bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of the fluid flow in continuous casting copper slab mold for different SEN design
Authors: Smirnov Aleksey , Ukhin Vladimir , Semiriagin Sergii , Semenko Anastasiia , Skorobagatko Yuliia
Published: January 2024

The quality of continuously cast slabs largely depends on the processes taking place in the mold. In continuous casting of copper and its alloys the solidification process is almost completed within it. This paper presents a comprehensive optimization of the submerged entry nozzle design by combining physical and mathematical modeling with further comparison of obtained results with the actual process. The article studies the critical features of hydrodynamic processes in copper slab by physical and mathematical modeling during continuous casting. To ensure the efficiency of liquid pool homogenization, it seems appropriate to direct some metal upwards through openings in the SEN to the liquid meniscus. The optimal configuration of the SEN is the one where 35% of the liquid flows upwards to heat the melt meniscus and slab upper corner zones and 65% of liquid metal moves downward to the liquid pool bottom.
Understanding of baffle effect of inserting a filter within a tundish via a water model experiment and numerical simulation
Authors: Tan Chong , Li Guangqiang , Liu Chang , Xiao Aida , He Zhu , Wang Qiang
Published: January 2024

The baffle effect of inserting a filter within a tundish was investigated using a combination of water model experiments and numerical simulations. The filter, which is a cost-effective device used to enhance the quality of molten steel by removing inclusions, was studied for its impact on the removal rate of inclusions. In the water model experiments, a scaled-down model of the tundish system was created with a geometric ratio of 1:4. Polyethylene particles of varying sizes were used to simulate the inclusions. Additionally, a three-dimensional numerical model of the water model was developed to validate the experimental findings, provide supplementary data for analysis, and propose an optimized tundish configuration by moving the weir away from the filter by 50, 100, and 150 mm. The flow patterns were also thoroughly examined. The results revealed that the presence of the filter increased the flow resistance within the tundish, leading to changes in the residence time distribution. This resulted in the formation of a ‘dead zone’ with a significantly prolonged residence time. The higher flow resistance hindered the entry and exit of particles from the last chamber of the tundish. As a result, the distribution of particles in the last chamber became more dispersed, reducing the detrimental effects of inclusions in the steel. The removal efficiency of the seven types of particles was improved by 2–7%. Furthermore, by moving the weir away from the filter by 50 mm, the removal ratio could be further increased by approximately 2%.
Aromatic Residue Positioning Influences Helical Peptoid Structure in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Javed Jwwad M. , Scukas Katherine , Fuller Amelia A. , Nguyen Michelle T.
Published: January 2024

Water-soluble peptidomimetics, including peptoids, are promising functional surrogates for biologically relevant, amphiphilic, helical peptides. Twenty amphiphilic peptoid hexamers with predicted helical structures were designed, prepared, and studied using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The site-specific contributions of aromatic and charged residues to the helical structure of peptoid hexamers in aqueous solution was evaluated, revealing that aromatic residue positioning most significantly impacts structure.
DIEP Donor Site Satisfaction between Patients with and without History of Pregnancy
Authors: Cheong David Chon-Fok , Wong Allen Wei-Jiat , Kao Shu-Wei , Chang Shu-Ying , Huang Jung-Ju
Published: January 2024

Background With the success of free autologous breast reconstruction, the abdominal donor site is now an important consideration, especially in patients of childbearing age. In our institution, there are increasing patients who have successfully undergone the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap despite previous pregnancy. This study aims to answer questions on the effect of the donor site on pregnancy and vice versa.

Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify breast cancer patients who received a free DIEP flap for breast reconstruction from January 2018 to August 2020. Patients were allocated to two groups according to whether they had prior pregnancies with successful deliveries. Demographics, flap-related parameters, surgical outcomes on breast and abdomen, and patient-reported outcome (Breast-Q questionnaire) were analyzed. Patients were excluded if follow-up time was less than 1 year, or if there was incomplete medical records or Breast-Q replies.

Results Ninety-nine of 116 patients had had successful pregnancies with delivery, 17 of them remained nulliparous. No statistically significant differences existed between groups regarding demographic data, flap-related parameters, surgical outcomes on breast and abdomen. Nulliparous patients exhibited significantly lower score in physical well-being in the abdomen domain compared with delivery-experienced patients (62.1 vs. 73.4, p = 0.025). Significantly, nulliparous patients felt more tightness and pulling of the abdominal wall than the delivery-experienced patients (2.9 vs. 3.7; p = 0.05 and 3.5 vs. 4.0; p = 0.04).

Conclusion Free DIEP flap can be transferred safely in nulliparous patients despite a slight increase in abdominal tightness and abdominal pulling. Precise flap design and surgical approaches may help to minimize the abdominal discomfort especially on young, normal body mass index, and nonchildbearing patients.
Use of K-Y Jelly on Throat Packs for Postoperative Sore Throat after Nasal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Elgarhy Ahmed Mahmoud M.M. , Abdelhameed Saeed Mostafa , Yahia Othman Saadeldien , Ibrahim Wael Mohamed Elmahdy , Ewieda Tamer Mohamed Ahmed , Elsayed Mahmoud M. , Abdel-aziz Marwa M. , Elshehawy Naglaa A. , Abdelkader Hussein Magdy , Al Boghdady Mahmoud Hamdy , Abbas Ayman Yehia
Published: January 2024

Introduction Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a fairly common side effect of general anesthesia. The K-Y jelly is a well-known lubricant used in many medical procedures.

Objective In this randomized study, we evaluated the use of throat packs soaked with K-Y jelly for POST outcomes in patients submitted to nasal surgery.

Methods The present double-blinded, randomized, controlled study included 140 ASA I–II patients undergoing nasal surgery under general anesthesia. Patients received either or K-Y jelly or water-soaked X-ray detectable throat packs fully inserted into the mouth to occlude the oropharynx.

Results Comparison between the studied groups regarding the severity of POST assessed by visual analog scale revealed significantly lower POST levels in the K-Y jelly group on recovery from anesthesia, and at 2, 4, and 6 hours postoperatively.

Conclusions The use of K-Y jelly-soaked throat packs was associated with less severe POST after nasal surgery.
A dynamic linkage between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and agricultural productivity: evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Mulusew Asmamaw , Hong Mingyong
Published: January 2024

The consequences of greenhouse gas emissions are a global problem and are felt most clearly in poor countries. Every sector in Ethiopia is affected by greenhouse gas emissions, but the productivity of the agricultural sector is particularly at risk. Although climate change is a long-term phenomenon, no in-depth macro-level studies have been conducted to guide discussion in this area. Therefore, the study fills this gap and carefully examines these impacts over time from 2019 to 2022 using the Vector Auto Regressive Model. Our results show that a 1% increase in fertilizer consumption, agricultural land, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, rural population, and area devoted to grain production results in a 0.28, 2.09, 15.92, 5.33, and 1.31 percent increase in agricultural yield in the long-run, respectively. A negative relationship was found between agricultural employment, agricultural methane emissions (CH4), carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), and agricultural productivity with a significance level of 5%. This means that under a black box condition, a one percent increase in agricultural employment, CH4, and CO2emissions in the country in the long run will lead to a decrease in agricultural productivity by 5.82, 17.11, and 2.75 percent respectively, as we also found that all regressors except technology adoption had an elastic relationship with agricultural productivity. The short-term error correction estimates show that the coefficient of the “speed of adjustment” term for the expected productivity equation is both statistically significant and negative. The value of the coefficient term of −0.744 shows that an adjustment of 74.4% is made each year to converge the long-run equilibrium level. Therefore, Ethiopia needs to take measures that keep the economy away from sectors that produce a lot of carbon. These must be coordinated at a global level to achieve social change towards a fair and environmentally sustainable future and to increase agricultural productivity.
Evidence-based practices: using the touch points strategy to teach single-digit addition to students with ASD
Authors: Alghamdi Ahmad Saad
Published: January 2024

An ever-growing number of students are being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabian schools, creating a need for highly effective, research-based strategies for teaching mathematics. However, current research on such strategies is limited. Nevertheless, several studies, including those by Wisniewski and Smith (2002) and Scott (1993), have found the touch-point strategy effective in developing and retaining single-digit addition and mathematical problem-solving skills in students with disabilities, as well as in retaining addition skills among students with ASD. The researchers conducted single-subject research using a reversal design (A-B-A-B) to determine the intervention’s effect on three students with ASD as the main data source. Additionally, an interview with the math teacher of these participants was conducted to gather more in-depth data, which helped explore the effectiveness and challenges of using the touch-point strategy in teaching math addition facts to Saudi students with ASD. Significant improvements in computation and acquisition rate were noted among all participants when the strategy was used to solve single-digit addition problems. Two major themes emerged from the analysis of the interview data: the need for resources to teach the strategy and challenges in implementing the touch-point strategy across the whole class, given the individual needs of each student.
Exploring an extinct society through the lens of Habitus-Field theory and the Tocharian text corpus
Authors: Wieczorek Oliver , Malzahn Melanie
Published: January 2024

The paper applies Habitus-Field theory, Multiple Correspondence Analysis, and close reading to study an extinct, ancient civilization through the lense of a likewise extinct language: Tocharian. To do so, we analyze a large corpus of 5276 text fragments written from the 5th to the 10th century C.E. stemming from 25 different regions in the Tarim basin and Taklamakan desert. We include not only text contents but also archaeological features such as find spots and the materiality of the text fragments. Our analysis reveals a distinction between political, spiritual, and economic elites by referencing moral principles stemming from Buddhism. Furthermore, distinctions in terms of gift-giving, being able to control the Caravan trade, and shaping the view on the moral order of society by the act of writing itself were found.
Unique types and innovation input of family firm CEOs: moderating role of managerial ability in Chinese listed firms
Authors: Ghafoor Sadeen , Huo Weidong , Wang Man , Geng Yunjiang , Zulfiqar Muhammad , Yousaf Muhammad Usman
Published: January 2024

In family firms the role of CEO is highly significant with reference to devise strategic decisions and deciding if it is feasible to invest in innovation input. This study aims to investigate the behaviour analyses of the diverse types of CEOs in family firms towards innovations. This study also analyzes the moderating role of managerial ability in the nexus of CEO types and innovation input. The data are obtained from Chinese A-share listed family firms from Accounting Research and China Stock Exchange in 2012–2020 and analysed using ordinary least squares regression. Tobit and probit regressions are also employed to confirm the results. Results indicate that non-family and family CEOs (with no controlling rights) show identical behaviour concerning their lower intentions to promote innovations in R&D projects than family CEOs with actual controlling rights. In addition, family CEOs with actual controlling rights exert a positive effect on R&D, indicating that they are more willing to invest in innovative projects. Moreover, we observe the significant moderating role of managerial ability in the nexus of CEO types and innovation activities. We find that high managerial ability alters the behaviour of different CEOs. With the moderation of managerial ability, non-family and family CEOs (without actual controlling rights) also show willingness to invest in innovative projects and without managerial ability, CEOs’ willingness to make innovations decline. This study is a pioneer work that investigates the impact of diverse types of CEOs to unlock notable insights regarding the R&D investment behaviour of Chinese family firms with moderating role of managerial ability. This study is useful to all parties involved with the company, including employees, clients, suppliers and customers. The results of this study can also assist board members in selecting and recruiting non-family CEOs or keeping family CEOs (with or without actual controlling rights).
Daily rhythm of urban space usage: insights from the nexus of urban functions and human mobility
Authors: Du Fangye , Wang Jiaoe , Mao Liang , Kang Jian
Published: January 2024

As urban density increases, it becomes increasingly common for multiple functions to coexist within the same space, intensifying the complexity of human activity dynamics. However, traditional urban zoning, which relies on the spatial distribution of urban functions and human activities, focuses on the spatial heterogeneity of urban space and fails to capture the temporal dynamics of urban space usage. This paper aims to investigate the daily rhythm of urban space usage and illustrate how the distribution and combination of urban functions affect the daily usage rhythm. Taking Beijing in China as a case, we first identified the daily rhythm of urban space usage with the k-means algorithm and zoned urban space accordingly. Subsequently, multinomial logistic (MNL) models were employed to elucidate how the distribution and combination of urban functions influenced these daily usage patterns. Furthermore, a validation study in typical zones was conducted. The results revealed the existence of a distinct daily rhythm in urban space usage, resulting in the classification of urban space into seven distinct zones: high equilibrium, low equilibrium, diurnal, nocturnal, morning, evening, and noon-type zones. Also, we found that this daily usage rhythm is closely intertwined with the distribution and coexistence of urban functions. Our findings could provide valuable insights for the enhancement of various intricate aspects within urban decision-making processes, including urban planning, transportation management, and more, at a fine-grained scale.
From the visibility graph (VG) to a complementary visibility graph (CVG) and an image complementary visibility graph (ICVG): Algorithms and applications
Authors: Pei Laifan , Liu Jie , Cai Zhihua
Published: January 2024

A new algorithm for bridging the gap between time series and networks is proposed in this short paper called the complementary visibility graph (CVG). The visibility graphs (VGs) method makes it easy to fulfill complex network topology modeling, which is effective for nonlinear dynamic analysis. Based on the proposed CVG, an image complementary visibility graph (ICVG) is also proposed. The algorithmic procedure has three steps. First, the texture images were converted into the corresponding ICVG. Then, the feature descriptors of the texture image datasets were extracted from the associated complex network set. Finally, texture image classification can be successfully achieved by using the most popular classifiers. Experimentally validated on the classic datasets Kylberg and KTHTIPS2b. The results show that the proposed ICVG model and cubic support vector machine classifier on the two datasets have classification accuracies of 100.0% and 93.0%, respectively. On the same image datasets, the results are better than most results in the existing literature, easily extending to similar situations. The source code is available at https://github.com/LaifanPei/CVG.
Advancements in nanoscale coherent emitters: The development of substrate-free surface plasmon nanolasers
Authors: Cheung Wing-Sing , Huang I-Tsung , Wu Zong Yu , Chang Po-Yu , Hsu Hsu-Cheng , Lan Yu-Pin , Chou Yu-Hsun
Published: January 2024

The surface plasmon effect can be used to confine electromagnetic fields to a small footprint measuring tens of nanometers. The resultant resonant cavities function as optimal coherent light sources with subwavelength scale configurations. The plasmonic laser sources based on nanoshell structures, in particular, have demonstrated the potential for use in the detection of subcellular mesoscopic molecular structures. However, this structure has a high plasmon dephasing rate, which can increase the threshold of the device, making it difficult to achieve electrically excited structures, thereby rendering them unsuitable as an active component for integration into optoelectronic circuits. A different approach to confining electromagnetic fields involves using a propagating surface plasmon laser structured on a planar layered semiconductor–insulator–metal. This design enables the surface plasmon to propagate along the direction of the nanowire and offers the potential to achieve electrically driven structures by injecting current into the semiconductor nanowire. Consequently, this structure is more effective in guiding energy into integrated optoelectronic circuits compared to the isotropic radiation of nanoshell structures. However, this design also necessitates a supporting substrate, resulting in the actual device volume exceeding the nanoscale and, in some cases, even larger than the size of a cell. This limitation hinders the application of integrated optoelectronic circuits at the micro/nanoscale for bio-applications. To address these challenges, we developed a substrate-free surface plasmon polariton laser. We demonstrated that allowing direct contact between the film and the air significantly reduced the laser threshold. Furthermore, the device maintained its operational capability across different surfaces.
Low-Prandtl-number effects on global and local statistics in two-dimensional Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhou Quan
Published: January 2024

We present global and local statistical properties of turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) convection at low Prandtl numbers in this work. A series of high resolution two-dimensional (2D) direct numerical simulations are carried out in a square box for the Prandtl number ranges 0.005≤Pr≤0.07 and 0.01≤Pr≤0.15 at Rayleigh numbers Ra=107 and Ra=108, respectively. The global heat and momentum transport expressed as Nusselt number Nu and Reynolds number Re are found to scale as Nu∼Pr0.14 and Re∼Pr−0.82 for Ra=107, and Nu∼Pr0.11Re∼Pr−0.93 for Ra=108. The local velocity fluctuation at the cell center shows larger amplitudes at lowered Pr, indicating a stronger turbulence in the bulk. The magnitudes of kinetic and thermal energy dissipation rates in the bulk also increase with the decreasing of Pr, due to the intensified velocity gradient and larger thermal diffusivity, respectively. In the cell central region, probability density functions (PDFs) of velocity show a bimodal distribution, and it approaches the Gaussian distribution at higher Pr, while the PDFs of temperature display a stretched exponential shape with intermittent behavior. The kinetic energy spectra further reveal that the velocity cascade follows the Bolgiano–Obukhov scaling in the bulk of the convective flow.
Influence of blade tip cutting on the flow loss characteristics of side channel pump
Authors: Bai Yongming , Adu-Poku Kofi Asamoah , Appiah Desmond , Chen Ke , Tao Yi
Published: January 2024

A comprehensive analysis of flow loss mechanisms in a side channel pump is put forth in this research. First, the correlation between the cutting angle and loss characteristics in each flow passage of the side channel pump is investigated. Second, the exact regions of the internal loss distributions in the flow passages of the pump are analyzed. Finally, the relationship between the dissipation effect and enstrophy is ascertained among the cutting angles. Generally, the flow loss steadily rises with the increase in cutting angle from 10° to 20° in the impeller. However, at 30°, the losses experience a substantial decrease and then increase thereafter. Meanwhile, the loss gradient in the side channel rises linearly with the increase in cutting angle from 10° to 40°. Cutting angles of 20°, 30°, and 40° revealed the minimum value of energy loss at the outer radius of the impeller compared to the original model. In the side channel passage, all cutting angles revealed a fairly lower magnitude of flow losses than in the original model. Noticeably, the dissipation effect and enstrophy share common resemblances, with a concentration of high enstrophy regions observed in plane 1. The impeller passage portrayed a higher dominancy of the enstrophy region, which nevertheless weakens to a minimum in the side channel for all the cutting angles. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into optimizing the design and performance of side channel pumps.
Linearization of the tunneling magnetoresistance sensors through a three-step annealing process
Authors: Sun Yuzu , Xia Qingtao , Zhang Dandan , Mou Qianqian , Li Yunpeng , Xie Libo , Guang Shaojie , Cao Zhiqiang , Zhu Dapeng , Zhao Weisheng
Published: January 2024

For tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors using magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ), the sensor output linearization is of great importance for practical applications. The current study employs a three-step magnetic annealing procedure for linearizing the double-pinned MTJs, setting the magnetization of the free layer to be orthogonal to that of the reference layer. Compared to the traditional two-step annealing procedure, the three-step annealing procedure benefits from a lower annealing temperature and excellent linearity performance. Utilizing the three-step annealing procedure, the sensitivity and the detectivity of 1.57 mV/V/Oe and 29.3 nT Hz0.5 @ 10 Hz, respectively, was achieved in a full Wheatstone bridge TMR sensor. Our results reveal a new pathway for linearization of the TMR sensors through three-step annealing process.
Uniform broad-area deposition and patterning of SiO2 nanofilms by 172 nm photochemical conversion of liquid tetraethoxysilane layers at 300 K
Authors: Kim Jinhong , Sievers Dane J. , Mironov Andrey E. , Park Sung-Jin , Eden J. Gary
Published: January 2024

Oxide films of the quality required for the fabrication of electronic and photonic devices are typically deposited at elevated temperatures and thermal equilibrium, thereby adversely impacting thermal budgets. We report the deposition and patterning of silicon dioxide (SiO2) films of high electrical and optical quality on Si(100) or polymer substrates in a N2 atmosphere and at 300 K by the photochemical conversion of thin liquid tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) layers with narrowband vacuum ultraviolet radiation [vacuum ultraviolet (VUV), 172 nm] provided by efficient microplasma lamps. Irradiating liquid TEOS layers, produced by spin-coating the precursor onto a substrate, with a VUV intensity of 13 mW cm−2, yields 40 nm-thick SiO2 films having a dielectric breakdown strength (Eb) of 5 MV cm−1, for which no precedent exists in the deposition of oxide films at 300 K. If room temperature-deposited films are post-annealed at 200 °C, Eb rises to 7.5 MV cm−1, which is <12% below the measured value (8.5 MV cm−1) for 40 nm SiO2 films grown by thermal oxidation. The deposition of 1 µm thick, stoichiometric SiO2 films requires only 20 min of VUV illumination at low optical fluences, and films with thicknesses of ∼35–60 nm exhibit a refractive index of 1.45 (633 nm). X-ray photoelectron spectrometry and Rutherford backscattering analysis indicate that, despite the deposition temperature, hydrocarbon impurity levels are near or below the detection limit. The capability for depositing 960 nm-thick SiO2 films uniformly (to within 0.6%) by liquid → solid photochemical conversion over a 5 cm diameter Si substrate and patterning films onto flexible polymer substrates has also been demonstrated.
Plasma kinetics: Discrete Boltzmann modeling and Richtmyer–Meshkov instability
Authors: Song Jiahui , Xu Aiguo , Miao Long , Chen Feng , Liu Zhipeng , Wang Lifeng , Wang Ningfei , Hou Xiao
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a discrete Boltzmann method (DBM) for plasma kinetics is proposed and further used to investigate the non-equilibrium characteristics in Orszag–Tang (OT) vortex and Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) problems. The construction of DBM mainly considers two aspects. The first is to build a physical model with sufficient capability to capture underlying physics. The second is to devise schemes for extracting more valuable information from massive data. For the first aspect, the generated model is equivalent to a magnetohydrodynamic model, and a coarse-grained model for extracting the most relevant thermodynamic non-equilibrium (TNE) behaviors including the entropy production rate. For the second aspect, the DBM uses non-conserved kinetic moments of (f−feq) to describe the non-equilibrium states and behaviors of complex systems. It is found that (i) for OT vortex, the entropy production rate and compression difficulty first increase and then decrease with time. (ii) For RMI with interface inversion and re-shock process, the influence of magnetic field on TNE effects shows stages: before the interface inversion, the TNE strength is enhanced by delaying the interface inversion; while after the interface inversion, the TNE strength is significantly reduced. Both the global average TNE strength and entropy production rate contributed by non-organized energy flux can be used as physical criteria to identify whether or not the magnetic field is sufficient to prevent the interface inversion. In general, this paper proposes a generalized physical modeling and analysis scheme that has the potential for investigating the kinetic physics in plasma.
Composition, time, temperature, and annealing-process dependences of crystalline and amorphous phases in ductile semiconductors Ag2S1−xTex with x = 0.3–0.6
Authors: Sato Kosuke , Hirata Keisuke , Matsunami Masaharu , Takeuchi Tsunehiro
Published: January 2024

We investigate composition, time, temperature, and annealing-process dependences of crystalline and amorphous phases in ductile semiconductors Ag2S1−xTex with x = 0.3–0.6. We reveal that a metastable amorphous phase containing no secondary phases is obtainable at x = 0.6 even with furnace cooling and possesses ductility in the same manner as the end compound of Ag2S, while the high-temperature phase (HTP) of Ag2S precipitates in the amorphous phase at x = 0.3–0.5 by keeping the good ductility. During the crystallization process of the amorphous phase by annealing a sample at 373–503 K for 4–14 days and cooling it down slowly to room temperature, HTP of Ag2S disappears and the low-temperature phase (LTP) of Ag2S and the Ag5−dTe3 phase appear, while the amorphous phase remains. The ductility is observed for the samples containing the LTP of Ag2S but not for those containing the Ag5−dTe3 phase. Based on the obtained results, the possible phase diagram of Ag2S1−xTex with x = 0.3–0.6 is proposed, and the origin of the ductility in the LTP and HTP of Ag2S and amorphous phase is discussed. We believe that our study is helpful for properly predicting mechanical and transport properties of this material and developing this material as a component of bendable/wearable electronic devices for long-term use.
In vivo application of a glutaraldehyde-free, UVA/riboflavin cross-linked bovine pericardium confirms suitability for cardiovascular substitutes
Authors: Jannasch Anett , Welzel Cindy , Pablik Jessica , von Hauff Elizabeth , Galli Roberta , Rix Jan , Schauer Antje , Dittfeld Claudia , Tugtekin Sems-Malte
Published: January 2024

Glutaraldehyde (GA)-treated bovine pericardium is still the gold standard for the fabrication of bioprostheses needed for the surgical treatment of valvular malfunction. Although excellent stability and low immunogenicity are accomplished, the application of GA is considered to be causal for structural valve deterioration, diminishing the long-term durability of bioprosthetic tissue. The novel GA-free SULEEI-treatment of bovine pericardium combines decellularization, riboflavin/UVA-cross-linking, and low-energy electron beam irradiation. In the present study, we initiated an in vivo application. We used a subcutaneous rat model to compare the immune and tissue responses, calcification propensity, and biomechanical properties of the alternatively prepared SULEEI bovine pericardial tissue with standard glutaraldehyde-fixed and industrially produced bovine pericardial patch material. SULEEI pericardium evokes a similar immune reaction and tissue response as the control standard bovine patch material. The calcification propensity of SULEEI tissue was low, and biomechanical analysis revealed a heterogeneous but similar pattern in tissue stiffness compared to the control patch. The results of this study highlight the potential of SULEEI-treated bovine pericardial tissue as a candidate for cutting-edge cardiovascular and valvular biomaterials in reconstructive surgery.
Resistive hose modes in tokamak runaway electron beams
Authors: Sainterme A. P. , Sovinec C. R.
Published: January 2024

Beams of energetic runaway electrons are generated during disruptions in tokamaks, and fluid models are used to study their effects on macroscale dynamics. Linear computations of a massless, runaway electron beam coupled to MHD plasma show that resistive hose instabilities grow faster than tearing modes at large resistivity. Eigenvalue results with reduced models of the resistive hose instability are compared with results from the full MHD and beam system, showing that the resistive hose decouples from any plasma response. An estimate of plasma temperature at which growth of the resistive hose dominates tearing for post-disruption DIII-D plasma parameters is in a physically relevant regime.
Kinetic Alfvén solitary waves in a low-β plasma with regularized kappa-distributed electrons
Authors: Albalawi Wedad , Khalid Muhammad , Tiofack C. G. L. , El-Tantawy S. A.
Published: January 2024

This study examines the characteristics of small-amplitude kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) in a typical magnetoplasma, where both ions and electrons are considered to have a regularized kappa distribution (RKD). The restrictions imposed on the standard Kappa distribution function will be removed by considering the RKD function. The RKD can also be used for kappa areas for spectral index κ < 3/2. We then use the Korteweg–de Vries equation to investigate the KAWs in this model, which we obtained from the reductive perturbation method. It is observed that the equation’s nonlinear and dispersive coefficients are functions of the Kummar functions and the cut-off parameter. It is found that the nonlinear and dispersive coefficients of this equation depend on the Kummar functions and the cut-off parameter. Due to the negativity of the coefficients of the wave equation, only compressive KAWs can exist and propagate in this model. The numerical results demonstrate a positive correlation between the soliton’s profile (amplitude and width) with an increase in the cut-off parameter. Conversely, the superthermality has a negative influence on the soliton profile. The influence of the soliton’s propagation angle on the magnetic field’s direction is investigated. It is found that the solitary wave will not propagate in the ambient when the propagation angle θ becomes 0 or 90. Overall, the results obtained from this research can be used in space and laboratory plasmas with low β that have non-Maxwellian electrons.
Ca3Co4O9-based transverse thermoelectric heat flux sensors with high sensitivity and fast response time
Authors: Chen Hao , Huang Yahui , Yu Lan , Li Zhiling , Wang Gao , Dai Bo , Wang Yong
Published: January 2024

High-temperature thin film heat flux sensors have been fabricated by growing c-axis tilted epitaxial Ca3Co4O9 (CCO) thin films on 5° vicinal cut LaAlO3 (001) single crystal substrates. The layered structure of Ca3Co4O9 yields the significant Seebeck coefficient anisotropy between the ab-plane and c-axis, which could generate a voltage of the heat flux sensor via the transverse thermoelectric (TTE) effect of thin films. A sensitivity of 27.7 μV/(kW/m2) has been determined in such 5° tilted Ca3Co4O9 thin films, which is much larger than other reported ones based on the TTE effect from various materials. After a thermal treatment at 900 °C in air for 10 min, the sensitivity of such heat flux sensors is almost non-variable, which indicates that the temperature resistance of the CCO-based TTE heat flux sensor is as high as 900 °C. In addition, a fast response time of 45 μs has been identified in such CCO-based TTE heat flux sensors. These results demonstrate that the CCO is a promising candidate to manufacture the TTE heat flux sensors with the superiorly comprehensive performance, including the high temperature resistance, high sensitivity, and fast response.
Estimates of early outbreak-specific SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological parameters from genomic data
Authors: Vaughan Timothy G. , Scire Jérémie , Nadeau Sarah A. , Stadler Tanja
Published: January 2024

We estimate the basic reproductive number and case counts for 15 distinct Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks, distributed across 11 populations (10 countries and one cruise ship), based solely on phylodynamic analyses of genomic data. Our results indicate that, prior to significant public health interventions, the reproductive numbers for 10 (out of 15) of these outbreaks are similar, with median posterior estimates ranging between 1.4 and 2.8. These estimates provide a view which is complementary to that provided by those based on traditional line listing data. The genomic-based view is arguably less susceptible to biases resulting from differences in testing protocols, testing intensity, and import of cases into the community of interest. In the analyses reported here, the genomic data primarily provide information regarding which samples belong to a particular outbreak. We observe that once these outbreaks are identified, the sampling dates carry the majority of the information regarding the reproductive number. Finally, we provide genome-based estimates of the cumulative number of infections for each outbreak. For 7 out of 11 of the populations studied, the number of confirmed cases is much bigger than the cumulative number of infections estimated from the sequence data, a possible explanation being the presence of unsequenced outbreaks in these populations.
Barrow holographic dark energy in Brane world cosmology
Authors: Chanda Anirban , Mitra Arpan Krishna , Dey Sagar , Ghose Souvik , Paul B C
Published: January 2024

Cosmological features of barrow holographic dark energy (BHDE), a recent generalization of original Holographic dark energy (DE) with a richer structure, are studied in the context of Dvali–Gabadadze–Porrati (DGP) brane, Randall and Sundrum (RS II) brane-world, and the cyclic Universe. It is found that a flat FRW scenario with pressure less dust and a DE component described as BHDE can accommodate late time acceleration with Hubble horizon considered as infrared cut off even in the absence of interaction between the dark sectors. Statefinder diagnostic reveals that these model resemble

Λ
C
D
M

cosmology in future. It is found that BHDE parameter Δ, despite its theoretically constrained range of values, is significant in describing the evolution of the Universe, however, a classically stable cosmological model cannot be obtained in the RS-II and DGP brane. Viability of the models is also probed with observed Hubble data.
Large area nanoscale patterning of functional materials using organosilicate ink based nanotransfer printing
Authors: Binderup Stephen , Venumadhav Korampally
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a versatile nanotransfer printing method for achieving large-area sub-micron patterns of functional materials. Organosilicate ink formulations combined with effective release layers have been shown to facilitate patterning of materials through the commonly used patterning approaches—lift off, physical etching and chemical etching. In this paper, we demonstrate that organosilicate ink formulations function as an effective resist owing to its superior physico-chemical stability whereas the release layers ensure clean removal of the resist post patterning. We successfully demonstrate patterning of sub-micron structures (800 nm feature sizes) of chromium metal through the lift off approach, silicon through reactive ion etching technique and silicon dioxide through wet chemical etching technique illustrating the versatility of the reported method. This patterning methodology represents a significant advancement in enabling nanostructure fabrication within resource-constrained laboratories. The approach requires nothing more than a master mold containing the desired structures, a spin coater, a low-temperature hotplate, and a desktop reactive ion etch tool.
Optimizing solid electrolytes with 3d transition metal doped Li3YCl6 for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Paul Tanmoy , Banerjee Abhik , Das G P , Sanyal Biplab
Published: January 2024

Li3YCl6 is a promising candidate for solid electrolytes (SEs) in all-solid-state Li-ion batteries due to its high ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, and compatibility with metal-oxide electrodes. The monoclinic and trigonal crystal structures of Li3YCl6 with space groups C2/c and P-3m1 have been studied extensively, while little attention has been given to the trigonal P-3c1 phase (space group no. 165). Additionally, Li-ion diffusion mechanism in 3d transition metal (TM) substituted compounds along with their structural stability are interesting to study. Therefore, we investigate the Li diffusion mechanism in Li3YCl6 and TM substituted Li3YCl6 in the P-3c1 phase using first-principles calculations. We have found that all the substituted compounds are thermodynamically stable at room temperature and show high oxidation stability. Li3Y0.875Co0.125Cl6 exhibits the lowest activation energy (0.11 eV) for Li-ion diffusion and the highest Li-ion mobility (σ = 0.39 mS cm−1 at room temperature), which is strongly anisotropic. We used the Crystal Orbital Hamilton Population method to analyze the bonding characteristics of Li3YCl6 and 3d TM substituted Li3YCl6 and found that the Co–Cl bond is weaker than the Cr–Cl bond. This may explain the lower activation energy observed for Li3Y0.875Co0.125Cl6. Our results provide insights into the substitution effect in Li3YCl6 superionic conductors, which could guide the design and development of high-performance SEs for Li-ion batteries.
Excellent spin diode and spin-dependent Seebeck effects in hetero-junctions based on ferromagnetic Cr3M4 (M = Se, Te)
Authors: Wu Qihong , Shang Wenqiu , Wang Cong , Wu Dandan , Li Jie , Ding Guangqian
Published: January 2024

Ferromagnetic (FM) half-metals have been regarded as the most promising candidates for spin injection into semiconductors due to their completely spin-polarized electronic states around the Fermi level. To explore the potential application of Cr3M4 (M = Se, Te) in spintronic devices, which are experimentally synthesized FM bulks as well as half-metallic monolayers with high Curie temperature, we propose to design a Bi2Se3/Cr3Se4 van der Waals hetero-junction and a 2D Cr3S4/Cr3Te4 hetero-junction motivated by the recent report on controlling synthesis of Cr
x
M
y
based heterostructures. First-principles calculations combined with non-equilibrium Green’s function uncover the perfect spin filtering and spin diode effect in Bi2Se3/Cr3Se4 van der Waals hetero-junction. More interestingly, the Cr3S4/Cr3Te4 hetero-junction shows an excellent spin-dependent Seebeck effect, in which spin-dependent currents with opposite spin orientation can be driven by a temperature gradient to flow in the opposite transport direction. These effects can be understood from the calculated spin-dependent band structures and transmission spectrum. Our results put forward a promising designing and application of spintronic devices based on Cr3M4 (M = Se, Te) FM materials.
TiO2 nanorod arrays/Ti3C2T
x
MXene nanosheet composites with efficient photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wu Shujun , Ou Kai , Zhang Wenting , Ni Yuxiang , Xia Yudong , Wang Hongyan
Published: January 2024

Semiconductor photocatalysis holds significant promise in addressing both environmental and energy challenges. However, a major hurdle in photocatalytic processes remains the efficient separation of photoinduced charge carriers. In this study, TiO2 nanorod arrays were employed by glancing angle deposition technique, onto which Ti3C2T
x
MXene was deposited through a spin-coating process. This hybrid approach aims to amplify the photocatalytic efficacy of TiO2 nanorod arrays. Through photocurrent efficiency characterization testing, an optimal loading of TiO2/Ti3C2T
x
composites is identified. Remarkably, this composite exhibits a 40% increase in photocurrent density in comparison to pristine TiO2. This enhancement is attributed to the exceptional electrical conductivity and expansive specific surface area inherent to Ti3C2T
x
MXene. These attributes facilitate swift transport of photoinduced electrons, consequently refining the separation and migration of electron–hole pairs. The synergistic TiO2/Ti3C2T
x
composite showcases its potential across various domains including photoelectrochemical water splitting and diverse photocatalytic devices. As such, this composite material stands as a novel and promising entity for advancing photocatalytic applications. This study can offer an innovative approach for designing simple and efficient photocatalytic materials composed of MXene co-catalysts and TiO2 for efficient water electrolysis on semiconductors.
Performance of the improved tritium decanting facility in support of JET tritium operations
Authors: Withycombe Alex , Hayes Nathanya , Kennedy David , Lefebvre Xavier ,   the JET Contributors
Published: January 2024

A Tritium fuel cycle must have the capability to import tritium inventory from transport storage containers to enable initial inventory stockpiling and future refresh of the inventory. The Joint European Torus (JET) Active Gas Handling System (AGHS) previously imported tritium inventory from Amersham uranium beds (U-beds) via a decanting system housed in the Analytical Make-up box secondary containment. Due to significant operational challenges with this decanting system, a new system, the Tritium Decanting Facility (TDF) was designed and built, to enable import of tritium inventory from Amersham U-beds for the JET Deuterium–Tritium experiment 2. The TDF process design incorporated several changes, including a tertiary containment with independent purge system, process services supply including argon, and direct connection to the AGHS Intermediate Storage system. These changes resulted in significant improvements to the decanting process, including a significant reduction in contamination effects from off-gassing, reduced decanting time, and reduced risk of exposure to the operators. The key features of the TDF design and their subsequent impact on the operation of the AGHS are discussed in detail.
A novel low trigger voltage low leakage SCR for low-voltage ESD protection
Authors: Liu Jizhi , Yang Feilong , Liu Yilin
Published: January 2024

Reducing trigger voltage has always been a research hotspot in low-voltage electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection applications for integrated circuit. Thus, a novel low trigger voltage low leakage silicon-controlled rectifier (LTVLLSCR) for low-voltage ESD protection has been proposed. The proposed device uses a PMOS connected with the SCR to reduce the trigger voltage and the PMOS gate can be applied with the supply voltage to further reduce the trigger voltage and the leakage current. The operating principle and the physical mechanism of the proposed device were discussed by the Human Body Model simulation. The ESD characteristics of the proposed device were verified in 55 nm CMOS process. The experimental results demonstrate that the trigger voltage of the proposed device can reach a minimum of 2.86 V with an external bias, and the leakage current at 25 °C is about 1 nA which can be reduced by 13% with an external bias. With lower trigger voltage, lower leakage, smaller ESD design window and good ESD robustness, the LTVLLSCR is very suitable for 1 V low voltage applications.
Prospect for precision quantum logic spectroscopy of vibrational overtone transitions in molecular oxygen ions
Authors: Wolf Fabian , Heip Jan C , Zawierucha Maximilian J , Shi Chunyan , Ospelkaus Silke , Schmidt Piet O
Published: January 2024

Precision spectroscopy has been the driving force for progress of our physical understanding and still is a promising tool for the investigation of new physics. Molecules offer transitions which allow tests that are not possible in atomic systems. However, usually precision spectroscopy of molecules is challenging due to the lack of cycling transitions for state preparation and state detection. For molecular ions, this obstacle can be overcome by quantum logic spectroscopy, where dissipation for state preparation and detection is provided by a co-trapped atomic ion exploiting the shared eigenstates of motion. Here, we propose a full quantum logic spectroscopy scheme for molecular oxygen ions and theoretically investigate the feasibility of quantum logic-assisted state detection and preparation. Furthermore, we provide coupling rates for a direct single-photon quadrupole excitation of a vibrational overtone transition that can serve as a sensitive reference for tests of a possible variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio.
Phenomenology of dark tensor currents
Authors: Naydenov M.
Published: January 2024

In this work we suggest a dark mediator model which extends the usual U(1) Lagrangian by including new degrees of freedom coupling to Standard Model fermions. Such dark particles can contribute to the neutral pion decay. For interaction constant and the dark particle mass consistent with the observed anomalies in the nuclear decays by the ATOMKI group we show that the dark tensor particles naturally incorporate lepton universality violation which introduces sizable effect on the muon anomalous magnetic moment.