bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical prediction strategy of fabric in‐plane permeability considering realistic inter‐ and intra‐tow geometry
Authors: Cheng Long , Chen Junzhen , Stapleton Scott E. , Wang Yongkang , Jiang Jianjun , Li Yujun
Published: August 2024

Permeability quantifies the flow conductivity of fabric reinforcements and is key to predicting mold filling times and resin flow in liquid composite molding (LCM). Flow depends on the micron‐level channels within the tows and the millimeter‐level channels between them. This study presents a general multi‐scale permeability prediction framework for fabrics considering realistic inter‐ and intra‐tow geometry. A misaligned fiber representative volume element model was constructed by a random perturbation method at the micro‐scale with orientation parameters identified from microscopic images of the cross‐section. At the meso‐scale, a tow cross‐section wrapping algorithm and an interference elimination algorithm were proposed to construct continuous as‐woven tows from the virtual fiber compression simulation. The governing fluid dynamics equations were solved to obtain the flow field within the multi‐scale gaps and compute the permeability. The simplified model's permeability predictions differed from experimental results by 12.7% to 16%. This work provides valuable insights for further research and development in LCM.

Highlights

Fabric permeability framework considers realistic tow geometry for prediction.

Microscale misaligned fiber SVE model predicts tow permeability.

Adaptive winding & interference algorithms aid tow description transition.

A simplified model predicts permeability reasonably without 3D measurements.
Effect of fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion properties on the low‐velocity impact resistance of glass fiber reinforced nylon 6 composites
Authors: Yang Shun , Wei Ying , Yin Hongfeng , Li Dawei , Xue Feibiao
Published: August 2024

Interfacial adhesion properties are a key factor affecting the mechanical properties of composites. It is a very effective way to improve the low‐velocity impact resistance of composites by improving the interfacial adhesion properties. To improve the fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion properties of GF/PA6 (glass‐fiber/polyamide 6) composites, polyethyleneimine (PEI) and γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) were used to co‐modify GF together in this study. The GF/PA6 composites with different modifications of glass‐fiber (GF) were also prepared using a hot pressing process, and then their flexural strength, shear strength, pendulum impact strength, and low‐speed impact resistance were investigated. Next, the relationship between fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of GF/PA6 composites was investigated by combining x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and x‐ray computed tomography test results. The results showed that the GF‐reinforced PA6 matrix composite with co‐modified GF by PEI and KH550 (PEI‐KH550‐GF/PA6) had the best mechanical properties, with flexural, shear, and pendulum impact strengths of 660.7 MPa, 53.1 MPa, and 261.6 kJ/m2, respectively. Furthermore, the low‐velocity impact resistance was measured in terms of stress peak, absorbed energy, residual stress, and damage extension, and the results showed that the low‐speed impact resistance of PEI‐KH550‐GF/PA6 composites was also substantially improved that the Fmax increased from 7402.1 to 10414.0 N.

Highlights

Due to the poor surface activity of GF, in this experiment, GF was co‐modified with PEI and KH550 to achieve better fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion and successfully improve the mechanical properties of the composites;

Different modification methods are used to improve the interfacial adhesion of the fiber/matrix interface. The relationship between the interface and impact strength of composites has been studied;

The relationship between fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion and internal cracking in composites was investigated using X‐CT and SEM and other test results.
Tuning cellular structure in a previously developed microcellular acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/thermoplastic polyurethane blend foams
Authors: Khaleghi Sara , Azdast Taher , Hasanzadeh Rezgar , Park Chul B. , Rasouli Asghar
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the cell structure control in 50% thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and 50% acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend foam using CO2 as a physical blowing agent, focusing on the effects of variable foaming parameters on the microstructure. Samples measuring 25 × 25 × 1 mm were produced and analyzed for foam structure. The foaming process involved saturating the samples with CO2 gas at pressures of 4, 5.5, and 7 MPa, followed by rapid pressure release and immersion in a hot glycerol bath. The foaming parameters included varied temperatures (80, 90, and 120°C) and times (5–80 s). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis provided data on cell size and density. Results indicated that increasing the saturation pressure enhanced CO2 uptake in the ABS/TPU blend, with the CO2 uptake rate peaking early in the process. Higher foaming temperatures and extended foaming times led to increased cell size, cell density, and expansion ratio. These findings highlight the significant role of process parameters in controlling the cell structure of ABS/TPU blend foams, offering valuable insights into optimizing foam properties for industrial applications.

Highlights

Optimization of foam parameters leads to cell structure control in ABS/TPU composite foams for industrial applications.

Increasing saturation pressure significantly boosts CO2 uptake in ABS/TPU composite foams.

Increasing the foaming temperature and duration leads to larger cell sizes, higher cell density, and greater expansion ratios in ABS/TPU composite foams.
Investigation of the properties of chitosan–Pluronic based nanogel drug delivery systems utilizing various Pluronic types
Authors: Nguyen Van Toan , Nguyen Dinh Trung , Nguyen Dang Nam , Tran Ngọc Quyen , Do Huy‐Binh
Published: August 2024

This research aimed to create self‐assembled nanogel particles using chitosan grafted with various types of Pluronic to encapsulate curcumin, a hydrophobic biological agent. The study explored the properties of CS–Pluronic nanogels using Pluronic types L61, P123, F127, and F68, each varying in hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) index. Findings indicated that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of Pluronics and CS–Pluronic copolymers did not depend on the HLB values but were influenced by the structural characteristics of each Pluronic type. The efficiency of curcumin encapsulation within the nanogels correlated with the CMC values of the CS–Pluronic copolymers, where lower CMC values resulted in higher encapsulation efficiencies. The curcumin‐loaded nanogels were spherical, positively charged, and had an average diameter under 200 nm. Controlled, pH‐dependent release of curcumin was observed in vitro studies conducted at 37°C in PBS at pH levels of 7.4 and 5.0, with a faster release in acidic conditions. Biocompatibility testing indicated that nanogel biocompatibility was influenced by the HLB value of Pluronic, with lower HLB values associated with reduced biocompatibility. Cytotoxicity testing revealed that curcumin‐loaded nanogels had increased cytotoxicity on MCF‐7 cells compared to free curcumin. CS–P123 emerged as the most effective carrier, meeting biocompatibility and stability requirements during storage.

Highlights

CS–Pluronic serves as an effective hydrophobic drug delivery system.

The capacity of CS–Pluronic to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs is determined by its CMC value rather than its HLB index.

CS–Pluronic is a copolymer known for its excellent biocompatibility.

CS–Pluronic increases the toxicity of curcumin in nanogels compared to free curcumin.
The microstructural evolution of material extrusion based additive manufacturing of polyetheretherketone under different printing conditions and application in a spinal implant
Authors: Irez Alaeddin Burak , Dogru Alperen
Published: August 2024

With the advances in additive manufacturing, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a biocompatible polymer, can be used in biomedical applications such as spinal implants. This paper aims to investigate the evolution of the microstructure of PEEK parts manufactured by material extrusion (MEX)‐based additive manufacturing with different printing parameters. The effect of layer thickness (LT) and nozzle diameter on mechanical properties was investigated using tensile, Charpy impact, and short beam strength (SBS) tests. Two different LTs, 0.1 and 0.2 mm, and two different nozzle diameters, 0.6 and 0.8 mm, were used as printing parameters. By increasing the LT, tensile strength dropped by around 24%, and impact strength by almost 55%. Moreover, altering the LT resulted in a 15% decrease in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) from the SBS test. In addition, increasing the nozzle diameter also led to a significant reduction in all of the results as tensile strength, Charpy impact strength, and ILSS. The results were also consolidated by scanning electron microscopy. The main findings were that increasing LT leads to an increase in microstructural defects that act as stress concentrators. Following the tests, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine optimal printing parameters. In the end, using the optimum printing parameters from the RSM study, a structural analysis of a MEX‐printed spinal implant was conducted through finite element method, considering the loading cases mimicking daily human body motions.

Highlights

As layer thickness increased, tensile and impact strength dropped.

Tensile and impact strength dropped truly with increasing nozzle diameter.

SEM revealed that increasing layer thickness causes more microstructural flaws.

FEM analysis showed that PEEK‐based implant provides structural integrity.
Rational design of self‐assembling ultrashort peptides for the shape‐ and size‐tunable synthesis of metal nanostructures
Authors: Rajchakit Urawadee , Glossop Hugh Douglas , Wang Kelvin , Lu Jun , Sarojini Vijayalekshmi
Published: August 2024

Peptides have attracted great interest as platforms for the design of nanocomposite hydrogels due to their distinct bioactivity, biofunctionality and biocompatibility. Previously, we have reported on a family of peptides that self‐assembled to form stabilised three‐dimensional hydrogel networks, displaying potent antimicrobial activity. In this paper, we report on the use of these hydrogelator sequences and their analogues as stabilisers and growth controllers to synthesise anisotropic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of different sizes and shapes. In particular, hollow spherical nanoparticles were obtained for HG2.81‐AuNPs, whereas hexagonal nanoparticles were observed for TOH_1N‐AuNPs and PentaOH‐AuNPs in their respective hydrogel networks. The PentaOH‐AuNPs' hydrogel exhibited excellent results with high antimicrobial potency against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and negligible cytotoxicity. On the other hand, TOH_1N‐AuNPs showed no antibacterial activity and no cytotoxicity, demonstrating the versatility of these peptides. This work gives credence towards the development of these materials towards further applications such as in tissue culture technology and wound dressing materials.
Hybrid Nanoarchitectronics of Tantalum Oxide‐Coated Gold Nanoparticles as Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance‐Based Sensors for Volatile Organic Compounds Detection
Authors: Changpradub Kiratikarn , Threrujirapapong Thotsaphon , Lertvanithphol Tossaporn , Amarit Ratthasart , Wongpanya Kruawan , Tantiwanichapan Khwanchai , Wutikhun Tuksadon , Klamchuen Annop , Nakajima Hideki , Horprathum Mati
Published: August 2024

Herein, a localized surface plasmon resonance‐based sensor for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection is developed. The sensors are fabricated as a hybrid nanostructure of gold nanoparticles coated with a tantalum oxide (TaO) thin film on a glass slide substrate through magnetron sputtering and thermal solid‐state dewetting techniques. The thickness of the TaO film varies between 10 and 70 nm. The optical properties of samples are characterized by UV‐Vis‐NIR spectrophotometry, while their morphologies are confirmed via transmission electron microscopy. The results show the shift of the minimum optical transmittance related to the TaO thickness. Electrical field simulations are performed to predict the sensitivity of the prepared samples for VOCs detection. In addition, the sensors are tested with different VOCs, including formaldehyde, isopropanol, acetone, and methanol, which show good potential for practical applications.
Understanding the Thermodynamics of Si and Ge Concentration Variation in SiGeSn Nanowires
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyang , Zhu Xianjun , Zhao Xueping , Zhang Hai , Chen Wanghua
Published: August 2024

This work presents a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis, characterization, and thermal stability of SiGeSn nanowires (NWs) leveraging the vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism. Utilizing plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition with Sn as the catalyst and a combination of SiH4 and GeH4 as precursors, this research synthesizes tapered SiGeSn NWs of high crystalline quality. Utilizing high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, the study confirms the inhomogeneous distribution of Si, Ge, and Sn along the NWs’ growth axis. It is observed that the concentrations of Si and Ge are significantly influenced by the NW diameter, a phenomenon attributed to the Gibbs–Thomson effect. A straightforward mathematical model is developed. This model examines the impact of the catalyst's shape and the presence of Sn on the NW surface on the internal Sn concentration and its variation along the NWs’ growth axis. Additionally, the study investigates how thermal annealing at temperatures of 300 and 600 °C induces compositional changes within the NWs. These changes are markedly influenced by the heterogeneous distribution of Si, Ge, and Sn elements, leading to varying levels of compositional alterations in different segments of the NWs postannealing at distinct temperatures.
Zinc in ammoniated phosphate fertilizers: Solid‐phase speciation, solubility, and use of barrier coatings to enhance zinc availability
Authors: da Silva Rodrigo C. , Degryse Fien , Baird Roslyn , Ajiboye Babasola , Stacey Samuel , Peacock Alan , Olson Ronald , McLaughlin Michael J.
Published: August 2024

Zinc (Zn) is the micronutrient commonly found deficient in agricultural soils worldwide, limiting crop yield and reducing food quality. Zinc‐enriched fertilizers have been successfully used to tackle crop Zn deficiency. However, Zn solubility is reduced after addition to phosphate fertilizers due to the formation of sparingly soluble precipitates, decreasing Zn availability to crops. We hypothesized that the availability of Zn in the fertilizer to plants is related to its speciation in the fertilizer. We evaluated a range of ammonium phosphate fertilizers using X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure and assessed the water‐solubility of Zn in the formulations. Four Zn species were identified in these fertilizers, with zinc ammonium phosphate the most abundant one. The speciation of Zn in the fertilizer had little relationship with the water solubility of Zn in the final product. Zinc solubility was driven by fertilizer pH, with lower pH resulting in higher solubility. We concluded that added Zn reacts with the fertilizer matrix to form mainly zinc (ammonium) phosphates, and when the fertilizer is dissolved in water, hopeite controls the solubility. Based on these findings, we tested whether a barrier coating between the P granule and the Zn compound could prevent reaction between Zn and P and thus enhance Zn availability. Indeed, higher Zn uptake was observed in an isotopically labeled fertilizer growth trial when a barrier coating physically separated Zn and P in the fertilizer. In summary, Zn availability to crops can be maximized by decreasing fertilizer pH and separating P and Zn in the granule.
Biochar impacts on soil moisture retention and respiration in a coarse‐textured soil under dry conditions
Authors: Thao Touyee , Gonzales Melinda , Ryals Rebecca , Dahlquist‐Willard Ruth , Diaz Gerardo C. , Ghezzehei Teamrat A.
Published: August 2024

The growing water scarcity jeopardizes crop production for global food security, a problem poised to worsen under climate change–induced drought. Amending soils with locally derived biochar from pyrolyzed agricultural residues may enhance soil moisture retention and resilience, in addition to climate change mitigation. However, prior studies on the hydrologic benefits of biochar focused on optimal moisture, not water‐limited conditions where biochar's large wettable surface area could aid plants and microbes. We hypothesized that biochars differing in feedstocks would positively augment soil moisture and respiration, with overall impacts most beneficial under drier conditions. Using water vapor sorption isotherms, we used film theory to estimate the specific surface area (SSA) of biochars. We then modeled and tested the moisture retention of a coarse‐textured soil amended with biochar. Additionally, a 109‐day lab incubation experiment was also conducted to examine biochar effects on respiration across a moisture range spanning optimal to wilting point. Among seven tested biochars, almond shell biochar significantly increased soil moisture and yield the second highest SSA. Despite drying treatments, the amended soil maintained higher respiration than the control, indicating enhanced biological activity. The results demonstrate biochars counter drying effects in coarse soils through physical and biological mechanisms linked to increased sorptive capacity. Our findings contribute to the development of sustainable water and waste management strategies tailored to the needs of California Central Valley, where the potential for biochar application is substantial. Above all, our research fills a crucial gap by providing context‐specific insights that can inform the effective utilization of locally produced biochars in the face of increasing water scarcity and excess biomass challenges.
Fused Imidazo[1,2‐d][1,2,4]Thiadiazolo[1,2,3]Triazoles: One‐Pot Synthesis, Anti‐Bacterial, Anti‐Biofilm and TLR4 Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Premalatha Karukuri , Azam Mohammad , Kapavarapu Ravikumar , Al‐Resayes Saud I. , Nasipireddy Venkatarathnam , Narsimha Sirassu
Published: August 2024

We developed and evaluated several new fused imidazo[1,2‐d][1,2,4]thiadiazolo[1,2,3]triazoles to see how they perform against bacteria and biofilms. Some compounds showed acceptable activity compared to the primary standard, Dicloxacillin. Some of the compounds demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus, with MIC values ranging from 1.56–12.5 μg/mL. We also found anti‐biofilm properties in the potent compounds. The results showed that derivatives 3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)imidazo[1,2‐d] [1,2,3] triazolo[1,5‐b][1,2,4]thiadiazole 8,8‐dioxide and 3‐(3,5‐difluorophenyl)imidazo[1,2‐d][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐b][1,2,4] thiadiazole 8,8‐dioxide were strong antibacterial agents and effective MSSA and MRSA biofilm growth inhibitors. We conducted in silico studies to assess the molecular interactions of more potent compounds with TLR4 proteins (PDB: 3FXI, 3VQ1, 3RG1). Our findings revealed that 3‐(4‐chloro‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)imidazo[1,2‐d][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐b] [1,2,4]thiadiazole 8,8‐dioxide, 3‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)imidazo[1,2‐d] [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐b][1,2,4] thiadiazole 8,8‐dioxide, and 3‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)imidazo[1,2‐d][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐b][1,2,4] thiadiazole 8,8‐dioxide exhibited more binding interactions than dicloxacillin. ADME of more potent compounds examined in this study and compounds could potentially inhibit the cytochrome P450 CYP2C19 isoform.
Leaching of Neodymium From Hard Disk Drive Magnet Waste Using Citric Acid‐ Design of Experiments and Optimization
Authors: Ranjan Ray Aditya , Chandra Tripathy Bankim , Mishra Sujata
Published: August 2024

Neodymium magnet waste recycling and precious metal recovery have drawn a lot of researchers’ attention because of their vital role in contemporary technology. In this work, the potential of citric acid for the leaching of neodymium from hard disk drive waste magnets has been examined using statistical approaches like full factorial design(FFD) and central composite design (CCD).The variables have been screened and conditions are optimized to obtain higher leaching. The polynomial quadratic Model proves effective to predict optimized conditions for neodymium leaching. Leachant concentration and temperature were screened as the most effective factors. Optimization conditions for the leaching process were achieved through central composite design, revealing that 2 mol/L citric acid and a temperature of 333 K provide the ideal conditions for the complete dissolution of neodymium. This extensive study contributes to sustainable materials management and resource conservation by illuminating the effective recovery of important metals from neodymium magnets.
Dipeptidic Proline‐Derived Thiourea Organocatalysts for Asymmetric Michael addition Reactions between Aldehydes and Nitroolefins
Authors: Yeo Hyoung Min , Kim Taek Hyeon
Published: August 2024

The enantiodivergent synthesis of syn‐Michael adducts can be easily achieved by switching the terminal proline in dipeptidic proline‐thiourea catalysts. In this study, a dipeptidic proline‐derived thiourea organocatalyst was rationally designed and facilely prepared from dipeptidic proline, a chiral diamine as a linker, and isothiocyanate. This asymmetric bifunctional catalyst for Michael addition between aldehydes and nitroolefins provided chiral 4‐nitro aldehyde adducts with yields of up to 99 %, 92 : 8 syn‐diastereoselectivity, and 97 % enantiomeric excess at room temperature.
Microwave‐Assisted Copper‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Triazole‐linked 2‐Amino‐Pyrimidinone based Glycohybrids
Authors: Mishra Vinay Kumar , Khanna Ashish , Tiwari Ghanshyam , Yadav Yogesh , Sagar Ram
Published: August 2024

2‐Amino pyrimidines are vital molecules that exhibit diverse biological activities and serve as structural motifs in various pharmaceutical drugs. Four new series of triazole‐linked glycohybrids of 2‐amino‐pyrimidinones were designed and efficiently synthesized, using a microwave‐assisted method under click chemistry reaction conditions. The N‐propargyl‐2‐aminopyrimidinone and O‐propargyl‐2‐aminopyrimidine derivatives successfully underwent the click reactions with 1‐azido‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucose, D‐galactose and D‐mannose. In this work, we reported the series of novel thirty‐three new triazole‐linked glycohybrid molecules with stereochemical diversity and diverse substitution patterns.
Applied Electric Field Effects on Diffusivity and Electrical Double‐Layer Thickness
Authors: Masuduzzaman Md , Bakli Chirodeep , Barisik Murat , Kim BoHung
Published: August 2024

This study utilizes molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and continuum frameworks to explore electroosmotic flow (EOF) in nanoconfined aqueous electrolytes, offering a promising alternative to conventional micro‐/nanofluidic systems. Although osmotic behavior in these environments is deeply linked to local fluid properties and interfacial dynamics between the fluid and electrolyte solutions, achieving a complete molecular‐level understanding has remained challenging. The findings establish a linear relationship between electric field strength and fluid velocity, uncovering two distinct transport regimes separated by a critical threshold, with a markedly intensified flow in the second regime. It is demonstrated that rising electric field strengths significantly enhance water diffusion coefficients, supported by a detailed analysis of fluid hydration structures, the potential of mean force (PMF), and local stress tensors. Due to the applied electric field strength, the motion of ions and water accelerates, leading to the redistribution of ions and intensification of electrostatic forces. This expands the thickness of the electric double layer (EDL) and amplifies fluid diffusivity, thereby enhancing nanoscale fluid activity. These insights enhance the molecular‐level understanding of EOF and define the stability of flow regimes, providing valuable guidelines for advancing nanofluidic technologies, such as drug delivery systems and lab‐on‐a‐chip devices.
Synthesis of Mo–Pt/CeO2 Dual Single‐Atom Nanozyme for Multifunctional Biochemical Detection Applications
Authors: Ge Litao , Chen Yujia , Geng Baokang , Chu Xiang , Jiang Ruize , Wang Xiao , Qin Xinxin , Li Wei , Song Shuyan
Published: August 2024

Elaborated structural modulation of Pt‐based artificial nanozymes can efficiently improve their catalytic activity and expand their applications in clinical diagnosis and biochemical sensing. Herein, a highly efficient dual‐site peroxidase mimic composed of highly dispersed Pt and Mo atoms is reported. The obtained Mo–Pt/CeO2 exhibits exceptional peroxidase‐like catalytic activity, with a Vmax as high as 34.16 × 10−8 m s−1, which is 37.5 times higher than that of the single‐site counterpart. Mechanism studies suggest that the Mo atoms can not only serve as adsorption and activation sites for the H2O2 substrate but also regulate the charge density of Pt centers to promote the generation ability of •OH. As a result, the synergistic effect between the dual active sites significantly improves the catalytic efficiency. Significantly, the application of the Mo–Pt/CeO2 catalyst's excellent peroxidase‐like activity is extended to various biochemical detection applications, including the trace detection of glucose and cysteine, as well as the assessment of antioxidants' antioxidant capacity. This work reveals the great potential of rational design dual‐site active centers for constructing high‐performance artificial nanozymes.
Ultralong Bistable, Electrolytic MnO2‐Based, Electrochromic Battery Enabled by Porous, Low‐Barrier, Hydroxylated TiO2 Interface
Authors: Wang Weixuan , Bai Zhiyuan , Wang Baojun , Yang Xiaorui , Liu Juan , Li Hao , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Hou Chengyi , Li Kerui , Wang Hongzhi
Published: August 2024

Electrochromic (EC) battery technology shows great potential in future “zero‐energy building” by controlling outdoor solar transmission to tune heat gain as well as storing the consumed energy to reuse across other building systems. However, challenges still exist in exploring an electrochemical system to satisfy requirements on both ultra‐long optical memory (also called bistability) without continuous power supply and high energy density. Herein, an EC battery is proposed to demonstrate ultra‐long bistability (>760 h) based on the reversible deposition and dissolution of manganese oxide (MnO2) without the addition of any mediators. A porous low‐barrier hydroxylated titanium dioxide (TiO2) interface is incorporated to synergistically enrich Mn2+‐affinity active sites for deposition and effectively reduce the electron transport barrier of MnO2 for dissolution, thereby significantly improving the reversibility, high optical modulation (60.2% at 400 nm), and energy density (352 mAh m−2). The modification strategy is also verified on the cathode‐less button cells with a much higher average coulombic efficiency (99.9%) compared to the batteries without the porous hydroxylated TiO2 interface (74.6%). These achievements lay a foundation for advancements in both electrochromism and Zn‐Mn aqueous batteries.
Studies on AI application in pronunciation teaching based on Qupeiyin app through smart phone
Authors: Xue Wei , Zhao Yanan
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on applying Qupeiyin, a mobile phone app, to pronunciation teaching among English major students. Through a 16‐week teaching experiment implemented in control and experimental classes among English major freshmen, with the help of pre‐test, post‐test, questionnaire and assisting tools like EXCEL and SPSS, this study concluded that Qupeiyin app‐assisted pronunciation teaching is effective in improving students' pronunciation proficiency in both segmental and suprasegmental features. Students' error rate in pronunciation decreased significantly. The reason for the positive effects in pronunciation teaching are as follows: (1) multimedia learning materials such as colourful pictures and text, interesting music and songs, authentic readings and dialogues in the app attract students and arouse their interest in learning pronunciation through dubbing; (2) the targeted pronunciation knowledge is transformed into an interesting dubbing activity with explicit teaching aims, which renders the pronunciation teaching more intuitive and easier to understand; (3) Qupeiyin divides a short video into multiple utterances of several seconds, and each utterance of the video can be played and repeated over and over again, giving students enough chance to practice each sound and making them more engaged in the practice so that students may not think too much of Chinese pronunciation; and (4) students feel learning while being entertained the dubbing activity is an entertaining activity in itself, they achieve a sense of accomplishment through dubbing without less pressure.
Age, growth, and trophic ecology of the Redeye Bass, an alien invader of California rivers
Authors: Chasnoff Beth , Moyle Peter B. , Young Matthew J. , Crain Patrick K.
Published: August 2024

Objective

The Redeye Bass Micropterus coosae is a piscivore introduced into California, which has become a threat to the state's endemic freshwater fishes. It has eliminated native fishes from the middle reaches of the Cosumnes River, our study stream, which is the largest stream without a major dam on its main stem in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River drainage, central California, USA. We thoroughly documented its novel life history and ecology in California to shed light on why it has been such a successful invader despite its relatively small native range.

Methods

Over 4000 stable carbon and nitrogen isotope samples were utilized to refine our understanding of fish trophic position within the river food web, along with a stable isotope mixing model that accounts for uncertainty in trophic enrichment data.

Result

Growth was slow, with an adult size range of 9–25 cm standard length (SL), although few were larger than 15-cm SL (5–6 years old). Stable isotope analyses showed that Redeye Bass dominate the river ecosystem to the exclusion of most native fishes, occupying multiple trophic levels and microhabitats. Adults largely consumed non-native crayfish and large aquatic insects, while juveniles consumed aquatic insects, the size of prey increasing with Redeye Bass length. There was no evidence of cannibalism. Redeye Bass have effectively occupied the diverse trophic positions of at least four native fish species and have altered the trophic position of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in sites where they co-occur with bass.

Conclusion

The introduction of Redeye Bass poses a continuing threat to native stream fishes in California and elsewhere.
Functional turnover in a prairie river fish community over 130 years
Authors: Clancy Niall G. , McFarland Jonathan A. , Ahern Megan G. , Walters Annika W.
Published: August 2024

Objective

In many Great Plains rivers, functional turnover—the change in proportional dominance of members in biological communities that fill certain ecological roles—has occurred due to impoundment and habitat alteration. The Powder River of Montana and Wyoming remains one of the few unregulated prairie rivers, but long-term monitoring is limited, so we analyzed changes over time at the functional, assemblage, and species levels.

Methods

We used fish sampling data from 43 different sources collected from 1893 to 2022 to analyze trends in fish communities.

Result

Across the main-stem Powder River, Sand Shiner Miniellus stramineus and Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus substantially increased in abundance, whereas Sturgeon Chub Macrhybopsis gelida decreased. While most other species did not show significant changes in relative abundance (although the always rare Lake Chub Couesius plumbeus may have been extirpated), significant functional turnover occurred in the upper river due to increases in generalist feeders, predators, omnivores, and cavity-guarding species, with declines in benthic feeders, invertivores, and pelagic broadcast spawners, among others. Community and functional changes were more substantial in the upper river than in the lower river, possibly due to augmented streamflow from a major tributary.

Conclusion

Functional turnover within the upper river was substantial despite the relative stability of most individual species, even when the Sand Shiner—the most significantly increasing species—was excluded from analysis. This suggests small but consistent increases and decreases within functional groups, which cumulatively are likely impacting the ecosystem. We hypothesize a complex set of mechanisms causing these changes that offer avenues for future work. The collation of data from disparate studies and the resampling of even a limited number of historical fish collection locations can greatly aid in identifying potential fish community changes in systems where monitoring is limited.
The International Institute of Humanitarian Law and Cultural Property Protection in Armed Conflict
Authors: Greppi Edoardo
Published: August 2024

The piece explores the historical path and rationale that led the international community to the negotiation and then adoption, in 1954, of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, focusing on some very specific peculiarities of this legal instrument, as well as on its original role within the wider IHL body of law. With a special emphasis on the provisions relating to the dissemination of the legal principles outlined by the Convention, the analysis thus presents the key elements of the research and training mission carried out, in more than half a century of activity, by the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in Sanremo (Italy) and abroad.
Defending the Mainstream, Women and Neoliberalism Under the Howard Government (1996–2007)
Authors: Johnson Carol
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on Australian government policy but also provides relevant international examples. The advent of the Howard government was to see a major “weaponization” of gender equality arguments and policy. Liberal Party feminists became increasingly marginalised as the socially conservative right became dominant. Influenced by UK Thatcherite and especially US Reaganite conservative, neoliberal framing, the Howard government depicted itself as protecting so-called mainstream Australians against politically correct, elite, special interests who were trying to rip off Australian taxpayers by obtaining government largesse. Howard, in particular, exhibited a form of grandfatherly protective masculinity, in which he pledged to protect Australians from social change while ensuring rising standards of living. Feminist organisations were clearly included as “special interests” seeking government largesse. Consequently, various women’s services, advocacy groups and government women’s policy units were subject to budget cuts. Furthermore, Howard argued that previous Labor governments had disadvantaged stay-at-home mothers. The result was that Australia’s previously innovative gender policy regime went backwards under the impact of Anglosphere neoliberalism and social conservatism.
Framing a Business Case for Equality: Women Under the Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison Governments (2013–2022)
Authors: Johnson Carol
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on Australian government policy but also provides relevant international examples. It analyses the Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison Coalition governments, arguing that their policy framework was more sympathetic to a neoliberal version of market-friendly gender equality than Howard’s Coalition government, despite continuing social conservative influences. Prime Minister Turnbull had more moderate Liberal views on social issues but was constrained by the influence of the right within the Liberal Party. Abbott and Morrison were religious social conservatives, albeit from a Catholic and Pentecostal background respectively. Abbott used US-influenced socially conservative arguments to oppose same-sex marriage and Morrison tried to mobilise US-style campaigns against gender ideology and transgender issues. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the gender-blind nature of the government’s market-driven policies. Meanwhile, feminist mobilisations around sexual scandals in parliament also contributed to Morrison’s defeat.
Current Situation and Future of Precision Agriculture in Thailand
Authors: Jintrawet Attachai , Yasuyuki Kono
Published: August 2024

The traditional agricultural research and improvement framework, based on the reductionism paradigm, that form the conceptual basis of agriculture today, are insufficient to address the demands of various actors. Precision Agriculture (PA), paradigms and technologies, have their origins in improving the efficiency of farm-level agricultural resource management based on understanding-driven/data-driven paradigm (UDP), especially modeling and decision support systems (DSS). DSS can be further developed into PA Simulators and are relevant to agricultural systems in a small-farm context. UDP paradigm is systemically creating new collaborative learning and evolving predictive capacity, which create opportunities to co-manage limited resources. In Thailand since 2015, PA was considered as a means of helping policy makers, researchers, and farmers to deal with increased information, increasingly complex decisions and to professionalize their activities. PA has been widely proposed and developed as providing a basis for improving sustainability of farm-level resource management. However, PA has, up-to-now and in practice, had limited impact in many farm-level resource management contexts, in particular land and labor resources in Thailand. Failures can be attributed to non-delivery, inaccessible technologies and un-coordinated-isolated-silo-short-term-based agencies/actors of government institutions. We have conducted a series of forums on PA for fruit crops with groups of experts and key stakeholders during late 2020 to early 2021. Four plausible future scenarios of PA for fruit crops in Thailand were formulated based on trends and drivers in social, technology, economy, environment, policy and value contexts. It was concluded that policy makers, with long-term political wills, must reinvent the entire institutional system to take advantage of emerging analog and digital technologies. The new system should meet demands and challenges of the BCG model (Bio-Circular-Green economy model). The model called for inclusiveness of actors, i.e., small farms and multi-disciplinary scientists for long-term vision and goal.
$$C^*$$-Algebras Associated to Transfer Operators for Countable-to-One Maps
Authors: Bardadyn Krzysztof , Kwaśniewski Bartosz K. , Lebedev Andrei V.
Published: August 2024

Our initial data is a transfer operator L for a continuous, countable-to-one map $$\varphi :\Delta \rightarrow X$$

φ
:
Δ
→
X

defined on an open subset of a locally compact Hausdorff space X. Then L may be identified with a ‘potential’, i.e. a map $$\varrho :\Delta \rightarrow X$$

ϱ
:
Δ
→
X

that need not be continuous unless $$\varphi $$
φ
is a local homeomorphism. We define the crossed product $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

as a universal $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebra with explicit generators and relations, and give an explicit faithful representation of $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

under which it is generated by weighted composition operators. We explain its relationship with Exel–Royer’s crossed products, quiver $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras of Muhly and Tomforde, $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras associated to complex or self-similar dynamics by Kajiwara and Watatani, and groupoid $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras associated to Deaconu–Renault groupoids. We describe spectra of core subalgebras of $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

, prove uniqueness theorems for $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

and characterize simplicity of $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

. We give efficient criteria for $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

to be purely infinite simple and in particular a Kirchberg algebra.
Hecke algebra action on twisted motivic Chern classes and K-theoretic stable envelopes
Authors: Koncki Jakub , Weber Andrzej
Published: August 2024

Let G be a linear semisimple algebraic group and B its Borel subgroup. Let

$${\mathbb {T}}\subset B$$

T
⊂
B

be the maximal torus. We study the inductive construction of Bott–Samelson varieties to obtain recursive formulas for the twisted motivic Chern classes of Schubert cells in G/B. To this end we introduce two families of operators acting on the equivariant K-theory

$${\text {K}}_{\mathbb {T}}(G/B)[y]$$

K
T

(
G
/
B
)

[
y
]

, the right and left Demazure–Lusztig operators depending on a parameter. The twisted motivic Chern classes coincide (up to normalization) with the K-theoretic stable envelopes. Our results imply wall-crossing formulas for a change of the weight chamber and slope parameters. The right and left operators generate a twisted double Hecke algebra. We show that in the type A this algebra acts on the Laurent polynomials. This action is a natural lift of the action on

$${\text {K}}_{\mathbb {T}}(G/B)[y]$$

K
T

(
G
/
B
)

[
y
]

with respect to the Kirwan map. We show that the left and right twisted Demazure–Lusztig operators provide a recursion for twisted motivic Chern classes of matrix Schubert varieties.
Effectiveness of Exosome Treatment in Androgenetic Alopecia: Outcomes of a Prospective Study
Authors: Ersan Mert , Ozer Emre , Akin Ozlem , Tasli Pakize Neslihan , Sahin Fikrettin
Published: August 2024

Objective

Harnessing the regenerative capabilities of stem cell-derived exosomes holds great promise for developing novel hair growth therapies, offering hope for individuals experiencing hair loss or alopecia. This aimed to elucidate the effect of “foreskin-derived mesenchymal stromal cells derived exosome” injection into the scalp on hair density in patients with androgenetic alopecia and the contribution of this treatment on patient satisfaction.

Method

This prospective study included 30 male patients, aged between 22 and 65, with hair type III-VI according to the Norwood-Hamilton scale. Characterization of the stem cell exosomes was performed with the nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), hair densities were calculated via digital imaging analysis, and patient satisfaction was questioned with a modified survey.

Results

NTA results showed a characteristic distribution of peaks for exosomes 139.7 ± 2.3 nm in diameter. A statistically significant increase in hair density was observed in the 4th and 12th weeks after treatment (p < 0.05). Patient-reported satisfaction revealed a statistically significant difference in the answers given in the 12th week compared to the 4th week (p < 0.05). No side effects or complications were observed after exosome injection.

Conclusion

Foreskin-derived mesenchymal stromal cells derived exosome injection increased hair density, with sustained patient satisfaction throughout the study. The exosome application resulted in no side effects.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Automatic personal identification using a single CT image
Authors: Heinrich Andreas
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Computer vision (CV) mimics human vision, enabling computers to automatically compare radiological images from recent examinations with a large image database for unique identification, crucial in emergency scenarios involving unknown patients or deceased individuals. This study aims to extend a CV-based personal identification method from orthopantomograms (OPGs) to computed tomography (CT) examinations using single CT slices.

Methods

The study analyzed 819 cranial computed tomography (CCT) examinations from 722 individuals, focusing on single CT slices from six anatomical regions to explore their potential for CV-based personal identification in 69 procedures. CV automatically identifies and describes interesting features in images, which can be recognized in a reference image and then designated as matching points. In this study, the number of matching points was used as an indicator for identification.

Results

Across six different regions, identification rates ranged from 41/69 (59%) to 69/69 (100%) across over 700 possible identities. Comparison of images from the same individual achieved higher matching points, averaging 6.32 ± 0.52% (100% represents the maximum possible matching points), while images of different individuals averaged 0.94 ± 0.15%. Reliable matching points are found in the teeth, maxilla, cervical spine, skull bones, and paranasal sinuses, with the maxillary sinuses and ethmoidal cells being particularly suitable for identification due to their abundant matching points.

Conclusion

Unambiguous identification of individuals based on a single CT slice is achievable, with maxillary sinus CT slices showing the highest identification rates. However, metal artifacts, especially from dental prosthetics, and various head positions can hinder identification.

Clinical relevance statement

Radiology possesses a multitude of reference images for a CV database, facilitating automated CV-based personal identification in emergency examinations or cases involving unknown deceased individuals. This enhances patient care and communication with relatives by granting access to medical history.

Key Points

Unknown individuals in radiology or forensics pose challenges, addressed through automatic CV-based identification methods.

A single CT slice highlighting the maxillary sinuses is particularly effective for personal identification.

Radiology plays a pivotal role in automated personal identification by leveraging its extensive image database.
Checking vesicourethral anastomosis for urinary extravasation during radical prostatectomy: is it still necessary in the robotic era? A prospective, randomized case-control study
Authors: Ozveren Bora , Karsiyakali Nejdet , Ozgen Mahir Bulent , Turkeri Levent
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the role of intraoperative control of the watertightness of vesicourethral anastomosis extravasation control (VUAEC) in predicting vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) healing and early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

100 patients who underwent RARP between October 2020 and May 2023 were consecutively included in the study. Preoperatively, the patients were randomized to undergo VUAEC (Group-A) or not (Group-B). Patients in Group-A were evaluated in 2 subgroups: those with no extravasation observed during VUAEC (Group-A1; n = 31 (62%)) and those with extravasation (Group-A2; n = 19 (38%)). On the 8th post-operative day, a gravity cystogram (GC) was performed on all patients to assess VUA healing.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of clinical features, drain removal time, length of hospital stay, extravasation on GC, catheter removal time and postoperative complications (p > 0.05, for each). There was also no statistically significant difference between the subgroups in terms of drain removal time, length of hospital stays, catheter removal time (p > 0.05, for each). In Group-A2, urinary extravasation on GC was found in a greater percentage, but the difference remained statistically insignificant (p = 0.082).

Conclusions

Performing intraoperative VUAEC did not have a significant role in the prediction of VUA healing and early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing RARP. The current study did not identify a substantial clinical benefit of routine intraoperative VUAEC.