bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular models of PM6 for non-fullerene acceptor organic solar cells: How DAD and ADA structures impact charge separation and charge recombination
Authors: Pananusorn Puttipong , Sotome Hikaru , Uratani Hiroki , Ishiwari Fumitaka , Phomphrai Khamphee , Saeki Akinori
Published: November 2024

The quadrupole moment of a non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) generated by the constituent electron donor (D) and acceptor (A) units is a significant factor that affects the charge separation (CS) and charge recombination (CR) processes in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). However, its impact on p-type polymer domains remains unclear. In this study, we synthesized p-type molecules, namely acceptor–donor–acceptor (ADA) and donor–acceptor–donor (DAD), which are components of the benchmark PM6 polymer (D: benzodithiophene and A: dioxobenzodithiophene). Planar heterojunction films, a model of bulk heterojunction, were prepared using ADA, DAD, and PM6 as the bottom p-type layers and Y6 NFA as the top n-type layer. Flash-photolysis time-resolved microwave conductivity, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, and quantum mechanical calculations were employed to probe the charge carrier dynamics. Our findings reveal that while the subtle difference in quadrupole moment and energy gradient of the p-type materials has a minimal influence on CS, the molecular type (ADA or DAD) significantly affects the bulk CR. This study expands the understanding of how the p-type component and its conformation at the p/n interface impact the CS and CR in OPVs, highlighting the critical role of molecular donors in optimizing device performance.
Advances in volatile organic compounds detection: From fundamental research to real-world applications
Authors: Haick Hossam
Published: November 2024

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a crucial role in affecting health, environmental integrity, and industrial operations, from air quality to medical diagnostics. The need for highly sensitive and selective detection of these compounds has spurred innovation in sensor technologies. This editorial introduces a special collection of articles in Applied Physics Reviews, exploring the latest advancements in VOC detection technologies. The featured works cover a range of innovations, including electrostatically formed nanowires, chiral liquid crystals, and graphene-based sensors enhanced by machine learning. Together, these articles highlight the dynamic progress in VOC detection, striving for improved sensitivity, selectivity, and real-world applicability. This special collection not only showcases pioneering research but also provides valuable insights into future trends and potential applications in the field.
Uphill directional passive transport of water droplets on axisymmetric surfaces
Authors: Mo Jingwen , Huang Hanwen , Wang Chen , Liang Jie , Li Zhigang , Liu Xiaojun
Published: November 2024

Spontaneous directional transport of droplets by a surface curvature gradient, adopted by many biological species such as cactus and sand moss, is particularly suitable for applications including anti-icing, self-cleaning, and water harvesting, which eliminates the need for external energy input. However, this directional droplet transport is limited to short transport distance and no maneuverability, i.e., droplets can only migrate toward a flatter region and gradually stop. Fixed structures that can regulate droplet movement, if they could be created, would significantly advance their applications in a variety of areas. In this work, we propose a method to regulate the spontaneous motion of droplets on solid surfaces using surface curvature gradients. Molecular dynamics simulations show that droplets on general bowl-shaped axisymmetric surfaces can travel in the uphill direction (from the base to the apex) and move continuously to the apex with almost a constant speed. The mechanisms governing opposite directional transport of droplets are explained, and the conditions required to guarantee the transport in the reversed direction are discussed.
Terahertz time-domain investigation of atacamite: Spectral analysis and theoretical insights for cultural heritage applications
Authors: Moffa C. , Urso V. , Migliorati M. , Palumbo L. , Felici A. C. , Zollo G. , Petrarca M.
Published: November 2024

Spectroscopic methods based on terahertz (THz) radiation can represent an innovative approach in the Cultural Heritage field. Specifically, contemporary and historical pigments can exhibit unique fingerprints. However, despite the high selectiveness of terahertz technique, the origin of spectral characteristics is not often known. In this work, the characteristic terahertz-time-domain spectroscopy spectrum of atacamite is reported in the spectral range 0.1–3.7 THz along with ab initio calculation of lattice dynamics to assess the nature of experimental features. The obtained results enable the acquisition of reliable new data in Heritage sciences, which is essential for developing accurate reference pigment databases.
Numerical study of wave resonance characteristics in gaps of a floating array
Authors: Duan Yupeng , Liu Hengxu , Liu Hongru , Chen Hailong , Sun Chongfei
Published: November 2024

Wave resonance in the gaps formed by a four-float array for various drafts and incident wave frequencies is investigated using a numerical wave tank based on OpenFOAM. In the gap perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, the resonant wave height is higher than that between two side-by-side floats under the same draft, and the resonant frequency is also different. Significant variations in wave height distribution are observed along the gap parallel to the wave propagation direction under different incident wave frequencies. When the incident wave frequencies are higher than the resonant frequency, the lateral force amplitude on the front floats increases, while the force amplitude on the rear floats does not show this effect. Using the dynamic mode decomposition method, we discover that the irregular distribution of wave heights across different frequencies leads to an increase in the lateral force amplitude on the front floats at non-resonant frequencies.
Computational analysis of wind drift and ventilation comfort in a different isolated barrel roof configuration for badminton stadium
Authors: Vignesh S. M. , Nallavan G. , Ramakrishnan R. , Jayanarasimhan Karthik
Published: November 2024

The design and construction of the badminton stadium pose a unique wind engineering challenge due to the increase in complaints related to wind drift in badminton tournaments. It is caused by heating ventilation and air conditioning or natural/cross-ventilation systems in the stadium. This paper addresses cross-ventilation efforts on barrel roofs, which are widely used for indoor stadium construction. The computational fluid dynamics analysis is carried out on the flat roof before the barrel roof to validate the wind tunnel data from the literature, and the grid independence is studied. The simulation is performed with a shear stress transport k–ω model with a three-dimensional steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach. The cross ventilation for the three different barrel roof configurations with two opening directions is studied in the numerical simulation to understand the influence over volume flow rate and velocity profile near the ground (h = 20 m). From the velocity contour, it is concluded that the longitudinal direction with a height less than 5% from the standard roof (h = 100 mm) performs better than other configurations.
Stability analysis of moored floating offshore seamarks
Authors: Ni Peng , Fang Dehong , Ai Li , Tan Jifu
Published: November 2024

In maritime channels, seamark is a critical navigation device that provides an aid to identify approximate positions of the sea area. Appropriate mooring strategies during the design and deployment of seamarks are crucial for enhancing their functionality and ensuring safer navigational guidance. Previous research has attempted simulations of buoys with moorings, but without specifically focusing on their stability requirements. This paper investigates the stability of a seamark affected by the waves. Numerical simulations of a seamark with moorings under regular and unsteady wave impacts are conducted to analyze the stability of the seamark. The results showed inclining behaviors of the seamark under the impact of waves. The mooring line ensures the stability of the seamark, allowing periodic motion but not moving away, and this behavior remains consistent regardless of variations in wave height.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of p-type BiSbTe through incorporation of magnetic CrSb
Authors: Fortulan Raphael , Li Suwei , Reece Michael John , Serhiienko Illia , Mori Takao , Aminorroaya Yamini Sima
Published: November 2024

There is evidence that magnetism can potentially increase the thermopower of materials, most likely due to magnon scattering, suggesting the incorporation of intrinsic magnetic semiconductors in non-magnetic thermoelectric materials. Here, samples of p-type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 with 10 at. % excess Te are ball-milled with varying ratios of the antiferromagnetic semiconductor CrSb (0, 0.125, 0.5, and 1 wt. %) to prepare bulk samples by spark plasma sintering technique. The thermopower of samples containing CrSb is increased due to an increase in the effective mass of the charge carriers, indicating that there is a drag effect originating from the magnetic particles. However, this was at the expense of reduced electrical conductivity caused by reduced charge carrier mobility. While overall only marginal improvements in power factors were observed, these samples exhibited significantly lower thermal conductivity compared to the single-phase material. As a result, a peak zT value of ∼1.4 was achieved at 325 K for the sample with 0.125 wt. % CrSb. These results highlight the potential of incorporating magnetic secondary phases to enhance the thermoelectric performance of materials.
A rapid method for composition tracking in hydrogen-blended pipeline using Fourier neural operator
Authors: Gong Junhua , Shi Guoyun , Fan Ziying , Yu Bo , Chen Yujie , Chen Bin , Li Jingfa , Wang Bohong , Li Zongze , Jiang Weixin , Varbanov Petar Sabev
Published: November 2024

Blending hydrogen into natural gas for transportation is a crucial approach for achieving the widespread utilization of hydrogen. Tracking the concentration of the hydrogen within the pipeline is important for monitoring gas quality and managing pipeline operations. This study develops a rapid computational model to predict the hydrogen and natural gas concentrations within the pipeline during transportation based on the Fourier Neural Operator (FNO), an operator neural network capable of learning the differential operator in the partial differential equation. In the proposed model, the numerical method is employed to generate datasets, with the spline interpolation used to enhance data smoothness. The initial and boundary conditions are taken as the inputs to accommodate varying transportation scenarios. Comparison results indicate that the proposed model can notably reduce the time needed to predict the hydrogen and natural gas concentrations while maintaining prediction accuracy. The accuracy of the proposed model is validated by comparing its calculated results with the analytical solution and the concentrations of hydrogen and natural gas within the pipeline under two transportation scenarios, with relative errors of 0.49%, 0.31%, and 0.45%, respectively. Notably, the trained model demonstrates strong grid invariance, a type of model generalization. Trained on data generated from a coarse grid of 101 × 41 spatial-temporal resolution, the proposed model can accurately predict results on a fine grid of 401 × 81 spatial-temporal resolution with a relative error of only 0.38%. Regarding the prediction efficiency, the proposed model achieves an average 17.7-fold speedup compared to the numerical method. The positive results indicate that the proposed model can serve as a rapid and accurate solver for the composition transport equation.
Large depth-of-field ultraviolet-visible photoacoustic histologic and microvascular imaging in vivo
Authors: Song Wei , Yang Yifan , Xie Deyan , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: November 2024

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) can image diverse biological microstructures by harnessing characteristic optical absorption spectra of intrinsic nonfluorescent biomolecules. We incorporate ultraviolet (UV) and visible pulsed lasers into a PAM to develop an UV-visible PAM for label-free histologic and microvascular imaging, where the cell nuclei and blood vessels are specifically captured at high contrast relying on strong optical absorption of DNA/RNA and hemoglobin at 266 and 532 nm wavelengths, respectively. Moreover, two diffractive optical elements operating at UV and visible spectra are designed for engineering the excitation beams, significantly enlarging depths of field (DOFs > 200 μm). The UV-visible PAM demonstrates combined capabilities of dual imaging contrast, elongated DOFs, and micrometer-scale lateral resolution for delineating the spatial microarchitectures of both cell nuclei and blood vessels that are at different depth locations in the biological specimens with uneven surfaces. Longitudinal monitoring of the trauma is performed in mouse ear in vivo. Potentially, our UV-visible PAM could offer comprehensive histologic and microvascular information in a broad range of biomedical studies.
Tokamak plasma equilibria with n=1 toroidal asymmetry
Authors: Sorokina E. A.
Published: November 2024

A general approach of how to construct plasma equilibrium in a tokamak with n=1 violation of toroidal symmetry is proposed. For an arbitrary axisymmetric tokamak plasma equilibrium, there exists the small n=1 deformation of the initial magnetic configuration that keeps the nesting of the magnetic surfaces (as in the initial configuration) and provides plasma equilibrium; such deformation and final equilibrium configuration are calculated analytically. The asymmetric analogue of the Solov'ev's equilibrium with non-degenerated plasma pressure and current density profiles is presented as an example of the application of the developed algorithm.
Bouncing dynamics of a droplet impacting onto a superhydrophobic surface with pillar arrays
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Mengqi , Tang Hui , Wang Chenglei
Published: November 2024

A superhydrophobic surface (SHS) patterned with pillar arrays has been demonstrated to achieve excellent water repellency and is highly effective for self-cleaning, anti-icing/frosting, etc. However, the droplet impact dynamics and the related mechanism for contact time (tc*) reduction remain elusive, especially when different arrangements of pillar arrays are considered. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring a droplet impinging on an SHS with square pillar arrays in a cuboid domain. This fluid dynamics problem is numerically simulated by applying the lattice Boltzmann method. The influences of the droplet diameter (D*), the Weber number (Wew), and the pillar spacing and height (s* and h*) on the droplet dynamics and tc* are investigated. The numerical results show that the droplet can exhibit different bouncing patterns, normal or pancake bouncing, depending on Wew, s*, and h*. Pancake bouncing usually occurs when Wew ≥1.28, h*≥1, and s* ≈ 1, yielding a small tc*. Among all cases, a small tc* can be attained when the conversion rate of kinetic energy to surface energy (ΔĖsur*) right after the impacting exceeds a critical value around 0.038. This relation broadens that given in A. M. Moqaddam et al. [J. Fluid Mech. 824, 866–885 (2017)], which reported that the large total change of surface area renders small tc*. Furthermore, the maximum impacting force remains nearly the same in all cases, regardless of the bouncing patterns.
A one-field fluid/meso-structure coupling approach for multiscale transport in heterogeneous porous media
Authors: Ou Zhisong , Xue Qiang , Wan Yong , Wei Houzhen , Liu Lei , Gharibi Farshad , Thévenin Dominique
Published: November 2024

Modeling transport phenomena within heterogeneous porous media poses considerable challenges, particularly on account of the complexity of the involved geometries combined with nonlinear transport interactions. In the present study, a novel one-field modeling approach for multiscale fluid–solid interactions is proposed that does not need any a priori information on permeability. This approach implicitly considers the existence of multiscale structures through a penalization function that encompasses merely one single effective parameter. The definition, determination, as well as the response of the effective parameter to influencing factors are elaborated in detail. It is demonstrated that this approach is effective in representing properly the heterogeneity of solids. The method has been successfully applied to both nonlinear porous media flows and Darcian transport problems, exhibiting comparable accuracy but substantial computational savings as opposed to pore-scale simulations. It leads to more accurate interphase mass transfer predictions and lower computational cost in comparison with the Darcy–Brinkmann–Stokes approach. Overall, this method appears to be highly effective in forecasting realistic, industrial-scale porous media transport problems.
Optimization of three-dimensional Tesla valve-based passive micromixer for gradient functional materials mixing
Authors: Cui Haonan , Zhao Jiajun , Hu Fuquan , Lin Hongli , Cui Kai
Published: November 2024

With the rapid development of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, the field of multi-material fabrication, particularly in the production of functionally graded materials, has achieved revolutionary advancements. However, the structures of micromixers, which are central to this technology, have not been sufficiently studied. This study introduces an optimized passive micromixer design based on a 3D Tesla valve, specifically engineered for the efficient mixing of Fe3O4 particles within an epoxy resin E51 matrix. The micromixer leverages the fluid dynamics of the Tesla valve, where sudden changes in flow direction generate secondary flows that enhance mixing performance by disrupting laminar flow and inducing chaotic advection, thereby increasing the interfacial area between different material components. This process significantly improves mixing efficiency in the fabrication of gradient materials. Through theoretical analysis and computational simulations, the study identifies optimal configurations for the Tesla valve system, emphasizing mixing dynamics that enhance material gradient formation. The findings reveal that optimal mixing efficiency is achieved with a configuration comprising three Tesla valves. This optimal setup includes a 0.5-mm opening width at the turning point, an immediate transition from the turning point to the straight pipe (0 mm length), a 0.25-mm structural height for the Tesla valve, and an outlet distance of 0.25 mm from the curved pipe. Hopefully, this study can provide a robust reference for the significant potential of future applications in the realm of multi-material 3D printing, thereby fostering its substantial growth prospects.
Dissipative split-charge formalism: Ohm’s law, Nyquist noise, and non-contact friction
Authors: Müser Martin H.
Published: November 2024

The split-charge equilibration method is extended to describe dissipative charge transfer similarly as the Drude model, whereby the complex-valued frequency-dependent dielectric permittivities or conductivities of dielectrics and metals can be mimicked at non-zero frequencies. To demonstrate its feasibility, a resistor–capacitor circuit is simulated using an all-atom representation for the resistor and capacitor. The dynamics reproduce the expected charging process and Nyquist noise, the latter resulting from the thermal voltages acting on individual split charges. The method bears promise to model friction caused by the motion of charged particles past metallic or highly polarizable media.
Association of a non-synonymous variant of MLH3 gene involved in meiotic recombination with conception rate of Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Le Thu Nu Anh , Nguyen Trung Ba , Tsuji Takehito , Ibi Takayuki , Sasaki Shinji , Kunieda Tetsuo
Published: November 2024

Context Conception rate, which is an important parameter to evaluate female fertility, has been gradually decreasing in Japanese Black cattle during the past decades. Meiosis is an essential biological process in gamete formation and meiotic failure could be a cause of infertility or reduced fertility in mammals. Of note, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MLH3 gene involved in meiotic recombination were reported to affect the genome-wide recombination rate of meiosis in cattle. Aims The present study was conducted to investigate the association of SNPs in the MLH3 gene with conception rate in Japanese Black cattle. Methods On the basis of the reproductive data of 2045 Japanese Black cattle born from 1990 to 2009, we selected two groups of the reproductive females with high conception rate (n = 103) and low conception rate (n = 109). Then, we genotyped the SNPs in MLH3 gene in both reproductive groups by sequencing and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). The significant association of SNPs with conception rate in Japanese Black cattle was estimated by Fisher’s exact test, by using R commander. Key results We found the presence of five SNPs of MLH3 gene in Japanese Black cattle, including non-synonymous variants of MLH3 N408S that has been reported to be involved in meiotic recombination rate and MLH3 S591G newly identified in the present study. Comparison of genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the MLH3 N408S between high and low conception-rate groups indicated a significant difference between these groups, suggesting that this SNP is associated with conception rate. However, there is no significant difference between MLH3 S591G with conception rate in Japanese Black cattle. Conclusions We found a significant association between a non-synonymous variant of MLH3 N408S and conception rate, suggesting that this SNP can be a potential marker for selecting the Japanese Black cattle for improving fertility. We also identified a novel non-synonymous variant of MLH3 S591G in Japanese Black cattle. Implications These findings will be informative for future marker-assisted selection to improve the fertility of Japanese Black cattle. This is the first report of a genetic variant implicated in meiotic recombination being linked to female fertility in cattle.
Movements of adult and fledgling Carnaby’s Cockatoos (Zanda latirostris Carnaby, 1948) from eleven breeding areas throughout their range
Authors: Saunders Denis A. , Mawson Peter R. , Dawson Rick , Beswick Heather , Pickup Geoffrey , Usher Kayley
Published: November 2024

Context Carnaby’s Cockatoo is an endangered species and the subject of a recovery plan. Aims Our study examined movements of adult and fledgling Carnaby’s Cockatoos from 11 breeding populations in southwestern Australia to establish where the cockatoos spent the non-breeding season (February–May) and sub-adult life-stage. Methods Data were collected on point-to-point movements from re-sightings and recoveries of cockatoos individually marked with patagial tags or leg bands. Sites were mostly located in the wheatbelt of Western Australia. Distribution patterns in the breeding and non-breeding seasons, including nesting sites were derived from location data from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Threatened and Priority Database. Key results After breeding, adults and their fledglings moved from breeding areas to higher rainfall areas closer to the west and south coasts of south-western Australia where the food supply is greater and more reliable. Sub-adult cockatoos roam much more widely than adults and utilize foraging habitat not previously recognized as being important to this species. Conclusions Important foraging habitat and locations have been identified for breeding populations in the north and south of the range of Carnaby’s Cockatoos. Implications More conservation attention needs to be focussed on locating additional breeding populations, assessing the viability of these populations, and the extent and condition of their nesting and foraging habitat used during their non-breeding season. Conservation of Carnaby’s Cockatoo depends on the maintenance of remnant native vegetation and revegetation of nesting and foraging habitat throughout its range.
Sexual health in an aging world: a global call to action for more resilient services for older and disabled adults
Authors: Randazzo Sophia , Day Suzanne , Kritzer Isabella , Zou Huachun , Conyers Hayley , Sakuma Yoshiko , Wu Dan , Kpokiri Eneyi E. , Gonsalves Lianne , Tucker Joseph D.
Published: November 2024

Sexual health and well-being are critical for people across all age groups. However, older adults are neglected in sexual health research, programs, and policies. This editorial is a call to action for greater attention to the sexual health of older adults. We welcome all related research on this topic, but are particularly interested in manuscripts related to sexual functioning and co-morbidities, menopause and related topics, sexual health service utilization, research that links sexual activity and health, perspectives from low and middle-income countries, and community-engaged research on sexual health among older adults.
Structural, biophysical, and biochemical insights into C–S bond cleavage by dimethylsulfone monooxygenase
Authors: Gonzalez Reyaz , Soule Jess , Phan Ngan , Wicht Denyce K. , Dowling Daniel P.
Published: November 2024

Sulfur is an essential element for life. Bacteria can obtain sulfur from inorganic sulfate; but in the sulfur starvation–induced response,Pseudomonadsemploy two-component flavin-dependent monooxygenases (TC-FMOs) from themsuandsfnoperons to assimilate sulfur from environmental compounds including alkanesulfonates and dialkylsulfones. Here, we report binding studies of oxidized FMN to enzymes involved within theP. fluorescensenzymatic pathway responsible for converting dimethylsulfone (DMSO2) to sulfite. In this catabolic pathway, SfnG serves as the initial TC-FMO for sulfur assimilation, which is investigated in detail by solving the 2.6-Å resolution crystal structure of unliganded SfnG and the 1.75-Å resolution crystal structure of the SfnG ternary complex containing FMN and DMSO2. We find that SfnG adopts a (β/α)8barrel fold with a distinct quaternary configuration from other tetrameric class C TC-FMOs. To probe the unexpected tetramer arrangement, structural heterogeneity is assessed by chromatography and light scattering to confirm ligand binding correlates with a tetramer. Binding of FMN and DMSO2accompanies ordering of the active site, with DMSO2bound on thesi-face of the flavin. A previously unobserved protein backbone conformation is found within the oxygen-binding site on there-face of the flavin. Functional assays and the positioning of ligands with respect to the oxygen-binding site are consistent with use of an N5-(hydro)peroxyflavin pathway. Biochemical endpoint assays and docking studies reveal SfnG breaks the C–S bond of a range of dialkylsulfones.
Inhibition mechanism of potential antituberculosis compound lansoprazole sulfide
Authors: Kovalova Terezia , Król Sylwia , Gamiz-Hernandez Ana P. , Sjöstrand Dan , Kaila Ville R. I. , Brzezinski Peter , Högbom Martin
Published: November 2024

Tuberculosis is one of the most common causes of death worldwide, with a rapid emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains underscoring the need for new antituberculosis drugs. Recent studies indicate that lansoprazole—a known gastric proton pump inhibitor and its intracellular metabolite, lansoprazole sulfide (LPZS)—are potential antituberculosis compounds. Yet, their inhibitory mechanism and site of action still remain unknown. Here, we combine biochemical, computational, and structural approaches to probe the interaction of LPZS with the respiratory chain supercomplex III2IV2ofMycobacterium smegmatis, a close homolog ofMycobacterium tuberculosissupercomplex. We show that LPZS binds to the Qocavity of the mycobacterial supercomplex, inhibiting the quinol substrate oxidation process and the activity of the enzyme. We solve high-resolution (2.6 Å) cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the supercomplex with bound LPZS that together with microsecond molecular dynamics simulations, directed mutagenesis, and functional assays reveal key interactions that stabilize the inhibitor, but also how mutations can lead to the emergence of drug resistance. Our combined findings reveal an inhibitory mechanism of LPZS and provide a structural basis for drug development against tuberculosis.
Motivations behind TikTok content creation among Gen Z expatriates
Authors: Lan Duong Hoai , Oanh Vo Thi Kim , Cuc Tran Thi Kim
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the motivations behind TikTok content creation among Vietnamese Gen Z expatriates by
exploring the interplay of the social comparison theory and the Uses and Gratifications Theory in shaping their engagement with
the platform. Through qualitative interviews, we uncover the dual role of TikTok in their lives: a tool for fostering social
connection and personal expression and a platform for social comparison and validation. These findings illuminate the complex
interplay between digital media use and the experience of digital migration, highlighting how Gen Z expatriates navigate
transnational identities and seek belonging in an increasingly interconnected world. The study contributes to the ongoing
discourse on digitalization and expatriation, emphasizing the multifaceted role of social media in shaping the experiences of
young migrants in the digital age.
An inclusive case study of multimodal metaphor
Authors: Butulussi Eleni
Published: November 2024

This article provides a detailed analysis of multimodal metaphor by means of a case study which focuses on the contemporary art project, ‘Laboratory of Dilemmas’ (Venetic Biennale 2017), by George Drivas. The analysis focuses on multimodal metaphors which instantiate the source concept oflabyrinth, utilizing constructs from Conceptual Metaphor Theory, Critical Metaphor Analysis and Multimodal Metaphor Analysis within a more encompassing framework of Contemporary Art Criticism. The present study aims to define properties of multimodal metaphors, i.e. their forms, concepts and usage, reveal conceptualizations of both the creator and the spectators-analysts of a system of multimodal metaphors, and clarify key contexts, such as embodied, cultural, and ideological, which influence their production, comprehension, impact and analysis. According to the analysis proposed, the multimodal metaphors affect the spectators very deeply, engaging their mental, emotional, multisensory and bodily responses to ideological dilemmas that are prompted by the current refugee migration.
A new target color adaptive graying and segmentation method for gear contact spot detection
Authors: Yang Jiang , Wei Hang , Li Lin , Feng Yu , Hu Yaogang , Wang Liming
Published: November 2024

Gear contact spot plays a crucial role in evaluating gear mesh quality. Traditionally, tooth surfaces of gear pairs have been manually brushed with red lead powder and visually inspected after a certain operating period. To enhance detection accuracy and efficiency, computer vision has emerged as an appealing approach for gear contact spot detection. However, determining the graying weights and segmentation threshold poses challenges, particularly in non-ideal illumination environments. To address this problem, this paper proposes a new target color adaptive graying and segmentation method for the gear contact spot detection. With the proposed method, the illumination scene is firstly distinguished by the blue color component weight due to its high sensitivity to illumination intensity. Then, an improved adaptively graying algorithm for target color is employed to determine the graying weights for RGB, ensuring the maximum proportion of the desired red color. Finally, either a global threshold method or a local threshold method is selected for image segmentation and contact spot detection according to the illumination intensity. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, comprehensive simulation and experimental tests were conducted. The results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves better gear contact spot detection performance than traditional methods. It exhibits higher extraction accuracy under different illumination environments and even in the presence of blurred image sources.
A novel bearing weak fault diagnosis method based on rank constrained low-rank and sparse decomposition
Authors: Liang Yanping , Li Ning , Cui Li , Li Jie , Yao Xishuo
Published: November 2024

Addressing the challenge of diagnosing incipient bearing faults amidst significant noise, a novel diagnostic approach is introduced, leveraging a Rank Constrained Low-Rank and Sparse Decomposition (RCLRSD) model tailored for weak fault detection in bearings. Initially, we raised the Autocorrelation Function of the Square Envelope in Frequency Domain as an innovative method for the estimation of fault frequencies. Subsequently, we constructed a two-dimensional observation matrix, which is formulated independently of predefined assumptions. Then, we examine the configuration and distribution patterns of bearing fault signals, uncovering the low-rank nature of fault characteristics within a designated two-dimensional transform domain. Moreover, we found the noise signal to exhibit sparsity and an approximate Gaussian distribution. Based on this, a rank-constrained low-rank sparse decomposition model is established, and rank-constrained low-rank regular constraints for feature information and sparse regular constraints and Gaussian constraints for interference signals are constructed respectively. Ultimately, we employed the Gray Wolf Optimization algorithm to refine the model parameters, and we deduced the model’s solver via the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers. The proposed RCLRSD model decomposes bearing fault data into three constituents: low-rank, sparse, and Gaussian components, effectively addressing the challenge of extracting weak fault signatures from bearings. The weak feature extraction capability of the RCLRSD model is verified using a multi-interference simulation model and experimental data of bearing failures under strong noise conditions; the generalization of the model is verified by the classification effect of the Support Vector Machine under two bearing failure datasets. Comparison with various algorithms confirms the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Exploring Sb2S3 as a hole transport layer for GeSe based solar cell: a numerical simulation
Authors: Zhao Xiaojian , Yan Peipei , Liang Yan , Li Guijin , Zhou Xilin , Xiao Youpeng
Published: November 2024

Germanium selenide (GeSe) and antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) both are technological intriguing semiconductor material for green and economical photovoltaic devices. In this study, GeSe and Sb2S3 have been utilized as the absorber layer and hole transport layer, respectively, to constructed a heterojunction thin film solar cell consisting of FTO/TiO2/GeSe/Sb2S3/Metal. The GeSe and Sb2S3 are binary compounds and can adopt the same film deposition method, for instance, thermal evaporation, which is expected to improve process compatibility and to reduce production costs. The TiO2 (electron transport layer) and Sb2S3 can form small spike-like conduction band offset and valence band offset with the GeSe, respectively, which possesses potential to suppress carrier recombination at the heterointerfaces. Subsequently, the effects of main functional layer material parameters, heterointerface characteristics and back contact metal work function on the performance parameters of the proposed solar cell were simulated and analyzed using wxAMPS software. After numerical simulation and optimization, the proposed solar cell can reach an open circuit voltage of 0.872 V, a short circuit current of 40.72 mA·cm−2, a filling factor of 84.16%, and a conversion efficiency of 28.35%. According to the simulation results, it is anticipated that the Sb2S3 can serve as a hole transport layer for GeSe based solar cell and enable device to achieve high efficiency. Simulation analysis also provides some meaningful references for the design and preparation of heterojunction thin film solar cells.
Theoretical studies on the scattering of e± off the C2H2 molecule
Authors: Billah M Masum , Khatun M Mousumi , Khandker Mahmudul H , Haque A K F , Uddin M Alfaz
Published: November 2024

By employing previous models [1, 2], we report the differential, integrated elastic, inelastic, total (elastic+inelastic), viscosity and momentum transfer cross sections of e± − C2H2 collision dynamics, for the energy range of 1 eV−1 MeV. This report also incorporates Sherman spin polarization function and total ionization cross section. This work provides the first comprehensive study of electron/positron scattering from C2H2 over such a wide energy range. A complex optical model potential (OMP) has been used to represent the projectile-atom interaction. Relativistic Dirac equation has been solved, to get phase-shifts, needed for the calculations of scattering observables, using OMP. Our results are compared with the existing experimental data and theoretical calculations.
D̅arkRayNet: emulation of cosmic-ray antideuteron fluxes from dark matter
Authors: Heisig Jan , Korsmeier Michael , Krämer Michael , Nippel Kathrin , Rathmann Lena
Published: November 2024

Cosmic-ray antimatter, particularly low-energy antideuterons, serves as a sensitive probe of dark matter annihilating in our Galaxy. We study this smoking-gun signature and explore its complementarity with indirect dark matter searches using cosmic-ray antiprotons. To this end, we develop the neural network emulator D̅arkRayNet, enabling a fast prediction of propagated antideuteron energy spectra for a wide range of annihilation channels and their combinations. We revisit the Monte Carlo simulation of antideuteron coalescence and cosmic-ray propagation, allowing us to explore the uncertainties of both processes. In particular, we take into account uncertainties from the Λ
b
production rate and consider two distinctly different propagation models. Requiring consistency with cosmic-ray antiproton limits, we find that AMS-02 shows sensitivity to a few windows of dark matter masses only, most prominently below 20 GeV. This region can be probed independently by the upcoming GAPS experiment. The program package D̅arkRayNet is available on GitHub, https://github.com/kathrinnp/DarkRayNet.
QED effects on Kerr-Newman black hole shadows*
Authors: Yuan 元 Shao-bing 绍冰 , Luo 罗 Chang-kai 昶恺 , Hu 胡 Ze-zhou 泽州 , Zhang 张 Zhen-yu 震宇 , Chen 陈 Bin 斌
Published: November 2024

By incorporating first-order QED effects, we explored the shadows of Kerr-Newman black holes with a magnetic charge through the numerical backward ray-tracing method. Our investigation encompassed both the direct influence of the electromagnetic field on light rays and the distortion of the background spacetime metric due to QED corrections. We found that the area of the shadow increases with the QED effect, mainly owing to the fact that the photons travel more slowly in the effective medium, making them more susceptible to being trapped by the black hole.
Research on The Accumulation Law and Treatment Measures of Low-pressure Wet Gas Pipeline Network in A Certain Gas Field
Authors: Hao Baolin , Bian Zhong , Bu Lu , Yang Xue , Gao Liyan , Wang Tong
Published: November 2024

With the increasing development and utilization of natural gas resources, the operational problems of low-pressure wet gas pipelines are gradually becoming prominent, especially in low-pressure wet gas pipelines where changes in gas pressure and temperature are often accompanied by the precipitation of free water and the formation of accumulated liquid. Liquid accumulation not only increases pipeline friction and reduces transportation efficiency, but may also cause a series of safety issues such as corrosion and hydrate freezing, seriously threatening the stable operation of the pipeline network and the efficient supply of natural gas. Therefore, in-depth research and exploration of the accumulation law of low-pressure wet gas pipeline network and corresponding treatment measures have important practical significance and application value for ensuring the safety production of gas fields, improving transportation efficiency, and extending pipeline life. This article selects a low-pressure wet gas pipeline network in a certain gas field as the research object. Through a detailed analysis of its structural characteristics, wet gas transportation process, and the mechanism of liquid accumulation, the impact of liquid accumulation on the pipeline network system is deeply explored. The study analyzed the structural characteristics of the pipeline network, moisture transportation technology, and the mechanism of liquid accumulation. A numerical simulation model was established using advanced OLGA software, and detailed simulation analysis was conducted on the phenomenon of liquid accumulation under different production conditions. The research results show that changes in pipeline throughput and shutdowns and restarts can have an impact on liquid accumulation, especially an increase in start-up throughput can effectively shorten the equilibrium time of liquid accumulation and increase the liquid flow rate at the pipeline outlet. On this basis, this study further explores the best practices for pipeline cleaning operations, proposes a series of suggestions, and explores reasonable cleaning cycles. The optimization of cleaning operations can not only reduce the accumulation of liquid, but also help improve the operational efficiency and safety of the pipeline network. This study not only provides theoretical guidance for the safe and stable operation of low-pressure wet gas pipelines, but also provides strong technical support for related engineering practices. By deeply understanding the law of liquid accumulation and taking corresponding treatment measures, the frictional resistance along the pipeline can be effectively reduced, and accidents such as corrosion and hydrate freezing can be reduced, thereby ensuring the long-term, efficient, and safe production of the gas field.
Application of Constant Pressure Explosive Floating Casing Technology in Large Displacement Horizontal Wells
Authors: Feng Qiang , Wang Huaijing , Ding Keyu , Zhan Hongyun , Wu Jie
Published: November 2024

Large displacement horizontal wells are commonly employed to enhance unconventional resource recovery. However, during the field process, challenges often arise, particularly in cases where the casing string cannot reach the designated position. This issue is particularly prominent in the development of shallow wells with long horizontal segments. Currently, widely adopted traditional floating casing methods fall into two main categories: mechanical and rupture disc types. Mechanical methods faces the challenge that after casing running, the mechanical separation structure remains in the wellbore, adding difficulties to subsequent operations. Rupture disc methods face the challenge of pressure misalignment due to factors such as excitement pressure in the liquid column, potentially leading to premature opening during descent. This paper presents a constant pressure explosive floating casing method, characterized by large reliability and the elimination of the need for additional drilling to remove the barrier structure after casing lowered.

This paper focuses on two main aspects: firstly, the design of two-stage initiation mechanisms, corresponding to the initiation pressure of the exciting device and the crushing pressure of the rupture disc. This design ensures precise initiation at low pressure levels while maintaining pressure integrity. Secondly, for different well conditions, varying initiation pressures can be selected, allowing for targeted optimization of initiation and crushing pressures while keeping the pressure difference consistently within a safe range, preventing inadvertent opening and failure during the descent process.

In field application, the constant pressure explosive floating casing technology has been successfully applied in over 100 wells, with the longest floating segment reaching 3270m. In all cases, the casing descended smoothly to the designated position, offering convenient, safe operations without the need for repeated plugging. This technology guarantees the attainment of the design-required opening pressure and ensures full wellbore diameter and sealing integrity.

The technology effectively avoids the complexities associated with casing installation in long horizontal, large-displacement wells, reducing the difficulties in subsequent operations such as cementing and completion.
Preparation and Interfacial Behavior of Mg-based Nanosheets
Authors: Wu Zhiming , Yang Yang , Ye Shuangxiang , Liang Kesheng , Yang Jieyuan
Published: November 2024

Two-dimensional nanosheets have attracted considerable attention as oil displacement agent due to their unique interfacial properties. But the high cost limits the application of traditional nanosheets. In this study, a hydrophilic magnesium-based nanosheet (HMN) was synthesized and modified to obtain the amphiphilic magnesium-based nanosheets(AMN). The influences of reaction time, reaction temperature, stirring rate and raw materials ratio of product were studied and the optical reaction condition were summed up as follows: reaction time was 27 h, reaction temperature was 50 °C, stirring rate was 100 rpm, magnesium source: synthetic agent was 0.5:1. Though AFM, SEM and TEM, it was confirmed that nanosheets were two-dimensional sheet-like with 100-300 nm of plane size and 4-20 nm of thickness size. FTIR confirmed the successful modification of AMN from HMN. AMN had good interfacial properties, 0.05wt% AMN could reduce the oil-water interfacial tension from 34.67 mN/m to 1.08 mN/m, and make the oil wet glass into a neutral wetting. Furthermore, emulsion could be formed by AMN with an ultralow concentration (10 mg/L), while a stable interfacial film could be formed at higher concentrations(500mg/L). The low cost and simple synthesis of AMN make it a unique oil displacement agent with great interfacial properties and promise when compared to traditional nanosheets.
Determination method and application of variable T2 cutoff value in nuclear magnetic logging
Authors: Shen Zhong-shan , Fu Bin , Dai Ming-duo , Liu Min , Fu Yan , Li Yi-xiao
Published: November 2024

Nuclear magnetic resonance logging (NMR) is a new logging technology. By inversion of relaxation time T2 spectrum, pore characteristics can be directly measured, independent of the influence of rock skeleton minerals, and parameters such as effective porosity, movable fluid porosity, bound water porosity, pore size distribution and permeability can be calculated. The key parameter for calculating fine pore structure is the critical relaxation time of bound water and mobile fluid, namely the T2 cutoff value. The current T2 cutoff value is a fixed value based on the T2 mean value corresponding to the flowable porosity (permeability contribution porosity) in the mercury injection experimental data. However, according to the analysis of mercury injection data, there are differences in the flowable porosity of cores with the same porosity and permeability under the same pressure difference. Based on the synchronous data of nuclear magnetic logging and core mercury injection experiment, this paper establishes a variable T2 cutoff value determination method, which significantly improves the interpretation accuracy of nuclear magnetic logging and lays a foundation for the important application of nuclear magnetic logging in reservoir fine description.