bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of anthropogenic solid waste in some mangrove ecosystems of East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Retnaningdyah Catur , Vidayanti Viky
Published: January 2025

Some mangrove ecosystems in East Java, Indonesia have a serious problem, i.e. the degradation of ecosystem quality caused by anthropogenic solid waste pollution dominated by macroplastics from human activities in the surrounding area. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of anthropogenic solid waste trapped in the mangrove ecosystem and its impact on changes in the qualities of water and sediment. This research used the ex post facto method in ten mangrove ecosystems of East Java with different anthropogenic activities including Trenggalek (Cengkrong), Malang (Gedangan and Kondang Merak), Pasuruan (Penunggul), Probolinggo (Pantai Duta), Situbondo (Dubibir and Blekok), Surabaya (Gunung Anyar and Medokan Ayu) and Banyuwangi (Alas Purwo National Park/APNP). At each location, anthropogenic solid waste was monitored, including plastic, metal, glass, rubber, paper, cloth, and other waste, by making three plots with each size of 5 x 1 m2. The research results showed that the density ratio of plastic to non-plastic anthropogenic waste in ten mangrove ecosystems in East Java was 55:45. The mangrove ecosystems in Dubibir, Penunggul, and Cengkrong have moderate anthropogenic solid waste. The mangrove ecosystems in Kondang Merak, Gedangan, Duta, Medokan Ayu, and Gunung Anyar have low to moderate anthropogenic solid waste densities. The mangrove ecosystem in APNP has the lowest anthropogenic solid waste density. Based on the results of data analysis, it can be seen that high human activity will have an impact on increasing anthropogenic solid waste. Thus, solid waste management in the mangrove ecosystem is needed to control human activities around the mangrove ecosystem. Sampling was carried out in 11 mangrove ecosystems of Sawahmulya.
In vitro studies on the immunomodulatory effects of fulvic acid extract from palm oil empty fruit bunch (OPEFB)
Authors: Dimarwanita Firda , Mariya Silmi , Nur Annisa Dewi Fitria , Latisya Silva , Faramitha Yora , Goenadi Didiek Hadjar
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the potential of Fulvic Acid (FA), derived from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB), as an immunomodulatory agent through in vitro analysis. Fulvic Acid, a component of humic substances, is known for its wide-ranging applications in agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine. With an increasing need for sustainable natural therapies, FA has shown promise in treating degenerative diseases by modulating immune responses. The research focused on assessing the immunomodulatory effects of FA by analysing its impact on cytokine production. In vitro studies used the MTT assay to determine cytotoxicity and ELISA tests to measure cytokines associated with natural immunity (TNF-alpha and Interferon-gamma) and adaptive immunity (IL-2 and TGF-beta). Comparative evaluations were performed using FA samples from Shilajit and a fertiliser product. Results demonstrated that FA derived from OPEFB significantly enhanced cytokine production, suggesting its potential as an immunomodulatory agent. These findings indicate that FA from OPEFB could be a promising candidate for developing treatments for degenerative diseases. Further studies are recommended to explore its therapeutic potential and commercial application in the health sector.
Virtual screening and molecular docking of Indonesian phytoconstituents as potential inhibitors of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Tunjungseto Arif , Iffatunnisa Fakhriyah , Pratiwi Intan Winta , Alif Azzam Muhyiddin Afrizal , Ahsan Fadhil , Santoso Budi
Published: January 2025

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinology disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstruation, androgen overproduction and insulin resistance. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARG) is one of the essential modulators of ovarian steroid hormone synthesis and lipid metabolism. Precision medicine and targeted therapy have emerged as practical therapeutic approaches, focusing on specific molecules/pathways to minimize side effects and improve outcomes. This study aimed to identify potential Indonesian phytoconstituents that inhibit PPARG both from a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic perspective based on the in silico approach. Data of 6776 phytoconstituents from the Indonesian Medicinal Plant Database were screened for compounds with Pa>0.3 as “Insulin Sensitivity”, “Lipid metabolism”, and “Anti-inflammation” using PASSOnline. We performed pharmacokinetic profile prediction using SwissADME based on Lipinski criteria. Molecular docking was carried out with PPARG as the target proteins, utilizing PyMol, Pyrx, and Discovery Studio to evaluate top-hit compounds with the highest binding affinity. Through in silico screening and molecular docking, Quercitol exhibited superior binding with the protein target compared to the control ligands and metformin. Quercitol also met the Lipinski criteria, showing favourable bioavailability as a drug candidate. Hence, these findings will provide a theoretical basis for further studies as regards drugs targeting PPARG in PCOS.
Herbal and tuberculosis in Indonesia: Bibliometric analysis
Authors: Nur Azizah Annisa , Stefani Widodo , Putri Damayanti Irma , Pratiwi Wardani Dita , Abidah Safithri , Muhammad Almanfaluthi
Published: January 2025

This study explores the herbal status, grounded in Indonesia’s extensive tradition of herbal medicine, to address tuberculosis. The primary aim is to elucidate the extent of herbal research in tuberculosis through a bibliometric analysis of relevant research published in Scopus databases between 1996 and 2023. The study used RStudio, complemented by the Bibliometrix package, to assess publication patterns, contributing institutions, influential authors, and keyword trends. Two hundred-one documents have been published across 138 different sources, with an annual growth rate of 13.83%, suggesting possibilities of growing interest in herbal tuberculosis research. The average number of co-authors per document is 5.65, and 21.89% of the publications involve international co-authorship, highlighting a significant level of global collaboration. Universitas Padjajaran and Airlanga are at the forefront of research in this domain, contributing significantly to the scholarly output. Noteworthy contributions by prolific authors such as Massi MN and Mertaniasih underscore the critical nodes of academic influence. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified “mycobacterium tuberculosis,” “animal experiment,” and “plant extract” as central themes, highlighting a predominant focus on preclinical research and the chemical analysis of plant-based treatments.
Evaluation of polyphenol and antioxidant properties of Blumea balsamifera extract as potential therapeutic for breast cancer
Authors: Kamila Fairuz Sarah , Annisa Yuslinda , Rosyadah Nuraini , Hermanto Feri Eko , Widyananda Muhammad Hermawan , Dwijayanti Dinia Rizqi , Widodo Nashi
Published: January 2025

Blumea balsamifera (Bb) is a plant used as herbal medicine in Southeast Asia, and it has been used due to its antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anticancer, etc. However, there is currently limited evidence that Bb leaf extract from Batu, Indonesia, contains beneficial compounds against breast cancer. Hence, this study evaluates the active compounds in extract and their potential as therapeutic agents for breast cancer. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined based on quantified colourimetry analysis followed by DPPH assay to evaluate antioxidant activity and phytochemicals screening in the extract, which was characterised by LC-HRMS analysis. Furthermore, computational methods are used to predict the pharmacological properties of compounds in the extract, particularly against breast cancer. The results showed a total phenolic content of 103.85+1.5 mgGAE/g and a total flavonoid content of 225.99+17.68 mgQE/g, with an antioxidant activity of 255.17+13.11µg/mL. 11 compounds were identified, but only four (Aurantio-obtusin, Isorhamnetin, Quercetin, and Hemiphloin) were computationally analysed. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation indicate that these phytochemicals bind to their target, possibly limiting their activity. Therefore, Bb has potential as a natural product remedy for breast cancer and contributes significantly to our knowledge of the plant by providing essential data for its future development.
Anti-Inflammatory therapeutic potential of Bungur (Lagerstroemia speciosa L.) leaves ethanolic extract against LPS-activated macrophage through TLR4/MD2 signaling: A computational study
Authors: Rosyadah Nuraini , Dwijayanti Dinia Rizqi , Annisa Yuslinda , Kamila Fairuz Sarah , Widyananda Muhammad Hermawan , Ulfa Siti Mariyah , Widodo Nashi
Published: January 2025

Excessive inflammation, driven by macrophage activation and nitric oxide (NO) production, underlies various diseases. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory potential of bungur (Lagerstroemia speciosa L.) leaf extract. We characterized its phytochemical profile and evaluated the effects using in silico approaches. Bungur leaves (L. speciosa L.) were extracted using MAE extraction and subjected to phenol, flavonoid, terpenoid, alkaloid content and antioxidant DPPH assay. The compound profile was analyzed using LC-HRMS. Identified compounds were screened in silico for drug-likeness, bioactivity, and membrane permeability. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to evaluate the interaction and stability of selected compounds with TLR4/MD2 complex. This study demonstrated that bungur leaf extract exhibited higher levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds than terpenoids and alkaloids. This finding was confirmed by the LC-HRMS analysis, which revealed a dominance of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the extract. The extract also showed excellent DPPH antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its low IC50 value. In silico studies identified luteolin, luteolin 7-sulfate, and quercetin as the three best compounds, which acted as potent competitive inhibitors of TLR4 activation. Therefore, compounds contained in bungur leaf exhibited promising anti-inflammatory activity through TLR4 inhibition.
Natural fermentation of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) and noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia) in honey increases total phenol, total flavonoid, and antioxidant activity
Authors: Guardiola Esther Natalia , Sumitro Sutiman Bambang , Widyarti Sri
Published: January 2025

It is well known that bitter gourd and noni fruit contain high levels of beneficial chemicals, but tastes and flavour are less appealing. Due to enzymatic transformation, fermentation can change bioactive compounds that minimize bad taste and unpleasant odor. This study aimed to assess the phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) and noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia) during fermentation in honey. Blendered-bitter gourd (BG) or noni fruit (NF) each is mixed with honey and distilled water in a ratio of 3:1:10, then fermented for 90 days at room temperature and anaerobic conditions. Total phenol (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity were measured every two weeks. TPC in fermented NF increased from 56.62 mg GAE/gr to 156.59 GAE in the 6-week. TPC in BG increased from 56.96 GAE/g to 146.39 GAE/g during 12-week fermentation. TFC of fermented NF increased from 4.55 mg QC/g to 12.92 mg QC/g in 12-week fermentation. TFC of fermented BG increased from 9.86 QC/g to 41.69 QC/g in 12 weeks of fermentation. The antioxidant activity of fermented BM and BP showed the highest antioxidant activity in the 6-week (0,574 mg TEAC/g and 0.528 mg TEAC/g). The results indicate that fermentation in honey can increase total phenol and flavonoid content, and the antioxidant activity of bitter gourd and noni fruit.
The synthesis of chitosan-sodium tripolyphosphate nanoparticles for delivery of Ocimum africanum extract
Authors: Rahayu Sri , Widyarti Sri , Soewondo Aris , Prasetyaningrum Dian Islami , Umarudin Umarudin , Atho’illah Mochammad Fitri
Published: January 2025

The aim of the present work is to obtain Ocimum africanum extract nanoparticles (OaE-NPs) that have been crosslinked via ionic gelation with chitosan (chi) and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Nanoencapsulation will enable investigation of the morphology profile and size of OaE-NPs. The OaE-NPs produced via ionic gelation exhibited a 6.4 nm in size and a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.177. Additionally, SEM observation revealed that the surface shape of OaE-NPs was a loose aggregate with an uneven surface. These findings provide a simple and reliable approach for generating nanoparticles from O. africanum coated with chitosan/TPP.
Pulsatile Dexamethasone in Patients with Infantile Spasms: A Retrospective Analysis of a Unique Therapy Regime
Authors: Reimer Dennis , Brandl Ulrich , Vries Heike De
Published: January 2025

Objective Infantile spasms (IS) are an age-specific epilepsy syndrome associated with poor outcomes. Sustained and early spasm control remains the main goal of therapy. We aimed to evaluate a unique pulsatile dexamethasone therapy regime in children with IS.

Methods Children with IS were treated with oral pulsatile-applied dexamethasone in the Children's Hospital Jena between 2002 and 2021, regardless of duration since IS onset or previous therapy (except ACTH). A prolonged initial pulse was given in case of insufficient response (standard: 5–7 days, prolonged: 10–14 days). We analyzed spasm reduction, electroencephalographic response, adverse reactions, neurodevelopmental status, and epileptic disorders at the last follow-up.

Results Included were 26 patients with a median age of 5.5 months (interquartile range 4–8) at IS onset and a mean follow-up of 6.2 years (standard deviation [SD] 3.99). Fifty percent had an unknown etiology. Patients received on average 10.8 pulses (SD 6.0); 69.2% achieved initial seizure freedom, however, 38.9% relapsed. Seventeen patients had an initial prolonged pulse, of those, 14 got initially seizure-free (82.4%). Sixty-four percent of the cases had a sustained spasm cessation after the third pulse. At the last follow-up, half of the patients had no persisting epileptic disorder; 22.2% had a favorable neurocognitive development. Patients with unknown etiology were more likely to achieve seizure freedom during therapy (p = 0.025), had a more favorable neurocognitive outcome (p = 0.049), and were less likely to suffer from epileptic disorders (p = 0.037). No serious adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion Our results show that our treatment is safe and leads to outcomes comparable to usually applied hormonal therapy regimes. Etiology remains the most influential factor.
Radiological characteristics of the knee in young patients with medial meniscus horizontal tears
Authors: Naraoka Takuya , Soneda Hikaru , Hori Runa , Morioka So , Matsuyama Yukihiro
Published: January 2025

Introduction: We aimed to assess medial meniscal (MM) healing and horizontal tear (HT) repair in the knees of young patients.
Materials and methods: We enrolled 37 knees of 35 patients (mean age: 28.0 ± 10.2 years) with isolated meniscal repair that were divided into three groups: MM HT group (HT group, n = 15), MM tear except for HT group (MM group, n = 11), and lateral meniscus (LM) tear except for discoid meniscus group (LM group, n = 11). The anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and posterior tibial slope were measured on preoperative radiographs. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Lysholm and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 24 months post-surgery.
Results: aLDFA values were significantly lower in the HT and MM groups than in the LM group (P = .007). The MPTA was significantly lower in the HT group than in the MM and LM groups (P = .000). There were no differences in meniscal healing among the three groups at any time point after surgery (P = .376, .830, and .523, respectively). The KOOS subscale scores, symptom, pain, sports and recreation, and quality of life in the HT group were significantly lower than those in the LM group (P = .021, .033, .035, and .041, respectively).
Conclusion: Young patients with MM HT have small aLDFA and MPTA values. Although the healing rate of HT post-repair was comparable to other types of MM or LM tears up to 1 year post-repair, clinical outcomes (KOOS) of repaired HTs were inferior to those of LM tears 2 years post-repair.
The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Repair of Tympanic Membrane Perforation
Authors: Prashanth Kudure Basavaraj , Manjunatha Haraganahalli Anandappa , Nayak Prathvi P.
Published: January 2025

Introduction Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains high platelet concentration and growth factors that help in rapid wound healing, hemostasis, and decreased scarring. It has been used in various conditions to aid in healing, but its use in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) is not yet common.

Objective To compare the outcome of using PRP with myringoplasty with that of myringoplasty alone in the repair of tympanic membrane perforations.

Methods Sixty-eight patients in the 16-to-50 years age group with tympanic membrane perforation of 3 months duration, with dry ear for 6 weeks, and mild to-moderate conductive hearing loss were selected and divided by simple randomization into 2 equal groups. A thorough preoperative evaluation was done. In group A, patients underwent myringoplasty, and in group B, patients underwent myringoplasty with PRP. Patients were followed up for 3 months postsurgery.

Results At 6 weeks, 67.6 and 94.1% had graft uptake in groups A and B, respectively (p-value 0.011). At 3 months, 85.3 and 97.1% had graft uptake in groups A and B, respectively (p-value 0.197). The mean pure tone audiometry difference in group A was 8.35 ± 2.05, and 11.00 ± 2.28 in group B (p < 0.001). The mean air-bone gap difference for group A was 8.29 ± 2.14, and 10.76 ± 2.36 for group B (p < 0.001). Graft uptake rate at 6 weeks, pure tone audiometry, and air-bone gap difference were statistically significant.

Conclusion The present study results showed that the use of PRP during myringoplasty aids healing of the tympanic membrane with better hearing improvement in the postoperative period when compared to myringoplasty alone.
The listening renaissance: a theoretical exploration of audio-based digital narratives in literature
Authors: Palanisamy Bhuvaneshwari , V Rajasekaran
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the burgeoning phenomenon of audio-based digital narratives and their transformative impact on literature consumption, focusing on the evolving role of listening in the digital age. As audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio formats gain prominence, they challenge traditional notions of reading and storytelling, reshaping individual’s engagement with literary works. Through a theoretical exploration drawing from cognitive theory, media studies, and literary criticism, this study argues that the rise of audio literature represents not merely a shift in medium, but a fundamental change to process and interact with narrative content. The paper investigates the historical evolution of audio narratives, the cognitive processes involved in auditory literary experiences and the emergence of “literary listening” as a distinct skill. It also considers broader implications, including accessibility issues, the democratization of literature, and potential future directions of storytelling in an increasingly audio-centric digital environment. By synthesizing existing research and theoretical frameworks, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the listening renaissance in literature. The paper concludes by reflecting on the changing nature of literature consumption and the enduring importance of listening in an individual’s engagement with narrative art, suggesting that audio-based digital narratives represent a significant cultural shift associated with literature, rather than just a technological trend.
Emission of THz waves in MoS2 field-effect transistors
Authors: Sun Zongyao , Zhang Liping , Li Jiani , Zhang Meilin , Su Junyan
Published: January 2025

Terahertz (THz) waves are excited by the instability of plasma waves propagating along the field-effect transistor (FET) channel. This study investigates the instability and emission of THz plasmas waves in the MoS2 FET channel. A self-consistent quantum hydrodynamic model is built, and the dispersion relation depicting the THz plasma wave propagation in the MoS2 FETs is obtained. Furthermore, the evolution of linear THz plasma waves under weak magnetic fields and quantum effects under asymmetric boundary conditions is numerically analyzed. The results show that the external magnetic field, wave vector in y direction, quantum effects, thickness of the dielectric layer between the gate and channel, temperature, electron viscosity and collision damping influence the instability increment and radiation frequency of THz waves in MoS2 FETs. Moreover, the radiation power of THz waves in MoS2 FETs is stronger than that in graphene FETs. This study provides a new method for developing THz radiation sources.
Eulerian and Lagrangian analyses of entrainment in non-circular orifice impinging jets
Authors: Qu Hao , Zeng Xin , He Chuangxin , Wen Xin , Cai Weiwei , Wang Benlong , Liu Yingzheng
Published: January 2025

In this work, the entrainment characteristics of two different non-circular orifice impinging jets, i.e., elliptical and square orifices, are studied against the circular one. These three orifice jets at the same impinging-distance-to-diameter H/De = 3.0 and the Reynolds number (Re) at 1.6 × 103 were measured by time-resolved tomographic particle image velocimetry. The macroscopic flow structures and local characteristics are discussed in terms of Eulerian and Lagrangian perspectives, respectively. For both the streamwise velocity and the finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) field, the power spectral density exhibits a significant Strouhal number component St = 0.53 in all three jets, whereas the square orifice jet shows multiple frequency peaks. Observing the large-scale vortical structures of the instantaneous flow field indicates that the up-warping part of the elliptical and square vortex rings as well as the square vortex pairing and merging behavior will substantially enhance the local entrainment. As for the FTLE field, both non-circular orifice impinging jets tend to form the wider entrainment channel as well as more prominent shear along the local turbulent/non-turbulent interface. The entrainment statistics based on the enstrophy supports the above findings. As the fluid flows from the orifice, the entrainment rate of the elliptical orifice jet in the development region first grows slower but overtakes the circular one after H/De > 1.5; the square jet has the lowest entrainment and growth rate upstream, while the largest entrainment growth rate is reached at H/De > 1.5, where the large-scale structures are formed. Near the impingement region, the elliptical orifice jet has the largest entrainment rate and then the square orifice.
Dynamics of liquid infiltration into an espresso bed using time-resolved micro-computed tomography: Insights from experiment and modeling
Authors: Foster Jamie , Lee William , Moroney Kevin , Prjamkov Dimitri , Salamon Michael , Smith Ann , Petrassem-de-Sousa Joseph , Vynnycky Michael
Published: January 2025

In espresso brewing, soluble content is extracted from a bed of ground coffee beans by forcing hot water through the bed at high pressure. An important part of this process is the infiltration stage in which water permeates the initially dry bed. This process is investigated by a combination of x-ray tomography and fluid mechanical modeling. Tomography is used to track the infiltration front of the water via the contrast in density. The experimental data are compared with a one-dimensional unsaturated porous medium flow model, which divides the bed into wet and dry regions and incorporates the espresso pump dynamics. Good agreement is seen between the experimental data and the model predictions.
Deep learning-based prediction of flow and heat transfer in pyrolytic hydrocarbon fuels at supercritical pressure
Authors: Xu Shuai , Feng Yu , Chen Feng , Li Chengpeng , Wei Xingguo , Qin Jiang
Published: January 2025

The prediction of flow and heat transfer characteristics of supercritical hydrocarbon fuels is crucial for the research of regenerative cooling systems in hypersonic vehicles. This paper proposes a deep learning model for predicting the flow and heat transfer characteristics of supercritical hydrocarbon fuels in regenerative cooling channels. Through testing and comparative analysis, the results indicate that the model achieves high accuracy in predicting the flow and heat transfer characteristics during the pyrolysis of hydrocarbon fuels. Analysis of the model's predictions for fuel temperature, velocity, heat transfer coefficient, conversion, and the mass fraction of cracking products reveals linear correlation coefficients exceeding 0.99 when compared to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculation results. Additionally, the model performs well on datasets beyond the training set. In the new test dataset, the mean relative errors (MREs) for temperature, velocity, heat transfer coefficient, fuel conversion, and methane mass fraction are 0.45%, 7.4%, 1.0%, 7.3%, and 8.4%, respectively. These results attest to the model's robust generalization capabilities, indicating its utility for predicting fluid heat transfer under diverse operating conditions. This study enables the rapid prediction of the heat transfer capabilities of supercritical hydrocarbon fuels with pyrolysis reactions, which is crucial for the design of thermal management systems in aircraft.
Two-dimensional Green’s function for an isotropic equal-thickness double-layer structure
Authors: Tong Jie , Li Juan , Su Jiang , Liu Ying-jie
Published: January 2025

According to Green’s function for a half-infinite plane subjected to a concentrated force, a two-dimensional Green’s function is derived for an isotropic double-layer structure of equal thickness under a concentrated force applied above the surface. This derivation was based on the mirroring image method and Dirichlet’s principle of singularity. Initially, the characteristics of the equal-thickness double-layer structure were examined, leading to the formulation of the upper and lower surface and interface conditions of the computational structure. Subsequently, four series of harmonic functions were generated from ten harmonic functions using the general solutions to two harmonic functions. By substituting these four series functions into a two-dimensional general solution, eight recursive equations were derived. The equations were expressed through eight harmonic functions, which could be solved using the upper and lower surface conditions and interface connection conditions. The harmonic function under any force can be determined through Green’s function for an isotropic half-infinite plane structure, allowing for the computation of the displacement and stress fields of the isotropic double-layer structure with equal thickness. Finally, numerical examples were used to compare the interface calculation results of this study with the finite element method numerical results, demonstrating the validity of the algorithm. This method is computationally simple and converges quickly. Utilizing the principle of superposition, the stress fields and displacements of an isotropic finite element method equal-thickness double-layer structure can be solved for any directional force acting on the surface, providing a robust foundation for the engineering design and analysis of such problems.
Metamaterial-free, zero-drag, spherical hydrodynamic cloaks enabled by machine learning
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Bin , Yao Neng-Zhi , Xiao Zhengyan , Wu Chen-Long , Wang Xuesheng , Wang Xingsheng
Published: January 2025

Hydrodynamic cloaks, a type of metamaterials possessing zero-drag properties, show fascinating potential for aerospace, marine engineering, and high-speed transportation. However, achieving zero drag with hydrodynamic cloaks in viscous flows is challenged by the complexity of the Navier–Stokes equations. This study designs spherical hydrodynamic cloaks based on machine learning, which allow objects to move in a viscous fluid without disturbing the flow fields. These cloaks merely require the supply of uniform external forces, unaided by metamaterials, allowing objects wrapped in the cloak to move unimpeded through viscous flow fields. Numerical simulations show that these cloaks provide significant drag reduction efficiency (up to 96.26%) and enhance flow stability by eliminating lift fluctuations. These findings provide new insights into flow control and expand the applicability of hydrodynamic metamaterials to high Reynolds number environments, with promising applications in multiphysics fields such as thermal-hydrodynamic coupling and acoustic-hydrodynamic coupling.
DNA barcoding reveals larval fish diversity and distribution along the Cibareno River (West Java, Indonesia)
Authors: Wibowo Arif , Chadijah Andi , Kurniawan Kurniawan , Prakoso Vitas Atmadi , Atminarso Dwi , Irawan Deni , Rochman Fathur , Astuti Septiana Sri , Surbani Indah Lestari , Deniansen Tri , Rosadi Imron , Jaya Yohanes Yudha P. , Sudarsono Sudarsono , Baumgartner Lee J. , Hubert Nicolas , Stuart Ivor G.
Published: January 2025

Context There is a global problem with ongoing riverine infrastructure projects where, despite knowledge of potential environmental impacts, there is rapid development, often without appropriate environmental safeguards. This results in fragmentation of riverine fish communities, especially diadromous species. Understanding freshwater fish larval ecology is critical to provide insight into the likely impacts of these projects. Aims To assess fish larval biodiversity on the basis of DNA barcoding, abundance and its distribution pattern in the Cibareno River. Methods Fish larvae were collected at six locations in the Cibareno River. The larvae were identified by DNA barcoding. Key results A notable disparity was seen in the distribution of larval abundance in different locations. The non-native species, Poecilia reticulata, was the most abundant larval species, with an intraspecific diversity of 0.003 (99.7% similarity). The upstream area exhibited a lower level of larval species diversity than did the downstream area. Conclusions Genetic identification can reliably identify fish larvae and determine their spatial riverside distribution in the Cibareno River. The conservation of connectivity maintains fish community integrity and diversity between upstream and downstream locations in the weir building plan. Implications This discovery emphasises the relevance of larval identification in fish biodiversity assessment and sustainable fisheries resource monitoring.
The pragmatics of critical thinking
Authors: Bardzokas Valandis , Desilla Louisa
Published: January 2025

The notion of critical thinking (CT) has attracted intensive research interest over the years in a number of
scientific fields, i.e., education, psychology, logic, rhetoric, to mention but a few. However, due to its multidirectional
orientation, it has proven hard to pin down. More recently, it has realistically been viewed as a notion that can be organized
into types or sub-skills, each of which can be duly considered relative to the distinctive details of a specific subject (McPeck 1981). The current work observes the type of CT exercised in playing adventure
games, particularly in solving puzzles. Importantly, the obvious link of CT to inferential reasoning notwithstanding, the prospect
of a pragmatic description of the notion at hand is overlooked in the relevant literature, as is the prospect of a pragmatic
description of videogaming. In order to compensate for this double oversight, the current work draws on the insights of relevance
theory, securing a unifying framework of pragmatic analysis. More specifically, as will be shown, playing an adventure game
engages the player in exercising a type of critical thinking that is oriented towards the task of solving a problem or puzzle. In
this light, a puzzle is composed of a series of mental challenges, addressing which contributes to the construction of a
relevance-driven syllogistic process; a type of process that is geared towards the derivation of contextual effects that are
relevant to the aim of solving the puzzle.
The copula sendá in the revitalization of Palenquero Creole
Authors: Marsella Mara
Published: January 2025

This study provides a first description of the distribution of the copular items of the Spanish-lexified Creole
Palenquero (San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia). Notably, besides the descriptions of the occurrence of the oppositional couple
ta/é (and its variants era and jue), the distribution of
the third and most innovative copula sendá (< Sp. sentar(se) ‘to sit’) has not yet been
clarified. This study reveals that the distribution of the copulas é/jue/era ~ sendá is stratified by age.
Although sendá has been recorded in previous traditional corpora with low frequency of occurrence, this paper
demonstrates that young Palenquero speakers nowadays regularly select the copula sendá in both attributive and
identificational equative copular constructions. Elderly traditional speakers prefer using the copulas é, jue,
and era in this context. The change in usage is particularly prevalent among second language users of Palenquero
who acquired it as part of language revitalization activities.
The use of traditional herbal medicine in Pakistani dentistry and mechanistic overview of some phytochemicals against oral and dental disease categories
Authors: Asad Syed Aizad , Asad Syed Rohid , Khan Malaika , Asad Syed Aswad , Hussain Adil
Published: January 2025

Due to the chronic nature and rapid development, oral and dental diseases remained major health concerns. In this regard, herbal medicines could be very vital in controlling such complications. Here, we provide a comprehensive data on plants used as alternate medicine against oral and dental diseases in Pakistan with an overview of reported mechanisms of action of some phytochemicals against these diseases. Data were searched across scientific databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO and Science Direct with particular keywords. Overall, 234 plants from 177 genera of 77 plant families have been reported in Pakistan against oral and dental diseases.
Acacia
and
Solanum
with 6 species each,
Rumex
and
Ficus
with 4 species each,
Artemisia
,
Ferula, Plantago
and
Tephrosia
with 3 species each were maximally used against dental diseases. Herb remained the highly prevalent growth habit for 125 species (54%), following shrubs (56 species, 24%) and tree (50 species, 21%). A total of 16 different plant parts were used as medicine where leaves (97 species, 41.45%), roots (66 species, 28.20%) and stem (34 species, 14.52%) were highly used parts with 15 modes of remedies where decoction (77 species), raw form (69 species) and powder (60 species) were highly preferred modes. The plants were used against 15 oral and dental diseases maximally against toothache (189 species) and gum infections (39 species). Further, the review presented possible mechanisms of action of some phytochemicals against major oral and dental diseases. The data provides crucial information in curing oral and dental complications and further studies are recommended to clarify their safety and effectiveness.
Sputtering yields and induced contamination of Kapton, PEEK and PTFE under xenon ion bombardment
Authors: Nicolas L , Villemant M , Paulmier T
Published: January 2025

In this article, we present the results of sputtering yield measurements of Kapton, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) due to xenon ion bombardment. We measured these yields using the weight loss technique, for energies ranging from 350 to 800 eV and incidence angles from 0 to 75∘. Polymers sputtering yield dependence versus incidence angle appears to be much lower than what we usually observe in other materials (such as metals). Furthermore, PTFE exhibits a very high erosion rate, which is 2 orders of magnitude larger than Kapton and PEEK ones. We also performed collection measurements using a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus. Such a method provides differential sputtering that yields data which are key pieces of information regarding satellite contamination issues. We also computed the total sputtering yields obtained by this second method, and it appears that they are much smaller than the ones measured previously by weight loss, especially for PTFE. This suggests that erosion products may be of different types (atoms, molecules) which are not all able to stick on a facing surface.
Ultrafast expansion kinetics of femtosecond laser-induced optical breakdown in bulk fused silica
Authors: Ur Rehman Zia , Nguyen V H , Janulewicz Karol Adam
Published: January 2025

In this study, we employ femtosecond pump–probe transmission microscopy and complex Nomarski interferometry to investigate the ultrafast dynamics of laser-induced plasma and shock waves in bulk fused silica subjected to high laser intensities. It was found that the plasma channel, in its development, takes on a columnar shape with minimal variations during the early expansion stage between 130 and 200 ps. However, after 200 ps, the cylindrical shock wave commenced its departure from the plasma channel and gradually expanded outward along the radial direction. An electron density in the evolving plasma channel approached a level of

∼

1.9
∗

10

20

cm

−
3

, at a delay time of 50 ps. The resulting change in refractive index caused by electronic plasma was 0.05, while the reflectivity of the probe beam was ≈0.03

%

. The blast wave model described the plasma and cylindrical shock wave expansion. A pressure of 65 GPa and a plasma temperature of a few eV were registered at a delay time of 150 ps. The resulting extreme conditions mapped to the cross-section analysis of the void and shock wave-affected area reveal polycrystalline structures near the periphery of the cavity at the geometrical focus. The areas more distant from the focus tend to show an amorphous character. These findings enrich the interpretation of femtosecond laser–dielectric interactions, with significant implications for micromachining, optical data storage, and the advancement of photonic device technologies.
High spin–orbit torque efficiency in Pt/Co/Tb/W repetition structures with broken spatial inversion symmetry
Authors: Tokunaga Kazuhiko , Kurokawa Yuichiro , Zhang Lin , Yuasa Hiromi
Published: January 2025

Spin–orbit torque (SOT) is an attractive phenomenon as a method of current-induced control of magnetization obtained at the interface between the heavy metal and magnetic layers. We investigate the SOT dependence of the stacking structure, namely [Pt/Co]
n
, [Pt/Co/Tb]
n
, or [Pt/Co/Tb/W]
n
where n is the repetition number because the repetition structure guarantees the thermal stability of magnetization. Whereas the SOT is negligibly small in the repetition structure [Pt/Co]10 because the SOT between the top and bottom Pt is cancelled out, we observe a finite SOT in [Pt/Co/Tb]10 induced by breaking the spatial inversion symmetry. Furthermore, the SOT of [Pt/Co/Tb/W]10 was more than three times higher than that of [Pt/Co/Tb]10 because the net spin Hall torque was enhanced by sandwiching Co with Pt and W with opposite polarity of spin Hall angles. In addition, we clarified that the magnetization is reduced due to the intermixing at the Co/Tb interface by x-ray diffraction and composition depth profiles, which is another reason for the SOT improvement. These results are expected to provide a new foothold for the control of magnetization in various spintronic devices.
2D surface optical reflectance for use in harsh reactive environments
Authors: Zetterberg J , Larsson A , Grespi A , Pfaff S , Rämisch L , Merte L R , Lundgren E
Published: January 2025

In recent years, studies of surfaces at more realistic conditions has advanced significantly, leading to an increased understanding of surface dynamics under reaction conditions. The development has mainly been due to the development of new experimental techniques or new experimental approaches. Techniques such as High Pressure Scanning Tunneling/Force Microscopy, Ambient Pressure x-ray Photo emission Spectroscopy, Surface x-ray Diffraction, Polarization-Modulation InfraRed Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy and Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence at semi-realistic conditions has been used to study planar model catalysts or industrial materials under operating conditions. 2D-Surface Optical Reflectance has recently received attention as a useful experimental tool used in gaseous and liquid harsh conditions by providing complementary experimental information on planar model samples as well as being a powerful experimental tool on its own. The simplicity of the approach and the cost of the equipment makes it an attractive alternative and useful tool for surface science studies under reaction conditions. In this topical review, we review some recent studies that have been promoted by the technical development in optical components, image acquisition and computational image analysis.
A novel decomposition-reconstruction-prediction hybrid model to predict precipitable water vapor from GNSS observations
Authors: Wu Fanming , Li Dengao , Zhao Jumin , Jiang Hairong , Shi Danyang
Published: January 2025

Precipitable water vapor (PWV) is one of the key factors in weather disaster preparedness and water forecasting. Due to the nonlinearity and nonstationarity of the PWV sequence, the existing models cannot achieve stable prediction accuracy. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel decomposition–reconstruction-prediction hybrid prediction model, named improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN)-permutation entropy (PE)-autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous (ARIMAX)-one-dimensional convolution neural network-bidirectional long-short-term memory (1D CNN-BiLSTM), for predicting PWV. Firstly, the PWV sequence derived from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is decomposed using the ICEEMDAN. Secondly, the PE of each decomposed modal is calculated and the PWV sequence is reconstructed into low- and high-frequency components. Then, considering spatio–temporal information, geographic information and meteorological data (longitude, latitude, altitude, day of year, hour of day, surface air pressure and temperature) aided modeling, the low- and high-frequency components are predicted using ARIMAX and 1D CNN-BiLSTM, respectively, and superimposed to obtain the predicted value and prediction intervals. Finally, the proposed model is validated for performance using the PWV derived from six GNSS stations. Compared with other models, the results show that ICEEMDAN-PE-ARIMAX-1D CNN-BiLSTM significantly improves PWV prediction performance, the mean root mean square errors for the six stations are 0.3765 mm, 0.7517 mm and 1.4696 mm for the 1 h, 12 h, and 24 h forecasts, respectively.
2D WS2 monolayer preparation method and research progress in the field of optoelectronics
Authors: Jin Zhihan , Liu Hao , Huang Tianci , Chen Liping , Tan Chee Leong , Wang Kaili , Yan Shancheng
Published: January 2025

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDs) have attracted considerable interest in materials science due to their exceptional electronic and optoelectronic characteristics, such as high carrier mobility and adjustable band gaps. Although extensive studies have been conducted on various TMDs, a significant gap persists in the understanding of synthesis methods and their effects on the practical use of monolayer tungsten disulfide (WS2) in optoelectronic devices. This gap is crucial, as the effective incorporation of WS2 into commercial applications relies on the establishment of dependable synthesis techniques that guarantee the material’s high quality and uniformity. In this review, we provide a detailed examination of the synthesis methods for monolayer WS2, emphasizing mechanical stripping, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). We discuss the benefits of each technique, including the uniform growth achievable with ALD at lower temperatures and the ability of CVD to generate large-area, high-quality monolayer. Furthermore, we review the performance of WS2 in various electronic and optoelectronic applications, such as field-effect transistors, photodetectors, and logic devices. Our review suggest that ongoing improvements in film uniformity, compatibility with current semiconductor processes, and the long-term stability of WS2-based devices indicate a promising pathway for transitioning 2D WS2 from laboratory settings to practical applications.
Enhancing the ferroelectric performance of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 films by optimizing the incorporation of Al dopant
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhao Weidong , Wang Jiawei , Yao Lulu , Ding Man , Cheng Yonghong
Published: January 2025

HfO2-based ferroelectric (FE) thin films have gained considerable interest for memory applications due to their excellent properties. However, HfO2-based FE films face significant reliability challenges, especially the wake-up and fatigue effects, which hinder their practical application. In this work, we fabricated 13.5 nm-thick Al-doped Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) films with both uniform (UD) and optimized (OD) Al distributions, systematically investigating the effects of Al doping distribution on their FE and endurance performances. After optimizing the Al distribution, the OD samples exhibit significantly enhanced ferroelectricity, with a robust remnant polarization (2P
r) of 53.7 μC cm−2. Besides, compared to the undoped and UD HZO films, the OD samples exhibit enhanced dielectric performance, with lower leakage currents and higher breakdown voltages, suggesting that the optimized distribution suppresses oxygen vacancy generation and mitigates defect formation. Furthermore, the OD samples maintain a large 2P
r of 40.4 μC cm−2 after 108, which can be rejuvenated back to 50.7 μC cm−2 by higher voltage cycling. The enhanced dielectric performances and reversible phase transitions during cycling underline the potential of Al-doped HZO films with optimized distribution as reliable, long-endurance FE materials, advancing the development of HfO2-based FE devices for future memory applications.