Current Role Research Articles

Sodium polyacrylate hydrogel electrolyte: Flexible rechargeable supercapacitor using thermally reduced graphene oxide nanosheets

The alternative source of the gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is introduced by developing the sodium polyacrylate (S-PANa) solid hydrogel electrolyte, which is the front runner in the recent flexible and wearable electronic devices due to their excellent mechanical property, high ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability. In this work, we synthesized the S-PANa solid hydrogel electrolyte and utilized it for the flexible symmetric supercapacitor using thermally reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (TRGO) coated on carbon cloth as an electrode. The prepared S-PANa hydrogel is of a highly porous nature and has better surface roughness, as examined by the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and 3D nano profiler analysis. The electrochemical characterization of the assembled flexible solid-state hydrogel supercapacitor (FSHSC) reveals the electric double-layer capacitive behavior with an excellent device capacitance of 45.77 mF/cm2. The significant role of diffusion charge re-distribution, overcharging issues, ohmic drop, and leakage current of the FSHSC is studied, followed by self-discharge and leakage current analysis. Moreover, the FSHSC device delivers the maximum energy density of 5.15 μWh/cm2 with a remarkable retention capacitance of 99 % over 10,000 continuous cycles. Further, in practical utilization, the solar-charged FSHSC device can effectively power the electronic LED for a long duration and enhance its efficiency for the development of a sustainable backup power system. Overall, these experimental results demonstrated the significant use of the S-PANa hydrogel-based flexible device, which can be an alternative source in future energy storage systems instead of using gel electrolyte-based flexible devices.

Hall effects and diamagnetic cavity collapse during a laser plasma cloud expands into a vacuum magnetic field

This paper describes the results of a laboratory experiment on the sub-Alfven expansion of a quasi-spherical laser plasma cloud into a vacuum magnetic field in the regime of nonmagnetized ions. The role of Hall fields and currents in the anomalously fast dynamics of the magnetic field during the collapse phase of a diamagnetic cavity is considered. Detailed spatial measurements of the azimuthal Hall fields configuration are demonstrated and their relationship to diamagnetic cavity collapse is determined. As a result of the experiment, data were obtained confirming the hypothesis about the transfer of the main magnetic field by the movement of electrons associated with Hall currents.

Submesoscale Processes in the Northern Red Sea: Insights From Underwater Glider Observations

AbstractThe critical role of oceanic submesoscale currents in promoting energy cascade and modulating biogeochemical processes as well as the heat budget in the upper ocean has gained wide recognition. Although high‐resolution numerical simulations have enabled qualitative investigation of the spatiotemporal variability of submesoscale processes in the north Red Sea (NRS), observational evidence remains scarce. This study investigated the submesoscale processes in the NRS through field observations of underwater gliders. High‐resolution glider and satellite observation data sets reveal the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of submesoscale fronts and deepen mixed layer depth during winter. Diagnosis of potential vorticity (PV) and classifications of submesoscale instabilities demonstrate conducive conditions for the mixed layer baroclinic, gravitational, and symmetric instability. The significant negative PV induced by atmospheric cooling associated with robust fronts promotes the development of submesoscale processes. Combining the Omega equation with biogeochemical observations suggests that coherent pathways via submesoscale processes lead to the vertical transport of biomass and oxygen patches, supplying nutrients into the euphotic layer and ventilating hypoxic waters at depths. These results demonstrate the fundamental role of submesoscale processes in the ocean dynamics of the NRS.

High-resolution numerical modelling of seasonal volume, freshwater, and heat transport along the Indian coast

Abstract. Seasonal reversal of winds and equatorial remote forcing influences the circulation of the Arabian Sea (AS) and Bay of Bengal (BoB) basins in the northern Indian Ocean. In this study, we numerically modelled the physical characteristics of the AS and BoB, using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model (MITgcm) at a high spatial resolution of 1/20° forced with climatological initial and boundary conditions. The simulated temperature, salinity, and flow fields were validated with satellite and in situ datasets. We then studied the exchange of coastal waters by evaluating transports computed from the model simulations. The alongshore volume transport on the eastern coast is stronger with high seasonal variability due to the poleward-flowing western boundary current and equatorward-flowing East Indian Coastal Current. West coast transport is influenced by large intraseasonal oscillations. The alongshore freshwater transport is an order less than the alongshore volume transport. Out of the net volume transport, freshwater accounts for a maximum of 6.03 % during the southwestern monsoon season, followed by 4.85 % in the post-monsoon season. We observe an inverse relationship between alongshore freshwater and volume transport on the western coast and a direct relationship on the eastern coast. The contribution of eddy-induced heat and freshwater transport was also examined. The relation between net heat transport and net heat flux illustrates the role of coastal currents and equatorial forcing in dissipating heat within the coastal waters. We observed that meridional heat transport over the AS is stronger than over the BoB. Both basins act as a heat source during the summer monsoon and heat sink during the winter. This high-resolution model setup simulates all the important physical climatological patterns, leading to a better understanding of the state of the northern Indian Ocean.

Eddy Current Mechanism Model for Dynamic Magnetic Field in Ferromagnetic Metal Structures

The degaussing process is crucial for ensuring magnetic protection in ships. It involves the application of oscillating and attenuating magnetic fields to eliminate residual magnetism in the ship’s structure. However, this process can lead to the generation of distorted magnetic fields within the ship’s cabin, posing a potential threat to electronic equipment performance. Therefore, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic magnetic field response in ship structures to develop effective degaussing systems. To address this need, this paper proposes an eddy current model for analyzing the dynamic magnetic field response in ferromagnetic metal structures. This model focuses on the role of eddy currents in shaping the magnetic field response and provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms. Using the proposed eddy current model, the effects of key system parameters such as thickness, conductivity, and the length-scale of the ship structure can be analytically investigated. This analysis helps in understanding how these parameters influence the dynamic magnetic field response and aids in the design and optimization of degaussing systems. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed eddy current model are demonstrated through comprehensive investigations involving two simulation cases of varying complexity. The model accurately predicts the changing trends of the dynamic magnetic field response, as confirmed through finite element simulations. This validation highlights the model’s ability to reproduce simulation results accurately and its potential as a powerful tool for analyzing and optimizing dynamic magnetic field responses. In summary, the proposed eddy current model represents a significant advancement in the field. It provides a valuable theoretical framework for understanding and analyzing the dynamic magnetic field response in ferromagnetic metal structures. By offering insights into the underlying mechanisms and the influence of key parameters, this research contributes to the development of improved degaussing systems and enhances the overall magnetic protection capabilities of ships.

Layer-by-layer Fabrication of Gold Nanoparticles/Polyaniline Modified Gold Electrodes for Direct Non-enzymatic Oxidation of Glucose

Background: Non-enzymatic direct glucose biofuel cell is a promising technology to harness sustainable renewable energy. Furthermore, monitoring glucose levels is essential for human lives with age. Thus, there is an increasing need to develop highly efficient and stable modified electrodes. Methods: This study reported the manufacture of gold nanoparticles/polyaniline/modified gold electrodes (Au NPs/PANI/Au electrode) based on the electrochemical polymerization method followed by the deposition of gold nanoparticles. The shapes and chemical constitution of the electrodes were examined by using different techniques including SEM, FTIR, XRD, EDS, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. The electrocatalytic efficiency of the present electrodes toward direct glucose oxidation was evaluated by applying cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and square wave voltammetry techniques. Results: The results exhibited high electrocatalytic performance for direct glucose electrooxidation in alkaline media. The modified electrodes show the ability to electrooxidation of various glucose concentrations (1 μM ̶ 100 μM) with a limit of detection and limit of quantitation of 140 nM and 424 nM, respectively. Furthermore, the Au NPs/PANI/Au electrode showed higher durability, sensitivity, and selectivity toward glucose oxidation than the Au NPs/ Au electrode, which confirmed the role of the PANI layer in enhancing the stability of the modified electrode. Conclusion: Moreover, the molar fraction of glucose to KOH has a crucial role in the output current. Hence, the modified electrodes are great candidates for direct glucose biofuel cell application.

Variation in Oceanographic Resistance of the World's Coastlines to Invasion by Species With Planktonic Dispersal.

For marine species with planktonic dispersal, invasion of open ocean coastlines is impaired by the physical adversity of ocean currents moving larvae downstream and offshore. The extent species are affected by physical adversity depends on interactions of the currents with larval life history traits such as planktonic duration, depth and seasonality. Ecologists have struggled to understand how these traits expose species to adverse ocean currents and affect their ability to persist when introduced to novel habitat. We use a high-resolution global ocean model to isolate the role of ocean currents on the persistence of a larval-producing species introduced to every open coastline of the world. We find physical adversity to invasion varies globally by several orders of magnitude. Larval duration is the most influential life history trait because increased duration prolongs species' exposure to ocean currents. Furthermore, variation of physical adversity with life history elucidates how trade-offs between dispersal traits vary globally.

The Role of 3D-Printed Phantoms and Devices for Organ-specified Appliances in Urology.

Urology is one of the fields that are always at the frontline of bringing scientific advancements into clinical practice, including 3D printing (3DP). This study aims to discuss and presents the current role of 3D-printed phantoms and devices for organ-specified applications in urology. The discussion started with a literature search regarding the two mentioned topics within PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and EBSCOhost databases. 3D-printed urological organ phantoms are reported for providing residents new insight regarding anatomical characteristics of organs, either normal or diseased, in a tangible manner. Furthermore, 3D-printed organ phantoms also helped urologists to prepare a pre-surgical planning strategy with detailed anatomical models of the diseased organs. In some centers, 3DP technology also contributed to developing specified devices for disease management. To date, urologists have been benefitted by 3D-printed phantoms and devices in the education and disease management of organs of in the genitourinary system, including kidney, bladder, prostate, ureter, urethra, penis, and adrenal. It is safe to say that 3DP technology can bring remarkable changes to daily urological practices.

MHD stability trends and improved performance of LHD inward-shifted configurations: The role of the neutral beam current drive and thermal plasma density

The aim of the present study is to analyze the effect of the neutral beam current drive (NBCD), thermal plasma density, and NBI operational regime on the stability of pressure gradient-driven modes (PGDM) and Alfvén eigenmodes (AE) in LHD inward-shifted configurations. The stabilization of n/m=1/2 PGDM (n toroidal mode and m poloidal mode) is observed in the discharge 167 800 during the co-NBCD phase. The iota profile evolution measured by motional stark effect diagnostic may indicate the iota profile up-shift caused by the co-NBCD can induce a non-resonant transition of the rational surface 1/2 before the mode stabilization. The evolution of the iota profile and continuum gaps in the discharge 167 805 during the ctr-NBCD phase leads to the stabilization of the AE, caused by the narrowing of the continuum gap as the iota profile down-shift. Opposite stability trends are identified for PGDM and AE stability with respect to the thermal plasma density. A larger thermal plasma density (larger thermal β) further enhances PGDM although the continuum gaps are narrower leading to configurations with stable AEs. The linear stability of AEs is analyzed using the gyro-fluid FAR3d code to reproduce the AE stability trends observed in the experiments with respect to the NBCD and thermal plasma density. The analysis of hypothetical scenarios dedicated to study different NBI operational regimes with respect to EP energy, and β and radial density profiles indicate off-axis NBI operation shows a higher EP β threshold to destabilize AEs compared to on-axis configuration. This is explained by the presence of a TAE gap in the inner plasma region, easily destabilized by an on-axis NBI injection. The control of the NBCD and thermal plasma in the discharge 167 800 shows a transitory stabilization of PGDM and AEs, as well as an improved discharge performance identified by an increment of the neutron fluxes.

Gone with the waves: the role of sea currents as key dispersal mechanism for Mediterranean coastal and inland plant species.

Thalassochory, the dispersal of propagules through marine currents, is a key long-distance dispersal (LDD) mechanism with implications for global biogeography and particularly for island colonization. The propagules of coastal plant species are generally assumed to be better adapted for sea dispersal than those of inland plants, but this hypothesis remains largely untested. We conducted experiments on four genera (Juniperus, Daucus, Ferula, and Pancratium) and compared traits among nine species with different habitats and distributions. Our results showed that Juniperus spp. and P. maritimum have strong thalassochorous potential within the Mediterranean Basin. Interestingly, we did not find a clear association on the thalassochorous potential of coastal versus inland species within all the tested genera, apart from P. maritimum compared withthe endemic inland P.illyricum. These findings suggest that thalassochory may be a more common dispersal mechanism than previously assumed. The apparently weak link of dispersal syndrome with species ecology broadens the possibility of dispersal by the sea also for inland plants, although considered to be poorly salt-tolerant. Moreover, our results reveal significant differences in sea dispersal between endemic and widespread species, but do not rule out an important role of thalassochory in shaping the distribution patterns of archipelago endemic flora. The presented method is largely replicable and could be used for further studies with a larger set of species to better delineate trends of sea dispersal syndrome among species with different ecology or dispersal traits.

Performance of graphene Hall effect sensors: Role of bias current, disorder, and Fermi velocity

Performance of graphene Hall effect sensors: Role of bias current, disorder, and Fermi velocity

On the role of longitudinal currents in radiating systems of charges

The time derivative of a charge density is linked to a current density by the continuity equation. However, it features only the longitudinal part of a current density, which is known to produce no radiation. This fact usually remains unnoticed and may appear puzzling at first, suggesting that the temporal variation of a charge density should be also irrelevant to radiation. We alleviate the apparent contradiction by showing that the effective longitudinal currents are not spatially confined, even when the time-dependent radiating charge density that generates them is. This enforces the co-existence of the complementary, i.e. transverse, part of the current, which, in turn, gives rise to radiation. We illustrate the necessarily delocalized nature and relevance of longitudinal currents to the emission of electromagnetic waves by a dynamic electric dipole, discussing the practical implications of that for radation in partially conducting condensed matter. More generally, we show how the connection between the longitudinal and transverse currents shapes the structure of the conventional multipole expansion and fuels the ongoing confusion surrounding the charge and toroidal multipoles.

Unveiling the Role of Spin Currents on the Giant Rashba Splitting in Single-Layer WSe2.

The Rashba spin splitting in uniaxial, inversion-asymmetric materials has attracted considerable interest for spintronic applications. The most widely used theoretical framework to model such states is Kohn-Sham density functional theory (DFT) in combination with standard (semi)local exchange-correlation density functional approximations (DFAs). However, in the presence of spin-orbit coupling, DFT misses contributions due to modification of the many-body interaction by spin currents J⃗. Inclusion of the latter effects requires a spin current DFT (SCDFT) formulation, which is seldom considered. We investigate the giant Rashba splitting in single-layer WSe2, and we quantify the effect of including spin currents in DFAs of the SCDFT. Crucially, we show that SCDFT allows fully capturing the giant Rashba band splitting in single-layer WSe2, otherwise previously systematically underestimated by standard (semi)local DFAs within the DFT framework. We find the inclusion of J⃗ on the DFA increases the Rashba splitting by about 20%.

Seasonal Phytoplankton Characteristics Related with Region-Specific Coastal Environments in the Korean Peninsula

The seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton communities in Korean coastal waters (KCWs) are influenced by complex interactions between ocean currents and nearshore human activities. Despite these influences, the understanding of seasonal phytoplankton changes and their environmental relationships in KCWs remains limited. We investigate the influence of the distinct characteristics of the three seas surrounding the KCWs (the Yellow Sea, the South Sea, and the East Sea) on seasonal phytoplankton communities based on field surveys conducted at 23 stations between 2020 and 2021. The East Sea exhibited higher winter temperatures due to the Jeju and Tsushima warm currents, while summer temperatures were lower compared to the other regions, highlighting the role of currents and deeper oceanic waters. The Yellow Sea showed significant freshwater influence with low salinity levels from major rivers, contrasting with the higher salinity in the East Sea. These differences led to a disparity in the productivity of the two regions: the highest value of Chl. a was observed to be 6.05 µg L–1 in the Yellow Sea in summer. Diatoms dominated in nutrient-rich conditions, particularly in the Yellow Sea, where they comprised up to 80–100% of the phytoplankton community in summer, winter, and spring. PCA analysis revealed positive correlations between diatoms and Chl. a, while cryptophytes, which thrive in the absence of diatom proliferation, showed no such correlation, indicating their opportunistic growth in nutrient-limited conditions. This study highlights the significant impact of region-specific hydrographic factors on phytoplankton communities in KCWs, with diatoms dominating in summer and cryptophytes and dinoflagellates showing seasonal and regional variations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting phytoplankton bloom dynamics and their ecological implications in coastal ecosystems.

The Role of KACh Channels in Atrial Fibrillation.

This manuscript explores the intricate role of acetylcholine-activated inward rectifier potassium (KACh) channels in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF), a common cardiac arrhythmia. It delves into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin AF, emphasizing the vital function of KACh channels in modulating the atrial action potential and facilitating arrhythmogenic conditions. This study underscores the dual nature of KACh activation and its genetic regulation, revealing that specific variations in potassium channel genes, such as Kir3.4 and K2P3.1, significantly influence the electrophysiological remodeling associated with AF. Furthermore, this manuscript identifies the crucial role of the KACh-mediated current, IKACh, in sustaining arrhythmia through facilitating shorter re-entry circuits and stabilizing the re-entrant circuits, particularly in response to vagal nerve stimulation. Experimental findings from animal models, which could not induce AF in the absence of muscarinic activation, highlight the dependency of AF induction on KACh channel activity. This is complemented by discussions on therapeutic interventions, where KACh channel blockers have shown promise in AF management. Additionally, this study discusses the broader implications of KACh channel behavior, including its ubiquitous presence across different cardiac regions and species, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of AF dynamics. The implications of these findings are profound, suggesting that targeting KACh channels might offer new therapeutic avenues for AF treatment, particularly in cases resistant to conventional approaches. By integrating genetic, cellular, and pharmacological perspectives, this manuscript offers a holistic view of the potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets in AF, making a significant contribution to the field of cardiac arrhythmia research.

Study of upwelling and mixing process in the Somali coastal region using satellite and numerical model observations: A Lagrangian approach

During the summer monsoon, the Somali region undergoes a significant upwelling phenomenon that enhances plankton productivity, thereby benefiting fisheries. Wind and coastal dynamics initially drive this upwelling, but eventually, eddy flows influence it. Our study explores the interplay between ocean currents, eddies, and chlorophyll-a concentrations using the backward Finite-Size Lyapunov Exponents (bFSLEs) technique. We also delve into the specific role of Ekman transport in distributing chlorophyll-a across the region. The Great Whirl (GW), an anticyclonic eddy, predominantly causes strong downwelling, interrupting the summer monsoon upwelling along the Somali coast longitudinally. Despite the GW's significant impact on moving upwelled water offshore, the influence of downwelling diminishes northward. As a result, the northern Somali coast, especially around 9°N and 10°N, showcases the most extensive offshore upwelling, reaching as far as 55°E. Our findings highlight a robust connection between chlorophyll-a levels and oceanic dynamics, influenced by both currents and eddies, as evidenced by bFSLEs, and by cross-shore Ekman transport, particularly within chlorophyll-a concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 mg m−3. The data suggests that Ekman transport-induced upwelling primarily drives coastal phytoplankton biomass. Furthermore, bFSLEs analysis underlines the supportive role of ocean currents and eddies in the offshore distribution of chlorophyll-a, especially near the coast. Further examination of lagged correlations reveals a temporal lag between peak concentrations of chlorophyll-a and Ekman transport; the lag increases offshore and is at least 9 days near the coast.

Arrival of crocodilians to São Tomé Island, Gulf of Guinea, Western Africa, highlights the role of sea currents to the natural colonization of islands

Abstract Historical and recent arrivals of crocodilians to the Gulf of Guinean Oceanic Island of São Tomé have intrigued naturalists for several centuries. Here we present the revision of the historical records, and present data regarding the recent arrival of a single specimen in 2021. After being killed by the local authorities, the specimen was preserved and studied both through morphological and molecular methods. Our findings suggest that the specimen was a sub-adult Nile crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus Laurenti, 1768, which most likely drifted from the Congo or Ogooué river mouths in West Africa by the oceanic current acting on the Gulf of Guinea. The story of this individual highlights the dispersion paths that have contributed by the past biological colonization of São Tomé Island.

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We present a coupled-cluster calculation for the electron-4\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^4$$\\end{document}He scattering in the region of the quasi-elastic peak. We show the longitudinal and transverse responses separately, and discuss results within two distinct theoretical methods: the Lorentz integral transform and spectral functions. The comparison between them allows to investigate the role of final state interactions, two-body currents and relativistic effects.

Analysis of the role of the ion polarization current on the onset of pre-disruptive magnetic islands in JET

The problem of the trigger of the neoclassical tearing mode is addressed in this work by evaluating the non-linear terms of the generalized Rutherford equation (GRE) for a set of JET disruptions. The linear stability index Δ′0, even for positive values, is not enough to describe the trigger of the mode as the stabilizing non-linear effects tend to prevent the growth of a mode below a certain width. First, an analysis on the contribution of the stabilizing effect of the curvature and the destabilizing effect of the bootstrap is done. Second, the work focuses on the role of the ion polarization current, a return current that flows parallel to the magnetic field due to the difference in the drift motion of the electrons and ions. This contribution is thought to play an important role in the onset of an island of width W, because it scales as 1/W3, making it a dominant term in the GRE when W is small. The assessment is carried out over a subset of pulses, producing interesting observations that were then generalized across the entire database, obtaining consistent results.

Artificial intelligence: Applications in critical care gastroenterology

Gastrointestinal (GI) complications frequently necessitate intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Additionally, critically ill patients also develop GI complications requiring further diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, these patients form a vulnerable group, who are at risk for developing side effects and complications. Every effort must be made to reduce invasiveness and ensure safety of interventions in ICU patients. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving technology with several potential applications in healthcare settings. ICUs produce a large amount of data, which may be employed for creation of AI algorithms, and provide a lucrative opportunity for application of AI. However, the current role of AI in these patients remains limited due to lack of large-scale trials comparing the efficacy of AI with the accepted standards of care.