bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable plasma and combustion wave dynamics in fused silica induced by combined millisecond–nanosecond laser pulses under airflow control
Authors: Liu Yubo , Cai Jixing , Zhou Yue , Yu Hao
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the control of plasma morphology on fused silica induced by a combined millisecond–nanosecond laser under the influence of flow fields. An innovative dynamic model has been developed to control plasma and combustion wave behavior under flow field, aiming to mitigate the impact of tangential airflow on plasma and combustion wave dynamics and propagation. The physical mechanism of plasma cooling and morphological stability, resulting from the coupling of the combined laser and airflow, is revealed by optimizing the heat source terms in the Navier–Stokes and energy equations under flow field. It suppresses unnecessary expansion and instability, making it suitable for high-precision material handling and damage control. The results indicate that under 20° and 45°, the shear force generates discontinuous pressure and velocity fields, inhibiting plasma expansion and hindering particle diffusion. Oxygen-assisted combustion at 60° increases heat, allowing more laser energy injected into the core region, reducing absorption by the outer plasma, and increasing the movement rate and expansion distance. The 90° angle confines the combustion wave to the airflow injection direction, weakening the plasma boundary structure, causing the boundary region to rupture rapidly, and inducing reverse motion. The model developed predicts the expansion distance and morphology of the combustion wave under different shear force angles, offering theoretical guidance for experiments.
Turbulent anisotropy and coherent structures in flow through a symmetric compound channel with emergent floodplain vegetation
Authors: Rathod Laxman V , Timbadiya P. V. , Barman Bandita
Published: January 2025

This experimental study advances understanding of the impact of homogeneous grass (HG), homogeneous shrub, and mixed (heterogeneous) vegetation (MV) on floodplains (FPs) and the flow dynamics within a symmetric compound channel. Velocity measurements were conducted using an Acoustic Doppler Vectrino Profiler in the main channel (MC), slope region (SR), and FP to compute depth-averaged mean streamwise velocity, Reynolds stress anisotropy tensors, and coherent structures. The analysis revealed a 54% increase in depth-averaged velocity at the MC centerline with MV compared to the no vegetation (NV) case, marking the highest increase observed among all vegetation scenarios. Reynolds stress anisotropy showed that streamwise turbulence anisotropy dominated in both the MC and SR, particularly with MV, reflecting enhanced momentum exchange due to vegetation. The anisotropic invariant map demonstrated a shift from one-dimensional to two-dimensional (2D) turbulence states and the formation of cigar-shaped turbulence structures, especially in the SR. This shift was attributed to increased momentum exchange and resistance. Quadrant analysis revealed that vegetation on the FP intensified bursting events, enhancing sediment transport in the near-bed region compared to the NV case. At the free surface, outward interactions were more frequent than inward interactions, indicating upward water movement. Higher vortex frequency and energy dissipation observed in the SR with vegetated FP confirmed the presence of quasi-2D coherent structures, facilitating the breakdown of larger vortices into smaller ones. These findings provide critical insights for river system management, emphasizing vegetation's role in altering flow dynamics and enhancing sediment transport.
A numerical investigation of flame acceleration and deflagration-to-detonation transition: Effects of the position and the delayed injection time of fluidic obstacles
Authors: Wang Jiabao , Han Jin , Zhu Yuejin , Jiang Xi Zhuo
Published: January 2025

Fluidic obstacles, employed as a form of turbulence generator, are often utilized to facilitate flame acceleration and deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT). This paper conducts a detailed numerical study focusing on the position (L1) and the delayed injection time. The results indicate that reducing L1 leads to an earlier interaction between the flame and vortex structures, thus enhancing the initial flame acceleration effect. However, this also results in a reduction in the movement of vortex structures, which prevents the enhancement of turbulence intensity within the channel. Conversely, notwithstanding increasing L1 can improve the turbulence intensity within the channel, vortex structures fail to interact with the flame, which is unfavorable for the DDT process. Therefore, an optimal L1 exists which not only improves initial flame acceleration but also accommodates DDT. Furthermore, from a comprehensive perspective, the effectiveness of the delayed injection strategy is constrained by the range of L1. When L1 is small, the delayed injection strategy can enhance the time window for the flame–jet interaction, thereby improving turbulence and finally enhancing the DDT performance. However, as L1 increases, this improvement gradually diminishes and ultimately disappears. Regarding the DDT process, this study reveals that the distribution and strength of the wave structure in the channel, the size of the recirculation zone, the motion effect of the vortex structure, and various flow instability are the internal causes of DDT. The intensity of the pressure and velocity fields in the unburned zone ahead of the flame plays a crucial role in the DDT process.
APOBEC3A deaminates CTG hairpin loops to promote fragility and instability of expanded CAG/CTG repeats
Authors: Brown Rebecca E. , Coxon Margo , Larsen Benjamin , Allison Maxwell , Chadha Ariana , Mittelstadt Isabelle , Mertz Tony M. , Roberts Steven A. , Freudenreich Catherine H.
Published: January 2025

CAG/CTG repeats are prone to expansion, causing several inherited human diseases. The initiating sources of DNA damage which lead to inaccurate repair of the repeat tract to cause expansions are not fully understood. Expansion-prone CAG/CTG repeats are actively transcribed and prone to forming stable R-loops with hairpin structures forming on the displaced single-stranded DNA (S-loops). We previously determined that damage by the

Saccharomyces
cerevisiae

cytosine deaminase, Fcy1, was required for both fragility and instability of CAG/CTG tracts engaged in R-loops. To determine whether this mechanism is more universal, we expressed human cytidine deaminases APOBEC3A (A3A), APOBEC3B (A3B), or activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in our yeast system. We show that mutagenic activity of Apolipoprotein B messenger RNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptides causes CAG/CTG fragility and instability, with A3A having the greatest effect followed by A3B and least from AID. A3A-induced repeat fragility was exacerbated by enrichment of R-loops at the repeat site. A3A and A3B-induced instability was dependent on the MutLγ nuclease and to a lesser extent, base excision repair factors. Deaminase activity assays on hairpin substrates containing CTG and GTC triplet sequences revealed that A3A prefers cytidines within the hairpin loop, and bulges in the hairpin stem alter preferred locations. Analysis of RNA expression levels in human cortex samples revealed that A3A is expressed in brain tissue that exhibits CAG/CTG repeat expansions and its expression is elevated in Huntington’s disease (HD) patient samples. These results implicate cytidine deamination by A3A as a potential source of repeat expansions in HD and other CAG/CTG repeat expansion disorders.
PKM2 controls cochlear development through lactate-dependent transcriptional regulation
Authors: Wu Mingxuan , Jia Gaogan , Liu Yaoqian , Lou Yiyun , Li Yunjie , Xia Mingyu , Li Huawei , Li Wenyan
Published: January 2025

Understanding the role of metabolic processes during inner ear development is essential for identifying targets for hair cell (HC) regeneration, as metabolic choices play a crucial role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Among the metabolic processes, growing evidence shows that glucose metabolism is closely related to organ development. However, the role of glucose metabolism in mammalian inner ear development and HC regeneration remains unclear. In this study, we found that glycolytic metabolism is highly active during mouse and human cochlear prosensory epithelium expansion. Using mouse cochlear organoids, we revealed that glycolytic activity in cochlear nonsensory epithelial cells was predominantly dominated by pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). Deletion of PKM2 induced a metabolic switch from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, impairing cochlear organoid formation. Furthermore, conditional loss of PKM2 in cochlear progenitors hindered sensory epithelium morphogenesis, as demonstrated in PKM2 knockout mice. Mechanistically, pyruvate is generated by PKM2 catalysis and then converted into lactate, which then lactylates histone H3, regulating the transcription of key genes for cochlear development. Specifically, accumulated lactate causes histone H3 lactylation at lysine 9 (H3K9la), upregulating the expression of
Sox
family transcription factors through epigenetic modification. Moreover, overexpression of PKM2 in supporting cells (SCs) triggered metabolism reprogramming and enhanced HC generation in cultured mouse and human cochlear explants. Our findings uncover a molecular mechanism of sensory epithelium formation driven by glycolysis-lactate flow and suggest unique approaches for mammalian HC regeneration.
BK channels mediate a presynaptic form of mGluR-LTD in the neonatal hippocampus
Authors: Ancatén-González Carlos , Meza Rodrigo C. , Gonzalez-Sanabria Naileth , Segura Ignacio , Alcaino Alejandro , Peña-Pichicoi Antonio , Latorre Ramón , Chiu Chiayu Q. , Chávez Andrés E.
Published: January 2025

BK channels can control neuronal function, but their functional relevance in activity-dependent changes of synaptic function remains elusive. Here, we report that repetitive low-frequency stimulation activates BK channels through 12(S)HPETE, an arachidonic acid metabolite, produced downstream of postsynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) to trigger long-term depression (LTD) at CA3–CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices from P7–P10 mice. Activation of BK channels is subunit specific, as paxilline but not iberiotoxin blocked mGluR-LTD. Also, 12(S)HPETE does not change the electrophysiological properties of the BK channel when the BKα subunit is expressed alone but increases the channel open probability when the BKα is coexpressed with the β4-subunit. Our findings reveal an interaction between 12(S)HPETE and BK channels to regulate synaptic strength at central synapses and increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying mGluR-LTD in the neonatal hippocampus that likely contribute to circuit maturation necessary for learning.
Engaging dystonia networks with subthalamic stimulation
Authors: Butenko Konstantin , Neudorfer Clemens , Dembek Till A. , Hollunder Barbara , Meyer Garance M. , Li Ningfei , Oxenford Simón , Bahners Bahne H. , Al-Fatly Bassam , Lofredi Roxanne , Gordon Evan M. , Dosenbach Nico U. F. , Ganos Christos , Hallett Mark , Jinnah Hyder A. , Starr Philip A. , Ostrem Jill L. , Wu Yiwen , Zhang ChenCheng , Fox Michael D. , Horn Andreas
Published: January 2025

Deep brain stimulation is an efficacious treatment for dystonia. While the internal pallidum serves as the primary target, recently, stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has been investigated. However, optimal targeting within this structure and its surroundings have not been studied in depth. Indeed, historical targets that have been used for surgical treatment of dystonia are directly adjacent to the STN. Further, multiple types of dystonia exist, and outcomes are variable, suggesting that not all types would profit maximally from the same target. Therefore, a thorough investigation of neural substrates underlying stimulation effects on dystonia signs and symptoms is warranted. Here, we analyze a multicenter cohort of isolated dystonia patients with subthalamic implantations (
N
= 58) and relate their stimulation sites to improvements of appendicular and cervical symptoms as well as blepharospasm. Stimulation of the ventral oral posterior nucleus of thalamus and surrounding regions were associated with improvements in cervical dystonia, while stimulation of the dorsolateral STN was associated with improvements in limb dystonia and blepharospasm. This dissociation was matched by structural connectivity analysis, where the cerebellothalamic, corticospinal, and pallidosubthalamic tracts were associated with improvements of cervical dystonia, while hyperdirect and subthalamopallidal pathways with alleviation of limb dystonia and blepharospasm. On the level of functional networks, improvements of limb dystonia were associated with connectivity to the corresponding somatotopic regions in the primary motor cortex, while alleviation of cervical dystonia to the cingulo-opercular network. These findings shed light on the pathophysiology of dystonia and may guide DBS targeting and programming in the future.
Evolutionary adaptation under climate change:
Aedes
sp. demonstrates potential to adapt to warming
Authors: Couper Lisa I. , Dodge Tristram O. , Hemker James A. , Kim Bernard Y. , Exposito-Alonso Moi , Brem Rachel B. , Mordecai Erin A. , Bitter Mark C.
Published: January 2025

Climate warming is expected to shift the distributions of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases, promoting expansions at cool range edges and contractions at warm range edges. However, whether mosquito populations could maintain their warm edges through evolutionary adaptation remains unknown. Here, we investigate the potential for thermal adaptation in
Aedes sierrensis
, a congener of the major disease vector species that experiences large thermal gradients in its native range, by assaying tolerance to prolonged and acute heat exposure, and its genetic basis in a diverse, field-derived population. We found pervasive evidence of heritable genetic variation in mosquito heat tolerance, and phenotypic trade-offs in tolerance to prolonged versus acute heat exposure. Further, we found genomic variation associated with prolonged heat tolerance was clustered in several regions of the genome, suggesting the presence of larger structural variants such as chromosomal inversions. A simple evolutionary model based on our data estimates that the maximum rate of evolutionary adaptation in mosquito heat tolerance will exceed the projected rate of climate warming, implying the potential for mosquitoes to track warming via genetic adaptation.
Monofluorinated acetal electrolyte for high-performance lithium metal batteries
Authors: Zhang Elizabeth , Chen Yuelang , Holoubek John , Yu Zhiao , Zhang Wenbo , Lyu Hao , Choi Il Rok , Kim Sang Cheol , Serrao Chad , Cui Yi , Bao Zhenan
Published: January 2025

High degree of fluorination for ether electrolytes has resulted in improved cycling stability of lithium metal batteries due to stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and good oxidative stability. However, the sluggish ion transport and environmental concerns of high fluorination degree drive the need to develop less fluorinated structures. Here, we depart from the traditional ether backbone and introduce bis(2-fluoroethoxy)methane (F2DEM), featuring monofluorination of the acetal backbone. High coulombic efficiency and stable long-term cycling in Li||Cu half cells can be achieved with F2DEM even under fast Li metal plating conditions. The performance of F2DEM is further compared with diethoxymethane (DEM) and 2-[2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)ethoxy]-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (F5DEE). A significantly lower overpotential is observed with F2DEM, which improves energy efficiency and enables its application in high-rate conditions. Comparative studies of F2DEM with DEM and F5DEE in anode-free lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO
4
) LFP pouch cells and high-loading LFP coin cells further show improved capacity retention of F2DEM electrolyte, demonstrating its practical applicability. More importantly, we also extensively investigate the underlying mechanism for the superior performance of F2DEM through various techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cryogenic electron microscopy, focused ion beam, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and titration gas chromatography. Overall, F2DEM facilitates improved Li deposition morphology with reduced amount of dead Li. This enables F2DEM to show superior performance, especially under higher charging and slower discharging rate conditions.
The cGAS–STING, p38 MAPK, and p53 pathways link genome instability to accelerated cellular senescence in ATM-deficient murine lung fibroblasts
Authors: Haj Majd , Frey Yann , Levon Amit , Maliah Avishai , Ben-Yishay Tal , Slutsky Rachel , Smoom Riham , Tzfati Yehuda , Ben-David Uri , Levy Carmit , Elkon Ran , Ziv Yael , Shiloh Yosef
Published: January 2025

Ataxia–telangiectasia (A-T) is a pleiotropic genome instability syndrome resulting from the loss of the homeostatic protein kinase ATM. The complex phenotype of A-T includes progressive cerebellar degeneration, immunodeficiency, gonadal atrophy, interstitial lung disease, cancer predisposition, endocrine abnormalities, chromosomal instability, radiosensitivity, and segmental premature aging. Cultured skin fibroblasts from A-T patients exhibit premature senescence, highlighting the association between genome instability, cellular senescence, and aging. We found that lung fibroblasts derived from ATM-deficient mice provide a versatile experimental system to explore the mechanisms driving the premature senescence of primary fibroblasts lacking ATM.
Atm
−/− fibroblasts failed to proliferate under ambient oxygen conditions (21%). Although they initially proliferated under physiological oxygen levels (3%), they rapidly entered senescence. In contrast, wild-type (WT) lung fibroblasts did not senesce under 3% oxygen and eventually underwent immortalization and neoplastic transformation. However, rapid senescence could be induced in WT cells either by
Atm
gene ablation or persistent chemical inhibition of ATM kinase activity, with senescence induced by ATM inhibition being reversible upon inhibitor removal. Moreover, the concomitant loss of ATM and p53 led to senescence evasion, vigorous growth, rampant genome instability, and subsequent immortalization and transformation. Our findings reveal that the rapid senescence of
Atm
−/− lung fibroblasts is driven by the collaborative action of the cGAS–STING, p38 MAPK, and p53 pathways in response to persistent DNA damage, ultimately leading to the induction of interferon-α1 and downstream interferon-stimulated genes. We propose that accelerated cellular senescence may exacerbate specific A-T symptoms, particularly contributing to the progressive, life-threatening interstitial lung disease often observed in A-T patients during adulthood.
Superconducting critical temperature elevated by intense magnetic fields
Authors: Wu Z. , Chen H. , Weinberger T. I. , Cabala A. , Graf D. E. , Skourski Y. , Xie W. , Ling Y. , Zhu Z. , Sechovský V. , Vališka M. , Grosche F. M. , Eaton A. G.
Published: January 2025

Below a critical temperature

T
c

, superconductors transport electrical charge without dissipative energy losses. The application of a magnetic field

B

generally acts to suppress

T
c

, up to some critical field strength at which

T
c

→

0 K. Here, we investigate magnetic field–induced superconductivity in high-quality specimens of the triplet superconductor candidate UTe

2

in pulsed magnetic fields up to

B

=

70 T. Strikingly, we find that this material has a higher

T
c

when

B
>

40 T (

T
c

≈

2.4 K) than it does for

B
=

0 T (

T
c

=

2.1 K). This observation points to a fundamentally distinct mechanism for the formation of superconductivity at high

B

in UTe

2

compared to the case of

B

=

0 T.
Powerful variables for knowledge representation and bracketing
prediction
Authors: Rojas-Garcia Juan
Published: January 2025

The acquisition of knowledge is essential for specialized
translation, and the representation of specialized phraseology in terminological
knowledge bases facilitates this process. The aim of this study is two-fold.
Firstly, it describes how the semantic annotation of the predicate-argument
structure of sentences mentioning named rivers can be addressed from the
perspective of Frame-based Terminology. The results show that this approach,
including the semantic variables of verb lexical domain, semantic role, and
semantic category, provides valuable insights into the knowledge structures
underlying the usage of named rivers in specialized texts. Secondly, this study
explores whether the bracketing of a three-component multiword term can be
predicted from the semantic information encoded in the sentence where the
ternary compound and a named river are used as arguments. The semantic variables
of lexical domain, semantic role, and semantic category allowed us to construct
two machine-learning models capable of accurately predicting ternary-compound
bracketing.
Machine translation post-editing through emotional narratives
Authors: Sánchez Ramos María del Mar
Published: January 2025

Machine translation (MT) and post-editing (PE) have become increasingly common in translation training (Guerberof-Arenas and Moorkens 2019; Sánchez Ramos
2022). However, few studies have explored how trainee translators’ emotional responses to MT and PE impact their
motivation to incorporate these tools in their translation practice. Understanding and managing the emotions of students is
crucial to integrating MT and PE within translator training as a whole, and to fully preparing students for their professional
careers. Building on previous studies applying emotional narrative analysis to translators’ experiences with technology (Koskinen and Ruokonen 2017; Ruokonen and Koskinen
2017), this article explores the emotional responses of a group of 35 Spanish undergraduate translation students to MT
and PE using an emotional narrative methodology. Participants were asked to write an emotional narrative in the form of either a
love letter or a break-up letter addressed to MT. Overall, participants were found to be more positive than negative in their
attitude towards MT and PE. Among the 35 emotional narratives, there were 20 love letters and 15 break-up letters. Thematic
analysis revealed two main themes in the students’ narratives relating to (1) satisfaction with MT output and (2) the efficiency
of MT. These exploratory findings reinforce Yang and Wang’s (2019) call for more
research into what factors contribute to students’ intention to use MT and the consequent effects of using MT. They can also
inform pedagogy so that translator trainers better understand the factors that motivate students to incorporate MT in their
translation practice.
Effects of pulse rise rate and pulse width on the dynamics of secondary streamers and radical production in atmospheric-pressure air
Authors: Zheng Xinlei , Zheng Haotian , Sun Zihan , Zhao Zheng , Li Jiangtao
Published: January 2025

The role of the secondary streamer in radical production has been extensively studied, while most of studies analyzed the secondary streamer by assuming a constant electric field in the secondary streamer, thereby ignoring the dynamic nature of the secondary streamer. In this study, the dynamics of the secondary streamer and the effects of pulse rise rate and pulse width are investigated using simulations. The temporal evolution of the secondary streamer under pulsed voltage is analyzed using a novel model. The results shows that the electric field in the secondary streamer first decreases linearly with the length of the secondary streamer, and then changes with the pulsed voltage after the cessation of the secondary streamer. The decrease of the electric field in the secondary streamer is the dominant factor responsible for the cessation of the secondary streamer. As a result, radicals are predominantly produced prior to the cessation of the secondary streamer. By understanding the dynamics of the secondary streamer, it becomes possible to control the electric field and length of the secondary streamer by adjusting the pulse rise rate and pulse width, respectively, to enhance the energy efficiency of radical production. The increase in the length of the secondary streamer is always advantageous for improving energy efficiency, as it leads to greater energy deposition within the secondary streamer. For N(4S), the optimal electric field is approximately 600 Td, which cannot be achieved in the secondary streamer. In contrast, for O(3P), the optimal electric field is around 180 Td, which can be attained by regulating the voltage waveform.
Underdetermined blind source separation with adaptive chirp mode decomposition for compound rolling bearing fault signals
Authors: Liao Xiangyu , Chen Qian , Xiang Jiawei
Published: January 2025

The challenge of underdetermined blind source separation (UBSS) is on the need to separate multiple fault signals from a single-channel signal. Conventional separation algorithms are restricted by the lack of sufficient information to extract multiple source signal characteristics. To tackle the challenge, this paper introduces a novel method that combines sparse denoising-aided adaptive chirp mode decomposition (ACMD) with fast independent component analysis (FastICA). The underdetermined problem is transformed into a well-determined one by using decomposition techniques. Firstly, enhanced sparsity of GMC is used to denoise the collected signal and further enhance fault features. Next, the denoised signal is decomposed into multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using ACMD. Subsequently, the optimal IMFs are selected and then constructed a new observation signal, which is then used as the input for FastICA. At the same time, singular value decomposition is performed on each decomposed IMF to obtain the corresponding singular values, which are determined the number of signal sources and the separation layers of the FastICA method by the maximum ratio between adjacent singular values. Ultimately, the constructed observation signal is separated. This method is applied to single-channel UBSS of compound faults in rolling bearings. Numerical simulations and experimental studies demonstrate the method’s effectiveness.
Cosmic topology. Part Ic. Limits on lens spaces from circle searches
Authors: Saha Samanta , Copi Craig J. , Starkman Glenn D. , Anselmi Stefano , Duque Javier Carrón , Barandiaran Mikel Martin , Akrami Yashar , Cornet-Gomez Fernando , Jaffe Andrew H. , Kosowsky Arthur , Mihaylov Deyan P. , Pereira Thiago S. , Samandar Amirhossein , Tamosiunas Andrius ,   The COMPACT collaboration
Published: January 2025

Cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature and polarization observations indicate that in the best-fit Λ Cold Dark Matter model of the Universe, the local geometry is consistent with at most a small amount of positive or negative curvature, i.e., |Ω
K
| ≪ 1.
However, whether the geometry is flat (E
3), positively curved (S
3) or negatively curved (H
3), there are many possible topologies.
Among the topologies of S
3 geometry, the lens spaces L(p,q), where p and q (p > 1 and 0 < q < p) are positive integers, are quotients of the covering space of S
3 (the three-sphere) by ℤ
p
, the cyclic group of order p.
We use the absence of any pair of circles on the CMB sky with matching patterns of temperature fluctuations to establish constraints on p and q as a function of the curvature scale that are considerably stronger than those previously asserted for most values of p and q.
The smaller the value of |Ω
K
|, i.e., the larger the curvature radius, the larger the maximum allowed value of p.
For example, if |Ω
K
| ≃ 0.05 then p ≤ 9, while if |Ω
K
| ≃ 0.02, p can be as high as 24.
Future work will extend these constraints to a wider set of S
3 topologies.
Geometry based and simulation supported porosity prediction in ductile iron casting
Authors: Sata Amit , Maheta Nikunj , Dave Anjali , Khandelwal Himanshu
Published: January 2025

Shrinkage porosity is one of the significant challenge in metal casting process that influence productivity and energy efficiency particularly with castings that are not produced as per the requirement of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). To address this issue, proactive measures and predictive techniques are essential. Among these, the criterion function stands out as an important empirical model widely explored in the literature. It intricately connects solidification process to the development of shrinkage porosity by considering the key variables such as molten metal velocity during solidification, cooling rate and thermal gradient to offer predictive insights into the position and existence of porosity. It is necessary to establish a criterion function that takes into account the impact of geometric variation on the degree of shrinkage porosity. In this paper, a geometry-based quantitative prediction model for ductile iron castings was developed using a standard shape of a casting with three T-joints. By correlating actual experimental data with solidification simulation results, meaningful insights were obtained and extrapolated. The resulting quantitative prediction model that incorporates the effects of geometric variation has been validated and provides better prediction of shrinkage porosity.
Deep learning-based real-time detection and classification of tomato ripeness stages using YOLOv8 on raspberry Pi
Authors: Nahiduzzaman Md , Sarmun Rusab , Khandakar Amith , Faisal Md Ahsan Atick , Islam Munshi Sajidul , Alam Mohammad Kaoser , Rahman Tawsifur , Al-Emadi Nasser , Murugappan M , Chowdhury Muhammad E H
Published: January 2025

The automated detection of tomato ripeness is critical in crop management and harvesting. In most earlier works, tomato image ripeness detection has been based upon a limited set of images and binary classification (ripe and unripe). This study uses the cutting-edge YOLOv8 object detection algorithm and a comprehensive dataset to propose an accurate real-time system for detecting and classifying tomato ripeness (multi-class). Based on two open-source datasets (Kaggle and Internet-sourced), we developed and tested the proposed system. In this method, a comprehensive tomato image dataset is curated, YOLOv8 models are built, seamlessly integrated into an embedded system (Raspberry Pi4), then evaluated and validated. The model shows exceptional performance in detecting three distinct classes of ripeness: unripe, partially ripe, and ripe. It surpasses existing state-of-the-art models in both accuracy and efficiency. Based on the Kaggle dataset, our model achieves an average precision at 50 of 0.808, with F1-scores of 0.80, 0.65, and 0.796 for unripe, partially ripe, and ripe classes, respectively. It achieves mAP at 50 of 0.725 and F1-scores of 0.747 (unripe), 0.652 (partially ripe), and 0.72 (ripe) for the corresponding classes of the Internet-sourced Dataset, exceeding current state-of-the-art models. Finally, the proposed tomato ripeness detection algorithm is implemented on the Raspberry Pi 4 system and exhibits notable performance. With the integration of YOLOv8 into an embedded system (Respbeery Pi4), it can be used to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs in tomato-picking robots, helping to revolutionize agricultural practices.
A comprehensive SCAPS-1D simulation study on the photovoltaic properties and efficiency enhancement of CH3NH3PbCl3 perovskite solar cells
Authors: Kabir Md Raihan , Ishraq Md Hasin , Tarekuzzaman Md , Nahid Nazmul Islam , Modak Jibon Krishna , Ahmad Sohail , Arfi Asif Mohammed , Rasheduzzaman Md , Hasan Md Zahid
Published: January 2025

Recent progress in lead (Pb) halide perovskites has inspired much research into economical solar cells, focusing on critical issues of stability and toxicity. This study investigates the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by simulating the impact of a methylammonium lead chloride (CH3NH3PbCl3) layer as the absorber material using the SCAPS-1D simulator. The first comprehensive study of this material examines the role and configuration of the Electron Transport Layer (ETL) and Hole Transport Layer (HTL), as well as the absorber layer, on solar cell performance. The ETLs used in the device optimization are ZnO, SnO2, IGZO, and CdS; the HTL is CuO; and the front and back contacts are Au and Ni, respectively. The study highlights CuO as the optimal HTL for CH3NH3PbCl3, delivering power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 16.10%, 16.06%, 16.05%, and 14.41% with ZnO, SnO2, IGZO, and CdS as ETLs, respectively. The performance of these device architectures is significantly influenced by factors such as defect density, absorber layer thickness, ETL thickness, and the combination of different ETLs and CuO HTLs. Furthermore, this study elucidates the impact of absorber and HTL thickness on key photovoltaic parameters, such as VOC, JSC, FF, and PCE. Also, we have discussed the VBO, and CBO for different ETLs. Additionally, we examine the effects of series and shunt resistance, operating temperature, quantum efficiency (QE), capacitance–voltage characteristics, generation and recombination rates, and current density–voltage (J-V), analysis of absorption data, and impedance analysis behavior on achieving the highest efficiency of the device. This comprehensive study provides critical insights into designing cost-effective, high-performance PSCs, and advancing the development of next-generation photovoltaic technologies.
Multilingual AI system for detecting offensive content across text, audio, and visual media
Authors: Koreddi Venkatesh , Manisha Nalluri , Kaif Shaik Mohammad , Kumar Yeligeti Tejaswa Sai
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to develop an AI system with advanced capabilities to detect offensive language across diverse platforms-covering text, audio (both live and recorded speech), and images (such as memes)—in multiple languages. Using technologies such as natural language processing (NLP), speech recognition (SR), and optical character recognition (OCR) to identify text within images, the system can already flag potentially harmful or inappropriate content. Integration with Google Translator ensures automatic detection and translation of input languages, enabling global applicability and enhanced reliability. For text analysis, the system utilizes BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers), a large, pretrained model known for its strong contextual and semantic comprehension of human language. As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, precise identification of offensive content is becoming increasingly essential. Through this project, we are building robust, fair and impactful technology to foster safer online environments for all users, addressing this significant challenge head on.
Pluralism in the Justification of Punishment
Authors: Zaibert Leo
Published: January 2025

Contemporary non-retributive justifications of punishment inherit the excesses of the positivist ethos of Beccaria and Bentham. All that these justifications seek to do is to reduce suffering: they are, in Leibniz’s sense, medicinal. The consideration of Roberts’ seemingly innocuous disanalogy between the criminal justice system and the healthcare system foregrounds a welcome alternative: Roberts’ approach to criminal justice is profoundly non-medicinal and indeed profoundly pluralistic. Like any sensible person, Roberts also seeks to diminish suffering in the world—but not by ignoring the complexity of punishment. One of the central challenges of retributive justice (the justice that is of concern for the criminal justice system) is that we achieve the good of justice by means of making people suffer. To reduce suffering simply by ignoring the value of justice is a naïve and uninspiring—yet widespread—strategy. In this regard (as in many others), Roberts’ vast oeuvre stands tall in tackling so many aspects—including so many practical aspects—of the criminal justice system without ever losing sight that justice matters.
Introduction
Authors: Garroway Kristine Henriksen
Published: January 2025

Death is transitional; the dying individual moves from the household of the living to the household of the dead. While it has been well established that adults in lands of ancient Israel moved through this transition, little has been done to address what occurred when a child died. Here the question of the child’s place in the household of the afterlife, as revealed through the dying process, is examined. The continuation of the household into death carries with it an understanding that the social relationships within the household will also be continued. Social relationships, in turn, are linked to the personhood of the individuals within the household. Therefore, how children are treated in death is directly related to their personhood, and their incorporation (or not) into the cult of the dead kin. Included in this chapter are foundational definitions describing a child, where children are found archaeologically, and their place in the household.
Memorializing Death
Authors: Garroway Kristine Henriksen
Published: January 2025

Markers of public rituals (burial rites) and protection from physical harm (burial receptacles) are indicators of personhood bestowed on a dying individual by their society. These rituals and protective measures are a means of memorializing the deceased. Often understood as applying only to adults, here the function of written and structural memorials is explored with respect to children. An inscribed jar burial (Ashkelon), tomb inscriptions (Beit Lei), and inscribed amulets (Ketef Hinnom) attest to an intentional measure of protection extended to the dying child’s person. Long associated with rebirth, intramural burials are some of the most unique forms of memorials bestowed upon children. New methods for thinking about the marking architectural features above ground, as well as the function of jar burials, are presented, using theories of materiality to argue that the living adults actively worked to bring dying children into a collective generational space through the process of commemoration and place-making.
Lutheran Music and the Thirty Years War
Authors: Stauff Derek L
Published: January 2025

During the 1620s and 1630s, Lutheran composers from central Germany wrote sacred music with significance more deeply connected to the Thirty Years War than previously acknowledged. Composers like Heinrich Schütz, Johann Hermann Schein, Tobias Michael, and Andreas Hammerschmidt, among others, did so by carefully choosing biblical texts that specifically resonated with the war, by setting their texts in ways that sometimes amplify these resonances, and by performing this music in politically meaningful contexts. As a result, their music could take on a variety of meanings revolving around the war: some pieces become representations of the Lutheran church and community, stoking fears about Catholic political aggression and religious persecution, warning Lutherans of the grave peril in which their church was foundering, and comforting believers with promises of God’s protection; other works celebrate contemporary political and military alignments, such as the Swedish-Saxon alliance (1631–1635) and its victory at the Battle of Breitenfeld (1631); and on a few occasions close scrutiny reveals music with a hidden or implicit critique of a controversial decree (the Edict of Restitution, 1628) or of the excesses of Swedish troops. All this shows how Lutherans sometimes talked politics and confession through sacred music, enriching our understanding of a repertoire that might all too easily appear to uniformly preach peace, protest war, or float timelessly in a liturgical or devotional space above the tumult of religious strife and politics.
Commemorating the Battle of Breitenfeld (Part 1)
Authors: Stauff Derek L
Published: January 2025

Part Two explores a second theme, sacred music’s implicit support or critique of Sweden’s alliances and military campaign in Germany. In the early years, the Swedish King Gustav Adolf enjoyed an initial surge of popularity after the victory at Breitenfeld in 1631. Lutheran Saxony celebrated the victory, sometimes with music that can be documented. The most detailed case revolves around Heinrich Schütz’s Saul, Saul, was verfolgst du mich?, one of the most famous sacred concertos of the seventeenth century. Early modern Lutherans frequently linked his text to contemporary religious persecution, and in a 1632 performance at the first anniversary of the Battle of Breitenfeld, this significance was channeled into the political aims of Sweden and Saxony. The celebrations touted the battle as a victory over Catholic oppression. In this context, Schütz’s text and musical choices encouraged listeners to hear in Saul’s example a parallel to the victory they were celebrating and to the persecution they feared from their Catholic and Imperial adversaries.
Extreme hot weather events and risk of hospitalisation for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in older people in Hong Kong in 2012 to 2018
Authors: Lai Eric Tsz-Chun , Ho Irene Yuk-Ying , Ho Hung Chak , Chau Pui-Hing , Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Wong Grace Lai-Hung , Woo Jean
Published: January 2025

Background

The older population is more vulnerable to the impact of extreme hot weather events (EHWEs), while the impact on the frailer institutionalised older population was seldom assessed. Our objective was to assess the relationship between EHWEs and hospitalisation risks among institutionalised and community-dwelling older people.

Methods

We used territory-wide hospitalisation record of Hong Kong from year 2012 to 2018 to assess the associations between EHWEs and cardiovascular and respiratory disease hospitalisations in the population aged 65 or above. A very hot day (VHD) was defined as the daily maximum temperature ≥ 33°C, and a hot night (HN) was defined as the daily minimum temperature ≥ 28°C. We assessed whether prolonged exposure to high temperatures (defined as 3 consecutive VHDs (3VHD) or HNs (3HN)) was related to higher risk of hospitalisation over a lag period of 0-21 days. Time-stratified case-crossover design was used. Analyses were stratified by old age home (OAH) residence status.

Results

Exposure to 3VHDs was related to higher risk of cardiovascular disease admissions for community-dwelling older people [relative risk (RR): 1.09; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.03 to 1.14 (lagged 4 days, i.e. delayed manifestation up to 4 days)] while for OAH residents, the association could have a lag of 18 days (RR: 1.28; 95%CI 1.05 to 1.54). For respiratory disease admissions, such relatively long delayed relationship was not clearly observed.

Conclusions

The warming climate could increase healthcare demand in the long run. Frailer patients could present with a generally more marked and delayed onset of cardiovascular disease aggravation than the community-dwelling population.
The haplotype-resolved and chromosome-level reference genome assembly of Diospyros deyangensis provides insights into the evolution and juvenile growth of persimmon
Authors: Guan Changfei , Liu Yunxiao , Li Zhongxing , Zhang Yangxin , Liu Zhiguang , Zhu Qinggang , Zhang Pingxian , Shen Xiaoxia , Fang Jing , Li Jiayan , Zhang Qingling , Guan Qingmei , Luo Zhengrong , Yang Yong , Zhao Tao
Published: January 2025

The Diospyros genus, which includes both wild and cultivated species such as Diospyros lotus and Diospyros kaki, represents a diverse genetic pool with significant agricultural value. In this study, we present a high-quality, haplotype-resolved, chromosome-level genome assembly for D. deyangensis (hereinafter referred to as “Deyangshi”), an autotetraploid wild species notable for its short juvenile phase, by integrating high-fidelity single-molecule, nanopore sequencing, and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture techniques. The assembled genome size is approximately 3.01 Gb, anchored onto 60 pseudo-chromosomes. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the D. deyangensis genome underwent an additional whole-genome duplication event following the eudicots shared ancient hexaploidy event. Resequencing and clustering on 63 samples representing 11 geographically diverse Diospyros accessions revealed significant genetic differentiation between D. deyangensis and D. kaki, as well as between D. kaki and other Diospyros species using population genomic analyses, suggesting that D. kaki followed an independent evolutionary pathway. Additionally, we identified DdELF4 (EARLY FLOWERING 4) from the “Deyangshi” backcross population using bulked segregant RNA sequencing (BSR-seq) with 50 early flowering and 50 non-early flowering individuals. Overexpression of DdELF4 in Arabidopsis resulted in delayed flowering and down-regulation of FT gene expression, indicating its role as a flowering repressor. This high-quality genome assembly of “Deyangshi” provides an essential genomic resource for the Diospyros genus, particularly for breeding programs focused on developing early-flowering persimmon varieties.
Six cases of ENPP1 pathogenic variants causing Autosomal Recessive Hypophosphatemic Rickets type 2 (ARHR2) and Generalised Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI)
Authors: Collins Lucy , Sandy Jessica , Ly Stephanie , Lomax Kate E , Black Sarah , McKenzie Fiona , Hayes Eadaoin , Poulton Cathryn , Jefferies Craig , Hunter Wendy , Simm Peter , Rodda Christine , Biggin Andrew , Munns Craig , Siafarikas Aris
Published: January 2025

ARHR2 and GACI occur secondary to biallelic ENPP1 loss-of-function pathogenic variants. GACI is a life-threatening condition, often presenting in the neonatal period with heart failure and hypertension, caused by calcification of the media in large- and medium-sized arteries. ARHR2 typically manifests later in life. Children with ARHR2 commonly exhibit short stature, rachitic skeletal changes, progressive deformities of the lower limbs, skeletal fragility and bone/muscle pain. We present six cases of homozygous pathogenic variants in the ENPP1 gene causing ARHR2 and/or GACI.

Case 1: Presented with lower limb deformities and pain with radiological evidence of rickets. Subsequent investigations displayed aortic and pulmonary arterial calcification.

Case 2: Presented with lower limb deformities and knee pain. Confirmatory testing was undertaken following her brother’s (Case 1) diagnosis.

Case 3: The diagnosis was made antenatally. Bisphosphonate treatment was instituted in both the pre- and post-natal periods due to the presence of extensive arterial calcifications. Rickets were noted by two years of age.

Case 4: Presented with lower limb deformities and pain. There is no current evidence of arterial calcification nor hypertension.

Case 5: Presented at three months of age in cardiogenic shock with widespread calcification of large and medium-sized arteries. Bisphosphonate treatment was instituted.

Case 6: Presented at 2 weeks of age with right shoulder discomfort, with evidence of glenohumeral joint calcification. Further imaging revealed aortic, mediastinal, sternoclavicular joint and vertebral spinous process calcification.

Case 1 and 2 were also found to have a heterozygous pathogenic ALPL variant consistent with hypophosphatasia.

Clinical features, biochemistry, imaging and genetic analyses assist in the diagnosis of ARHR2 and GACI. Conventional therapy, oral phosphate and calcitriol for ARHR2 and bisphosphonates for GACI, have been utilised for many years. ENPP1 replacement treatment remains an exciting prospect for future management of ARHR2 and GACI secondary to loss of function of ENPP1.