bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High voltage gain switched z‐source inverter with low current stress
Authors: Zarei Golaleh , Babaei Ebrahim , Sharifian Mohammad Bagher Bannae , Aghaei Hadi , Shokati Asl Elias
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a switched Z‐source inverter with high voltage gain and low current stress on elements. Also, a new switching method corresponding to the proposed topology is introduced. This method is based on the usual Maximum Constant Boost (MCB) method. Hence, it has the advantages of the MCB method, such as low voltage stress on the inverter switches and high voltage gain. Also, eliminating part of the inverter's switching in this modulation method improves the inverter's efficiency. In addition to the Shoot‐Through (ST) duty cycle, another variable (N) affects the inverter's boost factor in this switching method. The proposed inverter's dynamic analysis shows that introducing N in the modulation method improved the dynamic characteristic of the inverter. Also, this variable as a control input can stabilize the dc side of the inverter in the closed‐loop control of the inverter. For the proposed topology, steady‐state analysis, dynamic analysis, elements design and efficiency calculation are performed. Also, the proposed topology is compared with the conventional topologies regarding boost factor, the number of elements, current stress on elements and efficiency to show its superiority. Finally, the experimental results are presented to verify theoretical discussions.
Mechanical and Physical Properties of Biodegradable Foams Made from Sorghum Fiber and Rice Straw for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Marlina Resti , Nissa Rossy Choerun , Purnomo Deni , Narto  , Ismadi  , Sebastian Gabriel , Kusumah Sukma Surya , Nugroho Ananto , Prasetiyo Kurnia Wiji , Syammani Firda Aulya , Sulastiningsih Ignasia M , Subiyanto Bambang
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the potential of agricultural by-products, rich in lignocellulosic materials, as sustainable food packaging materials to mitigate the environmental issues associated with nonbiodegradable plastics and styrofoam. Starch-based biodegradable food trays were developed using agricultural by-products, including sorghum stalk, rice straw, and kraft pulp through thermopressing method. By combining varying proportions of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a sorghum-rice straw fiber mixture, biodegradable foam products with notable strength, water resistance, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale production were produced, exhibiting densities between 0.7 and 0.8 gr/m³. Notably, a 5% PVA composition in the sorghum fiber biodegradable foam displayed favourable mechanical properties and water resistance, with a tensile strength of 5 MPa and a contact angle of 73.79°, coupled with an appealing physical appearance. However, increasing PVA concentration beyond this level had negligible effects, indicates the optimal limit of PVA. Additionally, the distinct roles of rice straw powder as a matrix and sorghum fiber as reinforcement within the biodegradable foam were identified. Biodegradation tests revealed natural decomposition starting from the seventh day, with over 95% growth of Aspergillus Niger fungus, suggesting that these biodegradable foam products hold promise for mass production in the packaging industry, presenting a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging.
Comparing Microsporidia-targeting primers for environmental DNA sequencing
Authors: Doliwa Annemie , Grabner Daniel , Sures Bernd , Dunthorn Micah
Published: November 2023

Metabarcoding is a powerful tool to detect classical, and well-known “long-branch” Microsporidia in environmental samples. Several primer pairs were developed to target these unique microbial parasites, the majority of which remain undetected when using general metabarcoding primers. Most of these Microsporidia-targeting primer pairs amplify fragments of different length of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene. However, we lack a broad comparison of the efficacy of those primers. Here, we conducted in silico PCRs with three short-read (which amplify a few-hundred base pairs) and two long-read (which amplify over a thousand base pairs) metabarcoding primer pairs on a variety of publicly available Microsporidia sensu lato SSU-rRNA gene sequences to test which primers capture most of the Microsporidia diversity. Our results indicate that the primer pairs do result in slight differences in inferred richness. Furthermore, some of the reverse primers are also able to bind to microsporidian subtaxa beyond the classical Microsporidia, which include the metchnikovellidan Amphiamblys spp., the chytridiopsid Chytridiopsis typographi and the “short-branch” microsporidian Mitosporidium daphniae.
Sucht und Drogen bei Jugendlichen – State of the Art
Authors: Arnaud Nicolas , Thomasius Rainer
Published: November 2023

Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene sind besonders häufig von Suchtstörungen und begleitenden Problemen betroffen. In der Psychotherapie und in der empirischen Therapieforschung werden entwicklungsorientierte Konzepte der Suchtbehandlung bisher zu wenig berücksichtigt. Dieser Beitrag informiert über Epidemiologie, Entstehungsbedingungen, Diagnostik und Therapie der Suchtstörungen im Jugendalter.
Suchtbehandlung in der ambulanten Praxis
Authors: Veltrup Clemens
Published: November 2023

Die ambulante Psychotherapie ist eine sinnvolle Ergänzung zum bestehenden suchtspezifischen Hilfsangebot für Menschen mit Störungen durch psychotrope Substanzen. Sie ist gerade auch für Patient*innen geeignet, die unter weiteren „komorbiden“ psychischen Störungen leiden und kann als Gruppen- und/oder Einzeltherapie durchgeführt werden.
Fehler und Fallstricke in Diagnostik und Therapie von Abhängigkeitserkrankungen
Authors: Bilke-Hentsch Oliver , Mutschler Jochen , Müller Christian , Batra Anil
Published: November 2023

Diagnose und Therapie von Suchterkrankungen im Jugend- wie im Erwachsenenalter sind anspruchsvoll. Symptome, psychosoziale Rahmenbedingungen, die Komorbidität, gesellschaftspolitische Grundhaltungen und die Verfügbarkeit der jeweiligen Substanzen müssen berücksichtigt werden. Vereinfachende Vorannahmen, mangelnde Fachkenntnisse oder eine oberflächliche Beziehung zum Patienten führen dazu, dass klinische und soziale Probleme unter- oder überschätzt werden.
Sucht
Authors: Huber Helene
Published: November 2023

Definitionen, Fakten, Relevantes – die PiD-Essentials fassen die wichtigsten Informationen zum Thema des Heftes knapp und übersichtlich für Sie zusammen.
Psychische Komorbidität bei Suchterkrankungen – Entstehung und Therapie eines komplexen Bedingungsgefüges
Authors: Vogelgesang Monika
Published: November 2023

Im Studium lernen wir die Diagnosekriterien des Abhängigkeitssyndroms kennen, in der psychotherapeutischen Ausbildung erwerben wir ein tieferes Verständnis der Verursachungsmechanismen der Sucht und werden an therapeutische Vorgehensweisen herangeführt. Der Praxisschock erfolgt, wenn die realen Fälle sich als wesentlich komplexer erweisen als im Lehrbuch vorgesehen. Ursächlich hierfür ist nicht selten das Vorliegen psychischer Begleiterkrankungen.
Sarkopenie als unabhängiger Prognosefaktor bei Pankreaskarzinom
Authors: Mandl Johanna , Baumer Sebastian , Holtzem Bernadette , Theurer Rainer , Zorger Niels , Pech Oliver
Published: November 2023

Einleitung Die Diagnose Pankreaskarzinom zählt trotz modernster Diagnose- und Therapieoptionen zu den häufigsten krebsbedingten globalen Todesursachen. Häufig liegt bei diesen Patienten eine Kachexie und Sarkopenie vor.

Methode In einer retrospektiven Analyse wurde die jeweilige Querschnittsfläche der Skelettmuskulatur auf Höhe des Lendenwirbelkörpers L 3 im axialen CT-Schnittbild von 121 Patienten bestimmt, um so den Skelettmuskelindex (SMI [cm2/m2]) zu erhalten. Es erfolgte außerdem eine Erfassung weiterer Parameter zur zusätzlichen Evaluation deren Assoziation mit der Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit.

Ergebnisse Die durchschnittliche Überlebenszeit der Gruppe der sarkopenen Patienten war mit 14,4 Monaten im Vergleich zu 17,7 Monaten mittlerer Überlebenszeit bei Patienten ohne Sarkopenie signifikant vermindert (p=0,046). Zusätzlich konnten das Alter (p = 0,006), eine nicht erfolgte Resektion des Tumors (p=0,004), Metastasen bei Erstdiagnose (p=0,002) sowie ein erhöhtes CA 19–9 (p=0,002) als statistisch signifikante negative Prognosefaktoren identifiziert werden.

Schlussfolgerung Sarkopenie ist ein unabhängiger prognostischer Faktor in Bezug auf die Überlebenszeit bei Pankreaskarzinompatienten. Dies legt die standardmäßige Integration des SMI als Prognoseparameter in den klinischen Alltag nahe, um durch entsprechende präventive und therapeutische ernährungs- und bewegungsmedizinische Maßnahmen möglicherweise die Lebensdauer sowie die Lebensqualität von Pankreaskarzinompatienten merklich verbessern zu können.
Gesundheits-Apps zur Unterstützung von Brustkrebspatientinnen während der Behandlung und der Nachsorgezeit in Deutschland: eine systematische Überprüfung
Authors: Gomm Susanne Ingrid Marianne , Ebner Florian K. , Lukac Stefan , El Taie Ziad , Janni Wolfgang , Schmidt-Straßburger Uta , Stoinschek Barbara , Dayan Davut
Published: November 2023

Zweck Systematische Auswertung der Gesundheitsapps, die zur Unterstützung und Hilfe bei der Fernüberwachung von Patientinnen während der Brustkrebsbehandlung und der Nachbetreuung entwickelt wurden.

Methodik Es erfolgte eine systematische Suche und Bewertung der Apps anhand der Suchbegriffe: Brustkrebs; Brustkrebstherapie; und Brustkrebsnachbetreuung. Die Evaluationskriterien waren Nutzerbewertungen, wissenschaftliche Publikationen zu Vorteilen, Benutzerfreundlichkeit, Datenschutz, App-Individualisierung, Motivation und finanzielle Aspekte. Pro Kriterium konnten bis zu 2 Punkte (P) vergeben werden. Der niedrigste mögliche Score betrug 0 P und der höchstmögliche 28 P. Drei Forschende aus verschiedenen Institutionen bewerteten die Apps unabhängig anhand der festgelegten Kriterien. Als Referenzwert wurde der von den Forschenden angegebene Durchschnittswert definiert. Apps mit > 18 P wurden als „zu empfehlen“, ≥ 11– ≤ 18 P als „teilweise zu empfehlen“ und ≤ 10 P als „nicht zu empfehlen“ eingestuft.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt konnten über eine Suchanfrage 776 Apps (n = 24 aus dem „Apple App Store“, n = 752 aus dem „Google Play Store“) identifiziert werden. Nach Anwendung der Ausschlusskriterien wurden 36 Apps (n = 1 aus dem „Apple App Store“; n = 35 aus dem „Google Play Store“) evaluiert. Anhand des Mittelwerts der von den Forschenden vergebenen Punkte wurden 20 Apps als „nicht zu empfehlen“ und 12 als „teilweise zu empfehlen“ (≥ 11– ≤ 18 P) eingestuft. Vier Apps wurden von 2 Forschenden teilweise empfohlen und von einem Forschenden empfohlen. Drei Apps wurden von allen Forschenden als „empfehlenswert“ eingestuft.

Fazit Nur einige wenige der verfügbaren Apps erfüllen die Empfehlungskriterien. Die Verwendung dieser Apps kann Brustkrebspatientinnen zugutekommen.
Cannabis in der Onkologie – viel Rauch um nichts?
Authors: Burkhard-Meier Anton , Rémi Constanze , Lindner Lars H. , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael
Published: November 2023

Die medizinische Verwendung von Cannabis hat in den letzten Jahren in Europa und Nordamerika an Popularität gewonnen. Cannabinoide sind sowohl als Fertigarzneimittel als auch in Blüten- und Extraktform verfügbar. Der vorliegende Artikel legt den Fokus auf die supportive Therapie onkologischer Patienten. Mögliche Indikationen sind Schmerzen, Chemotherapie-bedingte Übelkeit und Erbrechen, Appetitlosigkeit und Geschmacksveränderungen. Trotz des enormen Hypes um Cannabis als Medizin ist die Evidenz für dessen Anwendung bei onkologischen Patienten unzureichend. Palliativpatienten mit refraktären Symptomen könnten jedoch geeignete Kandidaten für einen Therapieversuch darstellen. Der entscheidende Parameter für die Auswahl eines Cannabis-Arzneimittels ist die THC/CBD-Ratio. Orale Einnahmeformen bieten sich gerade für Cannabis-naive und ältere Patienten an. Psychische und kardiovaskuläre Nebenwirkungen sind nicht zu unterschätzen.
Atomic force microscopy may enable quick differentiation of metabolic profiles in bacteria
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: November 2023

A nanocharacterization technique may enable faster research on antibiotic resistance.
Contact engineering for graphene nanoribbon devices
Authors: Mutlu Zafer , Dinh Christina , Barin Gabriela Borin , Jacobse Peter H. , Kumar Aravindh , Polley Debanjan , Singh Hanuman , Wang Ziyi , Lin Yuxuan Cosmi , Schwartzberg Adam , Crommie Michael F. , Mullen Klaus , Ruffieux Pascal , Fasel Roman , Bokor Jeffrey
Published: November 2023

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), when synthesized with atomic precision by bottom–up chemical approaches, possess tunable electronic structure, and high theoretical mobility, conductivity, and heat dissipation capabilities, which makes them an excellent candidate for channel material in post-silicon transistors. Despite their immense potential, achieving highly transparent contacts for efficient charge transport—which requires proper contact selection and a deep understanding of the complex one-dimensional GNR channel-three-dimensional metal contact interface—remains a challenge. In this study, we investigated the impact of different electron-beam deposited contact metals—the commonly used palladium (Pd) and softer metal indium (In)—on the structural properties and field-effect transistor performance of semiconducting nine-atom wide armchair GNRs. The performance and integrity of the GNR channel material were studied by means of a comprehensive Raman spectroscopy analysis, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging, optical absorption calculations, and transport measurements. We found that, compared to Pd, In contacts facilitate favorable Ohmic-like transport because of the reduction of interface defects, while the edge structure quality of GNR channel plays a more dominant role in determining the overall device performance. Our study provides a blueprint for improving device performance through contact engineering and material quality enhancements in emerging GNR-based technology.
Tailoring light-induced charge transfer and intersystem crossing in FeCO using time-dependent spin–orbit configuration interaction
Authors: Peyton Benjamin G. , Stewart Zachary J. , Weidman Jared D. , Wilson Angela K.
Published: November 2023

Real-time (RT) electronic structure methods provide a natural framework for describing light–matter interactions in arbitrary time-dependent electromagnetic fields (EMF). Optically induced excited state transitions are of particular interest, which require tuned EMF to drive population transfer to and from the specific state(s) of interest. Intersystem crossing, or spin-flip, may be driven through shaped EMF or laser pulses. These transitions can result in long-lived “spin-trapped” excited states, which are especially useful for materials requiring charge separation or protracted excited state lifetimes. Time-dependent configuration interaction (TDCI) is unique among RT methods in that it may be implemented in a basis of eigenstates, allowing for rapid propagation of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. The recent spin–orbit TDCI (TD-SOCI) enables a real-time description of spin-flip dynamics in an arbitrary EMF and, therefore, provides an ideal framework for rational pulse design. The present study explores the mechanism of multiple spin-flip pathways for a model transition metal complex, FeCO, using shaped pulses designed to drive controlled intersystem crossing and charge transfer. These results show that extremely tunable excited state dynamics can be achieved by considering the dipole transition matrix elements between the states of interest.
Semi-classical Monte Carlo study of the impact of tensile strain on the performance limits of monolayer MoS2 n-channel MOSFETs
Authors: Bhatti Aqyan A. , Archer Branch T. , Navlakha Nupur , Register Leonard F. , Banerjee Sanjay K.
Published: November 2023

The effects of tensile strain and contact transmissivity on the performance limits of monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoscale n-channel MOSFETs are studied using a semi-classical Monte Carlo method. Density functional theory calculations were performed to parametrize the electronic band structure of MoS2 subject to tensile and shear strain. Tensile strain decreases the bandgap, increases the inter-valley band-edge energy separation between the light-mass K-valleys and heavier-mass Q-valleys, and decreases the K-valley effective mass in a way that depends on the direction and the amount of the applied strain. Biaxial tensile strain and uniaxial tensile strain along the x- or y-directions are found to have the largest effect. In bulk materials, low-field phonon-limited electron mobility is enhanced, peak and saturation drift velocities are increased, and high-field negative differential resistance becomes more pronounced. Both 200 and 15 nm gate length MoS2 MOSFETs with end-contacts with ideal (unity) and more realistic (significantly sub-unity) contact interface transmissivity were simulated. These MoS2 devices exhibited substantial sensitivity to strain with ideal contact transmissivity, and more so for the 15 nm quasi-ballistic device scale than 200 nm long-channel devices. However, the results showed much less strain sensitivity for devices with more realistic contact transmissivities, which may be good or bad depending on whether strain-insensitive or strain-sensitive performance is desired for a particular application and may be possible to modify with improved contact geometries.
Improving Zn metal anode performance with powdery graphene as a deposition modulator
Authors: Zou Yuhan , Qiao Changpeng , Su Yiwen , Lu Miaoyu , Yang Xianzhong , Dou Shixue , Sun Jingyu
Published: November 2023

The inadequate cycling stability of Zn anodes, caused by dendritic growth and side reactions, impedes the practical advancement of aqueous Zn metal batteries. Graphene (Gr) has garnered considerable attention in recent years owing to the high degree of lattice constant match to Zn(002). However, the inherent zincophobicity of Gr and its hindrance to Zn2+ transport have necessitated intricate optimization strategies. In this work, we propose a straightforward solution by fabricating a protective layer for Zn anodes using Gr powder (p-Gr), which could effectively modulate Zn deposition behavior. The homogenized interfacial electric field and abundant edges of p-Gr nanosheets facilitate the planar deposition of Zn while concurrently exhibiting excellent capabilities in restricting side reactions. As a result, symmetric cells demonstrate long-lasting lifespan over 2500 h under 5.0 mA cm−2. Furthermore, when paired with a ZnxV2O5 cathode, full cells showcase outstanding capacity retention and cycling stability. Our research imparts valuable insight into the design of high-performance Zn metal anode based on graphene materials.
Radiative thermal coats for passive temperature management
Authors: Dang Yongdi , Zhou Yi , Li Yuxuan , Zhang Sen , Li Xinran , Jin Yi , Choudhury Pankaj K. , Xu Jianbin , Ma Yungui
Published: November 2023

Radiative thermal management has advantages in precision electronic instruments owing to zero-energy consumption and high integration convenience. The possibility to acquire high-performance thermal stability through engineering the surface emissivity of object has been investigated. Herein, developing a smart coat was reported that could passively maintain the temperature of objects (silicon chips) in a predefined thermal window to avoid overheating or overcooling in vacuum. The technique implements using a multilayer structure incorporating a 30 nm thick VO2 phase-change medium having a 300% modulation depth for emissivity under varying temperatures. In the experiment, a 1.78 μm thick smart coat could raise the temperature stability of a regular coat by ∼2.0 times. The potential of the work remains in thermal radiation for smart temperature management especially in space applications.
Herbage yield stability of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) genotypes across rain-fed environments
Authors: Vosough Ali , Jafari Ali Ashraf , Karami Ezzat , Safari Hooshmand , Talebi Reza
Published: November 2023

Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a cool-season perennial grass that naturally grows in semi-steppe rangelands in Iran. In recent years, as a result of climate change, coupled with high livestock grazing, rangeland productivity has decreased. This study aimed to analyse the stability of forage dry matter (DM) production of 36 cocksfoot genotypes across four rain-fed environments (Ardebil, Zanjan, Hamadan, and Kermanshah) in Iran. At each location, an experiment was conducted using a randomised complete-block design (RCBD) with three replications over 2 years. The result of combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) across locations showed significant effects of environment (E), genotype (G), and GE interaction (P < 0.01) for DM yield. The E, G and GE interaction effects accounted for 33.19%, 17.98% and 40.52% of the total variance respectively. The GE interaction was subsequently investigated using regression stability, Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI), and genotype main effect (G) plus genotype–environment (GE) interaction (GGE) biplot analysis. According to the regression method, genotypes G2, G3, G11 and G12 with a slope close to unity, coupled with high production, had good general stability in all locations. In addition, some genotypes were specifically identified for poor- and high-performing environments. According to the AMMI-2, IPC1 vs IPC2 biplot, genotypes G2, G10, G11, G14 and G15, placed close to the origin of the biplot coupled with higher production, showed general stability in all environments. The best genotypes for the respective environments were also determined. Using the GGE biplot, genotypes G2, G3, G11 and G12 were more stable in all environments. Therefore, on the basis of all analytical methods, three local genotypes, G2 (Karaj), G3 (Marand) and G11 (Qazvin), and a foreign genotype, G14 (from, USA), were identified as most suitable genotypes for breeding improved varieties and cultivation in the study locations and similar areas.
Fully activated structure of the sterol-bound Smoothened GPCR-Gi protein complex
Authors: Vo Amy-Doan P. , Kim Soo-Kyung , Yang Moon Young , Ondrus Alison E. , Goddard William A.
Published: November 2023

Smoothened (SMO) is an oncoprotein and signal transducer in the Hedgehog signaling pathway that regulates cellular differentiation and embryogenesis. As a member of the Frizzled (Class F) family of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), SMO biochemically and functionally interacts with Gi family proteins. However, key molecular features of fully activated, G protein–coupled SMO remain elusive. We present the atomistic structure of activated human SMO complexed with the heterotrimeric Gi protein and two sterol ligands, equilibrated at 310 K in a full lipid bilayer at physiological salt concentration and pH. In contrast to previous experimental structures, our equilibrated SMO complex exhibits complete breaking of the pi-cation interaction between R451
6.32
and W535
7.55
, a hallmark of Class F receptor activation. The Gi protein couples to SMO at seven strong anchor points similar to those in Class A GPCRs: intracellular loop 1, intracellular loop 2, transmembrane helix 6, and helix 8. On the path to full activation, we find that the extracellular cysteine-rich domain (CRD) undergoes a dramatic tilt, following a trajectory suggested by positions of the CRD in active and inactive experimental SMO structures. Strikingly, a sterol ligand bound to a shallow transmembrane domain (TMD) site in the initial structure migrates to a deep TMD pocket found exclusively in activator-bound SMO complexes. Thus, our results indicate that SMO interacts with Gi prior to full activation to break the molecular lock, form anchors with Gi subunits, tilt the CRD, and facilitate migration of a sterol ligand in the TMD to an activated position.
Analysis of external modification devices and framing moves in request emails
Authors: Sun Yuqing
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the pragmatic competence of writing request emails by Chinese learners of Japanese (CLJs). The study focused on the features of the external modification devices and framing moves of request emails by CLJs when compared to emails by native speakers of Japanese (NSJs). Data were collected from 104 CLJs and 53 NSJs, using an Electronic Writing Discourse Completion Test questionnaire. One-way ANOVA results showed that as the CLJs’ levels of proficiency in Japanese increased, their use of external modification devices and framing moves tended to increase. In addition, a Fisher’s exact test showed that as the CLJs’ proficiency increased, a distinct statistical difference only existed in the use of individual framing moves, but not in that of individual external modification devices. This study provides conceptual categories and utterances used in both external modification devices and framing moves for teaching email communication to CLJs.
On the language of liberalism
Authors: Stanisz-Lubowiecka Anna
Published: November 2023

In this article, I look at linguistic studies of communist propaganda produced by oppositional scholars in the
last two decades of state socialism in Poland. I argue that Polish discourse of linguistics in 1970–1989 was a vehicle for the
promotion of liberalism in the People’s Republic of Poland and an important area of political contestation. I demonstrate that
Polish linguistic studies of communist propaganda should not be assumed to be “objective” or politically disengaged. Ideas about
language detectable in these studies, especially “referentialism”, promote liberal democracy by consistently implying values
characteristic of liberalism as a political ideology. In this way, Polish linguists engaged in a form of anti-communist resistance
and formulated language policy proposals for the language of liberal democracy. I argue that language ideologies are sometimes
systematically related to political ideologies by promoting specific political values or points of view.
The paradigmaticity of evidentials in the Tibetic languages of Khams
Authors: Drolma Dawa , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: November 2023

This article argues that the evidential system of Khams Tibetan, a cluster of Tibetic languages spoken in the
south-eastern Tibetosphere, should be considered a verb paradigm. We propose a paradigm with six evidential categories (egophoric,
statemental, visual sensory, nonvisual sensory, sensory inferential, and logical inferential) for all the verb classes. We focus
on two varieties – rGyalthang and Lhagang – and examine how these evidential categories are encoded with distinct morphemes. We
then discuss the main evidential forms of the copulative and existential verbs available in Khams Tibetan varieties as a whole, as
well as their morphological relationship. Our analyses lead us to argue against a differential treatment of evidentiality
depending on verb categories. The article concludes that describing the evidential paradigm may be the first essential task in
writing a grammar of a Tibetic language.
Integration of cell wall synthesis and chromosome segregation during cell division in Caulobacter
Authors: Mahone Christopher R. , Payne Isaac P. , Lyu Zhixin , McCausland Joshua W. , Barrows Jordan M. , Xiao Jie , Yang Xinxing , Goley Erin D.
Published: November 2023

To divide, bacteria must synthesize their peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall, a protective meshwork that maintains cell shape. FtsZ, a tubulin homolog, dynamically assembles into a midcell band, recruiting division proteins, including the PG synthases FtsW and FtsI. FtsWI are activated to synthesize PG and drive constriction at the appropriate time and place. However, their activation pathway remains unresolved. In Caulobacter crescentus, FtsWI activity requires FzlA, an essential FtsZ-binding protein. Through time-lapse imaging and single-molecule tracking of Caulobacter FtsW and FzlA, we demonstrate that FzlA is a limiting constriction activation factor that signals to promote conversion of inactive FtsW to an active, slow-moving state. We find that FzlA interacts with the DNA translocase FtsK and place FtsK genetically in a pathway with FzlA and FtsWI. Misregulation of the FzlA-FtsK-FtsWI pathway leads to heightened DNA damage and cell death. We propose that FzlA integrates the FtsZ ring, chromosome segregation, and PG synthesis to ensure robust and timely constriction during Caulobacter division.
Proposed holistic strategy for mechanical recycling of wind turbine blades for 3D printing and compression molding
Authors: Lessard Larry , Yan Zhengshu , Nasiry Javad
Published: November 2023

There are many solutions being proposed for recycling discarded wind turbine blades, but most solutions are not very ecological, involving either burning or harsh chemicals. In this research, a solution is proposed that has a very low environmental impact and has potential of being scaled to a very large industrial process. The entire wind turbine blade should be recycled and transformed into other products that are recycled and that have economic benefits in the long term. Two of the output products from the current recycling strategy are recycled 3D printing filament and recycled reinforced pellets for compression molding. The research outlines the process, the numerical simulations that help optimize the output and the outline for planning to bring the recycling solution from a small industrial scale to a large scale. This represents ongoing research in this important field of composite recycling.
Constraining effect of load frames during full-scale rotor blade fatigue testing
Authors: Klaenfoth F , Melcher D , Nickel A , Block T , Petersen E
Published: November 2023

In rotor blade fatigue tests used for the certification process, load frames are used to introduce the loads to the blade. These load frames have a constraining effect on the cross-sectional deformation. This work investigates these constraining effects using a finite element contact analysis on a current-generation commercial rotor blade. Two different load frame variants are considered: a conventional load frame covering most of the cross-section and a reduced load frame covering only the main spar caps. The interaction between blade and load frame is implemented via contact formulations, which allows pretensioning in combination with a flap and a lead-lag load case. Strains on the outer surface of the blade are evaluated and compared to an artificial reference loading. The area of influence of the load application through the load frame, in which the strains deviate significantly due to clamping effects, mostly corresponds to the 0.75 times the chord length assumed for the certification [1]. The strains in the trailing edge are significantly less affected by the reduced load frame variant than by the conventional one, thus potentially making it possible to consider the trailing edge at the position of the load frame as being properly tested for certification purposes.
Experimental testing method to characterise the drapability of UD non-crimp fabrics used in wind turbine blades
Authors: Kumar Rajnish , Rashvand Kaveh , Fraisse Anthony , Sarhadi Ali , Andersen Tom L.
Published: November 2023

This scientific article presents a novel approach for characterising the drapability of fabrics used in wind turbine blade production. This study defines drapability as an intrinsic property of fabric to shear. Specifically, it refers to the potential of the rovings to slide with respect to each other. The evolution of wrinkles has been quantified by the ratio of height-to-width corresponding to a shear angle. The growing industrial interest in binder fabrics, for their preforming ability and improved handling leading to faster blade production, has motivated this study. In this research, two types of non-crimp fabrics, with and without binder, were analysed to study the evolution of wrinkles concerning applied shear angles. A state-of-the-art 3D blue light scanning technique is employed to accurately measure the aspect ratio (height/width) of wrinkles at various shear angles, including 0°, 4°, 6°, 8°, 12°, and 16°. A wrinkle having an aspect ratio of 1/10 was determined to correlate with an applied shear angle of 9° for non-binder fabrics, and 3° for binder-based fabrics. The findings clearly demonstrate the influence of binders on fabric drapability, reducing it by a factor of three. These results provide valuable insights into the influence of different parameters on wrinkle formation, aiding in controlling these factors to avoid manufacturing defects in wind turbine blades.
Life cycle assessment of wind turbine blade recycling approaches in the United States
Authors: Sproul Evan , Williams Michelle , Rencheck Mitchell L. , Korey Matthew , Ennis Brandon L.
Published: November 2023

Most wind turbine blades reaching end-of-life are sent to landfill where embedded cost, energy, and materials are lost. To avoid landfilling future blades, a broad range of recycling and material recovery approaches have been proposed as solutions in the U.S., each with benefits, challenges, and varying levels of technical maturity. The approaches include 1) cement co-processing, 2) mechanical recycling, 3) pyrolysis, 4) microwave pyrolysis and 5) solvolysis. While these approaches are all capable of recovering various forms of materials for use in secondary markets, there are trade-offs between material circularity, reducing harmful environmental emissions, and cost-effectiveness for the U.S. market. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a critical step needed to compare these trade-offs and determine where future research and development should be focused. As a result, some previous LCA has been performed on recycling approaches. However, attempts to quantify and compare greenhouse gas emissions across a broad range of technologies have been limited, particularly within the U.S. market where landfill availability and costs do not hinder disposing of wind blades. This work addresses this limitation by presenting a detailed comparison of LCA greenhouse gas emissions and material yields from a range of wind turbine blade recycling approaches in the U.S. The LCA presented in this work includes baseline results, as well as a variety of sensitivity and scenario analyses that look at the impact of process modelling uncertainty, future energy mixes, and other critical input parameters. Overall, results show that mechanical recycling and microwave pyrolysis have the lowest net greenhouse gas emissions. However, the value of mechanically recycled materials is highly uncertain, as mechanical recycling generates a mixed feedstock that may underperform compared to virgin materials. Cement co-processing has higher net emissions than mechanical recycling or microwave pyrolysis but does generate a value-added feedstock that offsets virgin material from mining for cement production. Other advanced thermal and chemical recycling methods such as pyrolysis and solvolysis have higher net emissions due to increased energy consumption but are also highly sensitive to thermal energy sources within the model.
Manufacturing methods for assessing the impact of wrinkles in wind turbine blades
Authors: Mendonça Heloisa Guedes , Semenov Sergei , Mikkelsen Lars Pilgaard , Branner Kim
Published: November 2023

Wrinkles are defects prone to occur during the manufacturing process of wind turbine blades. Wrinkles can emerge at various locations of the structure, exhibiting a range of diverse shapes. Different manufacturing steps can lead to different defect types. This work presents different manufacturing methods to embed artificial wrinkle defects in laminates representing a typical defect that can be found in a wind turbine blade. Several methods are tested at coupon scale to design a critical wrinkle defect that can lead to the blade structural knock-down on the mechanical performance during high cycle fatigue operation. Following the selection of the defect types for investigation at the test coupon scale, the corresponding defect types are embedded while manufacturing a 12.6 m wind turbine blade.
Parametric and numerical Finite Element simulation of wind turbine blades subjected to thermal residual stresses
Authors: Ayoubi Peyman , Rashvand Kaveh , Ayyobi Pedram , Mohammadi Moloud
Published: November 2023

This study aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance the reliability and durability of wind turbine blades, a critical component in wind energy generation. Specifically, this research addresses the issue of tunneling cracking and severe damage that can occur in wind turbine blades due to cohesive failure of the trailing edge. To achieve this objective, the study employs a rigorous approach, utilizing a full three-dimensional (3D) modeling strategy with finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate the behavior of wind turbine blades. The effect of cohesive materials and layered simulation methods on the thermal residual stress and crack propagation is thoroughly investigated. In particular, the study assesses the influence of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) materials on the phenomenon under consideration. In addition, the study undertakes a comprehensive parametric analysis to identify the independent effects of material properties and numerical simulation on thermal residual stress. Moreover, the research explores the behavior of the cohesive zone model in terms of thermal residual stress and crack propagation. The findings of this study have significant implications for researchers and practitioners in the wind energy industry. The study’s outcomes can aid in the development of improved materials and simulation techniques to mitigate thermal residual stress and prevent the occurrence of tunneling cracking and other types of damage in wind turbine blades. As such, this research contributes to the broader efforts to advance the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of wind energy generation.
Polymer composites with short recycled glass fibres manufactured by vacuum infusion
Authors: Beauson J , Jespersen K Munk , Rojas M , Canalis A , Kumar R , Løgstrup Andersen T , Abrahamsen A B
Published: November 2023

Recycling glass fibre reinforced thermoset composites remains a challenge despite years of research in the field. Among the barriers for a successful recycling, the properties of the recycled materials and their application in new products represent the main ones. With a pyrolysis recycling process, clean glass fibres can be extracted and separated from the polymer matrix. In this paper, recycled glass fibres are incorporated in a new polymer composite structure using both virgin and recycled glass fibres. Recycled glass fibres have a Young’s modulus comparable to virgin glass fibres. The objective is to identify a composite lay-up using virgin and recycled glass fibres, and where the Young’s modulus of recycled fibres is beneficial for the resulting composites mechanical properties. To do so, a sandwich structure composite with virgin fibres on the outer layer and recycled fibres in the inside is designed and manufactured. In order to produce flat panels despite the short and random fibres, a manufacturing procedure ensuring a good dispersion of the fibres and controlling the thickness of the panel is developed. Panels are produced incorporating two different weight fraction of recycled glass fibres. The quality of the panels are characterized using microstructure observations, fibre porosity analysis and mechanical testing. Results shows that the sandwich composites have a low porosity content and achieves higher bending stiffness than a composite only made of unidirectional virgin glass fibres.
Prediction of crack growth at trailing edge bondlines of a wind turbine rotor blade for the assessment of remaining service life
Authors: Bangaru Ashish K , Miao Xing-Yuan , Sørensen Bent F , Chen Xiao
Published: November 2023

Debonding along trailing-edge joint of a wind turbine rotor blade is one of the often reported failure modes during the rotor blade maintenance inspections. This study focuses on buckling-induced debonding along the trailing edge under in-plane compressive loads due to the gravity forces on the rotor blade. With a priori known debond crack length, an analytical model is used for predicting debond growth rate and assessing the time that takes the crack to reach a critical length. For the growth rate prediction, required input parameters are size of the initial debonding, laminate and adhesive layer thicknesses, elastic and interfacial fracture mechanics properties, gravitational load distribution and position of the initial debonding. The damage model is implemented in excel spreadsheet tool. The predictions of the analytical model were compared with the results from 3D finite element simulations and the difference between the results (energy release rate) was 8%. This study demonstrates how damage specific tools can be developed for predicting remaining useful life of rotor blades.
Study on recycling wind turbine blades into reinforcement for filaments used in 3D printing
Authors: Ezhilan J James , Damodaran Ajith , Ashok K G
Published: November 2023

Heavy applications like power production through wind energy requires light weight but strong material like composites with customizable properties. When the lifetime of the wind turbine blades ends, the parts are dumped in landfills and results in environmental pollution. Natural fibers are great option for improving the biodegradability of the conventional plastic which also ends up in the landfills. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is chosen to combine the benefits of both materials, as the technique is highly customizable and sustainable. Wind turbine blade wastes are recycled using mechanical grinding. Recycled Fiber glass (FG) material is tested for contamination with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Wood fiber (WF) is also added in order to improve biodegradability of the materials. Filaments are produced using a single screw extruder with various combinations of 9 wt% fiber content and recycled pellets. Tensile test shows comparable performance of reinforced filaments with recycled Polypropylene (PP) filaments. 6% WF + 3% FG sample withstood up to 380 MPa Young’s modulus.
Most soil and litter arthropods are unidentifiable based on current DNA barcode reference libraries
Authors: Recuero Ernesto , Etzler Frank E , Caterino Michael S
Published: November 2023

We are far from knowing all species living on the planet. Understanding biodiversity is demanding and requires time and expertise. Most groups are understudied given problems of identifying and delimiting species. DNA barcoding emerged to overcome some of the difficulties in identifying species. Its limitations derive from incomplete taxonomic knowledge and the lack of comprehensive DNA barcode libraries for so many taxonomic groups. Here, we evaluate how useful barcoding is for identifying arthropods from highly diverse leaf litter communities in the southern Appalachian Mountains (USA). We used 3 reference databases and several automated classification methods on a data set including several arthropod groups. Acari, Araneae, Collembola, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera were well represented, showing different performances across methods and databases. Spiders performed the best, with correct identification rates to species and genus levels of ~50% across databases. Springtails performed poorly, no barcodes were identified to species or genus. Other groups showed poor to mediocre performance, from around 3% (mites) to 20% (beetles) correctly identified barcodes to species, but also with some false identifications. In general, BOLD-based identification offered the best identification results but, in all cases except spiders, performance is poor, with less than a fifth of specimens correctly identified to genus or species. Our results indicate that the soil arthropod fauna is still insufficiently documented, with many species unrepresented in DNA barcode libraries. More effort toward integrative taxonomic characterization is needed to complete our reference libraries before we can rely on DNA barcoding as a universally applicable identification method.
iCAZyGFADB: an insect CAZyme and gene function annotation database
Authors: Fu Chun , Yang YaoJun
Published: November 2023

With the continuous upgrading of high-throughput sequencing technology, a large amount of biological genome data has been deciphered and published. The research on functional genes of biological genomes urgently needs a collection of service websites with user-friendly and full annotation functions for a variety of gene function annotation tools. In this study, iCAZyGFADB, which is a database website integrating nine gene function annotation tools, was perfectly developed to meet the needs of biological genome functional annotation. Its nine gene function annotation tools were Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZyme) annotation, Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation, Cluster of Orthologous Gene (COG) annotation, Evolutionary Genealogy of Genes: Non-supervised Orthologous Groups (eggNOG) annotation, SwissProt annotation, Pfam annotation, KOG annotation and Animal Transcription Factor DataBase (AnimalTFDB) annotation. It has three advantages. First, it is superior to gene function annotation of other biological cloud analysis platforms and runs very fast. Second, all gene annotation functions of the website are free and open to users. Third, it can annotate eight gene functions (GO, KEGG, COG, eggNOG, SwissProt, Pfam, KOG and AnimalTFDB annotation) of a single species at the same time, while other cloud platforms do not have the ability or need to charge to open for users to complete the annotation of eight gene functions at the same time. Moreover, the development and operation of our database will provide great help for gene function annotation research and significantly improve the efficiency of genome function research and reduce the cost of bioinformatics analysis. Genomic functional annotation researchers can access this database through the following website: http://www.icazygfadb.org.cn/.

Database URL:  http://www.icazygfadb.org.cn/
MODMS: a multi-omics database for facilitating biological studies on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Fang Longfa , Liu Tao , Li Mingyu , Dong XueMing , Han Yuling , Xu Congzhuo , Li Siqi , Zhang Jia , He Xiaojuan , Zhou Qiang , Luo Dong , Liu Zhipeng
Published: November 2023

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a globally important forage crop. It also serves as a vegetable and medicinal herb because of its excellent nutritional quality and significant economic value. Multi-omics data on alfalfa continue to accumulate owing to recent advances in high-throughput techniques, and integrating this information holds great potential for expediting genetic research and facilitating advances in alfalfa agronomic traits. Therefore, we developed a comprehensive database named MODMS (multi-omics database of M. sativa) that incorporates multiple reference genomes, annotations, comparative genomics, transcriptomes, high-quality genomic variants, proteomics, and metabolomics. This report describes our continuously evolving database, which provides researchers with several convenient tools and extensive omics data resources, facilitating the expansion of alfalfa research. Further details regarding the MODMS database are available at https://modms.lzu.edu.cn/.