bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodicity of bipartite walk on biregular graphs with conditional spectra
Authors: Chen Qiuting
Published: August 2024

In this paper we study a class of discrete quantum walks, known as bipartite walks. These include the well-known Grover’s walks. A discrete quantum walk is given by the powers of a unitary matrix U indexed by arcs or edges of the underlying graph. The walk is periodic if U

k
= I for some positive integer k. Kubota has given a characterization of periodicity of Grover’s walk when the walk is defined on a regular bipartite graph with at most five eigenvalues. We extend Kubota’s results—if a biregular graph G has eigenvalues whose squares are algebraic integers with degree at most two, we characterize periodicity of the bipartite walk over G in terms of its spectrum. We apply periodicity results of bipartite walks to get a characterization of periodicity of Grover’s walk on regular graphs.
Physical interpretation of invariance of vector differential operators in three orthogonal coordinate systems and a case study of wall and globe of death
Authors: Gapale D L , Arote S A , Baviskar P K , Navale S R , Palve B M , Bardapurkar P P , Pathan A S , Dalvi S N
Published: August 2024

In the present study, the effect of operators on fundamental physical quantities in three orthogonal coordinate systems was analyzed using differential equations. The mathematical expression for the position vector and its magnitude, velocity, &acceleration in three orthogonal coordinate systems were obtained from the geometry of the figure and differentiation. The derivations of operation of vector differential operators (curl and diversions) on position vectors were derived, and their physical significance was illustrated. Similarly, the operation of the Laplacian operator on the magnitude of the position vector was also studied. The study highlighted the invariance in the results of all operations in three orthogonal coordinate systems. An investigation has been performed to describe the wall of death and the globe of death problem in appropriate orthogonal coordinate systems. The interpretations in terms of velocity, acceleration, and the net force acting on the vehicle are explained in detail.
Dynamics of cosmic string formation with emission of gravitational waves: a toy model
Authors: Mendoza Hernández Jaime , Bellini Mauricio
Published: August 2024

Starting from an extended theory of general relativity with boundary terms included, we study a toy model to describe the dynamical collapse of an infinite cylinder with positive spatial curvature from which a cosmic string is formed after collapsing, and we examine the production of gravitational waves (GW) emitted during the collapse. The background dynamics of the radial collapse is described by a massive scalar field which departs from the equilibrium when the scalar field climbs through the quadratic potential. During the collapse the radial pressure is considered as null, so that the kinetic and the potential energy densities are equaled. The components of the GW modes +,×and B, for the polarization tensor, are analytically obtained.
Determining the maximum of solar cycle 25 with a memory modulated white noise
Authors: Toledo Reynan L , Bernido Christopher C , Reyes Reinabelle C
Published: August 2024

The exact determination of the solar maximum of a solar cycle before it occurs remains an open problem in solar physics. Using a memory modulated white noise framework, a procedure is presented to determine the still unknown solar maximum of solar cycle 25. We investigate the first thirty months of each of the past 24 solar cycles from 1755 to 2019 using a second order structure function derived from white noise analysis. Specifically, the mean square deviation (MSD) of the fluctuating monthly sunspot numbers for the first 30 months of a solar cycle is matched with the theoretical MSD to obtain a value for the memory parameter

μ
.

By similarly determining the value of

μ

for the first 30 months of solar cycle 25, a forecast is made for its solar maximum.
Enhancement in power factor through rare-earth samarium doping in Cu2SnSe3 system
Authors: Gurung Twinkle , Jagan Rohith , Shanubhogue U Deepika , Poojitha G , P Poornesh , Rao Ashok
Published: August 2024

Cu2SnSe3 has drawn enough attention as a potential thermoelectric material due to its unique electronic and thermal properties. We present the impact of Sm doping on the Cu2SnSe3 system’s Sn site. The polycrystalline samples of Cu2Sn1-x
Sm
x
Se3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) were prepared using the solid-state reaction technique followed by conventional sintering. The crystal structure was characterized using XRD and the results reveal that the samples have a diamond cubic structure with a space group of F4̄3m. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis indicates a uniform surface homogeneity within the sample. Furthermore, the introduction of Sm causes a reduction in porosity. The electrical transport characteristics were studied in the mid temperature range of 300–650 K. The Seebeck coefficient of all the samples were found to be positive within the temperature range under study, suggesting that holes constitute the majority charge carriers. This is also confirmed by the Hall measurements as the carrier concentration was positive for all the samples. The inclusion of Sm has led to a reduction of electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient and hence power factor of ~539 μW mK−2 for x = 0.08 at 630 K which is ten times greater as compared to x = 0 whose power factor is ~56 μW mK−2 at 630 K is achieved which makes it suitable for thermoelectric applications.
Design analysis of 4H-SiC MOSFET for high power application
Authors: Patel Raju , Adhikari Manoj Singh , Sindhwani Manoj , Verma Yogesh Kumar , Mahapatro Soumya Ranjan
Published: August 2024

Silicon Carbide has emerged as a promising candidate due to its superior material properties such as high breakdown voltage, wide bandgap, and high thermal conductivity. A new dual channel trench-based high power MOSFET (DTMOS) on 4H-SiC is presented. The DTMOS device features two trenches, each containing a poly-Si gate positioned on opposite sides of the P-base region. This configuration results in two parallel channels within the device. The unique design of the DTMOS leverages the RESURF effect and parallel conduction of the drive current, leading to notable performance improvements. The AC and DC characteristics of the DTMOS are analyzed and compared with PRMOS using 2D simulations. The results demonstrate the superior performance of the DTMOS compared to the PRMOS. Specifically, the DTMOS exhibits 2.35 times higher drive current, an 88% enhancement in gain, 52% higher breakdown voltage, an 11% reduction in threshold potential, a 43% decrease in on-resistance, and 5.55 times higher FOM compared to the PRMOS.
Nonlinear modulation of dispersive fast magnetosonic waves in an inhomogeneous rotating solar low-β magnetoplasma
Authors: Turi Jyoti , Misra A P
Published: August 2024

We study the modulation of fast magnetosonic waves (MSWs) in rotating inhomogeneous low-β magnetoplasmas with the effects of gravitation and the Coriolis force. By employing the standard multiple-scale reductive perturbation technique (RPT), we derive a nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation that governs the evolution of slowly varying MSW envelopes. The fast MSW becomes dispersive by the effects of the Coriolis force in the fluid motion, and the magnetic field and density inhomogeneity effects favor the Jeans instability in self-gravitating plasmas in a larger domain of the wave number (k, below the Jeans critical wave number, k

J
) than homogeneous plasmas. The relative influence of the Jeans frequency (ω

J
, associated with the gravitational force) and the angular frequency (Ω0, relating to the Coriolis force) on the Jeans carrier MSW mode and the modulational instability (MI) of the MSW envelope is studied. We show that the MSW envelope (corresponding to the unstable carrier Jeans mode with ω

J
> 2Ω0 and k < k

J
) is always unstable against the plane wave perturbation with no cut-offs for growth rates. In contrast, the stable Jeans mode with ω

J
> 2Ω0 but k > k

J
manifests either modulational stability or MI having a finite growth rate before being cut off. We find an enhancement of the MI growth rate by the influence of magnetic field or density inhomogeneity. The case with constant gravity force (other than the self-gravity) perpendicular to the magnetic field is also briefly discussed to show that the fast magnetosonic carrier mode is always unstable, giving MI of slowly varying envelopes with no cut-offs for the growth rates. Possible applications of MI in solar plasmas, such as those in the x-ray corona, are also briefly discussed.
Metric-Affine F(T,Q) gravity: cosmological implications and constraints
Authors: Maurya Dinesh Chandra , Yesmakhanova K , Myrzakulov R , Nugmanova G
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we investigate some exact cosmological models in Metric-Affine F(T, Q) gravity, with observational constraints. The Metric-Affine F(T, Q) gravity is some kind of unification of two known gravity theories, namely, the F(T) gravity and the F(Q) gravity. We obtain the field equations of the Metric-Affine theory by considering the metric tensor and the general affine connection as independent variables. We then focus on the particular case in which the F(T, Q) function characterizing the aforementioned metric-affine models is linear, that is, F(T, Q) = λ
T + μ
Q. We investigate this linear case and consider a Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker background to study cosmological aspects and applications. We have obtained three exact solutions of the modified field equations in two different cases, T and Q, using the Hubble function H(t) and the scale factor a(t). We then placed observational constraints on these solutions using the Hubble H(z) datasets and the MCMC analysis. We have investigated the deceleration parameter q(z) and effective EoS parameters, and a comparative study of all three models with ΛCDM model has been carried out.
Performance evaluation of inorganic Cs3Bi2I9-based perovskite solar cells with BaSnO3 charge transport layer
Authors: Alghafis Abdullah , Sobayel K
Published: August 2024

This research embedded with a novel idea of integration of perovskite material as charge transport layer corresponding to the perovskite absorber layer. The study explores the effectiveness of BaSnO3 perovskite material as an electron transport layer (ETL) in Cs3Bi2I9-based perovskite solar cells, using SCAPS-1D simulations. The research meticulously examines how structural and optical variations in each layer affect the device’s performance indicators, finding the thickness of the Cs3Bi2I9 layer and its defect concentration pivotal for optimal functionality. The highest photovoltaic efficiency, 20.62%, was achieved with an absorber layer thickness of 0.8 micrometers and acceptor and donor concentrations between 1E17 /cm3 and 1E18 /cm3, respectively. The absorber’s bulk defect density optimally ranged from 1E14 /cm3 to 1E15 /cm3. Interface defects between BaSnO3 and Cs3Bi2I9 layers significantly influenced performance, more so than those at the HTL (Cu2O) interface. The study also assesses thermal effects and series and shunt resistances, aiming to mitigate potential induced degradation (PID), a key concern for solar cell longevity and reliability. Nickel (Ni) was chosen as the back contact metal, balancing cost and efficiency. This research intends to clarify PID conditions to enhance the durability and consistent performance of photovoltaic systems.
Synthesis of alginate capped aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanocomposite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Hasan Imran , Alharthi Fahad A
Published: August 2024

In the presence scenario, dye pollution has become a serious issue in present environment protection which need extensive attention of the scientific community. Methylene blue (MB) has been known for its toxic nature and widely used in various industries. In the present work, we reported the green synthesis of alginate capped alumina (Al2O3) nanocomposite (NC). The synthesized Alg@Al2O3 NC have been verified by various sophisticated characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, EDX, UV–vis TEM, FTIR, and XPS). The synthesized Alg@Al2O3 NC have been used as photocatalyst for the degradation of MB dye. Furthermore, photocatalytic activity of the Alg@Al2O3 NC has been studied under ultraviolet (UV) light. The obtained results exhibited excellent photocatalytic properties of the Alg@Al2O3 NC. The effect of photocatalyst doses (0.1–5 g l−1), pH−1 (1–10), MB dye concentration (50–120 ppm), and irradiation time (5–135 min) of UV light were also optimized. The highest efficiency of 99.2% has been observed for MB degradation via Alg@Al2O3 NC. The investigations of kinetics demonstrated that the photocatalytic degradation proceeded along a pseudo-first-order pathway in accordance with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model. The Alg@Al2O3 NC also exhibited excellent reusability for 4 cycles and suggested that Alg@Al2O3 NC can be used for various cycles. In this study, we proposed the cost-effective green synthetic method for the preparation of Alg@Al2O3 NC and its application as photocatalyst for the removal of MB dye under UV light.
Accelerating piston under isothermal condition
Authors: Kanchanapusakit Wittaya , Tanalikhit Pattarapon
Published: August 2024

This article explores the motion of a frictionless piston within a cylindrical container that contains an ideal gas maintained under an isothermal condition. During expansion and compression, the gas exerts a force that accelerates the piston. This movement alters the gas pressure near the piston, referred to as dynamic pressure, which deviates from the equilibrium pressure. By investigating the linear and oscillatory motions of the piston, the effect of the dynamic pressure is shown to be dependent on the mass ratio of the gas to the piston. Moreover, work done by the gas is analysed, showing how the kinetic energy of the piston varies. The material covered in this article is appropriate for undergraduate mechanics and thermodynamics, offering insights into the concept of thermodynamic work.
Computational prediction of novel two-dimensional selenium allotropes
Authors: Zhao Chunxiang , Wang Jiaqi , Wang Aihua , Li Chong , Niu Chunyao , Jia Yu
Published: August 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted much attention due to their potential applications in the next-generation electronic and optoelectronic fields. By integrating the particle swarm optimization method and first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT), we predicted 8 novel 2D Se allotropes. Their dynamic and thermal stabilities have been verified by phonon spectrum calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD), respectively. Our calculation results show that these new 2D Se allotropes exhibit rich electronic properties, including metallic, semiconducting, and topological insulator properties, and several of them have high carrier mobility. Besides, the effect of strain on electronic properties of some semiconducting selenene phases has also been systematically studied. The optical calculations show that these new 2D Se phases with semiconducting properties have strong optical absorption in the visible light region. These results enlarge the family of selenene and will stimulate more researchers to take efforts on the field of group-VI 2D materials.
DFT-based simulation for the semiconductor behavior of XGeCl3 (X=K, Rb) halide perovskites under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Özcan Merve , Havare A Kemal , Dervişoğlu İlayda , Yegingil Zehra
Published: August 2024

In this work, the structural and electronic properties of XGeCl3 (X=K, Rb) crystallized in cubic cell (Pm-3m, 221) were presented under hydrostatic pressure from 0 to 8 GPa using the first-principal Density Functional Theory (DFT) under the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) form of the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The Projector Augmented Wave (PAW) method describing electron–ion interaction was used here. For XGeCl3 (X=K, Rb), the lattice constants were calculated as 5.171 and 5.197 Å, and the band gaps were predicted as 0.5802 and 0.657 eV, respectively at ambient pressure. It was observed that the lattice parameters and bond lengths of the XGeCl3 (X=K, Rb) compounds decreased with increased pressure. The applied hydrostatic pressure reduced the band gaps, and the metallic character was detected at 5 GPa for both structures. This study provides a theoretical basis that may have potential uses in optoelectronic applications of the XGeCl3 (X=K, Rb) perovskites.
Necessity of orthogonal basis vectors for the two-anyon problem in a one-dimensional lattice*
Authors: Zheng Cuicui , Xie Jiahui , Zhang Ming , Chen Yajiang , Zhang Yunbo
Published: August 2024

Few-body physics for anyons has been intensively studied within the anyon-Hubbard model, including the quantum walk and Bloch oscillations of two-anyon states. Recently, theoretical and experimental simulations of two-anyon states in a one-dimensional lattice have been carried out by expanding the wavefunction in terms of non-orthogonal basis vectors, resulting in non-physical degrees of freedom. In the present work, we deduce finite difference equations for the two-anyon state in a one-dimensional lattice by solving the Schrödinger equation with orthogonal and complete basis vectors. Such an orthogonal scheme gives all the orthogonal physical eigenstates, while the conventional (non-orthogonal) method produces many non-physical redundant eigensolutions whose components violate the anyonic commutation relations. The dynamical property of the two-anyon states in a sufficiently large lattice is investigated and compared in both the orthogonal and conventional schemes. For initial states with two anyons at the same site or two (next-)neighboring sites, we observe the same dynamical behavior in both schemes, including the revival probability, probability density function and two-body correlation. For other initial states, the conventional scheme produces erroneous states that no longer obey the anyonic relations. The period of Bloch oscillations in the pseudo-fermionic limit has been found to be twice that in the bosonic limit, while these oscillations disappear at other statistical parameters. Our findings are vital for quantum simulations of few-body anyonic physics in lattice models.
Sustainable negative emissions in Europe: evaluating scenarios to meet carbon neutrality by 2050
Authors: Markkanen Johanna , Koponen Kati , Lehtilä Antti
Published: August 2024

Using the Pan-European TIMES-VTT model, we studied pathways for carbon neutrality by 2050 for 31 European countries by modelling a large portfolio of various terrestrial and technological carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies. Negative emission technologies and practices (NETPs) such as af-/reforestation, soil carbon sequestration, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, direct air capture and storage, biochar, and enhanced weathering were considered. Three different storylines were created to describe the role of NETPs in varying future developments. The scenario storylines illustrate potential opportunities and constraints for large scale NETP implementation focusing on (1) optimistic technology development, (2) strict protection of planetary boundaries, and (3) increased self-sufficiency due to geopolitical risks associated with policy fragmentation. The results show that the demand for NETPs could be on a gigaton scale to reach carbon neutrality in Europe by 2050. As different countries have different opportunities to implement NETPs, none of the NETP options should be excluded from mitigation portfolios at this stage. The results also indicate the potential of NETPs in providing cost-effective solutions for achieving climate targets. On the other hand, stricter greenhouse gas emission reduction policies are needed to avoid over-reliance on CDR.
Improving the lubricating performance of poly-alpha-olefin base oil using SnO2 nanosized-additives
Authors: Zhu Zhibo , Wang Bingxu , Yang Jinlin , Zhang Zhaoxia , Barber Gary
Published: August 2024

The majority of previous studies have been focused on the thermal properties of SnO2 nanofluids. In order to understand the lubricating performance of SnO2 nanoparticles as additives, the current study investigates the effects of the addition of SnO2 nanoparticles on the tribological properties of poly-alpha-olefin 6 base oil. The dual-step method is utilized to disperse the SnO2 nanoparticles in base oil with oleic acid as surfactant. The shape and size of SnO2 nanoparticles are confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, and the dispersion stability of SnO2 nanoparticles is examined by dynamic light scattering tests. The lubricating properties of SnO2 nanofluids are explored on a universal mechanical tribometer with a ball-on-plate reciprocating sliding configuration. It is found that the SnO2 nanofluids show good stability and dispersibility. The addition of SnO2 nanoparticles decreases the friction and wear for steel-steel tribo-pairs. The positive effects on friction and wear reductions become more significant with increasing concentrations of SnO2 nanoparticles. In this work, nanofluids containing the 5wt% SnO2 nanoparticles and 5wt% oleic acid is considered as the optimum composition, which shows the best lubricating performance with the reductions of 13.8% in coefficient of friction and 41.4% in wear volume loss. After observing the wear tracks by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer and a white-light interferometer, it is shown that the wear mechanisms are dominated by abrasive wear and adhesive wear. The enhancement in tribological properties of base oil is attributed to the formation of SnO2 tribo-film and oleic acid tribo-layer which reduces the shearing resistance, separates the mating areas and withstands the loads. The findings obtained in this study can be used as references in the development of high-performance nanofluids.
Effects of external parameters on plasma characteristics and uniformity in a dual cylindrical inductively coupled plasma
Authors: WANG 王 Pengyu 鹏宇 , XING 邢 Siyu 思雨 , HAN 韩 Daoman 道满 , ZHANG 张 Yuru 钰如 , LI 李 Yong 永 , ZHOU 周 Cheng 成 , GAO 高 Fei 飞 , WANG 王 Younian 友年
Published: August 2024

The dual cylindrical inductively coupled plasma source, compared to the conventional structure of inductively coupled plasma source, can significantly improve the uniformity of plasma. It has an enhanced potential for application in processes, such as etching and ashing. A uniform plasma can be obtained by allowing the remote plasma from the upper chamber modulate the main plasma generated in the lower chamber. In this study, a fluid model was employed to investigate a dual cylindrical inductively coupled Ar/O2 discharge. The effects of external parameters on electron density, electron temperature, O atomic density, and plasma uniformity in the main chamber were studied, and the reasons were analyzed. The results of this study show that remote power can control the plasma uniformity and increase the plasma density in the main chamber. As the remote power increased, plasma uniformity improved initially and then deteriorated. The main power affected the plasma density at the edge of the main chamber and can modulate the plasma density in the main chamber. The gas pressure affected both the uniformity and density of the plasma. As the gas pressure increased, the plasma uniformity deteriorated, but the free radical density improved.
Flexible intracortical probes for stable neural recording: from the perspective of structure
Authors: Wang Suhao , Jiang Qianqian , Song Jizhou
Published: August 2024

Electrical neural interfaces provide direct communication pathways between living brain tissue and engineered devices to understand brain function. However, conventional neural probes have remained limited in providing stable, long-lasting recordings because of large mechanical and structural mismatches with respect to brain tissue. The development of flexible probes provides a promising approach to tackle these challenges. In this review, various structural designs of flexible intracortical probes for promoting long-term neural integration, including thin film filament and mesh probe structures that provide similar geometric and mechanical properties to brain tissue and self-deployable probe structure that enables moving the functional sensors away from the insertion trauma, are summarized, highlighting the important role of structural design in improving the long-term recording stability of neural probes.
Quantum battery supercharging via counter-diabatic dynamics
Authors: de Moraes L F C , Duriez Alan C , Saguia A , Santos Alan C , Sarandy M S
Published: August 2024

We introduce a counter-diabatic (CD) approach for deriving Hamiltonians modeling superchargable quantum batteries (QBs). A necessary requirement for the supercharging process is the existence of multipartite interactions among the cells of the battery. Remarkably, this condition may be insufficient no matter the number of multipartite terms in the Hamiltonian. We analytically illustrate this kind of insufficiency through a model of QB based on the adiabatic version for the Grover search problem. On the other hand, we provide QB supercharging with just a mild number of global connections in the system. To this aim, we consider a spin-

1

/

2

chain with n sites in the presence of Ising multipartite interactions. We then show that, by considering the validity of the adiabatic approximation and by adding n terms of

(
n
−
1
)

-site interactions, we can achieve a Hamiltonian exhibiting maximum QB power, with respect to a normalized evolution time, growing quadratically with n. Therefore, supercharging can be achieved by O(n) terms of multipartite connections. The time constraint required by the adiabatic approximation can be surpassed by considering a CD expansion in terms of the gauge potential for the original Hamiltonian, with a limited O(n) many-body interaction terms assured via a Floquet approach for the CD implementation.
Electronic transport in reactively sputtered Mn3GaN films prepared under optimized nitrogen flow
Authors: Sürgers Christoph , Fischer Gerda , Deng Sihao , Hu Dongmei , Wang Cong
Published: August 2024

Mn-based nitrides with antiperovskite structures have several properties that can be utilized for antiferromagnetic spintronics. Their magnetic properties depend on the structural quality, composition and doping of the cubic antiperovskite structure. Such nitride thin films are usually produced by reactive physical vapor deposition, where the deposition rate of N can only be controlled by the N2 gas flow. We show that the tuning of the N content can be optimized using low temperature resistivity measurements, which serve as an indicator of the degree of structural disorder. Several Mn3GaN
x
films were prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering under different N2 gas flows. Under optimized gas flow conditions, we obtain films that exhibit a metal-like temperature dependence of the resistivity, a vanishing logarithmic increase of the resistivity towards zero, the highest resistivity ratio, and a lattice contraction of 0.4% along the growth direction when heated above the Néel temperature

T
N

. The retarded formation of an additional magnetic phase appearing at a temperature

T

∗

≪

T
N

gives rise to a large thermal hysteresis of the resistivity and anomalous Hall effect.
Optimization and tribological behavior of carbon nano tubes blended with POE oil
Authors: Raghavulu K Veera , Mahidhar Reddy V , Govindha Rasu N , Jani S P , Sudhakar U , Godara S S , Kumar Ashish , Bhadauria Alok , Kaur Kirtanjot , Revathi V
Published: August 2024

Over the past two decades, nano additive lubricants have become essential in manufacturing as lubricating agents. Our study examines the impact of three process parameters—carbon nanotube (CNT) (volume concentration,%), sliding velocity (m/s), and applied load (N)—on the tribological performance of polyolester oil blended with carbon nanotubes. By employing the robust Taguchi L9 orthogonal array as the design of experiment, the current study made an attempt to identify the best combination of these three factors parameters to achieve the least coefficient of friction (COF) while the study also conducted ANOVA and multivariate linear regression to determine the significant factor that determines the least COF. For this study, POE oil and varying concentrations of CNTs (such as 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 volume concentration%) were used. For this study, the characterization of the CNTs was performed using TEM, SEM and XRD methods while its stability was validated through Zeta potential value i.e., 0.075 volume concentration% CNT concentration achieved 35 mV zeta potential value. The Taguchi L9 orthogonal array outcomes found the least COF i.e., 0.0359 was achieved from 0.075 volume concentration % of CNT with a sliding speed of 3.6 m s−1 at 50 N load. The ANOVA outcomes confirmed the major contribution (91%) of the CNT concentration towards influencing the COF outcomes. The contour plots confirmed that optimal COF can be achieved when using 0.075 volume concentration% CNT with load ranged from 75 N to 125 N and sliding velocities between 1.2 m s−1 and 3.0 m s−1. The outcomes establish that when POE oil is supplemented with CNTs, it can achieve superior performance as the nanolubricant mitigates the coefficient of friction (COF), eventually enhancing the tribological performance. Future researchers can focus on employing Taguch-grey relational analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning models to find the optimal process parameters for other lubricants and nanoadditives.
Efficient and novel multidomain feature analysis model with incremental optimizations for enhancing pediatric myelodysplastic syndrome detection
Authors: Srilakshmi K , D Venkata Lakshmi
Published: August 2024

Pediatric myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are complicated, thus early and accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment planning and patient care. Diagnostic processes often use discrete data domain analysis, which reduces accuracy and delays diagnosis. This work addresses these limitations by introducing an advanced Multi domain Feature Analysis Model (MFAM) enhanced with incremental optimizations to improve pediatric MDS detection. Traditional pediatric MDS diagnosis relies on subjective evaluations and limited data fusion, not modern computational methods. These constraints may reduce diagnosis accuracy and postpone action. The proposed MFAM integrates data from Clinical History, Physical Examination, Blood Cell Counts, Peripheral Blood Smear, Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy, Cytogenetic Analysis, Flow Cytometry, Genetic Testing, Iron Studies, and Bone Marrow Cytology to overcome these challenges. The MFAM increases feature variance by fusing Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) with Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Units (BiGRU). Deep Q Learning with Graph Recurrent Convolutional Neural Networks (DQGRCNN) boosts efficiency. Additionally, the model integrates the Vector Autoregressive Moving Average with Exogenous Inputs (VARMAX) to facilitate early prediction of paediatric MDS. These enhancements have resulted in significant improvements in the precision of paediatric MDS detection by 4.5%, accuracy by 3.5%, recall by 2.3%, Area Under the Curve (AUC) by 1.5%, and specificity by 2.4% while reducing diagnostic delays by 8.5%. Furthermore, the model enhances the precision of predictive analysis by 2.9%, accuracy by 3.5%, recall by 2.5%, AUC by 2.9%, specificity by 5.5%, and reduces delays in predictive analysis by 8.5%. The MFAM presented in this paper revolutionizes the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric MDS by efficiently combining diverse diagnostic data, employing advanced transformation and fusion techniques, and optimizing responses through DQGRCNN. The integration of VARMAX further enables early prediction of the disease. MFAM will enhance diagnostic precision, therapy start, and clinical outcomes for young MDS patients.
Bond behavior of reinforcing steel bars in metakaolin – calcium carbide residue-based geopolymer concrete
Authors: Obeng Jacqueline , Andrews Anthony , Adom-Asamoah Mark , Owusu-Twumasi Jones
Published: August 2024

The bond property of concrete is a key characteristic of concrete that affect the structural activity of reinforced concrete beams. Concrete produced from geopolymer has the prospect to replace concrete produced from ordinary Portland cement (OPC) for structural applications. Therefore, this research evaluates the bond behavior of metakaolin-calcium carbide residue (CCR)-based geopolymer concrete for use in in situ structural applications. Comparative studies were carried out on concrete made of geopolymer and OPC. The embedment lengths (5ϕ and 7ϕ) and reinforcing bar diameters (14 and 16 mm) were varied and the bonding activity of the different concrete types was studied. Additionally, the qualities of the concrete produced were assessed, including density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and compressive and flexural strengths. Generally, the metakaolin-CCR-based geopolymer concrete samples had the best mechanical properties, followed by metakaolin-based geopolymer and OPC concrete, respectively. Bond activity enhanced when embedment length and diameter of reinforcement were reduced in all types of concrete. Thus, with a reinforcing bar diameter of 14 mm and an embedment length of 5ϕ, the average bond strength of the metakaolin-CCR-based geopolymer concrete was 14.3MPa, which was 18.87% and 105.46% higher than that of the metakaolin-based geopolymer and OPC concrete, respectively. Influenced by experimental conclusions, it can be established that the metakaolin-CCR-based geopolymer concrete has the capacity to be used in place of OPC concrete in bond applications where steel reinforcing bars are employed.
PSO based linear parameter varying-model predictive control for trajectory tracking of autonomous vehicles
Authors: Kedir Chala Abdulkadir , Abdissa Chala Merga
Published: August 2024

In this paper, Linear Parameter Varying-Model Predictive Control (LPV-MPC) for trajectory tracking for Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) is proposed. This method is based on the time-varying LPV is the form of the state space representation from the mathematical model of the vehicle. The LPV representation form which uses the dynamic model of the vehicle allows the incorporation of time-varying dynamics, providing a more accurate representation of the vehicle's behavior. The designed LPV-MPC controller for AVs is specifically designed to handle constraints in trajectory tracking. To enhance its performance, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is employed as an optimization technique. PSO is used to tune the weighting matrices of the control parameters, optimizing the system response and improving trajectory tracking performance. To evaluate the effectiveness of the LPV-MPC system, extensive simulations are conducted and results are compared with Linear and Non-Linear MPCs. The main benefit of using the LPV-MPC method is its ability to calculate solutions almost as good as the non-linear MPC version yet significantly reducing the computational cost. The capability of the LPV-MPC controller as compared to the linear version is in its effective tracking, particularly for the non-linear reference trajectories.
Cross-cutting Themes Influencing Well-being and Well-becoming across the Life-course
Authors: Spencer Llinos H , Hartfiel Ned , Lynch Mary , Bray Nathan , Anthony Bethany F , Lawrence Catherine L , Edwards Rhiannon T
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores key cross-cutting themes that can influence well-being and well-becoming across the life-course, including: good work; our surroundings; money and resources; housing; education and skills; the food we eat; transport; and family, friends, and communities. These cross-cutting themes were chosen because they have been identified as protective factors and factors that can help individuals and society to maintain good health and well-being. The chapter examines some of the costs to society of health-harming and often addictive behaviours. Some examples of how economic evaluation has approached these areas to provide evidence of relative cost-effectiveness of interventions within and outside of the health sector are discussed. The chapter concludes with some curiosity questions for the reader to consider.
Cuba: Legal Reform and Updating Socialism
Authors: Bui Ngoc Son
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores legislative reform, administrative reform, judicial reform, and reform of the legal profession in Cuba since the late 1980s. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Cuba carried out sporadic legal reforms to respond to the challenges of the Special Period. The Communist Party of Cuba’s adoption of the reform policy called Updating Socialism in 2011 and the state’s enactment of the new Constitution in 2019 have led to extensive and systematic legal reforms. Legal reform in Cuba is the political elite’s preservative project to update the institutional and substantive aspects of the socialist legal system while maintaining the principled commitments to the Cuban Revolution.
Seasonal and vertical patterns of water availability and variability determine plant reproductive phenology
Authors: Zhou Zhenxing , Feng Hanlin , Ma Gaigai , Ru Jingyi , Wang Haidao , Feng Jiayin , Wan Shiqiang
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Changing precipitation regimes can influence terrestrial plants and ecosystems. However, plant phenological responses to changing temporal patterns of precipitation and the underlying mechanisms are largely unclear. This study was conducted to explore the effects of seasonal precipitation redistribution on plant reproductive phenology in a temperate steppe.

Methods

A field experiment was undertaken with control (C), advanced (AP) and delayed (DP) growing-season precipitation peaks and the combination of AP and DP (ADP). Seven dominant plant species were selected and divided into two functional groups (early- vs. middle-flowering species, shallow- vs. deep-rooted species) to monitor reproductive phenology, including budding, flowering and fruiting dates and the reproductive duration for four growing seasons, 2015–2017 and 2022.

Key Results

The AP, but not DP treatment advanced the phenological (i.e. budding, flowering and fruiting) dates and lengthened the reproductive duration across the four growing seasons and seven monitored species. In addition, the phenological responses showed divergent patterns among different plant functional groups, which could be attributed to shifts in soil moisture and its variability in different months and soil depths. Moreover, species with lengthened reproductive duration increased phenological overlap with other species, which could have a negative impact on their dominance under the AP treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that changing precipitation seasonality could have considerable impacts on plant phenology by affecting soil water availability and variability. Incorporating these two factors simultaneously in the phenology models will help us to understand the response of plant phenology under intensified changing precipitation scenarios. In addition, the observations of decreased dominance for the species with lengthened reproductive duration suggest that changing reproductive phenology can have a potential to affect community composition in grasslands under global change.
Evolution of the basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor SPATULA and its role in gynoecium development
Authors: Rivarola-Sena Ana C , Vialette Aurélie C , Andres-Robin Amélie , Chambrier Pierre , Bideau Loïc , Franco-Zorrilla Jose M , Scutt Charles P
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

SPATULA (SPT) encodes a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana that functions in the development of the style, stigma and replum tissues, all of which arise from the carpel margin meristem of the gynoecium. Here we use a comparative approach to investigate the evolutionary history of SPT and identify changes that potentially contributed to its role in gynoecium development.

Methods

We investigate SPT’s molecular and functional evolution using phylogenetic reconstruction, yeast two-hybrid analyses of protein–protein interactions, microarray-based analyses of protein–DNA interactions, plant transformation assays, RNA in situ hybridization, and in silico analyses of promoter sequences.

Key results

We demonstrate the SPT lineage to have arisen at the base of euphyllophytes from a clade of potentially light-regulated transcription factors through gene duplication followed by the loss of an active phytochrome binding (APB) domain. We also clarify the more recent evolutionary history of SPT and its paralogue ALCATRAZ (ALC), which appear to have arisen through a large-scale duplication within Brassicales. We find that SPT orthologues from diverse groups of seed plants share strikingly similar capacities for protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions, and that SPT coding regions from a wide taxonomic range of plants are able to complement loss-of-function spt mutations in transgenic Arabidopsis. However, the expression pattern of SPT appears to have evolved significantly within angiosperms, and we identify structural changes in SPT’s promoter region that correlate with the acquisition of high expression levels in tissues arising from the carpel margin meristem in Brassicaceae.

Conclusions

We conclude that changes in SPT’s expression pattern made a major contribution to the evolution of its developmental role in the gynoecium of Brassicaceae. By contrast, the main biochemical capacities of SPT, as well as many of its immediate transcriptional targets, appear to have been conserved at least since the base of living angiosperms.
The Combined Bra-Line Back Lift Latissimus Flap (BLBL-LAT Flap) for Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction and Simultaneous Back Contouring
Authors: Li Wai-Yee
Published: August 2024

Background

The latissimus dorsi pedicled (LAT) flap has been a workhorse flap for breast reconstruction for many decades. The asymmetric back scar has been a major source of complaint. In patients with excess back adiposity, we can utilize the skin paddle harvest to improve back contour. We combined the principles of the aesthetic bra-line back lift with the LAT flap to provide simultaneous improvement of both posterior upper trunk adiposity and skin excess, which together form “back rolls,” with a concealed scar.

Objectives

The objective was to establish a new surgical technique of combined bra-line back lift with latissimus dorsi flap (BLBL-LAT flap) for aesthetic breast reconstruction.

Methods

This was an IRB-approved retrospective single-surgeon study performed in a national cancer center. We included patients undergoing breast reconstruction with the combined BLBL-LAT flap between 2015 and 2023, with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up.

Results

A total of 106 female patients underwent 110 breast reconstructions with the BLBL-LAT flap. Seventy-five percent of patients had prosthesis placement and 25% of patients were 100% autologous. Complication rates were low: 4 of 106 patients (3.8%) had seroma, needing surgery. Of the 78 reconstructions with implants or tissue expanders, 3 (3.8%) had a periprosthetic infection. One (<1%) patient had partial flap loss, and no patients had complete flap loss. Four patients had bilateral BLBL-LAT flap reconstruction. Two unilateral breast reconstruction patients came back for successful symmetrizing of the bra-line back lift (without LAT flap breast reconstruction).

Conclusions

The BLBL-LAT flap allows breast reconstruction and simultaneous improvement of back contour, leaving a scar that can be concealed in a bra. This 2-for-1 procedure is of particular benefit to patients with a high BMI, who often have unwanted excess adiposity and laxity of the back. Because this patient population is at high risk for free tissue transfer, we propose that the BLBL-LAT flap be considered the first-line method of autologous breast reconstruction in higher BMI patients.

Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic)
Clinically mild hidradenitis suppurativa: mild for whom?
Authors: Samela Tonia , Raimondi Giulia , Pintori Giusi , Pupa Maria Beatrice , Cordella Giorgia , Antinone Valeria , Melo Salcedo Nidia , Fusari Roberta , Pallotta Sabatino , Sampogna Francesca , Fania Luca , Ciccone Davide , Pellacani Giovanni , Abeni Damiano
Published: August 2024

Severe levels of illness, measured through patient-reported outcomes, are frequent among patients with hidradenitis suppurativa classified as having mild disease according to the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Score System. The systematic use in clinical practice of patient-centred outcome measures, capable of accurately detecting and portraying the true severity of the impact of skin conditions, may help improve patient care.
A case of superior mesenteric artery stenting for small intestinal ischaemia caused by superior mesenteric artery invasion of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kuwamura Hiroshi , Suyama Yohsuke , Enjoji Yasuhiro , Einama Takahiro , Kishi Yoji , Shinmoto Hiroshi
Published: August 2024

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) invasion by a malignant tumour is a serious condition leading to intestinal ischaemia. Although SMA stenting has been reported to be useful for SMA dissection and stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaque, SMA stenting for stenosis caused by malignant tumour invasion is rarely reported and uncertain. A 75-year-old woman presented intestinal ulcer and melena caused by SMA invasion of unresectable pancreatic cancer. The bare metal stent was implanted for the vessel stenosis, and a small intestinal ulcer was markedly improved after stenting. However, one and a half months after stenting the stent was occluded and a thrombectomy was performed. After thrombectomy, residual stenosis caused by tumour invasion was observed in the stent. The patient suddenly died 2 days after thrombectomy before additional covered stenting for residual stenosis. Stent implantation may be a treatment option for intestinal ischaemia caused by vessel invasion of malignant tumours. On the other hand, re-stenosis of the stent due to tumour ingrowth is a problem, and covered stenting is considered for long-term stent patency.
The systemic complexity of a monogenic disease: the molecular network of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Tapken Ines , Schweitzer Theresa , Paganin Martina , Schüning Tobias , Detering Nora T , Sharma Gaurav , Niesert Moritz , Saffari Afshin , Kuhn Daniela , Glynn Amy , Cieri Federica , Santonicola Pamela , Cannet Claire , Gerstner Florian , Faller Kiterie M E , Huang Yu-Ting , Kothary Rashmi , Gillingwater Thomas H , Di Schiavi Elia , Simon Christian M , Hensel Niko , Ziegler Andreas , Viero Gabriella , Pich Andreas , Claus Peter
Published: August 2024

Monogenic diseases are well-suited paradigms for the causal analysis of disease-driving molecular patterns. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one such monogenic model, caused by mutation or deletion of the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Although several functions of the SMN protein have been studied, single functions and pathways alone do not allow the identification of crucial disease-driving molecules.

Here, we analysed the systemic characteristics of SMA, using proteomics, phosphoproteomics, translatomics and interactomics, from two mouse models with different disease severities and genetics.

This systems approach revealed subnetworks and proteins characterizing commonalities and differences of both models. To link the identified molecular networks with the disease-causing SMN protein, we combined SMN-interactome data with both proteomes, creating a comprehensive representation of SMA. By this approach, disease hubs and bottlenecks between SMN and downstream pathways could be identified.

Linking a disease-causing molecule with widespread molecular dysregulations via multiomics is a concept for analyses of monogenic diseases.