bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison and phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial genomes of Synodontis eupterus and Synodontis polli
Authors: Sun Cheng-He , Lu Chang-Hu , Wang Zi-Jian
Published: July 2024

We aimed to distinguish Synodontis eupterus and Synodontis polli. We performed sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of their mitochondrial genomes and constructed a phylogenetic tree of Mochokidae fish using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods based on protein-coding gene (PCG) sequences of 14 Mochokidae species. The total length of the S. eupterus mitochondrial genome was 16,579 bp, including 13 (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one D-loop, with an AT-biased nucleotide composition (56.0%). The total length of the S. polli mitochondrial genome was 16,544 bp, including 13 PCGs, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one D-loop, with an AT-biased nucleotide composition (55.0%). In both species, except for COI, PCGs use ATG as the starting codon, the vast majority use TAG or TAA as the ending codon, and a few use incomplete codons (T - or TA -) as the ending codon. Phylogenetic analysis showed that S. eupterus and Synodontis clarias converged into one branch, S. polli and Synodontis petricola converged into one branch, Mochokiella paynei, Mochokus brevis, and nine species of the genus Synodontis converged into one branch, and M. paynei clustered with the genus Synodontis. This study lays a foundation for rebuilding a clearer Mochokidae fish classification system.
Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on the microorganisms of expressed prostatic secretion in patients with IIIB prostatitis
Authors: Song Wei-Jie , Huang Ji-Wei , Liu Yuan , Wang Jie , Ding Wei , Chen Bin-Long , Peng Dong-Yi , Long Zhi , He Le-Ye
Published: July 2024

To detect and analyze the changes of microorganisms in expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) of patients with IIIB prostatitis before and after low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) treatment, and to explore the mechanism of LIPUS in the treatment of chronic prostatitis (CP). 25 patients (study power was estimated using a Dirichlet-multinomial approach and reached 96.5% at α = 0.05 using a sample size of 25) with IIIB prostatitis who were effective in LIPUS treatment were divided into two groups before and after LIPUS treatment. High throughput second-generation sequencing technique was used to detect and analyze the relative abundance of bacterial 16 s ribosomal variable regions in EPS before and after treatment. The data were analyzed by bioinformatics software and database, and differences with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Beta diversity analysis showed that there was a significant difference between groups (P = 0.046). LEfSe detected four kinds of characteristic microorganisms in the EPS of patients with IIIB prostatitis before and after LIPUS treatment. After multiple comparisons among groups by DESeq2 method, six different microorganisms were found. LIPUS may improve patients’ clinical symptoms by changing the flora structure of EPS, stabilizing and affecting resident bacteria or opportunistic pathogens.
Going beyond still images to improve input variance resilience in multi-stream vision understanding models
Authors: Fadaei Amir Hosein , Dehaqani Mohammad-Reza  A.
Published: July 2024

Traditionally, vision models have predominantly relied on spatial features extracted from static images, deviating from the continuous stream of spatiotemporal features processed by the brain in natural vision. While numerous video-understanding models have emerged, incorporating videos into image-understanding models with spatiotemporal features has been limited. Drawing inspiration from natural vision, which exhibits remarkable resilience to input changes, our research focuses on the development of a brain-inspired model for vision understanding trained with videos. Our findings demonstrate that models that train on videos instead of still images and include temporal features become more resilient to various alternations on input media.
Experimental investigation on characterization of friction stir processed AZ31-based composite
Authors: Singh Chaman Jeet , Ram Baljinder , Singh Jashanpreet , Prakash Chander , Paramasivam Prabhu , Kumar Rahul
Published: July 2024

Present study has been conducted to characterize the Mg alloy namely AZ31-based composite joined by Friction stir processing (FSP) technique. This study deals with the effect of single and double passes in FSP of AZ31 Mg alloy. The single pass run in FSP is followed at tool rotation speed (N) of 1000 to 1400 rpm. Also, the double pass run in FSP was followed at these speeds without using reinforcements. The feedstock particles namely SiC, Al2O3, Cr, and Si powders were used in fabrication process. The hardness, impact strength, and tensile strength characteristics were assessed in the stir region zone, and the results indicated significant improvement in these properties. The highest values of mechanical strength were seen in the FSPed area with N = 1000 rpm at a constant transverse speed (r) of 40 mm/min. Also, the tensile strength of the two passes FSPed plates is much higher than that of the single section without any reinforcement, as revealed in previous study also. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis is done at two different magnifications for the Silicon carbide, Alumina, Chromium, and Silicon powder reinforced composites fabricated at speed of 1000 rpm. The microstructure shows that reinforced particles were uniform dispersed into FSPed region and agglomerated with Mg matrix. Si powder produces finer microstructure as compare to SiC, Al2O3, Cr. FSP decreases the grain size of processed material. Optical Microscopy results revealed that the reinforcement particle produced a homogenous microstructure and, a refined grain and equally dispersed in matrix material without split to the particle.
Using status of secondary prevention medications in post-stroke dysphagia patients: time to raise awareness and develop special formulations
Authors: Yu Na , Yang Jianhong , Katas Haliza
Published: July 2024

Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is an increasingly common complication of stroke. Despite its intuitively unfavorable impact on secondary prevention medication use, limited awareness is available regarding this issue. Herein, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the current use, patient-perceived needs and preferences for secondary prevention medications among PSD patients. To emphasize the unique context related to dysphagia, we recruited Chinese stroke patients with a duration of less than 5 years. These patients were initially categorized into PSD respondents with and without dysphagia. Among the 3490 eligible respondents, 42.7% reported experiencing dysphagia after stroke. Those PSD respondents were more likely to consume multiple medications and suffer from anticoagulants-associated gastrointestinal bleeding as compared to non-PSD ones (p < 0.001). More crucially, 40.2% of them had frequent difficulty in swallowing pills, 37.1% routinely crushed solid oral dosage forms (SODFs), and 23.5% coughed frequently when taking SODFs. In consequence, 87.4% responded a need for PSD-specific formulations where safe swallowing, easy swallowing, and reduced medication frequency were preferred pharmaceutical factors. These findings demonstrate an unsatisfactory situation and definite needs for PSD patients in using secondary prevention medications. Awareness should be increased to develop PSD-specific formulations for safe and effective secondary prevention.
Effect of temperature and pre-stretch on the dynamic performance of dielectric elastomer minimum energy structure
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Xu Qiaowei , Zhou Yanmin , Li Gang , He Bin
Published: July 2024

Dielectric Elastomer Minimum Energy Structures (DEMES) have the ability of actively adjusting their shape to accommodate complex scenarios, understanding the actuation mechanism of DEMES is essential for their effective design and control, which has rendered them a focus of research in the field of soft robotics. The actuation ability of DEMES is usually influenced by external conditions, among which the electromechanical properties of DE materials are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and the pre-stretch ratio of DE materials has a significant impact on the dynamic performance of DEMES. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effects of temperature and pre-stretch ratio on the nonlinear dynamic behavior of DEMES. In this paper, in response to the lack of research on the influence of DE pre-stretch ratio on the actuation characteristics of DEMES, this paper proposes a systematic modeling and analysis framework that comprehensively considers pre-stretch factors, temperature factors, and viscoelastic factors, and establishes the motion control equation of DEMES affected by the coupling effect of DE pre-stretch ratio and temperature. The proposed analytical framework is used to analyze the evolution of the electromechanical response of DEMES under voltage excitation under the coupling of DE pre-stretch ratio and temperature. The results indicate that the bending angle, inelastic deformation, resonant frequency, and dynamic stability of DEMES can be jointly adjusted by the DE pre-stretch ratio and ambient temperature. A low pre-stretch ratio of DE can lead to dynamic instability of DEMES, while appropriate temperature conditions and higher pre-stretch ratios can significantly improve the actuation ability of DEMES. This can provide theoretical guidance for the design and deformation control of DEMES.
Optoelectronic properties of electron-acceptor molecules adsorbed on graphene/silicon carbide interfaces
Authors: Mansouri Masoud , Díaz Cristina , Martín Fernando
Published: July 2024

Silicon carbide has emerged as an optimal semiconducting support for graphene growth. In previous studies, the formation of an interfacial graphene-like buffer layer covalently bonded to silicon carbide has been observed, revealing electronic properties distinct from ideal graphene. Despite extensive experimental efforts dedicated to this interface, theoretical investigations have been confined to its ground state. Here, we use many-body perturbation theory to study the electronic and optical characteristics of this interface and demonstrate its potential for optoelectronics. By adsorbing graphene, we show that the quasiparticle band structure exhibits a reduced bandgap, associated with an optical onset in the visible energy window. Furthermore, we reveal that the absorption of two prototypical electron-accepting molecules on this substrate results in a significant renormalization of the adsorbate gap, giving rise to distinct low-lying optically excited states in the near-infrared region. These states are well-separated from the substrate’s absorption bands, ensuring wavelength selectivity for molecular optoelectronic applications.
Permaculture enhances carbon stocks, soil quality and biodiversity in Central Europe
Authors: Reiff Julius , Jungkunst Hermann F. , Mauser Ken M. , Kampel Sophie , Regending Sophie , Rösch Verena , Zaller Johann G. , Entling Martin H.
Published: July 2024

Permaculture is proposed as a tool to design and manage agroecological systems in response to the pressing environmental challenges of soil degradation, climate change and biodiversity loss. However, scientific evidence on the effects of permaculture is still scarce. In this comprehensive study on a wide range of soil and biodiversity indicators, we examined nine farms utilizing permaculture and paired control fields with locally predominant agriculture in Central Europe. We found 27% higher soil carbon stocks on permaculture sites than on control fields, while soil bulk density was 20% lower and earthworm abundance was 201% higher. Moreover, concentrations of various soil macro- and micronutrients were higher on permaculture sites indicating better conditions for crop production. Species richness of vascular plants, earthworms and birds was 457%, 77% and 197% higher on permaculture sites, respectively. Our results suggest permaculture as effective tool for the redesign of farming systems towards environmental sustainability.
Bridging the Gap: commodifying infrastructure spatial dynamics with crowdsourced smartphone data
Authors: Cronin Liam , Sadeghi Eshkevari Soheil , Matarazzo Thomas J. , Milardo Sebastiano , Dabbaghchian Iman , Santi Paolo , Pakzad Shamim N. , Ratti Carlo
Published: July 2024

Structural information deficits about aging bridges have led to several avoidable catastrophes in recent years. Data-driven methods for bridge vibration monitoring enable frequent, accurate structural assessments; however, the high costs of widespread deployments of these systems make important condition information a luxury for bridge owners. Smartphone-based monitoring is inexpensive and has produced structural information, i.e., modal frequencies, in crowdsensing applications. Even so, current methods cannot extract spatial vibration characteristics with uncontrolled datasets that are needed for damage identification. Here we present an extensive real-world study with crowdsourced smartphone-vehicle trips within motor vehicles in which we estimate absolute value mode shapes and simulate damage detection capabilities. Our method analyzes over 800 trips across four road bridges with main spans ranging from 30 to 1300 m in length, representing about one-quarter of bridges in the United States. We demonstrate a bridge health monitoring platform compatible with ride-sourcing data streams that check conditions daily. The result has the potential to commodify data-driven structural assessments globally.
Value addition of MXenes as photo-/electrocatalysts in water splitting for sustainable hydrogen production
Authors: Pandey Sudeshana , Oh Yongsuk , Ghimire Mukesh , Son Ji-Won , Lee Minoh , Jun Yongseok
Published: July 2024

Recent advances in the use of MXenes for (photo)electrocatalytic water splitting applications are reviewed.
Effect of N-heterocyclic carbene in palladium–tin heterobimetallic catalysis: a DFT supported study on the C3–H functionalization of unprotected indoles
Authors: Nayak Mukesh Kumar , Maharana Rajat Rajiv , Mohanty Anuradha , Samanta Kousik , Roy Sujit
Published: July 2024

The effect of N-heterocyclic carbene in palladium–tin heterobimetallic catalysis is elucidated through the C3–H functionalization of indole.
Dynamic stability of Pt-based alloys for fuel-cell catalysts calculated from atomistics
Authors: Sharma Shubham , Zeng Cheng , Peterson Andrew A.
Published: July 2024

New atomistic models dissect dissolution, near-surface, and bulk diffusion, elevating Pt-alloy catalyst's stability analysis.
Highly flexible yet strain-insensitive conjugated polymer
Authors: Deng Wen Wen , Zhang Ze Ping , Rong Min Zhi , Zhang Ming Qiu
Published: July 2024

Freestanding intrinsic conducting polymer films with high and strain-insensitive conductivity, large stretchability, mechanical robustness and healability are produced by coupling poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with covalent adaptive networks.
Polypyrrole and activated carbon enriched MnCo2O4 ternary composite as efficient electrode material for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Kour Simran , Kour Pawanpreet , Sharma A. L.
Published: July 2024

The synergistic integration of MnCo2O4 with conducting polymer (PPY) and carbonaceous material (AC) leads to the development of advanced electrode material for hybrid supercapacitors.
Light-induced ligand-to-metal charge transfer of Fe(iii)-OR species in organic synthesis
Authors: Qin Jie , Lei Hong , Gao Chuanhua , Zheng Yuewen , Zhao Yating , Xia Wujiong
Published: July 2024

This review highlights studies on ligand-to-metal charge transfer of Fe(iii)-OR species in organic transformations.
Effectively designing infrared nonlinear optical materials with magnetism, MMn6Ga6S16 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, and Pb), aided by stable open frameworks
Authors: Li Kaixuan , Zhang Yujie , Zhu Xianchao , Wu Hongping , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Wu Yicheng
Published: July 2024

With the aid of an open framework, multifunctional materials with NLO and magnetism were synthesized.
Beyond transition block metals: exploring the reactivity of phosphine PTA and its oxide [PTA(O)] towards gallium(iii)
Authors: Guerriero Antonella , Ienco Andrea , Hicks Thomas , Cilibrizzi Agostino
Published: July 2024

First experimental and theoretical studies on the reactivity of the cage-like phosphines PTA and [PTA(O)] towards two gallium(iii) precursors.
Structural response of G protein binding to the cyclodepsipeptide inhibitor FR900359 probed by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Bonifer Christian , Hanke Wiebke , Mühle Jonas , Löhr Frank , Becker-Baldus Johanna , Nagel Jessica , Schertler Gebhard F. X. , Müller Christa E. , König Gabriele M. , Hilger Daniel , Glaubitz Clemens
Published: July 2024

The selective Gq inhibitor FR900359 was probed by NMR spectroscopy bound to the membrane-anchored Gq heterotrimer, revealing its mode of membrane interaction, protein binding and allosteric protein response.
Electrolyte tuning with low concentrations of additive for dendrite suppression in lithium metal anodes
Authors: Baniya Abiral , Saud Madan Bahadur , Li Hansheng , Faheem M. Bilal , Zhang Yuchen , Thapa Ashok , Bobba Raja Sekhar , Kaswekar Poojan Indrajeet , Qiao Quinn
Published: July 2024

Lithium metal is considered as an ideal anode for high-energy density storage systems with dendrites being a major issue for lifetime and safety. A gadolinium additive is found to be suppressing dendrite growth resulting higher performance retention.
Heterogeneous solvent dissipation coupled with particle rearrangement in shear-thinning non-Brownian suspensions
Authors: Terayama Tomoharu , Furukawa Akira
Published: July 2024

This study numerically reveals intimate heterogenous coupled dynamics between many-body particle motions and solvent hydrodynamics in shear-thinning non-Brownian suspensions.
Facile preparation and charge retention mechanism of polymer-based deformable electret
Authors: Endo Takatsugu , Komine Rikuo , Hamada Hiroyuki , Nakamura Takumi , Ishida Ryo , Niguma Shun
Published: July 2024

Facile preparation of an electret with infinite deformability is achieved by mixing of two commercially available polymers and subsequent corona-discharging.
Short-range disorder mediated stability of Zn in rock-salt MgO beyond configurational entropy
Authors: Sun Shengnan , Zhou Jun , Xi Shibo , Tan Hui Ru , Wei Fengxia , Seng Debbie Hwee Leng , Lieu Wei Ying , Ren Yi , Wang Shijie , Seh Zhi Wei
Published: July 2024

In rock-salt Mg0.50TM0.25Zn0.25O, CuO is more effective in stabilizing rock-salt ZnO in MgO, compared to CoO and NiO. Cu incorporation creates a wide metal–oxygen bond length distribution and short-range disorder and enhances Zn stabilization.
Cost-effective polymer donors with simple structure for organic solar cells
Authors: Zhou Xue , Gu Chuantao , Zheng Chunying , Liu Bing , Tian Yong , Yang Huan , Ma Jiping , Bao Xichang
Published: July 2024

This review summarized recent advances in cost-effective polymer donors with a simple structure for organic solar cells.
Enhancing electrochemical performance and corrosion resistance of nickel-based catalysts in seawater electrolysis: focusing on OER and HER
Authors: Xin Yuemin , Hua Qianqian , Li Chengjie , Zhu Haiding , Gao Liguo , Ren Xuefeng , Yang Peixia , Liu Anmin
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen production by electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using eco-friendly seawater electrolysis can help address the energy shortage.
Recent progress on MOFs and their derivative-carbon fiber composite materials for oxygen electrocatalysis
Authors: Shui Yewen , Deng Nanping , Wang Yilong , Wang Gang , Chi Hao , Zeng Qiang , Peng Zhaozhao , Cheng Bowen , Kang Weimin
Published: July 2024

Based on the oxygen electrocatalytic mechanism, MOFs and their derivative-carbon fiber composites have shown excellent catalytic performance by optimizing the reaction regulation mechanism, which will promote the development of electrocatalysts.
On-demand activatable peroxidase-mimicking enzymatic polymer nanocomposite films
Authors: Amin Md. Lutful , Saeed Ayad , Dinh Le N. M. , Yan Jiachen , Wen Haotian , Chang Shery L. Y. , Yao Yin , Zetterlund Per B. , Kumeria Tushar , Agarwal Vipul
Published: July 2024

The present work reports the fabrication of nanocomposite films that demonstrated precise control and tuneable on-demand enzyme-mimicking activity, thus setting up a platform for future development of smart sensors for various applications.
Efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence carbazole derivatives with a cofacial acceptor/donor/acceptor chromophore: comparable luminescent properties to their counterparts with the opposite configuration of donor/acceptor/donor
Authors: Dou Kunkun , Li Kuofei , Chen Mei , Zhao Bolin , Chen Yuannan , Deng Hao , Liu Xuejing , Zhao Chenyang , Zhan Hongmei , Zhang Yuwei , Qin Chuanjiang , Cheng Yanxiang
Published: July 2024

Carbazole derivatives containing D/A/D or A/D/A chromophores with opposite configurations all possess efficient TADF characteristics and exhibit comparable PL and EL properties.
High-performance green-emitting Ca2YScAl2Si2O12:Ce3+ garnet phosphors and their applications in high-quality blue-chip-pumped white LEDs
Authors: Xian Cheng , Chen Xiaoyuan , Huang Xiaoyong
Published: July 2024

A new high-brightness broadband green-emitting Ca2YScAl2Si2O12:Ce3+ garnet phosphor (IQE = 91.1%, EQE = 51.7%) enables high-quality white LEDs (Ra = 92.6, CCT = 4726 K, LE = 109.89 lm W−1).
The role of unfused-ring-based small-molecule acceptors as the third component in ternary organic photovoltaics
Authors: Jiang Bing-Huang , Chen Yi-Sheng , You Yu-Chi , Su Yu-Wei , Chang Chun-Yen , Shih Hui-Shan , Shi Zhong-En , Chen Chih-Ping , Wong Ken-Tsung
Published: July 2024

The intricate relationship between the blend morphology of ternary systems and organic photovoltaic (OPV) performance remains incompletely elucidated. Our demonstration offers a deeper understanding of how blend nanophase separation governs the energy loss and VOC of OPVs.
Facile fabrication of dual-conductivity, humidity-responsive single-layer membranes: towards advanced applications in sensing, actuation, and energy generation
Authors: Tzoumani Ioanna , Druvari Denisa , Andrikopoulos Konstantinos C. , Dominguez-Alfaro Antonio , Malliaras George G. , Kallitsis Joannis K.
Published: July 2024

Development of single-layer humidity-responsive membranes with mixed conductivity and potential applications across diverse fields.
MXenes and polymeric colloids nanocomposites for EMI shielding
Authors: Rusen Edina , Mocanu Alexandra , Brincoveanu Oana , Boldeiu Adina , Romanitan Cosmin , Aldrigo Martino , Iordănescu Sergiu , Diacon Aurel , Toader Gabriela , Gavrila Raluca
Published: July 2024

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites based on polymer colloids (PC) and MXenes for applications in EMI shielding.
A Preliminary Investigation of Within-Word Silent Intervals Produced by Children With and Without Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Darling-White Meghan , Sisk Christine N.
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

The categorization of silent intervals during speech production is necessary for accurate measurement of articulation rate and pauses. The primary purpose of this preliminary study was to examine the within-word silent interval associated with the stop closure in word-final stop consonants produced by children with and without neurodevelopmental disorders.

Method:

Seven children diagnosed with either cerebral palsy or Down syndrome (i.e., children with neurodevelopmental disorders) and eight typically developing children produced a reading passage. Participants were between the ages of 11 and 16 years. Fifty-eight words from the reading passage were identified as having word-final stop consonants. The closure duration of the word-final stop consonant was calculated, both in absolute duration and percent pause time. The articulation rate of the entire passage was calculated. The number of closure durations that met or exceeded the minimum duration threshold to be considered a pause (150 ms) was examined descriptively.

Results:

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders produced significantly longer closure durations and significantly slower articulation rates than typically developing children. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders produced closure durations that met or exceeded the minimum duration threshold of a pause, but typically developing children, generally, did not.

Conclusion:

These data indicate the need to examine the location of silent intervals that meet the minimum duration threshold of a pause and correct for articulatory events during the measurement of articulation rate and pauses in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Are Written Syntax Features Related to Writing Quality? An Examination of Spanish and English Compositions by Bilingual Children
Authors: Wolters Alissa Patricia , Kim Young-Suk Grace
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

There is limited research on the writing of young Spanish–English bilinguals and their writing in both languages. In the current study, we addressed whether written syntax features differed by language (English and Spanish) and varied as a function of grade level, English learner status, and instructional program (dual or English immersion). We also examined whether Spanish and English syntax features were related cross-linguistically and related to writing quality within languages and whether these relations to writing quality were moderated by grade level, English learner status, and instructional program.

Method:

We examined written syntax features of Spanish and English essays by simultaneous and emergent bilinguals in Grades 1, 2, and 3 in either Spanish–English dual immersion or English immersion instruction in the United States (
N
= 278). Essays were scored for quality and evaluated for mean length of T-units, number of verbs, number of noun agreement words, and number of subject agreement words accurately conjugated.

Results:

Written syntax features significantly differed by language and varied as a function of grade level, English learner status, and instructional program. Grades 2 and 3 wrote longer utterances, more verbs, and greater noun agreement accuracy than Grade 1. Syntax features were related to writing quality within languages, but Spanish relations were weaker for English learners than non-English learners and for dual immersion students than English immersion students.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest written syntax features may be useful for evaluation of English–Spanish simultaneous and emergent bilinguals' writing.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25927366
Spectral properties of bright deposits in permanently shadowed craters on Ceres
Authors: Schröder Stefan , Schörghofer Norbert , Mazarico Erwan , Carsenty Uri
Published: July 2024

Context. Bright deposits in permanently shadowed craters on Ceres are thought to harbor water ice. However, the evidence for water ice presented thus far is indirect.

Aims. We aim to directly detect the spectral characteristics of water ice in bright deposits present in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) in polar craters on Ceres.

Methods. We analyzed narrowband images of four of the largest shadowed bright deposits acquired by the Dawn Framing Camera to reconstruct their reflectance spectra, carefully considering issues such as in-field stray light correction and image compression artifacts.

Results. The sunlit portion of a polar deposit known to harbor water ice has a negative (blue) spectral slope of −58 ± 12% µm−1 relative to the background in the visible wavelength range. We find that the PSR bright deposits have similarly blue spectral slopes, consistent with a water ice composition. Based on the brightness and spectral properties, we argue that the ice is likely present as particles of high purity. Other components such as phyllosilicates may be mixed in with the ice. Salts are an unlikely brightening agent given their association with cryovolcanic processes, of which we find no trace.

Conclusions. Our spectral analysis strengthens the case for the presence of water ice in permanently shadowed craters on Ceres.
Unequal-mass highly spinning binary black hole mergers in the stable mass transfer formation channel
Authors: Olejak Aleksandra , Klencki Jakub , Xu Xiao-Tian , Wang Chen , Belczynski Krzysztof , Lasota Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2024

Context. The growing database of gravitational wave (GW) detections with binary black holes (BHs) merging in the distant Universe contains subtle insights into their formation scenarios.

Aims. We investigated one of the puzzling properties of detected GW sources, namely, the possible (anti)correlation between the mass ratio q of BH-BH binaries and their effective spin χeff. In particular, unequal-mass systems tend to exhibit higher spins than those with nearly equal-mass BH components.

Methods. We used rapid binary evolution models to demonstrate that the isolated binary evolution followed by efficient tidal spin-up of stripped helium core produces a similar pattern in χeff versus q distributions of BH–BH mergers.

Results. In our models, the progenitors of unequal BH-BH systems in the stable mass transfer formation scenario are more likely to efficiently shrink their orbits during the second Roche-lobe overflow than the binaries that evolve into nearly equal-mass component systems. This makes it easier for unequal-mass progenitors to enter the tidal spin-up regime and later merge due to GW emission. Our results are, however, sensitive to some input assumptions, especially the stability of mass transfer and the angular momentum loss during nonconservative mass transfer. We note that mass transfer prescriptions widely adopted in rapid codes favor the formation of BH–BH merger progenitors with unequal masses and moderate separations. We compared our results with detailed stellar model grids and found reasonable agreement after appropriate calibration of the physics models.

Conclusions. We anticipate that future detections of unequal-mass BH–BH mergers could provide valuable constraints on the role of the stable mass transfer formation channel. A significant fraction of BH-BH detections with mass ratio q ∈ (0.4 − 0.7) would be consistent with having a mass ratio reversal scenario during the first relatively conservative mass transfer and a non-enhanced angular momentum loss during the second highly nonconservative mass transfer phase.
Unexpected frequency of horizontal oscillations of magnetic structures in the solar photosphere
Authors: Berretti M. , Stangalini M. , Verth G. , Jafarzadeh S. , Jess D. B. , Berrilli F. , Grant S. D. T. , Duckenfield T. , Fedun V.
Published: July 2024

It is well known that the dominant frequency of oscillations in the solar photosphere is ≈3 mHz, which is the result of global resonant modes pertaining to the whole stellar structure. However, analyses of the horizontal motions of nearly 1 million photospheric magnetic elements spanning the entirety of solar cycle 24 have revealed an unexpected dominant frequency, ≈5 mHz, a frequency typically synonymous with the chromosphere. Given the distinctly different physical properties of the magnetic elements examined in our statistical sample, when compared to largely quiescent solar plasma where ≈3 mHz frequencies are omnipresent, we argue that the dominant ≈5 mHz frequency is not caused by the buffeting of magnetic elements, but instead is due to the nature of the underlying oscillatory driver itself. This novel result was obtained by exploiting the unmatched spatial and temporal coverage of magnetograms acquired by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Our findings provide a timely avenue for future exploration of the magnetic connectivity between sub-photospheric, photospheric, and chromospheric layers of the Sun’s dynamic atmosphere.
First detection of theJ−1 → (J − 1)0 − Emethanol maser transitions atJ = 7 and 10
Authors: Humire Pedro K. , Ortiz-León Gisela N. , Hernández-Gómez Antonio , Yang Wenjin , Henkel Christian , Martín Sergio
Published: July 2024

Context.Class I methanol masers provide sensitive information about the shocked environment around star-forming regions. Among the brightest Class I methanol masers, we have those in theJ−1 → (J − 1)0 − Eline series, currently reported for theJ = 4 − 9 transitions, with the only exception being theJ = 7 one at 181.295 GHz, and never expanded to higherJtransitions.

Aims.We aim to search for population inversion in the 7−1 → 60 − Eand 10−1 → 90 − Emethanol transition lines at 181.295 and 326.961 GHz, respectively, and also extend the number of known low-mass star-forming sources harboring Class I methanol masers.

Methods.We employed the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) 12 m telescope to survey low-mass Galactic sources, focusing on methanol emission lines. We built rotation diagrams for all sources with detectedJ = 7 methanol line transitions, while employing radiative transfer modeling (both in and out of local thermodynamic equilibrium) to characterize methanol excitation conditions in detail for one specific source with detected masers.

Results.We detected the 7−1 → 60 − Eand 10−1 → 90 − Emethanol transitions in 6 out of 19 sources. Among them, we firmly determined the 10−1 → 90 − Emaser nature in CARMA 7, L1641N, NGC 2024, and Serpens FIRS, and we show evidence for the presence of inverted population emission in the 7−1 → 60 − Eline toward CARMA 7 and L1641N. This represents the first report of methanol maser emission in these particular transitions. Our study supports previous works indicating that conditions for Class I methanol maser emission are satisfied in low-mass star-forming regions and expands the range of detectable frequencies toward higher values.
Buck Converter based PV Array Emulator for Testing PV Inverters and MPPT Algorithms
Authors: Zhou Zhongfu , Macaulay John
Published: July 2024

this paper presents an emulation of PV modules based on the buck DC/DC converter as a replacement of actual solar electricity generation sources for laboratory experiments for testing the conditioners and MPPT algorithms. The buck converter was designed in constant current control mode and the output current of the buck converter is referred to lookup tables constructed based on I-V curves of product datasheets or mathematical equations. Dynamic performance of the current control loop was investigated. To validate the performance simulation and experiment as carried out and a comparison between simulated and practical results obtained from laboratory test with actual sources is performed. It is confirmed the buck converter-based PV simulator is a simple, safe, versatile, and effective way of physically representing of real solar source.
Comparative Analysis of Thermal Performance of Painted, Finned, and Plain Roofs in Arid and Temperate Climates: Insights from Kuwait City and Vancouver
Authors: Salem Hayder , Sedaghat Ahmad
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the thermal performance of three common roofing types - painted, finned, and plain for buildings with customary materials without insulationin- two contrasting climatic contexts: Kuwait City and Vancouver. Experimental data were collected on hourly basis for the surface temperatures for 4 months in winter of Kuwait. Utilizing ASHRAE methods, we simulated the dynamic thermal behaviour of these roofing materials to assess their suitability for mitigating energy demands and enhancing indoor thermal comfort of a building with 127 m2rooftop surface area. Our findings reveal distinct thermal characteristics associated with each roofing type in the respective climates. In Kuwait City’s arid environment, the painted roof emerges as the optimal choice, demonstrating superior performance in reducing thermal loads during hot months while posing challenges related to increased heating demand in cooler seasons with 4.5°C reduction by painted roof. Conversely, in Vancouver’s temperate climate, the painted roof exhibits continuous outward conduction of heat, contributing to elevated heating demands throughout the year despite its effectiveness in maintaining lower temperatures compared to the indoor environment. This study highlights the importance of considering climatic factors and seasonal variations in selecting roofing materials to achieve optimal energy efficiency and indoor comfort. These findings can assist decision-making processes for architects, engineers, and policymakers aiming to enhance building performance and sustainability across diverse climatic regions.
Lightened Blocks of Plant Fibers and Clay Applied in Construction Systems for Housing in High Andean Areas
Authors: Angela Salazar Loyo Andrea , Enrique Castañeda Alejo Luis , Luz Cóndor Aldana Erika , Torres Vladimir Simón Montoya
Published: July 2024

The search for sustainable construction systems to address social and environmental problems is increasingly important because there is still a high percentage of deficit in the construction of comfortable homes. This research aims to analyze the proposal of a sustainable construction system of lightened blocks made with plant fibers and clay, applied in the high Andean areas of the central Andes of Peru. For this experimental process, the analysis of the local soil that was used to manufacture the blocks was carried out, resulting in a high percentage of clay, to which plant fibers was incorporated. Then, fifty samples of blocks with different types of dosage were made and ten were selected, which were subjected to physical-mechanical compression resistance tests and compared with what was specified in international and national standards in relation to the units of brickwork. Finally, the results indicate that the elaborate blocks, compared to traditional earthen masonry units, are lighter and more resistant. This represents 57% less weight in relation to volume and 50% more resistance, this being a result of the use of plant fibers and the design of the block, which also provides better thermal insulation, likewise, this lightened block has better economic advantages.
A study of the coarse droplet formation from the liquid film in steam turbines
Authors: Bartoš Ondřej , Huněk Adam , Antoš Pavel
Published: July 2024

The steam turbines are still the essential machines for the energy transformation. For all the deployment of the non-fossil energy sources the steam turbine remains the most important energy transforming device. In the current situation when the daily operation of the turbines is not predictable due to electricity supply from the photovoltaic and the wind power plants, the turbines work in the non-design conditions, the danger of the blade’s erosion caused by the coarse droplets is assumed. The purpose of this paper is to suggest the possible formation process of the coarse droplets in the steam turbine. The current studies were focused mostly on the measurement or identification of the coarse droplets in the steam turbine but the explanation of the archived results was not sufficient. The influence of the flow field behind the blade on the liquid film atomization was studied. The first measurements of the detailed characteristic of the flow field in the wind tunnel for the qualitative analysis of the phenomena were performed with promising results.
Heat Flux Assessment in Reciprocating Compressor
Authors: Bouchal Patrik , Hejčík Jiří , Jícha Miroslav
Published: July 2024

Heat transfer inside a cylinder and the cylinder head of a reciprocating compressor is responsible for the majority of thermodynamic losses in these devices. Both the magnitude and direction of the heat flux through the walls of those components change several times during a single revolution. They are directly dependent on the position of the piston and suction/discharge valves. A better understanding of these thermal processes could lead to better and more targeted cooling. This would result in higher efficiency of the reciprocating compressors. In this paper, two experimental methods for determining heat flux are used. The first method uses heat flux sensors to measure heat flux directly. The other one is focused on the indirect assessment of heat flux via surface-mounted thermocouples. To tie the measurement to the position of the crankshaft, both sensors are coupled to a rotary encoder. The rotary encoder sends a signal once per revolution when the piston is in the top dead center position to trigger signal acquisition. The results show signs of reaching a quasi-steady state and would most likely require sampling of the signal more times per revolution.
Evaluation of Orifice Shape Design on Flat Fan Atomization
Authors: Cejpek Ondrej , Maly Milan , Hajek Jiri , Hajek Ondrej , Prinz Frantisek , Jedelsky Jan
Published: July 2024

The atomizer is a crucial component in spray columns used in mass transfer applications. Proper function of the atomizer can enhance mass transfer and reduce sorbent evaporation and droplet drift (physical loss). Commonly used atomizers for spray column application suffer from excessive droplet drift and high spray polydispersity. Flat fan sprays were beneficially used to reduce droplet drift in agricultural applications and in studies dealing with CO2 capture. Six 3D printed flat fan atomizers with different internal channel geometry (elliptical, cone-shaped) were tested at four inlet pressures in this study. The liquid sheet breakup length and spray cone angle derived from high-speed visualization are compared for each atomizer design. No systematic difference was found between the elliptical and cone-shaped channels. The spray cone angle and breakup length were corelated only with experimental regimes (Reynolds number and Weber number). Perforations were responsible for the breakup of the liquid sheet at lower injection pressures, whereas the combined effect of perforations and waves dominated the liquid sheet breakup at higher injection pressures.
Temperature fields in liquids: A comparison of CFD simulations with Digital Holographic Interferometry and thermocouples
Authors: Çubreli Gramoz , Elbarghthi Anas F.A. , Dančová Petra , Kouta Ahmad
Published: July 2024

This paper presents temperature estimations via two simple CFD simulations of a dynamic phenomenon in a transparent tank (cylindrical heater rod submerged into water in a glass tank) with ANSYS Fluent and comparison with the optical measurement results obtained via the Digital Holographic Interferometry (DHI) method and thermocouples. Our CFD simulations predict temperature values in good agreement (within 5% error limit) compared to thermocouples and DHI. Furthermore, the great advantages of DHI technique for such kind of reliable, fast, in time, accurate and contactless measurements were highlighted. Data validations of our simulations could lead to further investigations through the CFD simulating technique for a wide range of applications.
A microfluidic chip for generation a lipid phase in an aqueous dispersion
Authors: Jasikova Darina , Kotek Michal , Bratka Petr , Sidlof Petr , Kopecky Vaclav
Published: July 2024

The subject of study involves the handling of liquids and gases in the order of micro-litres and in micro scale resolution. Microfluidic structures are very fine in the context of the macro world, and standard dimensions are around 100 µm, but even finer, depending on the manufacturing process. Visualization are used to study events and processes inside microstructures. Events taking place in fine structures are influenced by parameters such as liquid resistance, interfacial forces, diffusion transfer of molecules and mutual interactions both at the chemical and thermodynamic levels. The analysis of the behaviour of liquids in microfluidic systems involves a change of approach in deriving the influence of input conditions on the resulting behaviour and the course of interactions both between the wall of the structure and the liquid, but also in the liquid itself. The methodology and production of a microfluidic device usually uses a number of technologies. The process often combines a lithographic technique with a controlled etching or laser engraving method. This article introduces the initial experiments with droplet microfluidic generators, which took place at TUL - CXI and subsequently led to the construction of your own implementation in the form of a capillary chip that can be used in pharmacy.
Design of the gas turbine flow path of a gas-cooled fast reactor secondary circuit
Authors: Klimko Marek , Žitek Pavel , Synáč Jaroslav , Volf Michal
Published: July 2024

The paper builds on the results so far within the research project focused on conceptual design of an innovative safety system for a Gas-Cooled Nuclear Reactors. The paper focuses on a description of the design methodology of the gas turbine flow path, which is part of the secondary circuit of the proposed safety system. The aim is to propose the design of the last stage turbine blading and then to extract a special bucket blade profile that will match the expected flow direction during deep off-design modes. The extracted blade profile will then be subsequently assembled into a blade row which will be tested in the suction-type high-speed wind tunnel in the Aerodynamic Laboratory of the Institute of Thermomechanics Czech Academy of Science in Nový Knín.
The effect of solid particles on the heat transfer in a slurry pipe flow
Authors: Scelzo Maria Teresa , Peveroni Laura , Laboureur Delphine , Buchlin Jean-Marie
Published: July 2024

This work discusses the results of the temperature measurements performed on a water-based slurry, seeded with polystyrene spherical particles and flowing in a heated horizontal pipe. The flow is fully turbulent, characterized by a Reynolds number between 4500 and 14000. Two particle size distributions are tested (with mean diameter of 0.35 mm and 0.85 mm respectively), which lead to homogeneous and heterogeneous flow regimes. A solid volume fraction up to 7% is reached. The results show that particles increase the liquid bulk temperature by lessening the mixture heat capacity. Moreover, the particles increase the liquid heat transfer co-efficient. Additionally, in the bottom part of the pipe, the heat transfer coefficient behaves similarly to fluidised bed. Based on these results, a new semi-empirical correlation for the slurry Nusselt number in function of the relevant dimensionless groups of the problem (Reynolds and Prandtl numbers, density ratio, particles size to pipe diameter ratio and solid volume fraction) is proposed.