bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Korrektur der thermischen Verlagerung rotierender Werkzeuge unter dem Einfluss verschiedener Kühlstrategien
Authors: Brier Steffen , Topinka Lukas , Regel Joachim
Published: February 2025

Wenn die Schneide beim Fräsen in das Material eintritt, entstehen große Spannungen vor der Schneidkante und verursachen plastische Verformungen. In Folge der Kombination von plastischer Verformung und Risswachstum bildet sich ein Span. Aufgrund der hohen Spannungen, kleinen Verformungen und der Reibung zwischen dem abgetrennten Material an Haupt- und Nebenschneide wird im Bereich der Schneidkanten des Werkzeugs eine erhebliche Energiemenge in Form von Wärme dissipiert.
Demonstrator Motorspindel
Authors: Neus Stephan , Steinert Alexander , Brecher Christian
Published: February 2025

Die Motorspindel ist ein aus thermischer Sicht hoch komplexes System, dessen Beschreibung eine ganzheitliche Modellierung und die Berücksichtigung aller relevanten Randbedingungen erfordert. An einer beispielhaften Motorspindel kann gezeigt werden, wie durch das Zusammenspiel entsprechender Teilmodelle zur Beschreibung der jeweiligen Randbedingungen eine Simulationsumgebung geschaffen wird, die das komplexe Systemverhalten einer Motorspindel abbilden kann.
Der Elektroantrieb als thermo-energetische Blackbox
Authors: Winkler Stefan , Werner Ralf
Published: February 2025

Elektrische Antriebe in Werkzeugmaschinen können mehrere Kilowatt Verlustleistung erzeugen. Für die Bestimmung der thermisch bedingten Verlagerung des TCP einer Werkzeugmaschine ist daher die Modellierung der Antriebsverluste und die daraus resultierende Erwärmung unerlässlich. Leider sind meist nicht alle hierfür erforderlichen Parameter der Motoren bekannt. Es wird daher gezeigt, welche Annahmen zur Parameterabschätzung getroffen werden können und wie diese die Genauigkeit der Modelle beeinflussen.
Thermische Modellierung von Verbindungsstellen
Authors: Helmig Thorsten , Al-Sibai Faruk , Kneer Reinhold
Published: February 2025

Das thermische Verhalten von Werkzeugmaschinen wird durch die Modellierung thermischer Randbedingungen und deren Einfluss auf die Temperaturverteilung in den Bauteilen beschrieben. Ein zentraler Aspekt sind Kontaktwärmeübergänge, bei denen die reale Kontaktfläche durch Oberflächenrauigkeiten stark reduziert ist, was zu einem thermischen Widerstand und einem Temperatursprung führt. Dieser wird durch Anpressdruck, fluide Zwischenmedien und Krümmung der Kontaktflächen beeinflusst. Numerische und experimentelle Untersuchungen zeigen, dass analytische Ansätze, wie die von Mikic (1974), den Kontaktwärmeübergang häufig überschätzen, insbesondere bei höheren Lasten. Experimente verdeutlichen den Einfluss von Oberflächenrauigkeit und Zwischenmedien, wobei numerische Modelle realere Ergebnisse liefern, wenn sie präzise Oberflächenstrukturen einbeziehen. Der makroskopische und mikroskopische Widerstand tragen gleichermaßen zum Gesamtwärmewiderstand bei. Die Erkenntnisse bieten wertvolle Ansätze zur Optimierung des Wärmetransports in Werkzeugmaschinen, insbesondere durch den gezielten Einsatz von Anpressdruck und Zwischenmedien.
Dispersion relation for hadronic light-by-light scattering: subleading contributions
Authors: Hoferichter Martin , Stoffer Peter , Zillinger Maximilian
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In this work, we present an evaluation of subleading effects in the hadronic light-by-light contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. Using a recently derived optimized basis, we first study the matching of axial-vector contributions to short-distance constraints at the level of the scalar basis functions, finding that also the tails of the pseudoscalar poles and tensor mesons play a role. We then develop a matching strategy that allows for a combined evaluation of axial-vector and short-distance constraints, supplemented by an estimate of tensor-meson contributions based on simplified assumptions for their transition form factors. Uncertainties are primarily propagated from the axial-vector transition form factors and the variation of the matching scale, but we also consider estimates of the low-energy effect of hadronic states not explicitly included. In total, we obtain

$$ {\left.{a}_{\mu}^{\textrm{HLbL}}\right|}_{\textrm{subleading}} $$

a
μ
HLbL

subleading

= 33.2(7.2) × 10−11, which in combination with previously evaluated contributions in the dispersive approach leads to

$$ {\left.{a}_{\mu}^{\textrm{HLbL}}\right|}_{\textrm{total}} $$

a
μ
HLbL

total

= 101.9(7.9) × 10−11.
Euclidean and complex geometries from real-time computations of gravitational Rényi entropies
Authors: Held Jesse , Liu Xiaoyi , Marolf Donald , Wang Zhencheng
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Gravitational Rényi computations have traditionally been described in the language of Euclidean path integrals. In the semiclassical limit, such calculations are governed by Euclidean (or, more generally, complex) saddle-point geometries. We emphasize here that, at least in simple contexts, the Euclidean approach suggests an alternative formulation in terms of the bulk quantum wavefunction. Since this alternate formulation can be directly applied to the real-time quantum theory, it is insensitive to subtleties involved in defining the Euclidean path integral. In particular, it can be consistent with many different choices of integration contour.

Despite the fact that self-adjoint operators in the associated real-time quantum theory have real eigenvalues, we note that the bulk wavefunction encodes the Euclidean (or complex) Rényi geometries that would arise in any Euclidean path integral. As a result, for any given quantum state, the appropriate real-time path integral yields both Rényi entropies and associated complex saddle-point geometries that agree with Euclidean methods. After brief explanations of these general points, we use JT gravity to illustrate the associated real-time computations in detail.
Probing long-lived doubly charged scalar in the Georgi-Machacek model at the LHC and in far detectors
Authors: Lu Chih-Ting , Wang Xinyu , Wei Xinqi , Wu Yongcheng
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Searching for long-lived particles (LLPs) beyond the Standard Model (SM) is a promising direction in collider experiments. The Georgi-Machacek (GM) model extends the scalar sector in the SM by introducing various new scalar bosons. In this study, we focus on the parameter space that allows the light doubly charged scalar to become long-lived. This light doubly charged scalar is fermophobic and predominantly decays into a pair of on-shell or off-shell same-sign W bosons. We investigate three types of signal signatures at the LHC: displaced vertices in the inner tracking detector, displaced showers in the muon system, and heavy stable charged particles. Additionally, we analyze the potential for detecting such doubly charged scalars in far detectors, including ANUBIS, MATHUSLA, FACET, FASER, CODEX-b, MoEDAL-MAPP and AL3X. By combining the LLP searches at the LHC and in far detectors, we project that the limits on the mixing angle, θ

H
, (between the doublet and triplets) can cover most of the parameter space with sin θ

H
≲ 10−3 for the mass of doubly charged scalar starting from 50 GeV to 1050 GeV, assuming the full integrated luminosity at the LHC and HL-LHC which is complementary with the usual measurements at the LHC.
Fine mapping and identification of causal alleles at the Ur-11 locus controlling rust resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Erfatpour Mohammad , Simons Kristin J. , Roy Jayanta , Figueroa-Cerna Jose C. , Lee Rian , Beaver James , McClean Phillip E. , Osorno Juan M.
Published: February 2025

The Middle American rust resistance gene Ur-11 present in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) confers resistance to all but one known race of the pathogen Uromyces appendiculatus (Pers.) Unger. Even though progress has been made in understanding the host–pathogen interactions between common bean and U. appendiculatus, the causal alleles of the majority of rust resistance loci, including Ur-11, remain unknown. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify genomic regions associated with resistance to the U. appendiculatus race 31–22, which is avirulent to Ur-11 but virulent to other Middle American rust resistance genes. GWAS using genotypic data consisting of approximately 70,959 SNP markers and phenotypic data based on the median reaction type (1–9 scale) of a panel of 357 Middle American breeding lines and cultivars, plus 5 germplasm lines with the Ur-11 locus derived from PI 181996, located Ur-11 on chromosome Pv11. Twenty-seven SNP markers clustered in the 55.16–55.56 Mb region of the P. vulgaris UI111 reference. Multiple DNA sequence alignments detected a missense mutation [c.1,328A > G] in the PvUI111.11G202400 gene model that encodes a leucine-rich repeat-containing protein in response to race 31–22. A PCR allele competitive extension marker (PACE) was developed and tested across a panel of ~ 700 Middle American dry bean genotypes. No recombination event was observed for the PACE marker among the tested genotypes; suggesting that the polymorphism on which it is based is very close to or in the Ur-11 gene. This PACE marker will be a useful and reliable marker for marker-assisted selection of Ur-11-based resistance to bean rust.
Connectivity-driven topology optimization for path-following compliant mechanism: a formulation with predictive volume constraints and adaptive strategies for gray element suppression
Authors: Zhang Lidan , Koppen Stijn , van Keulen Fred
Published: February 2025

We propose a topology optimization (TO) formulation and related optimization scheme for designing compliant mechanisms following a user-defined trajectory. To ensure the broad applicability and achieve precisely control of the outputs, geometric nonlinearity with incremental solutions are considered. A challenge in the design optimization of these structures is the development of formulations with satisfactory balance between (i) precise trajectory control and (ii) proper connectivity between the input/output ports and the support. Previously proposed density-based topology optimization formulations typically lack the promotion of the desired load-transferring connections, or usually complicate the design using mixed shape, size, and topology variables to enforce a minimum connectivity. To simplify design progress using exclusive topology variables, i.e., purely density-based TO methods, we propose a relatively straightforward formulation involving commonly used response functions, such as compliance and volume as constraints. For the constraints, the paper provides a scheme for defining corresponding upper limits. Numerical examples of challenging shell and plate design optimization problems demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed formulation and scheme in the generation of load-transferring connections while limiting the impact on the performance of the path generation functionality.
Effects of a single dose of a betalain-rich concentrate on determinants of running performance and recovery muscle blood flow: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial
Authors: Vitti Steven , Bruneau Michael , Bisgrove Leah , Grey Samuel , Levine Sarah , Mattern Craig , Faller Justin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the effects of a single dose of a betalain-rich concentrate (BRC) on determinants of running performance and recovery lactate clearance.

Methods

In this a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 17 male recreational runners (Age: 19.0 ± 1.0 years; Height: 176.8 ± 6.2 cm; Weight: 70.62 ± 8.1 kg; Body fat: 12.8 ± 0.03%; VO2max: 58.9 ± 8.6 ml/kg/min) consumed an acute dose of a BRC (100 mg) or a placebo (100 mg of dextrose; CON) and performed a running economy protocol (RE) at velocities corresponding to 60% and 80% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) followed by a VO2max test. Both exercise and recovery skeletal muscle oxygenation (SmO2) were assessed via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and recovery lactate was obtained.

Results

BRC resulted in lower heart rate (HR) at velocities corresponding to 80% of VO2max (p = 0.05) and maximum HR (HRmax; p = 0.01), and a lower rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at velocities corresponding to 60% of VO2max (p = 0.02) when compared to CON. BRC also improved post-exercise SmO2 at 3 (p = 0.05), 4 (p = 0.02), and 5 min (p = 0.01) but not lactate clearance (p > 0.05). BRC did not significantly improve RE or VO2max (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

A single dose of BRC did not enhance RE or VO2max. However, the observed improvements in exercise HR, RPE, and SmO₂ suggest that BRC may confer cardiovascular benefits for exercise and recovery.
Changes in internalizing and externalizing problems in Dutch children and adolescents receiving outpatient youth care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Broek Emma M. , De Meyer Ronald , van der Rijken Rachel , Zijlmans Josjan , van Oers Hedy A. , Luijten Michiel A. J. , Alrouh Hekmat , Popma Arne , Bartels Meike , Vermeiren Robert R. J. M. , Polderman Tinca J. C. , Tieskens Jacintha M.
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of children and adolescents, but its effects on treatment outcomes in youth care remain unclear. This study examines whether the pandemic influenced treatment outcomes for internalizing and externalizing problems in children receiving outpatient youth care. We analyzed data from three groups of children who received outpatient youth care (N = 1090, M

age
 = 12.85): those treated entirely before the pandemic, those who transitioned into pandemic-related measures during treatment, and those treated entirely during the pandemic. The Child Behavior Checklist was used to assess internalizing and externalizing problems at the start and end of treatment. Repeated measures ANCOVAs and χ2 tests of independence were conducted to evaluate changes in problem severity and clinical status, and ANCOVAs were used to compare between-group differences. The results suggest that while overall treatment outcomes were not directly affected by the pandemic, fewer children treated during the pandemic recovered from externalizing problems compared to those treated before the pandemic. Additionally, children treated entirely during the pandemic exhibited higher levels of internalizing and externalizing problems at both the start and end of treatment, and those transitioning into the pandemic also had elevated externalizing problems at both time points. Although the pandemic did not affect the change in problems during treatment, the increased severity of issues at both the start and end of treatment indicates a deterioration in child mental health since the pandemic. Appropriate support, preventive interventions, and regular monitoring of mental health problems may mitigate future impacts.
Self-supervised learning for neural topic models with variance–invariance–covariance regularization
Authors: Xu Weiran , Hirami Kengo , Eguchi Koji
Published: February 2025

In our study, we propose a self-supervised neural topic model (NTM) that combines the power of NTMs and regularized self-supervised learning methods to improve performance. NTMs use neural networks to learn latent topics hidden behind the words in documents, enabling greater flexibility and the ability to estimate more coherent topics compared to traditional topic models. On the other hand, some self-supervised learning methods use a joint embedding architecture with two identical networks that produce similar representations for two augmented versions of the same input. Regularizations are applied to these representations to prevent collapse, which would otherwise result in the networks outputting constant or redundant representations for all inputs. Our model enhances topic quality by explicitly regularizing latent topic representations of anchor and positive samples. We also introduced an adversarial data augmentation method to replace the heuristic sampling method. We further developed several variation models including those on the basis of an NTM that incorporates contrastive learning with both positive and negative samples. Experimental results on three datasets showed that our models outperformed baselines and state-of-the-art models both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Clinical validation of fully automated cartilage transverse relaxation time (T2) and thickness analysis using quantitative DESS magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wirth Wolfgang , Herger Simon , Maschek Susanne , Wisser Anna , Bieri Oliver , Eckstein Felix , Mündermann Annegret
Published: February 2025

Objective

To clinically validate a fully automated cartilage segmentation technique from quantitative double-echo steady-state (qDESS) MRI supporting simultaneous estimation of cartilage T2 and morphology. Here, we test whether laminar (superficial and deep layer) T2 results from convolutional neural network (CNN) segmentations are consistent with those from manual expert segmentations.

Materials and methods

The 3D qDESS sequence was acquired using 3 T MRI (resolution: 0.3125 × 0.3125x1.5 mm) in both knees of 37 subjects with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and 48 uninjured controls. Automated femorotibial cartilage (FTJ) segmentation was based on a 2D U-Net. Laminar T2 and cartilage thickness across the FTJ) were compared between ACL-injured and contralateral knees, and between ACL-injured and control knees. Effect sizes of these differences were measured using non-parametric Cohen’s d (dn-p).

Result

Significant differences were observed only in deep T2, with longer T2 in ACL-injured knees than in contralateral and healthy control knees in most of the comparisons and with similar effect sizes for automated and manual segmentations (range dn-p automated/manual: 0.58–1.04/0.58–0.74). No significant differences were observed in superficial T2 or cartilage thickness.

Discussion

Fully-automated, CNN-based analysis showed similar sensitivity to differences in laminar cartilage T2 as manual segmentation, allowing automated qDESS-analyses to be applied to larger datasets.
Adrenocortical activity, measured via feather corticosterone, affects semen quality but not blood plasma prolactin in the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.)
Authors: Sabater Alexia Siegmund , O´Brien Emma , Velázquez Rosario , Toledano-Díaz Adolfo , Castaño Cristina , Oteo Marta , de Pedro Aguilar Gabriel , Balsera Ramón , Cubero David , Łukaszewicz Ewa , Santiago-Moreno Julián
Published: February 2025

Capercaillie populations are experiencing worrying decline in several European countries, better knowledge of the factors affecting their reproductive success is therefore much needed. Chronic stress is a major cause of infertility in wild animals used in ex situ conservation programmes. In birds, the main hormonal stress response is an increase in corticosterone (CORT) secretion. Prolactin (PRL) is also involved, but its role in sperm functionality in birds is not well known. This work reports the relationship between CORT and PRL, and their influence on capercaillie semen quality. Feather CORT concentrations were determined by ELISA, along with blood plasma PRL by radioimmunoassay, in 14 sub-adult (1–2 years old) and 5 adult (> 3 years old) capercaillies. Sperm concentration was determined using a Neubauer chamber. Nigrosin-eosin dye was used to examine sperm viability; DNA integrity was assessed via the TUNEL assay. A significant, negative correlation was detected between CORT and sperm concentration (rs = 0.30, p = 0.02), while a positive correlation was detected between plasma PRL and DNA integrity (rs = 0.78, p = 0.007). No clear association was found between CORT and PRL (rs = 0.49, p = 0.21). These results suggest that the CORT concentration provides a suitable biomarker of stress in capercaillies, a factor known to affect reproductive function in males of this species.
Statistical Prediction of In Situ Coral Reef Carbonate Dynamics Using Endmember Chemistry, Hydrodynamic Models, And Benthic Composition
Authors: Hirsh Heidi K. , Oliver Thomas A. , Dobbelaere Thomas , Palacio-Castro Ana M. , Barkley Hannah C. , Webb Alice E. , Hanert Emmanuel , Enochs Ian C.
Published: February 2025

In the face of rapidly compounding climate change impacts, including ocean acidification (OA), it is critical to understand present-day stress exposure and to anticipate the biogeochemical conditions experienced by vulnerable ecosystems like coral reefs. To meaningfully predict nearshore carbonate chemistry, we must account for the complexity of the local benthic community, as well as connectivity between habitats and relevant endmember carbonate chemistry. Here, we adopt a system-scale approach to predict site-scale effects of benthic metabolism on the carbonate system of the Florida Reef Tract (FRT). We utilize bimonthly carbonate chemistry data from ten cross-shelf transects spanning 250 km of the FRT to model changes in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA). Benthic habitat maps were used to broadly classify communities known to impact carbonate chemistry. A SLIM 2D hydrodynamic model with mesh resolution reaching 100 m over reefs and along the coastline was used to determine the relevant water mass histories and identify the upstream benthic communities shaping local carbonate chemistry. These historical metabolic footprints, or “flowsheds”, were used to build predictive models of the change in DIC and TA at each station. The best predictive models included the chemical impacts of benthic ecosystem metabolism, as defined by water mass trajectories, weighted endmember chemistry, volume, time, and other environmental parameters (light, temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, and nitrate). Considering water mass for 5 days prior to sample collection yielded the highest model skill.
Seismic retrofit of pre-damaged RC elements using thin strain-hardening cementitious composite jackets
Authors: Ioannou Anthos I. , Pantazopoulou Stavroula J. , Petrou Michael F. , Charmpis Dimos C.
Published: February 2025

The emergence of cementitious materials with post-cracking strain hardening stress strain response in tension presents opportunities for retrofitting reinforced concrete elements through the application of very thin jackets, a technique that preserves the original geometry of the component. This retrofitting solution is studied experimentally in this work by replacing the damaged cover of lightly reinforced structural elements, which were previously tested under cyclic displacement reversals, simulating earthquake effects. Test specimens were detailed to represent older construction practices, where inadequate lap splicing of longitudinal reinforcement, light transverse reinforcement and thin concrete covers were common. Upon cyclic loading of the retrofitted components, the contribution of the thin jackets to the strength and deformation recovery of the old type reinforced concrete elements was examined considering the pre-existing damage. It was found that the efficacy of cover replacement with strain-hardening composites is significant not only for strength recovery but also in terms of enhanced deformability of the retrofitted component. The experimental response envelope was simulated using advanced nonlinear finite element modeling to gain improved insights regarding the stress state in the cover-replacement retrofitting layer, and to explore the performance of this retrofitting method for parameter values beyond the range of the experimental program. The amount of confinement exerted by the strain hardening cover was related to the tensile strength of the cover material and it controlled the strength recovery. However, by suppressing all brittle modes of failure along the shear span of the component, the reinforcement anchorage in the footing dominated the eventual failure mode.
Leniency experiments: an evaluation of external validity
Authors: Law Yui , Lai Sinchit , Liu Ning
Published: February 2025

Integrating and cross-comparing the findings of existing leniency experiments, this paper highlights multiple important experimental phenomena related to the effectiveness of leniency. The information extracted from existing leniency experiments provides useful guidelines for policy-making. In addition, this paper shows that auxiliary experimental settings may subtly influence the experimental results. Importantly, this paper explains that external validity issues are not trivial for the inferences of leniency experiments. Overlooking these external validity issues may lead to underestimation or overestimation of the effectiveness of leniency. Thus, this paper suggests that the interpretation of leniency experiments’ findings and policy recommendations should be based on relevant prior knowledge from other fields, e.g., economics, law, and psychology, as well as the theoretical and empirical studies in the field of leniency. Moreover, future leniency experiments can further enrich the understanding of this topic if existing external validity issues are addressed.
Biogeography, life strategy and ecology of Planktothrix rubescens: a review
Authors: Selmeczy Géza B. , Costa Mariana , Padisák Judit , Vasas Gábor
Published: February 2025

Planktothrix rubescens is a filamentous, freshwater cyanobacterium that has gained outstanding attention due to its ecological significance, toxin production capabilities and potential risks it may pose to human and environmental health. The information related to the species is fragmented in hundreds of scientific articles; thus, our main goal was to connect this knowledge, with the hope that one may uncover information that can be applied widely in the subject. This comprehensive review delves into the taxonomic classification, biogeography, environmental drivers, interaction with other species, toxin production and management strategies related to P. rubescens. The review highlights the outstanding community-forming role of the species in different environments, as well as its very complex biotic relationships, from viruses to organisms at higher trophic levels.
Investigating associations between JAK inhibition and venous thromboembolism by systematic mining of large-scale datasets
Authors: Haysen Stine Rabech , Nielsen Ane Langkilde-Lauesen , Qvist Per , Kragstrup Tue Wenzel
Published: February 2025

Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) have been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) limiting the use of JAKi-based therapy. To improve risk stratification and drug development, it is crucial to understand the implication of dysregulated JAK-Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) signaling in the pathogenesis of VTE. The objective of this study is to clarify the putative genomic vulnerability to dysregulated JAK–STAT signaling in VTE through systematic mining of large-scale datasets generated from studies comparing VTE patients with healthy controls. Particularly, we assess the representation of entities of the JAK–STAT signaling pathway including STAT target genes among sets of miRNA, mRNA, and proteins differentially abundant in VTE patients, and we explore the putative cumulative genetic association of JAK–STAT signaling gene sets to VTE. Genes related to the JAK–STAT pathway were found significantly altered in VTE patients compared to healthy controls, indicating that genes under transcriptional control of STAT may be dysregulated in VTE. In support of this notion, we find a significant overrepresentation of predicted STAT target genes among genes downregulated in VTE patients, and promoter sequences of differentially regulated genes were significantly enriched with STAT transcription factor binding site motifs. Further linking STAT signaling to the molecular signature of VTE, genes targeted by miRNAs differentially regulated in patients are significantly enriched with STAT target genes and genes acting in the JAK–STAT signaling pathway. Together, our findings indicate that disruptions in the JAK–STAT pathway contribute to the molecular profile of VTE. This offers hope for identifying ways to interact with the JAK–STAT pathway that do not carry the risk of VTE.
A comprehensive investigation of PtNPs/PEI N-GQDs nanocomposite: DFT modeling, anticancer activity, and biosensing applications
Authors: Altinok Gunes Buket , Kirlangic Omer Faruk , Kilic Murat , Ketenoglu Didem , Aslan Aysenur , Yagmur Kabas Sultan , Kabas Afsar , Kaya Ismet , Sunguroglu Asuman , Ors Yildirim Nadide , Ozgurtas Taner , Kaya Sezginer Ecem , Boyacioglu Bahadir , Unver Huseyin , Yildiz Mustafa
Published: February 2025

This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a novel nanocomposite, PtNPs/PEI N-GQDs, utilizing FTIR, UV–Vis, SEM, TEM, XPS, and XRD techniques. The study investigates the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and antiangiogenic effects of the nanocomposite on OVCAR-3 cells, aiming to understand the interplay between nanomaterials and cancer. Additionally, the electrochemical properties of PtNPs/PEI N-GQDs-modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) are explored, emphasizing analyses of HOMO–LUMO energy levels and band gap energy. Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis results further support these findings by providing insights into the electronic structure and energetics of the nanocomposite. The nanocomposite exhibits promising electrochemical behavior, demonstrating high capacitance and sensitivity in glucose detection through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. Selectivity towards glucose among interfering bioanalytes is highlighted, showcasing potential applications in tumor monitoring and diagnosis. Furthermore, the nanocomposite displays significant toxicity against cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Antiangiogenic effects are also observed, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits. Overall, these findings underscore the multifunctional properties of the synthesized nanocomposite, offering insights into its potential for cancer therapy and biosensor applications for glucose detection in bodily fluids.

Graphical abstract
Synthesis and properties of carbon black (CB)-added polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/nickel foam (NF) flexible electrodes by electrospinning, and their supercapacitive performance
Authors: Arslan Çarpan M. , Tokgöz S. R. , Düzyer Gebizli S. , Peksöz A.
Published: February 2025

This research study presents the successful preparation of polyacrylonitrile/nickel foam (PAN/NF) and carbon black (CB)-added polyacrylonitrile/nickel foam (CB:PAN/NF) electrodes using an electrospinning method, along with a comprehensive discussion of their remarkable supercapacitive performances. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigations demonstrate a robust adhesion between polyacrylonitrile fibers and nickel foam, attributable to the application of an annealing process. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) studies validate the elemental composition of the electrodes. To further characterize the structural properties, additional analyses are conducted utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Structural characterizations indicate that both the incorporation of carbon black and the carbonization process yield beneficial contributions to the overall material properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) are employed to evaluate the thermal stability of the electrodes. Electrochemical investigations are performed using various techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott-Schottky (MS), all in a 1 M aqueous KOH solution. The addition of carbon black (CB) significantly improves the performance of the PAN/NF electrode, increasing the specific capacitance from 76.5 to 226.9 F g−1. This study also examines the reaction kinetics that characterize the energy storage mechanisms of the electrodes. The enhancement of the electroactive surface area in PAN/NF due to CB loading is also confirmed by EIS analysis. In the existing literature, many studies focus on the direct use of PAN and its derivatives as electrode materials. However, this study is the first to investigate the energy storage capabilities of PAN in combination with a current collector, specifically nickel foam (NF). The results of this study provide strong evidence for CB:PAN/NF as a promising electrode material in flexible supercapacitors.
Enhancement of Ag sintering reactions through high-density (111) orientation Ag nanotwins for the die bonding of SiC chips with DBC alumina substrates
Authors: Chen Yin-Hsuan , Chen Chun-Hao , Syafei Devi Indrawati , Chen Yen-Ting , Chang Che-Yuan , Chuang Tung-Han
Published: February 2025

Ag sintering has become a preferred die bonding method for power IC packages due to its exceptional thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. While it is widely recognized for its potential in high-power semiconductor applications, few research efforts have emerged that consider how the backside metallization films of the IC can enhance the sintering layer’s properties. This research focused on the enhancement of silver sintering for bonding of Cr/Ni/Ag and Cr/nanotwinned Ag-metallized film on silicon carbide (SiC) chips to direct bonded copper (DBC) substrates to investigate the beneficial effects of (111)-textured Ag nanotwinned films on the bonding strength increase and porosity reduction. Results reveal that the nanotwinned Ag films significantly reduce porosity and enhance bonding strength compared to conventional Cr/Ni/Ag films, under both pressurized and pressureless conditions. Implications for the improvements in reducing porosity and increasing bonding strength due to the nanotwin structure and further research are also discussed, opening new possibilities for advanced power electronic packaging technology.
A Modified AAA Algorithm for Learning Stable Reduced-Order Models from Data
Authors: Bradde Tommaso , Grivet-Talocia Stefano , Aumann Quirin , Gosea Ion Victor
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the Adaptive Antoulas-Anderson () algorithm has been applied extensively for generating Reduced Order Models (ROMs) of large scale Linear Time-Invariant systems starting from measurements of their transfer functions. When used for Model Order Reduction (MOR) of an asymptotically stable system, the ROMs generated applying are not guaranteed to preserve this fundamental property, thus rendering them impractical in many relevant applications. To overcome this issue, we propose a novel algebraic characterization for the stability of ROMs represented under the barycentric structure. We then translate such characterization into a set of convex semidefinite constraints that can be embedded into the optimization routine to explicitly maximize the model accuracy while ensuring its stability. Finally, we generalize the resulting modeling framework to allow for efficient stable MOR of Multi-Input-Multi-Output systems. An extensive set of numerical experiments provides practical evidence for the effectiveness of the proposed approach and compares its performance with those of available state-of-the-art methods.
Deep Errors-in-Variables using a diffusion model
Authors: Faller Josua , Martin Jörg , Elster Clemens
Published: February 2025

Errors-in-Variables is the statistical concept used to explicitly model input variable errors caused, for example, by noise. While it has long been known in statistics that not accounting for such errors can produce a substantial bias, the vast majority of deep learning models have thus far neglected Errors-in-Variables approaches. Reasons for this include a significant increase of the numerical burden and the challenge in assigning an appropriate prior in a Bayesian treatment. To date, the attempts made to use Errors-in-Variables for neural networks do not scale to deep networks or are too simplistic to enhance the prediction performance. This work shows for the first time how Bayesian deep Errors-in-Variables models can increase the prediction performance. We present a scalable variational inference scheme for Bayesian Errors-in-Variables and demonstrate a significant increase in prediction performance for the case of image classification. Concretely, we use a diffusion model as input posterior to obtain a distribution over the denoised image data. We also observe that training the diffusion model on an unnoisy surrogate dataset can suffice to achieve an improved prediction performance on noisy data.
The impact of access to legal services on divorce outcomes
Authors: Zaber Melanie A. , Coe Jessie , AlFakhri Marwa
Published: February 2025

A long literature has established that divorce is an important channel for married individuals to escape unhealthy circumstances. The complexity and high personal stakes of divorce may mean that true access to divorce hinges on access to legal services. Leveraging variation in access to legal services across geography and over time, we estimate the impact of this access on divorce in the United States. Using data from the Legal Services Corporation on legal service provision by geographic area and data from the American Community Survey on divorce and household income, we find that having access to legal services in a given year leads to an additional 2.5 to 3.5 divorces per 1000 income-eligible individuals, an approximately 7 to 9 percent increase in divorce. This magnitude is on par with historical work on the rollout of the first national legal services program. The identified effect is robust to several controls, is not driven purely by spatial variation in divorce rates, and is not sensitive to alternative specifications. These findings underscore the importance of access to legal services in civil contexts.
Learning from prior national and international collaborations and eco-innovation: the moderating role of alliance portfolio diversity
Authors: Bolívar-Ramos María Teresa , Leyva-de la Hiz Dante I.
Published: February 2025

Eco-innovations integrate complex and diverse knowledge sources. For this reason, firms engage in worldwide collaborations that promote learning from different partners that, in turn, promote environmental innovations. This study analyzes how the learning experience of previous collaborations at the national and international levels impacts the likelihood of eco-innovation development by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This work also examines whether such linkages between prior collaboration experience and eco-innovation are influenced by alliance portfolio diversity (APD), which can broaden the number of knowledge sources but also increase coordination costs. The results of longitudinal analysis, based on a dataset of Spanish SMEs, suggest that the learning acquired from prior domestic openness is more useful for enhancing eco-innovation activities. Moreover, the results confirm the negative moderating role of APD, as SMEs with greater prior experience in national and international openness are more likely to eco-innovate than those with less prior experience, but these relationships weaken with increased diversity in collaboration portfolios.
Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Mechanisms of Aqueous Polyethylene Glycols
Authors: Hofmann Stefan , Hou Jingyu , Lohner Thomas , Stahl Karsten
Published: February 2025

Water-soluble polyalkylene glycols have become a growing subject of research to achieve liquid superlubricity in elastohydrodynamically lubricated contacts. While the influence of various factors, including water content and viscosity, has been extensively studied, the underlying mechanisms responsible for liquid superlubricity under elastohydrodynamic lubrication remain poorly understood. In this study, aqueous polyethylene glycols of varying average chain length with the same viscosity but different water content or average chain length distribution are examined in relation to elastohydrodynamic friction and film thickness. The results indicate, that under fluid film lubrication, the low pressure–viscosity coefficient is the primary factor leading to liquid superlubricity. No running-in period is required, allowing for stable and persistent ultra-low friction level immediately. Additionally, at a constant water content, an optimum average chain length distribution was identified, resulting in reduced friction while the film thickness remained largely unaffected. This enables the targeted design of aqueous lubricants based on polyethylene glycol.

Graphical abstract
Influence of habitat structures on fish abundances and diversity: comparing mainstream and tributary communities in the urban uMsunduze Catchment, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Ngcobo Nolwazi B. , Burnett Matthew J. , Downs Colleen T.
Published: February 2025

Various factors drive the decline of freshwater vertebrate biodiversity. These include changing landscape and urbanisation, introduced invasive species, altered habitat, water quality deterioration, instream barriers, and climate change. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of different habitat features on the fish assemblages in an urban river using catch per unit effort (CPUE) as a proxy for fish assemblage per site and season. We sampled 17 main sites and 21 ad-hoc sites in the uMsunduze Catchment in Pietermaritzburg, uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, during 2022–2023. We collected data using an electro-shocker, fyke nets, and gill nets, and we also recorded and calculated habitat features such as substrate types, hydraulic biotopes, in-situ water quality, ecohydraulics, average depth, and velocity. We used Generalised Linear Models to determine the habitat features driving fish communities. We calculated the Shannon-Weiner and Pielou diversity indices to compare between rivers. We used the Fish Response Assessment Index (FRAI) tool to understand each site’s ecological integrity per season. Our results indicated that various features, including substrate (mud, sand, gravel), fast intermediate and fast deep ecohydraulics, electrical conductivity, habitat (glide, pool), and average velocity significantly impacted the CPUE of fish. There was no variation in diversity indices between tributaries, but there was a significant difference in fish diversity between the uMsunduze mainstream and its tributaries. The FRAI scores showed great deterioration in the system’s ecological health, and most sites, especially the mainstream sites, were critically or extremely modified. We suggest that the relevant authorities take action to mitigate the pressures compromising the uMsunduze Catchment’s ecological integrity. There is an urgent need for conservation measures for the two “near threatened” species, Enteromius gurneyi and Amphilius natalensis, the former now extirpated as per our study.
Beyond external theories: Muslims, ‘asabiyya, and the jihad of Ramadan
Authors: Carland Susan , Buckley Anisa
Published: February 2025

The sociology of religion has often missed the mark with Islam and Muslims, by forcing external frameworks that are not fit for purpose, by neglecting already-existing constitutive theories that more authentically explain the Muslim experience, and by devoting comparatively fewer studies to Islam and Muslims. This paper offers a small contribution to redress these issues, by examining the religious lives of everyday Melbourne Muslims in Ramadan, using theories first proposed by Ibn Khaldun. By extending Ibn Khaldun’s concept of ‘asabiyya (social binding), this paper explores for the first time the interdependent roles of hardship and Islam in generating a nourishing sense of community cohesion. The research was conducted through anonymous diaries kept over an extended period, providing unprecedented and novel insights into the lives of participants. The findings suggest that the physical and spiritual challenges of Ramadan, combined with the influence of “transnational” Islam, contribute to the formation of ‘asabiyya. Sociological instruments used to understand Muslims are too often external and not fit-for-purpose. This paper expands theories first proposed by Ibn Khaldun 600 years ago, particularly ‘asabiyya, and then applies them in new ways to better explain the modern Muslim experience in Ramadan.
A New Circular Honeycomb Made by Hemp/Epoxy Composite: Manufacturing and Mechanical Characterization
Authors: De Fazio Dario , Boccarusso Luca , Durante Massimo
Published: February 2025

Composite materials, renowned for their versatile design and impressive mechanical properties coupled with lightweight attributes, are garnering increasing attention across industrial sectors. Among various emerging challenges, the exploration of their potential application for sandwich structure cores made of natural fibers represents an enticing prospect for both industry and academic researches. In line with the current imperative to investigate the utilization of sustainable materials, this study proposes a novel circular honeycomb structure reinforced with hemp fibers manufactured using an ad-hoc continuous manufacturing process capable of impregnating the hemp fabric with the desired resin content and forming it in a circular cell pattern. Three core samples, varying in elementary cell sizes with densities ranging from 0.144 g/cm3 to 0.276 g/cm3, were produced. Out-of-plane compression and short beam shear tests were conducted on each sample family. The results were subsequently compared with those of a common foam utilized as a core in industrial applications. The compression and shear tests, along with the attained final density, revealed interesting specific properties, suggesting that this honeycomb structure reinforced with natural fibers, can be considered as a promising alternative to conventional core structures.
Cold Spraying of Mixed Metal Powders: A Modelling Framework for Predicting Deposition Efficiency and Coating Composition
Authors: Zhang Che , Molla Tesfaye , Brandl Christian , Watts Jarrod , McCully Rick , Tang Caixian , Schaffer Graham
Published: February 2025

Cold spraying (CS) of composite coatings produced from mixed metal powders can exhibit enhanced functional properties over coatings made from pure metals. However, controlling the deposition efficiency and the resulting microstructure during CS is challenging due to interactions between different materials. In this study, we developed a modelling framework to predict the deposition efficiency (DE) of mixed metal powders and the resultant coating composition. This is achieved by predicting the critical and impact velocities as a function of particle size, which allows determination of the DEs of both matched (A/A or B/B) and mismatched (A/B or B/A) particle/substrate combinations. These DEs are then used to determine the overall DE of the composite coating and its composition by using a layer-wise deposition model. The modelling framework is validated by performing several CS experiments using Cu and Al particles together with SEM image analyses of the coating microstructures. We find that in-flight interaction of particles of different masses has a significant effect on the impact velocity and hence DE of composite coatings. By effectively predicting DE and coating composition, the proposed model serves as a valuable tool for optimizing cold spray parameters, reducing trial-and-error costs and time, and accelerating the development of novel composite coatings with enhanced properties.