bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Requirements Statements Are Transfer Functions: An Insight from Model‐Based Systems Engineering
Authors: Schindel William D.
Published: October 2024

Traditional systems engineering pays attention to careful composition of prose requirements statements. Even so, prose appears less than what is needed to advance the art of systems engineering into a theoretically based engineering discipline comparable to electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering. Ask three people to read a set of prose requirements statements, and a universal experience is that there will be three different impressions of their meaning. The rise of model‐based systems engineering might suggest the demise of prose requirements, but we argue otherwise. This paper shows how prose requirements can be productively embedded in and a valued formal part of requirements models. This leads to the practice‐impacting insight that requirements statements can be non‐linear extensions of linear transfer functions, shows how their ambiguity can be further reduced using ordinary language, how their completeness or overlap more easily audited, and how they can be “understood” more completely by engineering tools.
Feelings and Physics: Emotional, Psychological, and Other Soft Human Requirements, by Model‐Based Systems Engineering
Authors: Schindel William D.
Published: October 2024

Traditionally, engineering encourages requirements statements that are objective, testable, quantitative, atomic descriptions of system technical behavior. But what about “soft” requirements? When products deliver psychologically or emotionally based human experiences, subjective descriptions may frustrate engineers. This challenge is important for products appealing to senses of style, enjoyment, fulfillment, stimulation, power, safety, awareness, comfort, or similar emotional or psychological factors. Automobiles, buildings, consumer products, packaging, graphic user interfaces, airline passenger compartments and flight decks, and hospital equipment provide typical examples. This paper shows how model‐based systems engineering helps solve three related problems: (1) integrating models of “soft” human experience with hard technical product requirements, (2) describing how to score traditional “hard” technology products in terms of “fuzzier” business and competitive marketplace issues, and (3) coordinating marketing communication and promotion with the design process. The resulting framework integrates the diverse perspectives of engineers, stylists, industrial designers, human factors experts, and marketing professionals.
Failure Analysis: Insights from Model‐Based Systems Engineering
Authors: Schindel William D.
Published: October 2024

Processes for system failure analysis (for example, FMEA) are structured, well‐documented, and supported by tools. Nevertheless, we hear complaints that FMEA work feels (1) too labor intensive to encourage engagement, (2) somewhat arbitrary in identifying issues, (3) overly sensitive to the skills and background of the performing team, and (4) not building enough confidence of fully identifying the risks of system failure. In fairness to experts in the process, perhaps such complaints come from those less experienced — but even so, we should care how to describe this process to encourage better technical and experience outcomes. This paper shows how model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) answers these challenges by deeper and novel integration with requirements and design. Just as MBSE powered the requirements discovery process past its earlier, more subjective performance, so also can MBSE accelerate understanding and performance of failure risk analysis — as a discipline deeply connected within the systems engineering process.
The impact of audit on IT governance: A study of the financial services sector in Ghana
Authors: Asmah Alexander , Kyobe Michael
Published: October 2024

In recent years, IT governance has been a subject of discussion among academics and practitioners. The concern has been on the need to implement governance mechanisms and ensure the right balance of these mechanisms. However, the audit of IT governance mechanisms has received very little attention. This paper aims to analyse the overall impact of IT governance audits on the maturity and coherence of governance mechanisms. Guided by the configurational theory, the researchers argue that when governance mechanisms operate coherently and are regularly audited, there will be improvement in IT governance and the performance of financial institutions. In this study, seven financial services companies in Ghana were reviewed, and their IT governance maturity was assessed after seven months of auditing with a COBIT 5‐driven IT audit framework. Two surveys were conducted, one before and one after the auditing. The findings of the study confirm the claim that regular auditing improves IT governance maturity and coherence. Several governance mechanisms within the case organizations improved to one higher level of maturity on the Capability Maturity Model. This improvement was after seven months of auditing. Regular auditing also improved IT roles and responsibilities, empowered IT personnel and improved the IT budgetary control and architecture of the entities. This study has implications for practice. It emphasizes the importance of independent regular IT auditing and the need to ensure coherence among IT governance mechanisms if effective IT governance is to be achieved in financial institutions.
Engaging culturally and linguistically diverse youth in semiotic analysis for community‐based inquiry
Authors: Deroo Matthew R. , Axelrod Daryl , Kahn Jennifer
Published: October 2024

This manuscript examines multimodal storytelling as community inquiry for an urban high school class of 30 first‐ and second‐generation bi/multilingual immigrant students, most of whom maintained transnational connections. We share how these students, in an A.P. Research class, engaged in community‐based inquiry and utilized various multimodal artifacts from a university cultural heritage collection, including a field trip to the cultural heritage archives, to analyze signs and symbols. We asked: How did students engage with semiotic resources and approaches to support inquiry about their school and neighborhood communities? Findings showed that students drew upon their linguistic and cultural experiences to analyze signs and symbols, yet in their digital storytelling presentations some student groups chose signs and symbols that reified stereotypical views of their neighborhood despite their insider status in the local community. We offer recommendations for using cultural heritage artifacts to advance multimodal meaning‐making in teaching and research.
A time‐series analysis examining implementation strategies to increase use of an early‐supported discharge hospital at home model
Authors: Sunkara Padageshwar , Nagaraj Raghava , Nguyen Hieu , Murphy Stephanie , Goslen Kevin , Barot Harsh , Hetherington Timothy , Stephens Casey , Isreal McKenzie , Kowalkowski Marc
Published: October 2024

Background

Early‐supported discharge (ESD) hospital‐at‐home (HaH) programs facilitate hospitalized patients to receive ongoing acute‐level care at home, thereby promoting patient‐centeredness while improving hospital throughput.

Objectives

The current study aimed to test multiple implementation strategies to increase and sustain HaH ESD utilization.

Methods

We conducted interrupted time series analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of implementation strategies on weekly HaH ESD referrals and capacity utilization at five hospitals. Intervention 1 included provider‐focused education and HaH nurse navigator support (July 2021 to May 2022). Intervention 2 added provider‐level referral performance feedback and daily electronic health record‐based eligibility reports (May 2022 to December 2022). During postintervention (January 2023 to June 2023), implementation strategies were no longer supported by the study team. Clinical outcomes were assessed over time and between patient subgroups.

Results

There were 5951 HaH ESD patients overall. After Intervention 2, we observed immediate increases in weekly HaH ESD referrals (level change mean difference [MD, 95% confidence interval]: 14.8, 5.9–23.6) and capacity utilization (level change MD: 13.9%, 6.2%–21.5%) and additional week‐to‐week increases in capacity utilization (slope change MD: 0.6%, 0.2%–0.9%), compared to Intervention 1 trends. HaH ESD referrals and capacity utilization were sustained postintervention. The proportion of provider‐initiated referrals increased over time (Intervention 1: 79.4%, Intervention 2: 90.9%, postintervention: 95.2%). As HaH ESD utilization increased, we observed shorter inpatient length of stay and fewer HaH ESD encounters per visit (p < 0.01). There were small, statistically significant differences in 30‐day mortality and readmission for residents of rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.

Conclusion

Applying referral‐focused provider feedback and daily eligibility reports were effective within a multicomponent approach to increase and sustain HaH ESD utilization.
Analysis of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Ding Beining , Zhang Youyu , Wu Yilin , Li Yongguo
Published: October 2024

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is responsible for a spectrum of human diseases and demonstrates a considerable prevalence among various populations. Advances in molecular epidemiological research have enhanced our comprehension of EBV‐related pathologies. In this study, our objective was to examine the epidemiological profile and clinical features of EBV infection in Chongqing, China. We enrolled patients suspected of EBV‐related diseases who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between May 2013 and November 2022. Inclusion criteria were based on those who underwent EBV‐specific immunofluorescence or plasma EBV‐DNA testing. Among 13 584 inpatients, the overall seropositivity rates for EBNA‐1‐IgG, EBV‐VCA‐IgM, EBV‐EA‐IgG, EBV‐EA‐IgA, EBV‐VCA‐IgA, and EBV‐DNA were 91.89%, 7.22%, 18.00%, 16.19%, 30.78%, and 18.00%, respectively. The seropositivity rate for EBNA‐1‐IgG steadily increased with age. The seropositivity rate for VCA‐IgM, an indicator of acute EBV infection, was highest in patients aged 11–20 years at 26.41%, decreasing to 2%–6% in older patients. Additionally, among 205 outpatients, the EBV‐DNA positivity rate was 14.15%. In 3670 individuals from health check‐up centers, the seropositivity rates for EBV‐EA‐IgA and EBV‐VCA‐IgA were 11.96% and 28.09%, respectively, and the EBV‐DNA positivity rate was 11.92%, all of which were lower than those in inpatients. Among the 762 EBV‐DNA positive inpatients, adults aged 31–40 years were the least affected, with a seropositivity rate of 12.00%, which increased with age. The most common diseases associated with primary EBV infection were infectious mononucleosis (IM) (35.49%), followed by EBV infection (14.15%) and pneumonia (7.19%). The most common diseases associated with EBV reactivation were pneumonia (16.80%), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) (11.02%), and autoimmune diseases (7.04%). Patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) had the highest viral load, significantly higher than those with NPC, pneumonia, and liver cirrhosis. This large‐scale retrospective study explores the epidemiological characteristics and disease spectrum of EBV infection across all age groups. The findings contribute to the improvement of diagnostic and management strategies for EBV infection.
Big data analysis reveals significant increases in complications, costs, and hospital stay in revision total knee arthroplasty compared to primary TKA
Authors: Laver Lior , Maman David , Hirschmann Michael T. , Mahamid Assil , Bar Ofek , Steinfeld Yaniv , Berkovich Yaron
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Despite significant advancements in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), some patients require revision surgery (R‐TKA) due to complications such as infection, mechanical loosening, instability, periprosthetic fractures, and persistent pain. This study aimed to explore the specific causes leading to R‐TKA, associated complications, including infection, mechanical failure, and wound issues, as well as costs, mortality rates, and hospital length of stay (LOS) using data from a large national database.

Methods

Data from the nationwide inpatient sample (NIS), the largest publicly available all‐payer inpatient care database in the United States were analysed from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019. The study included 44,649 R‐TKA cases, corresponding to 223,240 patients, with exclusions for nonelective admissions. Various statistical analyses were used to assess clinical outcomes, including in‐hospital mortality, postoperative complications, LOS, and hospitalization costs.

Results

Among 2,636,880 TKA patients, 8.4% underwent R‐TKA. R‐TKA patients had higher rates of chronic conditions, including mental disorders (36.4%) and renal disease (9.9%). Additionally, these patients often experienced instability, necessitating revision surgery. Infection (22.3%) was the primary reason for R‐TKA, followed by mechanical loosening (22.9%) and instability. Compared to primary TKA patients, R‐TKA patients exhibited higher in‐hospital mortality (0.085% vs. 0.025%), longer LOS (3.1 vs. 2.28 days), and higher total charges ($97,815 vs. $62,188). Postoperative complications, including blood transfusion (4.6% vs. 1.3%), acute kidney injury (4.4% vs. 1.8%), venous thromboembolism (0.55% vs. 0.29%), infection, and wound problems, were significantly higher in R‐TKA patients.

Conclusions

This study provides detailed insights into t LOS, costs, and complications associated with specific etiologies of revision TKA. Our findings emphasize the need for targeted preoperative optimization and patient education. This approach can help reduce the incidence and burden of R‐TKA, improve patient care, optimize resource allocation, and potentially decrease the overall rates of complications in revision surgeries.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Unveiling Phenotypic and Environmental Dynamics: Exploring Genetic Stability and Adaptability of Faba Bean Cultivars in Norwegian Climates
Authors: Mohammadi Shirin , Lillemo Morten , Ergon Åshild , Shafiee Sahameh , Zanotto Stefano , Dieseth Jon Arne , Waalen Wendy , Grieu Chloé , Uhlen Anne Kjersti
Published: October 2024

This study evaluated 22 spring‐type faba bean cultivars in the main areas for cultivation of faba bean in Norway to assess the variation of 14 faba bean traits due to cultivar (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E), and to assess their stability across environments by using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis and coefficient of variation (CV). Significant G, E, and G × E effects were found for most traits, with environment accounting for much of the variance in yield and the growing degree days (GDD) to different developmental stages. Yield was highly correlated with thousand kernel weight (TKW) and GDD to BBCH 89 (maturation). The stability of the cultivars was studied for yield, TKW, and GDD to BBCH 89. Stability analysis using the AMMI stability value, yield stability index, CV, and the average sum of ranks identified Birgit, Stella, Bobas, and Macho as the most stable high‐yielding cultivars across environments, achieving a mean yield of 6–6.4 tons ha−1. Bobas, Macho, Stella, and Yukon had the most stable TKW (612–699 g) and Bobas, Capri, Trumpet, and Vertigo were the most stable regarding GDD to BBCH 89 (1257°C days, with a base temperature of 5°C). These stable cultivars can be utilized in breeding programs to achieve high and stable faba bean yield in the main growing areas of Norway and other Nordic‐Baltic countries.
Genetic Analysis for Seed Yield and Yield‐Related Traits in Tepary Bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) Under Drought‐Stress and Non‐stress Conditions
Authors: Mwale Saul Eric , Shimelis Hussein , Nkhata Wilson , Sefasi Abel , Fandika Isaac , Mashilo Jacob
Published: October 2024

Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) is an under‐utilized genetic resource with significant potential for food security and stress tolerance breeding. Expanding its cultivation in southern Africa requires high‐yielding, locally adapted and drought‐tolerant varieties. This study determined the combining ability and genetic components for seed yield and related traits in tepary bean genotypes under non‐stress (NS) and drought‐stress (DS) conditions. Seven parents were selected through rigorous phenotyping and crossed using a half‐diallel design. The 7 parents and 21 F2 progenies were evaluated in 2021/2022 season at Kasinthula and Bunda sites in Malawi under NS and DS conditions using a 4 × 7 lattice design with three replications. The specific combining ability (SCA) × location interaction effect was significant (p < 0.05) for DTF, NPP, and SY, suggesting that the genetic effects of crosses were influenced by the test locations. General combining ability (GCA) and SCA mean squares were significant for the number of seeds per pod (NSP) and SY under DS conditions, indicating both additive and non‐additive gene effects. Baker's ratio (BR) > 0.50 for NPP and NSP under DS conditions suggested a preponderance of additive gene effects. G40145, G40148 and G40150 parental lines were good combiners for NPP and SY. The F2 families from crosses such as Zimbabwe landrace/G40138, Zimbabwe landrace/G40150, G40059/G40145, G40059/G40148, G40138/G40150 and G40145/G40150 were identified as best specific combiners, with enhanced SY of 1.67 t/ha under DS conditions. The study recommends advancing high‐performing early‐generation families for selection across representative environments to facilitate variety release and commercialization.
Thermochemical Corrosion of Furnace Materials in Atmospheres Containing Ammonia
Authors: Sommer Michaela , Steinbacher Matthias , Hoja Stefanie
Published: October 2024

Furnace components are made from heat‐resistant materials that must withstand the long‐term effects of the atmospheres used during heat treatment. In a nitriding furnace, the atmosphere usually consists of various gaseous media that react not only with the treated parts but also with the furnace equipment. This leads to thermochemical corrosion, even with carefully selected heat‐resistant and stainless steels or nickel‐based alloys. The present research focuses on determining the long‐term effects of ammonia‐containing atmospheres on the metallic furnace materials AISI 309, AISI 314, Alloy 600, and Alloy 601. The materials studied were exposed to numerous nitriding or nitrocarburizing treatments for more than 10 years to investigate the long‐term effects of repeated contact with ammonia‐containing atmospheres. The surface layers of the samples were characterized by several methods to determine the microstructural changes due to nitrogen absorption. A different nitrogen absorption of the metallic furnace materials from the heat treatment atmosphere, depending on the material properties, could be proven by the investigations.
Machine Learning–Assisted Risk Assessment of Pitting Corrosion Susceptibility of AA1050 in Ethanol‐Containing Fuels
Authors: Jarren Lukas C. , Gazenbiller Eugen , Arya Visheet , Reitz Rüdiger , Oechsner Matthias , Feiler Christian , Zheludkevich Mikhail L. , Höche Daniel
Published: October 2024

The ability to assess the risk of corrosion of metallic structures in particular environments holds considerable significance in the field of automotive industry. In recent years, machine learning has evolved into a crucial tool to evaluate the complex and multidimensional corrosion phenomena. In this paper, the special case of non‐aqueous alcoholate pitting corrosion of AA1050 in ethanol‐blended fuels with water and chloride contamination is examined via supervised machine learning techniques in order to distinguish between safe and unsafe conditions. The data space was created by conducting dedicated experiments with varying ethanol–fuel–water ratios, temperatures, and surface preparations. The classifier's performance rating of 0.87 (balanced accuracy) indicates an outstanding predictive ability and highlights the model's usefulness as decision support for subsequent experiments.
Noncircular Slip Surface Search on Slopes Based on Minimum Potential Energy Method and Improved SA Algorithm
Authors: Tang Yi , Lin Hang
Published: October 2024

The limit equilibrium method has been widely used in the study of searching the slip surface of slopes. However, the method ignores the deformation characteristics of the rock mass and assumes that the shape of the slip surface is circular, which is quite different from the actual situation of the slope. For this reason, this paper proposes a fast search method for noncircular slip surface considering the deformation characteristics of the rock mass. The method is able to calculate the compression and shear deformation energies stored in the slip surface, as well as the virtual displacement generated by the slide mass when the slope is in a critical equilibrium state. The direction of motion of the slide mass is further calculated from the magnitude of the virtual displacement. In addition, this paper improves the generation of new solutions in the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm for the structural characteristics of the slip surface of the slope, thus achieving a fast search of the slip surface. Finally, the method of this paper is compared with the test question of ACADS and the simulation results of the finite difference method (FDM) to verify the effectiveness of the method of this paper.
Mechanical, free vibration, electrical, and water absorption properties of vinyl ester composites reinforced with Phoenix sp. fibers: Influence of eco‐friendly sodium bicarbonate treatment
Authors: Rajeshkumar G.
Published: October 2024

Environmentally sustainable and eco‐friendly natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites have become the materials of interest in replacing synthetic fibers. However, weak interfacial interaction between hydrophilic natural fibers and hydrophobic polymer matrix limits their commercial applicability. Improving the interfacial interaction using environmentally friendly chemical treatments would be beneficial for both industries and the environment. In this study, vinyl ester‐based composites were made by incorporating Phoenix sp. fibers in different content (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) and lengths (5, 10, 15, and 20 mm). To improve the interfacial interactions, the fibers were treated with eco‐friendly sodium bicarbonate solution at different durations (24, 120, and 240 h) prior to reinforcing. The fabricated composites were characterized by mechanical, free vibration, electrical resistance, and water uptake properties. The results reveal that both fiber content and fiber length have a significant effect on the above properties. Specifically, the composites incorporated with 20 wt% of 15 mm length fibers offered better properties. Further, the composites added with 120 h treated fibers have the maximum tensile strength (61.35 MPa) and modulus (4.13 GPa), flexural strength (152.63 MPa) and modulus (10.24 GPa), impact strength (24.67 kJ/m2), and natural frequency (56.72 Hz). This improvement is mainly due to the improved interfacial bonding, which was evidenced in morphological analysis. Based on the findings, the eco‐friendly treated sustainable Phoenix sp. fibers could be used as a promising reinforcement material for fabricating light weight polymer composites for various industrial applications.

Highlights

Various properties of Phoenix sp. fiber/epoxy composites were investigated.

Interfacial bonding is enhanced through eco‐friendly chemical treatments.

Vibration behavior of composites improved due to high stiffness of treated fibers.

Composites with treated fibers have excellent electrical and water resistance.
Exploring the effects of fiber content and length on mechanical, free vibration, electrical, and water absorption properties of Phoenix sp. fiber‐reinforced polyester composites
Authors: Rajeshkumar G. , Vigneshwaran K.
Published: October 2024

This work addresses the experimental investigation of the mechanical, free vibration, electrical resistivity, and moisture uptake characteristics of Phoenix sp. fiber‐reinforced polyester composites (PFRPC) fabricated using the compression molding method. The polyester matrix (PM) was added with Phoenix sp. fibers (PSFs) of different content (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) and length (10, 20, and 30 mm) and studied their effect on the aforesaid properties. The results reveal that the composites having 20 wt% of 20 mm length PSFs exhibited optimum mechanical properties. At this loading, the ultimate tensile strength and modulus were 48.36 MPa and 2.86 GPa, respectively, while the flexural strength and modulus were 83.89 MPa and 2.91 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, this composite exhibits an impact strength of 22.04 kJ/m2 and an interlaminar shear strength of 41.88 MPa. The increase in PSF content and length resulted in greater stiffness and decreased mass of the composites, leading to an enhanced natural frequency. The inclusion of PSFs showed a decline in electrical resistivities due to their moisture‐absorbing capability. In contrast, the hydrophilic behavior of PSFs led to a rise in the water absorption rate of the composites due to the increase in fiber variables. Scanning electron microscopy examination shows that short fiber‐reinforced composites have more fiber pull‐outs due to the limited area of contact, whereas long fiber‐added composites possess better bonding with the PM.

Highlights

Various properties of Phoenix sp. fiber/polyester composites were investigated

Increase in fiber content enhanced the mechanical performance of composites

Variation in fiber length has only minimal effect on composite properties

Phoenix sp. fiber/polyester composites exhibit better insulating property
Preparation and characterization of waterborne silicone modified epoxy resin
Authors: He Lihong , Wang Jialing , Yang Liming , Yang Fan , Ma Yuefan
Published: October 2024

Silicone modified epoxy resin was synthesized with bisphenol‐A epoxy resin (E51) and dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDCS), and waterborne silicone modified epoxy resin (WSER) was prepared. The WSER emulsion exhibited good stability with particle size ranging from 0.5 to 2 μm. Compared with waterborne epoxy resin (WER) cured film, the water resistance of WSER cured film was enhanced by the excellent hydrophobicity of DMDCS. Furthermore, the WSER cured film with 6% DMDCS showed better mechanical properties, and Shore hardness and tensile strength of that were greatly increased. Moreover, the corrosion resistance and ultraviolet (UV) aging resistance of WSER cured film were obviously improved compared to WER cured film.

Highlights

Dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDCS) was employed to modify bisphenol‐A epoxy resin (E51).

Waterborne silicone modified epoxy resin (WSER) was prepared by phase inversion method.

WSER cured films did better than WER cured film in water resistance and mechanical properties.

WSER cured films showed good corrosion resistance and ultraviolet aging resistance.
Investigation on Effects of the Laser‐Enhanced Contact Optimization Process With Ag Paste in a Boron Emitter for n‐TOPCon Solar Cell
Authors: Wang Qinqin , Guo Kaiyuan , Gu Siwen , Huang Wei , Wu Wangping , Ding Jianning
Published: October 2024

TOPCon solar cell with boron (B)‐doped emitters plays an important role in photovoltaic cell technology. However, a major challenge to further improving the metallization‐induced recombination and electrical contact of B‐doped emitters. Laser‐enhanced contact optimization (LECO) technology is one of ideal candidates for reducing the metallization recombination and contact resistivity. In this study, we investigate the influence of LECO technology using special Ag paste with a decreased Pb content on the performance of the metallization‐induced recombination (J0,metal), contact resistivity (ρc), microtopography of the contact, the I–V parameters, and possible conductive mechanisms. The results showed that the linear resistivity is reduced from 3.56 to 2.60 μΩ·cm owing to special Ag paste, and after LECO treatment, it also has lower ρc about 0.91 mohm·cm2. Both of them have a large contribution to the FF enhancement. Meanwhile, the J0,metal drops from 500 to 200 fA/cm2, which provides a great contribution to the improvement in open‐circuit voltage. The efficiency improved by 0.26% absolute to 25.94%, mainly because of the increased open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 4 mV and a fill factor (FF) of 0.26%. Simulated by COMSOL, the electron concentration rises to 4 × 1019 cm−3 after LECO treatment, which can generate a larger reverse current to provide a melting temperature for the glass frit, increasing the interface glass phase conductivity. The possible current transport mechanism of LECO is current tunneling effect, resulting in the decrease in the metallization recombination. After the optimization of the LECO process with low‐corrosion paste, we manufactured industrial‐grade TOPCon cells with Eff, Voc, Jsc, and FF values as high as 26.5%, 736 mV, 42.1 mA/cm2, and 85.5%, respectively.
The Cleavage of RNA Model Compounds: The Interplay Between the Nucleophile and the Leaving Group
Authors: Koski Jasmin I. , Poijärvi Emilia , Tulisalo Anne , Korhonen Heidi , Mikkola Satu
Published: October 2024

Hydrolytic reactions of phosphodiester bonds of RNA have been extensively studied over several decades. Information on the factors that affect the reactivity of phosphodiester bonds in biomolecules is important for the development of new nucleic acid‐related therapeutics. Furthermore, the development of artificial nucleases requires efficient catalytic entities, and rational design of catalysts requires detailed understanding of the catalytic mechanisms. In the present article, we concentrate on the interplay between the nucleophile and leaving group both in the absence and in the presence of metal ion catalysts. The effect of the nucleophile on the reactivity of RNA model compounds has been studied with 2‐hydroxypropyl and uridine 3′‐aryl phosphates as well as with bis‐(p‐nitrophenyl)phosphate as substrates. pH‐rate profiles for three different 2‐hydroxypropyl arylphosphates were compared with those obtained with a uridine 3′‐alkyl and aryl phosphates. The observations are discussed in terms of the relative goodness/poorness of the nucleophile and the leaving group. Metal complex‐dependent reactions were studied in the presence of well‐known and robust CuTerPy and CuBiPy complexes. The results show that CuTerPy and CuBiPy favour different types of phosphodiesters as substrates, depending on the properties of the nucleophile and leaving group, and suggest that the complexes utilize different catalysis mechanisms, which may depend also on the structure of the substrate. The results obtained further the understanding on the basic principles of metal complex‐promoted cleavage of RNA and model compounds, help to assess the relevance of data obtained with model compounds and support the design of artificial enzymes for phosphodiester cleavage.
Optimizing Forward Drop and Reverse Leakage Trade‐Off in AlGaN/GaN Lateral Diode with Schottky‐Metal‐Insulator‐Semiconductor Cascode Anode
Authors: Wang Fangzhou , Gao Changhong , Ding Guojian , Yu Cheng , Wang Zhuocheng , Wang Xiaohui , Feng Qi , Yu Ping , Zuo Peng , Wang Yang , Chen Wanjun , Jia Haiqiang , Zhang Bo , Chen Hong , Wang Zeheng
Published: October 2024

Herein, AlGaN/GaN lateral diode with the Schottky‐Metal‐Insulator‐Semiconductor (MIS) cascode anode (CALD) to optimize forward voltage drop (VF) and reverse leakage current (ILEAK) trade‐off is proposed. In the CALD device, a normally‐on Ni/HfO2/AlGaN MIS‐controlled channel as well as a lateral Ni/GaN Schottky contact are cascoded at the anode. The designed normally‐on MIS‐controlled channel has high electron concentration at forward bias and prevents high electric‐field at reverse bias, which ensure both low VF and low ILEAK. Meanwhile, the Ni/GaN Schottky contact with a high Schottky barrier height further suppresses the ILEAK. As a result, the fabricated CALD demonstrates an optimized VF–ILEAK trade‐off relationship, including a low VF of 1.6 V and a low ILEAK of 5.2 × 10−8 A mm−1 (at reverse voltage of 400 V), together with a high breakdown voltage (BV) >700 V. These high performances suggest that the CALD can be a promising candidate for GaN power diode applications requiring a better VF–ILEAK trade‐off.
Epitaxy of >7 μm Thick GaN Drift Layers on 150 mm Si(111) Substrates Realizing Vertical PN Diodes with 1200 V Breakdown Voltage
Authors: Michler Sondre , Hamdaoui Youssef , Thapa Sarad , Schwalb Georg , Besendörfer Sven , Ziouche Katir , Albrecht Martin , Brunner Frank , Medjdoub Farid , Meissner Elke
Published: October 2024

Metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition growth of vertical GaN PN structures on 6″ Si(111) substrates enabling a 1200 V breakdown voltage is demonstrated. Thanks to an optimized buffer structure utilizing island growth in an AlN/Al0.1Ga0.9N superlattice, the threading dislocation density is drastically reduced, and sufficient compressive stress is incorporated in active GaN layers to compensate for the thermal mismatch. Crack‐free PN structures with drift layer thicknesses up to 7.4 μm are realized with a threading dislocation density of ≈5 × 108 cm−2 and an absolute wafer bow <50 μm. Quasi‐vertical PN diodes reveal a linear increase in the breakdown voltage with the drift layer thickness with an average breakdown field of ≈1.6 MV cm−1. Additionally, the leakage current is shown to decrease monotonically as the drift layer thickness increases. For a 7.4 μm thick drift layer with a net ionized donor concentration of 0.9 × 1016 cm−3, a high breakdown voltage of 1200 V, a low specific on‐resistance of 0.4 mΩ cm−2, and a low leakage current of 10−4 A cm−2 (at a reverse bias of 650 V) are obtained. These results demonstrate the great potential of cost‐effective vertical GaN‐on‐Si power devices operating in the kilovolt range.
Negative Thermal Expansion Realized by an Incomplete Bimaterial Ring
Authors: Pasternak Elena , Dyskin Arcady
Published: October 2024

Incomplete bimaterial ring (a circular ring with a gap) capable of producing negative macroscopic thermal expansion is proposed and its behavior is analyzed. The ring exhibits negative thermal expansion (NTE) (in the plane of the ring) when the outer ring has higher thermal expansion coefficient than the inner one. When the thermal expansion coefficients are equal (monomaterial incomplete ring), the effective (macroscopic) planar thermal expansion becomes zero. (The complete thermal expansion will be positive but small.) It is the presence of the gap which is the basis of this thermal behavior. Similar effect can be achieved by spring or spiral structures where the role of the gap is played by the open ends. These structures will have higher stiffness than the incomplete bimaterial ring. The thermal expansion of the ring is characterized by the effective (macroscopic) coefficient of linear thermal expansion. The effective coefficient of linear thermal expansion depends on the temperature increase, making the thermal expansion nonlinear. Planar and 3D NTE structures are considered.
Didang decoction attenuates cancer‐associated thrombosis by inhibiting PAD4‐dependent NET formation in lung cancer
Authors: Zeng Xiaoyan , Li Jiuxi , Pei Liyuan , Yang Yaping , Chen Ya , Wang Xuejing , Zhang Ting , Zhou Ting
Published: October 2024

This research aims to investigate the impact of Didang decoction (DD) on the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and cancer‐associated thrombosis in lung cancer. BALB/c nude mice were used to establish xenograft models for inducing deep vein thrombosis. Tumor growth and thrombus length were assessed. The impact of DD on NET generation was analyzed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real‐time PCR, and western blot analysis, both in vivo and in vitro. CI‐amidine, a PAD4 inhibitor, was employed to evaluate the role of PAD4 in the generation of NETs. In vivo studies demonstrated that treatment with DD reduced tumor growth, inhibited thrombus formation, and decreased the levels of NET markers in the serum, tumor tissues, neutrophils, and thrombus tissues of mice. Additional data indicated that DD could suppress neutrophil counts, the release of tissue factor (TF), and the activation of thrombin‐activated platelets, all of which contributed to increased formation of NETs in mouse models. In vitro, following incubation with conditioned medium (CM) derived from Lewis lung carcinoma cells, the expression of NET markers in neutrophils was significantly elevated, and an extracellular fibrous network structure was observed. Nevertheless, these NET‐associated changes were partially counteracted by DD. Additionally, CI‐amidine reduced the expression of NET markers in CM‐treated neutrophils, consistent with the effects of DD. Collectively, DD inhibits cancer‐associated thrombosis in lung cancer by decreasing PAD4‐dependent NET formation through the regulation of TF‐mediated thrombin‐platelet activation. This presents a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating venous thromboembolism in lung cancer.
Benchmarking Multipartite Entanglement Generation with Graph States
Authors: Zander René , Becker Colin Kai‐Uwe
Published: October 2024

As quantum computing technology slowly matures and the number of available qubits on a QPU gradually increases, interest in assessing the capabilities of quantum computing hardware in a scalable manner is growing. One of the key properties for quantum computing is the ability to generate multipartite entangled states. In this study, aspects of benchmarking entanglement generation capabilities of noisy intermediate‐scale quantum (NISQ) devices are discussed based on the preparation of graph states and the verification of entanglement in the prepared states. Thereby, entanglement witnesses that are specifically suited for a scalable experiment design are used. This choice of entanglement witnesses can detect A) bipartite entanglement and B) genuine multipartite entanglement for graph states with constant two measurement settings if the prepared graph state is based on a two‐colorable graph, e.g., a square grid graph or one of its subgraphs. With this, it is experimentally verified that a bipartite entangled state comprising all qubits can be prepared on a 127‐qubit IBM Quantum superconducting QPU, and genuine multipartite entanglement can be detected for states of up to 23 qubits with quantum readout error mitigation.
Trotterless Simulation of Open Quantum Systems for NISQ Quantum Devices
Authors: Burdine Colin , Blair Enrique P.
Published: October 2024

The simulation of quantum systems is one of the flagship applications of near‐term NISQ (noisy intermediate‐scale quantum) computing devices. Efficiently simulating the rich, non‐unitary dynamics of open quantum systems remains challenging on NISQ hardware. Current simulation methods for open quantum systems employ time‐stepped Trotter product formulas (“Trotterization”) which can scale poorly with respect to the simulation time and system dimension. Here, a new simulation method is proposed based on the derivation of a time‐perturbative Kraus operator series representation of the system. A class of open quantum systems is identified for which this method produces circuits of time‐independent depth, which may serve as a desirable alternative to Trotterization, especially on NISQ devices.
Sampled‐data‐driven event‐triggered secure control of uncertain nonlinear cyber‐physical systems against multiple attacks
Authors: Duan Zhiyu , Wei Airong , Zhang Xianfu , Sun Bo
Published: October 2024

In this paper, the sampled‐data‐driven event‐triggered secure control is discussed for a class of uncertain nonlinear cyber‐physical systems under multiple attacks containing deception attacks and replay attacks. Compared with exisiting research, the studied systems take into account the uncertainty and coupling that may occur in practical situations. Notably, deception attacks impede the application of a gain design approach in control design. To address this issue, an artful state transformation is presented to convert the considered system into an auxiliary system. Based on this, a novel sampled‐data‐driven attack compensation scheme is devised via the gain design approach, and an event‐triggered mechanism is further introduced into the scheme to cancel needless control updates, which successfully ensures state convergence meanwhile resisting the impact of multiple attacks. Particularly, the designed control scheme not only utilizes data efficiently but also avoids Zeno behaviour automatically by judging triggering conditions in sampled points. Finally, the validity of the results is verified through two simulation examples.
Dynamic Docking Anti‐Disturbance Control of Overactuated AUV: System, Method, and Lake Trails
Authors: Duan Yu , Guan Xiawei , Liu Yifan , Yang Shaolong , Xiang Xianbo , Chen Hong
Published: October 2024

Dynamic docking control technology is crucial for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) to perform tasks underwater. To enhance the docking success rate of AUVs during dynamic docking, this paper presents a robust anti‐disturbance control algorithm specifically designed for overactuated AUV dynamic docking scenarios. During a dynamic docking mission, the AUV's depth control is adversely affected by the complex flow field generated by the underwater recovery device. To address this issue, this research proposes an AUV control scheme that combines an extended state observer (ESO) with a combined disturbance rejection method of the elevator‐vertical tunnel controller. First, an ESO is constructed to estimate and compensate for complicated disturbances such as model uncertainty and environmental disturbances. These estimations are then incorporated into the control law to mitigate the effects of the complicated flow field interference experienced during the AUV's dynamic docking process. Second, as turbulence intensifies at the end of the docking stage, the vertical thrust allocation is achieved using a hyperbolic tangent transition function. This ensures the stability of the AUV's attitude and depth, thereby enabling precise docking. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm is verified through lake trials and compared against the classic proportional‐integral‐differential (PID) and active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) methods. The trial results indicate that the proposed control algorithm significantly reduces the pitch and depth errors of the AUV, resulting in a remarkable 91% success rate for dynamic docking (based on 45 tests). The lake trials demonstrate that the proposed control algorithm is highly precise and robust.
Multivariate Flexible Metal–Organic Frameworks and Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Sobczak Szymon K , Drwęska Joanna , Gromelska Wiktoria , Roztocki Kornel , Janiak Agnieszka M
Published: October 2024

Precise control of the void environment, achieved through multiple functional groups and enhanced by structural adaptations to guest molecules, stands at the forefront of scientific inquiry. Flexible multivariate open framework materials (OFMs), including covalent organic frameworks and metal–organic frameworks, meet these criteria and are expected to play a crucial role in gas storage and separation, pollutant removal, and catalysis. Nevertheless, there is a notable lack of critical evaluation of achievements in their chemistry and future prospects for their development or implementation. To provide a comprehensive historical context, the initial discussion explores into the realm of “classical” flexible OFMs, where their origin, various modes of flexibility, similarities to proteins, advanced tuning methods, and recent applications are explored. Subsequently, multivariate flexible materials, the methodologies involved in their synthesis, and horizons of their application are focussed. Furthermore, the reader to the concept of spatial distribution is introduced, providing a brief overview of the latest reports that have contributed to its elucidation. In summary, the critical review not only explores the landscape of multivariate flexible materials but also sheds light on the obstacles that the scientific community must overcome to fully unlock the potential of this fascinating field.
The Assembly of Miniaturized Droplets toward Functional Architectures
Authors: Xu Yufan , Shen Yi
Published: October 2024

Recent explorations of bioengineering have generated new concepts and strategies for the processing of soft and functional materials. Droplet assembly techniques can address problems in the construction of extremely soft architectures by expanding the manufacturing capabilities using droplets containing liquid or hydrogels including weak hydrogels. This Perspective sets out to provide a brief overview of this growing field, and discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead. The study highlights the recent key advances of materials and architectures from hitherto effective droplet‐assembly technologies, as well as the applications in biomedical and bioengineering fields from artificial tissues to bioreactors. It is envisaged that these assembled architectures, as nature‐inspired models, will stimulate the discovery of biomaterials and miniaturized platforms for interdisciplinary research in health, biotechnology, and sustainability.
Magnetic Liquid Gating Valve Terminal for Patterned Droplet Generation and Transportation of Highly Viscous Bioactive Fluids
Authors: Li Xin , Chen Tianao , Zheng Zhiyuan , Gao Jie , Wu Yongqi , Wu Xizhi , Jiang Tao , Zhu Zhiqiang , Xu Ronald X.
Published: October 2024

As an open microfluidic technology with excellent anti‐fouling and energy‐saving properties, liquid gating technology can selectively separate or transfer multiphase fluids, which has shown great application value in the field of biomedical engineering. However, no study has demonstrated that liquid gating technology has the ability to transfer high‐viscosity fluids and biologically active substances, and current liquid gating valves are unable to realize smart‐responsive pulsed‐patterned transfer, which severely limits their application scope. In this paper, liquid gating technology is combined with magnetically responsive materials to prepare a liquid‐based magnetic porous membrane (LMPM) with excellent magnetostatic deformation capability and antifouling properties. On this basis, a magnetic liquid gating valve terminal (MLGVT) with patterning transfer capability is developed, and the feasibility of liquid gating technology for transferring high‐viscosity fluids and hydrogel bioinks is explored. Meanwhile, a flexible MLGVT is prepared and realized for targeted drug delivery. This study expands the potential of liquid gating technology for drug delivery, cellular transport and smart patches.