bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elimination of microplastic from soil by pyrolysis and potential hazard analysis: Effects of pyrolysis temperature and holding time
Authors: Qiu Kaiying , Zhang Lingling , Xie Shibing , Zheng Mengwei , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Zefeng
Published: October 2024

Efficient and harmless treatment of microplastics in soil is the current focus of microplastic pollution management. In this study, the pyrolysis effect of soil microplastics at different temperatures and holding times was analyzed. The results showed that temperature and holding time significantly affected the morphology and compositional structure of soil. Pure microplastics and product adhesion after pyrolysis at low temperature (400°C) were not easy to remove. Interestingly, compared with pure polyethylene (PE), direct pyrolysis of microplastics in soil could obtain better results, and the content of organic matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) could be significantly reduced. However, the pyrolysis performance was very unsatisfactory even if the action time was prolonged at 400°C. Prolonged high‐temperature treatment accelerated the fragmentation of the alkane main chain of PE, thus generating more PAH, and the temperature was not high enough (400°C) for further effective degradation of PAH into carbon dioxide and water. Therefore, higher temperature and longer holding time need to be selected to ensure the pyrolysis performance. This study revealed the role and mechanism of pyrolysis in soil microplastic mixed systems, aiming to provide a basis for the treatment of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems.
An updated method for identifying the formative factors in soil structure
Authors: Anderson Amber D. , Burras C. Lee , Turk Judith , Young Rebecca , Jelinski Nic , Moorberg Colby , Presley DeAnn , Osterloh Kris , Dere Ashlee , Clark Kerry
Published: October 2024

Soil structure is a standard component of pedon descriptions collected to characterize the nature and function of soils as a natural body. Soil structure is an important indicator of soil development and a predictor of water, air, and root movement throughout the profile. However, inconsistencies exist within the current standardized methodologies used to describe soil structure in the field, making soil structure data difficult to use and often confusing to students encountering these concepts for the first time. Therefore, we propose an updated method of soil structure description to add an interpretive component that clearly distinguishes geogenic, pedogenic, and human‐induced structures. This method employs terminology that communicates both observable morphology and the mechanism of formation. The updated method herein differentiates three classes of structure: (a) geogenic structural formation (GS), (b) natural pedological structural formation (current nomenclature), and (c) significant human‐induced structure changes from natural pedological structure. This updated approach improves the documentation of scientifically relevant soil morphology and communicates the processes involved in the formation of all forms of soil structure. As a result, this change eases description challenges around soil structure and interpretations common in soil science classes, including soil judging.
Effect of IR Laser Energy on Several Polymers Using LIBS Analysis
Authors: Yahiaoui K. , Messaoud Aberkane S. , Belala R. , Bendjaballah A. , Banoun S.
Published: October 2024

The focus of this research is to use the thermal ablation properties of a Nd:YAG infrared laser to highlight the thermal damage caused by the extinction of the plasma, which leads to the disappearance of the spectra of certain polymers as the laser energy increases. The study involved testing five commonly used polymers: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) also known as Teflon, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Bakelite, and polyamide. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis was used to qualitatively analyze the plasma generated from the polymer samples, identifying the excited species present in each of the five polymers. Wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WDXRF) analysis of the polymer samples further confirmed the identification of these excited species. The results obtained from the spectra recorded at different laser energies in an air environment showed that the saturation observed in the plasma, induced by increasing laser energy, is not consistently observed for all polymers. This plasma extinction phenomenon in certain polymers is attributed to thermal effects when using an infrared (IR) laser as a heating source.
Enhancing the Safety and Efficacy of Trastuzumab Emtansine (T‐DM1) Through Nano‐Delivery System in Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Liu Feiqi , Mao Kuirong , Chen Hongmei , Cong Xiuxiu , Tan Huizhu , Xin Yanbao , Wang Xin , Ke Jianji , Song Yanqiu , Yang Yong‐Guang , Sun Tianmeng
Published: October 2024

Trastuzumab emtansine (T‐DM1), an antibody‐drug conjugate, revolutionizes breast cancer therapy by specifically delivering DM1 to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpressing tumor cells, effectively inhibiting cell division and proliferation. While T‐DM1 demonstrates superior efficacy and tolerability, T‐DM1‐induced thrombocytopenia remains a significant adverse event leading to treatment discontinuation. To address this issue, the study investigates the feasibility of using poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle to conjugate T‐DM1, aiming to alleviate T‐DM1‐induced thrombocytopenia. The T‐DM1‐conjugated PLGA nanoparticles (NPs‐T‐DM1) reduce binding to megakaryocytes without compromising the targeting ability for HER2. Administration of NPs‐T‐DM1 not only significantly inhibits tumor growth but also reduces damage to megakaryocytes, inhibits T‐DM1‐induced thrombocytopenia, and remarkably improves the safety of antibody‐conjugated drugs. This work presents a promising strategy to enhance the safety and efficacy of T‐DM1 in antitumor therapy, offering significant potential for advancing clinical application in HER2‐positive breast cancer patients.
Intranasal Delivery of Pure Nanodrug Loaded Liposomes for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment by Efficiently Regulating Microglial Polarization
Authors: Feng Qianhua , Zhang Xueli , Zhao Xiaowen , Liu Jia , Wang Qing , Yao Yuqi , Xiao Huifang , Zhu Yucui , Zhang Wenwen , Wang Lei
Published: October 2024

The activated M1‐like microglia induced neuroinflammation is the critical pathogenic event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglial polarization from pro‐inflammatory M1 toward anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotype is a promising strategy. To efficiently accomplish this, amyloid‐β (Aβ) aggregates as the culprit of M1 microglia activation should be uprooted. Interestingly, this study finds out that the self‐reassembly of curcumin molecules into carrier‐free curcumin nanoparticles (CNPs) exhibits multivalent binding with Aβ to achieve higher inhibitory effect on Aβ aggregation, compared to free curcumin with monovalent effect. Based on this, the CNPs loaded cardiolipin liposomes are developed for efficient microglial polarization. After intranasal administration, the liposomes decompose to release CNPs and cardiolipin in response to AD oxidative microenvironment. The CNPs inhibit Aβ aggregation and promote Aβ phagocytosis/clearance in microglia, removing roadblock to microglial polarization. Subsequently, CNPs are endocytosed by microglia and inhibit TLR4/NF‐κB pathway for microglia polarization (M1→M2). Meanwhile, cardiolipin is identified as signaling molecule to normalize microglial dysfunction to prevent pro‐inflammatory factors release. In AD transgenic mice, neuroinflammation, Aβ burden, and memory deficits are relieved after treatment. Through combined attack by extracellularly eradicating roadblock of Aβ aggregation and intracellularly inhibiting inflammation‐related pathways, this nanotechnology assisted delivery system polarizes microglia efficiently, providing a reliable strategy in AD treatment.
A Review on Bi2WO6‐Based Materials for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Li Bo , Liu Xiao‐jing , Zhu Hao‐wen , Guan Hua‐peng , Guo Rui‐tang
Published: October 2024

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 (PCR) technology offers the capacity to transmute solar energy into chemical energy through an eco‐friendly and efficacious process, concurrently facilitating energy storage and carbon diminution, this innovation harbors significant potential for mitigating energy shortages and ameliorating environmental degradation. Bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) is distinguished by its robust visible light absorption and distinctive perovskite‐type crystal architecture, rendering it highly efficiency in PCR. In recent years, numerous systematic strategies have been investigated for the synthesis and modification of Bi2WO6 to enhance its photocatalytic performance, aiming to achieve superior applications. This review provides a comprehensive review of the latest research progress on Bi2WO6 based materials in the field of photocatalysis. Firstly, outlining the fundamental principles, associated reaction mechanisms and reduction pathways of PCR. Then, the synthesis strategy of Bi2WO6‐based materials is introduced for the regulation of its photocatalytic properties. Furthermore, accentuating the extant applications in CO2 reduction, including metal‐Bi2WO6, semiconductor‐Bi2WO6 and carbon‐based Bi2WO6 composites etc. while concludes with an examination of the future landscape and challenges faced. This review hopes to serve as an effective reference for the continuous improvement and implementation of Bi2WO6‐based photocatalysts in PCR.
Chiral Self‐Assembly of Twisted Prisms, Cuboids, and Polyhedral Capped Cages with Tartrate Ligands
Authors: Mu Qiu‐Shui , Wang Xin‐Yu , Gao Xiang , Jin Guo‐Xin
Published: October 2024

Homochiral triangular prisms, cuboid cages, and capped polyhedral cages are successfully synthesized via coordination‐driven self‐assembly. Typical tartrate ligands demonstrated notable torsional flexibility and variable coordination numbers, allowing for diverse coordination patterns, including saturated chelation and terminal mono‐coordination with half‐sandwich rhodium and iridium fragments. The ligand lengths, molar ratios, and metal vertices are meticulously designed and fine‐tuned to yield chiral cages with entirely distinct architectures. Tartrate ligand exhibits abundant hydrogen bonding interactions and chiral induction capabilities, these supramolecular assemblies are characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. An efficient method is developed for constructing chiral structurally versatile cage‐like entities, facilitating self‐assembly in complicated multi‐component systems.
Local Release of Copper Manganese Oxide Using HA Microneedle for Improving the Efficacy of Drug‐Resistant Wound Inflammation
Authors: Gu Cheng , Fang Shu , Liu Lin , Chen Benjin , Xu Lingling , Shao Min , Sun Jianan , Qian Haisheng , Wang Wanni
Published: October 2024

The production of bacterial toxins and excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce localized oxidative stress, triggering an exaggerated immune response that impedes wound healing and culminates in chronic wounds. To address this issue, a microneedle (MN) system loaded with copper‐manganese oxide (CMO) is developed to modulate the hyperimmune response in wounds. CMO@MN exhibits excellent antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory properties by effectively killing bacteria, scavenging ROS, and modulating macrophage polarization through their multiple enzymatic activities and photothermal properties. RNA sequencing revealed that CMO@MN improved the therapeutic effect on the infected skin of mice by balancing the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages and promoting cell migration and angiogenesis through the regulation of relevant pathways. Overall, this CMO@MN patch skillfully balances the complex issues between the immune response and wound healing and has potential applications in the treatment of other serious bacterial infections.
Research Progress in Structure Evolution and Durability Modulation of Ir‐ and Ru‐Based OER Catalysts under Acidic Conditions
Authors: Zi Yunhai , Zhang Chengxu , Zhao Jianqiang , Cheng Ying , Yuan Jianliang , Hu Jue
Published: October 2024

Green hydrogen energy, as one of the most promising energy carriers, plays a crucial role in addressing energy and environmental issues. Oxygen evolution reaction catalysts, as the key to water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, have been subject to durability constraints, preventing large‐scale commercial development. Under the high current density and harsh acid‐base electrolyte conditions of the water electrolysis reaction, the active metals in the catalysts are easily converted into high‐valent soluble species to dissolve, leading to poor structural durability of the catalysts. There is an urgent need to overcome the durability challenges under acidic conditions and develop electrocatalysts with both high catalytic activity and high durability. In this review, the latest research results are analyzed in depth from both thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives. First, a comprehensive summary of the structural deactivation state process of noble metal oxide catalysts is presented. Second, the evolution of the structure of catalysts possessing high durability is discussed. Finally, four new strategies for the preparation of stable catalysts, “electron buffer (ECB) strategy”, combination strength control, strain control, and surface coating, are summarized. The challenges and prospects are also elaborated for the future synthesis of more effective Ru/Ir‐based catalysts and boost their future application.
A Molten Alkali Approach to Tailor Hydroxyl Groups of Hexaazatrinaphthalene Toward High‐Capacity and Low‐Potential Anode of Aqueous Proton Batteries
Authors: Zhao Guoqing , Yan Xiaorong , Dai Yujie , Wang Xinyu , Wang Zhihui , Wang Bei , Li Rui , Hao Yuxin , Yu Haiping , Ma Huige , Li Hongwei , Wu Chuanguang , Liu Jingru , Hu Mingjun , Yang Jun
Published: October 2024

Hexaazatrinaphthalene (HATN) has attracted a lot of attention in aqueous proton batteries (APBs). However, its redox potential as an anode is insufficiently negative. The introduction of electron‐donating substituent groups, such as hydroxyl groups, is considered as a good approach to reduce the redox potential of HATN. Nevertheless, manufacturing hydroxyl‐substituted HATN (HATN‐OH) requires either expensive precursors or multi‐step process, limiting their research. Herein, a straightforward strategy is proposed to synthesize HATN‐OH based on the nucleophilic substitution reaction of halogenated HATN in a molten alkali. The redox potential of 1,2,7,8,13,14‐hexahydroxy‐5,6,11,12,17,18‐hexaazatrinaphthalene (34‐HATN‐6OH) electrode may be lowered by 0.15 V in comparison to HATN, and exhibits a high specific capacity, low redox potential, remarkable rate capability, and outstanding long‐term cycling performance. The electrochemical redox kinetics is significantly enhanced owing to the formation of rapid proton transport channels created by intermolecular hydrogen bond network. The assembled MnO2||34‐HATN‐6OH full battery delivers a high discharge voltage (1.16 V) and cycling stability (74% capacity retention after 5000 cycles). This study provides a general cost‐effective molten alkali approach for the synthesis of hydroxyl‐substituted conjugated small molecules from their halogenated counterparts and further enriches the regulation means of electro‐chemical performances of organic electrodes for enabling high‐capacity and high‐voltage APBs.
Liquid Metal Electrocatalyst with Ultralow Pt Loading for Ethanol Oxidation
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Hamza , Le Tu C. , Zahid Imtisal , Zuraiqi Karma , Aukarasereenont Mew P. , Parker Caiden J. , Vaillant Pierre H. A. , Jabbar Fahad , Kim Nguyen Chung , Irfan Mehmood , Ameen Mariam , Spencer Michelle J. S. , Christofferson Andrew J. , Russo Salvy P. , Chiang Ken , Meftahi Nastaran , Daeneke Torben , Yang Dan
Published: October 2024

Developing efficient and durable electrocatalysts for ethanol electro‐oxidation is crucial for enabling the application of direct ethanol fuel cell technology. Herein, it is demonstrated that Pt–Ga liquid metal‐based nanodroplets can serve as an efficient electrocatalyst to drive ethanol oxidation. The mass activity of Pt is significantly improved by alloying with liquid gallium. Guided by machine learning neural networks, a low‐concentration alkaline electrolyte is specifically formulated to allow electrodes with ultralow Pt loading to demonstrate remarkable activity toward ethanol oxidation with a mass activity as high as 13.47 A mg−1Pt, which is more than 14 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C electrocatalysts (i.e., 0.76 A mg−1Pt). Computational studies reveal that the superior activity is associated with the presence of Ga oxides adjacent to Pt on the catalyst surface which leads to energetically favorable pathways for the oxidation process. The findings reveal untapped opportunities in the realm of liquid metal catalysis and hold great promise for the future development of high‐performance alcohol fuel cells.
Effects of Cu Coating Addition on Mechanical Properties of Vacuum Brazed Joints
Authors: Wang Leilei , Li Nian , Wei Xinlong , Ling Xiang , Su Xiaoping , Wang Yichuan
Published: October 2024

In this study, a copper brazing filler metal coating is fabricated on a 304 stainless steel (304SS) substrate using an electroplating technique. The effect of using electroplated copper brazing filler metal coatings compared to pure copper foil of the same thickness for vacuum brazing of stainless steel joints is investigated. The microstructure and microhardness of the brazed joints are characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a Vickers hardness tester. The shear strength of the brazed joints is measured using an INSTRON 5869 universal testing machine. The results indicate that the electroplated Cu coating is dense, predominantly with a single cubic phase, with a few copper particles aggregating on the surface. Under electroplating conditions of 20 mA cm−2 for 1 h, the coating thickness was 56 μm. The shear strength of the brazed joint with this coating reached a maximum of 333.7 MPa, which is higher than that of a brazed joint with a 60 μm thick copper foil, which exhibits a shear strength of 303.2 MPa. The shear strength of the brazed joints shows an initial increase followed by a decrease as current density and electroplating time increase. This study provides significant technical support for brazing complex shapes or precision components. It suggests a method to simplify the brazing process, reduce production costs, and enhance the strength of brazed joints.
Oxygen Content Control in the Electroslag Remelting Process: An Incremental Learning Strategy Based on Optimized Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with Gradient Penalty Data Augmentation
Authors: Chen Xi , Dong Yanwu , Jiang Zhouhua , Liu Yuxiao , Wang Jia
Published: October 2024

Electroslag remelting (ESR) is essential for producing high‐end special steel, but its complex process and numerous influencing factors make quality control challenging. This study addresses oxygen content control during ESR using a big data machine learning approach. An incremental learning strategy is proposed based on an optimized Wasserstein generative adversarial network with gradient penalty (WGAN‐GP) for data enhancement, focusing on G20Cr2Ni4A bearing steel. The WGAN‐GP model enhances time‐series data and metadata, utilizing long short‐term memory networks, fully connected networks, and attention mechanisms. The effectiveness of data enhancement is verified using a deep neural network classifier and statistical methods. Data is divided into historical and data streams, with an incremental learning strategy based on histogram gradient boosting regression trees to prevent catastrophic forgetting and improve efficiency through knowledge distillation and real‐time hyperparameter adjustment. Results show that the data augmentation method significantly improves model generalization and accuracy in small sample metallurgy. The incremental learning strategy enhances prediction accuracy for oxygen content, contributing to better cleanliness quality of electroslag steel. This study offers a novel approach for addressing small sample challenges in metallurgical processes.
SOD‐YOLO: Small Object Detection Network for UAV Aerial Images
Authors: He Zhiqian , Cao Lijie
Published: October 2024

With the rapid development of the UAV industry, object detection using UAV has become a research hotspot. However, most current object detection models based on deep learning have large parameter counts and are difficult to deploy on embedded devices with limited memory and computational power. To address this problem, a Small Object Detection network for UAV aerial images SOD‐YOLO based on YOLOv8 is proposed, which can meet the application requirements of resource‐constrained devices while ensuring the detection accuracy. First, cross‐domain fusion attention (CDFA) mechanism is proposed to build the C2f‐Attention module in this paper, which is embedded in the backbone network in order to improve the extraction capability of key object features. Meanwhile, the AIFI_LSPE feature fusion module with improved RT‐DETR and the IoU‐aware query selection mechanism are added to the path aggregation network to improve the accuracy of multi‐scale object detection. In addition, in order to balance the sample size ratio and improve the robustness of the network model, we make a new UAV image dataset named VisDrone2019 Extended Edition (VDEE) using images from the VisDrone2019 and UAVDT public datasets. Finally, Shape‐IoU is used as a loss function to reduce the difference between the object GT frame and the detection frame. Experiments show that SOD‐YOLO has a mAP@0.5 of 42.8% in the VDEE dataset, which is increased by 5.1% over YOLOv8. In the VisDrone2019 dataset mAP@0.5 is 39.2%, an improvement of 5.8% over YOLOv8. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Wind Speed Modeling under Quasi‐Linear Autoregressive Neural Network Model for Prediction of Production Power
Authors: Abu Jami'in Mohammad , Munadhif Ii , Hu Jinglu , Santoso Mardi , Endrasmono Joko , Julianto Eko
Published: October 2024

Accurate wind speed modeling is beneficial for the design of wind energy conversion systems. Models of wind speed are used to assess the adequacy and dependability of a power supply. However, precise wind speed modeling is challenging due to the sporadic availability of wind speed. In this note, we propose a wind speed model with an autoregressive (AR) structure. A hybrid model is developed under linear and nonlinear parts based on a quasi‐linear autoregressive exogenous neural network (Q‐ARX‐NN). The model's structure is composed of a regression vector and its coefficients. The coefficients are divided into linear and nonlinear coefficients. A set of linear coefficients is identified under the algorithm of least square error (LSE), and a set of nonlinear coefficients is modeled by using a neural network to refine the residual error of the nonlinear part. Some artificial neural network (ANN) models can be set as nonlinear part sub‐models to sharpen the model's accuracy. The proposed model is tested for wind speed modeling to estimate wind energy production. Various nonlinear parts of the sub‐model are tested, such as neural networks, radial basis function networks, and ANN networks. Moreover, we evaluate the effects of the order of the model by varying hidden and output nodes, which can be summarized as the number of coefficients of the regression vector. Using specific wind turbine performance data, prediction models estimate production power. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
High‐Resolution Cortical Dipole Imaging Using EEG Data Measured with a Small Number of Electrodes Based on the International 10–20 System
Authors: Iyama Yudai , Hori Junichi , Baba Kenta
Published: October 2024

Cortical dipole imaging is a common technique utilized to visualize the electrical activity in the brain. However, this technique requires ~100 electrodes from a spatial resolution perspective, resulting in a long preparation time and a heavy burden on the subject. According to the international 10–20 system for recording electroencephalogram signals, 19 electrodes are placed on the scalp of the subject. In this study, high‐resolution cortical dipole imaging using the international 10–20 system was investigated for daily applications. The potential at any position on the scalp was interpolated using multiple regression analysis, and optimum parameter estimation was conducted using the proposed method. The simulation and experimental results suggest that the proposed interpolation method is effective for high‐resolution brain activity imaging when using a limited number of electrodes. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Pragmatic motivation and willingness to communicate as predictors of L2 pragmatic knowledge
Authors: Tajeddin Zia , Malmir Ali
Published: October 2024

Although language learners' knowledge of second language (L2) speech acts is postulated to be substantially influenced by learner variables, there is little empirical evidence of the influence of pragmatic motivation (PM) and willingness to communicate (WTC). To address this gap, this study sought to investigate the impact of PM and WTC as two important multifaceted learner variables on L2 speech‐act knowledge. The participants included 500 Persian‐speaking learners of English as a foreign language. The researchers developed and validated three instruments for data collection: a multiple‐choice discourse completion task (MDCT) including five common English speech acts, a PM questionnaire, and a WTC questionnaire. Data were collected in two subsequent phases. First, the MDCT was administered, and then the participants filled out the two questionnaires. Data analysis using multiple regression revealed that both PM and WTC significantly predicted L2 speech‐act knowledge. However, PM turned out to be a stronger predictor of this knowledge than WTC. The findings imply that PM and WTC are implicated in L2 pragmatic knowledge and hence language teachers should consider these two variables to help learners enhance their pragmatic acquisition.
Evaluation of a practical approach for field scale moisture flow modeling in heterogeneous media at a semiarid site
Authors: Khaleel Raziuddin , Mehta Sunil , McMahon William J.
Published: October 2024

A practical approach for modeling field‐scale moisture flow in a highly heterogeneous unsaturated medium is described in this study. The validity of this approach is demonstrated through comparison of the numerical simulations with field observations at a semiarid site located in southcentral Washington State.  The methodology is based on upscaling the core scale hydraulic properties and combining power‐law and tensorial connectivity‐tortuosity (PA‐TCT) approaches to derive macroscopic anisotropy parameters for each hydrostratigraphic unit (HSU) identified in the field. Each heterogeneous HSU is approximated by an equivalent homogeneous medium (EHM) model for which PA‐TCT parameters are used in the flow simulations. The available field data on moisture content and matric potential are compared with steady‐state flow simulations based on the mean form of Richards' equation. While the homogenization or averaging of heterogeneities, embedded in the EHM modeling approximation, cannot capture all of the field‐scale variability, the simulated steady‐state moisture and matric potential profiles capture well the central tendency of the field data. This approach is deemed practical for assessing the fate and transport of contaminants in highly heterogeneous unsaturated media at the transport scale of hundreds of meters.
The origins of Storm Ciarán: From diabatic Rossby wave to warm‐seclusion cyclone with a sting jet
Authors: Volonté Ambrogio , Riboldi Jacopo
Published: October 2024

The evolution of Storm Ciarán was different from what is commonly attributed to windstorms affecting northwest Europe. Ciarán initially developed as a diabatic Rossby wave, driven by low‐level latent heat release and with negligible upper tropospheric forcing. It then crossed the jet stream, intensifying explosively while developing a low‐level warm seclusion and producing extreme near‐surface winds, including sting jets. Ciarán is an example of an extreme windstorm following this pathway and highlights the need of a systematic assessment of its relevance in our warming climate.
The Travels and Transformations of ‘Vulnerability’: From an Ethical and Analytical Concept to a Legal and Bureaucratic Label
Authors: Leboeuf Luc
Published: October 2024

This chapter unpacks the implied meanings of the concept of ‘vulnerability’, and how they evolve depending on the conceptual frameworks in which ‘vulnerability’ is used and mobilised. It tracks down and confronts the various functions that ‘vulnerability’ has received in the academic literature and in EU asylum law, in view of identifying its conceptual transformations as it travels across the ethical, heuristic, and legal and bureaucratic frameworks. Based on that analysis, the chapter warns against the ‘humanitarianism trap’, that is, developing ‘vulnerability’ as a tool for asylum and migration governance while adopting an excessively emotional and moralised outlook on migration movements, which essentialises migrants seeking protection as passive victims, fails to build on their coping and resistance strategies, and ultimately loses track of their rights.
Negotiating Multiple Meanings of Vulnerabilities in Lebanon’s Compounded Crises: Refugees’ Encounters with Frameworks and Institutions
Authors: Brun Cathrine , Maalouf Maria
Published: October 2024

Lebanon brands itself a transit state for refugees. Yet for most of the ca 1.7 million refugees residing in the country, transit has become a permanent condition and neither resettlement nor return are realistic solutions. In the meantime, Syrian and Palestinian refugees struggle to survive in a country ravaged by multiple and overlapping crises. In law, the bureaucracy and the humanitarian system, there are multiple meanings of vulnerability in use to assist and protect refugees and other ‘vulnerable’ groups. This chapter analyses refugees’ encounters with different institutions and frameworks established to assist and protect refugees. The chapter introduces a conceptual framework for analysing encounters, agency and vulnerability in crisis settings and a short description of our methodology, we then discuss the situation for refugees in Lebanon in the context of compounded crises. From here, the chapter describes the different meanings of vulnerability in legal and bureaucratic frameworks, including in humanitarian assistance, before analysing the various ways in which Palestinian and Syrian refugees negotiate meanings of vulnerabilities in their encounters with those institutions and frameworks. In conclusion, we reflect on the impact that these multiple meanings of vulnerabilities have on refugees residing in Lebanon.
Selecting Refugees for Resettlement to Norway and Canada: Vulnerability, Integration and Discretion
Authors: Paasche Erlend , Soennecken Dagmar , Tanotra Ritika
Published: October 2024

This chapter examines how the concept of vulnerability is “translated” from legal bureaucratic discourses into actual policy and practice in the refugee resettlement context. In particular, we trace how the integration potential of refugees continues to be weighed against their vulnerabilities in the process. While resettlement is a voluntary commitment and not legally binding, states that have signed the 1951 Geneva Convention have agreed to share the responsibility of providing protection and solutions for refugees who cannot return to their country of origin. Through a comparative discussion of refugee resettlement in Canada and Norway, we shed light on some mechanisms through which the humanitarian focus on prioritizing the most vulnerable comes under pressure from competing political considerations and rationales. By examining instances of what we call the political or ‘tactical’ uses of resettlement, we aim not only to highlight its partisan and domestic political dynamics but also to open up questions of who is ultimately left behind and considered ‘too vulnerable’ for resettlement.
Amplitudes, supersymmetric black hole scattering at $$ \mathcal{O}\left({G}^5\right) $$, and loop integration
Authors: Bern Zvi , Herrmann Enrico , Roiban Radu , Ruf Michael S. , Smirnov Alexander V. , Smirnov Vladimir A. , Zeng Mao
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We compute the potential-graviton contribution to the scattering amplitude, the radial action, and the scattering angle of two extremal black holes in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8 supergravity at the fifth post-Minkowskian order and to next-to-leading order in a large mass expansion (first self-force order). Properties of classical unitarity cuts allow us to focus on the integration-by-parts reduction of planar integrals, while nonplanar integrals at this order are obtained from the planar ones by straightforward manipulations. We present the solution to the differential equations for all master integrals necessary to evaluate the classical scattering amplitudes of massive scalar particles at this order in all gravitational theories, in particular in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8 supergravity, and in general relativity. Despite the appearance of higher-weight generalized polylogarithms and elliptic functions in the solution to the differential equation for master integrals, the final supergravity answer is remarkably simple and contains only (harmonic) polylogarithmic functions up to weight 2. The systematic analysis of elliptic integrals discussed here, as well as the particular organization of boundary integrals in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8 observables are independent of supersymmetry and may have wider applications, including to aspects of collider physics.
Komplementärmedizinische Therapieansätze bei krebsbedingter Fatigue
Authors: Busch Alina , Krause Alena , Rostock Matthias
Published: October 2024

Ein Großteil der Krebspatient:innen erlebt im Verlauf ihrer Erkrankung inadäquate Erschöpfungszustände (Fatigue). Krebsbedingte Fatigue (Cancer-related Fatigue – CRF) ist ein multidimensionaler Symptomkomplex, der durch eine Vielzahl von Faktoren beeinflusst wird. Komplementärmedizinische Ansätze bieten potenziell vielversprechende Strategien, um die Erschöpfung zu adressieren und können daher eine wertvolle Ergänzung zu den konventionellen Therapieverfahren darstellen.

In dieser narrativen Übersichtsarbeit werden komplementärmedizinische Therapieansätze bei krebsbedingter Fatigue entsprechend der historischen Entwicklung und der aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Evidenz dargestellt. Dabei liegt der Schwerpunkt auf den Methoden mit der aktuell höchsten Evidenz, in Orientierung an den Empfehlungen nationaler und internationaler Leitlinien. Therapieverfahren der Mind-Body-Medizin wie achtsamkeitsbasierte Stressreduktion (MBSR) und achtsamkeitsbasierte kognitive Therapie (MBCT), Yoga, Tai-Chi und Qigong sowie Akupunktur, Akupressur, Moxibustion und phytotherapeutische Behandlungsansätze werden vorgestellt.

In Deutschland gilt für die hier aufgeführten komplementärmedizinischen Therapieverfahren in der Regel keine Leistungsgewährung durch die Krankenkassen, wenn auch einige wenige Kliniken komplexe Programme aus der Mind-Body-Medizin entwickelt haben, für die bereits eine Kostenübernahme erreicht werden konnte. Eine komplementärmedizinische Behandlung der krebsbedingten Fatigue, die den Empfehlungen nationaler und internationaler Leitlinien entspricht, kann daher in Deutschland in der Regel nur als Privatleistung oder im Rahmen von Studien durchgeführt werden.
Umgang mit assistiertem Suizid – Kenntnisse, Einstellungen und Erfahrungen von Mitgliedern der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Palliativmedizin
Authors: Schwartz Jacqueline , Batzler Yann-Nicolas , Schallenburger Manuela , Scherg Alexandra , Jansen Jonas , Meier Stefan , Küppers Remo , Melching Heiner , Grabenhorst Ulrich , Nehls Wiebke , Bausewein Claudia , Neukirchen Martin
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Im Februar 2020 erklärte das Bundesverfassungsgericht § 217 StGB für nichtig. Seitdem ist die geschäftsmäßige Förderung der Selbsttötung straffrei. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Beschreibung von Kenntnissen, Einstellungen und Erfahrungen von Mitgliedern der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Palliativmedizin (DGP) im Umgang mit Todes- und Suizidwünschen.

Methoden

Online-Befragung aller DGP-Mitglieder von 07–09/2023 mittels Qualtrics®. Der Fragebogen wurde anhand aktueller Literatur entwickelt und nach einer ersten Anwendung unter jungen Mediziner*innen und einer interprofessionellen Expertenrunde mit Konsensabstimmung angepasst. Die Auswertung erfolgte deskriptiv und explorativ.

Ergebnisse

991 DGP-Mitglieder (18 %) nahmen teil, davon 57,0 % Ärzt*innen (n = 545/957) und 23,4 % Pflegende (n = 224/957). 197/851 (23,1 %) gaben falsch an, der assistierte Suizid sei in Deutschland standesrechtlich verboten. 430/914 (47,1 %) gaben an, dass sich Palliativteams nicht nur auf Maßnahmen zur Suizidprävention beschränken sollen. In palliativen Behandlungssituationen konnten sich 473/926 (51,5 %) die Mitwirkung an Suizidassistenz vorstellen. Für Situationen, in denen der Gesundheitszustand nicht ausschlaggebend ist, lehnten 766/930 (82,4 %) eine Mitwirkung ab. 71 % wünschten sich eine gesetzliche Regelung der Suizidassistenz.

Diskussion

Bei den Teilnehmenden bestehen Wissenslücken bzgl. straf- und standesrechtlicher Einordnung des assistierten Suizids. Weitere Aufklärungsarbeit ist notwendig. Die Teilnehmenden können sich eine Suizidassistenz eher bei palliativ Erkrankten vorstellen. Wie in Befragungen unter Mitgliedern anderer Fachgesellschaften bilden sich Einstellungen erfahrener Mitarbeiter*innen ab. Sie haben im Vergleich zu jüngeren Ärzt*innen eine eher restriktive Haltung im Hinblick auf die Suizidassistenz.
Fugazi regulation for AI: strategic tolerance for ethics washing
Authors: Papyshev Gleb , Chan Keith Jin Deng
Published: October 2024

Regulation theory offers a unique perspective on the institutional aspects of digital capitalism’s accumulation regime. However, a gap exists in examining the associated mode of regulation. Based on the analysis of AI ethics washing phenomenon, we suggest the state is delicately balancing between fueling innovation and reducing uncertainty in emerging technologies. This balance leads to a unique mode of regulation, "Fugazi regulation," characterized by vaguely defined, non-enforceable moral principles with no specific implementation mechanisms. We propose a microeconomic model that rationalizes this approach and shows that it is justifiable when the government struggles to differentiate between benign and harmful technology use due to capacity constraints. The potential for private companies to adopt ethical practices under Fugazi regulation supports the government’s preference for this method. This regulation mode is particularly attractive to the government during technology’s early development stages, marked by governmental optimism and uncertainty about the technology. Implications for greenwashing are also derived from the analysis.
Effect of tool orientation on surface roughness and dimensional accuracy in ball end milling of thin-walled blades
Authors: Villarrazo Nagore , Sáinz de la Maza Álvaro , Caneda Soraya , Bai Lele , Pereira Octavio , López de Lacalle Luis Norberto
Published: October 2024

In the aerospace industry, high-precision components like impellers and blisks present considerable challenges in machining due to their intricate geometries and the need for reliable performance. Blades, often classified as thin-walled parts with complex, free-form surfaces, are crucial in ensuring the efficiency and safety of aircraft engines. Their geometries and materials require strict control over cutting parameters, such as tool path and orientation, to avoid deformation and maintain surface integrity. This study investigates the impact of tilt angle variation during ball end milling of Ti6Al4V thin-walled parts. Four different tilt angles (15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°) were analysed to evaluate their effect on dimensional accuracy and surface roughness. The results show that tilt angle significantly influences surface quality and dimensional precision. A tilt angle of 30° achieved the best balance between surface finish and dimensional tolerances, with flatness values ranging from 0.038 mm at 30° to 0.101 mm at 60°, representing a 152.5% increase in flatness. The findings provide practical guidelines for optimizing ball end milling of thin-walled components, emphasizing the importance of tool orientation in reducing deformation and enhancing surface quality.
Braided Zestings of Verlinde Modular Categories and Their Modular Data
Authors: Galindo César , Mora Giovanny , Rowell Eric C.
Published: October 2024

Zesting of braided fusion categories is a procedure that can be used to obtain new modular categories from a modular category with non-trivial invertible objects. In this paper, we classify and construct all possible braided zesting data for modular categories associated with quantum groups at roots of unity. We produce closed formulas, based on the root system of the associated Lie algebra, for the modular data of these new modular categories.
Hunter Self-Similar Implosion Profiles for the Gravitational Euler–Poisson System
Authors: Sandine Ely
Published: October 2024

Our result is a construction of infinitely many radial self-similar implosion profiles for the gravitational Euler–Poisson system. The problem can be expressed as solving a system of non-autonomous non-linear ODEs. The first rigorous existence result for a non-trivial solution to these ODEs is due to Guo et al. (Commun Math Phys 386(3):1551–1601, 2021), in which they construct a solution found numerically by Larson (Mon Not R Astron Soc 145(3):271–295, 1969) and Penston (Mon Not R Astron Soc 144(4):425–448, 1969) independently. The solutions we construct belong to a different regime and correspond to a strict subset of the family of profiles discovered numerically by Hunter (Astrophys J 218:834, 1977). Our proof adapts a technique developed by Collot et al. (Mem Am Math Soc 260(1255):v+97, 2019), in which they study blowup for a family of energy-supercritical focusing semilinear heat equations. In our case, the quasilinearity presents complications, most severely near the sonic point where the system degenerates.
Ecophysiological responses of Fucus virsoides (Phaeophyceae, Fucales) to past and present nutrient conditions in the northern Adriatic
Authors: Descourvières Emmanuelle , Mulas Martina , Natale Sara , de Pedro Raquel Sánchez , Alboresi Alessandro , Solidoro Cosimo , Bandelj Vinko , Falace Annalisa
Published: October 2024

Fucus virsoides is a brown seaweed endemic to the Adriatic and the only species of its genus found in the Mediterranean. Historically widespread from the Venice lagoon (Italy) to Albania, this species has suffered a sharp decline and is currently threatened with extinction.

Over the past three decades, the northern Adriatic has seen a shift towards oligotrophy conditions, yet the ecophysiology of F. virsoides in response to nutrients changes has been poorly studied. Addressing this gap is crucial for understanding the extent to which these environmental changes may have contributed to the species’ decline.

To test our hypothesis that nutrient changes might be the primary driver of F. virsoides decline, we conducted a two-week experiment exposing germlings and adults to six different nutrient conditions. These included three Redfield ratios recorded in the Gulf of Trieste in 1996, 2007 and 2017, reflecting the shift from eutrophic to oligotrophic conditions experienced by F. virsoides in the wild. Additionally, the adults were exposed to three supplementary eutrophic conditions (naturally and artificially fertilized).

Growth and physiological responses (measured via O2 evolution and PAM fluorimetry) of F. virsoides to varying nutrient conditions were largely consistent, with only subtle effects observed. Our results highlight the species’ acclimatation potential, suggesting that short-term nutrient changes alone may not fully explain its decline. Understanding F. virsoides resilience to multiple environmental stressors is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies to preserve marine forests in the face of ongoing anthropogenic disturbances.
The diet and diving behaviour of the ringed seal (Pusa hispida) in Kangia (Ilulissat Icefjord), Greenland
Authors: Schiøtt Sascha , Holland David M. , Holland Denise , Rysgaard Søren , Rosing-Asvid Aqqalu
Published: October 2024

This study uses telemetry and stomach content analysis to describe the ringed seals’ dive pattern and prey selection within Kangia (Ilulissat Icefjord), Greenland, where the ringed seals are known to be exceptionally large and genetically distinct. Data from twenty-four ringed seals (Pusa hispida) tagged in Kangia, with satellite relay data loggers from 2012 to 2020, were used to describe the dive patterns. The transmitters were active between 28 and 270 days and showed that subadults most frequently dove to around 150 m. Adult males frequently dove to this depth, but they also had a second frequently visited depth at around 400 m, some adults significantly deeper. Adult males generally dove deeper than females and adult seals showed deeper dives during the winter, a feature that was less prominent in subadults. The stomach content from ringed seals (n = 108) harvested in Kangia by subsistence hunters revealed that polar cod (Boreogadus saida), capelin (Mallotus villosus), mysids (Mysis oculata, M. littoralis, M. Polaris) and shrimps (mainly Pandalus borealis) were the dominant prey. Shrimps were observed more often in adults, likely due to the frequently visited dive depth of around 400 m, whereas mysids were more observed in small subadult seals. The stomach content from harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) caught in Kangia also showed a strong niche overlap with the ringed seals. These findings outline the unique ecological adaptations and the importance of Kangia as a critical habitat of ringed seals.