bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parametric dependencies of ion temperature profile peaking in ASDEX Upgrade high-beta scenarios
Authors: Reisner M. , Di Siena A. , Fable E. , Stober J. , Fischer R. , McDermott R.M. , Bilato R. , Bock A. , Görler T. ,   the ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Advanced Tokamak (AT) scenarios are attractive candidates for future nuclear fusion power plants. These scenarios often feature peaked temperature profiles, suggesting a local reduction of turbulent transport. The mechanisms behind this are, as yet, not fully understood. Parameters that are thought to be connected to these transport reductions include the q-profile and the E × B-shear

ω

E
×
B

. Another parameter considered to be important is the fast ion content, which can reduce transport in multiple different ways. This work presents AT experiments performed at the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak (AUG) in which these three parameters are varied to investigate their respective effect on the observed peaked ion temperature profiles. To disentangle potentially competing effects, simulations using the codes GENE and TGLF have been performed. It is found that the E × B-shear does not play a role in the AT scenarios performed at AUG, which have relatively low rotation, with

v

tor

=
100
−
250

km h−1. Experimentally, a significant dependence of

R

/

L

T

i

on the electron cyclotron current drive settings was found, indicating that either the current profile (and, therefore, the q-profile) or

T
e

/

T
i

has a significant impact on the observed suppression of turbulent transport. In support of the first option, both GENE and TGLF show a q-profile dependence of

R

/

L

T

i

. Furthermore, according to GENE, electromagnetic (EM) fast ion effects are essential in reproducing the experimental results. Scans with TGLF (which does not include such effects), suggest that these fast ion effects become relevant above a threshold of

R

/

L

T

i

=

4–5. In the presence of ICRF, additional electrostatic (ES) fast ion effects seem to come into effect, according to GENE, albeit to a smaller degree than the EM effects.
The role of ion-scale micro-turbulence in pedestal width of the DIII-D wide-pedestal QH mode
Authors: Li Zeyu , Chen Xi , Jian Xiang , Ernst Darin , Xu Xueqiao , Groebner R.J. , Wang Huiqian , Osborne T.H. , Burrell K.H. ,   the DIII-D Team
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The low-edge rotation, intrinsically ELM-free, and improved confinement wide-pedestal quiescent H-mode (QH-mode), discovered in DIII-D tokamak, has pedestal widths exceeding the EPED-kinetic-ballooning mode (KBM) model scaling typically by at least 25%. Ion-scale (

k
y

ρ
s

< 1) microturbulence and its role in setting the pedestal structure is investigated using the radially local

δ
f

gyrokinetic code CGYRO. The electromagnetic trapped electron mode (TEM) is unstable at the pedestal top, while plasma beta (

β
e

)

is ∼60% below the KBM onset threshold and the electron temperature gradient mode is found to be unstable in the peak gradient region. Nonlinear simulation reveals that the ion-scale turbulence could produce electron energy flux consistent with the flux inferred from power balance at the pedestal top, with a reasonable variation of the local

E
×
B

shearing rate; and the local neoclassical transport from NEO is dominant over the simulated turbulent transport in the ion energy flux channel. The simulated ion-scale turbulence produces much lower electron energy flux than inferred from experiment in the pedestal peak gradient region. A correction to the EPED-KBM pedestal width scaling is obtained based on the two-dimensional scan of pedestal top plasma beta (

β
e

)

and normalized electron density and temperature scale lengths,

a

/

L

n
e

,

a

/

L

T
e

using CGYRO linear simulations. Mode transitions among TEM, micro-tearing mode, ion-temperature gradient mode and KBM, are observed in the 2D scan at the pedestal top. A fixed normalized growth rate for these drift-type modes is taken to determine the pedestal width scaling, which shows good consistency with the QH experimental database on pedestal heights and widths. The onset of KBM instabilities and the local E × B shear suppression criterion set the lower and upper limit for the pedestal width of standard QH-mode, wide-pedestal QH-mode and type-I ELMy H mode. A potentially higher and wider pedestal is expected from the new scaling of pedestal width. This work presents an improved understanding of the ion-scale micro-turbulence of wide-pedestal QH-mode and sheds light on a promising scenario for future reactors, including ITER and beyond.
Beam emission spectroscopy diagnostic design and capabilities for two-dimensional turbulence measurements on Wendelstein 7-X
Authors: Han X. , Smith D.R. , Windisch T. , Laube R. , Den Hartog D. , Seyfert C. , Gallenberger T. , Jaehnig K. , Geiger B. , McKee G. , Grulke O. ,   the Wendelstein 7-X team
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A beam emission spectroscopy (BES) diagnostic is designed
for studying two-dimensional turbulent dynamics by measuring the
Doppler-shifted Balmer-Alpha emission (n = 3 → 2) from neutral
heating beams on Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) stellarator. The BES viewing
geometry has been determined in the conceptual design
previously. However, the small Doppler shifts and small optical
throughput compared to a typical BES diagnostic demand dedicated
efforts on the optical assemblies and the detector module for the
BES system. We present the detailed opto-mechanical design and
specifications of BES, including a customized neutral beam viewing
optical system, a semi-telecentric optical assembly, and a detector
module for electronic amplification. The point spread function is
calculated using the pyFIDASIM code with experimental parameters and
W7-X magnetic configurations to estimate the BES spatial resolution
and beam intensity. The as-manufactured interference filter is
applied for the spectral isolated beam radiance calculation. Result
shows that the BES system is capable of measuring the ion-scale
turbulence for k
⊥
ρ

i
≤ 0.4 at r/a = 0.75 with reasonable
spatial and wavenumber resolutions. An integrated detector module is
fabricated where two 8×4 avalanche photodiode detectors (APD)
are embedded into the custom-designed pre-amplifier circuit to gain
signals to the desired level. The detector noise measurement is
performed and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is evaluated. A
detectable fluctuation level can be achieved as low as
ñ

e
/n

e
≈ 0.5% at frequency f ≤ 400 kHz with a
bandwidth of 1 MHz.
Prevention of early thrombosis in transplanted vein model by encapsulation with tirofiban microneedle drug delivery system
Authors: Wang Bolin , Yang Yazhu , Ding Xiaohang , Sun Jiefang , Yu Wenyuan , Zhao Yuehua , Ma Qian , Yu Yang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Early thrombosis following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery leads to perioperative myocardial infarction, which causes difficulties for clinicians and patients. Moreover, once perioperative myocardial infarction occurs, the mortality rate is extremely high. In recent years, microneedle (MN) drug delivery systems have become a research hotspot with broad clinical application prospects. These systems are capable of achieving sustained, safe, and painless local drug release. In cardiovascular applications, MNs maximize local anticoagulant effects, inhibit endometrial hyperplasia, and reduce systemic side effects. We speculate that a MN drug delivery system can be used to target transplanted veins to inhibit their thrombosis and reduce the incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction after CABG surgery. Therefore, this study developed a hyaluronic acid MN patch loaded with tirofiban and conducted preliminary physicochemical tests. The safety, efficacy, biocompatibility, and targeting of the MN system were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo experiments using a jugular vein transplantation model. The results indicate that the MN system has excellent physical properties, safety, effectiveness, biocompatibility, and strong targeting, which can effectively inhibit early local thrombus formation. In addition, the observation of early postoperative endometrial hyperplasia activation provides a foundation for future research.
Climate variability and worldwide migration: current evidence and future projections
Authors: Cattaneo Cristina , Massetti Emanuele , Farinosi Fabio , Dasgupta Shouro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The literature linking climatic drivers and migration is growing, but there is still limited evidence and substantial uncertainty regarding future bilateral flows driven by climate stress on a global scale. The aim of this paper is to fill this gap by projecting changes in the flows of international migrants from medium-term population and climate change projections. We employ a bilateral gravity equation for emigration rates controlling for decadal weather averages of temperature, precipitation, droughts, and extreme precipitation in the origin countries. We use the parameter estimates of the gravity equation to estimate global, regional, and country-by-country emigration flows for several combinations of socio-economic development and climate change. Results indicate that global emigration flows are projected to increase to around 110 million in 2060 for SSP1 and RCP 4.5 and SSP5 and RCP 4.5; to 135 million for SSP5 and RCP 8.5; to 163 million for SSP3 and RCP 4.5. We report that changes in emigration flows are largely due to population growth in the origin countries.
Cellulose extraction from Cladophora rupestris for extraction of nanomaterials
Authors: Persincula M R F , Madrazo C F 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Cellulose from macroalgae is potential for the extraction of nanomaterials due to its availability and its great fraction in the biomass. Cladophora rupestris is a macroalgae and is a good material to which a cellulose may be extracted. The said macroalgae has no value-added products or uses yet. It has a lignocellulosic profile of: alpha-cellulose, 33.43 %; hemicellulose, 15.48%; holocellulose, 48.93; acid soluble lignin, 2.22%; acid insoluble lignin, 22.33%, extractives, 5.67% and total ash, 39.65%. Identifying the best method and conditions for the extraction of cellulose from the said material is a challenge that needs to be addressed. The process for the cellulose extraction considered variations on drying (oven, air, and sun drying), defatting (using solvents: methanol and hexane; and extraction time: 8 hrs and 4 days), solvent drying (oven and air drying), alkaline pre-treatment (0.1, 0.5, and 1M NaOH), fixed conditions on bleaching, bleached biomass oven drying. The biomass weight losses were monitored for some steps, attributing this on the removal of the lignin and extractives. The lignocellulosic profile of the crude cellulose extracted from the macroalgae using the best conditions was determined indicating an increased fraction of the cellulose components in the biomass and a transformation of the rigid biomass into a soft and paper-like texture. The functional groups present on the cellulose was determined. The extracted cellulose was used to produced cellulose nanofibril (CNF) with fiber diameter of the CNF ranges on 14.29 – 37.50 nm and crystallinity index of 92.48%. Attempts were done on extraction of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) utilizing microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis (MAAH) and semi-batch acid hydrolysis (SBAH); and variation on the acid used (sulfuric acid, and oxalic acid), concentration of the acid, and the temperature conditions.
Fast biodiesel production via potassium ferrate catalysis at room temperature using used cooking oil and refined canola oil
Authors: Demafelis R B , Cases M K A , Sombilla J C , Migo V P , Matanguihan A E D , Landoy R J B 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
As biodiesel is continuously aimed to be a better alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel, the University of the Philippines Los Baños – Interdisciplinary Biofuels Research Studies Center (UPLB-IBRSC) continues to explore process conversion techniques to improve efficiencies in biodiesel production. In this study, the catalytic activity of potassium ferrate in the transesterification of canola oil and used cooking oil for biodiesel production at room temperature was examined for potential reduction in energy consumption. Parameters such as methanol-to-oil molar ratio, catalyst loading, and reaction time were varied to determine their effects on biodiesel yield and purity. Thin layer chromatography was applied to qualitatively analyze the biodiesel, while ImageJ software was used for purity determination. The characterization analysis confirmed that the refined canola oil used in the study has an acceptable FFA content of 0.06%. On the other hand, the used cooking oil showed an FFA content of 3.71%, which is beyond the desired limit of 2%. Hence, neutralization through the addition of potassium hydroxide was performed, resulting in a lowered FFA content of 0.86%. Experimental results of the parametric and optimization study on used cooking oil showed that an optimum conversion of 86.55% was achieved at a 2:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, 5 wt% catalyst loading, and 90 minutes reaction time. Consequently, a yield of 83.21% was attained using refined canola oil at the optimum conditions of 6:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, 3 wt% catalyst loading, and 69 minutes reaction time. Generally, findings show that catalyst loading and reaction time significantly affect the biodiesel yield and purity only up to a certain optimum value. The methanol-to-oil ratio, on the other hand, showed to have a significant inverse relationship on yield and purity. Compared to the typical biodiesel production process at 60 °C with up to two hours of reaction time, this study which describes a catalytic process at room temperature and a relatively shorter reaction time, showed the potential to reduce significantly the high energy consumption in biodiesel production.
Cellulose acetate production using cacao pod husks from local sources for potential industrial applications
Authors: Magallanes-Nava Juniper V. , Tamargo Ramuel John I. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is one of the most important high-value crops worldwide. Cacao fruit is mainly composed the cacao beans, pulp, and husks. The cacao pod husk (CPH) accounts for almost 60-80% of the weight of the whole fruit. However, oftentimes, these CPH are discarded as waste. Amongst the potential use of CPH is the isolation of its cellulose. The lack of available studies exploring the cellulose content of CPH of different varieties of cacao in the Philippines, and the comparison of heating methods for its extraction, highlights a significant research gap. This knowledge will provide a more comprehensive understanding of its composition for potential applications. In this study, different sources and varieties of cacao pod husks were used to produce cellulose through alkali treatment and bleaching with conventional heating and microwave synthesis methods. The result showed that the microwave synthesis approach produces a comparable yield to the conventional method but at a lower treatment time. The cellulose produced was successfully converted into cellulose acetate as confirmed via FTIR analysis. The cellulose acetate was dissolved in different solvents as preparation for its use as one of the components for the development of bioplastic. Characterization of the film produced showed the potential of the cellulose acetate from cacao pod husk for bioplastic application.
Production of Bio-plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Films Synthesized from Microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris)
Authors: Ampong M L , Catapat D D , Panaligan D C , Pantaleon G M , Clemeña J R , Rubi R V , Lavilles F D , Gildo P J , Pangayao D 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Bio-based plasticizers for PVC films are being explored to replace conventional phthalate-based plasticizers due to the threats they pose to human health and the environment. In the present study, fatty acids from Chlorella vulgaris were extracted via Microwave-assisted Extraction and were epoxidized using esterification and transesterification reactions in a magnetically stirred reactor to produce EFAME plasticizer. FTIR Analysis determined the presence of an epoxy group as the peak C=O stretch (1739.79 cm−1) was detected. PVC films were synthesized at different concentrations of EFAME (30%, 40%, and 60%). At 40% of EFAME, the PVC exhibited high displacement in the tensile strength and elongation at break test, which was used as a basis to produce PVC-A, PVC-B, and PVC-C, and was compared to phthalate-plasticized PVC film, PVC-D. SEM-EDX Analysis verified the presence of PVC and EFAME in the plasticized PVC films as Carbon, Oxygen, and Chlorine elements were detected. PVC A had the lowest weight loss percentage at 40.96% indicating it has developed high migration resistance among the extraction mediums used. DSC analysis confirmed the plasticizing effect of EFAME as the glass transition temperature of bioplasticized PVC films decreased. Using One-way ANOVA, the physicochemical tests of PVC films plasticized with EFAME showed significantly better results than PVC films plasticized by DOP. Thus, the present study indicates that the bio-based plasticizer derived from C. vulgaris is a better and a potential alternative for phthalates in plasticizing PVC films.
Effect of rubber surface pretreatment method on the rubberized precast concrete
Authors: Espiritu Danielle , Garcia Dale Tristan O. , Isidro Maridil Joy B. , Labadan Christine Jim I. , Sumagui Maria Francesca S. , Alano Vince Harvey O. , Roque Erison C. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Disposal of waste tires is one of the environmental problems that require urgent attention. Their durability and potential for leaching out toxic chemicals have been a problem associated with disposal. This led many researchers to conduct studies on its potential for reuse. Among them is its potential as alternative to natural aggregates in concrete. However, rubber normally negatively affects the mechanical properties of concrete due to its hydrophobic nature resulting to poor adhesion with cement. In this study, the researchers explored the effects of different pre-treatment methods of rubber from waste tires to improve its hydrophilicity, its workability when mixed Type I Portland cement, and the mechanical properties of the resulting “rubberized” concrete. The pretreatment methods considered included: 1) soaking rubber in polyvinyl alcohol at different concentrations (8%, 10% and 12%); 2) soaking rubber in a mixture of sodium hydroxide, potassium permanganate, and saturated sodium bisulfite solution; and 3) exposure to UVA/B/C radiation. The rubber pieces from waste tires were first shredded into 0.3-0.5mm pieces prior to pretreatment. Hydrophilicity was measured through the contact angle test using an Optical Theta Lite Tensiometer. Workability of the concrete mix was measured through slump test (ASTM C143). The results show that rubber soaked in PVA 10% yielded the lowest contact angle (better hydrophilicity) and the most similar workability with normal concrete. Several concrete specimens using the pretreated rubber aggregates were then produced and cured for 7 days and 28 days before subjecting to several tests to determine the compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths. Pretreatment by soaking in PVA yielded concrete with mechanical properties comparable and in some instances better than normal concrete.
Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Banana Peel Briquetting
Authors: Torres M V , Aberilla J M O 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Continued population growth is expected to further strain the energy-food nexus, such as the increase of waste generation by 2050. Proper waste management is thus essential to manage the future scenarios. Banana is one of the highly produced crops globally, and especially in the Philippines, where one of its most notable wastes are the banana peels. It is estimated that 1.67 million metric tons of banana peel waste is generated from banana production in the Philippines. Despite the potential of BP across other applications, these technologies are not yet implemented on an industrial scale. While their potential as a raw material for various products has been researched extensively, the environmental sustainability of these technologies is yet to be measured. One of the technologies for utilizing waste biomass is briquetting. Briquettes are processed densified biomass which can be used as a substitute for conventional solid fuels, especially in household cooking. This study aims to report for the first time the environmental performance of industrial-scale banana peel briquetting from collected empirical data. Life cycle assessment is conducted through openLCA with ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) being the impact assessment method. The results indicate that the production of briquetting performs better environmentally compared to the equivalent production of charcoal. The carbon footprint of producing briquettes from banana peels is 0.01 kg CO2-eq/MJ, over 95% lower than conventional charcoal. The briquettes from banana peels also indicate lower environmental impacts in categories such as agricultural land occupation, and fossil depletion potential. Contribution analysis of the system indicates that the use of binder contributes most to the impacts of briquetting production. Possible use of different binders or the development of different binders is expected to improve environmental performance. Alternative energy schemes for drying can also improve environmental performance.
Free-standing polyaniline-reduced graphene oxide (PANI-rGO) thermoelectric films via electrochemical synthesis
Authors: San Juan A M , Enriquez E P 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Heat-based energy harvesting is gaining attention as an alternative energy source. Thermoelectric materials (TEs) generate voltages in response to a thermal gradient and conductive polymer-carbon composites have properties that make them favorable for these applications. Polyaniline-reduced graphene oxide (PANi-GO) thermoelectric thin films were fabricated by the electropolymerization of PANi with simultaneous co-deposition of graphene onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). Poly(butyl acrylate) was spin-coated onto these films as backing support to make a stable free-standing film of PANi-rGO. The free-standing film was formed upon GO reduction which resulted in simultaneous delamination from the FTO electrode. Compositional and morphological data were obtained via Raman microspectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy and the TE properties were measured in terms of the Seebeck coefficient and conductivities from Hall effect measurements. The Seebeck coefficients of the films measured between 6.6 μV K−1 to 13.4 μV K−1, whereas Hall effect conductivities ranged from 0.483 to 2.68 S cm−1. The highest film power factor measured was 0.025 μW m−1K−2. Varying the GO content used in the electropolymerized film did not have a significant effect on the overall TE property though varying the reduction cycle number and voltage resulted in significant changes in the film Seebeck coefficients and conductivities.