bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced production of bacterial cellulose with a mesh dispenser vessel-based bioreactor
Authors: Loh Joshua , Arnardottir Thora , Gilmour Katie , Zhang Meng , Dade-Robertson Martyn
Published: January 2025

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has gained significant interest for various applications due to its useful properties which include chemical stability and strong physical properties as well as its biocompatibility. However, conventional fabrication methods are limited by a lack of control over the form, particularly depth and thickness, restricting BC applications to 2D planar shapes. The production of BC is constrained by the formation of a pellicle at the liquid–air interface. To overcome this constraint and enable continuous pellicle formation, a method was established to combine intermittent batch feeding with a supportive mesh scaffold. Intermittent feeding supplies nutrients to the pellicle, promoting sustained formation at the liquid–air interface, while the supporting mesh anchors the initial pellicle to prevent submersion. This approach facilitates the continuous growth of BC pellicle at a controlled rate. Moreover, the method described here results in a single BC pellicle with enhanced thickness, weight (both wet and dry states), water-holding capacity and mechanical strength. Continuous growth is achievable with ongoing nutrient supply, allowing for precise control over the final pellicle thickness. This culturing method is scalable and has been tested for volumes ranging from 250 mL to 10 L, and significantly increases glucose-to-cellulose conversion (3.4-fold) and water utilization efficiency (2.4-fold).
Understanding the complexity of centers for teaching and learning: introducing a four-dimensional model
Authors: Mihai Alexandra I. , Dailey-Hebert Amber L. , Beausaert Simon
Published: January 2025

Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) are gaining visibility in the higher education landscape as key actors that support universities in providing high-quality education and fostering a culture that values teaching and learning. While existing research on CTLs typically focuses on evaluation, impact, or institutionally context-specific work, we sought to unearth a framework that could be universally applied to understanding CTL work and functionality. Following data collection and 25 interviews with CTL Directors from higher education institutions across the USA, we created an integrative approach that brings together organizational, behavioral, and relational perspectives. The four dimensions—governance, identity, social capital, and activities—enable us to investigate CTLs from various angles and at different levels, providing valuable clues for understanding CTL performance and challenges. This integrative model can also be used as a framework to inform CTL design decisions.
Hydride-reduction-induced oxygen vacancies in CoV2O6 for machine learning-assisted enhanced electrochemical detection of homovanillic acid
Authors: Jawaid Sana , Soomro Razium Ali , Karakuş Selcan , Küçükdeniz Tarık , Sirrajuddin  , Nafady Ayman
Published: January 2025

Enhancing the intrinsic properties of metal oxides without relying on external modifiers remains challenging for achieving improved electrochemical response and reducing sensor fabrication costs. Herein, a simple hydride-reduction route is adopted to integrate oxygen vacancies in cobalt vanadium oxide (CoV2O6) microspheres to improve its electrochemical oxidation towards homovanillic acid (HVA), a cancer biomarker. CoV2O6 prepared via hydrothermal route, when systematically exposed to varying concentrations of NaBH4, generates abundant oxygen vacancies. A systematic comparison of CVO and CVO
v
confirms that vacancies are critical in improving catalytic sites and charge transferability during HAV oxidation in PBS (0.1 M) (pH 6.5). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV)-based sensing confirms the sensor’s excellent workability in the low concentration range of 0.15 to 4.0 uM with a low LOD of 0.03 uM HAV in PBS (0.1 M). Moreover, the sensor exhibits high selectivity towards HAV, even in common interferents. Machine learning (ML)-based algorithms validated the sensor’s performance, and the comparative evaluation showed that artificial neural network (ANN) outperformed others in interpreting DPV data, achieving a minimal mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.2927, in contrast to 0.8475 for LightGBM and 0.8785 for support vector machine (SVM), thereby confirming its enhanced accuracy in predicting HVA concentration.Please check the edits made to the article title and amend if necessary.thank youPlease confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author Given name: [Razium Ali] Last name [Soomro]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.thank you
Compassion in the justification of physician-assisted dying: Gandhi’s non-violence vs. Aristotle’s virtues and vices
Authors: Avci Ercan
Published: January 2025

Compassion is an essential phenomenon in the therapeutic relationship, and some use it to justify physician-assisted dying practices. The value of compassion in the relationship between healthcare professionals and patients is undeniable. However, different approaches to its definition and scope can lead to distinct conclusions about the role of compassion in end-of-life interventions. In this context, the paper aims to compare Mahatma Gandhi’s and Aristotle’s views on compassion to explore whether it can be utilized to justify physician-assisted dying. Gandhi’s thoughts on compassion and Aristotle’s standpoint on virtues and vices demonstrate that Gandhi evaluates this concept as a moral duty to relieve intractable suffering, whereas Aristotle relies on balancing all virtues through relevant deficiencies and excesses. Therefore, even though Gandhi’s opinion on compassion can for allow assisted dying interventions, Aristotle’s idea of virtues and vices restricts compassion to a scope that alleviates suffering through available means without causing death.
Fluid-conveying pipes in the floating frame of reference formulation
Authors: van Voorthuizen Karlijn , Abdul Rasheed Mohammed Iqbal , Schilder Jurnan
Published: January 2025

This work presents a new formulation for flexible fluid-conveying pipe elements based on the widely used floating frame of reference formulation. The elements can be used as a tool for the analysis of flexible multibody systems that contain fluid-conveying pipes, as it is well known that the movement of the fluid can influence the behavior and stability of such systems. The pipe defines a control volume through which the fluid, which is considered to be a moving mass, axially flows. The velocity of a material point of the fluid is therefore a material derivative of its position, representing the large rigid movement and small elastic deformation of the pipe along with the velocity of the fluid with respect to the pipe. The equations of motion are derived through the principle of virtual work, spatial discretization by finite element interpolation functions, and model reduction. A simplification of the consistent equations of motion is proposed, which avoids the use of inertia shape integrals and reduces the effort required to implement the developed fluid-conveying pipe elements in existing multibody software. The developed elements are validated by simulation of a straight cantilevered pipe and a curved pipe constrained on one end by a hinge. A simulation of a concrete printing system illustrates the straightforward incorporation of the elements in larger multibody systems.
Photoresponsivity enhancement of W-doped ZnO film/Silicon based devices via silver nanoparticles
Authors: Jalal Ream , Ozel Kenan , Atilgan Abdullah , Yildiz Abdullah
Published: January 2025

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were deposited onto a 2 at.% Tungsten (W)-doped ZnO (WZO)/p-Silicon (p-Si) UV photodetector using a cost-effective sol–gel method. Top-view scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed the uniform coating of Ag NPs. Cross-sectional SEM analysis revealed a WZO film thickness of 167 nm, including the Ag NP layer. UV–Vis spectroscopy demonstrated high transparency with an average value of 79.5% for the Ag NPs-coated WZO film. The bandgap energy of this film was calculated to be 3.17 eV. The fabricated photodetector, comprising the Ag NP-modified WZO film and p-Si substrate, exhibited superior performance due to enhanced optical and electrical properties. Notably, the device achieved a responsivity (R*) of 4.83 A/W, a sensitivity (S*) of 60.82, and a detectivity (D*) of 5.06 × 1012 Jones. Compared to the unmodified WZO/p-Si device, the Ag NP-coated photodetector displayed significant improvements: a 26% increase in R*, a 79% increase in S*, and a 53% increase in D*. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating metal nanoparticles into photosensitive devices to optimize light-matter interactions.
Zero-Free Regions of the Riemann Zeta Function and Approximation in Weighted Dirichlet Spaces
Authors: Gallardo-Gutiérrez Eva A. , Seco Daniel
Published: January 2025

We study zero-free regions of the Riemann zeta function

$$\zeta $$

ζ

related to an approximation problem in the weighted Dirichlet space

$$D_{-2}$$

D

-
2

which is known to be equivalent to the Riemann Hypothesis since the work of Báez-Duarte. We prove, indeed, that analogous approximation problems for the standard weighted Dirichlet spaces

$$D_{\alpha }$$

D
α

when

$$\alpha \in (-3,-2)$$

α
∈
(
-
3
,
-
2
)

give conditions so that the half-plane

$$\{s \in \mathbb {C}: \Re (s) > -\frac{\alpha +1}{2}\}$$

{
s
∈
C
:
ℜ

(
s
)

>
-

α
+
1

2

}

is also zero-free for

$$\zeta $$

ζ

. Moreover, we extend such results to a large family of weighted spaces of analytic functions

$$\ell ^p_{\alpha }$$

ℓ
α
p

. As a particular instance, in the limit case

$$p=1$$

p
=
1

and

$$\alpha =-2$$

α
=
-
2

, we provide a new equivalent formulation of the Prime Number Theorem.
Floristic and Structural Heterogeneity in a Neotropical Riparian Wetland: Conservation Implications
Authors: Jimeno Diana , Chávez Daniel , Enríquez Moisés , Fonseca Rosa María , Gallardo-Cruz J. Alberto , Martínez-Camilo Rubén , Meave Jorge A.
Published: January 2025

Despite the incontrovertible importance of wetland ecosystems, our understanding of the causes underlying the spatial heterogeneity of their attributes is still insufficient. Here, we assess the spatial variation of the floristics (species composition and their relative abundances) and quantitative structure (vegetation cover) of the San Pedro Mártir River riparian herbaceous wetlands (Tabasco, Mexico), and explore potential factors responsible for within- and among community variation. Vegetation was sampled at 10 sites along a 40-km stretch of the river. Per site cover of the recorded morphospecies was assessed with digital photography, and community diversity was analyzed using the Hill numbers framework. Total richness was 76 morphospecies (67 identified to some taxonomic category); the drastic decrease in true diversity with increasing q values indicated that few species dominate the community matrix, while numerous remaining species occupy the small interstices among them. Three Cyperaceae species had the largest importance in the community, with Cladium jamaicense being the most frequent and having the largest cover along the river. Ward’s site classification and NMDS ordination indicated the existence of four floristically and structurally different vegetation groups. Within sites, GLMMs showed a weak inverse relationship between species richness and distance from the river, but no relationship for plant cover. Fluvial geomorphology, and possibly regional geological heterogeneity, are the main factors determining the spatial variation of these herbaceous wetlands. Deep understanding of the relationship of herbaceous riparian wetlands with their environment will improve the prediction of the effects of modifications of fluvial dynamics and support efficient conservation strategies.
The association between preoperative lacunar infarcts and postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Danni , Gu Pan , Wang Yuhao , Yao Yuchen , Fan Dan
Published: January 2025

Objective

The primary goal was to investigate whether the presence of preoperative lacunar infarcts (LACI) was associated with postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting and participants

Patients aged ≥ 65 years from a tertiary level A hospital in China.

Methods

The POD was assessed once daily within the first postoperative 3 days using the Confusion Assessment Method. Neurocognitive tests using the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scales were carried out within 3 days before surgery and 4–7 days after surgery. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) was recorded in the operating room. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of preoperative LACI on POD and to explore the risk factors for POD.

Results

A total of 369 participants were analyzed, 161 in the preoperative LACI-positive group (P group), and 208 in the preoperative LACI-negative group (N group), respectively. The incidence of POD was 32.7% in our study. The incidence of POD was significantly higher in the P group than in the N group (39.1 vs 27.9%, risk ratio, 1.66; 95% CI 1.07–2.58; P = 0.022). Furthermore, the P group exhibited lower mean rScO2 values during the procedure (P < 0.001). In exploratory analysis, the advanced age (P = 0.005), sex (P = 0.038), and lower preoperative MMSE score (P = 0.019) were independent risk factors for POD in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Conclusions and implications

Preoperative LACI was common, and constituted a risk factor for POD in older patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Despite the frequent subclinical nature, the preoperative LACI led to lower mean rScO2 during the procedure. These findings could help early identification of high-risk POD patients.
Unraveling “Feeling Bad” in a Non-Western Culture: Achievement Emotions in Japanese Medical Students
Authors: Nomura Osamu , Sunohara Momoka , Akatsu Haruko , Wiseman Jeffrey , Lajoie Susanne P.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The Medical Emotion Scale has been translated into Japanese (J-MES) and validated for cross-cultural emotion research in medical education. However, its applicability for extracting Japanese cultural aspects of medical students’ emotions has not been examined. This study aimed to explore the underlying latent constructs related to culture in the J-MES by conducting factor analyses.

Methods

In total, 41 medical students enrolled at a Japanese university participated in this study. The students completed the J-MES before, during, and after a computer-based clinical reasoning activity. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the factor structure of the scale. Factor extraction was based on a scree plot investigation.

Results

The EFA for emotions before the task pointed to a four-factor structure explaining 56.70% of the total variance. The first factor accounted for 26.44% of the variance. Based on the seven items with the highest loadings on this factor (e.g., happiness), we interpreted the first factor as representing a positive valence dimension. The second factor explained 13.78% of the variance with four items of highest loadings (e.g., anger), which was interpreted as representing negative emotions toward the learning activity. The third factor explained 10.48% of the variance with three items (e.g., shame), interpreted as negative emotions related to self-performance. The fourth factor explained 6.00% of the variance with three items (e.g., confusion), which was interpreted as representing anxiety-related emotions.

Discussion

Negative emotions included multiple factors such as learning activity- and self-performance-related emotions, which could be associated with Japan’s interdependent culture.
Development of heating strategies to reduce crack formation in the manufacturing process of tool components using directed energy deposition
Authors: Koopmann Eike Tim , Jäger Tim , Kaminsky Christoph , Zeidler Henning
Published: January 2025

Due to the increasing number of product variants, the automotive industry is focusing on additive manufacturing processes to enhance the flexibility in the production process. In this context, the directed energy deposition process (DED) offers the potential to manufacture tool components hybrid-additively with the aim to produce vehicle outer skin parts more cost-effectively. The temperature gradient between substrate and additive build-up, which is caused by the heat input of the laser, is a key factor for a crack-free manufacturing process, as it affects the magnitude of residual stresses in the component. In this paper, an improved manufacturing strategy is developed to reduce the temperature gradient and therefore the formation of cracks in the tool component. For this purpose, welding specimens are manufactured additively at different preheating temperatures. Moreover, the influence of a heating plate for in situ heating of the substrate, as well as the influence of stress relief annealing on the manufacturing process is examined to reduce the hardness in the bonding zone of the specimens. In this context, the crack length and hardness in the bonding zone are measured using a metallographic analysis. Based on these results, a tool component is manufactured hybrid-additively without any defects.
Weight reduction in material extrusion composite parts: pin-bearing behavior analysis
Authors: Silvestri Alessia Teresa , Papa Ilaria , Giorleo Luca
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the performance of lightweight samples in pin-bearing tests. The samples were manufactured through Material Extrusion technology of nylon reinforced with short carbon fibers. Their design was based on infill strategy, density, and raster angle. Load–displacement curves and failure mechanisms were analyzed across configurations, with statistical methods applied to evaluate the influence of design factors on maximum stress, relative displacement, and stiffness. Results reveal distinct load–displacement behaviors and failure mechanisms, with deposition strategies tailored to specific final purposes. Specifically, the study identifies gyroid infill, 50% density, and a raster angle of 45° as the optimal solution for maximizing bearing stress. This configuration exhibits a weight and printing time reduction of 40% and 8% concerning the full sample, and a performance reduction in the range of 30–56%, considering both stress (28.2 MPa vs 65.8 MPa) and displacement reduction (9.4 mm vs 15.1 mm). Conversely, rectangular infill, 50% density and raster angle of 0° emerge as the optimal solution for minimizing displacement and maximizing stiffness. This configuration exhibits a weight and printing time reduction of 39% and 34%, in comparison to the full sample, and a performance reduction of about 65–70% (displacement of 4.6 mm at a maximum stress of 23.7 MPa). The triangular strategy can be used to reach elevated values for all output parameters (up to 25.9 MPa as maximum stress, 9.4 mm as maximum displacement, and 242.4 MPa for stiffness), with weight and printing time saving in the range of 41–54% and 34–36% respectively.
The Impact of Selected Comorbidities on the Necessity for Physiotherapy in Patients Hospitalised with COVID-19
Authors: Pastucha Dalibor , Guřan Zdeněk , Sněhotová Zuzana , Maďar Rastislav , Honzíková Lucie , Tomášková Hana
Published: January 2025

Data from 5173 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 at the University Hospital of Ostrava (UHO) between March 2020 and December 2021 were analysed in this retrospective study. The research aimed to find out whether the comorbidities being present increased the need for acute rehabilitation during COVID-19 hospitalization. Data were examined using descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and binomial logistic regression. Among the total patient cohort (n = 5173), 27% required rehabilitation (RHB). The average age of patients was 64.9 ± 16.9 years, with rehabilitation durations ranging from 1 to 102 days. Of the rehabilitated patients, 92% (n = 1302) had hospital stays from 1 to 15 days, while 8% (n = 114) stayed more than 15 days. Patients had a median of 4 diagnoses each, with approximately one-fifth having more than six diagnoses. A weak but statistically significant positive association was observed for the length of rehabilitation and the number of diagnoses (Spearman’s correlation coefficient rs = 0.24). Adjusted statistical analysis revealed that patients with concomitant neurological conditions (G62, G81 according to ICD-10) (OR = 8.4; 95% CI 4.82–14.67) and certain respiratory diseases had the highest likelihood of requiring rehabilitation during their COVID-19 hospitalization. Additionally, patients with obesity were approximately 1.4 times more likely to need RHB than non-obese patients. The need for rehabilitation increased with the number of comorbidities, with the greatest need connected with neurological diagnosis. In light of these findings, more effective strategies for diagnosis, treatment and prevention can be developed for future epidemics or pandemics. It is imperative to reinforce health recommendations. The analysis of data enables the formulation of evidence-based public health guidelines that can serve as the foundation for a prompt and effective response in the event of another pandemic.
Which Technique is Preferable for Grade 2–3 Hemorrhoidal Disease: Laser vs. Rubber Band Ligation? A Retrospective Study
Authors: Emral Ahmet Cihangir , Gülen Merter , Ege Bahadır
Published: January 2025

Background

The aim of this study is to compare the short and long-term results (postoperative pain, complications, return to daily life, recurrence) between patients who underwent laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LH) and rubber band ligation (RBL) due to grade 2–3 hemorrhoidal disease.

Methods

The results of patients who underwent LH and RBL between June 2020 and June 2023 for grade 2–3 hemorrhoidal disease were evaluated retrospectively. The patient information was examined in terms of operation time, postoperative 1st, 7th and 14th day visual analog scale (VAS) values, the amount of analgesic used in the first 7 postoperative days, return to normal life (days), recurrence within 1 year and other complications (postoperative bleeding, thrombosis, urinary retention, infection/abscess, anal stenosis, deterioration in continence).

Results

A total of 260 patients were included in the study, 166 of whom underwent RBL and 94 LH. Operation time, VAS values, postoperative 7-day analgesic use (mg), worsening of incontinence, time to return to normal life (days), complications and recurrence within 1 year evaluated. LH has statistically significant lower postoperative 1st day pain and less analgesic use (mg) than RBL (p < 0.001).

Conclusıons

LH and RBL both offer effective treatment options for grade 2–3 hemorrhoidal disease, with comparable recurrence rates and time to return to normal life. However, LH is associated with significantly less postoperative pain and analgesic use on the first postoperative day, potentially enhancing patient satisfaction.
Cognitive and Affective Irritation During Times of Crisis
Authors: Mühl Arabella , Hartner-Tiefenthaler Martina
Published: January 2025

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic can be understood as a crisis accompanied by both primary and secondary stressors, such as threats to physiological health (primary), uncertainty (primary), and changes to work environments (secondary). In a longitudinal study during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (Summer 2020 to Spring 2021), we investigated changes in subjective well-being (health, sleep, satisfaction, and cognitive and affective irritation) among a sample of 99 employees. We found that subjective well-being decreased over time: Health, sleep quality, and satisfaction decreased between Summer 2020 and Spring 2021, while affective irritation increased. Moreover, we found that the increase in affective irritation was associated with the decline in satisfaction, while increases in cognitive irritation were associated with decreases in sleep quality and satisfaction. The results highlight the unique predictive value of these distinct concepts of work-related rumination and the relevance of distinguishing between cognitive and affective irritation.
Atmospheric Forcing Dominates the Interannual Variability of Convection Strength in the Irminger Sea
Authors: de Jong M. F. , Fogaren K. E. , Le Bras I. , McRaven L. , Palevsky H. I.
Published: January 2025

Transformation of light to dense waters by atmospheric cooling is key to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in the Subpolar Gyre. Convection in the center of the Irminger Gyre contributes to the formation of the densest waters east of Greenland. We present a 19‐year (2002–2020) weekly time series of hydrography and convection in the central Irminger Sea based on (bi‐)daily mooring profiles supplemented with Argo profiles. A 70‐year annual time series of shipboard hydrography shows that this mooring period is representative of longer‐term variability. The depth of convection varies strongly from winter to winter (288–1,500 dbar), with a mean March mixed layer depth (MLD) of 470 dbar and a mean maximum density reached of 27.70 ± 0.05 kg m−3. The densification of the water column by local convection directly impacts the sea surface height in the center of the Irminger Gyre and thus large‐scale circulation patterns. Both the observations and a Price‐Weller‐Pinkel mixed layer model analysis show that the main cause of interannual variability in MLD is the strength of the winter atmospheric surface forcing. Its role is three times as important as that of the strength of the maximum stratification in the preceding summer. Strong stratification as a result of a fresh surface anomaly similar to the one observed in 2010 can weaken convection by approximately 170 m on average, but changes in surface forcing will need to be taken into account as well when considering the evolution of Irminger Sea convection under climate change.
Scientists Finally Get a Good Look at a Disintegrating Exoplanet
Authors: Barbuzano Javier
Published: January 2025

The James Webb Space Telescope offers astronomers a rare glimpse into the chemical composition of a rocky planet’s interior—and the results are “very surprising.”
How Much Did Climate Change Affect the Los Angeles Wildfires?
Authors: Dieckman Emily
Published: January 2025

High heat, dry fuel, and strong winds drove the Palisades and Eaton blazes.
Gate modulation of the hole singlet-triplet qubit frequency in germanium
Authors: Rooney John , Luo Zhentao , Stehouwer Lucas E. A. , Scappucci Giordano , Veldhorst Menno , Jiang Hong-Wen
Published: January 2025

Spin qubits in germanium gate-defined quantum dots have made considerable progress within the last few years, partially due to their strong spin-orbit coupling and site-dependent g-tensors. While this characteristic of the g-factors removes the need for micromagnets and allows for the possibility of all-electric qubit control, relying on these g-tensors necessitates the need to understand their sensitivity to the confinement potential that defines the quantum dots. Here, we demonstrate a S − T_ qubit whose frequency is a strong function of the voltage applied to the barrier gate shared by the quantum dots. We find a g-factor that can be approximately increased by an order of magnitude adjusting the barrier gate voltage only by 12 mV. We show how this strong dependence could potentially be attributed to the dots moving through a variable strain environment in our device. This work not only reinforces previous findings that site-dependent g-tensors in germanium can be utilized for qubit manipulation, but reveals the sensitivity and tunability these g-tensors have to the electrostatic confinement of the quantum dot.
High-dimensional coherent one-way quantum key distribution
Authors: Sulimany Kfir , Pelc Guy , Dudkiewicz Rom , Korenblit Simcha , Eisenberg Hagai S. , Bromberg Yaron , Ben-Or Michael
Published: January 2025

High-dimensional quantum key distribution (QKD) offers secure communication with key rates that surpass those of QKD protocols utilizing two-dimensional encoding. However, existing high-dimensional QKD protocols require additional experimental resources, such as multiport interferometers and multiple detectors, thereby increasing the cost of high-dimensional systems and limiting their use. We introduce and analyze a high-dimensional QKD protocol that requires only standard two-dimensional hardware. We provide security analysis against individual and coherent attacks, establishing upper and lower bounds on the secure key rates. We tested our protocol on a standard two-dimensional QKD system over a 40 km fiber link, achieving a twofold increase in secure key rate compared to the standard two-dimensional coherent one-way protocol, without any hardware modifications. This work offers a significant improvement in the performance of already deployed QKD systems through simple software updates and holds broad applicability across various QKD schemes, making high-dimensional QKD practical for widespread use.
Measuring the quantum state of photoelectrons
Authors: Laurell Hugo , Luo Sizuo , Weissenbilder Robin , Ammitzböll Mattias , Ahmed Shahnawaz , Söderberg Hugo , Petersson C. Leon. M. , Poulain Vénus , Guo Chen , Dittel Christoph , Finkelstein-Shapiro Daniel , Squibb Richard J. , Feifel Raimund , Gisselbrecht Mathieu , Arnold Cord L. , Buchleitner Andreas , Lindroth Eva , Frisk Kockum Anton , L’Huillier Anne , Busto David
Published: January 2025

A photoelectron, emitted due to the absorption of light quanta as described by the photoelectric effect, is often characterized experimentally by a classical quantity, its momentum. However, since the photoelectron is a quantum object, its rigorous characterization requires the reconstruction of the complete quantum state, the photoelectron’s density matrix. Here we use quantum-state tomography to fully characterize photoelectrons emitted from helium and argon atoms upon absorption of ultrashort, extreme ultraviolet light pulses. While in helium we measure a pure photoelectronic state, in argon, spin–orbit interaction induces entanglement between the ion and the photoelectron, leading to a reduced purity of the photoelectron state. Our work shows how state tomography gives new insights into the fundamental quantum aspects of light-induced electronic processes in matter, bridging the fields of photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum information and offering new spectroscopic possibilities for quantum technology.
SARS-CoV-2 evolution on a dynamic immune landscape
Authors: Raharinirina N. Alexia , Gubela Nils , Börnigen Daniela , Smith Maureen Rebecca , Oh Djin-Ye , Budt Matthias , Mache Christin , Schillings Claudia , Fuchs Stephan , Dürrwald Ralf , Wolff Thorsten , Hölzer Martin , Paraskevopoulou Sofia , von Kleist Max
Published: January 2025

Since the onset of the pandemic, many SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged, exhibiting substantial evolution in the virus’ spike protein1, the main target of neutralizing antibodies2. A plausible hypothesis proposes that the virus evolves to evade antibody-mediated neutralization (vaccine- or infection-induced) to maximize its ability to infect an immunologically experienced population1,3. Because viral infection induces neutralizing antibodies, viral evolution may thus navigate on a dynamic immune landscape that is shaped by local infection history. Here we developed a comprehensive mechanistic model, incorporating deep mutational scanning data4,5, antibody pharmacokinetics and regional genomic surveillance data, to predict the variant-specific relative number of susceptible individuals over time. We show that this quantity precisely matched historical variant dynamics, predicted future variant dynamics and explained global differences in variant dynamics. Our work strongly suggests that the ongoing pandemic continues to shape variant-specific population immunity, which determines a variant’s ability to transmit, thus defining variant fitness. The model can be applied to any region by utilizing local genomic surveillance data, allows contextualizing risk assessment of variants and provides information for vaccine design.
Emergence of opposing arrows of time in open quantum systems
Authors: Guff Thomas , Shastry Chintalpati Umashankar , Rocco Andrea
Published: January 2025

Deriving an arrow of time from time-reversal symmetric microscopic dynamics is a fundamental open problem in many areas of physics, ranging from cosmology, to particle physics, to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Here we focus on the derivation of the arrow of time in open quantum systems and study precisely how time-reversal symmetry is broken. This derivation involves the Markov approximation applied to a system interacting with an infinite heat bath. We find that the Markov approximation does not imply a violation of time-reversal symmetry. Our results show instead that the time-reversal symmetry is maintained in the derived equations of motion. This imposes a time-symmetric formulation of quantum Brownian motion, Lindblad and Pauli master equations, which hence describe thermalisation that may occur into two opposing time directions. As a consequence, we argue that these dynamics are better described by a time-symmetric definition of Markovianity. Our results may reflect on the formulations of the arrow of time in thermodynamics, cosmology, and quantum mechanics.
Powertrain configuration design for two mode power split hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Ke Tao , Nie Liangyi , Kecskeméthy Andrés
Published: January 2025

Hybrid transmissions have attracted great attention in the automotive industry due to their energy-saving, low-emission properties, and have become a focus of research and development. This paper presents a new method to design the configuration of two mode power split hybrid transmission using the combination of the simple planetary gear trains (PGT). For this purpose, the hybrid transmission structure is divided into two substructures, which achieve different operation modes respectively. Then the output of one substructure is reconnected with the components of another substructure to obtain the complete hybrid transmission configuration. In addition, by adding additional shifting elements, the hybrid configurations can also realize the fixed gear mode as a traditional automatic transmission. As a result, 38 hybrid transmissions are obtained, and the kinematic analysis of a new configuration is performed for the subsequent optimization. Furthermore, using this decomposition and recombination method, the hybrid transmissions with multiple PGTs and different operation modes can be synthesized by changing the predefined modes.
Impact of polyvinyl chloride nano-plastics on the biochemical status of Oreochromis niloticus under a predicted global warming scenario
Authors: Soliman Ahmed Mohamed , Mohamed Ayman S. , Abdel-Khalek Amr A. , Badran Shereen R.
Published: January 2025

Plastic pollution and global warming are widespread issues that lead to several impacts on aquatic organisms. Despite harmful studies on both subjects, there are few studies on how temperature increases plastics’ adverse effects on aquatic animals, mainly freshwater species. So, this study aims to clarify the potential impact of temperature increases on the toxicological properties of polyvinyl chloride nano-plastics (PVC-NPs) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by measuring biochemical and oxidative biomarkers. The fish groups were subjected to three distinct temperatures (30, 32, and 34 °C) and subsequently separated into two groups: 0 and 10 mg/L of PVC-NPs, as it is expected that these temperatures may modify their chemical properties, which can influence their absorption and toxicity in fish. After 4 days, the biochemical response of fish exposed to PVC-NPs and elevated temperatures showed a significant increase in the levels of plasma total proteins, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, and uric acid. Additionally, the level of oxidative stress biomarkers in the liver, gills, and brain was found to have a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and a decrease in glutathione reduced (GSH) concentration and catalase (CAT) activity in all studied groups. Finally, the current findings revealed a synergistic cytotoxic effect of PVC-NPs and temperatures on the metabolic and oxidative stress indices of O. niloticus.
Re-locative guided search optimized self-sparse attention enabled deep learning decoder for quantum error correction
Authors: Shinde Umesh Uttamrao , Bandaru Ravikumar
Published: January 2025

Heavy hexagonal coding is a type of quantum error-correcting coding in which the edges and vertices of a low-degree graph are assigned auxiliary and physical qubits. While many topological code decoders have been presented, it is still difficult to construct the optimal decoder due to leakage errors and qubit collision. Therefore, this research proposes a Re-locative Guided Search optimized self-sparse attention-enabled convolutional Neural Network with Long Short-Term Memory (RlGS2-DCNTM) for performing effective error correction in quantum codes. The integration of the self-sparse attention mechanism in the proposed model increases the feature learning ability of the model to selectively focus on informative regions of the input codes. In addition, the use of statistical features computes the statistical properties of the input, thus aiding the model to perform complex tasks effectively. For model tuning, this research utilizes the RIGS nature-inspired algorithm that mimics the re-locative, foraging, and hunting strategies, which avoids local optima problems and improves the convergence speed of the RlGS2-DCNTM for Quantum error correction. When compared with other methods, the proposed RlGS2-DCNTM algorithm offers superior efficacy with a Minimum Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 4.26, Root Mean Squared Error of 2.06, Mean Absolute Error of 1.14 and a maximum correlation and
$$R^2$$
of 0.96 and 0.92 respectively, which shows that the proposed model is highly suitable for real-time error decoding tasks.
The shifting of buffer crop repertoires in pre-industrial north-eastern Europe
Authors: Abdrakhmanov Meiirzhan , Kempf Michael , Karaliute Ruta , Guzowski Piotr , Lauzikas Rimvydas , Depaermentier Margaux L. C. , Poniat Radosław , Matuzeviciute Giedre Motuzaite
Published: January 2025

This study explores how major climatic shifts, together with socioeconomic factors over the past two millennia, influenced buffer crop selection, focusing on five crops: rye, millet, buckwheat, oat, and hemp. For this study, we analyzed archaeobotanical data from 135 archaeological contexts and historical data from 242 manor inventories across the northeastern Baltic region, spanning the period from 100 to 1800 AD. Our findings revealed that rye remained a main staple crop throughout the studied periods reflecting environmental adaptation to northern latitudes. The drought-tolerant and thermophilic millet crop exhibited resilience during the adverse dry climatic conditions of the Medieval Climatic Anomaly while showing a significant decline during the Little Ice Age. During the period of post-1500 AD, a significant shift towards cold-resilient summer crops such as buckwheat and hemp is recorded. This study enhances our understanding of how historical agricultural systems responded to both socioeconomic factors and climatic change in northern latitudes, offering notable potential solutions for modern agricultural practices in the face of future climate variability trends.
Impact of severe dysphagia on overall survival after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
Authors: Shimamoto Kazumi , Matsui Ryota , Nishiyama Yorihiro , Nishino Kyohei , Ban Hiromitsu
Published: January 2025

In this study, we investigated the effect of severe dysphagia on the overall survival of patients who underwent PEG. A cohort of patients who underwent PEG between April 2016 and April 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. The Hyodo–Komagane score was used to evaluate swallowing via endoscopy. Patients with a Hyodo–Komagane score ≤ 8 were defined as having moderate dysphagia, whereas those with a score ≥ 9 were defined as having severe dysphagia. The primary outcome was overall survival. The prognostic factors were identified using multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Among the 107 patients, 60 (56.1%) were classified into the moderate dysphagia group and 47 (43.9%) into the severe dysphagia group. The median follow-up period was 16.7 months. The overall survival was significantly worse in the severe group than in the moderate group (p < 0.0001). A multivariate analysis revealed that severe dysphagia was an independent poor prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 2.956; 95% confidence interval, 1.592–5.489; p < 0.001). Aspiration-related pneumonia was most common causes of death after PEG. Severe dysphagia was identified as an independent poor prognostic factor for survival in patients who underwent PEG.
Safe and sustainable development of advanced materials: UK National Knowledge Sharing Network Workshops
Authors: Clifford Charles A. , Bard Delphine , Castro Fernando A. , Evans Gareth S. , Gee Mark , Hall Samantha , Kitchen Stephanie , Koltsov Denis , Price Alex , Smith Rachel , Nasser Fatima
Published: January 2025

Key UK experts and stakeholders offer valuable perspectives from two workshops on the safe and sustainable development of advanced materials.
Second version of the open-source software GSA for gamma-ray spectrum analysis
Authors: El Amri Lahcen , Amsil Hamid , El Bounagui Omar , Chetaine Abdelouahed , Elmokhtari Brahim , Bounouira Hamid , Didi Abdessamad
Published: January 2025

GSA software is an open-source and free tool designed for gamma spectrum analysis. Its main features include peak localization, net area calculation, radionuclide identification, and activity evaluation.
Synergetic efficiency: in situ growth of a novel 2D/2D chemically bonded Bi2O3/Cs3Bi2Br9 S-scheme heterostructure for improved photocatalytic performance and stability
Authors: Masri Mohamed , K. B. Girisha , Hezam Abdo , Alkanad Khaled , Qahtan Talal F. , Drmosh Qasem A. , Prashantha Kalappa , S. H. Manjunath , Abdu Kaid Sanaa Mohammed , Byrappa K. , Masri Faten
Published: January 2025

An innovative solution to the challenge of catalyst instability in aqueous media via the synthesis of stable 2D Bi2O3/Cs3Bi2Br9 nanosheets.
Preparation and combustion properties of Al–Li alloy particles with enhanced stability and compatibility via in situ polymerization
Authors: Li Jiahe , Du Fang , Tang Changsheng , Wang Luyang , Yang Yulin , Xia Debin , Zhang Jian , Tao Bowen , Wang Ping , Lin Kaifeng
Published: January 2025

The in situ polymerization method for coating Al–Li alloy exhibits great potential for applications in aerospace and weapon fields as it improves the compatibility, stability and combustibility of Al–Li in solid propellants.
Theoretical study on the synthesis of glycine via electrocatalytic reduction over tandem catalysts based on two-dimensional carbon-rich conjugated metalloporphyrin frameworks
Authors: Niu Xuan , Guo Ling
Published: January 2025

FeY-Cr(Zr)-BPor COF catalysts not only maintain the advantages of bimetallic catalysts but also utilize the role of B atoms to fully activate NO and CO2, thereby exhibiting good catalytic activity with a very low limiting potential (−0.20 V).
Effect of polishing on the morphology of Zircaloy-4 nanostructure: formation of a novel hexagonal nanoscale pattern
Authors: Ali Ghafar , Khan Maaz , Anwar Shahzad , Alotaibi Khalid M. , Safeen Kashif , Safeen Akif , Cho Sung Oh
Published: January 2025

Hexagonal nanopattern formation via EP is proposed. Anodization in glycerol electrolyte (0.1 M H2O, 0.1 M NH4F) yielded a hybrid nanostructure on Zr-4. Effect of MP + CP & EP + CP treatments on the Zr-4 anodic nanostructure morphology was evaluated.
Selenium-based nanomaterials: green and conventional synthesis methods, applications, and advances in dye degradation
Authors: Roy Nilmadhab , T. Nivedya , Paira Priyankar , Chakrabarty Rinku
Published: January 2025

Imperious role of biogenically obtained selenium nanoparticles to abate the alarming accumulation of harmful wastes as a result of rapidly growing industrialisation and globally increased economic activities.
Alum sludge-driven electro-phytoremediation in constructed wetlands: a novel approach for sustainable nutrient removal
Authors: Sanaei Daryoush , Mirshafiee Amir , Adibzadeh Amir
Published: January 2025

In addition to their advantages as promising methods for wastewater treatment, CWs exhibit poor performance in terms of N and P removal efficiency in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants.
Facile synthesis of an α-Fe2O3–TiO2-MXene heterojunction for enhanced acetone gas sensors
Authors: Yang Zhenyuan , Chen Ying
Published: January 2025

The α-Fe2O3–TiO2-MXene heterojunction improved the electron-transfer efficiency and provided many active sites for gas-sensitive reactions. A gas sensor based on it showed 24 to 50 ppm acetone with a response/recovery time of 10 s/6 s.
Synthesis and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of polyamide 66 copolymers containing alicyclic structures
Authors: Lu Weijian , Wang Chunhua , Yi Yong , Liao Mingxi , Li Jianlin , Wang Wenzhi
Published: January 2025

PA66/MACM6 copolymers with alicyclic structures were synthesized, and the influence of MACM6 content on their thermal properties, mechanical properties and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics was systematically investigated.
Correction: Graphene oxide-based silsesquioxane-crosslinked networks – synthesis and rheological behavior
Authors: Namvari Mina , Du Lei , Stadler Florian J.
Published: January 2025

Correction for ‘Graphene oxide-based silsesquioxane-crosslinked networks – synthesis and rheological behavior’ by Mina Namvari et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 21531–21540, https://doi.org/10.1039/C7RA02764H.
Quantifying hexafluoroisopropanol's hydrogen bond donor ability: infrared photodissociation spectroscopy of halide anion HFIP complexes
Authors: Barp Milena , Kreuter Florian , Huang Qian-Rui , Jin Jiaye , Ninov Franka. E. , Kuo Jer-Lai , Tonner-Zech Ralf , Asmis Knut R.
Published: January 2025

We quantifying hexafluoroisopropanol's hydrogen bond (HB) donor ability by ion vibrational spectroscopy. The observed red-shifts reflect the extent of charge transfer along the proton transfer coordinate and correlate with the difference in the proton affinities of the two HB acceptors.
Techno-economic assessment of biodiesel-derived crude glycerol purification processes
Authors: Bansod Yash , Ghasemzadeh Kamran , D'Agostino Carmine
Published: January 2025

This study presents a comprehensive techno-economic assessment of three glycerol purification processes: Membrane Separation (MBP), Vacuum Distillation (VDP), and Ion Exchange Purification (IEP).
Targeting and structural engineering of light-responsive nanoprobes for hierarchical therapy: construction, optimization, and applications in cancer stem cells
Authors: Song Jiangluqi , Hu Jinhang , Li Huan , Xiang Pei , Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Xiaofang , Qi Shuxia , Yang Mingya , Zhu Lixin
Published: January 2025

Dual-targeted nanoparticles are designed for synergistic PTT and PDT of cancer stem cells. By improving the hypoxic environment and applying a hierarchical therapy strategy, these nanoparticles show enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
eDNA metabarcoding-based source attribution of fecal indicator bacteria exceedances in urban freshwater beaches, sand and rivers
Authors: Saleem Faizan , Jiang Jennifer L. , Li Enze , Tran Kevin L. , Schellhorn Herb E. , Edge Thomas A.
Published: January 2025

Freshwater beach quality is routinely tested by measuring fecal indicator bacteria, which can assess water quality but cannot identify sources of fecal contamination.