bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing Features of Childhood Renal Dysplasia
Authors: Mekik Ece , Özçakar Zeynep Birsin , Cakar Nilgun , Coşkun Burcu Biral , Doğanay Beyza , Yalcinkaya Fatos
Published: September 2024

Background Renal dysplasia (RD) is a major cause of chronic kidney disease
(CKD) in childhood. Herein, we present a single-center experience about
distinctive features of different subtypes of dysplasia.

Methods All children with RD admitted between January 2018 and June 2019
were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients were classified as having
unilateral RD, bilateral RD, posterior urethral valves (PUV), and
multicystic-dysplastic kidneys (MCDK).

Results A total of 198 patients (108 unilateral RD, 31 bilateral RD, 16
PUV, and 43 MCDK) with a follow-up period of 80 (1.5–240) months were included.
The overall consanguinity rate was 22%, whereas it was 56% in bilateral RD
patients. Two-thirds had additional urogenital anomalies. Hypertension was
detected in 16% of the patients, and 20% had median proteinuria of 16 (5.2–173)
mg/m2/h, which was significantly higher in the PUV and bilateral
RD groups. The overall rate of CKD was 23%, which was more frequent in bilateral
RD and PUV groups. The median age at end-stage renal disease was 91.5 (0.5–208)
months, including 12 renal transplant patients.

Conclusions As different subtypes of RD have distinct clinical and
prognostic features, the follow-up of RD patients should be individualized, and
modifiable complications such as proteinuria and HT should be monitored
closely.
A Prospective Study on Different Doses of Gammaglobulin Plus Aspirin
in the Pediatric Kawasaki Disease and the Impacts on CRP and WBC Levels
Authors: Su Xiufang , Wang Pingping , Li Biao
Published: September 2024

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of different doses of gammaglobulin
combined with aspirin in treating pediatric Kawasaki disease and its impact on
C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) levels.

Methods A prospective study was conducted with 150 children (3groups)
diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Group A received a higher dose of intravenous
gammaglobulin (2.5 g/kg) combined with aspirin, Group B received a standard dose
of intravenous gammaglobulin (2 g/kg) combined with aspirin, and Group C
received a lower dose of intravenous gammaglobulin (1 g/kg) combined with
aspirin. All groups received oral aspirin therapy (30 mg/kg/day) for a standard
duration. The time to symptom improvement, treatment efficacy, laboratory
parameters, and adverse reactions were monitored and analyzed.

Results Group B showed a shorter time to symptom relief compared to Groups
A and C, particularly in fever reduction, mucosal congestion, cervical lymph
node enlargement, and limb symptoms. The total effective rate was higher in
Group B compared to Groups A and C. Group B showed improvements in WBC, CRP,
ESR, and PLT levels.

Conclusion Standard-dose intravenous gammaglobulin combined with aspirin
was more effective in treating pediatric Kawasaki disease compared to higher and
lower doses. The treatment regimen in Group B resulted in shorter time to
symptom relief, higher total effective rate, improved biochemical markers.
Incidence of adverse reactions was similar among the three groups, demonstrating
the safety of standard dosage.
Evidenzbasierte Praxis lernen – Multiperspektivische
Kompetenzentwicklung am Beispiel der generalisierten
Angststörung
Authors: Flückiger Christoph , Munder Thomas , Schürmann-Vengels Jan
Published: September 2024

Im Rahmen der evidenzbasierten Praxis der American Psychological Association
(APA, 2006) werden psychotherapeutische Kernkompetenzen zumeist
transdiagnostisch und transtheoretisch formuliert, schließen die systematische
Berücksichtigung von symptomspezifischen Aspekten jedoch nicht aus. In diesem
Artikel wird anhand eines exemplarischen Fallbeispiels einer Person, die an
einer generalisierten Angststörung leidet, aufgezeigt, wie Kernkompetenzen der
evidenzbasierte Praxis angewandt werden können. Die Teilaspekte der
Kompetenzentwicklung beziehen sich auf (1) Abklärung und Psychodiagnostik, (2)
gemeinsame Erarbeitung eines Erklärungsmodells, (3) Einbezug symptomspezifischer
Modelle, (4) breite Mitberücksichtigung stringenter Interventionen, (5)
Anwendung verschiedener Behandlungsmodalitäten, sowie (6)
patient:innenfokussierte Behandlungsdurchführung. Der Beitrag schließt mit einer
Auflistung von Studienbeispielen wie psychotherapeutische Kompetenzentwicklung
im Rahmen des evidenzbasierten Praxis Modells erforscht werden kann.
The Application of Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane as a Bioisostere of the Phenyl Ring in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Authors: Fang Zhuohan , Xu Qian , Lu Xuehe , Yang Wu-Lin , Wan Nianfeng
Published: September 2024

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) is a bridging ring skeleton with three-dimensional structure. BCP is a bioisostere of the phenyl ring, tert-butyl group, and alkynes; it has excellent physical and chemical properties compared with phenyl ring, so it has been widely considered by the pharmaceutical chemistry. This short review examines related reports of BCP as a bioisostere of the phenyl ring, and the changes in physicochemical properties and biological activity after substitution. The solubility, clogP, and metabolic toxicity of the drug are improved by BCP bioisosteres, but the biological activity of BCP is lower than the phenyl ring. The application of BCP in drug research and development will be further expanded to provide more possibilities for future drug innovation and development.

1 Introduction

2 Replacement of Phenyl Rings by BCP

3 Conclusion
Quantifying coherence with principal diagonal elements of density matrix
Authors: Hazra Manis , Goswami Debabrata
Published: September 2024

Being the key resource in quantum physics, the proper quantification of coherence is of utmost importance. Amid complex-looking functionals in quantifying coherence, we set forth a simple and easy-to-evaluate approach: principal diagonal difference of coherence (CPDD), which we prove to be non-negative, self-normalized, and monotonic (under any incoherent operation). In an attempt to extend CPDD in the domain of mixed states, we propose a simple, generic expression (applicable to other pure state coherence measures as well). To validate this theory, we consider a fictitious two-qubit system (both interacting and non-interacting) and, through the laser pulse–system interaction (semi-classical approach), compare the coherence evolution of CPDD with the relative entropy of coherence (Cr⋅e) and the l1-norm of coherence (Cl1), in both pure- and mixed-state regimes. The results from both the numerical and analytical (for a two-level system) studies clearly demonstrate a better sensitivity of CPDD in the close proximity of the maximally coherent states (MCS) than Cr⋅e or Cl1. To the best of our knowledge, CPDD is the only quantifier (among all existing coherence quantifiers) that is a linear function of density-matrix elements.
First-principles investigations of the energetics of He-defect cluster in FCC nickel
Authors: Huang Gui-Yang , Zhou Yanyao , Li Yongchun , Hu Xunxiang
Published: September 2024

We have done comprehensive first-principles calculations of He-vacancy-interstitial clusters in FCC nickel. The calculated total binding energy of Vn (Ni vacancy cluster), In (Ni interstitial cluster), Hen (helium interstitial cluster), HenV (helium interstitials in one vacancy), and HenV2 (helium interstitials in one divacancy) cluster is reported. The total binding energy of a two Ni interstitial cluster is relatively large (1.07 eV), and the binding energy between a monovacancy and a vacancy cluster containing <20 vacancies is relatively small (<0.8 eV). The dissociation/emission energy barrier of a Ni interstitial from a He3 interstitial cluster (three helium interstitial clusters) and a He8V cluster (eight helium interstitials in one vacancy) is ≤1.06 and ≤1.32 eV, respectively. The diffusion activation energy of helium is 1.36 eV via a dissociative mechanism. Comparisons with reported experimental results of helium diffusion and helium desorption have been done to verify the calculation results. The relative stability of stacking fault tetrahedron and void has been investigated further based on quasi-harmonic phonon calculations directly to consider the temperature effects. The reported binding energy results can be used to build molecular simulation potentials or provide input parameters for the cluster dynamics or lattice Monte Carlo simulations of helium-defect cluster evolution.
Growth of VO2-ZnS thin film cavity for adaptive thermal emission
Authors: Yu Raymond , Shrewsbury Bo K. , Wu Claire , Kumarasubramanian Harish , Surendran Mythili , Ravichandran Jayakanth , Povinelli Michelle L.
Published: September 2024

Low-weight, passive, thermal-adaptive radiation technologies are needed to maintain an operable temperature for spacecraft while they experience various energy fluxes. In this study, we used a thin film coating with the Fabry–Pérot (FP) effect to enhance emissivity contrast (Δε) between VO2 phase-change states. This coating utilizes a hybrid material architecture that combines VO2 with a mid- and long-wave infrared transparent chalcogenide, zinc sulfide (ZnS), as a cavity spacer layer. We simulated the design parameter space to obtain a theoretical maximum Δε of 0.63 and grew prototype devices. Using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we determined that an intermediate buffer layer of TiO2 is necessary to execute the crystalline growth of monoclinic VO2 on ZnS. Through temperature-dependent FTIR measurements, our fabricated devices demonstrated FP-cavity enhanced adaptive thermal emittance.
Numerical investigation on thrust gain mechanism of helium injected solid–gas hybrid rocket motor
Authors: Li Chengke , Wang Ge , Wang Hao , Zhang Weijie , Guan Ben , Yang Haiwei , Yang Zenan
Published: September 2024

The specific impulse of solid rocket motors is much lower than that of liquid rocket motors due to limitations in solid propellant formulations. Inspired by the nuclear thermal rockets, the concept of helium injected solid–gas hybrid rocket motors (SGHRMs) is innovatively proposed and its thrust performance is numerically investigated in the present study. The injected helium is regarded as a working medium with strong expansion capacity, and the high-temperature combustion gas of the solid propellant is used as a heat source to heat the helium. Then, the mixed gas including the combustion gas and helium flows through the nozzle producing high boost thrust. Results show that the maximum specific impulse gain is up to 4.92%, and by adjusting the helium injection ratio from 0 to 2:1, the thrust regulation range of 100%–303% is achieved. When the helium is injected from the motor head, mixed gas with various helium fraction exhibits stratified flow characteristics. Hence, the mechanism of specific impulse gain can be elucidated by one-dimensional internal ballistics analysis. That is, mixed gas with a low helium mass fraction can significantly stimulate velocity gain with a slight reduction in total temperature, thereby increasing the specific impulse. However, mixed gas with a high helium mass fraction significantly reduces the total temperature, leading to a decreased expansion ability and a corresponding drop in the specific impulse. Finally, competition between mixed gases with various helium fractions determines the specific impulse gain level of SGHRMs.
Humans flexibly integrate social information despite interindividual differences in reward
Authors: Witt Alexandra , Toyokawa Wataru , Lala Kevin N. , Gaissmaier Wolfgang , Wu Charley M.
Published: September 2024

There has been much progress in understanding human social learning, including recent studies integrating social information into the reinforcement learning framework. Yet previous studies often assume identical payoffs between observer and demonstrator, overlooking the diversity of social information in real-world interactions. We address this gap by introducing a socially correlated bandit task that accommodates payoff differences among participants, allowing for the study of social learning under more realistic conditions. Our Social Generalization (SG) model, tested through evolutionary simulations and two online experiments, outperforms existing models by incorporating social information into the generalization process, but treating it as noisier than individual observations. Our findings suggest that human social learning is more flexible than previously believed, with the SG model indicating a potential resource-rational trade-off where social learning partially replaces individual exploration. This research highlights the flexibility of humans’ social learning, allowing us to integrate social information from others with different preferences, skills, or goals.
A pore locus in the E1 domain differentially regulates Cx26 and Cx30 hemichannel function
Authors: Sanchez Helmuth A. , Kraujaliene Lina , Verselis Vytas K.
Published: September 2024

Connexins (Cxs) function as gap junction (GJ) channels and hemichannels that mediate intercellular and transmembrane signaling, respectively. Here, we investigated the proximal segment of the first extracellular loop, E1, of two closely related Cxs, Cx26 and Cx30, that share widespread expression in the cochlea. Computational studies of Cx26 proposed that this segment of E1 contains a parahelix and functions in gating. The sequence of the parahelix is identical between Cx26 and Cx30 except for an Ala/Glu difference at position 49. We show through cysteine-scanning and mutational analyses that position 49 is pore-lining and interacts with the adjacent Asp50 residue to impact hemichannel functionality. When both positions 49 and 50 are charged, as occurs naturally in Cx30, the hemichannel function is dampened. Co-expression of Cx30 with Cx26(D50N), the most common mutation associated with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome, results in robust hemichannel currents indicating that position 49–50 interactions are relevant in heteromerically assembled hemichannels. Cysteine substitution at position 49 in either Cx26 or Cx30 results in tonic inhibition of hemichannels, both through disulfide formation and high-affinity metal coordination, suggestive of a flexible region of the pore that can narrow substantially. These effects are absent in GJ channels, which exhibit wild-type functionality. Examination of postnatal cochlear explants suggests that Cx30 expression is associated with reduced propagation of Ca2+ waves. Overall, these data identify a pore locus in E1 of Cx26 and Cx30 that impacts hemichannel functionality and provide new considerations for understanding the roles of these connexins in cochlear function.
Calcium has a direct effect on thick filament activation in porcine myocardium
Authors: Mohran Saffie , McMillen Timothy S. , Mandrycky Christian , Tu An-Yue , Kooiker Kristina B. , Qian Wenjing , Neys Stephanie , Osegueda Brayan , Moussavi-Harami Farid , Irving Thomas C. , Regnier Michael , Ma Weikang
Published: September 2024

Sarcomere activation in striated muscle requires both thin filament–based and thick filament–based activation mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that myosin heads on the thick filaments undergo OFF to ON structural transitions in response to calcium (Ca2+) in permeabilized porcine myocardium in the presence of a small molecule inhibitor that eliminated active force. The changes in X-ray diffraction signatures of OFF to ON transitions were interpreted as Ca2+ acting to activate the thick filaments. Alternatively, Ca2+ binding to troponin could initiate a Ca2+-dependent crosstalk from the thin filament to the thick filament via interfilament connections such as the myosin binding protein-C. Here, we exchanged native troponin in permeabilized porcine myocardium for troponin containing the cTnC D65A mutation, which disallows the activation of troponin through Ca2+ binding to determine if Ca2+-dependent thick filament activation persists in the absence of thin filament activation. After the exchange protocol, over 95% of the Ca2+-activated force was eliminated. Equatorial intensity ratio increased significantly in both WT and D65A exchanged myocardium with increasing Ca2+ concentration. The degree of helical ordering of the myosin heads decreased by the same amount in WT and D65A myocardium when Ca2+ concentration increased. These results are consistent with a direct effect of Ca2+ in activating the thick filament rather than an indirect effect due to Ca2+-mediated crosstalk between the thick and thin filaments.
Precise Determination of the Bottom-Quark On-Shell Mass Using Its Four-Loop Relation to the

MS

¯

-Scheme Running Mass
Authors: Ma 麻 Shun-Yue 顺跃 , Huang 黄 Xu-Dong 旭东 , Zheng 郑 Xu-Chang 绪昌 , Wu 吴 Xing-Gang 兴刚
Published: September 2024

We explore the properties of the bottom-quark on-shell mass (Mb
) by using its relation to the

MS

¯

mass (

m
¯

b

). At present, this

MS

¯

-on-shell relation has been known up to four-loop QCD corrections, which however still has a ∼ 2% scale uncertainty by taking the renormalization scale as

m
¯

b

(

m
¯

b

)

and varying it within the usual range of

[

m
¯

b

(

m
¯

b

)
/
2
,
2

m
¯

b

(

m
¯

b

)
]

. The principle of maximum conformality (PMC) is adopted to achieve a more precise

MS

¯

-on-shell relation by eliminating such scale uncertainty. As a step forward, we also estimate the magnitude of the uncalculated higher-order terms by using the Padé approximation approach. Numerically, by using the

MS

¯

mass

m
¯

b

(

m
¯

b

)
=
4.183
±
0.007

GeV as an input, our predicted value for the bottom-quark on-shell mass becomes

M
b

≃

5.372

−
0.075

+
0.091

GeV, where the uncertainty is the squared average of the ones caused by Δαs
(MZ
),

Δ

m
¯

b

(

m
¯

b

)

, and the estimated magnitude of the higher-order terms.
Characterization study of deep-level defect spatial distribution, emission mechanisms, and structural identification
Authors: Wang Zilan , Yang Jiapeng , Li Haoyang
Published: September 2024

The characterization of defects in semiconductor materials and devices is crucial for enhancing the performance and reliability of semiconductor products. This tutorial review focuses on deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) as the primary analytical tool, thoroughly discussing its distinct advantages in deep-level defect characterization. However, it is unable to reveal the concentration-depth distribution of deep-level defects, neglects the dependency of carrier emission rates on the electric field, and fails to accurately identify defect structures. To overcome these limitations, three enhanced DLTS techniques have been developed to extend the capabilities of DLTS. These enhancements include the utilization of graded filling pulse technology to accurately map defect distributions at various depths within devices, facilitating individual defect characterization across different layers of multilayered structures; the application of varying electric field strengths to samples to delve into the intricate physical mechanisms of defects during carrier emission processes; and the adjustment of the duration of electric pulse injection to monitor signal growth trends, deducing the microstructure of defects. The paper integrates research findings from a wide array of field experts, meticulously outlines a description of how to obtain the depth distribution of defect concentration in devices, furnishes quantitative criteria for both the Poole–Frenkel effect and phonon-assisted tunneling mechanisms of carrier emission, and provides specific examples for distinguishing between interface states/bulk defects and point defects/extended defects. This enhances both the theoretical and practical knowledge in this field. The advanced DLTS techniques outlined provide crucial guidance for defect characterization and performance optimization in semiconductor devices with new structures and materials.
Mirror-coupled plasmonic nanostructures for enhanced in-plane magnetic dipole emission
Authors: Yao Ruizhao , Lan Sheng , Li Guang-Can
Published: September 2024

Self-assembling of plasmonic nanoparticles into an oligomer can produce optical nanoantennas with resonant magnetic responses, which constitutes a promising platform to study magnetic light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. However, these self-assembled magnetic nanostructures typically feature a flat-lying geometric configuration, giving rise to out-of-plane magnetic dipole (MD) moments that cannot couple to the far-field light efficiently. Herein, we propose a new geometric configuration of plasmonic nanoantennas to realize in-plane MD responses. This is achieved by elegantly coupling a plasmonic nanoparticle oligomer to one or more adjacent metal mirrors, virtually forming a vertically standing nanoparticle tetramer or trimer, yet with in-plane MD moments. We verified this design strategy by numerically simulating the resonance responses of three typical mirror-coupled nanostructures, all exhibiting pronounced resonant MD characters. Furthermore, optical magnetic emitters can be readily coupled to these plasmonic nanoantennas and gain an emission enhancement of two orders of magnitude while simultaneously featuring a high emission directionality (collection efficiency up to

∼
70
%

evaluated with common microscopy optics). We believe these mirror-enabled magnetic nanoantennas could lead to novel nanophotonic devices fully exploiting the magnetic nature of light.
Emergence of topological phase and non-trivial surface states in rare-earth semimetal GdSb with pressure
Authors: Nidhi  , Kumar Ramesh , Bibiyan Ramesh K , Singh Mukhtiyar
Published: September 2024

We study the evolution of band topology under external pressure in rare-earth gadolinium mono-antimonide (GdSb) using first-principles calculations. This material crystallizes in a rocksalt-type structure and shows a structural phase transition (SPT) to a CsCl-type structure at 26.1 GPa. The phonon dispersions are analyzed to ascertain the dynamical stability of this material. We use hybrid density functional theory with the inclusion of spin–orbit coupling to investigate the structural, electronic, and topological phase transitions (TPTs). At ambient pressure, GdSb shows a topologically trivial state which is in agreement with existing experimental reports. The first TPT is observed at 6 GPa of hydrostatic pressure (at the high symmetry X-point) which is verified with the help of single-band inversion and surface state analysis along the (001) plane. The non-zero value of the first Z2 topological invariant and the presence of the Dirac cone also confirm the topological phase of this material. A further increase in pressure to 12 GPa results in two band inversions at Γ- as well as X-points, which corresponds to the trivial nature of GdSb. The same is also verified with (0; 000) values of Z2 topological invariants and a pair of Dirac cones in surface states. It is noted that the crystal symmetries are preserved throughout the study and the TPT values are much lower than the SPT pressure, i.e. 26.1 GPa.
Utilizing frustration in Gd- and Yb-based oxides for milli-Kelvin adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration
Authors: Treu Tim , Klinger Marvin , Oefele Noah , Telang Prachi , Jesche Anton , Gegenwart Philipp
Published: September 2024

The manifold of energetically degenerate configurations arising from competing interactions in frustrated magnets gives rise to an enhanced entropy at lowest temperatures, which can be utilized for adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration (ADR). We review structural and magnetic properties of various Yb- and Gd-based oxides featuring frustration related to different triangular moment configurations and (in some cases) structural randomness. In comparison to paramagnetic hydrated salts, which have traditionally been employed for mK-ADR, these novel ADR materials enable cooling to temperatures several times lower than the magnetic interaction strength, significantly enhancing the entropy density and cooling power at a given target temperature. A further advantage is their chemical stability, allowing for a much simpler ADR pill design and ultra-high vacuum applications. For the temperature range between 0.03 and 2 K, a systematic comparison of the field-induced entropy density change is provided, that illustrates the advantages of frustrated magnets for low-temperature ADR.
Pixel-wise phase map fusion technique for high dynamic range 3D shape measurement
Authors: Chen Yifei , Kang Jiehu , Feng Luyuan , Yuan Leiwen , Wu Bin
Published: September 2024

Digital fringe projection technologies have been extensively applied in 3D shape measurements. However, it is still limited to achieve accurate 3D reconstruction of high reflective surfaces. To circumvent this problem, we propose a complete framework to realize pixel-by-pixel phase post-compensation of overexposed points, including the construction of hardware system and the guidelines of algorithm design. First, a virtual binocular vision system is established. Second, based on the fundamentals of projective and spatial transformation, three robust algorithms with low computational complexity are devised to generate a fused phase map that overcomes the information loss due to overexposure. Furthermore, experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. Qualitative experiment results show that the presented technique achieve a similar surface coverage compared with the other two mainstream methods, but is superior to them in terms of measurement efficiency (13 images vs. 145 images, 13 images vs. 32 images). Quantitative experimentation further verifies the feasibility of our method in precise 3D measurement, with sphere diameter errors of 0.0367 mm and 0.0361 mm, spherical centroid distance error of 0.0269 mm, and plane distance error of 0.0186 mm.
A dual-chambered microbial fuel cell with manganese dioxide nano-structured cathode for wastewater treatment
Authors: Velayudhan Jayanthi , Subramanian Sangeetha
Published: September 2024

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can generate electricity by breaking down organic molecules through sustainable bio-electrochemical processes and wastewater as an energy source. A novel approach to remediate wastewater containing selenite was studied utilizing a selenite-reducing mixed bacterial culture with a nano manganese oxide modified cathode in the MFCs. The modification enhanced electrochemical catalytic activity, extracellular electron transfer rate, chemical oxygen demand (COD) elimination efficiency, and coulombic efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-rays analysis were used to examine a manganese dioxide-coated graphite cathode’s surface morphology and chemical composition. The manganese dioxide-coated electrode generated up to 69% higher voltage with 150 ppm selenite concentration than the uncoated graphite electrode. The MFC removed up to 80% of the initial COD of 120 mg l−1 and achieved a maximum power density of 1.51 W m−2. The study demonstrates that MFCs can effectively treat selenite-containing wastewater, and modifying the cathode can enhance energy production.
Practical approach to extending baselines of telescopes using continuous-variable quantum information
Authors: Purvis Bran , Lafler Randy , Nicholas Lanning R
Published: September 2024

Interferometric telescopes are instrumental for the imaging of distant astronomical bodies, but optical loss heavily restricts how far telescopes in an array can be placed from one another, leading to a bottleneck in the resolution that can be achieved. An entanglement-assisted approach to this problem has been proposed by (Gottesman et al 2011 Phys. Rev. Lett.
109 070503), as a possible solution to the issue of optical loss if the entangled state can be distributed across long distances by employing a quantum repeater network. In this paper, we propose an alternative entanglement-assisted scheme that interferes a two-mode squeezed vacuum state with the astronomical state and then measures the resulting state by means of homodyne detection. We use a continuous-variable approach and compute the Fisher information with respect to the mutual coherence of the astronomical source. We show that when the Fisher information is observed cumulatively at the rate at which successful measurements can be performed, our proposed scheme does not outperform the traditional direct detection approach or the entanglement-assisted approach of GJC12.
Nanoscale grating-based perovskite solar cell with improved efficiency
Authors: Salem Ahmed Fathi , El-Bashar R , El-Rabaie Sanaa M , Abdelhamid Hamdy , Hameed Mohamed Farhat O , Obayya S S A
Published: September 2024

MAPbI3 perovskite-based solar cell (PSC) has attracted much attention due to its high absorption rate. The top flat electrode degrades the behavior of PSC due to limiting the light reached to the absorber layer, which reduces the efficiency. In this study, the influence of texturing the top FTO electrode surface with a triangular saw-tooth grating on both the optical and electrical performance is reported. The interference effects are also considered in this work by modeling the PSC structure as a Fabry–Perot resonator. In this regard, the finite difference time domain method is utilized to precisely simulate the optical characteristics of the nano-structural design. Also, the optical behavior of PSC is studied at different triangular grating (TG) structures and dimensions at which the light absorption is maximized. Furthermore, the effect of absorber thickness and defect density on the optoelectronic performance is investigated. We configured the conversion efficiency (η) of the proposed PSC structure by using the bulk and Langevin recombination mechanisms. The proposed grating structure enhances the light coupling, and hence the light absorption and the generated current density are increased. For absorber thickness of 350 nm, we reported a maximum conversion efficiency (η) of 19.5% for the proposed triangular grating (TG) structure with an enhancement of 19.6% compared to the structure with a flat FTO layer. As the defect density is increased from 1012 cm−3 to 1018 cm−3, the efficiency of the optimum TG PSC is reduced from 19.5% to 10.1%, respectively. The simulation results, therefore, contribute to the understanding of the PSC-based MAPbI3 design and can be used to improve its physical behavior.
Simultaneous enhancement of tritium burn efficiency and fusion power with low-tritium spin-polarized fuel
Authors: Parisi J.F. , Diallo A. , Schwartz J.A.
Published: September 2024

This study demonstrates that using spin-polarized deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel with more deuterium than tritium can increase tritium burn efficiency (TBE) by at least an order of magnitude without compromising fusion power output, compared to unpolarized fuel. Although previous studies show that a low tritium fraction can enhance TBE, this strategy resulted in reduced fusion power density. The surprising improvement in TBE at fixed power reported here is due to the TBE increasing nonlinearly with decreasing tritium fraction but the fusion power density increasing roughly linearly with D-T cross section. A study is performed for an ARC-like tokamak producing 481 MW of fusion power with unpolarized 53:47 D-T fuel, finding the minimum startup tritium inventory (

I

startup
,
min

) is 0.69 kg. By spin-polarizing half of the fuel and using a 60:40 D-T mix,

I

startup
,
min

is reduced to 0.08 kg, and fully spin-polarizing the fuel with a 63:37 D-T mix further reduces

I

startup
,
min

to 0.03 kg. Some ARC-like scenarios are predicted to achieve plasma ignition with relatively modest spin polarization. These findings indicate that, with advancements in helium divertor pumping efficiency, TBE values of approximately 10%–40% could be achieved using low-tritium-fraction and spin-polarized fuel with minimal power loss. This would dramatically lower tritium startup inventory requirements and reduce the amount of on-site tritium. More generally than just for spin-polarized fuels, increased plasma performance can be used to increase TBE. This strongly motivates the development of spin-polarized fuels and low-tritium-fraction operation for burning plasmas.
Assemblable 3D biomimetic microenvironment for hMSC osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Martins Luis A , García-Parra Nadia , Ródenas-Rochina Joaquín , Cordón Lourdes , Sempere Amparo , Ribeiro Clarisse , Lanceros-Méndez Senentxu , Gómez-Ribelles José Luis
Published: September 2024

Adequate simulation mimicking a tissue’s native environment is one of the elemental premises in tissue engineering. Although various attempts have been made to induce human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) into an osteogenic pathway, they are still far from widespread clinical application. Most strategies focus primarily on providing a specific type of cue, inadequately replicating the complexity of the bone microenvironment. An alternative multifunctional platform for hMSC osteogenic differentiation has been produced. It is based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and cobalt ferrites magnetoelectric microspheres, functionalized with collagen and gelatin, and packed in a 3D arrangement. This platform is capable of performing mechanical stimulation of piezoelectric PVDF, mimicking the bones electromechanical biophysical cues. Surface functionalization with extracellular matrix biomolecules and osteogenic medium complete this all-round approach. hMSC were cultured in osteogenic inducing conditions and tested for proliferation, surface biomarkers, and gene expression to evaluate their osteogenic commitment.
Effects of different palm oil mill sludge cake rates on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Authors: George N B J , Merali M M , Sahmat S S , Yusop Z , Abd Aziz A S , Kamil M Z
Published: September 2024

Okra, also known as ladies’ fingers or Bendi in Malaysia is a valuable vegetable grown with high demand and significant economic value. However, traditional cultivation methods heavily reliant on chemical fertilizers pose sustainability and environmental challenges. Therefore, this study explores the potential of using organic waste as a soil amendment to enhance okra growth and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. This study aims to determine the growth and yield of okra in soil amended with different rates of palm oil mill sludge cake (POMSC). Okra aged 14 days was used as planting material. The okra seedlings were planted under the rain shelter into polyethylene bags filled with topsoil and palm oil mill sludge cake (POMSC) at different rates as treatment. The palm oil mill sludge cake (POMSC) was applied at the following rate: 0 (treated as control), 2%, 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/w). The plant trials were laid in a completely randomized design (CRD) with six replications. Manual weeding was regularly conducted to mitigate nutrient competition among the plants. In addition, watering was carried out accordingly to maintain an adequate moisture level in the growth medium. Pesticides were applied when necessary. The parameters assessed were plant height, stem diameter, plant canopy, number of leaves, number of pods, and pod weight. The results showed that the optimum rate of POMSC that provides okra better growth performance was at 10% of palm oil mill sludge cake (POMSC). Therefore, it shows that palm oil mill sludge cake (POMCS) can be utilize effectively to enhance soil quality and makes it suitable for incorporation into planting medium for vegetable cultivation.
Effects of food waste compost on the growth and plant metabolites production in Amaranthus tricolor L. (Chinese spinach)
Authors: Mohd Sanizam M M S , Rusli L S
Published: September 2024

Organic amendments are important for soil health and sustainable agriculture. Food waste compost provides essential nutrients and reduces environmental impact. This study measured the growth of Amaranthus tricolor L. using food waste compost and analysed the presence of plant metabolites in A. tricolor L. The effects of different treatments including food waste compost to the growth of A.tricolor L. was observed. A study was conducted using three (3) different treatment groups, including control plants (T1), plants amended with food waste compost with the ratio 1:1 (T2) while plants mixed with food waste compost with the ratio 1 : 0.5 (T3). T2 treatment was significantly influenced by the presence of chlorophyll a (Ca), chlorophyll b (Cb), carotenoid content and total chlorophyll content (Ca + Cb) in A.tricolor L.. The analysis revealed A.tricolor L. amended with food waste compost with the ratio 1:1 (T2) recorded the highest total chlorophyll content (412.684 ± 2.069 μg g−1 DW) followed by T3 and T1. A very similar trend was observed in total anthocyanin content (leaves; 2.877 ± 2.174 mg/g DW and root extract; 18.006 ± 2.713 mg/g DW), total flavonoid content (stem extract; 710.078 ± 1.260 mg QE/g DE and root extract; 254.390 ± 2.277 mg QE/g DE) and total phenolic content (stem extract; 1782.556 ± 38.443 mg GAE/g DE and root extract; 460.375 ± 95.002 mg GAE/g DE). This study proves food waste compost enhances the growth of the plants thus aiding the production of secondary metabolites of A.tricolor L.
Screening actinomycetes as biological control agents against the Dickeya zeae, causal agent of bacterial heart rot of pineapple
Authors: Hussin M H , Asmadi M A , Ab Wahab M Z , Sapak Z , Noor N M
Published: September 2024

Bacteria heart rot is one of the devastating bacteria diseases in the pineapple crop. Actinomycetes, a group of bacteria that are renowned for their diverse bioactive compounds and antagonistic properties, have emerged as promising candidates for biological control agents against bacterial heart rot of pineapple. This study is to screen the potential of actinomycetes isolated from few locations in UiTM Jasin Campus through random sampling, to inhibit the growth and development of bacteria causing heart rot in pineapple crop. The research activities involve the isolation, identification, and characterization of actinomycetes strains, assessing their antagonistic activities against the bacterial pathogens associated with heart rot disease. Results from the study showed that certain actinomycetes strains have the capability to inhibit the growth of bacteria pathogen via the bioassay test. Out of five isolates, AC 4 isolate produced the highest inhibition zone. All the isolates have the characteristics that fit actinomycetes. Among the key features of actinomycetes are diverse colony colours (white, cream, yellow, red, black) and textures (powdery, velvety, leathery) and gram-positive. Molecular identification revealed that AC4 isolate belongs to genus Streptomyces. Actinomycetes offer a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to managing bacterial heart rot in pineapple cultivation through biological control. These findings contribute valuable insights for the development of practical strategies for integrated disease management in pineapple crops and provide a foundation for further exploration of actinomycetes-based biocontrol in agriculture.
Factors affecting parental awareness of the nutritional intake to their children’s growth
Authors: Abu Bakar T H S T , Ibrahim S Z , Zakaria S , Nor M M , Zain N M , Azmin S N H Mohammad , Liew J Y , Abdullah F A , Rosli F
Published: September 2024

Nowadays, several reports from international bodies on nutritional requirements are alarming. Based on a report by the World Health Organization found that 17.7 percent of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years old in Malaysia have stunted growth. Besides, many parents are not aware of nutrition intake in providing food to their children. Therefore, this study aims to determine parental awareness of the nutritional intake to their children’s growth. The independent variables in this study are knowledge, attitude, practices, perceived behavior control, and subjective norm while the dependent variable is parent awareness of the nutrient intake of their children. Quantitative research forms were used, and questionnaires were adapted based on the KAP Model and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Non-probability sampling was used using purposive sampling involving 150 parents who have children under five years old. SPSS version 21.0 was used to analyze the data using descriptive and spearman correlation analysis. Based on the results of this study found that all the variable has a high mean score. Moreover, research findings also showed that there was a significant relationship between attitudes, practices, and subjective norms with parental awareness of nutrient intake in children. Nevertheless, the relationship between knowledge and perceived behavioural control with parental awareness of nutrient intake demonstrates a negligible correlation. Hopefully, this study will raise the awareness of parents about the importance of providing a balanced and healthy diet for their children’s growth.
Walking by design: how to build artificial molecular motors made of proteins
Authors: Nilsson Patrik F , Zink Anna , Laprévote Olivier M C , Korosec Chapin S , Gustafsson Nils , Robertson Neil O , Forde Nancy R , Eichhorn Ralf , Höcker Birte , Curmi Paul M G , Linke Heiner
Published: September 2024

To design an artificial protein-based molecular motor that can autonomously step along a track is a key challenge of protein design and synthetic biology. We lay out a roadmap for how to achieve this aim, based on a modular approach that combines the use of natural, non-motor proteins with de novo design. We define what can be considered to constitute a successful artificial protein motor, identify key steps along the path to achieve these designs, and provide a vision for the future beyond this aim.
The impact of spatial resolution on inland water quality monitoring from space
Authors: Frasson Renato P M , Ardila David R , Pease Joshua , Hestir Erin , Bright Courtney , Carter Nick , Dekker Arnold G , Thompson David R , Green Robert O , Held Alex
Published: September 2024

Remote sensing of inland waters can provide timely and global water quality information to a wide variety of stakeholders. One of the parameters that determines the feasibility of using optical space-based instruments for monitoring inland waters is the ground sampling distance (GSD), defined as the width of a pixel projected on the Earth’s surface. We assume that to analyze a body of water with optical imagery, its characteristic width must be larger than 3 times the GSD to obtain an ‘unmixed’ pixel that doesn’t contain signal from the adjacent land. Here we obtain the size distribution of river lengths, river areas, and lake areas—as a function of width—for rivers and lakes in the Western United States (US) and in Australia. We base this analysis on the Surface Water and Ocean Topography River Database (SWORD) and HydroLAKES databases, extrapolated to 5 m-wide features. We show that the fraction of river length and river area larger than a certain width increases sharply as the width decreases, indicating that even small decreases in the GSD result in significant increases in the number of bodies that can be surveyed. On the other hand, the distribution of lake areas shows a ‘knee’ at around 400 m, indicating that gains from GSDs smaller than 130 m will be modest. We found that a satellite instrument with a GSD capability of 18 m can provide coverage of 4.4% of total river lengths, 38% of total river area, and 94% of total lake area within the study areas. We argue that decreasing the GSD incurs penalties associated with loss of signal-to-noise, larger instrument, smaller swath, and longer revisit times.
Maximizing machining efficiency and quality in AA7075/Gr/B4C HMMCs through advanced DS-EDM parameter optimization strategies
Authors: Kantheti Prasada Raju , Meena Kunjee Lal , Chekuri Rama Bhadri Raju
Published: September 2024

Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites (HMMC) offer improved mechanical properties crucial for various industrial applications. However, machining these composites via traditional methods is arduous due to their inherent hardness and abrasive nature. The optimization of the Die-Sinking Electrical Discharge Machining (DS-EDM) process presents a viable solution to overcome these machining challenges and unlock the full potential of HMMCs. Despite the potential benefits of HMMCs, the lack of optimized machining strategies hampers their widespread adoption in industrial applications. Traditional machining approaches often result in excessive tool wear, poor surface finish, and suboptimal material removal rates (MRR) when applied to HMMCs. Additionally, the complex interplay between DS-EDM process parameters and material properties necessitates a systematic investigation to identify optimal machining conditions. This study proposes a multi-step methodology to systematically optimize the DS-EDM process for machining HMMCs comprising AA7075 alloy, 5% of graphite (Gr), and 5% of boron carbide (B4C) particles, which is termed as (AA7075-GR-B4C). Beginning with the formulation of the composite material through stir casting, the research progresses to an L16 Orthogonal Array (L16-OA) based Design of Experiments (DoE) to investigate the effects of key process parameters on machining performance. Experimental testing is conducted to measure mechanical properties, followed by statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Regression Analysis to identify significant factors influencing machining outcomes. Furthermore, an Artificial Neural Network with Black Widow Optimization (ANN-BWO) approach is employed to optimize machining performance metrics such as MRR, Surface Roughness Rate (SRR), and Tool Wear Rate (TWR). The Relative Error (RE) was estimated between experimental MRR (E-MRR), experimental TWR (E-TWR), experimental SRR (E-SRR), and predicted MRR (P-MRR), predicted TWR (P-TWR), predicted SRR (P-SRR) generated by ANN-BWO shows effectiveness of AA7075-GR-B4C.
Current Protection from a Risk
Authors: Steel Sandy
Published: September 2024

Unlike innocent creation of risk, interference, assumption of responsibility, control, and statute, the law does not explicitly refer to this brief chapter’s subject matter as a distinctive ground of positive duties. However, in some cases, a person who is currently providing protection to another from a risk is under a P-duty to take care to continue to provide that protection. For instance, adjoining landowners are under duties not to withdraw the support their land provides to the other’s land, and there are arguably circumstances in which one is required to allow a person to continue to use one’s property in circumstances in which one’s property is currently protecting them from a grave risk.
Closing Remarks
Authors: Rimmerman Arie
Published: September 2024

Digitalization has changed society and reconfigured social relationships, and thus the dynamics and climate of inclusion. This chapter introduces five themes that are aimed at revisiting the issue of the social inclusion of people with disabilities. The first is the recognition that social inclusion has shifted toward digital inclusion, primarily during the COVID-19 pandemic. The second theme relates to the vulnerability of people with disabilities during the pandemic, as they can be digitally and socially excluded. The third theme is the need for governments to revise the policies toward people with disabilities after the pandemic. The fourth is related to children with disabilities and how authorities need to promote inclusive policies toward them and their households after the pandemic. The fifth theme sheds light on the status of social and digital exclusion of people with disabilities who live in low- and middle-income countries and the need to revise policies.