bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregabalin for chronic cough due to lung cancer: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Noronha Vanita , Menon Nandini , Patil Vijay M. , Shah Minit , Joshi Amit , Shah Srushti , Nawale Kavita , Surve Rohan , Bafna Gunj , Jogdhankar Shweta , Shelar Priyanka , Shetake Ankush , Singh Ashish , Salian Sushmita , Jadhav Pundlik , Shah Hetakshi , Mer Neha , Vohra Ananya , Majumdar Swaratika , Banavali Shripad , Badwe Rajendra , Prabhash Kumar
Published: November 2024

Background

Developing effective therapies for cough in lung cancer is an unmet need Neuromodulators like pregabalin may act centrally as cough suppressants.

Methods

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study in patients with locally advanced/metastatic lung cancer and at least 2 weeks of moderate or severe cough. Randomization was 1:1 to pregabalin 300 mg orally daily or matching placebo, both administered for 9 weeks. Primary endpoint was the change in cough severity as measured by the difference in VAS scores.

Results

Between Jul 2022 and Dec 2023, we enrolled 166 patients: 83 to each arm. Baseline cough severity was grade 2 in 128 (77.1%) and grade 3 in 38 (22.9%) patients; median cough duration was 12 weeks (IQR, 6–20). Systemic cancer-directed therapy was started in 78 (94.0%) and 72 (86.7%) patients in the pregabalin and placebo arms, respectively; P = 0.187. The mean (SD) VAS score (in mm) decreased from 71.58 (14.99) at baseline, to 45.54 (26.60) on day 7, and 22.27 (24.20) by week 9 in the pregabalin arm; and 71.75 (17.58), 46.35 (25.00), and 23.08 (22.42), respectively in the placebo arm; P = 0.877.

Conclusion

Pregabalin does not significantly decrease cough in patients with lung cancer. Systemic cancer-directed therapy is the most effective antitussive.

Clinical trial registration

Name of the registry: Clinical Trials Registry India Registration number: CTRI/2020/11/029275 Website: www.ctri.nic.in
Delayed vacuolation in mammalian cells caused by hypotonicity and ion loss
Authors: Zook Emily , Pan Yingzhou Edward , Wipplinger Anna , Kerschbaum Hubert H. , Clements Robert J. , Ritter Markus , Stauber Tobias , Model Michael A.
Published: November 2024

Prolonged exposure of mammalian cells to hypotonic environments stimulates the development of sometimes large and numerous vacuoles of unknown origin. Here, we investigate the nature and formation of these vacuoles, which we term LateVacs. Vacuolation starts after osmotic cell swelling has subsided and continues for many hours thereafter. Most of the vacuoles are positive for the lysosomal marker LAMP-1 but not for the autophagosomal marker LC3. Vacuoles do not appear to have acidic pH, as they exclude LysoTracker and acridine orange; inhibiting the V-ATPase with bafilomycin A1 has no effect on their formation. No LateVacs were formed in cells with a knockout of the essential LRRC8A subunit of the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC). Since the main feature of cells recovered from hypotonic swelling should be reduced chloride concentration, we tested if chloride depletion can act as a signal for vacuolation. Indeed, four different low-chloride buffers resulted in the development of similar vacuoles. Moreover, vacuolation was suppressed in WNK1/WNK3 double knockouts or by the inhibition of WNK kinase, which is activated by low chloride; in hypotonic media, the WNK inhibitor had a similar effect. However, exposing cells to a low-sodium, high-potassium medium also resulted in vacuoles, which were insensitive to WNK. We conclude that vacuole development can be triggered either by the loss of chloride or by the loss of sodium.
Functional profiling of the rhizospheric Exiguobacterium sp. for dimethoate degradation, PGPR activity, biofilm development, and ecotoxicological risk
Authors: Sur Saheli , Sathiavelu Mythili
Published: November 2024

This study introduces an indigenous bacterial strain, Exiguobacterium sp. (L.O), isolated from sugarcane fields in Sevur, Tamil Nadu, which has adapted to prolonged exposure to dimethoate. The strain demonstrated the capability to utilize 150 ppm of dimethoate as its sole carbon source, achieving a remarkable degradation rate of 95.87% within 5 days in mineral salt media. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses identified the presence of intermediate by-products formed during degradation, like methyl diethanol amine and aspartyl glycine ethyl ester. Notably, phosphorothioic O, O, S-acid, an expected end product in the degradation of dimethoate, was also identified, further confirming the strain’s effective metabolic breakdown of the pesticide. Further degradation study and analysis of changes in functional group was performed by FTIR, and a hypothetical degradation pathway was elucidated showing the course of dimethoate metabolism by the strain. Exiguobacterium sp. (L.O) also displayed significant plant growth-promoting traits, including the production of HCN, IAA, and ammonia and the formation of biofilms, which enhance its utility in agricultural applications. The ecotoxicity study revealed the degradation by-products exhibited reduced toxicity compared to the parent compound dimethoate, highlighting the strain’s potential not only for bioremediation but also for supporting sustainable agricultural practices. This research presents a novel application of Exiguobacterium sp. (L.O), integrating the bioremediation of the organophosphate pesticide dimethoate with agricultural enhancement. This approach is critical for addressing the challenges associated with pesticide pollution in agricultural practices. This study is likely the first to demonstrate the application of this strain in the degradation of dimethoate, as suggested by an extensive review of the literature.
A dual-band reflective polarizer based meta-surface with higher angular stability for C and X-band applications
Authors: Madheswaran Saranya , Venkatesan Rajeshkumar
Published: November 2024

A reflective dual-band linear-to-circular polarizer for C and X-band application is presented. The proposed elliptical Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) is capable of enhancing the polarization control and minimizes the cross-polarization compared to traditional circular or square geometries. The linear-to-circular polarization is achieved through two elliptical apertures, where each shape generates orthogonal modes with a 90° phase shift. The inner element targets higher frequencies while the outer element handles lower frequencies, enabling efficient polarization conversion across both bands. The proposed unit cell comprises 14 mm × 14 mm and is fabricated on Rogers RT5880 substrate. It exhibits a reflective polarizer at a center frequency of 7.70 GHz with a bandwidth of (7.64–7.76 GHz) and other at 9.42 GHz with a bandwidth of (9.27–9.57 GHz), respectively. In the proposed FSS, the 7.70 GHz exhibits LH-CP, and RH-CP conversion is provided at 9.42 GHz. In addition, an axial ratio of the FSS of (< 3 dB) demonstrated a circular polarization with a polarization conversion ratio (PCR) of 99.9%. In addition, an equivalent circuit model (ECM) of a reflective polarizer has been verified. Furthermore, angular stability of the FSS can be achieved at various incident angles at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°. The polarization conversion operates in frequency bands of C-/X, suitable for wireless systems, radar systems, electromagnetic shielding, and satellite communications.
Self-supported Ni/NiO heterostructures with a controlled reduction protocol for enhanced industrial alkaline hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Chen Cong , Shen Junxia , Olu Pierre-Yves , Li Longhui , Dong Wen , Fan Ronglei , Shen Mingrong
Published: November 2024

Controllable ratios of Ni/NiO heterostructures aim to boost the alkaline HER under industrial conditions.
Colorimetric quantitative detection of steroid hormones using an indicator displacement assay-based chemosensor array
Authors: Sasaki Yui , Yamanashi Yusuke , Ohshiro Kohei , Lyu Xiaojun , Minami Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2024

A self-assembled colorimetric chemosensor array allowed not only discrimination of similar structural steroid hormones but also quantitative detection in human saliva.
The diradicaloid electronic structure of dialumenes: a benchmark study at the Full-CI limit
Authors: Byrne Keelan M. , Bjornsson Ragnar , Krämer Tobias
Published: November 2024

The electronic structure of the dialumene Al2H2 is analyzed up to a practical Full-CI limit, benchmarking DFT and WFT methods for energies and densities. Coupled cluster theory captures the diradical character well, while DF approximations struggle.
Comprehensive quantum chemical and mass spectrometric analysis of the McLafferty rearrangement of methyl valerate
Authors: Takayama Mitsuo , Hashimoto Masahiro , Ohshimo Keijiro , Misaizu Fuminori , Ubukata Masaaki , Nagatomo Kenji
Published: November 2024

The McLafferty rearrangement of the methyl valerate molecular ion involving both stepwise and concerted processes, based on the global reaction route mapping (GRRM) program and the strong-field tunnel ionization mass spectrometry (SFTI MS).
Perspective on room temperature and low-field-induced magnetoelectric coupling in molecular complexes
Authors: Zhang Yi-Fan , Gui Ling-Ao , Peng Yan , Hu Zhao-Bo , Song You
Published: November 2024

This perspective summarizes the research progress in molecular materials with magnetoelectric coupling properties at room temperature and low field. The goal is to promote the design and synthesis of these materials.
Modulating radiative efficiency in ortho-carboranyl luminophores through electron-donating substituents: insights from intramolecular-charge-transfer-based emissions
Authors: Kim Soyeon , You Dong Kyun , Kim Namkyun , Shin Ilsup , Kim Dongwook , Lee Kang Mun
Published: November 2024

Six ortho-carboranyl compounds were prepared based on 9H-fluorene, each with a different electron-donating ability. Their crystalline-state emission revealed that the radiative efficiency are significantly influenced by electron-donating properties.
A green and efficient strategy to utilize spent SCR catalyst carriers: in situ remediation of Cu@TiO2 for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Ma Ling , Chen Bingzhang , Zhang Yubo , Wong Kai Hong , Zhao Wei , Wang Chunxia , Huang Guoyong , Xu Shengming
Published: November 2024

A short process for in situ remediation of TiO2 carriers in spent SCR catalysts was developed to fabricate highly active copper-doped photocatalysts (CR-TiO2) for photocatalytic hydrogen production in an economical and environment friendly way.
Anti-leishmanial study of discrete tetrahedral zinc(ii) β-oxodithioester complexes
Authors: Yadav Chote Lal , Anamika  , Singh Rajan , Kumar Akhilesh , Singh Rakesh K. , Drew Michael G. B. , Manar Krishna K. , Singh Nanhai
Published: November 2024

New zinc(ii) complexes of β-oxodithioester, with characterized crystal structures, demonstrate efficient anti-leishmanial activity, semiconducting behaviour, and promising luminescence properties.
Parent 1,4-dihydro-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-d][1,2,3]triazole and its derivatives as precursors for the design of promising high energy density materials
Authors: Kuznetsova Agata N. , Leonov Nikita E. , Anikin Oleg V. , Klenov Michael S. , Churakov Aleksandr M. , Strelenko Yurii A. , Novikov Roman A. , Fedyanin Ivan V. , Pivkina Alla N. , Kon’kova Tatiana S. , Sinditskii Valery P. , Smirnova Anastasia D. , Tartakovsky Vladimir A.
Published: November 2024

A simple and effective two-step approach to previously unknown parent 1,4-dihydro-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-d][1,2,3]triazole is elaborated. This compound opens up a pathway for the synthesis of numerous [1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-d][1,2,3]triazole derivatives.
Alveolar Echinococcosis – Diagnostic challenges of a parasitic disease on the rise in Europe – a case report
Authors: Schumacher Jonas , Trawinski Henning , Tautenhahn Hans-Michael , Bläker Hendrik , Wiegand Johannes
Published: November 2024

A 45-year-old male presented with jaundice, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss. Abdominal ultrasound revealed intrahepatic cholestasis and cholelithiasis indicative of Caroli-syndrome. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a corresponding 5 × 4 cm polycyclic, calcified mass and a distant 12 mm subhilar stenosis of the common bile duct resembling cholangiocarcinoma. Calcifications seemed unusual and brought up differential diagnosis of echinococcosis. Serology revealed an echinococcus antibody-titer of 33 U (cut-off > 11.5 U). However, the clinical presentation with jaundice, weight loss, and a distant subhilar stenosis of the common bile duct without association to the intrahepatic process led to underestimation of the positive antibody-titer. Thus, the patient underwent right hemihepatectomy for potential cholangiocarcinoma. Dense infiltrative small cysts interspersed the resected right lobe of the liver. Histopathology revealed a granulomatous inflammation surrounding typical cuticulas, confirming hepatobiliary alveolar echinococcosis. Alveolar echinococcosis is considered as one of the neglected diseases by the World Health Organization, although incidence is rising worldwide and specifically in Germany. Our case illustrates hurdles in diagnosing alveolar echinococcosis and underlines the importance to be aware of classical and rare clinical manifestations.
Bone Tumors of the Jaw – the “Blind Spot” for Radiologists Experienced with Tumors? – Part I
Authors: Grieser Thomas , Hirsch Edgar , Tödtmann Ninette
Published: November 2024

Primary bone tumours of the jaw are rare tumoral entities and do substantially differ from other bone tumours of the human body with respect of their frequently encountered unusual radiological appearances. The reason for that may be confined to the co-existence of two closely neighbored but different anatomical structures (i.e., tooth-forming apparatus and jaw bones with adjacent gingiva) and some tumour pathologies which are nearly excusively encountered in the jaw bones only (e.g., ameloblastoma, ossifying fibroma, ghost cell carcinoma).

This paper would like to highlight some basic principles of the diagnostic approach and possibilities of radiological differentiation of such tumour-suspicious changes within the gnathic system are elucidated and discussed.

The paper presented here is substantially based on the most recent classification of odontogenic and maxillofacial tumours (5th edition, 2022) which serves as a scaffold for the selection of typical tumour entities. Due to the educational character of this paper, only important jaw tumours worth mentioning and their characteristics are subject to be extracted from the literature and further discussed.

The main focus was put onto both the description of radiological tumoral appearance and the rational selection of a radiological diagnostic work-up. In order to better visualize this difficult field of tumour entities, much attention has been paid on a comprehensive pictorial essay.

For radiologists, it is their foremast task to detect, describe, and to classify bone tumours of the jaw when they are found intentionally or accidentally, resp. A close co-operation with their clinical partners is of upmost importance to gain information about patient’s history and clinical presentation. It is readily reasonable that radiologists are mostly able to provide only a suggestion of the presented tumour entity but this expert opinion would be very helpful to further narrow down the list of potential differential diagnoses (e.g., differentiation of a cyst vs. solid tumour osteolysis, identification of jaw osteomyelitis vs. tumoral infiltration, recognizing of secondary tumour involvement of the jaw).
Low Apgar Score and Risk of Neonatal Mortality among Infants with Birth Defects
Authors: Ludorf Katherine L. , Benjamin Renata H. , Canfield Mark , Shumate Charles , Findley Tina O. , Johnson Anthony , Tsao KuoJen , Agopian A.J.
Published: November 2024

Objective The Apgar score is a clinical tool to assess newborn health at delivery and has shown utility in predicting neonatal mortality in the general population, but its predictive ability in neonates with birth defects remains unexplored. As such, we aimed to investigate the performance of the 5-minute Apgar score in predicting neonatal mortality among neonates with a spectrum of major birth defects.

Study Design Data for neonates with birth defects born between 1999 and 2017 were obtained from the Texas Birth Defect Registry. We generated receiver operating characteristic curves and corresponding area under the curve (AUC) values for neonatal mortality (death within the first 28 days of life) by 5-minute Apgar score (<7 vs. ≥7) to measure discrimination capacity. We performed secondary analyses to determine the predictive ability of the Apgar score: (1) among infants with an isolated birth defect and (2) separately in preterm and term neonates.

Results Low Apgar score yielded substantial predictive ability for neonatal mortality, with 25 out of 26 AUC values > 0.70 across a spectrum of defect categories. High predictive ability was consistent among neonates with isolated defects, and preterm and term neonates.

Conclusion The Apgar score is likely useful for predicting neonatal mortality among most neonates with birth defects. Despite small sample sizes limiting some secondary analyses, the findings emphasize the potential continued use of the Apgar score as a rapid clinical assessment tool for newborns with birth defects. Continued research may refine the Apgar score's application in this important population, both in clinical practice and population health research.

Key Points
New Constituents from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium
Authors: Stasi Mauro Di , Parisi Valentina , Hernandez Vanessa , Gazzillo Erica , Chini Maria Giovanna , Bifulco Giuseppe , Braca Alessandra , Donadio Giuliana , De Tommasi Nunziatina
Published: November 2024

The phytochemical study of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium apolar and medium polarity stem bark and leaf extracts afforded 29 compounds, including three new sesquiterpenes (1 – 3) and one new α-ionone glycoside (4). All compounds were characterized by means of 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. Furthermore, a precise structural analysis was performed, employing a combined density functional theory (DFT)/NMR approach to elucidate the compounds configurations. The crude extracts were then tested against a panel of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by broth dilution methods to determine their minimal inhibitory concentration. In these experimental conditions, no interesting antimicrobial activity was observed.
Upper critical field of laminar superconductors with Josephson interaction between layers
Authors: Guseinov A. A.
Published: November 2024

The influence of paramagnetic and orbital effects on the behavior of the upper critical field parallel to the layers is investigated near the critical temperature in laminar superconductors with Josephson interaction between the layers. Two mechanisms for the suppression of the paramagnetic effect are compared: the spin-orbit interaction of conduction electrons in crystals with a lattice without a center of symmetry, and the spin-orbit interaction of electrons at impurities. It is shown that the identical temperature dependence of the upper critical field parallel to the layers is observed for both mechanisms. The angular dependence of the upper critical field Hc2(θ) near Tc is also obtained taking account of both the paramagnetic and orbital effects.
Draining of shear-thinning liquids from closed-top millichannels
Authors: Samanta Banashree , Priyanka  , Roy Anirban , Ray Subhabrata , Bakli Chirodeep , Das Gargi , Kaushal Manish
Published: November 2024

Draining from a closed-top tube occurs by downward displacement of liquid by air. The air volume grows inside the tube as an axisymmetric bullet-shaped finger similar to the Taylor bubble observed in gas–liquid slug flows, and the liquid drains as an annular film between the finger and the tube wall. The present study investigates the draining of shear-thinning vis-à-vis Newtonian liquids from closed-top circular millichannels. Numerical simulations using the phase-field method suggest that both the power law and Carreau models give close predictions of draining behavior in the investigated domain, i.e., for shear rate >0.1 s−1. The results are validated against experimental measurements based on high-speed photography and particle image velocimetry during the draining of aqueous solutions of carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, and glycerol. Further validations are performed for shear-thinning (using the power law, Carreau, and Carreau–Yasuda models) and Newtonian liquids with literature data on Taylor bubble rise in stationary liquid columns. The simulations using the power law model are used to explore additional insights into the flow physics. An increase in the apparent viscosity of shear-thinning liquids (by increasing the flow behavior index and/or flow consistency index) slows down the rate of Taylor finger growth. Increased liquid viscosity also results in a slender Taylor finger and leaves a higher amount of undrained liquid at the end of film-wise draining. The draining rate is a more significant function of flow behavior index n of the power law model for highly shear-thinning liquids (n < 0.6).
Thermodynamic properties of pinned nanobubbles
Authors: Zhang Hongguang , Guo Zhenjiang , Frenkel Daan , Dobnikar Jure , Zhang Xianren
Published: November 2024

We present molecular dynamics simulations to study the thermodynamics of nanobubbles trapped at the mouth of narrow slit pores. Except when the slit dimensions are comparable to typical molecular sizes, the predictions of macroscopic thermodynamic theory are recovered by our simulations. Our simulations confirm that in this case, the internal pressure of stable nanobubbles is independent of the bubble radius and the surface tension and only depends on the bulk properties of the solute-containing solution, i.e., the chemical potential balance. However, in the case of extreme confinement, the pressure is not a suitable quantity to describe the thermodynamics of the bubbles, while the balance of the chemical potentials is.
Strategies for the alignment of electronic states in quantum-dot tunnel-injection lasers
Authors: Lorke Michael , Khanonkin Igor , Michael Stephan , Reithmaier Johann Peter , Eisenstein Gadi , Jahnke Frank
Published: November 2024

In quantum-dot tunnel-injection lasers, the excited charge carriers are efficiently captured from the bulk states via an injector quantum well and then transferred into the quantum dots via a tunnel barrier. The alignment of the electronic levels is crucial for the high efficiency of these processes and especially for the fast modulation dynamics of these lasers. In particular, the quantum mechanical nature of the tunneling process must be taken into account in the transition from two-dimensional quantum well states to zero-dimensional quantum-dot states. This results in hybrid states, from which the scattering into the quantum-dot ground states takes place. We combine electronic state calculations of the tunnel-injection structures with many-body calculations of the scattering processes and insert this into a complete laser simulator. This allows us to study the influence of the structural design and the resulting electronic states as well as limitations due to inhomogeneous quantum-dot distributions. We find that the optimal electronic state alignment deviates from a simple picture in which the quantum-dot ground state energies are one LO-phonon energy below the injector quantum well ground state.
An approach to breaking the 100-milli-Kelvin barrier in electron temperature with a dilution-refrigerator ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscope
Authors: Ham Ungdon , Kim Hyeonjung , Yoon Ji-Soo , Yang Wooin , Kim Tae-Hwan , Lee Jinho , Yeom Han Woong
Published: November 2024

This study presents a newly constructed dilution-refrigerator ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) scanning tunneling microscope (STM) with a 9/2/2 T superconducting vector magnet capable of achieving electron temperatures as low as 76 mK. Our design emphasizes robust thermal contacts, particularly with the sample holder through a thin insulating layer. Additionally, we focus on effective shielding and grounding against radio-frequency electromagnetic interference by integrating the critical electronics as a physically and electrically integral component of the STM setup. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy results obtained from a superconducting aluminum substrate and a gold tip indicate superior energy resolution, with a higher aspect ratio of the superconducting coherence peak in the dI/dV spectra compared to other dilution-refrigerator UHV STMs. Given that only a handful of UHV STMs with dilution refrigerators have reached electron temperatures below 100 mK, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of our design and methodology in achieving low electron temperatures.
Decisive role of organic fluorophore and surface defect state in the photoluminescence of carbon quantum dots
Authors: Jiang Chao , Chen Xifang , Zhang Xiaowen , Zhou Yue , Han Hongwen , Yao Jiangang , Liu Li , Yi Zao
Published: November 2024

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) hold significant promise for applications in biological imaging, sensing, and optoelectronic devices owing to their superior photostability and low toxicity. Nevertheless, the elucidation of their photoluminescence mechanism remains an open question, necessitating further comprehensive investigation. In this Letter, CQDs exhibiting ultraviolet (UV) and white fluorescence were isolated through silica gel column chromatography separation of the crude product obtained from a one-step solvothermal synthesis. CQDs with different luminescent properties exhibit the same crystal structure and similar particle size distributions. Both CQDs exhibit orthorhombic structure where C60/C70 molecules are located at lattice points, having average particle sizes of 2.71 and 2.98 nm, respectively. Consequently, the luminescent properties of the synthesized CQDs are predominantly governed by their surface structure. The results of microstructure characterization and spectroscopic analysis demonstrate that the UV emission originates from the C(=O)OH and C–O–C related luminescent moieties within organic fluorophores, and the blue emission band is attributed to defect states related to surface group C–O–C, while the green/yellow emission arises from C(=O)O related surface defect levels. These observations have gained a profound understanding of the luminescent genesis of CQDs, broadened the luminescence coverage wavelength range of CQDs, and enriched the family of CQDs materials.
Evaluation of oscillating water column efficiency in the presence of multiple bottom-standing breakwaters under oblique waves
Authors: Venkateswarlu V. , Panduranga Kottala , Vijay K. G. , Behera Harekrushna
Published: November 2024

This study proposed an array of bottom-standing breakwaters (BSBs) in the presence of an oscillating water column (OWC) for a better understanding of physical mechanisms, under the framework of a linearized potential flow theory. The free water regions are provided between the multiple BSBs to utilize the gap resonance for energy extraction by OWC. The multi-domain boundary element method is adopted to conduct the parametric study, and the validation of the proposed model is presented. The effect of BSB physical properties, OWC, and incident wave properties are reported on the variation of OWC efficiency, radiation susceptance, conductance, force on the wall, and wave reflection by BSBs against the relative wave frequency and water depth. A comparative study on the variation of coefficients is presented between three types of BSB and flat seabed. The higher number of BSBs enhances the intensity of harmonics and subharmonics of coefficients and strengthens the harmonic trough of efficiency. The Bragg reflection by multiple BSBs diminishes the efficiency of OWC for particular wavelength, and the Bragg peak is suppressed by adopting the permeable property for BSBs. The enlargement of OWC efficiency toward the higher frequencies is observed with an increase in BSB height, width, and chamber length. This study suggests a pair of BSBs with a chamber length equal to water depth for optimal efficiency. Overall, the seaside inclined lip-wall, moderate chamber length, and double BSBs are recommended to diminish the Bragg peak (nearly 18%) and extract the maximum renewable energy for a wider frequency, from the OWC device against the incident waves.
Enhanced Q-factor in microcantilevers using stiffened inertial amplifiers
Authors: Adhikari Sondipon , Chowdhury Sudip
Published: November 2024

Microcantilevers are widely employed in sensing applications because they are highly sensitive to changes in vibrational frequency. The Q-factor, a measure of the effectiveness of energy storage in resonant systems, is a crucial parameter that directly influences the sensitivity and performance of microcantilevers. Conventional approaches to improving the Q-factor by choosing certain materials or making changes to the shape have notable practical and economic constraints. This study introduces a new method that utilizes reinforced inertial amplifiers to significantly improve the Q-factor of microcantilevers. We introduce three setups: the standard amplifier, the compound amplifier, and the nested amplifier, each specifically engineered to enhance the system’s effective inertia. According to theoretical modeling, all arrangements enhance the Q-factor, with the nested design resulting in an impressive amplification of over 3000. These findings present a scalable technique to improve the sensitivity of microcantilevers, offering a potential approach for future experimental verification and utilization in precision sensing technologies.
Bioconvection dynamics in rotating and stationary cone-disk systems
Authors: Rana Puneet , Basavarajappa Mahanthesh
Published: November 2024

This work focuses on the study of bioconvection in a conical region of rotating and stationary cone-disk systems utilizing nanofluids involving gyrotactic micro-organisms. The flow geometry encompasses two different configurations, namely, rotating cone-disk system (RCDS) and stationary cone-disk system (SCDS). For RCDS, four unique configurations are considered: rotating cone static disk (Model-I), static cone rotating disk (Model-II), co-rotating cone-disk (Model-III), and counter-rotating cone-disk (Model-IV), while SCDS includes both swirling and non-swirling flow scenarios. A total of six different physical configurations that differ in boundary conditions are investigated. The mathematical model comprises Navier–Stokes, energy, nanoparticle volume fraction (NVF), and micro-organism density equations. The novelty of the work lies in the development of a Lie-group self-similar model to describe the physical phenomenon, which is compatible with that of literature in the absence of gyrotactic micro-organisms. How the different flow configurations contribute to the flow and heat transport features is studied in detail. Among four RCDS configurations, the rotating cone static disk exhibits the maximum heat transport at the disk surface. Notably, the effects of micro-organism density ratio and bioconvection Peclet number demonstrate consistency across all configurations, offering comprehensive insights into these complex fluid systems. The findings highlight the critical role of flow type in nanofluid applications and emphasize the necessity for meticulous consideration in system design and optimization. This research contributes valuable insights to the field of bioconvective nanofluid dynamics in cone-disk systems, with potential implications in conical diffusers, medical devices, and viscosimeters.
Antidot lattices for magnetic reservoir computing
Authors: Allenspach R. , Bischof A. , Heller R.
Published: November 2024

Reservoir computing can be implemented in a variety of systems beyond standard CMOS technology. Here, we describe a scheme that relies on a magnetic reservoir consisting of an antidot array, motivated by earlier experiments on ring arrays. We show that antidot lattices can be used as reservoirs much in the same way as ring arrays. We describe geometries in which smaller magnetic fields are needed to induce emergent magnetic patterns in the reservoir, a prerequisite for its use in reservoir computing. High-resolution magnetic imaging of these patterns shows entirely different domains and domain walls, despite the fact that the macroscopic magnetic signal behaves very similarly in both types of reservoirs.
High saturation power anti-waveguide asymmetric super-large optical cavity SOA with low confinement factor and ultra-narrow vertical divergence angle
Authors: Hao Shuang , Liu Suping , Qi Qiong , Xiong Cong , Chang Jinyuan , Zhu Lingni , Wei Xin , Ma Xiaoyu
Published: November 2024

As a power amplifier in nonlinear frequency conversion, semiconductor optical amplifiers around 1 μm can effectively realize the miniaturization of the light source system. In this paper, a low confinement factor anti-waveguide asymmetric super-large optical cavity semiconductor optical amplifier (AT-SLOC-SOA) with high saturation power is reported. We introduced a high-refractive-index mode filtration layer under the n-cladding layer, ensuring fundamental mode output in the epitaxial direction while reducing the optical confinement factor to 0.615% per quantum well. The SOA exhibits a fundamental mode in the epitaxial direction with an ultra-narrow vertical divergence angle of merely 13.8°, which can enhance the fiber coupling efficiency. At 20 °C and 3 A, the AT-SLOC-SOA showed a peak wavelength of 1017.15 nm and a −3 dB spectral bandwidth of 27.491 nm. The small-signal gain reaches a maximum of 22.3 dB, with a −3 dB saturated output power up to 26.4 dBm and a maximum output power as high as 30 dBm. The fabrication process utilizes conventional epitaxial growth and etching techniques to ensure low cost and high reliability while achieving high saturated output power.
Physics-informed dynamic mode decomposition for reconstruction and prediction of dense particulate pipe flows
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Qin Ze-Jun , Huo Jing , Zhang Yan , Liu Qing-Kuan
Published: November 2024

Dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) effectively captures the growth and frequency characteristics of individual modes, enabling the construction of reduced-order models for flow evolution, thereby facilitating the prediction of fluid dynamic behavior. However, DMD's predictive accuracy is inherently constrained by its inability to inherently incorporate physical principles. Therefore, for dense particulate pipe flows with complex flow mechanisms, we introduce a physics-informed dynamic mode decomposition (PIDMD) approach, which augments the purely data-driven DMD framework by incorporating the conservation of mass as a constraint. This ensures that the extracted dynamic modes adhere to known physical principles. Initially, we apply the DMD to reconstruct and predict the velocity field, comparing the results against benchmark computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM) simulations. Findings indicate that while DMD can reconstruct the flow field simulated by CFD-DEM and provide predictions of future flow states, its predictive accuracy gradually deteriorates over time. Next, we utilize both PIDMD and DMD to reconstruct and predict particle volume fraction, evaluating both models based on CFD-DEM outcomes. The results indicate that both PIDMD and DMD can predict particle aggregation toward the center, but PIDMD provides more accurate predictions regarding the size of particle aggregations and their distribution near the tube wall. Furthermore, the average prediction error for particle volume fraction using PIDMD is 6.54%, which is lower than the error of 13.49% obtained by DMD. Both qualitative and quantitative comparisons highlight the superior predictive capability of PIDMD. The methodology developed in this study provides valuable insights for high-precision predictions of particulate flows.
Microwave field vector detector based on the off-resonant spin rectification effect
Authors: Luo Peiwen , Peng Bin , Zhang Wanli , Zhang Wenxu
Published: November 2024

Normal microwave (MW) electromagnetic field detectors convert microwave power into voltages, which results in loss of the vector characteristics of the microwave field. In this work, we developed a MW magnetic field (h-field) vector detector based on the off-resonant spin rectification effect. By measuring and analyzing the angle dependence of the rectification voltages under off-resonant conditions, we can extract the three components of the h-field. As an initial test of this method, we obtained the h-field distributions at 5.4 GHz generated by a coplanar waveguide with sub-wavelength resolution. Compared to methods using ferromagnetic resonance, this technique offers a faster and more convenient way to determine the spatial distribution of the h-field, which can be used for MW integrated circuit optimization and fault diagnosis.
Neural responses to social rejection reflect dissociable learning about relational value and reward
Authors: Babür Begüm G. , Leong Yuan Chang , Pan Chelsey X. , Hackel Leor M.
Published: November 2024

Social rejection hurts, but it can also be informative: Through experiences of acceptance and rejection, people identify partners interested in connecting with them and choose which ties to cement or to sever. What is it that people actually learn from rejection? In social interactions, people can learn from two kinds of information. First, people generally learn from rewarding outcomes, which may include concrete opportunities for interaction. Second, people track the “relational value” others ascribe to them—an internal model of how much others value them. Here, we used computational neuroimaging to dissociate these forms of learning. Participants repeatedly tried to match with others in a social game. Feedback revealed whether they successfully matched (a rewarding outcome) and how much the other person wanted to play with them (relational value). A Bayesian cognitive model revealed that participants chose partners who provided rewarding outcomes and partners who valued them. Whereas learning from outcomes was linked to brain regions involved in reward-based reinforcement, learning about relational value was linked to brain regions previously associated with social rejection. These findings identify precise computations underlying brain responses to rejection and support a neurocomputational model of social affiliation in which people build an internal model of relational value and learn from rewarding outcomes.
The impact of explicit and implicit instruction on EFL learners’ oral performance
Authors: Marzuki Dony
Published: November 2024

This quasi-experimental study investigated the impacts of two instructional conditions on the fluency of learners’
performance. In the first condition (strategy training), learners were provided with explicit fluency strategy training for a
portion of each lesson before rehearsing versions of the speaking task for the remainder of the lesson. In the second condition
(massed practice), learners rehearsed the versions of the target speaking task for the entire lesson. Both instructional
conditions allowed learners to benefit from language input and task repetition to help conceptualize and encode the content of
their speech. Two intact classes of university EFL learners participated in this study. The data were audio recordings of
participants’ oral performance of news report presentations in pre-test and post-test conditions. This data was transcribed and
coded for speech rate, articulation rate, phonation/time ratio, number of filled and unfilled pauses, mean duration of pauses,
mean length of run, verbatim repetition, and repairs. Although the overall effect of the training was found to be insignificant,
the estimation analysis revealed that both instructional conditions improve participants’ speech fluency, with the effect sizes
ranging from small to medium. These effect sizes are considered meaningful for the speech fluency development of EFL learners in
the study context. Hence, both instructional conditions could be applied as a potentially complementary pedagogical strategy in
EFL classrooms at the university level, particularly with regard to increasing the accuracy of teachers’ perceptions of learners’
oral proficiency.
Interpretation guide for peppercorn code of practice in South-East Asia.
Authors:   CABI, Faheem Muhammad , Hoa Nguyen Xuan ,   WASI
Published: November 2024

The Code of Practice Interpretation Guide provides key principles for the safe production of peppercorn in South East Asia. It aims to promote best practices for farmers and private sector partners in peppercorn production and processing. It offers guidance on procedures and good practice to enhance productivity, safety and market access for smallholder pepper growers, processors and grower/processor groups by improving compliance with international food safety standards in high-value markets like the EU, USA and Japan, for production and to restore food manufacturing industry confidence in peppercorn sourced from the South East Asian region. Covering all stages from planting to postharvest, the guide provides detailed procedures for selecting and sourcing planting materials, establishing and maintaining orchards, planting and traceability. It also covers crop maintenance, pest and disease management, safe pesticide use and correct harvesting practices and includes instructions on on-farm processing, such as threshing, packing and hygiene protocols, to ensure safe handling for peppercorn production.
Random sequential adsorption and percolation on discrete substrates
Authors: Dujak D , Budinski-Petković Lj , Lončarević I
Published: November 2024

Random sequential adsorption (RSA) is a broadly used model for irreversible deposition on substrates. Over the last decades, a huge number of works have been published concerning this topic. Here we give a brief review of the results for irreversible deposition on two-dimensional discrete substrates. Depositing objects are randomly and sequentially adsorbed onto the substrate, and they are not allowed to overlap, so the jamming coverage

θ

j
a
m

is less than in close packing. The kinetics of the process is described by the time-dependence of the coverage fraction

θ
(
t
)

, and for the discrete substrates, this dependence was found to be of the form:

θ
(
t
)
=

θ

j
a
m

−
A

e

−
t

/

σ

. Another topic of interest is the percolation of the deposit that can occur at a certain coverage. The coverage of the surface is increased through the RSA process up to the percolation threshold when a cluster that extends through the whole system appears. A percolating cluster arises in the system when the opposite edges are connected via some path of nearest neighbor sites occupied by the particles. Studying percolation is of great interest due to its relevance to conductivity in composite materials, flow through porous media, polymerization, the properties of nanomaterials, etc.
Development of paver blocks using cupola slag and fly ash
Authors: Meshram Sangita , Yerawar Siddhi , Fopare Aman , Nimbarte Shruti , Hadke Ruchira , Derkar Prajakta , Rathod Riya
Published: November 2024

The study examines the viability of using fly ash, which is the burned residue of industries and needs to be managed properly where it appears to be an alternative source of building material, in place of some of the cement in paver blocks and cupola slag as a partial replacement of fine aggregate in light of the growing pollution caused by construction materials. The research aims at the possibility of replacing the natural sand and cement with substitutionary in the production of paver blocks. This study is based on several proportions of the replacement of fine aggregate and cement with cupola slag waste, and fly ash. To reduce carbon dioxide emission, the greenhouse effect is caused by due heat of the hydration of cement which creates a bad impact on the environment. The different proportions were made with different percentages such as FA (40%, 45%, 50%, 80%, 85%, 90%) by replacement of cement and CS (50%, 55%, 60%, 100%) by replacing natural soil gives satisfactory results. The compressive strength was satisfactory to normal concrete paver blocks. M3 (60CS:40FA: 50FA: 50Cement) proportion is the optimal proportion out of all of them. The results were noted which determines the use of Paver block in construction materials.
The influence of land use land cover on the land surface temperature and vegetation index of Pune city, India
Authors: Madkaiker Krutika , Kumari Madhuri , Mehta Rommel , Chavan Sudhir
Published: November 2024

The changes in land use land cover (LULC) over time intensifies the land surface temperature (LST). The variation in LST can be extracted from satellite imagery from different spatial resolutions for the summer month. In this study, through remote sensing and GIS techniques, the LST variation is quantified over different LULC classes from 2000 to 2020 using Landsat data in Pune City. The result shows an overall increase in the percentage of the built from 68.43% in 2000 to 85.31% in 2020, displaying a 16.88% rise during the study period. Further, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is extracted from the satellite imagery at different spatial resolutions for the summer months, and is quantified over the LULC classes for the duration of the study. The extreme variation in the mean NDVI values is seen in the areas with salt pans, semi arid areas, wetland-sparse vegetation and wetland–tree cover, i.e. areas near water bodies and the peripheral areas with less vegetation. The association of NDVI with LST shows a negative correlation that justifies the rise in surface temperature with the intensity of vegetation in the city. The results of this study shall help the planners, architects and policy makers to evaluate the current status of urbanisation, to make informed choices that lead to sustainable cities.
Laboratory Study on Synthesis of Geopolymer Fly ash sand
Authors: Renuka K. , Arti Sudam P. , Srinivas K.
Published: November 2024

Sand is a naturally occurring resource that’s often employed in the field of civil engineering. Natural river sand is become harder to come by as a result of increased building activity. This is leading to several environmental issues, including erosion, landslides, tsunamis, river bank scoring, etc. Therefore, the creation of an alternate granular material is required to meet the required demand for natural river sand Geopolymers are utilized as an alternative binder material since they are three-dimensional alumina silicate frameworks with extremely high mechanical strength. Although the direct application of fly is widely recognized in practice, fly ash granule production and its applications are not. This artificial sand is being created utilizing fly ash, industrial waste, and a laboratory-scale disc granulator that uses geopolymerization. byproduct with different NaOH molarities and Na2SiO3 alkaline binders. This study’s primary goal is to create fly ash sand (GPS) and evaluate it using an index and engineering properties of river sand that is naturally occurring. These properties include water absorption, specific surface area, optimal and maximum dry density, grain size distribution, angle of shearing resistance, permeability, and more, in addition to geoenvironmental characteristics like pH, EC, and TDS. The findings indicated that GPS can be utilized as a building material in place of NRS since it interprets the same qualities as that of natural river sand.