bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of the combined helium Brayton cycle and organic Rankine cycles for solar power tower application—A comparative study
Authors: Khan Yunis , Singh Deepak , Kumar Saket , Mishra Subhash , Anjum Aftab , Asdaque P. M. G. Bashir
Published: November 2024

Solar energy is the prime renewable energy source to provide the carbon-free power. However, various irreversibilities are associated with the solar power tower (SPT) system, and they cannot be avoided. Therefore, to enhance the performance of the solar power plant, in this work, four configurations of the combined cycles have been considered for harvesting the solar heat from the SPT system, and the performance of all the considered power systems was compared with the SPT-based conventional helium Brayton cycle (HBC) system. These four proposed combined cycles used HBC as the topping cycle and basic organic Rankine cycle (ORC), recuperative ORC, regenerative ORC, and regenerative-recuperative ORC (RRORC) as bottoming cycles separately. Energy and exergy analyses of the proposed power generation systems were performed based on numerical technique using the computational software engineering equation solver. It was concluded that the SPT-HBC-RRORC system was considered the best-performing power generation system among the other considered power systems. The SPT-HBC-RRORC system achieved energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and net work output, respectively, as 7.69%, 8.09%, and 21.69% higher than that of the conventional system (SPT-HBC). However, the SPT-HBC-RRORC system achieved 5.44%, 5.08%, and 18.51% higher energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and net work output, respectively, than that of the SPT-HBC-basic ORC. Therefore, the SPT-HBC-RRORC system is far better than the conventional SPT-HBC system. The parametric analysis indicates that the parameters related to the solar subsection significantly influence the power generation unit's performance.
Long-term stability of productivity increases with tree diversity in Canadian forests
Authors: Ding Xiaxia , Reich Peter B. , Hisano Masumi , Chen Han Y. H.
Published: November 2024

The temporal stability of forest productivity is a key ecosystem function and an essential service to humanity. Plot-scale tree diversity experiments with observations over 10 to 11 y indicate that tree diversity increases stability under various environmental changes. However, it remains unknown whether these small-scale experimental findings are relevant to the longer-term stability of natural forests. Using 7,500 natural forest plots across much of Canada, monitored over three to four decades on average, we provide strong evidence that higher temporal stability (defined as the mean productivity divided by its SD over time) is consistently associated with greater tree functional, phylogenetic, and taxonomic diversity across all lengths of observations. Specifically, increasing functional diversity from its minimum to maximum values increases stability, mean productivity, and the temporal SD of productivity by 14%, 36%, and 28%, respectively. Our results highlight that the promotion of functionally, phylogenetically, and/or taxonomically diverse forests could enhance the long-term productivity and stability of natural forests.
Null method to estimate the maximal PA at subsaturating concentrations of agonist
Authors: Germann Allison L. , Pierce Spencer R. , Steinbach Joe Henry , Akk Gustav
Published: November 2024

The maximal probability of being in an active state (PA,max) is a measure of gating efficacy for a given agonist acting on a given receptor channel. In macroscopic electrophysiological recordings, PA,max is typically estimated by comparing the amplitude of the current response to a saturating concentration of a test agonist to that of a reference agonist with known PA. Here, we describe an approach to estimate the PA,max for low-efficacy agonists at subsaturating concentrations. In this approach, the amplitude of the response to a high-efficacy control agonist applied alone is compared with the amplitude of the response to a control agonist coapplied with the low-efficacy test agonist that binds to the same site(s). If the response to the combination is larger than the response to the control agonist alone, then the PA,max of the test agonist is greater than the PA of the control response. Conversely, if the response to the control agonist is reduced upon exposure to the test agonist, then the PA,max of the test agonist is smaller than the PA of the control response. The exact PA,max of the test agonist can be determined by testing its effect at different concentrations of the control agonist to estimate the PA at which the effect changes direction. The main advantage of this approach lies in the ability to use low, subsaturating concentrations of the test agonist. The model-based predictions are supported by observations from activation of heteromeric and homomeric GABAA receptors by combinations of high- and low-efficacy orthosteric agonists.
Advanced temporal analysis of anode activity during mode transitions in high current vacuum arcs
Authors: Dorraki Naghme , Methling Ralf , Gortschakow Sergey
Published: November 2024

Anode activity in high current vacuum arcs leads to the formation of various high current modes and transitions between them. Intense material evaporation during the anode spot mode and formation of a neutral vapour cloud during the anode plume mode modify the arc plasma properties and, hence, can have a crucial impact in applications, like e.g. reduction of interruption performance of switching devices. The influence of anode mode appearance on arc plasma parameters and on anode surface temperature was studied in detail by a novel optical diagnostic technique—intensified video optical emission spectroscopy. Employing advanced diagnostic methods, the ground state density, excitation temperature and pressure profiles close to the anode surface have been determined. For the anode plume mode, higher copper vapour pressure was found in the plume shell compared to its core. The copper ion density distribution shows a maximum outside of the plume shell. Consequently, a higher electrical conductivity in the surrounding area of the plume might be expected, i.e. the arc current flows around the plume rather than through it. Analysis of the temporal evolution of electrical and optical signals reveals that voltage jumps and drops during the mode transitions are accompanied by noticeable changes in the anode surface temperature. Thus, the formation of the anode plume leads to temperature lowering while the transition to the anode spot mode is accompanied by a temperature increase. In general, a clear correlation between electrode surface temperature and arc voltage in the case of constricted anode attachment is found. The results of this study give new insights into anode plume properties and consequences of anode mode transitions. Reversible mode transitions and correlations between arc voltage and anode surface temperature, as well as changes in the current path during anode plume mode, have to be considered as factors for optimization of electrode design and choice of materials for switching applications.
Design and test of the electrostatic actuation system of the inertial sensor for space gravitational wave detection
Authors: Zhang Qianyun , Yin Hui , Xiang Yu , Wu Shufan
Published: November 2024

The electrostatic actuation system is one of core control mechanisms of the inertial sensor for space gravitational wave detection, and its performance directly affects the residual acceleration of the test mass of the inertial sensor on the sensitive axis. Based on analyzing the working principle of the electrostatic actuation system and its performance requirements allocated from mission and spacecraft requirements, this paper presents the detailed analysis, design, and achieved performance of a prototype electrostatic actuation system, which consists of a set of 12-channel electrostatic actuation circuits., It has two working modes: a high-precision mode with a range of ±10 V and a wide-range mode with a range of ±150 V actuation voltage. The important problem of noise coupling between high-voltage devices and low-voltage devices is solved by a power management and output channel switching mechanism on hardware, which is an innovative solution. The test results demonstrate that the output functions of the wide-range and high-precision modes are normal, and the mode-switching process is stable. In the high-precision mode, at 10 V full-scale output, the maximum output DC voltage noise of the 12 channels is 11.8 μV/Hz1/2, translating to an amplitude stability of 1.18 ppm/Hz1/2.
Magnetic domain wall and skyrmion manipulation by static and dynamic strain profiles
Authors: Moore Thomas A
Published: November 2024

Magnetic domain walls and skyrmions in thin film micro- and nanostructures have been of interest to a growing number of researchers since the turn of the millennium, motivated by the rich interplay of materials, interface and spin physics as well as by the potential for applications in data storage, sensing and computing. This review focuses on the manipulation of magnetic domain walls and skyrmions by piezoelectric strain, which has received increasing attention recently. Static strain profiles generated, for example, by voltage applied to a piezoelectric-ferromagnetic heterostructure, and dynamic strain profiles produced by surface acoustic waves, are reviewed here. As demonstrated by the success of magnetic random access memory, thin magnetic films have been successfully incorporated into complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor back-end of line device fabrication. The purpose of this review is therefore not only to highlight promising piezoelectric and magnetic materials and their properties when combined, but also to galvanise interest in the spin textures in these heterostructures for a variety of spin- and straintronic devices.
A concurrent multiscale model of stress-induced delamination behaviours of epoxy-impregnated rare-earth barium copper oxide superconducting pancake winding
Authors: Guo Hanxiao , Gao Peifeng , Chen Sikan , Zhu Jiamin
Published: November 2024

Rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) coated conductor (CC) tapes are promising for high-energy and high-electromagnetic field applications. In epoxy-impregnated REBCO superconducting coils, due to the weak c-axial strength of REBCO CC tapes, delamination induced by thermal-mismatch stress and Lorentz force significantly threatens stable operation. The commonly used numerical modelling methods mainly include homogenized model and refined model. The former can realize the efficient calculation of the overall physical field but lose the local details including interfacial delamination behaviour, while the latter can realize the refined calculation but cost massive calculation. In this study, combining with bilinear cohesive zone model (CZM), a two-dimensional axisymmetric concurrent multiscale model was developed to balance the efficiency-accuracy trade-off for numerically investigating the mechanical properties and interface failure behaviours of REBCO superconducting coils under cryogenics and high-electromagnetic field. In the presented model, the homogenized superconducting coil was firstly constructed based on composites homogenized approach to estimate the electromagnetic-thermal-mechanical properties at macro scale. Then, the ‘dangerous regions’ in the macro scale was recognized based on quadratic failure criterion and replaced with a refined model considering delamination failure defined by CZM. Finally, the two scales are linked through the coupling interface. The accuracy and efficiency of the concurrent multiscale model were validated by refined model for the cases of delamination behaviour during cooling and excitation.
Eloquent numerical approach for solving generalized time fractional convection-diffusion-reaction problems
Authors: S Poojitha , Awasthi Ashish
Published: November 2024

This paper attempts to develop a spectral method based on derivatives of orthogonal polynomials to solve the time fractional convection–diffusion-reaction equations. The method utilizes derivatives of fractional order orthogonal functions to approximate derivatives involved in the fractional differential equations. Specifically, the derivatives of fractional order Legendre functions and fractional order Chebyshev functions are used to represent both integer and non-integer derivatives of the solutions. These derivative representations are achieved through the use of operational matrices, which are matrices that encode the operations performed on the polynomials. An attempt is made to derive the operational matrix of Vieta-Fibonacci-like polynomials and used to solve the fractional differential equations. The derived operational matrix provides a systematic way to manipulate and work with these polynomials, facilitating their application in various mathematical and engineering problems. By employing these operational matrices, the original fractional convection–diffusion-reaction equation is transformed into a system of linear or nonlinear algebraic equations. However, if the system is nonlinear, a Newton-like solver is applied, which is capable of handling nonlinear systems. The estimation of error bounds of numerical solutions is also given. The numerical experiments have been performed over a few test examples to validate the proposed numerical method. The use of fractional order functions highlights their ability to solve fractional differential equations with non-smooth solutions accurately.
Mathematical modeling development and synthesis of tapered transmission line resonators and filters
Authors: Rehman Sajjad Ur , Alkanhal Majeed A S , Ahmad Mohaira , Malik Waqar A , Abdulkawi Wazie M , Salim Ahmed , Sheta Abdel-Fattah A
Published: November 2024

Tapered transmission line resonators can be used to achieve specific frequency responses and enhance the performance of microwave devices and impedance transformers. To develop a mathematical model (transfer function) of such a wideband resonator will facilitate the construction of an equivalent circuit and the synthesis of resonators of this type. This study discusses the system modeling of tapered transmission line (TTL) resonators using the singularity expansion method (SEM). The transfer function is analytically established for two types of wideband TTL resonators: exponential tapered transmission lines (ETTL) and linear tapered transmission lines (LTTL). The analytical transfer function is derived for the general tapered ratio (k/β). The physical poles of the structures are identified using the pole-energy matrix pencil (MP) approach. The transfer function expression is then utilized to develop an accurate equivalent lumped-element circuit for the TTL resonator. This study’s simplified approach for estimating the transfer function and associated poles and zeros from the S-parameters is the main contribution, whereas it is known that the transfer function becomes complicated for wideband frequency response. A direct synthesis approach is presented to develop two-stage and four-stage ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass filters. The agreement between the frequency response data and the derived transfer function of the system model of the synthesized TTL filters demonstrates the reliability of the presented method. The proposed system modeling and synthesis methodology can be applied to more sophisticated filter TTL architectures.
Unravelling the effect of strain on the electronic structure, elastic and thermoelectric properties of half-Heusler alloy CoHfSi
Authors: Matth Sadhana , Pandey S , Pandey Himanshu
Published: November 2024

Before realizing any device’s actual application, it is necessary to understand the material’s performance through first-principles investigations. Most of the devices consist of nanomaterials, especially thin film-based ones, which are under strain due to a lattice mismatch. This occurs between the thin film of active material and the substrate on which the thin film is grown. This strain affects the material’s properties and overall device performance. In this work, we comprehensively explored strain engineering’s impact on the electronic and thermal transport characteristics of the CoHfSi half-Heusler alloy. Employing the self-consistent ultra-soft pseudo-potential method and generalized gradient approximation within a density functional framework, we investigated the effect of both isotropic- and tetragonal-type strains. Strains were applied in both compressive and tensile categories. A semiconducting ground state with an indirect band gap of 1.248 eV is found under 5% compressive isotropic strain, which reduces to 0.847 eV for 5% tensile strain under the same type. On the other hand, the semiconducting energy bandgap increases from 0.986 eV (for 5% compressive) to 1.217 eV (for 5% tensile) for tetragonal strain. The power factor increases with the increase in temperature. It obtains a maximum value of ≈2.4 × 1012 Wm−1K−1s−1 for −5% isotropic and +5% tetragonal strain, and around this doping level, a better TE efficiency can be achieved. A maximum and saturated value of zT at 300 K and beyond is estimated to be more than 3.5 and 3 for −2% and −1% isotropic strain, respectively. For +5% isotropic strain, the electronic fitness function attains a maximum ∼9  × 10−20 W5/3ms−1/3K−2 at 800 K, irrespective of strain type. All these results provide novel insights into the strain-induced effects on the electronic and thermoelectric properties of mechanically and thermodynamically stable CoHfSi at elevated temperatures. Apart from strain-induced modifications, optimum p-type doping can also increase the power factor, figure-of-merit, and electronic fitness function of these strained CoHfSi half-Heusler alloys, demonstrating them as a suitable and promising candidate for thermoelectric applications.
Single-longitudinal mode quadruple wavelength C+L-band erbium-doped fiber laser based on the pairs of reflective fiber bragg gratings
Authors: Mirza Jawad , Atieh Ahmad , Kanwal Benish , Ghafoor Salman , Kausar Tasleem , Imran Muhammad , Almogren Ahmad , Kanwal Firdos , Aziz Imran
Published: November 2024

Flatness of lasing wavelengths of a multi-wavelength fiber laser (MWFL) is an important design constraint that is considered attractive in various applications of photonics and optical communication systems. In this work, we propose a single-longitudinal mode (SLM) quadruple wavelength C+L-band Erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) with high output power flatness. It is implemented with a short piece of Erbium-doped fiber (EDF) pumped by conventional 980 nm laser diode and four pairs of reflective fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) through numerical simulations. The reflectivities of FBGs are adjusted such that SLM quadruple wavelengths are obtained at the output of EDFL with flatness of 0.9 dB, optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) in the range of 44.5–53.2 dB, and linewidths (LWs) in the range of 5.4–7.3 MHz. Slope efficiency (SE) of around 24% is achieved considering the total power of all lasing wavelengths generated. Moreover, the power variation around 0.1 dB for lasing wavelengths of 1540.2 nm and 1605.7 nm is noticed for twelve iterations each repeating after five-minute interval. The proposed SLM quadruple wavelength EDFL has promising application prospects for distributed sensing and optical communication systems due to excellent performance metrics.
NIM diffuse reflectance scale to super black level (0.0001)
Authors: Feng Guojin , Zheng Chundi , Gan Haiyong , Lin Yandong , Wu Houping , Sun Ruoduan , Zhang Qiaoxiang , He Yingwei , Ma Yuxuan
Published: November 2024

The realization of the super black level diffuse reflectance scale of the National Institute of Metrology (NIM, China) is presented. Two facilities were used to achieve the reflectance scale under 0 d condition covering 0.0001–1.0 (absolute value), the first one based on the supercontinuum light source was used to realize the diffuse scale in the wavelength range 500 nm–2000 nm, while the other one based on QCL was applied for the mid infrared range from 7.5 μm to 10.6 μm. The relative expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of the reflectance scale was evaluated to be from 2.3% to 8.4% varying with range and wavelength in visible band to near infrared band while the reflectance is down to 0.0001. In the mid infrared band, the uncertainty of the reflectance scale was up to 8.9% while reflectance is 0.001, and up to 42.6% while reflectance is down to 0.0001. This low reflectance level scale can meet the calibration requirement of super black material or system such as carbon nanotube or blackbody.
Fast ion studies in the extended high-performance high βP plasma on EAST
Authors: Sun Y.X. , Huang J. , Gong X.Z. , Garofalo A.M. , Salewski M. , Varela J. , Qian J.P. , Zhang X.J. , Fan T.S. , Wang J.F. , Zhang W. , Hao B.L. , Gao W. , Chang J.F. , Zhong G.Q. , Zang Q. , Liu H.Q. , Lyu B. , Xie Y.H. , Wang X.H.
Published: November 2024

Comprehending and optimizing fast ion behaviors is critical for the enhancement of performance in Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). This study explores the potential benefits of several factors that can improve the fast ion confinement. First, experiments show the change in the direction of the NBI2 from counter-I
p to co-I
p leads to a significant reduction in fast ion losses. TRANSP/NUBEAM simulation and tomography results based on fast-ion D-alpha measurements reveal that after the neutral beam injection (NBI) upgrade, the beam ion prompt loss is reduced by approximately 50%. Second, the upgraded ion cyclotron resonant frequency (ICRF) antenna at the N-port features twice the coupling resistance of the original antennas at EAST. This improved ICRF power coupling has enhanced the synergistic heating effect of NBI + ICRF, where the ICRF wave field accelerates beam ions at the harmonics. Experiments demonstrate that NBI + ICRF synergistic not only enhances plasma neutron yield and β
P, but also accelerates beam ions to hundreds of keV. Further, the electron density and the neutral beam voltage have been optimized to reduce the fast ion slowing-down time and beam ion losses. Experimental and simulation results indicate that increasing the electron density reduces beam ion losses and enhances the bootstrap current fraction. While higher beam voltage results in a slight decrease in beam power absorption, it can increase the fraction of bootstrap current. With the understanding of these optimization of fast ion confinement, experiments have demonstrated fully non-inductive operation at high density (n
e/n
G ∼ 0.67, β
P ∼ 3.1, β
N ∼ 2.1, H
98,y2 ∼ 1.2) even without the support of co-I
p beam NBI2. This investigation presents a potential regime to enhance fast ion confinement and extend performance in the high β
P plasma for future experiments.
Doxorubicin-loaded core@shell cobalt ferrite-barium titanate magnetoelectric nanofibers for improved anticancer activity
Authors: Shahzad Khuram , Abbasi Muhammad Ali , Rafe Muhammad Hassan , Pestereva Anna , Ullah Faheem , Zaman Muhammad , Irfan Muhammad , Afzal Muhammad , Orlova Anna
Published: November 2024

Conventional drug delivery systems often suffer from non-specific distribution and limited therapeutic efficacy, leading to significant side effects. To address these challenges, we developed magnetoelectric, cobalt ferrite@barium titanate (CFO@BTO) nanofibers (NFs), with a core–shell structure for targeted anticancer drug delivery. The electrospinning method was employed to synthesize polymeric NFs based on magnetoelectric core–shell nanostructures. The scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and Vibrating sample magnetometer analysis confirmed the successful loading of nanostructures on polymeric NF, the core–shell morphology and magnetoelectric phase of CFO@BTO, respectively. UV–Vis spectroscopy was applied to verify the drug attachment, the optimization of drug release in an applied external magnetic field (MF), and the time required for control drug release. The effectiveness of MF-assisted controlled drug release was demonstrated by achieving a 95 ± 1.03% drug release from magnetoelectric NFs (MENFs) within 30 min under a MF of 4 mT. In vitro cytotoxicity assay on human skin cancer (SK-MEL-28) cell lines exhibited a maximum 90 ± 2% cytotoxicity with 2 ± 0.03 cm of drug loaded MENFs. Furthermore, the Hemolysis assay was carried out to affirm the biocompatibility and non-toxicity of drug loaded MENFs, which is suitable for anticancer therapy.
An aligned pattern sponge based on gelatin for rapid hemostasis
Authors: Cao Dayong , Chen Yimin , Man Yulin , Chen Zhaohong
Published: November 2024

Post-traumatic hemorrhage is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. However, most current hemostatic materials focus on incorporating nutritional components, with limited research addressing the impact of the material’s structure on hemostasis. In this study, we developed cytocompatible and hemocompatible three-dimensional gelatin sponges with a patterned and aligned structure, designed for rapid hemostasis. The sponges were characterized by light microscope photography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pattern sponges with gelatin (P-Gelatin) exhibited aligned structures on their surfaces and the inner structure. In terms of biocompatibility, MTT assay, and hemolysis experiment showed that P-Gelatin had good cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility. In vivo blood coagulation and in vivo hemostasis, P-Gelatin sponges, with their aligned structure, exhibit rapid adsorption of red blood cells and platelets compared to non-patterned gelatin counterparts. This work introduces a safe and convenient patterned sponge for rapid hemostasis, especially highlighting a concept where a patterned structure can enhance the effectiveness of blood clotting, which is particularly relevant for tissue engineering.
The number of minima in random landscapes generated by constrained random walk and Lévy flights: universal properties
Authors: Kundu Anupam , Majumdar Satya N , Schehr Grégory
Published: November 2024

We provide a uniform framework to compute the exact distribution of the number of minima/maxima in three different random walk landscape models in one dimension. The landscape is generated by the trajectory of a discrete-time continuous space random walk with arbitrary symmetric and continuous jump distribution at each step. In model I, we consider a ‘free’ random walk of N steps. In model II, we consider a ‘meander landscape’ where the random walk, starting at the origin, stays non-negative up to N steps. In model III, we study a ‘first-passage landscape’ which is generated by the trajectory of a random walk that starts at the origin and stops when it crosses the origin for the first time. We demonstrate that while the exact distribution of the number of minima is different in the three models, for each model it is universal for all N, in the sense that it does not depend on the jump distribution as long as it is symmetric and continuous. In the last two cases we show that this universality follows from a non trivial mapping to the Sparre Andersen theorem known for the first-passage probability of discrete-time random walks with symmetric and continuous jump distribution. Our analytical results are in excellent agreement with our numerical simulations.
Study on the disturbance law of the new viaduct pile foundation construction to the subway in the adjacent operation
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Zheng Shuai , Wang Zhongchang , Bian Wenrui , Pang Yanzhi
Published: November 2024

During the construction of elevated bridge pile foundations, the mechanical processes, including the extrusion and friction caused by the steel casing’s rotation into the soil and the soil pressure unloading due to soil extraction from pile holes, can significantly disturb existing structures. To address the engineering challenge posed by the planned elevated bridge on Yuanjiang Street Expressway in Shenyang, which is adjacent to the operational Metro Line 10 Dingxianghu Station, this study investigates the disturbance laws of the pile foundation construction on the mechanical behavior of the subway station. A three-dimensional finite element model of the target project was constructed, and numerical simulations were conducted, with a focus on the stress transfer phenomenon caused by friction between the casing and the soil during rotary excavation. The disturbance laws of pile foundation construction on the nearby operating metro structure and the surrounding soil under different excavation sequences were analyzed. The results indicate that the extent of soil settlement is inversely proportional to the distance from the pile foundation; the maximum compressive stress on the top of the station is 2.23 MPa, and the maximum tensile stress at the bottom is 1.31 MPa. The disturbances to the subway station caused by symmetrical drilling, row drilling, and skip pile drilling decrease in that order. The maximum lateral displacement of the subway station is reduced by 57.2% and 26.6% compared to the case without changing the excavation sequence. The study provides insights into the disturbance laws caused by the mechanical transmission path formed by soil friction during the rotary excavation of new elevated bridge pile foundations near operating subway station, offering theoretical reference for future similar engineering projects.
Impact of insulating layer thickness variation on IGZO-based thin-film transistor performance
Authors: Verma Akshay , Kashyap Nitesh
Published: November 2024

This paper highlights the thin film transistors used in the latest applications and devices. The working principle of thin film transistors with various device structures can be used to fabricate thin film transistors. Progress in the latest materials that are being used in applications like LCDs, sensors, RFID tags, Displays, etc The remarkable characteristics of Indium-Gallium-Zinc Oxide (IGZO) thin films, for instance, their transparency and high mobility, have generated significant interest in the application part of Thin-Film Transistors (TFTs). Simulating the functioning of a-IGZO TFTs over Silvaco [Atlas] TCAD Tool, four distinct insulators [SiO2, Si3N4, HfO2, and Al2O3] are taken into consideration by adjusting insulator thicknesses and measuring the overall current density.
Versions of Fallibilism
Authors: Kvanvig Jonathan L
Published: November 2024

A focus on asking more of skepticism than thesis and bare argument can lead to a myopic ignoring of the equal responsibility by the standard commonsense alternative to skepticism. The point of this chapter is to show what these pressures are, and so before taking up the task of theory development for skepticism, it is useful to appreciate the difficulties faced by fallibilists as well as those we have seen faced by skeptics. One direction to take is one that endorses the idea that knowledge requires infallibility, but it is argued here that no such approach is promising and that the a resulting fallibilism needs to be properly characterized and is not easy to do.
Instar and sex determination for Macrosaccus morrisella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)
Authors: Lopes dos Santos Juliana , Ribeiro Arthur Vieira , Peluzio Joenes Mucci , Koch Robert L
Published: November 2024

The soybean tentiform leafminer, Macrosaccus morrisella (Fitch) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is a new potential pest of soybean; however, little is known about its biology. This study determined the number of instars, how to distinguish those instars, and how to differentiate the sexes of M. morrisella. Soybean plants oviposited on by M. morrisella in the laboratory were sampled daily to assess the development of the insects by measuring larval head capsule width, body length, and leaf area mined. Cages containing a subset of plants were then checked daily until the first emergence of adults. In addition, 20 pupae and resulting adults were sexed. The frequency distribution of head capsule widths of M. morrisella larvae showed 4 nonoverlapping peaks. However, examination of individuals comprising the third peak showed 2 distinct mouthpart morphologies, which were a sap-feeding 3rd instar and a tissue-feeding 4th instar with overlapping distributions of head capsule widths. Inspection of tentiform mines containing individual larvae revealed the presence of up to 4 shed head capsules, confirming the existence of 5 instars. Leaf area mined ranged from 0.28 to 498.45 mm2 per larva. Pupae of M. morrisella were sexually differentiated by observing the presence of the gonads through the cuticle in males and its absence in females, and this was confirmed by examination of the frenula of the resulting adults. This study fills an important gap in our understanding of M. morrisella biology, which is crucial for developing integrated management strategies for this potential pest of soybean in North America.
Functional biogeography of the thermal thresholds for post-dispersal embryo growth in Conopodium majus
Authors: Blandino Cristina , Natlandsmyr Brith , Sandvik Sylvi M , Pritchard Hugh W , Fernández-Pascual Eduardo
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Plant regeneration by seeds is driven by a set of physiological traits, many of which show functional intraspecific variation along biogeographical gradients. In many species, germination phenology depends on a germination delay imposed by the need for post-dispersal embryo growth (a.k.a. morphological dormancy). Such growth occurs as a function of environmental temperatures and shows base, optimum and ceiling temperatures (i.e. cardinal temperatures or thermal thresholds). However, the biogeographical variation in such thresholds has not been tested.

Methods

We used a thermal time approach and field experiments to assess intraspecific variation at the continental scale in the embryo growth thermal thresholds of the geophyte Conopodium majus (Apiaceae) across its distribution from the Iberian Peninsula to Scandinavia.

Key Results

Thermal thresholds for embryo growth varied across the latitudinal gradient, with estimated optimum temperatures between 2.5 and 5.2 °C, ceiling temperatures between 12 and 20.5 °C, and base temperatures between −6.6 and −2.7 °C. Germination in the field peaked in January and February. The limiting factor for embryo growth was the ceiling temperature, which was negatively correlated with latitude and the bioclimatic environment of each population. In contrast, the optimal and base temperature were independent of local climate.

Conclusions

These results indicate that thermal thresholds for embryo growth are functional ecophysiological traits that drive seed germination phenology and seed responses to the soil climatic environment. Therefore, post-dispersal embryo growth can be a key trait impacting climate change effects on phenology and species distributions.
Toward nanoscale structural and chemical analysis of microbial surfaces
Authors: Kato Ryo , Miyazawa Keisuke , Imura Takumi , Minamikawa Takeo
Published: November 2024

Microbial surfaces play a critical role in various biological processes, including cell adhesion and biofilm formation. Understanding these surfaces at the nanoscale is essential for both fundamental and applied microbiology. This review explores recent advancements in nanoscale structural and chemical analyses of microbial surfaces, with a focus on vibrational spectroscopy, such as Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The review also discusses current challenges of these techniques, including variability in sample preparation and the reproducibility of data, and highlights future directions in nanoscale analysis that could lead to new insights in microbial physiology, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm research.
Carnosic acid inhibits integrin expression and prevents pulmonary metastasis of melanoma
Authors: Shibata Sachi , Yamada Kohei , Kon Shigeyuki
Published: November 2024

Carnosic acid is a naturally occurring, plant-derived polyphenolic abietane diterpene with antitumor properties. However, its underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of carnosic acid on lung metastasis in a murine melanoma model. C57BL/6 mice were intravenously injected with B16-BL6 cells, followed by carnosic acid treatment. Lung weights were recorded, and tumor cell colonies were counted at the end of the experiment. Integrin expression was evaluated using flow cytometry and cell adhesion assays. Lung weights were significantly lower in the carnosic acid group than in the control group, indicating the suppression of metastasis. Carnosic acid suppressed α4 integrin expression in B16-BL6 cells and inhibited α4 and α9 integrin-dependent cell adhesion. Thus, our data suggest that carnosic acid prevents lung metastasis, possibly by suppressing integrin expression. Our findings support the clinical application of carnosic acid as a potential natural antitumor agent, offering a complementary approach to conventional therapies.
Reduced fitness of secondary females in a polygynous species: a 32-yr study of Savannah sparrows
Authors: Mueller Sarah D , Wheelwright Nathaniel T , Mennill Daniel J , Newman Amy E M , Doucet Stéphanie M , Burant Joseph B , Dobney Sarah L , Mitchell Greg W , Spina Hayley A , Woodworth Bradley K , Norris D Ryan
Published: November 2024

The evolution of mating systems reflects a balance of the often-conflicting interests of males and females. Polygyny, a mating system in which males have multiple mates, presents a fitness benefit to males, but the consequences for females are less clear. Females with polygynous social mates may suffer reduced fitness, especially secondary females who typically receive less male support. We used 32 yr of detailed reproductive data on a population of Savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) breeding on Kent Island, NB, Canada, to investigate the effects of females’ social mating status on 6 indices of female fitness: survival, clutch size, fledging success, number of fledglings produced per nest and annually, and recruitment of offspring. Secondary females produced fewer fledglings per nest and annually than did monogamous or primary females, and their young were less likely to recruit into the breeding population. Yearling secondary females also had lower survival rates than older secondary females. Combined with higher rates of partial brood loss among secondary females, our results suggest that secondary females are unable to provide enough care to consistently fledge all nestlings in their broods, likely due to reduced male provisioning. Given that the sex ratio of breeders in the population is female-biased, we suggest that polygyny persists despite its fitness costs because some females must mate polygynously to “make the best of a bad situation.” Our study demonstrates the value of detailed, long-term population monitoring data for understanding mating systems and using multiple indices of fitness to analyze the costs of polygyny.
A reinvestigation of cognitive styles in sticklebacks: decision success varies with behavioral type
Authors: Jones Nick A R , Gaffney Kirstin , Gardella Giacomo , Rowe Annie , Spence-Jones Helen C , Munson Amelia , Houslay Tom M , Webster Mike M
Published: November 2024

The “cognitive styles” hypothesis suggests that individual differences in behavior are associated with variation in cognitive performance via underlying speed-accuracy trade-offs. While this is supported, in part, by a growing body of evidence, some studies did not find the expected relationships between behavioral type and cognitive performance. In some cases, this may reflect methodological limitations rather than the absence of a true relationship. The physical design of the testing arena and the number of choices offered in an assay can hinder our ability to detect inter-individual differences in cognitive performance. Here, we re-investigated the cognitive styles hypothesis in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), adapting the maze design of a previous study which found no cost to decision success by faster (bolder) individuals. We used a similar design but increased the size of the maze and incorporated an additional choice in the form of a third maze arm. We found, in accordance with cognitive style expectations, that individuals who were consistently slower to emerge from the start chamber made fewer errors than fish that emerged faster. Activity in an open field test, however, did not show evidence of a relationship with decision success, possibly due to the low number of repeated observations per fish in this separate assay. Our results provide further empirical support for the cognitive styles hypothesis and highlight important methodological aspects to consider in studies of inter-individual differences in cognition.
TPepPro: a deep learning model for predicting peptide–protein interactions
Authors: Jin Xiaohong , Chen Zimeng , Yu Dan , Jiang Qianhui , Chen Zhuobin , Yan Bin , Qin Jing , Liu Yong , Wang Junwen
Published: November 2024

Motivation

Peptides and their derivatives hold potential as therapeutic agents. The rising interest in developing peptide drugs is evidenced by increasing approval rates by the FDA of USA. To identify the most potential peptides, study on peptide-protein interactions (PepPIs) presents a very important approach but poses considerable technical challenges. In experimental aspects, the transient nature of PepPIs and the high flexibility of peptides contribute to elevated costs and inefficiency. Traditional docking and molecular dynamics simulation methods require substantial computational resources, and the predictive accuracy of their results remain unsatisfactory.

Results

To address this gap, we proposed TPepPro, a Transformer-based model for PepPI prediction. We trained TPepPro on a dataset of 19,187 pairs of peptide-protein complexes with both sequential and structural features. TPepPro utilizes a strategy that combines local protein sequence feature extraction with global protein structure feature extraction. Moreover, TPepPro optimizes the architecture of structural featuring neural network in BN-ReLU arrangement, which notably reduced the amount of computing resources required for PepPIs prediction. According to comparison analysis, the accuracy reached 0.855 in TPepPro, achieving an 8.1% improvement compared to the second-best model TAGPPI. TPepPro achieved an AUC of 0.922, surpassing the second-best model TAGPPI with 0.844. Moreover, the newly developed TPepPro identify certain PepPIs that can be validated according to previous experimental evidence, thus indicating the efficiency of TPepPro to detect high potential PepPIs that would be helpful for amino acid drug applications.

Availability and implementation

The source code of TPepPro is available at https://github.com/wanglabhku/TPepPro.
Rethinking nomenclatural acts: Questions in taxonomy by the dedications to mythology and fictional monsters
Authors: Hayashi Ryota , Higashiyama Hiroki , Goka Koichi
Published: November 2024

In recent years, the practice of deriving new species names from celebrities, mythology, and popular culture has attracted significant attention. We argue that, although this practice can potentially enhance public interest in taxonomy and conservation, it also raises important questions about biological nomenclatural systems since Linnaeus, by highlighting examples such as the annelid species Ramisyllis kingghidorahi, named after the iconic monster King Ghidorah. We argue that scientists should carefully consult the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and should have a good understanding of Latin and Greek when conducting nomenclatural acts.
Reassessing the Criminogenic Risk of the ‘Broken Home’: The Concept of ‘The Good Family’ From the Perspective of Young Offenders in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Mendez Melissa
Published: November 2024

This paper, based on a qualitative study with incarcerated male young offenders in Trinidad and Tobago, explores participants’ conceptualizations of the impact of family background on adolescent offending. The paper challenges the civilized vs deviant dichotomy often proffered when discussing the presence (and absence) of fathers and offers a nuanced account of what makes a ‘good family’ and a ‘good father’ according to young offenders. Findings demonstrate participants’ preference for the nuclear family, irrespective of whether they were raised within supportive familial networks. These findings raise questions about the continued strength of historically resilient matrifocal support systems in the Caribbean.
A case of typical eschar in scrub typhus
Authors: An Kang , Guo Chaoyao , Luo Shunqiang
Published: November 2024

In the mountainous regions of Yunnan Province, China, local farmers engage in activities in the jungle. Owing to inadequate protection, infections with Orientia tsutsugamushi are common. Here, we share a typical image of eschar in scrub typhus for reference, which could be of use to clinical practitioners in areas where scrub typhus is less commonly encountered.
Social work and social development in Nepal: Coloniality and a way out
Authors: Mikkonen Enni , Yadav Raj
Published: November 2024

In this article, we explore the epistemological and practical dimensions of coloniality within social work and social development in Nepal. The study addresses the foundational aspects of these fields, examining their relationship with local communities and cultures. While Nepal has never been formally colonized, persistent colonial continuums are argued to exist within social work and social development paradigms. By building on the theoretical framework of decolonial and Indigenous orientations, we critically address power dynamics and hegemonies in social work and development scholarship and practice. Empirically, our study builds on interviews with Nepali social workers in development agencies and social work institutions, employing data-driven content analysis. The findings illuminate (1) the manifestations of colonial forces in these fields, (2) the unique nuances of Nepali society, and (3) the contradictions between these aspects, portraying Nepali social work and development as colonial spaces. In addition to providing critical analysis, we propose a way out of the coloniality trap through the expertise of Nepali social workers, reflecting communal and cultural interlinkages. Ultimately, this article offers perspectives for reforming social work and social development realms, fostering pluriversal and decolonial onto-epistemologies not only in Nepal but also in broader contexts.
Online sequential separation, preconcentration, extraction, and transport of Ti, Zr, and Hf by ICP–MS and recovery from nuclear waste
Authors: Sharma Chandramauly , Thakar Devarshi , Agrawal Yadvendra
Published: November 2024

The online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry preconcentration, recovery, and simultaneous trace determination of titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), and hafnium (Hf) from sea water is described. The limit of detection is 0.05, 0.03, and 0.33 pg mL−1 for Ti, Zr, and Hf, respectively. The limit of quantification is 1.5, 1.0 and 1.0 pg mL−1 for Ti, Zr, and Hf, respectively. The use of Coumarin Calix–[4] arene hydroxamic acid (CC4AHA) for solvent extraction and separation, and the recovery of Ti, Zr, and Hf is reported. Ti, Zr, and Hf can all be quantitatively extracted from dichloromethane solutions of CC4AHA at molarities of HCl of 6.0, 8.0, and 0.6 M; Ti, Zr, and Hf are all 1:1 bound by tetracarboxy calix[6]crown hydroxamic acid. Under controlled circumstances, a study on the liquid membrane transfer of Ti, Zr, and Hf was conducted from the source to the receiving phase. The ability of the produced chelating extractant to simultaneously separate Ti, Zr, and Hf mixtures was investigated. Analysis of approved standard reference materials was performed to validate the process. The Ti, Zr, and Hf were recovered from sea water and effluents, and determined. The method extended from trace determination of these metals in standard samples of alloys and soil, and industrial samples.