bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning for detecting and characterizing oil and gas well pads in satellite imagery
Authors: Ramachandran Neel , Irvin Jeremy , Omara Mark , Gautam Ritesh , Meisenhelder Kelsey , Rostami Erfan , Sheng Hao , Ng Andrew Y. , Jackson Robert B.
Published: August 2024

Methane emissions from the oil and gas sector are a large contributor to climate change. Robust emission quantification and source attribution are needed for mitigating methane emissions, requiring a transparent, comprehensive, and accurate geospatial database of oil and gas infrastructure. Realizing such a database is hindered by data gaps nationally and globally. To fill these gaps, we present a deep learning approach on freely available, high-resolution satellite imagery for automatically mapping well pads and storage tanks. We validate the results in the Permian and Denver-Julesburg basins, two high-producing basins in the United States. Our approach achieves high performance on expert-curated datasets of well pads (Precision = 0.955, Recall = 0.904) and storage tanks (Precision = 0.962, Recall = 0.968). When deployed across the entire basins, the approach captures a majority of well pads in existing datasets (79.5%) and detects a substantial number (>70,000) of well pads not present in those datasets. Furthermore, we detect storage tanks (>169,000) on well pads, which were not mapped in existing datasets. We identify remaining challenges with the approach, which, when solved, should enable a globally scalable and public framework for mapping well pads, storage tanks, and other oil and gas infrastructure.
Neutral beam microscopy with a reciprocal space approach using magnetic beam spin encoding
Authors: Lowe Morgan , Alkoby Yosef , Chadwick Helen , Alexandrowicz Gil
Published: August 2024

The emerging technique of neutral beam microscopy offers a non-perturbative way of imaging surfaces of various materials which cannot be studied using conventional microscopes. Current neutral beam microscopes use either diffractive focusing or pin-hole scanning to achieve spatial resolution, and are characterised by a strong dependence of the imaging time on the required resolution. In this work we introduce an alternative method for achieving spatial resolution with neutral atom beams which is based on manipulating the magnetic moments of the beam particles in a gradient field, and is characterised by a much weaker dependence of the imaging time on the image resolution. The validity of the imaging approach is demonstrated experimentally by reconstructing one dimensional profiles of the beam which are in good agreement with numerical simulation calculations. Numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the dependence of the signal to noise on the scan resolution and the topography of the sample, and assess the broadening effect due to the spread of velocities of the beam particles. The route towards implementing magnetic encoding in high resolution microscopes is discussed.
Geologically constrained 2-million-year-long simulations of Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat and expansion through the Pliocene
Authors: Halberstadt Anna Ruth W. , Gasson Edward , Pollard David , Marschalek James , DeConto Robert M.
Published: August 2024

Pliocene global temperatures periodically exceeded modern levels, offering insights into ice sheet sensitivity to warm climates. Ice-proximal geologic records from this period provide crucial but limited glimpses of Antarctic Ice Sheet behavior. We use an ice sheet model driven by climate model snapshots to simulate transient glacial cyclicity from 4.5 to 2.6 Ma, providing spatial and temporal context for geologic records. By evaluating model simulations against a comprehensive synthesis of geologic data, we translate the intermittent geologic record into a continuous reconstruction of Antarctic sea level contributions, revealing a dynamic ice sheet that contributed up to 25 m of glacial-interglacial sea level change. Model grounding line behavior across all major Antarctic catchments exhibits an extended period of receded ice during the mid-Pliocene, coincident with proximal geologic data around Antarctica but earlier than peak warmth in the Northern Hemisphere. Marine ice sheet collapse is triggered with 1.5 °C model subsurface ocean warming.
Radiative plasma simulations of black hole accretion flow coronae in the hard and soft states
Authors: Nättilä Joonas
Published: August 2024

Stellar-mass black holes in x-ray binary systems are powered by mass transfer from a companion star. The accreted gas forms an accretion disk around the black hole and emits x-ray radiation in two distinct modes: hard and soft state. The origin of the states is unknown. We perform radiative plasma simulations of the electron-positron-photon corona around the inner accretion flow. Our simulations extend previous efforts by self-consistently including all the prevalent quantum electrodynamic processes. We demonstrate that when the plasma is turbulent, it naturally generates the observed hard-state emission. In addition, we show that when soft x-ray photons irradiate the system—mimicking radiation from an accretion disk—the turbulent plasma transitions into a new equilibrium state that generates the observed soft-state emission. Our findings demonstrate that turbulent motions of magnetized plasma can power black-hole accretion flow coronae and that quantum electrodynamic processes control the underlying state of the plasma.
Low-symmetry vacancy-related spin qubit in hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Babar Rohit , Barcza Gergely , Pershin Anton , Park Hyoju , Bulancea Lindvall Oscar , Thiering Gergő , Legeza Örs , Warner Jamie H. , Abrikosov Igor A. , Gali Adam , Ivády Viktor
Published: August 2024

Point defect qubits in semiconductors have demonstrated their outstanding capabilities for high spatial resolution sensing generating broad multidisciplinary interest. Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) hosting point defect qubits have recently opened up new horizons for quantum sensing by implementing sensing foils. The sensitivity of point defect sensors in hBN is currently limited by the linewidth of the magnetic resonance signal, which is broadened due to strong hyperfine couplings. Here, we report on a vacancy-related spin qubit with an inherently low symmetry configuration, the VB2 center, giving rise to a reduced magnetic resonance linewidth at zero magnetic fields. The VB2 center is also equipped with a classical memory that can be utilized for storing population information. Using scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging, we confirm the existence of the VB2 configuration in free-standing monolayer hBN.
Current challenges of alternative proteins as future foods
Authors: Malila Yuwares , Owolabi Iyiola O. , Chotanaphuti Tanai , Sakdibhornssup Napat , Elliott Christopher T. , Visessanguan Wonnop , Karoonuthaisiri Nitsara , Petchkongkaew Awanwee
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Global demand for food is expected to nearly double by 2050. Alternative proteins (AP) have been proposed as a sustainable solution to provide food security as natural resources become more depleted. However, the growth and consumer intake of AP remains limited. This review aims to better understand the challenges and environmental impacts of four main AP categories: plant-based, insect-based, microbe-derived, and cultured meat and seafood. The environmental benefits of plant-based and insect-based proteins have been documented but the impacts of microbe-derived proteins and cultured meat have not been fully assessed. The development of alternative products with nutritional and sensory profiles similar to their conventional counterparts remains highly challenging. Furthermore, incomplete safety assessments and a lack of clear regulatory guidelines confuse the food industry and hamper progress. Much still needs to be done to fully support AP utilization within the context of supporting the drive to make the global food system sustainable.
Entinostat as a combinatorial therapeutic for rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Chauhan Shefali , Lian Emily , Habib Iman , Liu Qianqian , Anders Nicole M. , Bugg Megan M. , Federman Noah C. , Reid Joel M. , Stewart Clinton F. , Cates Tristan , Michalek Joel E. , Keller Charles
Published: August 2024

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common childhood soft tissue sarcoma. For the alveolar subtype (ARMS), the presence of the PAX3::FOXO1 fusion gene and/or metastases are strong predictors of poor outcome. Metastatic PAX3::FOXO1+ ARMS often responds to chemotherapies initially, only to subsequently relapse and become resistant with most patients failing to survive beyond 8 years post-diagnosis. No curative intent phase II or phase III clinical trial has been available for patients in the past 10 years (ARST0921). Thus, metastatic ARMS represents a significantly unmet clinical need. Chemotherapy resistance in ARMS has previously been attributed to PAX3::FOXO1-mediated cell cycle checkpoint adaptation, which is mediated by an HDAC3-SMARCA4-miR-27a-PAX3::FOXO1 circuit that can be disrupted by HDAC3 inhibition. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of combining the epigenetic regulator entinostat, a Class I Histone Deacetylase (HDAC1-3) inhibitor, with RMS-specific chemotherapies in patient derived xenograft (PDX) models of RMS. We identified single agent, additive or synergistic relationships between relapse-specific chemotherapies and clinically relevant drug exposures of entinostat in three PAX3::FOXO1+ ARMS mouse models. This preclinical data provides further rationale for clinical investigation of entinostat, already known to be well tolerated in a pediatric phase I clinical trial (ADVL1513).
Two-screw osteosynthesis is biomechanically superior to single-screw osteosynthesis for type II odontoid fractures
Authors: Roch Paul Jonathan , Salge Elisa , Cabrera Miguel Angel Bravo , Klockner Friederike Sophie , Meier Marc-Pascal , Jäckle Katharina , Lehmann Wolfgang , Weiser Lukas
Published: August 2024

The data on the use of a one- or two-screw technique (1S, 2S) for ventral osteosynthesis of type II dens fractures are contradictory. The aim was to design an apparatus to mimic the physiological conditions and test stability with 1S, 2S, and a headless compression screw (HCS) for osteosynthesis of artificially created type II odontoid fractures. The apparatus was mounted on a Zwick materials testing machine. A total of 18 C1–2 specimens were stratified into three groups (1S, 2S, HCS). Odontoid fractures were artificially created, and osteosynthesis was performed. Each specimen was tested at loads increasing from 1 to 40 N. Screw loosening was observed visually, by fatigue data, and by a camera tracking system. Analysis of the Zwick data and the camera data revealed a significant higher stability after 2S compared to 1S and HCS treatment (Zwick data: p = 0.021, camera data: p < 0.001), while visible screw loosening showed a superiority of the 2S only over HCS (p = 0.038). The developed apparatus allowed the dynamic study of the atlantoaxial joint with a high approximation to physiological conditions. The results demonstrated superiority of the 2S over the 1S and HCS in biomechanical stability in the treatment of type II odontoid fractures.
Magnetoelectric effect in multiferroic nickelate perovskite YNiO3
Authors: Ortiz Hernández Nazaret , Skoropata Elizabeth , Ueda Hiroki , Burian Max , Alonso José Antonio , Staub Urs
Published: August 2024

The interaction of magnetic order and spontaneous polarization is a fundamental coupling with the prospect for the control of electronic properties and magnetism. The connection among magnetic order, charge localization and associated metal-insulator transition (MIT) are cornerstones for materials control. Materials that combine both effects are therefore of great interest for testing models that claim the occurrence of spontaneous polarization from magnetic and charge order. One class of materials proposed to combine these functionalities is the family of RNiO3 (R: Lanthanide or Yttrium), whose members show a clear MIT and an antiferromagnetic ground state and for which an electric polarization has been predicted. Here, using resonant magnetic x-ray scattering with circular polarization and an applied electric field we show that YNiO3 possess a magnetic structure containing domains of spin-rotations that are consistent with an electric polarization. We show a reversal of the magnetic structure with the applied electric field confirming that charge ordered RNiO3 are magnetoelectric type II multiferroics with a MIT.
A theoretical framework for polarization as the gradual fragmentation of a divided society
Authors: Bliuc Ana-Maria , Betts John M. , Vergani Matteo , Bouguettaya Ayoub , Cristea Mioara
Published: August 2024

We propose a framework integrating insights from computational social science, political, and social psychology to explain how extreme polarization can occur in deeply divided societies. Extreme polarization in a society emerges through a dynamic and complex process where societal, group, and individual factors interact. Dissent at different levels of analysis represents the driver of this process, where societal-level ideological dissent divides society into opposing camps, each with contrasting collective narratives. Within these opposing camps, further dissent leads to the formation of splinter factions and radical cells—sub-groups with increasingly extreme views. At the group level, collective narratives underpinning group identity become more extreme as society fragments. At the individual level, this process involves the internalization of an extreme group narrative and norms sanctioning radical behavior. The intense bonding within these groups and the convergence of personal and group identities through identity fusion increase the likelihood of radical group behavior.
Introduction to “Accelerate Conference 2022”
Authors: Brown Keith A. , El Mellouhi Fedwa , Ouellet-Plamondon Claudiane
Published: August 2024

Keith A. Brown, Fedwa El Mellouhi, and Claudiane Ouellet-Plamondon introduce the themed collection on the 2022 Accelerate Conference.
Boosted thermogalvanic thermopower upon solid-to-liquid phase transition
Authors: Shin Dongjoon , Ryu Kihoon , Kim Daehyun , Choi Eunho , Chae Seunghoon , Lee Yundong , Kang Yong Tae , Kim Sangtae , Choi Wonjoon
Published: August 2024

Exploiting the entropy of fusion among thermogalvanic devices and the associated configurational entropy change of bulk alkali metal alloys enables significant boosting of the thermopower from 1.5 mV K−1 to 26.1 mV K−1 for Na2+xK alloys.
Synthesis of 2H-imidazoles via copper-catalyzed homo/cross-coupling of oxime acetates
Authors: Liu Min , Liu Bifu , Chen Hongyan , Wang Qian , Liu Lixin , Feng Kejun , Wang Zijia , Li Qiang
Published: August 2024

A facile and practical protocol to construct 2H-imidazoles by applying an oxime acetate block as the sole component via homo/cross-coupling catalyzed by Cu(i) was developed.
Ascorbic acid-enhanced MOF-derived CeO2 for improved substrate selectivity in glucose detection
Authors: Xie Yameng , Huang Jiayu , Ye Yunjian , Ma Hengrui , Cheng Xiqing , Kuang Qin
Published: August 2024

The Ce3+ content in MOF-derived CeO2 was increased via ascorbic acid reduction, improving peroxidase-like activity and selectivity. As a glucose oxidase carrier, it increased tolerance and catalytic activity, with a detection range of 50–1000 μM.
Determinants of Multilevel Discourse Outcomes in Anomia Treatment for Aphasia
Authors: Cavanaugh Robert , Dickey Michael Walsh , Hula William D. , Fromm Davida , Golovin Jennifer , Wambaugh Julie , Fergadiotis Gerasimos , Evans William S.
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

Individuals with aphasia identify discourse-level communication (i.e., language in use) as a high priority for treatment. The central premise of most aphasia treatments is that restoring language at the phoneme, word, and/or sentence level will generalize to discourse. However, treatment-related changes in discourse-level communication are modest, are poorly understood, and vary greatly among individuals with aphasia. In response, this study consisted of a multilevel discourse analysis of archival, monologic discourse outcomes across two high-intensity Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) clinical trials. Aim 1 evaluated changes in theoretically motivated discourse outcomes representing lexical–semantic processing, lexical diversity, grammatical complexity, and discourse informativeness. Aim 2 explored the potential moderating role of nonlanguage cognitive factors (semantic memory, divided attention, and executive function) on discourse outcomes.

Method:

This study was a retrospective analysis of archival monologic discourse outcomes after intensive SFA for
n
= 60 (Aim 1) and a subset
n
= 44 (Aim 2). Outcome measures included lexical–semantic processing (% semantic errors), lexical diversity (moving average type–token ratio), grammatical complexity (mean utterance length), and discourse informativeness (% correct information units). Bayesian generalized mixed-effects models were used to examine changes across four study time points: enrollment, entry, exit, and 1-month follow-up.

Results:

The present study found no evidence for meaningful or statistically reliable improvements in monologue discourse performance after SFA when measured using standard, general-topic discourse stimuli. There was weak and inconsistent evidence that nonlanguage cognitive factors may play a role in moderating treatment response.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate a clear need to pair theoretically informed treatments designed to facilitate generalization to discourse with intentional measurement paradigms designed to capture it. Furthermore, there is a clear need to examine how established treatments, restorative or compensatory, can better facilitate generalization to discourse-level communication. These priorities are critical for meaningfully improving everyday communication and reducing the profound communication and psychosocial consequences of aphasia.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.26524081
State‐of‐health estimation of lithium‐ion batteries: A comprehensive literature review from cell to pack levels
Authors: Su Lingzhi , Xu Yan , Dong Zhaoyang
Published: August 2024

Lithium‐ion battery state‐of‐health (SOH) monitoring is essential for maintaining the safety and reliability of electric vehicles and efficiency of energy storage systems. When the SOH of lithium‐ion batteries reaches the end‐of‐life threshold, replacement and maintenance are required to avoid fire and explosion hazards. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review of lithium‐ion battery SOH estimation methods at the cell, module, and pack levels. Analysis and summary of the SOH definition based on the resistance, capacity, and energy indices are presented at each battery hierarchy level. A comparison of SOH indices in terms of modelling complexity, required measurement time, and accuracy is provided. To the best of knowledge, a comprehensive classification of SOH estimation methods at different battery hierarchy levels is presented for the first time in this review. In addition, SOH estimation methods are further classified based on the applied methodologies, including direct measurement, model‐based methods, data‐driven methods, and hybrid model‐data methods. Advantages and disadvantages of SOH estimation methods are summarized and compared across different battery hierarchy levels. A detailed summary of typical SOH estimation methods is presented along with the battery topology, operating conditions, and performance. The challenges and research prospects of lithium‐ion battery SOH estimation are discussed from the cell to pack levels.
Characterization and Investigation of Biosorption of Copper (II) from Simulated Wastewater Using Chemically Modified Cassava Leaves (Manihot esculenta)
Authors: Aabdon Ria Grace P. , Belino Jose Mari L. , Lambino Bhea M. , Piconada Angela Nadine D.
Published: August 2024

Wastewater can contain different heavy metals that can negatively affect people and the environment. Copper (II) is one of the heavy metals that is found in both municipal and industrial wastewaters wherein it can range from 50 to 100 ppm which is above the environmental standards. This study characterizes untreated, NaOH-treated, and H2O2-treated cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta) to determine the most effective copper (II) biosorbent in terms of percentage of copper (II) from simulated electroplating waste water. The samples were analyzed through Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to analyze functional groups and compare biosorbents before and after adsorption. Results revealed significant differences in peak intensities and frequencies, indicating chemical modifications. NaOH-treated leaves showed increased transmittance, suggesting deprotonation and removal of base-soluble materials. H2O2-treated leaves exhibited decreased transmittance, indicating increased functional groups and adsorption sites. The absorption bands of H2O2-treated leaves showed differences and fewer peaks in the fingerprint region, indicating significant modifications to the molecular structure compared to untreated and NaOH-treated leaves. Highest copper (II) removal was obtained with H2O2-treated leaves (38.67%), followed by NaOH-treated leaves (18.07%). Overall, H2O2-treated cassava leaves emerged as promising biosorbents for copper (II) removal from wastewater, offering efficient and environmentally friendly remediation solutions.
Carbon stock potential of trees in selected urban un-conserved forest in Entoto Mount Forest, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Solomon Lemlem Wondwossen , Arunrat Noopol , Phutthai Thamarat , Wisawapipat Worachart
Published: August 2024

Urban forests have a role in climate regulation by managing greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study was to assess the potential carbon (C) stock of both above ground biomass (AGB) and below-ground biomass (BGB) in the un-conserved Entoto mount forest and to determine their contribution to mitigating climate change and enhancing ecosystem services. The selected study sites recorded a total of 417 trees, with Eucalyptus globulus covering 45.08% of the species and Juniperus procera covering 38.13%. The average AGB was 114.28 ton/hectare (t/ha), while BGB it was 22.28 t/ha. The average C content in the AGB was 53.73 t/ha, while in the BGB it was 10.81 t/ha. This study enhances the comprehension of the forest’s present ecological condition and facilitates decision-making processes for conservation and sustainable development.
Analysis of the Determinants of Carbon Dioxide Emissions in BRICS Countries: A Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) Estimation Approach
Authors: Setyadharma Andryan , Anawati Triski , Sa’adah Nurul , Jamil Nafi’ah Sholikhatun
Published: August 2024

Since the advent of the Industrial Revolution, a consistent goal has been the pursuit of economic growth and progress. However, this pursuit has been guided by a rise in pollution and degradation. This study investigates the correlation between environmental pollution (CO2 emissions), the utilization of renewable energy, and economic development in the BRICS countries spanning from 1992 to 2020. The study aims to understand the correlation between the increasing CO2 emissions in the BRICS nations and factors such as the labour force participation rate (LABOUR), GDP, consumption of renewable energy, and foreign direct investment (FDI). The analysis utilizes Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Square as the estimation technique. The results reveal a substantial and enduring correlation among employment, the adoption of renewable energy (RE), and CO2 emissions in the BRICS nations. Specifically, a 1 percent rise in the labour force is linked with a 0.859 percent increase in CO2 emissions, while a 1% increase in the use of RE is connected to a 0.029 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. However, the long-runs correlation between GDP, FDI, and CO2 emissions is insignificant.
Outcomes of a hydroxyapatite ceramic-coated femoral stem in primary total hip arthroplasty: a report of excellent survivorship from a single United Kingdom centre
Authors: Abdelghafour Karim M. , Khaled Sherif A. , Abdel-Kader Khaled F. M. , Azeem Hazem A. , Shah Nirav N.
Published: August 2024

Background: Hydroxyapatite (HA) coated femoral stems were introduced to enhance the biological fixation at the implant-bone interface, aiming to increase the longevity and survival of the prostheses. We aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of an HA ceramic (HAC) coated stem in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), assess the stem survival, and clinically evaluate the patients using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and radiological evaluation of stem osseointegration. Patients and methods: This was a prospective evaluation of a retrospective cohort of 385 patients (442 hips) who underwent primary THA between June 2008 and December 2018. The mean age was 63.83 years (range, 30–82 years). During the follow-up duration, 23 patients died, and 36 patients (38 hips) were lost to follow-up. Prospective data collected for 326 patients (381 hips) was used to evaluate stem survival with the Kaplan–Meier method using aseptic loosening or any revision as the endpoint. Clinical evaluation was done using the EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D) scoring system and PROMs using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and Merle D’Aubigne Postel (MDP) score. Radiological assessments were performed using the Engh radiological criteria for stem osteointegration. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 9.39 years (range, 4–14.5 years). The survival of the HAC-coated femoral stem was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 96.7–100%) at 14 years with aseptic loosening as the endpoint, and 98.9% (CI, 96.7–100%) at 14 years with stem revision for any reason as the endpoint. The mean OHS was 44.5 (range, 30–48), and the mean MDP score was 15.87 (range, 10–18). Radiological evaluations showed full osseointegration of all stems. Conclusion: This HAC-coated femoral stem has shown excellent survivorship, functional outcomes, and full osseointegration at the final follow-up.
Effect of ethanol on the elasticities of double-stranded RNA and DNA revealed by magnetic tweezers and simulations
Authors: Zheng Chen-Chen , Chen Yun-Long , Dong Hai-Long , Zhang Xing-Hua , Tan Zhi-Jie
Published: August 2024

The elasticities of double-stranded (ds) DNA and RNA, which are critical to their biological functions and applications in materials science, can be significantly modulated by solution conditions such as ions and temperature. However, there is still a lack of a comprehensive understanding of the role of solvents in the elasticities of dsRNA and dsDNA in a comparative way. In this work, we explored the effect of ethanol solvent on the elasticities of dsRNA and dsDNA by magnetic tweezers and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. We found that the bending persistence lengths and contour lengths of dsRNA and dsDNA decrease monotonically with the increase in ethanol concentration. Furthermore, the addition of ethanol weakens the positive twist–stretch coupling of dsRNA, while promotes the negative twist–stretch coupling of dsDNA. Counter-intuitively, the lower dielectric environment of ethanol causes a significant re-distribution of counterions and enhanced ion neutralization, which overwhelms the enhanced repulsion along dsRNA/dsDNA, ultimately leading to the softening in bending for dsRNA and dsDNA. Moreover, for dsRNA, ethanol causes slight ion-clamping across the major groove, which weakens the major groove-mediated twist–stretch coupling, while for dsDNA, ethanol promotes the stretch–radius correlation due to enhanced ion binding and consequently enhances the helical radius-mediated twist–stretch coupling.
Adsorption of difluoromethane (HFC-32) and pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) and their mixtures in silicalite-1: An experimental and Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Marin-Rimoldi Eliseo , Yancey Andrew D. , Shiflett Mark B. , Maginn Edward J.
Published: August 2024

Hydrofluorocarbons are a class of fluorinated molecules used extensively in residential and industrial refrigeration systems. This study examines the potential of using adsorption processes with the silicalite-1 zeolite to separate a mixture of difluoromethane (CH2F2, HFC-32) and pentafluoroethane (CF3CF2H, HFC-125) at various concentrations. Pure adsorption data were measured using a XEMIS gravimetric microbalance, whereas binary data were determined using the Integral Mass Balance method. Grand canonical Monte Carlo molecular simulations were performed with the Cassandra package. We found that the results from molecular simulations are in satisfactory agreement with experimental loading measurements. Moreover, we show that ideal adsorbed solution theory could not quantitatively match the experimental or computational measurements of binary adsorption or selectivity. Molecular simulations show that refrigerant molecules do not have a uniform distribution in the zeolite framework.
Growth rate of male Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) fed leucaena and rice straw diets with increasing levels of cassava
Authors: Dahlanuddin   , Kariyani L. A. , Panjaitan T. S. , Putra R. A. , Harper K. J. , Poppi D. P.
Published: August 2024

Context The planting and use of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) to fatten cattle is both practical and profitable for smallholder farmers in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Currently smallholder farmers feed leucaena as the primary component of a cattle fattening diet. However, the high protein content in leucaena could be more effectively used if combined with a fermentable energy source, such as cassava (Manihot utilissima). Aim An experiment was conducted to determine the ratio of leucaena to cassava corresponding to largest average daily gain and most efficient feed conversion for gain. Methods Thirty growing male Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) ~18 months of age with an initial live weight of 164 ± 1.8 kg (mean ± s.e.) were allocated to one of six experimental treatments in a randomised block design. Bulls were held in individual stalls and had access to experimental diets and water ad libitum. The diets were 20% rice straw + 80% leucaena hay (A), 20% rice straw + 65% leucaena hay + 15% cassava meal (B), 20% rice straw + 50% leucaena hay + 30% cassava meal (C), 20% rice straw + 35% leucaena hay + 45% cassava meal (D), 20% rice straw + 20% leucaena hay + 60% cassava meal (E) and 20% rice straw + 5% leucaena hay + 75% cassava meal (F). A mineral mix was provided at 1% DM of total diet and urea was added to the cassava meal at 2% DM. In consideration of animal welfare concerns, the trial was concluded on Day 77 due to observations indicating that bulls receiving the highest level of cassava (F) were experiencing significant weight loss. Key results The optimum level of inclusion of cassava was 29.5% (based on the quadratic response curve) but there was little difference in average daily gain up to 45% inclusion. Feeding a high level of cassava meal (more than 45% of diet) reduced feed intake, average daily gain and income over feed cost. Conclusion Cassava meal can be successfully and profitably incorporated into leucaena-based rations of Bali bulls for fattening. Implications Formulating rations with cassava meal and leucaena can be economically beneficial in cattle fattening systems.
Climate and weather drivers in southern California Santa Ana Wind and non-Santa Wind fires
Authors: Keeley Jon E. , Flannigan Michael , Brown Tim J. , Rolinski Tom , Cayan Daniel , Syphard Alexandra D. , Guzman-Morales Janin , Gershunov Alexander
Published: August 2024

Background Autumn and winter Santa Ana Winds (SAW) are responsible for the largest and most destructive wildfires in southern California. Aims (1) To contrast fires ignited on SAW days vs non-SAW days, (2) evaluate the predictive ability of the Canadian Fire Weather Index (CFWI) for these two fire types, and (3) determine climate and weather factors responsible for the largest wildfires. Methods CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) FRAP (Fire and Resource Assessment Program) fire data were coupled with hourly climate data from four stations, and with regional indices of SAW wind speed, and with seasonal drought data from the Palmer Drought Severity Index. Key results Fires on non-SAW days were more numerous and burned more area, and were substantial from May to October. CFWI indices were tied to fire occurrence and size for both non-SAW and SAW days, and in the days following ignition. Multiple regression models for months with the greatest area burned explained up to a quarter of variation in area burned. Conclusions The drivers of fire size differ between non-SAW and SAW fires. The best predictor of fire size for non-SAW fires was drought during the prior 5 years, followed by a current year vapour pressure deficit. For SAW fires, wind speed followed by drought were most important.
Rtt105 stimulates Rad51-ssDNA assembly and orchestrates Rad51 and RPA actions to promote homologous recombination repair
Authors: Wang Xuejie , Zhao Xiaocong , Yu Zhengshi , Fan Tianai , Guo Yunjing , Liang Jianqiang , Wang Yanyan , Zhan Jingfei , Chen Guifang , Zhou Chun , Zhang Xinghua , Li Xiangpan , Chen Xuefeng
Published: August 2024

Homologous recombination (HR) is essential for the maintenance of genome stability. During HR, Replication Protein A (RPA) rapidly coats the 3′-tailed single-strand DNA (ssDNA) generated by end resection. Then, the ssDNA-bound RPA must be timely replaced by Rad51 recombinase to form Rad51 nucleoprotein filaments that drive homology search and HR repair. How cells regulate Rad51 assembly dynamics and coordinate RPA and Rad51 actions to ensure proper HR remains poorly understood. Here, we identified that Rtt105, a Ty1 transposon regulator, acts to stimulate Rad51 assembly and orchestrate RPA and Rad51 actions during HR. We found that Rtt105 interacts with Rad51 in vitro and in vivo and restrains the adenosine 5' triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis activity of Rad51. We showed that Rtt105 directly stimulates dynamic Rad51-ssDNA assembly, strand exchange, and D-loop formation in vitro. Notably, we found that Rtt105 physically regulates the binding of Rad51 and RPA to ssDNA via different motifs and that both regulations are necessary and epistatic in promoting Rad51 nucleation, strand exchange, and HR repair. Consequently, disrupting either of the interactions impaired HR and conferred DNA damage sensitivity, underscoring the importance of Rtt105 in orchestrating the actions of Rad51 and RPA. Our work reveals additional layers of mechanisms regulating Rad51 filament dynamics and the coordination of HR.
Internal catalysis significantly promotes the bond exchange of covalent adaptable polyurethane networks
Authors: Huang Hongfei , Sun Wei , Sun Lijie , Zhang Luzhi , Wang Yang , Zhang Youwei , Gu Shijia , You Zhengwei , Zhu Meifang
Published: August 2024

Self-healing covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are not only of fundamental interest but also of practical importance for achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable development. However, there is a trade-off between the mobility and cross-linking structure of CANs, making it challenging to develop CANs with excellent mechanical properties and high self-healing efficiency. Here, we report the utilization of a highly dynamic four-arm cross-linking unit with an internally catalyzed oxime-urethane group to obtain CAN-based ionogel with both high self-healing efficiency (>92.1%) at room temperature and superior mechanical properties (tensile strength 4.55 MPa and toughness 13.49 MJ m
−3
). This work demonstrates the significant potential of utilizing the synergistic electronic, spatial, and topological effects as a design strategy for developing high-performance materials.
Basque-French “Grand Oral” assessment in Basque immersion education
Authors: Manterola Ibon , Rodriguez-Aguirre Amaia
Published: August 2024

This contribution aims to explore the bilingual strategies of students producing the bilingual Basque-French
“Grand Oral” (GO) text genre in the only Basque immersion high school in Northern Basque Country (NBC henceforth) (France). 20
immersion students’ Basque-French GO productions are analysed. Previous research with similar text genres in the Basque Autonomous
Community (Spain) shows that even if immersion students successfully manage linguistic alternation, they scarcely adapt Basque
terminology when using English. The GO is an explanatory-argumentative text genre, addressed to a jury involving a monolingual
French speaker. The analysis shows that students alternate languages with no lexico-grammatical difficulties. However, when they
refer to Basque terms in French, they hardly include any clarification for the non-Basque-speaking member of the jury. These
findings could shed light on a better understanding of Basque immersion students’ oral bilingual strategies and could contribute
to the development of plurilingual teaching approaches in NBC multilingual education, which remain unexplored.
Interval-valued fermatean fuzzy Aczel-Alsina geometric aggregation operators and their applications to group decision-making
Authors: Meher Bibhuti Bhusana , S Jeevaraj
Published: August 2024

Developing new aggregation operators on various classes of fuzzy sets and their generalizations is important in modelling real-life decision-making problems. Interval-valued Fermatean fuzzy sets (IVFFs) generalize the idea of interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy sets (IVPFS) play a crucial role in modelling problems involving inadequate information. Decision-making problems modelled using IVFFNs require different score functions and aggregation operators on the set of IVFFNs. This study mainly focuses on establishing a few interval-valued Fermatean fuzzy (IVFF) aggregation operators by integrating the Aczel-Alsina (AA) operations to deal with group decision-making (GDM) problems. In this work, first, we discuss various Aczel-Alsina-based IVFF operations such as AA sum, AA product, and AA scalar multiplication for proposing a few new aggregation operators for the IVFF environment based on the new IVFF operations. Secondly, we introduce a few operators, including the interval-valued Fermatean fuzzy Aczel-Alsina (IVFFAA) weighted geometric operator, the IVFFAA ordered weighted geometric (IVFFAAOWG) operator, and the IVFFAA hybrid geometric (IVFFAAHG) operator. Various important properties such as idempotency, boundness, and monotonicity have also been studied. Thirdly, we establish multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) method for solving real-life decision-making problems. Fourthly, we solve a model GDM problem to show the applicability and efficacy of our proposed MCGDM method, which utilizes the IVFFAAWG operator. Further, a sensitivity analysis is performed to ensure better performance, and finally, a comparative study of our method is done by comparing our proposed MCGDM approach with different existing methods.
Four-port dual-band textile MIMO antenna for biomedical health monitoring systems: on-body mutual coupling reduction characterization
Authors: Mashagba Hamza A , Rahim Hasliza A , Mohd Yasin Mohd Najib , Jamaluddin Mohd Haizal , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Abdulkawi Wazie M , Ismail Arif Mawardi , Moniruzzaman Md. , Al-Bawri Samir Salem
Published: August 2024

The paper outlines a methodology to diminish mutual coupling in 4-port dual-band MIMO textile antenna for biomedical applications. This antenna leverages MIMO technology and Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) for operation in two distinct frequency bands at (3.5 & 2.45 GHz). The antenna is made up of four octagonal patch antennas, each having a bar and a split-ring (SR) slot with 47.2 × 31 mm2 dimensions for each patch. A hybrid mutual coupling (MC) approach was investigated with closely spaced patches (up to 0.05λ). Various bending setups have been selected along with flat case to examine the antennas’ resilience which demonstrate such agreement between measured and simulated findings. Furthermore, the MC is only −20 dB, the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) is 0.001, and maximum peak measured gain of 5.2 dBi is achieved with lowest peak specific absorption rate (SAR) value. Even when bent at a 60° angle along with y-axis and x-axis, the antenna retains a decent gain of 1.861 dBi in the low frequency region and 5.479 dBi at high frequency band. Surprisingly, the antenna outperforms the attenuation produced by the lossy effects of the human body, indicating a favorable alignment between the modelled and observed findings.
Machine learning aids in detrapping of V2O5 electrochromic materials from ion-traps
Authors: Song Yixin , Yuan Linhua , Mei Houshan
Published: August 2024

The rapid decay of electrochromic performance of V2O5 limits its widespread application, which has been proven to be attributed to the presence of ion traps. detrapping operation is an effective strategy to overcome ion traps and restore the electrochromic performance of V2O5. This process frees the ions embedded in V2O5 from shallow defects, but the effect and mechanism of action are still unclear. Therefore, this study attempts to fit this issue using data-driven machine learning (ML) methods, predicting the varying performance regeneration levels of V2O5 electrochromic materials due to different electrical parameters. Six different machine learning methods were employed in the experiment, and the models were trained using five-fold cross-validation. The results showed that the Random Forest (RF) method had the highest coefficient of determination score (R2 = 0.9) and lower root mean square error (MSE = 0.0054) for predicting material performance recovery, indicating its effectiveness in predicting the degree of material performance recovery. Furthermore, data-driven sensitivity analysis indicates that the extracted charge amount during constant detrapping procedure is a crucial factor determining the restoration effect. These results can serve as a reference for research in the field of electrochromism.
Preparation for CSST: Star-galaxy Classification using a Rotationally Invariant Supervised Machine Learning Method
Authors: Zhang Shiliang , Fang Guanwen , Song Jie , Li Ran , Gu Yizhou , Lin Zesen , Zhou Chichun , Dai Yao , Kong Xu
Published: August 2024

Most existing star-galaxy classifiers depend on the reduced information from catalogs, necessitating careful data processing and feature extraction. In this study, we employ a supervised machine learning method (GoogLeNet) to automatically classify stars and galaxies in the COSMOS field. Unlike traditional machine learning methods, we introduce several preprocessing techniques, including noise reduction and the unwrapping of denoised images in polar coordinates, applied to our carefully selected samples of stars and galaxies. By dividing the selected samples into training and validation sets in an 8:2 ratio, we evaluate the performance of the GoogLeNet model in distinguishing between stars and galaxies. The results indicate that the GoogLeNet model is highly effective, achieving accuracies of 99.6% and 99.9% for stars and galaxies, respectively. Furthermore, by comparing the results with and without preprocessing, we find that preprocessing can significantly improve classification accuracy (by approximately 2.0% to 6.0%) when the images are rotated. In preparation for the future launch of the China Space Station Telescope (CSST), we also evaluate the performance of the GoogLeNet model on the CSST simulation data. These results demonstrate a high level of accuracy (approximately 99.8%), indicating that this model can be effectively utilized for future observations with the CSST.
Revisit of GeV Gamma-Ray Emission from Orion B with the Fermi Large Area Telescope
Authors: Zeng Wei , Sun Xiao-Na , Yang Rui-Zhi , He Jia-Chun , Shi Zhao-Dong , Ge Ting-Ting , Liang Yun-Feng , Liang En-Wei
Published: August 2024

We revisit the γ-ray emission above 300 MeV towards the massive star-forming region of Orion B by adopting 14 yr observations with the Fermi Large Area Telescope and utilizing the updated software tools. The extended γ-ray emission region around Orion B is resolved into two components (region I and region II). The γ-ray spectrum of region I agrees with the predicted γ-ray spectrum assuming the cosmic ray (CR) density is the same as that of Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) measured locally. The γ-ray emissivity of region II appears to be deficit at low energy band (E < 3 GeV). Through modeling we find that CR densities exhibit a significant deficit below 20 GeV, which may be caused by a slow diffusion inside the dense region. This is probably caused by an increased magnetic field whose strength increases with the gas density.
Full counting statistics of 1d short range Riesz gases in confinement
Authors: Kethepalli Jitendra , Kulkarni Manas , Kundu Anupam , Majumdar Satya N , Mukamel David , Schehr Grégory
Published: August 2024

We investigate the full counting statistics of a harmonically confined 1d short range Riesz gas consisting of N particles in equilibrium at finite temperature. The particles interact with each other through a repulsive power-law interaction with an exponent k > 1 which includes the Calogero–Moser model for k = 2. We examine the probability distribution of the number of particles in a finite domain

[
−
W
,
W
]

called number distribution, denoted by

N

(
W
,
N
)

. We analyze the probability distribution of

N

(
W
,
N
)

and show that it exhibits a large deviation form for large N characterized by a speed

N

3
k
+
2

k
+
2

and by a large deviation function (LDF) of the fraction

c
=

N

(
W
,
N
)

/

N

of the particles inside the domain and W. We show that the density profiles that create the large deviations display interesting shape transitions as one varies c and W. This is manifested by a third-order phase transition exhibited by the LDF that has discontinuous third derivatives. Monte–Carlo simulations based on Metropolis–Hashtings (MH) algorithm show good agreement with our analytical expressions for the corresponding density profiles. We find that the typical fluctuations of

N

(
W
,
N
)

, obtained from our field theoretic calculations are Gaussian distributed with a variance that scales as

N

ν
k

, with

ν
k

=
(
2
−
k
)

/

(
2
+
k
)

. We also present some numerical findings on the mean and the variance. Furthermore, we adapt our formalism to study the index distribution (where the domain is semi-infinite

(
−
∞
,
W
]
)

, linear statistics (the variance), thermodynamic pressure and bulk modulus.
Towards higher load capacity: innovative design of a robotic hand with soft jointed structure
Authors: Guan Ming , Qu Chenxi , Yang Liang , Lv Jiliang , Li Fenglei
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the innovative design of a robotic hand with soft jointed structure is carried out and a tendon-driven mechanism, a master-slave motor coordinated drive mechanism, a thumb coupling transmission mechanism and a thumb steering mechanism are proposed. These innovative designs allow for more effective actuation in each finger, enhancing the load capacity of the robotic hand while maintaining key performance indicators such as dexterity and adaptability. A mechanical model of the robotic finger was made to determine the application limitations and load capacity. The robotic hand was then prototyped for a set of experiments. The experimental results showed that the proposed theoretical model were reliable. Also, the fingertip force of the robotic finger could reach up to 10.3 N, and the load force could reach up to 72.8 N. When grasping target objects of different sizes and shapes, the robotic hand was able to perform the various power grasping and precision grasping in the Cutkosky taxonomy. Moreover, the robotic hand had good flexibility and adaptability by means of adjusting the envelope state autonomously.