bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional virtual histology of the rat uterus musculature using micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Roesler Mathias W. , Garrett Amy S. , Trew Mark L. , Gerneke Dane , Amirapu Satya , Cheng Leo K. , Clark Alys R.
Published: September 2024

Contractions of the uterus play an important role in menstruation and fertility, and contractile dysfunction can lead to chronic diseases such as endometriosis. However, the structure and function of the uterus are difficult to interrogate in humans, and thus animal studies are often employed to understand its function. In rats, anatomical studies of the uterus have typically been based on histological assessment, have been limited to small segments of the uterine structure, and have been time‐consuming to reconstruct at the organ scale. This study used micro‐computed tomography imaging to visualise the muscle structures in the entire non‐pregnant rat uterus and assess its use for 3D virtual histology. An assessment of the rodent uterus is presented to (i) quantify muscle thickness variations along the horns, (ii) identify predominant fibre orientations of the muscles and (iii) demonstrate how the anatomy of the uterus can be mapped to 3D volumetric meshes via virtual histology. Micro‐computed tomography measurements were validated against measurements from histological sections. The average thickness of the myometrium was found to be 0.33 ± 0.11 mm and 0.31 ± 0.09 mm in the left and right horns, respectively. The micro‐computed tomography and histology thickness calculations were found to correlate strongly at different locations in the uterus: at the cervix, r = 0.87, and along the horn from the cervical end to the ovarian end, respectively, r = 0.77, r = 0.89 and r = 0.54, with p < 0.001 in every location. This study shows that micro‐computed tomography can be used to quantify the musculature in the whole non‐pregnant uterus and can be used for 3D virtual histology.
Periaqueductal gray connectivity in spinal cord injury‐induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Shoraka Omid , Syed Mashaal , Mandloi Shreya , Thalheimer Sara , Kashani Sara Naghizadeh , Heller Joshua E. , Mohamed Feroze B. , Sharan Ashwini D. , Talekar Kiran S. , Matias Caio M. , Harrop James S. , Krisa Laura , Alizadeh Mahdi
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating condition following spinal cord injury (SCI). The role of periaqueductal gray (PAG) in NP development following SCI remains underexplored. Using resting‐state functional MRI (rsfMRI), our study aimed to demonstrate the alterations in functional connectivity (FC) of PAG in NP following SCI.

Methods

Ten SCI patients (SCI + NP, n = 7, and SCI − NP, n = 3), alongside 10 healthy controls (HCs), were enrolled. rsfMRI was conducted followed by seed‐to‐voxel analysis using PAG as the seed region and then group‐based analysis comprising three groups (SCI + NP, SCI − NP, and HC). Age and gender were considered as confounding variables.

Results

Compared to HCs, SCI + NP demonstrated decreased FC between PAG and right insula, right frontal orbital cortex, right pallidum, dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), red nuclei (RN), substantia nigra (SN), and ventral posterolateral (VPL) thalamic nuclei. Compared to SCI − NP, SCI + NP demonstrated increased FC between PAG and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), hippocampus, cerebellar vermis lobules IV and V, and thalamic structures (posterior and lateral pulvinar, the mediodorsal nuclei, and the ventral lateral nuclei). Additionally, decreased FC between the PAG and VPL, geniculate bodies, intralaminar nuclei of thalamus, DRN, RN, SN, and prefrontal cortex was observed in this comparison.

Conclusions

Altered FC between PAG and right anterior insula, VPL, DRN, RN, SN, cerebellar vermis lobules IV and V, frontal cortex, and PCC was associated with NP sequelae of SCI. Additionally, SCI was independently associated with decreased FC between PAG and right posterior insula, cerebellar lobules IV and V, and cerebellar vermis lobules III, IV, and V.
Role of liver biopsy in the management of idiosyncratic DILI
Authors: Kleiner David E.
Published: September 2024

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) presents unique challenges in clinical practice. While some types of DILI are mild and resolve quickly after removing the drug, other situations are more complex, with competing aetiologies or underlying liver disease. Guidelines from professional societies agree that the liver biopsy retains a role in understanding and managing DILI in certain situations. Liver biopsy allows characterization of the histological pattern of injury as well as assessment of severity. Inflammatory infiltrates, bile duct injury or loss and vascular injury are all revealed by liver biopsy. Communication between the hepatopathologist and clinical team with clinicopathological correlation of the findings is necessary for the best determination of causality and differentiation from other diseases of exclusion, like autoimmune hepatitis and graft‐versus‐host disease. This review highlights important aspects of the role of liver biopsy in DILI evaluation.
Ice age‐driven range shifts of diploids and expanding autotetraploids of Biscutella laevigata within a conserved niche
Authors: Grünig Sandra , Patsiou Theofania , Parisod Christian
Published: September 2024

Early studies of the textbook mixed‐ploidy system Biscutella laevigata highlighted diploids restricted to never‐glaciated lowlands and tetraploids at high elevations across the European Alps, promoting the hypothesis that whole‐genome duplication (WGD) is advantageous under environmental changes. Here we addressed long‐held hypotheses on the role of hybridisation at the origin of the tetraploids, their single vs multiple origins, and whether a shift in climatic niche accompanied WGD.

Climatic niche modelling together with spatial genetics and coalescent modelling based on ddRAD‐seq genotyping of 17 diploid and 19 tetraploid populations was used to revisit the evolution of this species complex in space and time.

Diploids differentiated into four genetic lineages corresponding to allopatric glacial refugia at the onset of the last ice age, whereas tetraploids displaying tetrasomic inheritance formed a uniform group that originated from southern diploids before the last glacial maximum. Derived from diploids occurring at high elevation, autotetraploids likely inherited their adaptation to high elevation rather than having evolved it through or after WGD. They further presented considerable postglacial expansion across the Alps and underwent admixture with diploids.

Although the underpinnings of the successful expansion of autotetraploids remain elusive, differentiation in B. laevigata was chiefly driven by the glacial history of the Alps.
Evolutionarily conserved core microbiota as an extended trait in nitrogen acquisition strategy of herbaceous species
Authors: Cheng Saisai , Gong Xin , Xue Wenfeng , Kardol Paul , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Ling Ning , Chen Xiaoyun , Liu Manqiang
Published: September 2024

Microbiota have co‐evolved with plants over millions of years and are intimately linked to plants, ranging from symbiosis to pathogenesis. However, our understanding of the existence of a shared core microbiota across phylogenetically diverse plants remains limited.

A common garden field experiment was conducted to investigate the rhizosphere microbial communities of phylogenetically contrasting herbaceous families. Through a combination of metagenomic sequencing, analysis of plant economic traits, and soil biochemical properties, we aimed to elucidate the eco‐evolutionary role of the core rhizosphere microbiota in light of plant economic strategies.

We identified a conserved core microbiota consisting of 278 taxa that was closely associated with the phylogeny of the plants studied. This core microbiota actively participated in multiple nitrogen metabolic processes and showed a strong correlation with the functional potential of rhizosphere nitrogen cycling, thereby serving as an extended trait in the plant nitrogen acquisition. Furthermore, our examination of simulated species loss revealed the crucial role of the core microbiota in maintaining the rhizosphere community's network stability.

Our study highlighted that the core microbiota, which exhibited a phylogenetically conserved association with plants, potentially represented an extension of the plant phenotype and played an important role in nitrogen acquisition. These findings held implications for the utilization of microbiota‐mediated plant functions.
Physical activity habits and associated factors in open green spaces of young adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Süner Ahmet Furkan , Sümen Adem
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between green space usage habits and physical activity in young adults.

Design

A cross‐sectional and correlational design.

Sample

The study was conducted with 455 young adults who were studying at a faculty between February and May 2023.

Measurements

The research data were collected face‐to‐face using a form prepared by the researchers in line with the literature and tested before collection. The form includes questions about green space use habits, green exercise levels, and leisure time activities in green spaces.

Results

The probability of male young adults to do physical activity in green spaces compared to women aOR: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.4–3.9, p =  .001), the probability of young adults with higher family income to do physical activity in green spaces than those with low‐income aOR: 5.4 (95% CI: 2.7–10.8, p <  .001), the probability of young adults who do physical activity in indoor spaces to do physical activity in green spaces compared to those who do not aOR: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.5–3.6, p <  .001), 500 m away from the green space aOR: 2.8 (95% CI: 1.6–4.9, p <  .001) is more likely for those living farther away to engage in physical activity in green spaces than those living closer than 100 m.

Conclusions

Young adults' gender, income, distance to green spaces, and sports activities under various conditions have an impact on physical activity in open green spaces.
Validity and reliability of the Checklist for Habitual Physical Activity for people 75 years and older in Japan
Authors: Arita Kuniko , Ishibashi Yu , Tajima Takayuki , Ikechi Yoshiaki , Ishibashi Hitomi
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite health benefits, many older adults struggle to meet physical activity guidelines, leading to stagnant activity levels. While integrating physical activity into daily routines has been proposed as a promising strategy for older adults, fit‐for‐purpose measurement tools to assess such routines are lacking. The Checklist for Habitual Physical Activity (CHaPA) was developed based on the positive deviance approach and socio‐ecological model to assess daily behaviours encouraging physical activity among adults aged 75 and older. It has been confirmed for its content and face validity. However, to ensure its broader applicability and usefulness, assessing its construct validity and reliability is necessary. Therefore, this study aims to assess the construct validity and reliability of the CHaPA and accordingly update the tool.

Methods

To validate the construct validity of the CHaPA 22‐item version, we conducted item analysis and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. We removed inappropriate items based on predefined criteria. Then, we assessed the reliability, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and measurement errors of the CHaPA final version.

Results

Item analyses and factor analyses resulted in the deletion of 11 items. The results of confirmatory factor analysis validated the CHaPA 11‐item version with the three‐factor structure based on model fit index with χ2/degree of freedom = 1.25, comparative fit index = 0.965, Tucker‐Lewis index = 0.952, and root‐mean‐square error of approximation = 0.038. Omega coefficient (0.90) showed excellent internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) demonstrated good test–retest reliability (ICC (1, 2) = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.34–0.89, standard error of measurement = 1.75).

Conclusions

We finalised the CHaPA 11‐item version as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing daily behaviours conducive to physical activity among individuals aged 75 years and older. We need to examine the methods and effectiveness of disseminating this checklist to ensure its utilisation as a resource for promoting healthy ageing and aiding older adults in maintaining active lifestyles.
Does the Uterine Ozone Therapy Alter the Transcript Profile of Anti‐ and Proinflammatory Genes in Mares With Endometritis?
Authors: Botelho Jorge Henrique Villela , Pessoa Gabriela Oliveira , Caixeta Ester Siqueira , Sales Giuliana , de Oliveira Karine Rabelo , Nascimento Neto José da Páscoa , Ferreira Roger Dinali , Palhão Miller Pereira
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the localised effects of intrauterine ozone therapy on endometrial recovery in mares with endometritis. Our investigation assessed changes in gene expression profiles of anti‐inflammatory (IL‐1RA and IL‐10), proinflammatory (IL‐R1B3i and TNFα) and pleiotropic (IL‐6) cytokines, along with detailed histological measurements of epithelial and endometrial thickness and the glandular area ratio. Twenty mares were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design based on endometritis diagnosis and treatment (control or 42 μg/mL ozone insufflation), resulting in four groups: NC (negative for endometritis/control), NO (negative/ozone), PC (positive/control) and PO (positive/ozone). Oestrus was induced with 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate on Days −1, 1 and 3, plus 1 mg on Day 5. Day 0 marked the initial uterine treatment, followed by insufflations on Days 1 and 2 with O3 (ozone) or O2 (control). Uterine biopsies were taken before treatment on Day 0 and Day 6 for histological analysis and gene expression assessment. Data were analysed using a statistical model that included endometritis status, treatment type, biopsy times (D0 and D6) and their interactions, analysed with Proc Glimmix. Regardless of treatment or endometritis status, significant biopsy effects (p < 0.01) indicated increased epithelial height and endometrial thickness in Day 6 samples. Analysis of IL‐1 and TNFα revealed a significant interaction (p < 0.05) among endometritis, treatment and biopsy, with higher IL‐1B3i expression on Day 6 in the PC group. The treatment effect (p < 0.04) showed a higher frequency (p < 0.01) of animals with positive modulation in the PC group (66.7%) versus the PO group (0.0%). An interaction effect (p = 0.08) between endometritis and treatment resulted from higher IL‐1RA expression on Day 6 in the PC group compared to the PO group. Biopsy effect was significant for IL‐10 (p < 0.01), indicating higher values in the second sample associated with tissue repair. In the short‐term evaluation, ozone therapy did not influence endometrial morphology and may modulate cytokine expression, specifically the reduction in IL‐1 and TNFα levels. Therefore, this therapy appears to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for modulating the inflammatory response in mares with endometritis.
A bibliometric and visual analysis of the research status and hotspots of seborrheic dermatitis based on web of science
Authors: Yan Huixin , Zhang Shaobo , Sun Weichen , Li Jingnan , Xu Jing , Bi Yunpeng , Wu Xingquan , Song Bailin
Published: September 2024

Background

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the field of SD, but there has been no bibliometric research yet. This study aims to use bibliometric methods to analyze the current research status and hot topics of SD, to understand further the research trends and future development prospects in this field.

Methods

Retrieve core literature on SD from the Web of Science database and conduct a detailed analysis using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software based on factors such as publication volume, countries (regions), research institutions, journals, authors, highly‐cited papers, and keywords.

Results

From 1996 to 2024, a total of 1436 publications were included in the bibliometric analysis. The number of publications has shown an increasing trend year by year. The USA is the leading country in this field of research. The University of California System is the primary research institution. The International Journal of Dermatology is the journal with the highest number of publications. The author Yang Won Lee has the highest number of publications, while the article “Seborrheic Dermatitis” (2004) by Gupta, A.K. has been cited the most. “Seborrheic dermatitis” is the most frequently occurring keyword. The main research hotspots and frontiers in SD are as follows: (1) The relationship between SD and other skin diseases is a popular research topic; (2) Malassezia and inflammation are current research hotspots in SD; and (3) Focusing on antifungal and anti‐inflammatory treatments for SD is the current frontier direction in this field.

Conclusion

This study is a summary of the current status and hot trends of SD research, which helps clinical doctors and researchers quickly understand the insights and valuable information of SD research and provides reference for clinical decision‐making and finding future research directions.
Characterising practice patterns of human derived, lyophilized coagulation concentrates within the trauma quality improvement program registry
Authors: Rosenthal Chester A. , Douin David J. , Cohen Mitch J. , Rizzo Julie A. , April Michael D. , Schauer Steven G.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

We seek to describe the current practice pattern use of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and fibrinogen concentrate (FC) in trauma patients.

Background

Trauma‐induced coagulopathy (TIC) and endotheliopathy of trauma (EOT) contribute significantly to mortality from traumatic haemorrhage. FC, and 4‐factor PCC are potential treatments for EOT and TIC, respectively.

Materials and Methods

We obtained data from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) registry and identified patients who received either PCC or FC using procedural codes. We used descriptive statistics to characterise practice patterns of these products.

Results

There were 6 714 002 total encounters within the TQIP from 2017 to 2022, of which 10 589 received PCC and 3009 received FC. Of the recipients, there were 35 that received both products. There were 44 that received both. The median age of PCC recipients was 77 (69–84) with 19 patients <15 years of age with the youngest being 2 years of age. There was a general upward trend in the number of facilities with documented use of PCC: 155/744, 168/766, 189/764, 206/780, 234/795, and 235/816, respectively. The median age of FC recipients was 57 (32–75) with 48 patients <15 years of age with the youngest being 1 year of age. There was a minor downward trend in the number of facilities that had documented use of FC: 55, 44, 39, 32, 38 and 40.

Conclusions

The administration of PCC and FC remains uncommon, although there appears to be an upward trend of PCC use. Most PCC use appeared to be for anticoagulation reversal in the setting of head trauma. Data guiding the use of these products are necessary as these products become more recognised as adjuncts to traumatic haemorrhage control.
The maltose‐related starch degradation pathway promotes the formation of large and spherical transitory starch granules
Authors: Liu Qingting , Zhou Yuan , Flores Castellanos Junio , Fettke Joerg
Published: September 2024

Previously, in Arabidopsis thaliana, we found atypical spherical starch granules in dpe2ss4 and dpe2phs1ss4. However, the mechanism of such abnormal morphogenesis is still obscure. By tracking starch granule length and thickness with leaf ageing, we reported that the starch granules in dpe2phs1ss4 gradually change to a spherical shape over time. In comparison, Col‐0 and the parental line ss4 did not exhibit macroscopic morphological alteration. In this study, firstly, we specify that the additional lack of DPE2 resulted in the gradual alteration of starch granule morphology over time. Similar gradual morphological alterations were also found in dpe2, mex1, and sex4 but not in the other starch degradation‐related mutants, such as sex1‐8, pwd, and bam3. The gradual alteration of starch morphology can be eliminated by omitting the dark phase, suggesting that the particular impaired starch degradation in dpe2‐ and mex1‐related mutants influences starch morphology. Secondly, we observed that spherical starch morphology generation was accompanied by prominent elevated short glucan chains of amylopectin and an increased amylose proportion. Thirdly, the interplay between soluble starch synthase 2 and branching enzymes was affected and resulted in the formation of spherical starch granules. The resulting spherical starch granules allow for elevated starch synthesis efficiency. Fourthly, the starch phosphate content at the granule surface correlated with the morphology alteration of the starch granules. Herewith, we propose a model that spherical starch granules, accumulated in mutants with a misbalance of the starch degradation pathway, are result of elevated starch synthesis to cope with overloaded carbohydrates.
Numerical Investigation of the Kinematics of the Flexible Composite Wedge in Water Entry Experiments Based on Coupled CFD-FEA Approach
Authors: Chander Subodh , Lavisetty Cherith , Srivastava Surabhi , Brizzolara Stefano
Published: September 2024

Water entry is a complex non-linear phenomenon which involves multiphase interaction, and has been of interest in various engineering fields. For example, high speed craft slamming in rough sea, where the craft is frequently launched off the wave and lands on the air-water interface at high impact velocity. Lately, with the use of lightweight material such as composites, makes the effects of hydro elasticity even more crucial for the structural design of the craft. Although there are existing design codes for the design of high speed crafts by various classification societies but this complex phenomenon is not yet incorporated and need to be accessed via direct calculations. In this paper, the effects of hydro elasticity on the composite plate are studied using computational methods. The results from the experimental study of “Free-Falling Wedge with the composite bottom plate” conducted by Javaherian et al. were used for the numerical validation. The computational fluid dynamic model with fluid structure interaction was used to replicate the experimental setup with pressure and displacement probes located in accordance with the experimental design. The magnitude of pressure and displacements of the bottom flexible plate obtained from the numerical model were compared with the experimental data. To study the effects of fluid-structure interaction a nondimensional number RF, quantifying the hydro elasticity of the wedge plate, proposed by Faltinsen was used. Values of RF less than 2 are considered flexible and the fluid pressure is modified due to the structural deflection. The RF value for the flexible composite plate calculated in this study was 0.2.
Just-In-Time and Iterative Learning in Thermo-Fluids
Authors: Milanovic Ivana , Kumar Sunil
Published: September 2024

We examine the use of simulations as a tool for both just-in-time learning and iterative and integrative learning processes. Specifically, we investigate the utility of the simulation assignments and their lineup in fluid mechanic course on the improvement of student comprehension, retention of material, and critical thinking.

Simulation assignments were added to the list of student deliverables in the undergraduate lecture-based thermo-fluids courses almost a decade ago. They have been designed as weekly projects with an inquiry-based component, thus moving students from structured to unstructured tasks. This approach brought the digital engineering process into the curriculum, increased the average study time, provided students with opportunities to explore modern topics with modern tools, and enabled industry certification in simulation technology.

Appropriately designed and delivered simulation assignments accomplish the following goals simultaneously. They (1) enable students to acquire both knowledge and skills at the moment of need untethered from the classroom; (2) deliver relatable and visually exciting materials that keep learners engaged; (3) improve understanding of theory while going beyond the relatively simple pencil & paper problems, and (4) revisit difficult concepts multiple times over the semester and examine them from a different perspective.

Our results are illustrated with qualitative and quantitative evidence. Qualitative data provide samples of student work while quantitative assessments include grades, surveys, and course evaluations.
Effects of Aspect Ratio on Asymmetric Wake Flow Structure Around Right-Trapezoidal Prisms
Authors: Guney Aleyna , Abdul-Salam Fati Bio , Sagharichi Amir , Tachie Mark F.
Published: September 2024

In this paper, the turbulent flow characteristics around right-trapezoidal prisms with varying streamwise aspect ratios (AR, ratio of upper length to prism height) of AR = 0.6, AR = 2, and AR = 2.5 in a uniform flow were investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The Reynolds number (based on the free-stream velocity and body height) is Reh = 10000, and the results are analyzed in terms of the mean velocities, Reynolds stresses, and probability density function (PDF). The results show that two recirculation bubbles form in the wake region of all prisms. The bubbles are asymmetrical, with the upper recirculation bubble larger than the lower one. For the AR = 2.5, an additional bubble is observed on the upper surface of the prism. Contours of the streamwise Reynolds normal stress show dual peaks, which are located above and below the centerline in the wake region. The magnitude of the peak above the centerline is comparably higher for AR = 2.5 than for AR = 0.6 and 2.0. Conversely, the vertical Reynolds normal stress shows a single peak with increasing magnitude as the aspect ratio rises. Regardless of aspect ratio, the PDF of streamwise fluctuating velocity displays an unimodal distribution, while vertical velocity fluctuation shows a bimodal distribution at the point of maximum vertical fluctuating velocity.
Harvesting Sustainable Energy Through Vortex-Induced Cylinder Vibrations
Authors: Fershalov Andrei , Albano Jooi , Orlandini Pieter , Elvin Niell , Liu Yang
Published: September 2024

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) is currently extensively studied as a potential method for small-scale piezo-electric energy harvesting. Here, we experimentally investigated the parameters that influence VIV of a vibrating cylinder attached to a cantilever beam. This paper is primarily focused on investigating the range of airflow velocities that can induce system vibrations, quantifying the maximum amplitudes of vibration, and determining the critical airflow velocities at which vibrations reach their maximum. These investigations are conducted while systematically varying key system parameters, including mass, stiffness, and cylinder diameter. Some of the key-findings of this research include that larger cylinder diameters lead to greater vibration amplitude and broader operating bandwidths. Furthermore, an increase in system mass results in a reduction in the bandwidth of vibration, while greater system stiffness enhances both the maximum amplitude of vibration and the overall bandwidth. Since vibration amplitude is directly related to power production for piezoelectric harvesters, the findings in this research contribute to a better understanding of the VIV energy harvesters, validate many modeling efforts, and offer practical guidelines for enhancing their efficiencies. These findings open new opportunities for sustainable energy generation through the exploitation of ambient fluid-induced vibrations in various practical applications.
Study of the Flow Around a High Voltage Battery Module to Be Applied in Leak Testing
Authors: Sleight Matthew , Adami Stefan , Indinger Thomas
Published: September 2024

The air tightness of the High Voltage (HV) battery housing in the automobile industry protects the battery from adverse elements in the environment such as pressure, temperature changes and the appearance of moisture in the housing. A quality control process occurs on the production line and is a mandatory step for every battery produced. An optimized process will save time and costs. The process will use the Massflow method in order to measure the leakrate. It consists of using air under pressure to analyse the leakrate of the studied volume. Non-negligible impacting factors of this method are the different modules placed in the battery itself. The modules impact the process because of their geometry and their own leakage as they have an internal volume. To improve the method, an efficient way to study the process is to use a numerical model.

The numerical model was of a single module that was tested numerically and experimentally in order to validate the numerical method. In addition it was used to identify some first improvements in the quality of the testing.

To create the numerical model, the Smoothed Particles Hydrodynamics (SPH) method was used. This method uses a Lagrangian point of view to tackle the simulation, meaning the fluid is discretized into several particles that interact together. In order to validate the use of this model, it was compared with an experiment. To observe the flow around a module and validate the model, a setup was created in which the battery module was put in a box where the pressure can be controlled and monitored. A digital twin of this setup was created that allows the visualization and the study of the flow around the module when a pressure change occurs at an inlet of the box.

The goal of these studies is to examine the stabilization of the flow around the module: how the geometry of the module, the geometry of the testing box or the air supply can affect a fast stabilization in the properties of the flow. The research focuses on improving the airflow in the testing box. To do this, the spot where the pressure stabilizes the latest is determined and then solutions identified to improve its stabilisation. Numerous solutions were investigated like the change of geometry but also the placement or number of the exchange cables.

In the future, this research will study the flow surrounding the module and identify the specific areas that will have to be investigated in a full battery housing setup. As a consequence, this will improve the quality control process in the production of HV batteries.
Flexible Fibres in Wall-Bounded Turbulence
Authors: Di Giusto Davide , Dhas Darish Jeswin , Marchioli Cristian
Published: September 2024

We study the dynamics of flexible fibres in turbulent channel flow by performing DNS in an Euler-Lagrange framework. We use the rod-chain model to construct fibres by linking sub-Kolmogorov rods. Jeffery [1] gave the expression describing the rotation executed by ellipsoids suspended in a viscous simple shear flow devoid of fluid inertia. We use Jeffery’s expression to calculate the orientation of the suspended rods. In addition, to account for the role of the fluid inertial forces and torques, we use the model by Dabade et al. [2]. Subsequently, we perform a set of direct numerical simulations of a fibre-laden channel flow whose shear Reynolds number is 300, for a range of fibre parameters to specifically discern the effects of the fibre length, their flexibility characterised by their bending stiffness, and the inclusion of fluid-inertial forces and torques.
The Impact of Hydropower Development on Economic, Ecological, and Social Structures in Rural Norway During the Great Expansion Era 1945-1990
Authors: Fischer Markus , Lia Leif
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the impact of the development of hydropower resources on the economic, ecological, and social structures in two rural areas of Norway, Western Norway and Northern Norway, during the great expansion era for hydro-power capacity building in Norway, between 1945 and 1990. The data basis for the study is formed by newspaper articles from both regions, which reported on hydropower during the period under consideration. The evaluation of this data provides a clear and differentiated picture of the influences of hydropower development in these two parts of the country. It can be seen that both Western Norway and Northern Norway were affected by changes due to the progressing hydropower expansions. However, to varying degrees - in Western Norway, hydropower development has had a much greater impact than in Northern Norway. This is reflected in a higher number of newspaper articles from Western Norway that contain references related to economic, ecological, and social effects — such as reports on hydropower development in connection with the establishment of new industrial plants or new traffic infrastructure, as well as with changes in wildlife.

Furthermore, this study shows the potential of analyzing newspaper articles to better understand, evaluate, and tackle today’s challenges in the integration of renewable energy technologies worldwide.
Numerical Simulation of Leakage Noise Field for Solenoid Valve
Authors: Li Zhi-yan , Chen Shi-jian , Long Yun-fei , Jin Zhi-jiang , Qian Jin-yuan
Published: September 2024

The solenoid valve is a vital actuator of the industry control system, directly affecting the security and reliability of the whole system. Consequently, it is very important to monitor the operating condition of the solenoid valve. Degradation of the solenoid valve is often manifested as leakage due to its high action frequency. However, the leakage is challenging to detect online. The common methods for online detection of leakage include ultrasonic detection and acoustic emission detection. Both have a relationship with the sound field. In this paper, on the basis of analyzing the noise mechanism of valve leakage flow, CFD fluid simulation and FW-H Acoustic Analogy Method is used to obtain the distribution of the flow field and sound field of the solenoid valve. The results show that: as the increase of pressure difference, the leakage rate and the acoustic power level become larger significantly and form vortices. A change in the shape of the leak hole can make changes in flow and sound fields, which should be taken into consideration in leak detection. Acoustic signals are generated through transient simulation and the FFT algorithm is applied to deal with the acoustic signals. The conclusion is drawn that the noise of the valve leakage is mainly distributed at the frequency of around 1500 Hz and represents frequency doubling. This work can provide a certain reference value for the inner leakage detection experiment of solenoid valves.
PTV-Based Measurement of a Local Flow Field in a Microfluidic Dragonfly Forewing Model
Authors: Zhang Haipeng , Ryu Sangjin
Published: September 2024

Wings are critical for insects, and blood flowing through wing veins is crucial for maintaining the function and integrity of insect wings. Insect wing circulation has been investigated by observing the motion of blood cells or injected microspheres through the veins of live insects. However, using live insects is limited in studying detailed local patterns of blood flow. To overcome the limitation, we developed a microfluidic replica of the forewing of a dragonfly (Common Green Darner; Anax junius) using a high-resolution picture of the wing, photolithography, and PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane)-based soft lithography. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with 20 μm-diameter polystyrene beads was steadily injected into the device. The movement of the beads in a region of interest with complicated vein geometries was imaged by high-speed video microscopy. Recorded images were processed using MALTAB-based particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) code to determine the local flow field. Our processed PTV result shows that overall flow direction was from the leading edge vein to the trailing edge vein of the wing, and from the wing base toward the wing tip. The flow directions in the region of interest were comparable to previous studies on blood circulation in dragonfly wing veins. This agreement supports our idea that microfluidic insect wing vein models can recreate the blood flow of corresponding wings in vitro and enable detailed investigation of the local flow field.
An Experimental Study on the Dynamic Behaviors of Water Droplet Impinging on Porous Surfaces
Authors: Misztal Tad Jerzy , Pushpita Tasfia Kabir , Zhang Haipeng , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Liu Yang
Published: September 2024

Offshore wind energy has experienced significant growth as a thriving industry, owing to the abundance of wind resources available in the open ocean. However, unlike their onshore counterparts, offshore wind turbines face greater exposure to environmental hazards, particularly ocean sprays. These sprays pose three primary hazards to offshore wind turbines: erosion, corrosion, and icing, due to saline droplets impacting and interacting with turbine surfaces. The primary goal of this research is to develop an innovative droplet-absorption-based surface technology capable of mitigating the hazards posed by ocean sprays. In this paper, a comprehensive experimental study was conducted to characterize the dynamic behaviors of droplets interacting with various porous geometries with modulated porosity and pore sizes. A high-speed imaging system was used to observe and experimentally analyze the impinging and penetration dynamics of the droplets as well as the competing inertial and capillary effects as droplets travel through porous geometries. It was found that the droplets impacting on the porous surfaces display various dynamics, depending on the relative scales of the droplet size and the pore size. The pore geometries, e.g., shape, spacing, and arrangement, also contribute to the discrepancies in droplet impact and penetration dynamics. A porous surface with gradient pores is also developed, which shows great potential in promoting droplet penetration through the surface. The findings in this paper pave the way for the incorporation of droplet-absorption-based surface technologies on wind turbine blades, making offshore wind farms more resilient and productive in the pursuit of renewable energy sustainability.
Computational Study of In-Phase and Anti-Phase Interactions of Fish in a Phalanx School
Authors: Guo Jiacheng , Dong Haibo
Published: September 2024

Biological studies have shown schooling behavior to benefit fish’s swimming performance. Particularly, side-by-side, or phalanx, formation, combined with the synchronization of undulation of the neighbors was shown to allow the group to sustain fast incoming flow. In this work the hydrodynamic interactions between neighbors in a phalanx school, through three-dimensional (3D) flow simulation. Trout-like computational models, composed of trunk (TK) and caudal fin (CF), are used with undulatory kinematics prescribed using a traveling-wave equation. An immersed-boundary method (IBM) direct numerical simulation (DNS) code is used. Three trout-like models are arranged in a dense phalanx formation so that the middle fish would interact strongly with both its neighbor. The undulation of all the fish are synchronized, with the middle fish undulating either in phase or completely out of phase with its two neighbors, to examine the hydrodynamic interaction in a phalanx school in both in-phase and anti-phase modes. Results show significantly enhanced thrust though at the cost of slightly increased power consumption through anti-phase interaction, which enhanced the 3D pressure fields and momentum of the flow around neighboring CF. The wake of each fish also interacted strongly, producing expanding vortex rings and enhanced wake jets.
Drag Reduction Through Boundary Layer Analysis on Flow Over Bi-Textured Thin Plates
Authors: Chandran K. Nandakumar , Jeong Yu Sin , S. Kumar Ranjith , Min June Kee , Ha Man Yeong
Published: September 2024

In the present work, laminar flow over one-dimensional bi-textured thin plates is numerically studied, focusing on the skin friction coefficient and its role in drag reduction for bio-mimetic, energy-efficient surfaces. Using the Finite Volume Method, the methodology is benchmarked against the Blasius solution and analyzes flow over anisotropic patterned plates, particularly variations in boundary layer thickness and skin friction due to alternating no-slip-perfect-slip patterns, starting with a no-slip pattern at the leading edge. The effect of increasing Reynolds numbers (1 × 105 < Re < 2 × 105) shows stepped boundary layer growth at pattern junctions, with up to 20% drag reduction at a Reynolds number of 1.3 × 105 compared to its classical no-slip boundary condition counterpart. The study also examines how changes in the shear-free area ratio and periodicity affect skin friction distribution, finding reduced drag with increased shear-free areas and increased effective drag-contributing length with more periods. For a shear-free area ratio value of 0.4 with 2 periods and for 4 periods with a shear-free area ratio value of 0.25 drag reduction to Blasius solution where found to be 15% and 12% respectively at Re = 1 × 105. Results, also suggest that the larger the number of periods on a textured plate the closer it behaves to the classical flat plate. This research suggests an alternative method for estimating average skin friction, moving away from traditional equivalent slip formulations to consider near-surface flow dynamics, providing insights crucial for designing drag-reducing fluid dynamic surfaces.
Investigating Unsteady Flow Physics Within Shock-Bubble Interactions
Authors: Ferguson Frederick , Niu Xinru , Feng Dehua
Published: September 2024

In efforts to elucidate the unsteady physics within shock-bubble interactions (SBI), two rectangular SBI problems were simulated with varying Atwood numbers. The problems of interest are: (a) the unsteady interaction of a Mach 1.17 planar shock wave with a square sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) bubble surrounded by air, and (b) the unsteady interaction of a Mach 1.21 planar shock wave with a square helium bubble surrounded by nitrogen. The expectations are to simulate the morphologies of these SBI fields, as the shock wave propagates throughout the media, and as the bubble is transported and deformed. In addition, plans are to quantitatively observe and document the complicated thermodynamic processes, such as, shock refraction, shock reflection and shock diffraction as they develop, interact and propagate through the field. In the cases of the problems investigated herein, at the edges of the rectangular bubble geometry, vortexes are expected to be induced due to shock compression, the generation of vorticity and the acceleration of the media. Numerous experiments have confirmed that this type of problems contain specific fundamental fluid physics that does not lend themselves to simulations without severe numerical challenges. Simulation challenges of great significance to this analysis are the evolution of known fluid instabilities, such as, the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (KHI) and the Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability (RMI). The unsteady nature of the flow morphology was studied using the Integro-Differential Scheme (IDS) simulation tool. The IDS captured all known flow characteristics and their interactions. The SBI morphology derived from the IDS simulations closely matches the results obtained from experimental findings and the limited available CFD simulations.
Infrared optical properties of SiGeSn and GeSn layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Jernigan Glenn G. , Murphy John P. , Mahadik Nadeemullah A. , Grede Alex J. , Jackson Eric M. , Nolde Jill A.
Published: September 2024

The infrared optical properties of thick GeSn films (>500 nm) having 10% Sn concentration and of SiGeSn layers, utilized for the growth of strain-relieved, direct-gap GeSn films by molecular beam epitaxy, are investigated. Two growth methods are used: a graded-growth structure and a stepped-growth structure that help us to illustrate the properties of the GeSn and SiGeSn layers. Interestingly, there can be strong absorption in SiGeSn films throughout the infrared. We observe an increase in infrared absorption with increasing Sn concentration up to 21% Sn and in films, where the Sn is held constant at 18%, with increasing Si concentration up to 30%. Cavity effects in the infrared transmission measurement of stepped-growth structures are observed and associated with reflections at growth interfaces. Si–Si bond formation is proposed to occur at high Si concentrations in SiGeSn films, and the bandgap in SiGeSn films appears to decrease with increasing Si and Sn concentrations.
Microstructure and properties of Mg/Ti joint welded by resistance spot welding with an aluminum interlayer
Authors: Wang Jing , Cui Dongsheng , Hu Yanling , Qiu Ranfeng , Shi Hongxin , Zhao Peifeng
Published: September 2024

Magnesium alloy AZ31B and titanium TA2 were welded by resistance spot welding technology employing an interlayer of aluminum foil and asymmetric electrodes. The microstructure of the joint was observed, with an analysis conducted on the impact of welding current and welding time on the tensile shear load of the joint. During the welding process, the aluminum interlayer melted and blended with the molten magnesium alloy, leading to the formation of a eutectic layer consisting of Mg17Al12 and (Mg) in close proximity to the welding interface. As the increasing of welding current or the extending of welding time, there was an initial increase followed by a slight decrease in the tensile shear load of the AZ31B/TA2 joint. At a welding current of 16 kA, the tensile shear load of the joint achieved the maximum, which was approximately 6.48 kN. The findings suggest that it is effective to use an aluminum foil as an intermediary to regulate the metallurgical reaction at the interface and utilize nonsymmetrical electrodes for thermal compensation in the resistance spot welding between titanium and a magnesium alloy.