bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shear strength and compressibility of reconstituted Boom clay, a stiff clay from the Paleogene
Authors: Verástegui-Flores Daniel , Andries Joren , Lamont Eveline , Baertsoen An
Published: July 2024

Boom clay is a stiff marine clay from the Oligocene epoch of the Paleogene period. It outcrops along the rivers Rupel and Scheldt in Northern Belgium, nearby the city and the port of Antwerp. Most of the existing geotechnical investigation around the Antwerp area, where the clay is located at relatively shallow depths, consists of standard laboratory tests on undisturbed samples performed at stress levels around the estimated in situ stress. Although the geological preconsolidation pressure of this clay is relatively well known, the clay yields at much higher stresses in 1D compression. Moreover, due to the brittle behavior of the stiff clay, it is often difficult to evaluate its shear strength behavior beyond peak strength. To this end, evaluating intrinsic parameters of compressibility, critical state shear angle and residual strength is of great relevance. In the present research, the mechanical behavior of reconstituted normally consolidated Boom clay was examined in a series of oedometer, CRS, CU triaxial, and multi-reversal direct shear tests. The mechanical behavior of the reconstituted clay was compared to the behavior of undisturbed clay samples. The results allow for a better evaluation of the structure effects of the natural samples on their mechanical response.
Shear-induced permeability anisotropy in liquefiable sands
Authors: Salomon José , Patino-Ramirez Fernando , O’Sullivan Catherine
Published: July 2024

In principle, numerical simulations of boundary value problems that involve fluid-soil interaction should account for the evolution of permeability due to soil deformation. For many applications of interest in geotechnical engineering, an accurate assessment of the permeability is key to an accurate prediction of settlements and pore water pressure changes. Finite element models rely on laboratory or field testing to characterise permeability; however, these methods cannot easily evaluate anisotropy or moderate variations of permeability. Current testing tools have a limited accuracy and a rigid experimental set-up, and are usually restricted to consider one flow direction. In this study, the influence of shearing on the intrinsic permeability and the anisotropy of permeability in medium-loose liquefiable sands is investigated. The discrete element method (DEM) was used to simulate monotonic undrained and drained triaxial test simulations on model soils comprising spherical particles. The particle positions were recorded at discrete strain levels and the data were taken as input into finite volume method (FVM) simulations which were used to evaluate intrinsic permeability in selected subsamples. In the FVM simulations, permeability was evaluated in the three orthogonal directions. The results indicate that shear deformation induces an anisotropy in permeability, in both drained and undrained triaxial conditions and this anisotropy increases with axial strain. Specifically, the results show an increase in permeability in the direction of the major principal stress, whereas a reduction permeability is observed in the orthogonal plane. Undrained simulations exhibit a jump in vertical permeability around the liquefaction onset; this can be attributed to the sudden loss of particle contacts.
The influence of stress-induced anisotropy in undrained yield and ultimate shear strengths in brittle loose deposited silts
Authors: Viana da Fonseca Antonió , Molina-Gómez Fausto , Besenzon Davide , Coelho Daniela
Published: July 2024

The typical undrained behaviour observed in brittle non-plastic soil is ruled by the combination of density and stress levels. Some specific silty and sandy mining waste with particles morphologies that generate high smallstrain stiffness to strength ratios when increasing deviatoric stress (q) in stress paths that tend to decrease mean effective stress (p´) may drop down the deviatoric stress before reaching the frictional critical sate. The ratio between the peak (or yield) value (Su=q/2) and the corresponding p´ is usually associated with a locus in q-p´ that is commonly associated to a straight Instability Line (IL) with a unique ratio (ηL) and for an initial state parameter. However, this is not the case if an induced anisotropy is installed differently while the at rest stress ratio (hereby defined as initial, K0) is achieved by continuous rate the principal stresses consolidated in lab prior to loading with distinct values. This fabric effect is decisive for design and in stability assessment of earth structures, like dams or piles of mine tailings where non-plastic fines are dominant, even if the prevailing stress-path is in compression. In a thorough and quite complete program varying these conditions on iron ore tailings from Minas Gerais state in Brazil, reconstituted in lab with differentiated state parameters, and its relation to the induced anisotropy effect.
Diatoms microfossils and their microstructural effects on the sensitivity of metastable silty-clayey soils
Authors: Barreto Elaine , de Campos Tácio M.P. , Sandroni Sandro S.
Published: July 2024

In 2013, an accident occurred in Port of Santana, located at the mouth of the Amazon River, in the State of Amapa, Brazil, comprising a large volume of soft silty-clay soil flowing very fast, for a great distance, towards the bottom of the river. Field tests performed afterwards identified the occurrence of sensitive soil layers at the site. Subsequent laboratory tests verified the presence of diatom microfossils in layers with highest liquidity indices. Owing to peculiarities of the accident, a large research programme started at PUC-Rio, aiming to investigate the role of these biomineral grains on soil behaviour. Thus, based on physical-chemical-mineralogical tests performed on samples from the site, higher sensitivity natural soils from Port of Santana were reconstituted. Chemical, mineralogical and grain size reconstitution was carried out using manufactured soils containing equal proportions of minerals as in the natural soils, but with a difference in the portion of non-plastic siliceous grains: a reconstituted soil used quartz, in silt size, and the other used diatomaceous earth. This article presents and discuss results of undrained shear strength data obtained through laboratory fall cone and vane tests, as well as microstructure analyses - including scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry and X-ray microtomography - in high sensitivity natural diatomaceous soils and reconstituted soils, in the liquidity index range of 1.0 ≤ LI ≤ 1.6. It is shown the fundamental role of the diatom microfossils in microstructural metastability, impacting the high sensitivity measured in soil reconstituted with diatoms and in natural diatomaceous soils.
Adaptations to a triaxial equipment for testing of mine tailings
Authors: Raposo Nuno , Olivera Roberto , Bahia Ricardo , Gomes António Topa
Published: July 2024

Mine tailings are usually materials with particle sizes in the range of silts, frequently exhibiting very low consistency. This low-consistency condition poses challenges when trying to reconstitute specimens for triaxial testing. The first part of this work presents a description of the main geotechnical properties of mine tailings used in the tests and the difficulties associated with triaxial testing. Next, some developments, in terms of equipment and testing procedure, are presented: the design of a compaction mould, the specimen preparation using moist tamping and the lubricated end platens. Finally, the process of dismantling the specimen using freezing is presented and discussed. The final part of the paper presents some results and summarizes the challenges associated with adapting the equipment and implementing the testing procedures.
Assessing the potential of using geothermal energy in buildings: Parametric analysis
Authors: Ajeeb Batool , Figueiredo António , Aljundi Kamar , Vieira Ana , Cardoso Claudino , Gholami Raoof
Published: July 2024

For the development of more energy-efficient buildings, pursuing comprehensive sustainable solutions can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and using natural resources sustainably and at low cost are challenging objectives for the achievement of the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals. In this context, the main objective of this research is the evaluation of the energy-efficiency improvement of shallow geothermal systems, based on one case study building located at Aveiro University. The present research undertakes the improvement of several parameters with influence on the shallow geothermal systems efficiency, using as a demonstrator a university building in Aveiro University, the CCCI department building. The performed work was developed in three phases: (i) the acquisition of vertical temperature profiles in 15 exploration boreholes, (ii) the simulation of the buildings’ energy needs using EnergyPlus® software, and (iii) the evaluation of the energy demand of the geothermal system using HYGCHP® software. A sensitivity analysis was carried out with HYGCHP® by changing several parameters (average ground temperature, soil thermal conductivity, pipe radius, and total installation length) to assess the reduction potential of the annual energy consumption. Combining different parameters in the design phase allows a considerable reduction in the annual energy consumption. Two parameters are highlighted with a higher influence: the soil thermal conductivity and the average soil temperature (measured in the boreholes). A synthesis of the simulations carried out will lead to concrete recommendations and guidelines for future planning actions regarding geothermal systems installation to ensure sustainable use conditions, comfort, and health in the campus environment.
Optimizing production planning and inventory management in post-pandemic recovery using a multi-period hybrid uncertain optimization model
Authors: Wicaksono Purnawan Adi , Sutrisno Sutrisno , Solikhin Solikhin , Aziz Abdul
Published: July 2024

During the post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery phase, decision-makers in the manufacturing and retail sectors are confronted with numerous uncertainties. These issues comprise various aspects of operations, including the acquisition of raw materials or components and planning production activities. Therefore, this research aimed to introduce an innovative dynamic hybrid optimization model that combined probabilistic and fuzzy techniques. The model would offer a solution for addressing the challenges posed by uncertain parameters, particularly in the context of post-pandemic scenarios for production planning and inventory management with multiple periods of observation. The model was designed to handle exceptional circumstances such as parameter uncertainties, augmented demand fluctuations, fuzzy variables, and probabilistic factors. The primary objective of the model was to maximize the expected total profit of the operational process. To achieve this aim, an uncertain programming algorithm based on the interior point method was used to compute the optimal decision for the problem at hand. Through the execution of simulations using randomly generated data, the proposed model was thoroughly evaluated and analyzed with six suppliers, three raw part types, three product types, and six periods. All six suppliers were selected to supply raw parts, however, not all suppliers were selected to supply particular raw part types. Furthermore, it was derived that the expectation of the maximum profit is 897 261.40; this is the best expected profit generated by the optimization model, meaning that other decisions may result in a smaller expectation of the profit. The results of these simulations unequivocally showed the effectiveness of the decision-making model in providing optimal solutions, specifically in terms of raw material procurement and production planning strategies. Subsequently, this model could serve as a valuable tool for decision-makers operating within the manufacturing and retail industries.
Dorsal Metatarsal Closed Wedge Osteotomy in the Treatment of Freiberg’s Disease: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Öztürk Vedat , Bilgili Mustafa Gökhan , Baca Emre
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical and radiological results of dorsal metatarsal closed wedge osteotomy and headless screw fixation in the surgical treatment of Freiberg’s disease.

Thirty-four patients who were treated with dorsal metatarsal closed wedge osteotomy (DMCWO) for Freiberg’s disease between February 2018 and March 2022 were included in the study. Patients were staged according to the classification system described by Smillie. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society’s (AOFAS) lesser metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale, the visual analog scale (VAS), the range of motion (ROM) of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, and a subjective patient satisfaction questionnaire. For radiological evaluation, the amount of preoperative shortening of the involved metatarsal, the amount of metatarsal shortening developed after osteotomy, and radiological recovery times were recorded.

Thirty-two (94.1%) of the patients were female, and two (5.9%) were male. The average postoperative follow-up period for patients was 33.7 months (range: 24 months to 41 months). The mean AOFAS scores increased from 53.24 to 86.26 (p < 0.01). The mean VAS scores decreased from 8.59 to 1.79, and it was observed that the patients’ pain improved significantly (p < 0.01). The mean ROM of the MTP joint increased from 48.76 degrees to 70.76 degrees (p < 0.01). An average of 2.5 mm (range 1 mm to 4.1 mm) of shortening of the metatarsal length developed postoperatively (p < 0.01). Arthrosis developed in 1 case (2.9%), and transfer metatarsalgia developed in 2 cases (5.8%).

DMCWO is an effective treatment for both the early and advanced stages of symptomatic Freiberg’s disease, leading to high patient satisfaction.
Affordable Implementation of a Point-of-Care Ultrasound Program in a Large Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to Assess Umbilical Venous Catheter Tips and Aid Central Placement
Authors: Wren John T. , Eslambolchi Azadeh , Clark Kristen , Najaf Tasnim
Published: July 2024

Objective This study aimed to implement a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) program into a large neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to enhance care by improving (1) umbilical venous catheter (UVC) tip identification and (2) central placement.

Study Design A POCUS program was established with core providers who received training from external and internal experts. A prospective study (n = 94) compared the accuracy of UVC identification between neonatology-performed ultrasound (NeoUS) and X-ray relative to a referent of radiology-interpreted ultrasound. Finally, an ultrasound-guided UVC insertion protocol was introduced to rescue noncentral traditionally placed catheters (n = 37).

Results Program implementation trained six providers for a total cost of approximately $10,500 USD. NeoUS was more accurate than X-ray at identifying UVC location (81.9 vs. 60.6%) with improved sensitivity and specificity (80.0 and 84.6 vs. 52.5 and 66.7%, respectively). POCUS guidance was able to rescue 89.2% of catheters that were originally noncentral.

Conclusion POCUS implementation in a large NICU is feasible, affordable, and can improve quality of care.

Key Points
Neuropsychological profile in tuberous sclerosis complex: a study of clinical and cognitive variables in a cohort from Brazil
Authors: Cardozo Laís Faria Masulk , Schwind Mariana Richartz , Pereira Ana Paula Almeida de , Dufner-Almeida Luiz Gustavo , Haddad Luciana Amaral , Bruck Isac , Antoniuk Sérgio Antonio
Published: July 2024

Background Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with a wide clinical, cognitive, and behavioral expressivity.

Objective To assess the neuropsychological profile of individuals clinically diagnosed with TSC and the factors that could significantly impact their cognitive development.

Methods A total of 62 individuals with ages ranging from 3 to 38 years were followed up in a tertiary attention hospital in Southern Brazil, and they were assessed using a standard battery and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, when intellectual disability was observed.

Results History of epilepsy was found in 56 participants (90.3%), and 31 (50%) presented an intellectual disability. Among the other half of TSC individuals without intellectual disability, 8 (12.9%) presented borderline classification, 20 (32.2%) presented average scores, and 3 (4.8%) were above average. In total, 17 participants (27.4%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis suggested that seizures, age at diagnosis, visual perception, and general attention significantly impact cognitive performance indexes.

Conclusion The present study suggests that the occurrence of epileptic seizures and older age at diagnosis contribute to higher impairment in the domains of cognitive development, underlining the importance of early diagnosis and the prevention of epileptic seizures or their rapid control. The development of attentional skills, visual perception, and executive functions must be followed up.
Optical pulse-induced ultrafast antiferrodistortive transition in SrTiO3
Authors: Adnan Saqeeb , Khanolkar Amey , Zhou Shuxiang , Hurley David H. , Khafizov Marat
Published: July 2024

The ultrafast dynamics of the antiferrodistortive phase transition in perovskite SrTiO3 is monitored via time-domain Brillouin scattering. Using femtosecond optical pulses, we initiate a thermally driven tetragonal-to-cubic structural transformation and detect the crystal phase through changes in the frequency of Brillouin oscillations (BO) induced by propagating acoustic phonons. Coupling the measured BO frequency with a spatiotemporal heat diffusion model, we demonstrate that, for a sample kept in the tetragonal phase, deposition of sufficient thermal energy induces a rapid transformation of the heat-affected region to the cubic phase. The initial phase change is followed by a slower reverse cubic-to-tetragonal phase transformation occurring on a timescale of hundreds of picoseconds. We attribute this ultrafast phase transformation in the perovskite to a structural resemblance between atomic displacements of the R-point soft optic mode of the cubic phase and the tetragonal phase, both characterized by anti-phase rotation of oxygen octahedra. The structural relaxation time exhibits a strong temperature dependence consistent with the prediction of the equation of motion describing collective oxygen octahedra rotation based on the energy landscape of the phenomenological Landau theory of phase transitions. Evidence of such a fast structural transition in perovskites can open up new avenues in information processing and energy storage sectors.
Manipulating the duration of picoinjection controls the injected volume of individual droplets
Authors: Thakur R. , Weitz D.
Published: July 2024

The ability to add reagents into droplets is required in many microfluidic workflows. Picoinjection can address this need; however, it is unable to control the injection volume for each individual droplet. Here, we present an improved picoinjection method that can inject controlled volumes into individual droplets. We achieve this by adjusting the injection duration for each picoinjection event. This improved picoinjection method can be used to create complex microfluidic workflows that are able to control the biochemical composition of individual droplets.
Structurally and mechanically tuned macroporous hydrogels for scalable mesenchymal stem cell–extracellular matrix spheroid production
Authors: Yin Sheng , Wu Haipeng , Huang Yaying , Lu Chenjing , Cui Jian , Li Ying , Xue Bin , Wu Junhua , Jiang Chunping , Gu Xiaosong , Wang Wei , Cao Yi
Published: July 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are essential in regenerative medicine. However, conventional expansion and harvesting methods often fail to maintain the essential extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which are crucial for their functionality and efficacy in therapeutic applications. Here, we introduce a bone marrow-inspired macroporous hydrogel designed for the large-scale production of MSC–ECM spheroids. Through a soft-templating approach leveraging liquid–liquid phase separation, we engineer macroporous hydrogels with customizable features, including pore size, stiffness, bioactive ligand distribution, and enzyme-responsive degradability. These tailored environments are conducive to optimal MSC proliferation and ease of harvesting. We find that soft hydrogels enhance mechanotransduction in MSCs, establishing a standard for hydrogel-based 3D cell culture. Within these hydrogels, MSCs exist as both cohesive spheroids, preserving their innate vitality, and as migrating entities that actively secrete functional ECM proteins. Additionally, we also introduce a gentle, enzymatic harvesting method that breaks down the hydrogels, allowing MSCs and secreted ECM to naturally form MSC–ECM spheroids. These spheroids display heightened stemness and differentiation capacity, mirroring the benefits of a native ECM milieu. Our research underscores the significance of sophisticated materials design in nurturing distinct MSC subpopulations, facilitating the generation of MSC–ECM spheroids with enhanced therapeutic potential.
An agent-based modelling approach to wave-like diversification of language families
Authors: Hartmann Frederik
Published: July 2024

In contrast to phylogenetic tree inference, wave model approaches are often regarded as difficult to
computationally implement for inference of language relatedness. This paper proposes a basic framework for the computational
modelling of wave-like diversification in language families and explains the model type of agent-based models for linguistic data.
The approach is based on agent-based simulations which allow for the detailed simulation of speaker interactions within speech
communities. The proposed framework operates by simulating a large number of possible diversification situations with different
parameter settings and selecting those runs that yield a good fit to the linguistic data of the geographical spread of different
languages. The model can be fed with the geographical extent of languages and their known innovations in order to computationally
reconstruct the most likely diversification scenarios of these languages under the wave model.
韓漢音的分期與中古到現代的演變
Authors: Eom Ik-sang
Published: July 2024

抽象的

「韓漢音」是漢字的韓語讀音。本文首先探討韓漢音的分期、層次、母胎方言和其時期問題。本文提出將韓漢音分成古代、中古、近代和現代四個時期的依據。為了有效地比較韓漢音與韓語和漢語，本文還建議將古代韓語以七世紀為基準劃分為早期古代韓語和晚期古代韓語。本文還介紹韓漢音層次和母胎方言問題。韓漢音以漢語中古音為基準層次可分為比它早的層次和比它晚的層次。韓漢音母胎方言是七、八世紀漢語中古音。本文還重點分析從中古韓漢音到現代韓漢音音系的主要演變過程。在上古韓漢音時期還沒有完全確立音位地位的送氣音、輔音韻尾、聲調等語音特徵在中古韓漢音時期逐漸定型。中古韓漢音還保持七、八世紀中古漢語四等、重紐等音韻特點。到十六世紀末中古韓漢音的聲調完全消失。十七世紀初是中古和近代韓漢音的轉捩點。在十八、十九世紀韓漢音大量發生齒齦音顎化。近代韓漢音的顎化現象與近代漢語顎化走的是不同路線，因此可知它是韓語內部變化。在二十世紀現代韓漢音，部分母音消失，而且部分二合母音變成單母音。現代韓漢音比過去略有簡化。
Broadband flat supercontinuum generated by chalcogenide double-clad step-index fiber with special dispersion
Authors: Liu Yinpeng , Li Shuguang , Liao Meisong , Zhang Lei , Wang Chun , Guo Ying , Gao Weiqing , Zhang Zhibing , He Dongyu , Yu Shizi , Wang Tianxing
Published: July 2024

To achave a broader supercontinuum in the mid-infrared band, a chalcogenide double-clad step-index fiber is proposed. Comprising As2Se3, AsSe2, and As2S5 glass, this fiber effectively confines light within the core, minimizing fiber dispersion fluctuations. By iteratively adjusting the dispersion curve of the fiber, enhancement of the supercontinuum spectrum generation is possible. Spectral broadening primarily results from four-wave mixing and self-phase modulation. Raman scattering within the pulse generates unstable higher-order solitons, which, upon breakup, contribute to spectrum broadening. This study explores the effects of pulse laser parameters and fiber length on supercontinuum generation, obtains regular cognition and offers theoretical analyses of the results. Through optimization of parameters, a mid-infrared supercontinuum with an 11 μm width is achieved. These findings underscore the potential of chalcogenide double-clad step-index fiber for generating a mid-infrared supercontinuum light source. The designed fiber structure should be helpful in supercontinuum sources, bio-molecule sensing, and spectroscopy.
Dimensional effects in analysis of laser-induced-desorption diagnostics data
Authors: Stepanenko A A , Gasparyan Yu M
Published: July 2024

The accurate assessment of the local tritium concentration in the tokamak first wall by means of the laser-induced desorption (LID) diagnostics is sought as one the key solutions to monitoring the local radioactive tritium content in the first wall of the fusion reactor ITER. Numerical models of gas desorption from solids used for LID simulation are usually closed with the one-dimensional transport models. In this study, the temperature and particle dynamics in the target irradiated by a short laser pulse during LID are analyzed by means of the two-dimensional model to assess the validity of using one-dimensional approximation for recovering the diagnostics signal. The quantitative estimates for the parameters governing the heat and particle transfer are presented. The analytical expressions for the sample spatiotemporal temperature profiles driven by the target irradiation with a Gaussian laser beam with the trapezoid temporal shape are derived. The obtained relations are used to simulate tritium desorption from a tungsten sample driven by pulsed heating. It is shown that depending on the ratio between the laser spot radius and the heat diffusion length, the one-dimensional approach can noticeably overestimate the sample temperature in the limit of small laser spot radius (estimated for tungsten as ∼0.5–1.0 mm), resulting in more than 100% larger amounts of tritium desorbed from the target, compared to the two-dimensional approximation. In the limit of large laser spot radius (≥1.5 mm), both approaches yield comparable amounts of tritium desorbed from the sample.
Stability and photocatalytic performance enhancement of sodium-doped CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposites for dye wastewater degradation
Authors: Gu Donghang , Pan Yucheng , Fang Tingsen , Zhang Xi , Zhou Yun , Lu Feng , Liu Wenchao
Published: July 2024

The extremely poor stability of lead halide perovskites has always been a challenge. In this paper, CsPbBr3 nanocrystals, CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposites and Na-CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposites were prepared by thermal injection and ligand-assisted reprecipitation method. The photocatalytic effect and stability of CsPbBr3 in aqueous systems were significantly improved by sodium ions doping and complexation with Cs4PbBr6. The results showed that the photocatalytic degradation rate of 5% Na-CsPbBr3 for Sudan red (III) was 57.8% within 180 min, while that of pure CsPbBr3 was only 14.47%. In the CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposites, Na-CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposites photocatalyzed nearly 94% of Sudan red (III) in 120 min, while CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 photocatalyzed only 56% of organic dyes in the same time. Cs4PbBr6 can passivate CsPbBr3
in situ to enhance the stability of the perovskite material. In the four cyclic degradation experimental tests in aqueous systems, the nanocomposites maintained good stability performance. This study provides a new way to improve the catalytic performance and stability of perovskite materials.
Regularization methods for the inverse initial value problem for the time-fractional diffusion equation with robin boundary condition
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Authors: Chen Yongbo , Shi Chengxin , Cheng Hao
Published: July 2024

In the article, we focus on the inverse initial value problem for the time-fractional diffusion equation with robin boundary condition on a cylindrical symmetric field. The ill-posedness of this problem is proved. We introduce the modified Landweber iteration method(MLIM), the Truncated singular value decomposition(TSVD) method for solving it and propose a new regularization method, named as the TSVD-modified Landweber iteration method(TMLIM). The error estimates between the exact solution and the regularized approximate solution are presented by using two regularization parameter selection rules. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the regularization methods.
CosmoMIA: cosmic web-based redshift space halo distribution
Authors: Forero Sánchez D. , Kitaura F.-S. , Sinigaglia F. , Coloma-Nadal J.M. , Kneib J.-P.
Published: July 2024

Modern galaxy surveys demand extensive survey volumes and resolutions surpassing current dark matter-only simulations' capabilities. To address this, many methods employ effective bias models on the dark matter field to approximate object counts on a grid. However, realistic catalogs necessitate specific coordinates and velocities for a comprehensive understanding of the Universe. In this research, we explore sub-grid modeling to create accurate catalogs, beginning with coarse grid number counts at resolutions of approximately 5.5h-1Mpc per side. These resolutions strike a balance between modeling nonlinear damping of baryon acoustic oscillations and facilitating large-volume simulations. Augmented Lagrangian Perturbation Theory (ALPT) is utilized to model the dark matter field and motions, replicating the clustering of a halo catalog derived from a massive simulation atz= 1.1. Our approach involves four key stages: Tracer Assignment: Allocating dark matter particles to tracers based on grid cell counts, generating additional particles to address discrepancies. Attractor Identification: Defining attractors based on particle cosmic web environments, acting as gravitational focal points. Tracer Collapse: Guiding tracers towards attractors, simulating structure collapse. Redshift Space Distortions: Introducing redshift space distortions to simulated catalogs using ALPT and a random dispersion term. Results demonstrate accurate reproduction of monopoles and quadrupoles up to wave numbers of approximatelyk= 0.6hMpc-1. This method holds significant promise for galaxy surveys like DESI, EUCLID, and LSST, enhancing our understanding of the cosmos across scales.
Design of shortcuts to adiabaticity for Bose–Einstein condensate dynamics in soliton Josephson junctions
Authors: Wu Jingru , Han Chengyu , Kong Qian
Published: July 2024

This article primarily establishes a two-soliton system and employs the Lewis–Riesenfeld invariant inverse control method to achieve shortcuts to adiabaticity (STA) technology. We study an atomic soliton Josephson junctions (SJJs) device and subsequently compare and analyze it with atomic bosonic Josephson junctions. Moreover, we use higher-order expressions of the auxiliary equations to optimize the results and weaken the detrimental effect of the sloshing amplitude. We find that in the adiabatic shortcut evolution of two systems with time-containing tunnelling rates, the SJJs system is more robust over a rather short time evolution. In comparison with linear ramping, the STA technique is easier to achieve with the precise modulation of the quantum state in the SJJs system.
Contributions of the extended ELISE and BATMAN Upgrade test facilities to the roadmap towards ITER NBI
Authors: Fantz U. , Wünderlich D. , Wimmer C. , Barnes M. , den Harder N. , Heinemann B. , Heiler A. , Lindqvist M. , Merk F. , Navarro A. , Nocentini R. , Orozco G. , Riedl R. , Yordanov D. , Zielke D.
Published: July 2024

ITER’s NBI systems are a first of its kind system with very challenging targets for the RF-driven ion source and the acceleration stage. In a step ladder approach, the ion source test facilities BATMAN Upgrade (BUG) and ELISE support the activities carried out at the Neutral Beam Test Facility, Padua, which is equipped with the ion source facility SPIDER and with MITICA being equivalent to the ITER Heating Neutral Beam injector (HNB), capable of operating at the full power and pulse length of the ITER HNBs. The contributions of the prototype ion source at BUG (1/8 scale) and the size scaling experiment ELISE (1/2 size ITER source) to the roadmap are manifold: for hydrogen operation the ion source performance is demonstrated in several sequential 1000 s pulses, whereas long pulse deuterium operation is limited by the heat load of the co-extracted electrons on the extraction grid. Measures like special magnetic filter field configurations or biasing of surfaces and improved Cs management are identified. Both facilities have recently been extended to full steady state compatibility and very first insights of the ion source performance with steady state extraction compared to the previously used beam blips (10 s extraction every 150 s) are already gained. A pulse length of 400 s, as required for the first deuterium campaigns at ITER, seems to be feasible soon, whereas the one hour pulse imposes the highest challenge to overcome. Investigations on beam divergence revealed a divergence at the upper limit of the acceptable value for the HNB. Measurements on the beam uniformity on the scale of beamlet groups and grid segments at ELISE demonstrated a uniformity of better than the required 90%. BUG and ELISE gave input to recent implementations at SPIDER; MITICA and ITER’s NBI. Still open points and challenges are addressed, for which a continuation of the step ladder approach is essential.
Quasi-continuous re-binning of measured spectra and associated uncertainties
Authors: Dombrowski H.
Published: July 2024

As part of an evaluation of gamma-ray spectra or other
spectra, the need to adapt the binning quasi-continuously may
arise. Often, the re-distribution of measured events to a new energy
scale may be required. The necessity to change the energy scale can
have several reasons. Frequently, a drift of the detector or the
amplifier leads to different energy scales of measured spectra in
time. In order to calculate difference spectra or sum spectra, the
energy axis and binning of all spectra has to be adapted. Moreover,
before a spectrum is unfolded, its energy axis also has to be
adapted to the energy scale of the response matrix. Widespread
commercial software packages, which are commonly used for the
analysis of spectra, do not include an algorithm which solves this
task. Three algorithms are presented in this work after shedding
light on the mathematical background. An analysis of the statistical
uncertainty of the counts of re-binned or remapped spectra completes
this paper.
Codelivery of methotrexate and silibinin by niosome nanoparticles for enhanced chemotherapy of CT26 colon cancer cells
Authors: Sharifi-Azad Masoumeh , Kaveh Zenjanab Masoumeh , Shahpouri Mohammad , Adili-Aghdam Mohammad Amin , Fathi Marziyeh , Jahanban-Esfahlan Rana
Published: July 2024

Colon cancer (CC) is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world, and chemotherapy is widely applied to combat it. However, chemotherapy drugs have severe side effects and emergence of multi drug resistance (MDR) is common. This bottleneck can be overcome by niosome nanocarriers that minimize drug dose/toxicity meanwhile allow co-loading of incompatible drugs for combination therapy. In this research, silibinin (Sil) as a hydrophobic drug was loaded into the lipophilic part, and methotrexate (MTX) into the hydrophilic part of niosome by the thin film hydration (TFH) method to form Nio@MS NPs for CT26 colon cancer therapy in vitro. Our results indicated synthesis of ideal niosome nanoparticles (NPs) with spherical morphology, size of ∼100 nm, and a zeta potential of −10 mV. The IC50 value for Nio@MS was determined ∼2.6 µg ml−1, which was significantly lower than MTX-Sil (∼6.86 µg ml−1), Sil (18.46 µg ml−1 ), and MTX (9.8 µg ml−1 ). Further, Nio@MS significantly reduced cell adhesion density, promoted apoptosis and increased gene expression level of caspase 3 and BAX while promoted significant downregulation of BCL2. In conclusion, the design and application of niosome to co-administer Sil and MTX can increase the drugs cytotoxicity, reduce their dose and improve anti-cancer potential by combating MDR.
A novel strategy for calcium magnesium phosphate/carboxymethyl chitosan composite bone cements with enhanced physicochemical properties, excellent cytocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Liu Xuesha , Pei Juan , Zhao Dechuan , Yan Yonggang
Published: July 2024

Artificial bone substitutes for bone repair and reconstruction still face enormous challenges. Previous studies have shown that calcium magnesium phosphate cements (CMPCs) possess an excellent bioactive surface, but its clinical application is restricted due to short setting time. This study aimed to develop new CMPC/carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) comg of mixed powders of active MgO, calcined MgO and calcium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate. With this novel strategy, it can adjust the setting time and improve the compressive strength. The results confirmed that CMPC/CMCS composite bone cements were successfully developed with a controllable setting time (18–70 min) and high compressive strength (87 MPa). In addition, the composite bone cements could gradually degrade in PBS with weight loss up to 32% at 28 d. They also promoted the proliferation of pre-osteoblasts, and induced osteogenic differentiation. The findings indicate that CMPC/CMCS composite bone cements hold great promise as a new type of bone repair material in further and in-depth studies.
Robust changes to the wettest and driest days of the year are hidden within annual rainfall projections: a New Zealand case study
Authors: Harrington Luke J , Rosier Suzanne M , Marsh Tom I , Frame Dave J
Published: July 2024

Understanding how the statistical properties of daily rainfall will respond to a warming climate requires ensembles of climate model data which are much larger than those typically available from existing centennial-scale modelling experiments. While such centennial-scale experiments are very useful to explore scenario uncertainty in twenty-first century climate, ensemble size constraints often result in regional climate change assessments restricting their focus to annual- or season-mean rainfall projections without providing robust information about changes to the most extreme events. Here, we make use of multi-thousand member ensembles of regional climate model output from theWeather@Homeproject to explicitly resolve how the wettest and driest days of the year over New Zealand will respond to simulations of a 3 °C world, relative to simulations of the climate of the recent past (2006–15). Using a novel framework to disentangle changes during the wettest and driest days of the year, we show that many regions which show negligible change in annual mean rainfall are in fact experiencing significant changes in the amount of rain falling during both the wettest and driest spells. Exploring these changes through the lens of drought risk, we find many agricultural regions in New Zealand will face significant changes in the frequency of low-rainfall extremes in a warmer world.
Magnetic resonance in quantum spin chains with competing exchange interactions
Authors: Büttgen Norbert , von Nidda Hans-Albrecht Krug
Published: July 2024

Based on a previous review on magnetic resonance in quantum spin chains (Krug von Nidda et al 2010 Eur. Phys. J. Spec. Top.
180 161–89) we report on further development in this field with special focus on transition–metal oxides and halogenides consisting of quasi one–dimensional spin systems, where both intra–and inter–chain exchange interaction may give rise to frustration effects and higher–order anisotropic exchange contributions like the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction become decisive for the formation of the magnetic ground state. Selected examples show how NMR and ESR contribute valuable information on the magnetic phases and exchange interactions involved: LiCuVO4 with competing nearest neighbour and next–nearest neighbour intra–chain exchange, LiCu2O2 with complex zig–zag chains, and Cs2CuCl4 where the chains form a triangular lattice with the inter–chain interaction weaker but of the same order of magnitude than the intra–chain interaction. The so called paper–chain compound Ba3Cu3In4O12, where each successive pair of CuO4 plaquettes is rotated by 90° with respect to its predecessor along the c–direction like in a paper–chain, provides an interesting topology of frustrated intra–chain exchange interactions. Finally, a few dimer systems are considered.
An interesting phenomenon in oil palm: anatomical, morphophysiological, and biochemical observations from aerial roots on the trunk
Authors: Supena Nanang , Mahmud Siregar Luthfi Aziz , Rosmayati  , Hanum Chairani , Faizah Rokhana , Harahap Iman Yani
Published: July 2024

Roots are plant organs that function for nutrient and water absorption and support plants upright. Oil palm has distinctive roots due to the growth of primer roots that grow in two directions, namely vertical and horizontal. The growth of oil palm roots is highly dependent on the source of energy accumulated at the base of the stem. The availability of assimilate will determine the rate of root formation. The results of observations in the field, there is a phenomenon of root growth on oil palm stems. In general, there are four root growth phenomena, namely aerial roots which are the roots of plants affected by Ganoderma disease, roots that grow in the middle of the stem, the base of the stem, and at the end of the stem of the oil palm plant. This phenomenon has not been studied comprehensively. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of identifying the anatomical, morphophysiological, and plant biochemical observations of normal and aerial roots in oil palm trunks. The results showed differences in anatomical, morphology, and biochemical between roots growing underground and aerial roots. There are anatomical differences between the actual and aerial roots, namely the number of meta xylem is 19 pieces with a larger size in the underground roots, while the aerial roots are only 15 with a smaller size. The similarities between the two roots are included in the scalariform group. Aerial roots have the same types of roots as normal, namely primary, secondary, and tertiary roots. Based on the biochemical analysis, Palm5 is 3 times higher than the reducing sugar percentage on Palm7.
Fiber-optics based fluorescence detection. Part I: Basic concepts
Authors: Lee Bong , Ceresa Luca , Pham Danh , Kimball Joseph , Alexander Emma , Ye Xuan , Gryczynski Ignacy , Gryczynski Zygmunt
Published: July 2024

Continuous in-line detection and process monitoring are essential for industrial, analytical, and biomedical applications. Lightweight, highly flexible, and low-cost fiber optics enable the construction of compact and robust hand­held devices for in situ chemical and biological species analysis in both industrial and biomedical in vitro/in vivo detection. Despite the broad range of fiber-optic based applications, we lack a good understanding of the parameters that govern the efficiency of light collection or the sensitivity of detection. Consequently, comparing samples of different optical density and/or geometry becomes challenging and can lead to misinterpretation of results; especially when we lack the approaches necessary to correct the detected signal (spectra) for artifacts such as inner-filter effect or scattering. Hence, in this work, we discuss factors affecting the signal detected by the fiber optic in the bare and lens-coupled flat-tipped configurations that lead to signal/spectral distortions. We also present a simple generic model describing the excitation profile and emission collection efficiency that we verify with experimental data. Understanding the principles governing the signal collected by the fiber will provide rationales for correcting the measured emission spectra and recovering the true emission profile of optically dense samples.
Microstructures evolution, texture characteristics and mechanical properties of extruded Mg-9Gd-3Nd-1Zn-1Sn-0.5Zr alloy
Authors: Liu Xinna , Yan Zehua , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2024

In this study, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to explore the microstructural evolution, texture characteristics, and mechanical properties of extruded Mg-9Gd-3Nd-1Zn-1Sn-0.5Zr alloys with varying extrusion ratios (ERs). Moreover, the high-temperature mechanical properties of the alloy and analyzed the corresponding fracture mechanisms were investigated. The findings unveiled a refinement in grain size and an improvement in homogeneity with increasing ER. Such refinement coincided with the disruption of coarse Mg5(Gd, Nd, Zn) eutectic phases, facilitating dynamic recrystallization. As a result, the extruded alloy manifested small grains, significant orientation difference in grain boundaries, and a weakened texture. In particular, the average grain size in the extrusion direction (ED) diminished to 13.29 μm (ER4), 9.62 μm (ER16), and 4.05 μm (ER25). And the ED texture of the ER4 alloy featured a strong (0001) basal bimodal pattern, whereas the ER16 and ER25 alloys showcased a random texture. Furthermore, the ER25 alloy displayed notable work hardening at temperatures of 200 °C or below, exerting a significant influence on its stress–strain curve. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the alloy remained consistently above 275.09 MPa, demonstrating ductile fracture characteristics characterized by numerous dimples at temperatures of 200 °C or higher. The study identified the second phase as the primary contributor to enhancing the high-temperature tensile characteristics of the alloy. In summary, this research developed a unique high-strength Mg-9Gd-3Nd-1Zn-1Sn-0.5Zr alloy characterized by fine grain and texture strengthening. The alloy exhibited remarkable stability at temperatures of 250 °C or lower, making it a promising candidate for applications in high-temperature applications.
Electrochemical and structural performances of carbon and glass fiber-reinforced structural supercapacitor composite at elevated temperatures
Authors: Anurangi Jayani , Herath Madhubhashitha , Galhena Dona T L , Epaarachchi Jayantha
Published: July 2024

The structural supercapacitor can store electrical energy and withstand structural loads while saving substantial weight in many structural applications. This study investigated the development of a structural supercapacitor with a fiber-reinforced polymer composite system and explored the operating temperature’s influence on its performance. The electrochemical and mechanical properties of structural supercapacitors beyond the ambient temperature have not yet been studied; hence, evaluating parameters such as specific capacitance, energy density, cycle life, and structural performance at elevated temperatures are highly desired. We have designed and manufactured single and parallelly connected multilayer structural supercapacitor composites in this research. Carbon fibers were used as a bifunctional component, acting both as a current collector while acting as a mechanical reinforcement. In addition, glass fibers were added as the separator which is also acting as an integral reinforcement. The electrochemical and mechanical behavior of structural supercapacitors at elevated temperatures up to 85 °C were experimentally investigated. The test results revealed that at room temperature, the developed double-cell structural supercapacitor, which demonstrated an area-specific capacitance of 1.16 mF cm−2 and energy density of 0.36 mWh cm−2 at 0.24 mA cm−2, which are comparable to current achievements in structural supercapacitor research. The structural supercapacitor’s tensile, flexural, and compression strengths were measured as 109.5 MPa, 47.0 MPa, and 50.4 MPa, respectively. The specific capacitance and energy density reached 2.58 mF cm−2 and 0.81 mWh cm−2, while tensile, flexural, and compression strengths were reduced to 70.9 MPa, 14.2 MPa, and 8.8 MPa, respectively, at 85 °C. These findings provide new comprehensive knowledge on structural supercapacitor devices suitable for applications operating within a temperature range from ambient conditions to 85 °C.