hakim L , Amisnaipa
Published: June 2023

One of the ways to increase the production of cocoa pods is by applying fertilizer. Fertilization using organic materials is an option for fertilizing cocoa plants. This study aimed at determining the magnitude of the increase in cocoa fruit production with the application of organic fertilizer. The research location was in Prafi Subdistrict, which is a subdistrict that has a cocoa plant development area, carried out from January to December 2019. The results showed that the application of organic fertilizer on cocoa plants by 10 tons ha-1 could increase the number of cocoa pods by 296, 10 % compared to control plants. In addition, the results showed that there is a strong correlation between the number of wet beans and the number of dry cocoa beans with a coefficient value of 0.98.
Using NPK fertilizer on several soybean mutant in sub-optimal land
Authors: Zuyasna  , Mayani Nanda , Maulina Dara , Iriani Farida
Published: June 2023

Soybean is one of the important crops and is much needed by people in Indonesia. Most soybean needs in Indonesia are still imported because domestic production is still low. The low soybean production in Indonesia is partly due to the lack of availability of superior varieties that are able to adapt to the environment and the application of cultivation technology that has not been optimal by farmers. The aim of this research is to obtain the best dose and the mutant line of Kipas Merah and the best combination of both in a sub-optimal environment. This study used a factorial randomized block design 3 x 7 with 3 replications. The dose of NPK fertilizer is the first factor consisting of 3 levels (200 kg ha−1, 300 kg ha−1, and 400 kg ha−1). While the second factor is a mutant line of Kipas Merah (A1, A2, A7, A11, and A14), and in addition, as the comparison, we used Kipas Merah (parent) and Deja2 variety. The results showed that the treatment dose of Phonska NPK fertilizer (15:15:15) was better found in the application of a fertilizer dose of 400 kg ha−1 on the parameters a number of seeds per plant, the weight of seeds per plant, the weight of 100 seeds, the weight of seeds per plot and potential yield. The best mutant lines among the tested lines were the A1 and A11 mutant lines. The best A1 line was on the number of seeds per plant and weight of seeds per plant, while A11 was best on parameters of seed weight per plant, the weight of 100 seeds, the weight of seeds per plot, and yield potential.
Analysis of stem rot disease severity on Pomelo (Citrus maxima) plantation in Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi
Authors: Puspita A D , Kuswinanti T , Rosmana A
Published: June 2023

Abstrack

Pamelo (Citrus maxima) is native to Southeast Asia, and the contribution of South Sulawesi nationally as a producer ranks first at 30.76%. The purpose of this study was to determine the intensity of stem rot disease on Pomelo in Ma’rang, Labakkang, and Segeri Districts of Pangkep Regency. After calculating the disease severity, samples were taken on the symptomatic tissue, then the disease-causing pathogens were isolated and purified, followed by microscopic observation at the Laboratory of Pest and Plant Diseases, Hasanuddin University. The results showed that the highest stem rot disease intensity was in Ma’rang District on red and white Pomelo varieties at 53% and 44%, followed by Labakkang District at 33% on red Pomelo and 26% on white Pomelo. The lowest disease severity was in Segeri District with 30% on red and 24% on white Pomelo. Pomelo citrus production in Ma’rang District was 92.72 tons/ha, Labakkang 213.51 tons/ha, and Segeri District 259.40 tons/ha. These data indicate that the intensity of disease severity and land conditions affect the production of Pomelo in the three sub-districts observed.
The evaluation effect of fusarium verticillioides on seed quality in new high-yielding maize vareties
Authors: Yasir A M , Nasruddin A
Published: June 2023

Fusarium verticillioides can cause a decrease in the yield and quality of corn due to the mycotoxins produced. 10 seeds high yielding maize varieties were sterilized using a 5.15% NaClO solution and sterile water. Inoculated seeds for 72 hours, grown on straw paper and polybags. Observation of germination, plant growth, incidence and severity of disease as well as the identification of Koch’s Postulates method, were observed macroscopically and microscopically at the Laboratory, Hasanuddin University. The results showed that F. verticillioides caused the germination of maize seeds in the Pertiwi and NK sumo varieties to only 33.3%, while the highest germination occurred in the Sukmaraga variety at 91.7%. The growth of corn plants showed differences in height and number of leaves in each of the 10 varieties. Severity of the disease in the vegetative phase occurred in the variety Pertiwi and Pioneer27 by 35% and the varieties with the lowest severity occurred in Zakarin variety by. Selection of varieties that are resistant to the F. verticillioides pathogen greatly influences F. verticillioides infection because they can be a source of inoculum.
Exploration and culture of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from wild sago
Authors: Widiastuti H , Supriatna J , Bilah S A , Fuad D I
Published: June 2023

The sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) contains significant potential for carbohydrates. When harvested, the plant produces more than 300kg of dry starch per plant. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, Glomeromycota) are known to often form symbiotic associations with the majority of higher plants, but there are limited studies on their interaction with Sago. Therefore, this study aims to obtain information on the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from the rhizosphere of sago palms as well as to prepare pure cultures of the dominant species. Samples were collected from the test plant’s rhizosphere by exploring the West Papua region with a shallow peat area as a base. The soil bulk density in the region was 0.11-0.20 g cm−3 with a low pH (H2O) of 4.1. At the initial stage, a trapping culture was prepared from the rhizosphere soil sample, and a pure culture was then made from the dominant spore using telang (Clitoria ternatea.L) as the host. The observation results of spore morphology revealed that they belonged to Acaulosporaceae, Gigasporaceae, and Glomeraceae. The low abundance and diversity of AMF were caused by abiotic factors, including soil physicochemical properties.
Scenario Seismic Hazard Analysis (SSHA) in Cilegon City for post-major earthquake 2019 and 2022 infrastructure construction development
Authors: Syahbana AJ , Wati M S , Zaenurrohman J A , Ridwan M , Sari A M , Shomim A F , Soehaimi A , Santoso E W , Novico F , Sudjono E H
Published: June 2023

The major earthquake events on August 2, 2019, and January 14, 2022, which devastated Banten City, gave an earthquake warning to the surrounding area, including Cilegon City. As an area with several vital infrastructures, such as Merak Port, chemical factories, steel industries, and power plants, Cilegon City requires a seismic study that can provide information for the planning and retrofitting of building structures. In this study, an earthquake analysis will be carried out using the Scenario Seismic Hazard Analysis (SSHA) for Cilegon City to calculate the bedrock acceleration. The earthquake sources modelled include the source of the Semangko Graben, Cimandiri and the Sunda Strait Megathrust Segment. This study provides several conclusions, included (1) results of seismic analysis using SSHA produced a maximum PGA value 0.05 - 0.1 g, 0.00 - 0.05 g and 0.3 - 0.4 g, for the Semangko Graben, Cimandiri and the Sunda Strait Megathrust Segment sources respectively. So, Cilegon City’s infrastructure layout system must be located designed in the area with a minimum ground acceleration. The existing buildings also need to be re-analyzed based on the earthquake hazard map.
Optimization agroforestry to address green economy and climate change in Manokwari Regency, West Papua
Authors: Hendri  , Rahmadaniarti A , Mahatmandira G A
Published: June 2023

Farm (kebun) and yard (Pekarangan), as traditional agroforestry systems that have been developed over a long period of time by trial and error based on the social, cultural, and economics of the local community. In general, the green economy value of the results of local agroforestry systems, both gardens, and yards, provides low benefits based on the real costs incurred. Increasing the optimization of local agroforestry systems by taking into account the economy and carbon stock are needed in an effort to increase the green economy based on local agroforestry and mitigation efforts from the forestry sector. Data was collected from households of Bremi Village, District of Manokwari Regency using a purposive sampling method through the bio-physic inventory, and economic analysis. Through the results of the optimization of gardens and yards, there was an increase in the important value index, species diversity index, carbon stock, and economy by 91% and 53% respectively. Through the optimization of agroforestry practices (OAPs), the production scale is expected to improve the local community income as well as to preserve typical species, environmental conservation, long-term strategies for extreme climate conditions, and support the Low Carbon Development Indonesia program (LCDI) in West Papua.
Sustainable specialized village-based sago (Metroxylon sago Rottb) management direction in Jayapura Regency
Authors: Lewaherilla N E , Soplanit A , Beding P
Published: June 2023

The study was conducted in selected sago-specialized villages in Sentani, West Sentani, and Waibu Districts between July and December 2021. The primary data were obtained through interviews with local figures, academicians, sago farmers, merchants, and sago processing business actors. The secondary data were obtained from previous research results published by research institutes, and Jayapura Regional Government relevant to the sago development program, sago production, and land area. A qualitative descriptive sociocultural analysis was made following farmers’ sociocultural conditions. The sago management institutionalization analysis was made based on the functions of sago management. The business analysis of sago starch production and sago cakes was made based using the Revenue/cost ratio. The study found that market and sociocultural institutionalization plays an important role in sustainable sago management. The result of the business feasibility analysis indicated that sago starch production and sago cake business are feasible for further development. The direction of sustainable sago management includes 1) a Sago-specialized village program, 2) Small-scale sago processing businesses, and 3) a sago variety conservation program.
Biohybrid tensegrity actuator driven by selective contractions of multiple skeletal muscle tissues
Authors: Morita Kazuma , Morimoto Yuya , Takeuchi Shoji
Published: June 2023

Biohybrid robots are robots composed of both biological and artificial materials that can exhibit the unique characteristics commonly found in living organisms. Skeletal muscle tissues can be utilized as their actuators due to their flexibility and ON/OFF controllability, but previous muscle-driven robots have been limited to one-degree of freedom (DOF) or planar motions due to their design. To overcome this limitation, we propose a biohybrid actuator with a tensegrity structure that enables multiple muscle tissues to be arranged in a 3D configuration with balanced tension. By using muscle tissues as tension members of tensegrity structure, the contraction of muscle tissues can cause the movement of the actuator in multiple-DOFs. We demonstrate the fabrication of the biohybrid tensegrity actuator by attaching three cultured skeletal muscle tissue made from C2C12 cells and fibrin-based hydrogel to an actuator skeleton using a snap-fit mechanism. When we applied an electric field of more than 4 V mm−1 to the skeletal muscle tissue, the fabricated actuator had a structure to tilt in multiple directions through the selective displacement of about 0.5 mm in a specific direction caused by the contractions of muscle tissue, resulting in 3D multi-DOF tilting motion. We also show that the actuator possesses superior characteristics of tensegrity structure such as stability and robustness by assessing the response of the actuator to external force. This biohybrid tensegrity actuator provides a useful platform for the development of muscle-driven biohybrid robots with complex and flexible movements.
Impact of reactive nitrogen flow on morphology, mechanical properties, and biocorrosion behavior of sputtered TiN coatings towards orthopedic applications
Authors: Van Duong Luong , Phuong Doan Dinh , Linh Nguyen Ngoc , Thinh Nguyen Quoc , Khanh Dang Quoc , Vasili Rubanik , Vasili Rubanik , Dzmitry Bahrets
Published: June 2023

This work aimed to investigate the effects of reactive nitrogen flow on the morphology, mechanical properties, and biocorrosion behavior of TiN coatings deposited on Ti6Al4V alloys and Si (100) wafer by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering technique. From analysis results of x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), it revealed that the preferred orientation of the coatings changed from TiN (111) to TiN (200) plane, and the surface morphology altered from faceted structures to closed sphere structures with the increasing reactive N2 flow. The high density and fine grain size of the coating deposited with a reactive N2 flow of 25 sccm resulted in the highest hardness (24.8 ± 1.8 GPa) and the best corrosion resistance. In addition, the friction coefficient was reduced owing to the decrease in the grain size as reactive N2 flow increased from 10 to 30 sccm. Compared with Ti6Al4V substrate, TiN coatings possess better corrosion resistance, suggesting that the coating is beneficial for improving the performance of the Ti6Al4V alloys.
The structure design and cutting performance research about the groove of the indexable inserts for machining stainless steel
Authors: Lin Rongchuan , Li Yuanyou , Xie Renqi , Meng Jiahao , Wei Shasha , Huang Qingmin , Zhou Yuhui
Published: June 2023

Stainless steel is a notoriously difficult-to-machine material, with challenges such as hard-to-break chips and severe tool wear. To address these issues, a finishing indexable insert has been designed and developed specifically for stainless steel. This tool, named HMF, was compared to commercial tools (NF4, BF) in terms of its curved groove structure and cutting performance using SEM (scanning electron microscope Sigma500), 3D scanning (KEYENCE-VR 5000) and a profiler (Mitutoyo C-200). The HMF tool utilizes a curved edge with a curved chip breaker, and a chip-breaking bump on the tool nose. The groove parameters of the HMF insert are as follows: cutting edge angle of 12°, chip breaker groove width of 1.89 mm, back wall height of 0.095 mm, and anti-chip angle of 4°49’. 3D scanning of the chip break site reveals that the HMF chip break has a higher bump and a more pronounced chip rolling effect. HMF tool chip-breaking experiments show that it has ideal chip-breaking performance in the finishing range of ap = 0.6–1.0 mm, and f = 0.1–0.25 mm r−1. Chip analysis shows that the HMF chip curl frequency increases and the chip curl is tighter as the feed rate increases, and the curl radius gradually decreases when the feed rate is greater than 0.15 mm r−1. The results of the wear performance study are as follows: all three tools show rake face crater wear when cutting stainless steel. A small amount of built-up edge appears on the HMF cutting edge. The wear life of HMF is close to NF4 and better than BF; the wear of BF is faster in the later stages of wear.
Theoretical investigation of the temperature characteristics and output parameters of an industrial crystalline silicon solar cell with a microfluidic cooling system
Authors: Lu Xiaodong , Lu Di , Li Yuan , Ni Yanan , Lun Shuxian , Li Haixia
Published: June 2023

Operating temperature is a key factor affecting the output power of a crystalline silicon solar cell (c-Si SC). Based on solving basic semiconductor equations, Maxwell equations and heat flow equations by finite difference method, this work has theoretically investigated the influences of microfluidic cooling system on the temperature distributions and output parameters of an industrial c-Si SC packaged as a module form, where the cooling system is installed the interface between the aluminum electrode and back ethylene vinyl acetate layer and the cooling medium flowing through microchannel is selected as water. Under the influences of the cooling system, the back surface temperature of the c-Si SC is fixed at about water temperature and the front surface temperature will decrease with the water temperature decreasing. The temperature distributions of c-Si active layer and aluminum layer decrease approximately linearly along the two layer’s thickness directions. The cooling effects of the cooling system are mainly determined by water temperature and when the filling factor of microchannel is larger than 0.1, its influences on the temperature distribution of the c-Si SC are small. In the environmental temperature range from −15 °C to 60 °C, the increase rates of Voc, FF and η per degree Celsius with the water temperature decreasing are about 0.0014 V, 0.036% and 0.05%, respectively.
Experimental investigations on preparation of silica coated TiO2 nanoparticles (S-TiO2) and its mechanical characterizations as reinforcement in polylactic acid (PLA)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites
Authors: Nethula Arun , Koka Naga Sai Suman , Chanamala Ratnam , Putta Nageswara Rao
Published: June 2023

Polymer composites exhibit unique properties that make them ideal for an extended range of industrial and engineering fields. However, the mechanical characteristics of polymer composites play a crucial role in assessing their applicability for specific load-bearing applications, and their failure mechanisms are largely influenced by these characteristics. This study examines the mechanical characteristics of Polylactic acid (PLA)/Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer composites reinforced with silica-coated TiO2 nanoparticles(S-TiO2). The Sol-gel method was employed to coat nanoparticles with silica, to enhance their surface properties and functionalization, as well as to mitigate the photo-degradation of pure TiO2 nanoparticles. Morphology and micro structure of nano particles were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The PLA/TPU pellets were blended at 70/30 ratio and then reinforced with S-TiO2 at weight percentages ranging from 0.5% to 2.0%, in increments of 0.5%. SEM images have shown the existence and uniform distribution of TPU and S-TiO2 in PLA. The mechanical properties of fabricated polymer composites such as hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural strength, and impact strength were determined using various mechanical tests. Thermal behaviour of polymer composite was analysed by using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). It was found that polymer composite containing 2% by weight of S-TiO2 exhibited an increase in hardness, tensile strength, and flexural strength by 10.3%, 23.2%, and 20%, respectively.
𝑝-adic interpolation of orbits under rational maps
Authors: Bell Jason , Zhong Xiao
Published: June 2023

Let

L
L

be a field of characteristic zero, let

h
:

P

1

→

P

1

h:\mathbb {P}^1\to \mathbb {P}^1

be a rational map defined over

L
L

, and let

c
∈

P

1

(
L
)

c\in \mathbb {P}^1(L)

. We show that there exists a finitely generated subfield

K
K

of

L
L

over which both

c
c

and

h
h

are defined along with an infinite set of inequivalent non-archimedean completions

K

p

K_{\mathfrak {p}}

for which there exists a positive integer

a
=
a
(

p

)

a=a(\mathfrak {p})

with the property that for

i
∈
{
0
,
…
,
a
−
1
}

i\in \{0,\ldots ,a-1\}

there exists a power series

g
i

(
t
)
∈

K

p

[
[
t
]
]

g_i(t)\in K_{\mathfrak {p}}[[t]]

that converges on the closed unit disc of

K

p

K_{\mathfrak {p}}

such that

h

a
n
+
i

(
c
)
=

g
i

(
n
)

h^{an+i}(c)=g_i(n)

for all sufficiently large

n
n

. As a consequence we show that the dynamical Mordell-Lang conjecture holds for split self-maps

(
h
,
g
)

(h,g)

of

P

1

×
X

\mathbb {P}^1 \times X

with

g
g

an étale self-map of a quasiprojective variety

X
X

.
Intangibility and Selfhood: Westworld as Allegory for Adaptation in the Digital Age
Authors: Wilkins Christina
Published: June 2023

Despite the digital becoming ever more ubiquitous, the physical matters more than ever. We see this in interviews with actors who voice animated characters, actors who voice computer generated imagery (CGI) characters, and actors who voice other non-human characters. Many things present a challenge to the ways in which we understand the physical—the structures of meaning in the world primarily, along with the specific filmic ways we understand star bodies. These combine to create barriers to ‘seeing’ the truth of a character we might think, but this is fixated on an approach that privileges a hierarchy of actors over character. Equally, it is one that privileges body over character. The recent series of Westworld begins to challenge this, thinking about the ways in which while the physical may be required, audiences are able to think beyond it. It functions as a way to consider the digital adaptation of the self, and the return to the needs of the physical to express character. Ultimately, this article argues that although we cannot escape the physical, the hierarchies and boundaries we have in place for understanding the truth of the self remain as unfixed as ever, despite the recourse to adapting through non-physical means.
Pharmacological treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Yu-Yuan , Teng Teng , Giovane Cinzia D , Wang Rong-Ze , Suckling John , Shen Xue-Ning , Chen Shi-Dong , Huang Shu-Yi , Kuo Kevin , Cai Wen-Jie , Chen Ke-Liang , Feng Lei , Zhang Can , Liu Cai-Yan , Li Chun-Bo , Zhao Qian-Hua , Dong Qiang , Zhou Xin-Yu , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: June 2023

Background

Pharmacological treatments are very common to be used for alleviating neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia. However, decision on drug selection is still a matter of controversy.

Aims

To summarise the comparative efficacy and acceptability of currently available monotherapy drug regimens for reducing NPS in dementia.

Method

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials between inception and 26 December 2022 without language restrictions; and reference lists scanned from selected studies and systematic reviews. Double-blind randomised controlled trials were identified from electronic databases for reporting NPS outcomes in people with dementia. Primary outcomes were efficacy and acceptability. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA).

Results

We included 59 trials (15,781 participants; mean age, 76.6 years) and 15 different drugs in quantitative syntheses. Risperidone (standardised mean difference [SMD] −0.20, 95% credible interval [CrI] −0.40 to −0.10) and galantamine (−0.20, −0.39 to −0.02) were more effective than placebo in short-term treatment (median duration: 12 weeks). Galantamine (odds ratio [OR] 1.95, 95% CrI 1.38–2.94) and rivastigmine (1.87, 1.24–2.99) were associated with more dropouts than placebo, and some active drugs. Most of the results were rated as low or very low according to CINeMA.

Conclusions

Despite the scarcity of high-quality evidence, risperidone is probably the best pharmacological option to consider for alleviating NPS in people with dementia in short-term treatment when considering the risk–benefit profile of drugs.
Using a smartphone application to capture daily work activities: a longitudinal pilot study in a farming population
Authors: Josse Pabitra R , Locke Sarah J , Bowles Heather R , Wolff-Hughes Dana L , Sauve Jean-François , Andreotti Gabriella , Moon Jon , Hofmann Jonathan N , Beane Freeman Laura E , Friesen Melissa C
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Smartphones are increasingly used to collect real-time information on time-varying exposures. We developed and deployed an application (app) to evaluate the feasibility of using smartphones to collect real-time information on intermittent agricultural activities and to characterize agricultural task variability in a longitudinal study of farmers.

Methods

We recruited 19 male farmers, aged 50–60 years, to report their farming activities on 24 randomly selected days over 6 months using the Life in a Day app. Eligibility criteria include personal use of an iOS or Android smartphone and >4 h of farming activities at least two days per week. We developed a study-specific database of 350 farming tasks that were provided in the app; 152 were linked to questions that were asked when the activity ended. We report eligibility, study compliance, number of activities, duration of activities by day and task, and responses to the follow-up questions.

Results

Of the 143 farmers we reached out to for this study, 16 were not reached by phone or refused to answer eligibility questions, 69 were ineligible (limited smartphone use and/or farming time), 58 met study criteria, and 19 agreed to participate. Refusals were mostly related to uneasiness with the app and/or time commitment (32 of 39). Participation declined gradually over time, with 11 farmers reporting activities through the 24-week study period. We obtained data on 279 days (median 554 min/day; median 18 days per farmer) and 1,321 activities (median 61 min/activity; median 3 activities per day per farmer). The activities were predominantly related to animals (36%), transportation (12%), and equipment (10%). Planting crops and yard work had the longest median durations; short-duration tasks included fueling trucks, collecting/storing eggs, and tree work. Time period-specific variability was observed; for example, crop-related activities were reported for an average of 204 min/day during planting but only 28 min/day during pre-planting and 110 min/day during the growing period. We obtained additional information for 485 (37%) activities; the most frequently asked questions were related to “feed animals” (231 activities) and “operate fuel-powered vehicle (transportation)” (120 activities).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated feasibility and good compliance in collecting longitudinal activity data over 6 months using smartphones in a relatively homogeneous population of farmers. We captured most of the farming day and observed substantial heterogeneity in activities, highlighting the need for individual activity data when characterizing exposure in farmers. We also identified several areas for improvement. In addition, future evaluations should include more diverse populations.
Understanding the complementarity and plasticity of antibody–antigen interfaces
Authors: Myung Yoochan , Pires Douglas E V , Ascher David B
Published: June 2023

Motivation

While antibodies have been ground-breaking therapeutic agents, the structural determinants for antibody binding specificity remain to be fully elucidated, which is compounded by the virtually unlimited repertoire of antigens they can recognize. Here, we have explored the structural landscapes of antibody–antigen interfaces to identify the structural determinants driving target recognition by assessing concavity and interatomic interactions.

Results

We found that complementarity-determining regions utilized deeper concavity with their longer H3 loops, especially H3 loops of nanobody showing the deepest use of concavity. Of all amino acid residues found in complementarity-determining regions, tryptophan used deeper concavity, especially in nanobodies, making it suitable for leveraging concave antigen surfaces. Similarly, antigens utilized arginine to bind to deeper pockets of the antibody surface. Our findings fill a gap in knowledge about the antibody specificity, binding affinity, and the nature of antibody–antigen interface features, which will lead to a better understanding of how antibodies can be more effective to target druggable sites on antigen surfaces.

Availability and implementation

The data and scripts are available at: https://github.com/YoochanMyung/scripts.
A volar skin excisional wound model for in situ evaluation of multiple-appendage regeneration and innervation
Authors: Gao Huanhuan , Liu Yiqiong , Shi Ziwei , Zhang Hongliang , Wang Mengyang , Chen Huating , Li Yan , Ji Shaifei , Xiang Jiangbing , Pi Wei , Zhou Laixian , Hong Yiyue , Wu Lu , Cai Aizhen , Fu Xiaobing , Sun Xiaoyan
Published: June 2023

Background

Promoting rapid wound healing with functional recovery of all skin appendages is the main goal of regenerative medicine. So far current methodologies, including the commonly used back excisional wound model (BEWM) and paw skin scald wound model, are focused on assessing the regeneration of either hair follicles (HFs) or sweat glands (SwGs). How to achieve de novo appendage regeneration by synchronized evaluation of HFs, SwGs and sebaceous glands (SeGs) is still challenging. Here, we developed a volar skin excisional wound model (VEWM) that is suitable for examining cutaneous wound healing with multiple-appendage restoration, as well as innervation, providing a new research paradigm for the perfect regeneration of skin wounds.

Methods

Macroscopic observation, iodine–starch test, morphological staining and qRT-PCR analysis were used to detect the existence of HFs, SwGs, SeGs and distribution of nerve fibres in the volar skin. Wound healing process monitoring, HE/Masson staining, fractal analysis and behavioral response assessment were performed to verify that VEWM could mimic the pathological process and outcomes of human scar formation and sensory function impairment.

Results

HFs are limited to the inter-footpads. SwGs are densely distributed in the footpads, scattered in the IFPs. The volar skin is richly innervated. The wound area of the VEWM at 1, 3, 7 and 10 days after the operation is respectively 89.17% ± 2.52%, 71.72% ± 3.79%, 55.09 % ± 4.94% and 35.74% ± 4.05%, and the final scar area accounts for 47.80% ± 6.22% of the initial wound. While the wound area of BEWM at 1, 3, 7 and 10 days after the operation are respectively 61.94% ± 5.34%, 51.26% ± 4.89%, 12.63% ± 2.86% and 6.14% ± 2.84%, and the final scar area accounts for 4.33% ± 2.67% of the initial wound. Fractal analysis of the post-traumatic repair site for VEWM vs human was performed: lacunarity values, 0.040 ± 0.012 vs 0.038 ± 0.014; fractal dimension values, 1.870 ± 0.237 vs 1.903 ± 0.163. Sensory nerve function of normal skin vs post-traumatic repair site was assessed: mechanical threshold, 1.05 ± 0.52 vs 4.90 g ± 0.80; response rate to pinprick, 100% vs 71.67% ± 19.92%, and temperature threshold, 50.34°C ± 3.11°C vs 52.13°C ± 3.54°C.

Conclusions

VEWM closely reflects the pathological features of human wound healing and can be applied for skin multiple-appendages regeneration and innervation evaluation.