bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium-catalyzed NHC ligand-controlled regiodivergent allyl-fluoroallyl cross-couplings
Authors: Ma Yangyang , Xu Boxia , Zhang Hua , Li Zhiping
Published: November 2024

The palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of (E)-2-fluoroallyl carbonates and allylboronates is reported.
Effect of copper doping on the electrochemical behavior of SnS2 electrodes for aqueous Al-ion hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Chatterjee Debayan , Das Sonali
Published: November 2024

Doping of simple, abundant and non-toxic electrode materials are crucial for maximizing the energy density and optimizing the overall performance of supercapacitors while maintaining environmental friendliness at the same time.
Bimetallic-ion co-intercalation to stabilize vanadium–oxygen bonds towards high-performance aqueous zinc-ion storage
Authors: Jiang Yulin , Wen Xia , Li Yinuo , Li Yuhang , Peng Yanan , Feng Wang , Li Xiaohui , Yang Junbo , Song Luying , Huang Ling , Sun Hang , Shi Jianping
Published: November 2024

We designed a bimetallic-ion co-intercalation strategy to boost the performance of AZIBs using VOH, which significantly stabilizes the vanadium–oxygen bond.
A review on recent research progress in perovskite-based gas sensors
Authors: Wang Minghao , Pei Xiaofang , Zhao Dong
Published: November 2024

Standards for high-performance perovskite gas sensors.
An efficient Cu+ doped Gd-based fluoroaluminosilicate scintillator glass for X-ray detectors
Authors: He Guanlin , Li Lianjie , Chen Junyu , Gong Yujia , Guo Hai
Published: November 2024

(a) XEL spectra of GCuXAl5.5 samples and BGO crystal. (b)–(e) X-ray images of the chip, capsule containing nail or spring and standard resolution test line pair card. The spatial resolution of GCu3Al5.5 is 20 lp mm−1.
Comparative Analysis of Corruption Handling in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia: Lessons for Bureaucratic Reform in Indonesia from an Ethical Perspective
Authors: Putri Masykurotur Rizqi Aji , Wahyunengseh Rutiana Dwi , Suharto Didik G.
Published: November 2024

This study aims to analyze the success factors of Singapore and Malaysia in combating corruption from an ethical perspective and how these can be applied in Indonesia. The method used is quantitative, using traditional literature review techniques. This method is employed to conduct a comparative analysis of ethical behavior regarding language, ethical infrastructure, reward and punishment, ethical culture, and leadership in handling corruption in these three countries. These indicators are used because organizations have a large influence on ethics. The results show significant differences regarding ethical readiness in the three countries. Singapore is a country with complete ethical factors and supports ethical behavior, making Singapore have the highest anti-corruption behavior ranking in Southeast Asia. Malaysia is also developing various things to support ethical behavior, such as human resources. Indonesia in particular can learn from the two countries to improve its corruption ranking. This study’s novelty lies in its ethical lens, offering a blueprint for Indonesian policymakers to enhance anti-corruption efforts through strengthened ethical behavior, transparent practices, and political commitment.
Creating Intermodal Transportation Integration in Encouraging Sustainable Cities
Authors: Sarjana Sri , Santoso Nabilah , Putri Laksmika , Najib Mahsa Amira Anindya
Published: November 2024

The train station is a transportation node which is expected to facilitate passenger movement by improving transportation provisions according to future needs. The need for passenger transportation services at train stations that are connected to several terminal points requires better onward transportation planning. This research aims to analyze the types of vehicles planned, the tariffs that will be charged, analyze the potential number of planned requests for advanced transportation, route selection, number of fleets, and operational schedules for onward transportation planned for each route. A quantitative approach was developed through calculating the proportion of modal choices between planned connecting transport using a binary logit model. The analysis results show that the planned route includes the Cirebon Station Harjamukti Type A Terminal route, the type of vehicle used is a small bus, the route fare is lower, and the number of fleets is 2 units per route. To support the operationalization of onward transportation, it is necessary to supervise the operation and maintenance of the fleet so that vehicle security and safety are guaranteed. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on operational details and maintenance needs, offering a practical roadmap for relevant institutions to realize modern transportation through differentiated intermodal integration that supports sustainable cities.
Optimizing Public Transport Integration Tariffs in Ibu Kota Negara, Indonesia: A Quantitative Approach for Sustainable Urban Mobility
Authors: Humaira Humaira , Sadili Rachmat , Sarjana Sri , Prasetya Tammy Ramadhona
Published: November 2024

This study introduces an innovative framework for planning integrated tariffs in public transportation, focusing on Ibu Kota Negara, a strategic national region of Indonesia. As Banjarmasin aims to establish a modern, inclusive, and affordable transportation network. This study aims to determine fleet needs, integration rates based on vehicle operational cost calculations, ability to pay integration rates and an effective subsidy scheme for Trans Banjarbakula and Trans Banjarmasin. A quantitative approach is applied in this study through analysis of fleet needs, determining vehicle operational costs, the stated preference method and developing a mechanism for providing subsidies to encourage accelerated integration of bus operations. The results stated that fleet needs were identified as having the highest value in trip requirements during the morning peak based on the value of vehicle operational costs, ability to pay and referring to the provision of subsidies by the government to adjust integrated tariffs based on the community’s ability to pay with planned scenario tariffs. A key novelty of this research lies in its proposed socialization initiatives that promote integrated tariff education, facilitating the transition to a smart cardbased payment system. This model promises substantial benefits for users and policymakers, laying a foundation for sustainable, cohesive urban transit solutions in national urban centers.
Insights into the Future Control Strategy of Plant Viruses from a Model Pathosystem
Authors: Komatsu Ken , Arie Tsutomu , Novianti Fawzia
Published: November 2024

Plant diseases threaten global crop production. Among plant disease pathogens, viruses are the most difficult to control because there are no chemical measures that can directly limit their infection. To develop novel strategies to control plant viruses, we need to understand how they infect plants and cause symptoms. We have been investigating the mechanisms underlying plant-virus interactions using plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV), a mechanically transmitted RNA virus that causes necrosis in ornamental lilies worldwide, and can infect two important model plant hosts Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana. Recent findings include the genetic diversity of PlAMV, the identification of the membrane-associated domain of the PlAMV replicase, and the inhibitory effects of a plant immune activator against PlAMV infection. These findings will provide us with insight into the future control of plant viruses.
Innovative Techniques for High-Quality White Copra Production: The Role of Sulfur Smoke and Kubung Dryers
Authors: Apriyanto Mulono , Novianti Fawzia , Fitriani Dita , Suryadi Suryadi , Razak Abdul
Published: November 2024

Copra produced by farmers is below the set quality standards, with characteristics: brown in color, smells of smoke, moisture content is quite high around 15 22% so it is easily attacked by microorganisms. So there needs to be innovation for the process of making copra, one of the innovations in processing coconut into copra using Kubung. Kubung is a copra dryer that uses the sun as a heat source and sulfur smoke as an inhibitor of fungal growth in copra. The result of the copra processing process using the farmer’s cobop is called white copra. Kubung is tested in kempas village The dryer was assembled and tested in Kempas Jaya Village, Kecamattan Kempas, Indragiri Hilir Regency in January – April 2024. The results of the study showed that the copra produced from the A0 treatment was overgrown with 70% of the copra surface, the A1 and A2 treatments were not overgrown with mold. The aroma of copra produced on A0 is rotten, the A1 treatment of copra aroma is very dominant and A2 has a strong sulfur aroma. The use of sulfur smoke from 1 kg of sulfur was proven to be good for inhibiting fungal growth and producing the best copra in this study. This study not only addres the quality issues in traditionally processed copra, but also improves copra’s market value and storage.
Effectiveness of Wood Vinegar from Torrefied Coconut Shells as an Eco-friendly Pesticide against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E Smith)
Authors: Purnama Indra , Lestari Sri Dewi , Lidar Seprita , Mutamima Anisa , Suri Atika , Nelvia Nelvia , Malhat Farag M.
Published: November 2024

The instability in crop production caused by pest infestations, particularly by the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith), poses significant challenges in agriculture. Conventional chemical pesticides, while effective, contribute to environmental degradation, pesticide residues in food products, and increased resistance among pest populations. As an alternative, this study explores the use of wood vinegar derived from torrefied coconut shells as a botanical pesticide for managing S. frugiperda infestations. An experimental design using a completely randomized layout was implemented, comprising five treatment concentrations (0%, 3%, 5%, 8%, and 10%) of wood vinegar in water, each replicated four times. A total of 200 third instar larvae of S. frugiperda were subjected to these treatments, with each experimental unit containing 10 larvae in individual plastic cups. Key parameters observed included initial mortality time, lethal time 50, overall mortality rate, and lethal concentration 50 and 95. The results demonstrated a significant impact of wood vinegar concentration on larval mortality. The 10% concentration yielded the highest efficacy, achieving an 80% mortality rate. Further analysis using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% significance level confirmed this concentration as optimal. The findings indicate that wood vinegar from torrefied coconut shells is a potent, ecofriendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
Assessment of Students’ 4C Skills in Research Article Writing Projects for Publication
Authors: Marwa Marwa , Nurfaisal Nurfaisal , Muliardi Muliardi , Awal Raudhah , Yolanda Putri Ayudia , Irawan Hengki , Kadir Rozman Ab. , Ramli Fatimah
Published: November 2024

This research assesses the development of 4C skills-Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication-among students through article writing projects within the English Education study program at Universitas Lancang Kuning. Using a project-based learning (PBL) approach, students wrote and presented research articles, which helped enhance these essential 21st-century skills. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive analysis. Qualitative data were gathered through observations and interviews with students and instructors to gain insights into the learning processes and challenges encountered. The quantitative aspect involved scoring the students’ projects based on a rubric assessing the 4C skills, with each skill rated on a scale from 1 to 4. The findings revealed proficiency in the 4C skills across all student groups, with some variation. Critical Thinking was consistently strong, demonstrating solid analytical skills. Creativity varied, with most groups proficient, but some ideas were more conventional. Collaboration was a standout skill, with excellent teamwork and conflict resolution. Communication was generally strong, with minor issues in engagement and clarity. Overall, scores ranged from 12 to 14, classifying them as proficient according to the Buck Institute for Education and PBL Works’ framework. The research concludes that PBL in article writing significantly enhances students’ 4C skills, preparing them for academic and professional success.
Investigating the Impact of Universal Design for Learning: Empowering Students with Disabilities in Higher Education
Authors: Novembli Meta Silfia , Hasanah Nisaul , Fitriani Dina
Published: November 2024

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) seeks to improve accessibility in the classroom and offer diverse students classroom experiences that are proactively designed to be flexible and inclusive for all students. UDL encourages considering complex learning factors, including structured decisions in learning design, students’ motivation to learn, and the learning environment. The UDL framework emphasises flexibility in the presentation of teaching materials, the demonstration of knowledge and skills for students, and their engagement in learning. The method used was a case study on the implementation of UDL in an Orthopedagogic course. Data collection involves in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation to obtain a comprehensive overview of the subject being studied. There were eleven students enrolled and consisted of nine nondisabled students and two students with disabilities (Hearing Impairment and Vision Impairment). UDL implementation offered various means for Representation, Engagement, and Expression. The results showed that the implementation of UDL increased the confidence of students with disabilities so that students were more active to participate in lecture activities. The result of the investigating the impact of UDL can also increase the confidence of students with disabilities to express themselves and participate in lecture activities. The study’s practical application of UDL principles successfully demonstrated their potential to foster inclusive educational environments and highlighting actionable steps for broader UDL adoption in higher education.
Measuring the Level of Subjective Well-Being of Students with Special Needs on Indonesia’s Largest Island
Authors: Wahyuni Sri , In’am Akhsanul , Pantiwati Yuni , Bastian Adolf
Published: November 2024

This research aims to measure the level of subjective well-being of students with special needs on Indonesia’s largest island. Identifying factors that influence the subjective well-being of students with special needs and providing recommendations for increasing the SWB of students with special needs. The research method used was quantitative descriptive analysis with respondents from all students with disabilities at one of the inclusive universities on the island of Kalimantan. Data collection used a closed questionnaire adopted from Kinderman’s subjective well-being scale and open questions as data triangulation. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The research results show that the subjective wellbeing of students with disabilities is in the high category, more than 65.6% of respondents have high subjective well-being, 34.4% of students with disabilities who are respondents have subjective well-being at a medium level. In the aspect of psychological well-being, a small number of students with disabilities are in the low category. It is hoped that this research can provide useful information for policy makers, academics, and practitioners in an effort to improve the subjective well-being of students with special needs in Indonesia. The in-depth overview of how the geographical and cultural conditions of Kalimantan can influence the subjective well-being of students with special needs makes this paper an excellent reference for the local educational policies and programs.
Optimizing ESG Leaders’ Stock Portfolio on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX): A Single Index Model Analysis (2020-2023)
Authors: Saputra Alviansyah Sofyan , Meylani Meylani , Nurfauziah Nita , Gunardi Ardi
Published: November 2024

This research uses the Single Index Model to analyze ESG Leaders index shares on the IDX from 2020 to 2023 based on optimal portfolio composition, fund proportion, return and risk. The results show that 4 of the 7 optimal stock samples according to the model are the best. This research expands understanding of the composition and proportion of funds in ESG Leaders shares and enriches the literature on forming ideal portfolios using a single index model. Apart from that, this research supports the literature on the application of the single index model in the Indonesian capital market. The results indicate that four out of the seven stock samples that the model deemed optimal are the best. The stocks in the ideal portfolio had the following fund proportions: AKR Corporindo Tbk (AKRA) at 26.57%, Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk (TBIG) at 33.78%, Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (BMRI) at 23.22%, and Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BBRI) at 16.43%. With a corresponding risk level of 0.0157, the ideal portfolio generated a projected monthly return of 0.0157. The novelty of this research lies in its demonstration of ESG-specific stock optimization, providing actionable insights for investors interested in sustainable investing. In addition, the results can help ESG Leaders company leaders to improve performance and attract investors who consider sustainability aspects of environmental, social and governance responsibilities.
Governance Attributes Driving Sustainability Reporting in Indonesia’s Mining Industry
Authors: Perdana Afif Yoga , Widagdo Ari Kuncara , Ika Siti Rochmah
Published: November 2024

Corporate sustainability disclosure (CSD) is crucial for the mining industry, which destroys the environment and biodiversity in its operations. Such disclosures reflect the company’s effort in maintaining the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues of sustainability. This research investigates whether board attributes, including board size, board independence, and gender diversity, affect CSD in the mining industry in Indonesia. Panel data analysis applied to 43 firms listed in 2019–2023 reveals that board size does not affect CSD, whereas board independence and gender diversity positively affect CSD. The results indicate that firms with a higher number of independent directors and female directors tend to produce a higher score of CSD. This study’s findings provide information to the regulatory body to strengthen the regulation of directors’ independence and female directors’ involvement at the corporate level. The higher proportion of independent directors and female directors will help companies meet the growing demand for transparency and accountability in their ESG practices. This study’s focus on governance attributes in CSD provides novel regulatory insights to strengthen board composition requirements, thereby improving transparency and accountability in sustainability practices.
High-density polyethylene matrix hybrid composites: a review of their characterization, processing techniques, and promising applications
Authors: Daramola Oluyemi Ojo , Jepkoech Rebeca , Aramide Fatai Olufemi , Adediran Adeolu Adesoji
Published: November 2024

Thermoplastic matrix polymer composite materials have gained considerable attention in various applications as a result of their good versatility, durability, corrosion and wear resistance, rigidity, high dimensional stability, high ductility, lightweight, and ease of processability. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most versatile and mostly utilized thermoplastic due to its desirable properties such as reduced production cost, chemical resistance, excellent thermal insulation properties, physical properties, reasonable tensile strength, low temperature toughness, flexibility, considerable hardness, high crystallinity, minimal water absorption and good resistance to corrosion. This paper is designed to provide a comprehensive review of HDPE matrix and its comparison with some other polyethylene plastics, reinforcement types of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and particulate fillers and their contributions to composite properties. It further delves into characterization techniques (mechanical, thermal, morphological) of hybrid HDPE composites and effects of hybridization the properties. Different processing techniques were also addressed and lastly promising applications of hybrid HDPE were discussed. After reviewing previous studies, it is clear that blending two or more reinforcements brings significant improvement in mechanical and thermal properties of composites and has the potential to be utilized in high end applications such as medicine, aerospace and military applications.
Helical-photon-dressed states determining unidirectional π-electron rotations in aromatic ring molecules
Authors: Mineo Hirobumi , Ho Quang Huy , Phan Ngoc Loan , Kim Gap-Sue , Fujimura Yuichi
Published: November 2024

We theoretically demonstrated that helical-photon-dressed states determine the rotational directions of the π-electrons of aromatic ring molecules formed by a circularly polarized or an elliptically polarized laser. This theory was verified using a minimal three-electronic-state model under the frozen nuclei condition. The model consists of the ground state and either a doubly degenerate electronic excited state or two quasi-degenerate excited states. Three helical-photon-dressed states were derived by solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation within the semi-classical treatment of light–molecule interactions and rotating wave approximation. The angular momenta of the two helical-photon-dressed states represent the classical rotational direction, and that of the remaining state represents the opposite rotation, that is, non-classical rotation. Classical rotation means that π-electrons have the same rotational direction as that of a given helical electric field vector and obeys the classical equations of motion. Non-classical rotation indicates that the rotational direction is opposite to that of the helical electric field vector. Non-classical rotation is forbidden in an aromatic ring molecule with high symmetry formed by a circularly polarized laser but is allowed in a low symmetric aromatic ring molecule. The sum of the angular momenta of the three dressed states is zero. This is called the sum law for the angular momentum components in this paper. Benzene (D6h) and toluene (CS) were adopted as typical aromatic ring molecules of high and low symmetries, respectively. Finally, considering the effects of nuclear vibrations in the adiabatic approximation, an expression for the π-electron angular momentum was derived and applied to toluene.
Electronically excited states in cylindrical molecular aggregates: Exciton delocalization, dynamics, and optical response
Authors: Jansen T. L. C. , Günther L. M. , Knoester J. , Köhler J.
Published: November 2024

For almost 100 years molecular aggregates have attracted considerable scientific attention, because their electronically excited states feature interesting collective effects that result in photophysical properties that differ significantly from those of the monomeric building blocks. This concerns the delocalization of the excitation energy over many molecules in the aggregate, the redistribution of oscillator strength causing spectral shifts and changes of the fluorescence lifetimes, and changes of the spectral bandwidths of the electronic transitions. These effects result from the intermolecular interactions between the building blocks that lead to the formation of delocalized electronically excited states, commonly referred to as Frenkel excitons or molecular excitons, that can be considered as the elementary electronic excitations of molecular assemblies. Next to arousing scientific interest, these features made molecular aggregates interesting candidates for applications in the fields of sensing, light harvesting, and catalysis. Given the large body of work that addresses molecular aggregates and the information that has been accumulated in the course of time, this review attempts to provide a guide for the readers to follow the literature and to summarize the key results obtained on such systems. After recapitulating the generic photophysical properties of molecular aggregates for various geometrical arrangements, we restricted the illustrative examples to molecular aggregates that self-assemble into tubular structures. This particular choice is motivated by the fact that in nature the secondary structural elements in the most efficient photosynthetic light harvesting antenna systems feature predominantly structural motifs with cylindrical symmetry. This has boosted a wealth of research on biomimetic tubular aggregates that serve as model systems for the development of light-harvesting antenna structures for artificial photosynthesis. Since the strengths of the intermolecular interactions are imposed by the arrangement of the monomers with respect to each other, information about the morphology of the aggregates is encoded in the spectral signatures, which are in the focus of this contribution. The purpose of this review is to bring together the general results about cylindrical molecular aggregates of this large literature.
Profiling a pulsed molecular beam with cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Zhuang , Liu Qian-Hao , Cheng Cun-Feng , Hu Shui-Ming
Published: November 2024

The molecular beam plays an important role in chemical dynamics experiments. The density in the beam is one of the critical factors influencing the reaction rate in these studies. Here we present a method based on laser-locked cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy to measure the molecular density in the beam. The P(1) transition in the second overtone band of CO was measured in the molecular beam, demonstrating a determination of the number density of molecules in a specific quantum state from the absorption spectrum. This non-destructive spectroscopic method allows the measurement of state-resolved properties of a molecular beam, which could be applied to various studies such as molecular collision dynamics.
Investigation on the influence of geometric parameters in water jet propulsion systems at low cruising speeds
Authors: Kan Kan , Xu Yuhang , Song Zhenguo , Cheng Jianping , Leonce Mossandre Aboule , Ye Changliang
Published: November 2024

Waterjet propulsion systems are the core power units of high-performance ships and are widely used in marine engineering. This study uses the entropy production theory to analyze the influence of geometric parameter changes on the thrust and propulsion efficiency of a water jet propulsion system at low cruising speeds. The results indicate that, based on the original model, when the intake duct inclination angle varies by 3°, an increase in the angle leads to a reduction in jet velocity, thereby decreasing thrust, diminishing the inflow quality to the pump, increasing hydraulic loss within the pump, and ultimately resulting in a decline in propulsion efficiency. In contrast, when the setting angle of the impeller blades is varied by 1.5°, an increase in the setting angle results in an increase in jet velocity, which not only enhances thrust but also raises jet loss, subsequently reducing propulsion efficiency. Furthermore, when the nozzle outlet diameter is varied by 7.5%, a decrease in diameter reduces the flow rate of the waterjet propulsion system, leading to a decrease in thrust. Additionally, it increases jet velocity, causing higher jet loss, ultimately resulting in a decline in propulsive efficiency.
Motion analysis of magnetic microdroplets driven by magnetic microdisks in a magnetic field and a microfluidic setting
Authors: Gerivani H. , Nazari M. , Abedini-Nassab R.
Published: November 2024

Microdroplets play an important role in lab-on-a-chip systems for biological investigations, particularly in single-cell analysis. In this study, we propose an array-based magnetophoretic platform for precisely manipulating water microdroplets encapsulating magnetic particles. The dynamical behaviors of magnetic droplets moving along the periphery of single magnetic disks in a surrounding oil phase while exposed to an external rotating magnetic field are investigated experimentally and numerically. Based on the driving frequencies of the magnetic field, three motion regimes of phase-locked, phase-slipping, and phase-insulated are identified, with two critical frequency thresholds distinguishing them. The increased magnetic field strength and volume of the encapsulated magnetic particles enhance the magnetic force on the droplet, resulting in a critical frequency rise. However, adding to the quantity of particles simultaneously raises the inertia of the droplet, causing it to slow down and effectively change the trajectory patterns of the droplet. Employing larger droplets increases the inertia, and also the drag force due to greater contact surface with the surrounding oil, resulting in a reduction in critical frequency. The findings provide essential knowledge for using droplets in magnetophoretic circuits to enable precise transport of bioparticles, which have significant applications in modern biology.
The effect of fractal orifices on synthetic jets
Authors: Xu Congyi , Wang Jinjun
Published: November 2024

The effect of fractal orifices on the characteristics and vortex rings of synthetic jets is investigated. Synthetic jets with circular and fractal orifices, as well as a continuous jet with a circular orifice, are measured using two-dimensional particle image velocimetry. The fractal orifice affects the near field and transition region, resulting in smaller jet half-width, volume flow rate, entrainment coefficient, and Reynolds shear stress compared with the circular synthetic jet. Nonetheless, these values are still higher than those of the continuous jet with the same Reynolds number. The vortex rings of the fractal synthetic jets exhibit larger circulation and vortex core diameter, and smaller central vorticity before breakdown, leading to a rapid decrease in circulation and scale during breakdown. After vortex ring breakdown, the vortex scale concentrates around 15η (η is the Kolmogorov scale), which is believed to play an important role in the entrainment process.
The growth of the initially turbulent mixing layer: A large eddy simulation study
Authors: McMullan W. A. , Mifsud J. , Angelino M.
Published: November 2024

This article presents new information on the growth of a mixing layer originating from turbulent upstream conditions, obtained through large eddy simulation. The mixing layer develops from a turbulent high-speed side boundary layer and a laminar low-speed side boundary layer. Validation of the grid resolution, subgrid-scale model, and spanwise domain extent is performed. It is observed that the initially turbulent mixing layer undergoes three distinct phases in its evolution: a sub-shear region, where an internal shear layer develops immediately downstream of the splitter plate trailing edge and entrains the vorticity from the high-speed side boundary layer; a relaxation region, where the mixing layer develops to a point where the influence of the upstream conditions is forgotten; and a fully developed region, where the flow behaves in a self-preserving manner. The simulations display a discrepancy in downstream distances for the mean field, and turbulent stresses, to attain a self-preserving state, respectively, which is attributed to the spanwise integral length scale requiring a longer distance to attain an equilibrium value when compared to its streamwise and vertical counterparts. Large-scale, spanwise-orientated coherent structures are found to be a constituent part of the fully developed flow, and there is an absence of a spatially stationary streamwise structure in the initially turbulent mixing layer. The findings of the simulations are used to reconcile discrepancies found in experiments available in the archival literature.
Fluid shear thinning effects on particle focusing in a spiral microchannel
Authors: Raut Sanskruti , Raihan Mahmud Kamal , Song Yongxin , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: November 2024

Particle focusing behavior in non-Newtonian flows has received increasing attention in the past two decades because of its potential for microfluidic applications. Most previous studies on particle focusing in spiral microchannels are only concerned with the fluid elasticity effect. We present here an experimental study of fluid shear thinning effect on inertial and/or elastic particle focusing in a spiral microchannel. Particles are found to migrate into the radially outer half of the spiral in all our tested polymer solutions regardless of their shear thinning or elasticity effect, contrasting the inner half focusing in a Newtonian fluid. Introducing either of these rheological properties can substantially reduce the Reynolds number, Re, for particle focusing, order(s) of magnitude smaller than the threshold value, Reth, for the onset of inertial focusing. Therefore, particle focusing in polymer solutions through a spiral microchannel can target low-throughput microfluidic applications with small footprints. The particle focusing position remains nearly unchanged in our tested polymer solutions if ReReth because of the increasing inertia effect. Further increasing Re leads to particle defocusing, and the particle stream can even split into two sub-streams because of probably the impact of fluid shear thinning-enhanced Dean flow.
Hydrodynamic forces on an oblate spheroid in contact with a smooth surface in a linear shear flow
Authors: De Souza Enzo , Ouchene Rafik , Thomas Lionel
Published: November 2024

In this work, a computational fluid dynamics of a linear shear flow past an oblate spheroid resting on a surface was conducted. The present study aims to compute the hydrodynamic forces experienced by oblate spheroids in contact with a smooth surface. Using the computational results, we derive correlations for the hydrodynamic drag, lift, and drift coefficients. These correlations are provided for an aspect ratio ranging from 0.2 to 1, for particle Reynolds numbers up to 7. In addition, it is found that the Stokesian evolution of the drag coefficient as a function of the orientation remains valid in the considered configuration; that is, the drag coefficient evolves as a so-called “square-sine” profile. Surprisingly, it was found that the lift induced by shear was also found to evolve as “square-sine” with respect to the spheroid orientation. Furthermore, we found that the drift coefficient evolves as a so-called cosine-sine profile with respect to the spheroid orientation.
Disorder and its impact on mobility of undoped GaN
Authors: Makin Robert A. , Messecar Andrew S. , Durbin Steven M.
Published: November 2024

While it is widely appreciated that disorder is intricately related to observed sample-to-sample variation in property values, outside of very specialized cases, analysis is often qualitative in nature. One well-understood quantitative approach is based on the 1930s work of Bragg and Williams, who established an order parameter S, which ranges from unity in the case of a perfectly ordered structure to zero in the case of a completely randomized lattice. Here, we demonstrate that this order parameter is directly related to charge carrier mobility in undoped GaN. Extrapolating experimental points yields a value of 1640 cm2/Vs for the maximum room temperature mobility in stoichiometric material, with higher values potentially accessible for Ga-rich material. Additionally, we present a model for observed trends in carrier concentration based on the occurrence of distinct structural motifs, which underpin S. The result is an alternative perspective for the interplay between lattice structure and charge carriers that enables a predictive model for tuning mobility and carrier concentration in undoped material.
Teacher vaccinations enhance student achievement in Pakistan: The role of role models and theory of mind
Authors: Mehmood Sultan , Naseer Shaheen , Chen Daniel L.
Published: November 2024

We provide experimental evidence that role models can galvanize prosocial actions amid global crises, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a randomized control trial comparing role models, cash incentives, and celebrity endorsements, only role models successfully mitigated vaccine reluctance and ameliorated pandemic-induced educational setbacks. Monthly tracking of vaccination status was achieved via QR-code-verified certificates. Theory-of-mind behavioral data on the mentalizing of others shed light on the mechanism underlying the role model effect. This research, from Pakistan, suggests how role models and theory of mind have the potential to play a role in tackling global challenges.
A paradoxical misperception of relative motion
Authors: D’Angelo Josephine C. , Tiruveedhula Pavan , Weber Raymond J. , Arathorn David W. , Roorda Austin
Published: November 2024

Detecting the motion of an object relative to a world-fixed frame of reference is an exquisite human capability [G. E. Legge, F. Campbell,
Vis. Res.
21
, 205–213 (1981)]. However, there is a special condition where humans are unable to accurately detect relative motion: Images moving in a direction consistent with retinal slip where the motion is unnaturally amplified can, under some conditions, appear stable [D. W. Arathorn, S. B. Stevenson, Q. Yang, P. Tiruveedhula, A. Roorda,
J. Vis.
13
, 22 (2013)]. We asked: Is world-fixed retinal image background content necessary for the visual system to compute the direction of eye motion, and consequently generate stable percepts of images moving with amplified slip? Or, are nonvisual cues sufficient? Subjects adjusted the parameters of a stimulus moving in a random trajectory to match the perceived motion of images moving contingent to the retina. Experiments were done with and without retinal image background content. The perceived motion of stimuli moving with amplified retinal slip was suppressed in the presence of a visible background; however, higher magnitudes of motion were perceived under conditions when there was none. Our results demonstrate that the presence of retinal image background content is essential for the visual system to compute its direction of motion. The visual content that might be thought to provide a strong frame of reference to detect amplified retinal slips, instead paradoxically drives the misperception of relative motion.
Comprehensive deletion scan of anti-CRISPR AcrIIA4 reveals essential and dispensable domains for Cas9 inhibition
Authors: Iturralde Annette B. , Weller Cory A. , Giovanetti Simone M. , Sadhu Meru J.
Published: November 2024

Delineating a protein's essential and dispensable domains provides critical insight into how it carries out its function. Here, we developed a high-throughput method to synthesize and test the functionality of all possible in-frame and continuous deletions in a gene of interest, enabling rapid and unbiased determination of protein domain importance. Our approach generates precise deletions using a CRISPR library framework that is free from constraints of gRNA target site availability and efficacy. We applied our method to AcrIIA4, a phage-encoded anti-CRISPR protein that robustly inhibits SpCas9. Extensive structural characterization has shown that AcrIIA4 physically occupies the DNA-binding interfaces of several SpCas9 domains; nonetheless, the importance of each AcrIIA4 interaction for SpCas9 inhibition is unknown. We used our approach to determine the essential and dispensable regions of AcrIIA4. Surprisingly, not all contacts with SpCas9 were required, and in particular, we found that the AcrIIA4 loop that inserts into SpCas9’s RuvC catalytic domain can be deleted. Our results show that AcrIIA4 inhibits SpCas9 primarily by blocking PAM binding and that its interaction with the SpCas9 catalytic domain is inessential.
Identification of large polarons and exciton polarons in rutile and anatase polymorphs of titanium dioxide
Authors: Dai Zhenbang , Giustino Feliciano
Published: November 2024

Titanium dioxide (TiO
2
) is a wide-gap semiconductor with numerous applications in photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and neuromorphic computing. The unique functional properties of this material critically depend on its ability to transport charge in the form of polarons, namely narrow electron wavepackets accompanied by local distortions of the crystal lattice. It is currently well established that the most important polymorphs of TiO
2
, the rutile and anatase phases, harbor small electron polarons and small hole polarons, respectively. However, whether additional polaronic species exist in TiO
2
, and under which conditions, remain open questions. Here, we provide definitive answers to these questions by exploring the rich landscape of polaron quasiparticles in TiO
2
via recently developed ab initio techniques. In addition to the already known small polarons, we identify three species, namely a large hole polaron in rutile, a large quasi-two-dimensional electron polaron in anatase, and a large exciton polaron in anatase. These findings complete the puzzle on the polaron physics of TiO
2
and pave the way for systematically probing and manipulating polarons in a broad class of complex oxides and quantum materials.
Frame analysis of the semantics of mental verbs of the Kazakh language
Authors: Mamadiyarova Nazira , Kassym Balkiya , Yessenova Kalbike , Abisheva Nurziya
Published: November 2024

The study of mental verbs is relevant at the present stage of development of linguistic science, since there is still no clear classification of these lexical units in the Kazakh language. The purpose of this study was formed — the representation of the lexical-semantic categories of verbs associated with the processes of perception, cognition and affectivity, using frame model. To implement the tasks set in the study, the methods of frame, semantic, contextual and structural analysis, dictionary and thesaurus approaches used in combination were used. The article examined the main lexico-semantic categories of verbs expressing actions with mental meanings, focused on the formation of frame structures and substructures, evaluated the linguistic capabilities of the three main lexico-semantic categories (perception, cognition, affectivity), formed semantic links between functional-semantic fields each individual group representing different aspects of mental activity. Attention was focused on the fact that the processes of semantic changes are determined by the worldview of the people, their spiritual and cultural experience, and the discursive nature of the language. An idea was formed about the system of mental verbs, representing all types of knowledge, on the basis of the corpus of the Kazakh language and artistic material. This study showed that the Kazakh language is characterised by a high degree of figurativeness, metaphorisation and anthropomorphisation, determined the semantic boundaries of the main groups of mental verbs, so it can be used in the future to form frame models in the field of Kazakh phraseology, linguoculturology, cognitive and communicative linguistics.
“I am not populist”
Authors: Filardo-Llamas Laura , De Cock Barbara , Hambye Philippe , Shchinova Nadezda
Published: November 2024

Situated within studies on discourses about populism (De Cleen et al.,
2018), this paper zooms in on the use, meanings, and role of the word populist in contemporary socio-political debates
and, more specifically, on social media. This paper examines populist as stigma term (Kranert,
2020) and seeks to determine how people negotiate their categorisation as (non-)populist — and hence the meaning of
this category — on Twitter. Based on the analysis of 139 tweets including the phrase “I am not populist” in four different
languages (Dutch, French, English, Spanish), we propose that two patterns can be identified for the renegotiation of users’
identities as populist: denial and self-categorisation. This analysis confirms that populist as a category can refer to a variety
of (political) attitudes and orientations and shows the consequences of the polysemous nature of populist while proving that, in
certain contexts, populist refers to some specific and stable categories.
Bulk induced photo-current in topological insulating materials (Bi2Se3/Si) heterojunction for highly responsive photodetectors
Authors: Gautam Vidushi , Gautam Sudhanshu , Sharma Sanjay , Verma Sandeep Kumar , Maurya Gyanendra , Kushvaha Sunil Singh , Kumar Pramod
Published: November 2024

Studies of quintuple layers (QLs) dependent transport can shed light on the bulk and surface states because bulk and surface transport parameters have different QL dependencies. The QL dependency of material properties in Bi2Se3 reported in this study demonstrates that the QL is a parameter that may be adjusted to control and possibly optimise the bulk properties of Bi2Se3 thin films. We have explored the transport properties of the topological insulator Bi2Se3 thin films as a function of thickness. The resistivity-temperature curve reveals that as the thickness increases, the amount of bulk contribution to the conduction increases, indicating that thicker QL materials exhibit a superior photocurrent. The electronic properties have also been incorporated in support of the experimental findings, which were calculated using Quantum Espresso codes for the density functional theory. Using Bi2Se3/Si heterostructure, a photodetector with a robust response to 1100 nm irradiance is fabricated, revealing better optoelectronic properties for thicker QL.
A novel late-stage oscillating discharge current for plasma regulation and its effect in material removal in electrical discharge machining
Authors: Gao Qiang , Zhang Ya-Ou , Liao Hua-Lin
Published: November 2024

Improving the material removal rate (MRR) has recently become one of the most important issues in electrical discharge machining. During the discharge process, a large portion of molten material cannot be sufficiently expelled from the molten pool but re-solidifies, ultimately resulting in low energy utilization and machining efficiency. Unlike existing methods that primarily focus on optimizing general discharge parameters, this study aims to enhance molten material expulsion and MRR through discharge plasma regulation by employing a redesigned late-stage oscillating discharge current. During a single-pulse discharge process, this kind of discharge current firstly remains constant to ensure stable heat transfer from the plasma to the workpiece, then transitions to periodic oscillations to enhance plasma movement and facilitate molten material expulsion. High-speed plasma observations and heat-flow coupling simulations are conducted to analyze the effects of the discharge currents on material removal, and the optimal oscillation start time is obtained. Experimental results in machining stainless steel demonstrate that the use of the late-stage oscillating discharge current, in comparison to the conventional rectangular discharge current, results in a 74% increase in material removal volume per unit of energy and a 56% in average recast layer thickness.