bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aridity Structures the Microbial Potential for Carbon Cycling and Mediates the Impact of Mammal Bioturbation at the Continental Scale
Authors: Egidi Eleonora , Decker Orsi , Coleine Claudia , Albanese Davide , Gibb Heloise
Published: November 2024

Introduction

In Australia, the historical loss of native digging mammals has profoundly changed ecosystems and their functioning. However, little is known about how the decline in digging mammal presence alters microbes and their functional potential and how aridity affects these relationships.

Materials and Methods

We used metagenomic sequencing to explore changes in genes encoding enzymes for carbon cycling (CAZymes) in five sites along a continent‐wide aridity gradient, with and without digging mammals.

Results

The diversity of CAZy genes was reduced with increases in aridity, which also affected their structure and reduced the abundance of genes involved in both plant (cellulose and starch) and microbial (glucans, peptidoglycan and chitin) biomass degradation. Conversely, digging mammals had a limited effect on the structure and diversity of CAZy genes, indicating an overall resistance of the microbial carbon cycling potential to mammal disturbance at the whole community level. However, when considering individual functional groups, digging activity increased the abundance of genes involved in microbial biomass decomposition (i.e., glucanases), while reducing the abundance of genes associated with recalcitrant plant biomass degradation (i.e., cellulases). Notably, these effects were observed only in the most arid sites and was mostly mediated by increases in SOM content linked to mammal activity.

Conclusions

Overall, our study shows that aridity shapes the diversity and structure of CAZy genes, while also modulating the effect of mammal bioturbation on the microbial potential for carbon cycling. This suggests that the loss of digging mammals throughout much of Australia's arid zone, in particular, is likely to have important repercussions on the microbial capacity to carry decomposition processes and the turnover of organic matter in soils.
Role of biochar made from low‐value woody forest residues in ecological sustainability and carbon neutrality
Authors: Ghosh Dipita , Page‐Dumroese Deborah S. , Han Han‐Sup , Anderson Nathaniel
Published: November 2024

Forest management activities that are intended to improve forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic fire generate low‐value woody biomass, which is often piled and open‐burned for disposal. This leads to greenhouse gas emissions, long‐lasting burn scars, air pollution, and increased risk of escaped prescribed fire. Converting low‐value biomass into biochar can be a promising avenue for advancing forest sustainability and carbon neutrality. Biochar can be produced either in a centralized facility or by using place‐based techniques that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and generate a high‐carbon product with diverse applications. This review explores the multifaceted roles of biochar produced from low‐value biomass during forest restoration activities in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation. First, the ecological benefits are evaluated, including soil restoration, nutrient cycling, and vegetation enhancement, which are pivotal for restoring post‐disturbance forest health and enhancing resilience to future disturbance. Second, we evaluate the role of biochar in carbon sequestration and carbon neutrality objectives, which also foster sustainable soil practices and sustainable forest management. In addition, we highlight biochar markets, commercialization, and carbon credit interactions as emerging mechanisms to incentivize biomass utilization for biochar. The integration of biochar made from low‐value woody residues from forest restoration can enhance restoration strategies, engage stakeholders in sustainable land management practices, and mitigate environmental problems while enhancing the resilience of forest ecosystems to future disturbances. The findings underscore the importance of leveraging low‐value woody biomass for biochar production as a strategic resource for achieving comprehensive forest restoration goals and fostering sustainable development in forested landscapes.
Multiplex Biomimetic SLIPS With Super‐Lubricity to Multiphase Matters
Authors: Song Xiaorui , Hou Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiuli , Zhao Yuanliang , Wu Yongling , Liu Mingming , Guo Zhiguang
Published: November 2024

In recent years, slippery liquid infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) renowned for their exceptional liquid repellency and anti‐fouling properties, have garnered considerable attention. However, the instability of both structural integrity and the oil film severely restricts their practical applications. This study is inspired by superwetting biological surfaces, such as fish scales, seashells, and Nepenthes, to design and fabricate a multiplex biomimetic and robust lubricant‐infused textured surface (LITMS) using laser‐coating composite processing technology. The influence of morphological structure and chemical composition on oil stability, wettability, and lubricating properties are systematically investigated. The LITMS exhibits remarkable repellency toward multiphase materials, including liquids, ice crystals, and solids, demonstrating exceptional omniphobicity, anti‐icing, and anti‐friction properties. Thus, this preparation strategy and construction methodology for SLIPS provide new insights into interfacial phenomena and promote advancements in applications for engineering material protection and machinery lubrication.
Artificial Intelligence‐Empowered Spectroscopic Single Molecule Localization Microscopy
Authors: Hyun Yoonsuk , Kim Doory
Published: November 2024

Spectroscopic single‐molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) has revolutionized the visualization and analysis of molecular structures and dynamics at the nanoscale level. The technique of combining high spatial resolution of SMLM with spectral information, enables multicolor super‐resolution imaging and provides insights into the local chemical environment of individual molecules. However, spectroscopic SMLM faces significant challenges, including limited spectral resolution and compromised localization precision because of signal splitting and the difficulties in analyzing complex, multidimensional datasets, that limit its application in studying intricate biological systems and materials. The recent integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with spectroscopic SMLM has emerged as a powerful approach for addressing these challenges. Here, it is reviewed how AI‐based methods applied to spectroscopic SMLM enhance and expand the capabilities of these applications. Recent advancements in AI‐driven data analysis for spectroscopic SMLM, including improved spectral classification, localization precision, and extraction of rich spectral information from unmodified point‐spread functions are discussed, further examining their applications in biological studies, materials science, and single‐molecule reaction analysis, which highlight how AI provides new insights into molecular behavior and interactions. The AI‐empowered approach adds new dimensions of information and provides new opportunities and insights into the nanoscale world of rapidly evolving field of spectroscopic SMLM.
Recent Advances in Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Materials in Type II Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Berbigier Jônatas F. , da Luz Lilian C. , Rodembusch Fabiano S.
Published: November 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a novel, dual‐stage cancer treatment approach that combines light energy and photosensitizers to destroy cancerous and precancerous cells through the generation of radicals (Type I) or singlet oxygen (Type II). Since the early 2010s, PDT has advanced significantly, with the focus shifting toward the exploration of molecules capable of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) as viable alternatives to traditional metallic complexes and organometallic compounds for producing the necessary active species. TADF molecules exhibit higher energy conversion efficiency, long‐lived triplet excitons, tunable photophysical properties, and a small singlet‐triplet energy gap, facilitating efficient intersystem crossing and enhanced singlet oxygen generation. As metal‐free luminophores, they offer benefits such as reduced health risks, high structural flexibility, and biocompatibility, which can significantly enhance PDT treatment efficacy. Notably, in 2019, a pivotal shift occurred, with researchers concentrating their efforts on identifying and investing in potential molecules specifically for Type II PDT applications. This review presents the innovative use of materials characterized by closely spaced S1 and T1 orbitals, crucial for the efficient generation of singlet oxygen in PDT. Exploring these materials opens new avenues for enhancing the efficacy and specificity of PDT, offering promising for future cancer treatments.
Long‐Term Body Weight Trends in Gobra Zebu Cattle Reared at the ‘Centre de Recherches Zootechniques’ of Dahra (Senegal): A Historical Perspective (1952–2018)
Authors: Sambe Babacar Souleymane , Diouf Mame Nahé , Ciss Mamadou , Diop Mamadou , Sembene Mbacké
Published: November 2024

The socio‐economic impact of rearing Gobra zebu cattle in rural areas has yet to be demonstrated in Senegal. This impact was evident in the 1950s when a genetic breeding programme for this breed was initiated by the ‘Centre de Recherches Zootechniques’ of Dahra. The management of animals in this programme has evolved considerably, particularly due to the constraints encountered and the progressive acquisition of knowledge about the animals. This study aims to describe the evolution over time of the weight performance of Gobra zebu cattle reared at the Dahra station. The study utilizes all body weight monitoring data of the animals maintained at the centre from 1952 to 2018. The data were analysed based on age, sex, year of birth and the selection scheme in force at the time of the animal's birth. The average body weights observed in this study are as follows: 23.3 kg at birth, 69.3 kg at 3 months, 106.08 kg at 6 months, 145.9 kg at 1 year, 225.1 kg at 2 years, 294.9 kg at 3 years, 327.06 kg at 4 years and about 350 kg at ages over 4 years. Significant differences in average body weights were noted depending on sex and the selection scheme in place. These results are supported by various research studies conducted at the Dahra station.
Progress in Profitable Fe‐Based Flow Batteries for Broad‐Scale Energy Storage
Authors: Huan Zhang , Sun Chuanyu , Ge Mingming
Published: November 2024

The development of an affordable, environmentally acceptable alternative energy storage devices are required to address the present energy problem and offer a viable solution for renewable energy sources with intermittency. As a broad‐scale energy storage technology, redox flow battery (RFB) has broad application prospects. However, commercializing mainstream all‐vanadium RFBs is slow due to the high cost. Owing to the environmental friendliness and affordable iron‐based raw materials the interest on iron‐based RFBs are increasing. The aim of the perspective is to offer a quick overview on research progress of iron‐based RFBs, including their research status, history, and development of essential components. Influencing factors such as conductivity, solubility, hydrogen evolution, reaction kinetics, etc. are summarized comprehensively. Further research was identified on reducing the hydrogen evolution on the electrodes, exploring economical and easy‐to‐recycle solutions for active materials, improving the stability of electrodes, and developing new electrode structures.
A comparison of thermal drones and camera trap population estimates for Sitka black‐tailed deer in Alaska
Authors: Finnegan Shannon P. , Hinojo Amael , Monod Sarah , Wall William A. , Olsen Peter , Allen Maximilian L.
Published: November 2024

One of the most difficult challenges for wildlife managers is reliably estimating wildlife populations. Camera traps combined with spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models are a popular tool for population estimation. They have limitations, however, including long data processing times. Drones with thermal imagery are an emerging tool for estimating wildlife populations, but how they compare to other methods remain poorly studied. We compared the use of camera traps and SCR models to drone surveys for estimating population densities of Sitka black‐tailed deer Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis on Afognak Island, Alaska. We deployed 26 camera traps from 1 September until 6 October 2022 and individually identified males using antler characteristics, for the SCR model. At the same site we conducted three drone surveys between October and December 2022, identified sex composition and obtained deer counts. The estimated density from the SCR model was 3.7 males ± 0.8 (SE) km‐2, and 14.1 ± 3.1 adults km‐2 of clear‐cut forest. Results from the drone survey produced similar estimates with 2.1 ± 0.9 males km‐2 and 13.4 ± 1.6 adults km‐2. The similarity in estimates suggests that both methods converged on an accurate representation of the population in this habitat, but these methods diverge in levels of sampling effort, duration, and financial cost. Camera traps offer further insights on behavior and home‐range size but require longer data processing times, can be subject to malfunctions, and are difficult to deploy and maintain in remote areas. Drones are subject to legal restrictions, have difficulty in closed canopy habitat and can be initially costly, but they provide results faster and require less data analysis. Camera traps and drones are useful for determining population dynamics but are subject to their limitations. Wildlife managers should make survey decisions based on their specific goals, habitat type, focal species ecology and financial limitations.
Red pandas on the move: weather and disturbance effects on habitat specialists
Authors: Bista Damber , Baxter Greg S. , Hudson Nicholas J. , Lama Sonam Tashi , Weerman Janno , Murray Peter J.
Published: November 2024

Challenging weather events can make winters harsh for habitat and diet specialists. They may also incur high energetic costs due to reduced availability of food resources and elevated predation risk. Using GPS satellite collars we tracked the movement of the red panda Ailurus fulgens in the Himalayas, and evaluated the effects of weather and disturbances on their movement patterns and habitat use. We also analyzed the nutritional content of their key diet plant species. The mean daily distance travelled by red pandas was 748 ± 40 m (median 573 m), with no detectable effect of weather conditions and snow age. However, males travelled further than females when there was snow on the ground (β = 410.5, p < 0.02). Red pandas moved between 2528 and 3250 m during the study period with the mean elevation 2857 ± 107 m when snow was on the ground and 2816 ± 99 m without snow. A group of disturbances such as distance to settlements, herding stations, and roads, and geo‐physical variables affected their habitat use when the forest was covered with snow as they occupied areas away from human settlements (β = 0.36, p = 0.03), exhibited affinity for high elevations (β = 0.37, p = 0.02), and avoided steep slope (β = −0.21, p = 0.04). These movement patterns suggest a risk aversion strategy with males' behaviour appearing to be driven by reproductive instincts. Additionally, the distribution of their major dietary vegetation varied across the elevation gradient, leading to differences in the nutritional content of the diet, which might also have some effects on habitat use. Overall we found that despite red pandas exhibiting risk aversion behaviour, challenging weather events like snowfall could exacerbate the adverse effects on these habitat specialists.
Scalar tidal response of a rotating BTZ black hole
Authors: Bhatt Rajendra Prasad , Singha Chiranjeeb
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We study the response of a rotating BTZ black hole to the scalar tidal perturbation. We show that the real component of the tidal response function isn’t zero, indicating that a rotating BTZ black hole possesses non-zero tidal Love numbers. Additionally, we observe scale-dependent behaviour, known as log-running, in the tidal response function. We also conduct a separate analysis on an extremal rotating BTZ black hole, finding qualitative similarities with its non-extremal counterpart. In addition, we present a procedure to calculate the tidal response function of a charged rotating BTZ black hole as well.
Is there a case for or against patents to incentivize green technologies?: A critical evaluation of innovation incentives for the global north and global south
Authors: Schultz Felix Carl , Czyrnik Vincent , Pies Ingo
Published: November 2024

The world society is in urgent need for new ecological problem solutions on a global scale. However, the current system to incentivize invention and innovation for green technologies is only limitedly able to provide effective solutions—particularly in the “global south”. Since patents that exert distortionary effects remain the dominant mechanisms for incentivizing innovation, the debate about alternative incentivization instruments for fostering green invention and innovation has recently been renewed. Yet, some of these instruments run the danger of a so-called “projectitis”, an obsession with static small-scale projects. Instead, this article argues that we need scalable experiments for a better institutional support of systemic invention and innovation activities by improving the global governance regime that moves beyond individual organizations, industries, sectors, states, and geopolitical blocks. From a sustainability nexus perspective, required scalable innovation ecosystems must therefore account for the interconnections between technological, economic, political, social, and environmental issues. A reformed order that combines patents and alternative incentivization instruments may help to redirect resources towards fostering a more systemic, market-based, and consumer-oriented path of legitimate sustainable global development, as proposed by the 2030 Agenda and its sustainable development goals (SDGs), without leaving particular countries behind, while at the same time maintaining companies’ systemic dynamism in the long run.
Typ-A-Aortendissektion: Management in der Notaufnahme nach Ablehnung von Blutprodukten – ein Fallbericht
Authors: Wiedenhofer Karl , Hetjans Lisa-Marie
Published: November 2024

Die Behandlung von Patienten mit Typ-A-Aortendissektion in der Notaufnahme stellt eine komplexe, zeitkritische Herausforderung dar. In der vorliegenden Kasuistik wird ein durch ethische Aspekte besonders herausfordernder Fall beschrieben, in dem ein Patient aus religiösen Gründen Blutprodukte ablehnte und bis zur Verlegung aufwendig in der Notaufnahme gemanagt werden musste. Wir diskutieren den ethischen Konflikt, der sich aus dieser Situation ergab, sowie die organisatorischen und kommunikativen Schwierigkeiten bei der Verlegung des Patienten in ein spezialisiertes Zentrum.
Strategies for data supply in high-granularity data trade in smart cities
Authors: Palviainen Marko , Kotovirta Ville
Published: November 2024

The smart city infrastructures, such as digital platforms, edge computing, and fast 5G/6G networks, bring new possibilities to use near-real-time sensor data in digital twins, AR applications, and Machine-to-Machine applications. In addition, AI offers new capabilities for data analytics, data adaptation, event/anomaly detection, and prediction. However, novel data supply and use strategies are needed when going toward higher-granularity data trade, in which a high volume of short-term data products is traded automatically in dynamic environments. This paper presents offering-driven data supply (ODS), demand-driven data supply (DDS), event and offering-driven data supply (EODS), and event and demand-driven data supply (EDDS) strategies for high-granularity data trade. Computer simulation was used as a method to evaluate the use of these strategies in supply of air quality data for four user groups with different requirements for the data quality, freshness, and price. The simulation results were stored as CSV files and analyzed and visualized in Excel. The simulation results and SWOT-analysis of the suggested strategies show that the choice between the strategies is case-specific. DDS increased efficiency in data supply in the simulated scenarios. There was higher profit and revenues and lower costs in DDS than in ODS. However, there are use cases that require the use of ODS, as DDS does not offer ready prepared data for instant use of data. EDDS increased efficiency in data supply in the simulated scenarios. The costs were lower in EODS, but EDDS produced clearly higher revenues and profits.
Hybridizing two linear relaxation techniques in interval-based solvers
Authors: Araya Ignacio , Messine Frédéric , Ninin Jordan , Trombettoni Gilles
Published: November 2024

In deterministic global optimization, techniques for linear relaxation of a non-convex program are used in the lower bound calculation phase. To achieve this phase, most deterministic global optimization codes use reformulation-linearization techniques. However, there exist also two interval-based polyhedral relaxation techniques which produce reliable bounds without adding new auxiliary variables, and which can take into account mathematical operations and most transcendental functions: (i) the affine relaxation technique, used in the IBBA code, based on affine forms and affine arithmetic, and (ii) the extremal Taylor technique, used in the Ibex-Opt code, which is based on a specific interval-based Taylor form. In this paper, we describe how these two interval-based linear relaxation techniques can be hybridized. These two approaches appear to be complementary, and such a hybrid method performs well on a representative sample of constrained global optimization instances.
Transferable situation recognition system for scenario-independent context-aware surgical assistance systems: a proof of concept
Authors: Junger D. , Kücherer C. , Hirt B. , Burgert O.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Surgical interventions and the intraoperative environment can vary greatly. A system that reliably recognizes the situation in the operating room should therefore be flexibly applicable to different surgical settings. To achieve this, transferability should be focused during system design and development. In this paper, we demonstrated the feasibility of a transferable, scenario-independent situation recognition system (SRS) by the definition and evaluation based on non-functional requirements.

Methods

Based on a high-level concept for a transferable SRS, a proof of concept implementation was demonstrated using scenarios. The architecture was evaluated with a focus on non-functional requirements of compatibility, maintainability, and portability. Moreover, transferability aspects beyond the requirements, such as the effort to cover new scenarios, were discussed in a subsequent argumentative evaluation.

Results

The evaluation demonstrated the development of an SRS that can be applied to various scenarios. Furthermore, the investigation of the transferability to other settings highlighted the system’s characteristics regarding configurability, interchangeability, and expandability. The components can be optimized step by step to realize a versatile and efficient situation recognition that can be easily adapted to different scenarios.

Conclusion

The prototype provides a framework for scenario-independent situation recognition, suggesting greater applicability and transferability to different surgical settings. For the transfer into clinical routine, the system’s modules need to be evolved, further transferability challenges be addressed, and comprehensive scenarios be integrated.
Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) and Emerging Intralesional Immunotherapies for Metastatic Melanoma: A Review
Authors: Kalsi Simran , Galenkamp Amanda L. , Singh Rohit , Khosla Atulya Aman , McGranaghan Peter , Cintolo-Gonzalez Jessica
Published: November 2024

Purpose of review

As the incidence of cutaneous melanoma continues to rise worldwide, its heterogeneous presentation proves challenging for managing and preventing relapse.

Recent findings

While surgery remains a mainstay in staging and treatment of locoregional metastatic melanoma, intralesional therapies have emerged as a new tool to treat unresectable in-transit and nodal metastases and reduce the risk of relapse through immunomodulatory mechanisms.

In this review, we will provide an overview of intralesional therapies for melanoma with a particular focus on talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) and its future uses. We then discuss the landscape of current and emerging intralesional therapies.
Evaluation of Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Chitosan Hydrolysate Produced by Microwave-Assisted Cellulase Hydrolysis
Authors: Ewais Alaa , Ghany A. Abdel , Sitohy Mahmoud
Published: November 2024

This work estimated the biochemical nature of the enzymatic chitosan hydrolysate (CH) as oligomeric chitooligosaccharide products resulting from microwave-aided cellulase hydrolysis of chitosan from shrimp and crab as well as their biological effects and potential preservative application. The microwave irradiation was conducted at 125 W for 15 min simultaneously during the cellulase degradation of shrimp and crab chitosan, previously prepared by a 30-min microwave-aided deacetylation (86.7% and 82.7% degree of deacetylation), producing shrimp chitosan hydrolysate (SCH) and crab chitosan hydrolysate (CCH), respectively. The products SCH and CCH were tested for their solubility in distilled water, viscosity, molecular weight (Mw), FTIR, mass spectra, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The obtained SCH and CCH were incorporated into two food systems (yogurt and orange juice) at proportions of 0.08–0.12 g/100 mL as potential preservatives. The average Mw of SCH and CCH was 14.79 and 13.18 kDa, respectively, coupled in each case with 1–6° of polymerization (DP), strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities, and the capacity to dissolve in water in all proportions, becoming more soluble as weight decreased. The chemical, microbiological, and sensory changes in orange juice and yogurt were investigated at 0, 15, and 30 days of cold storage after being enriched with these ingredients. Over the 30-day storage period, the orange juice and yogurt showed enhanced physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics based on the content of chitosan hydrolysate. The study provided potentially a new and safe preservation technology for food systems.
Fundamental Study for Slip Resistance Improvement of High-Strength Bolted Joints Subjected to Shear and Tension
Authors: Sugimoto Yuma , Kato Soshi
Published: November 2024

The objective of this study was to refine the slip resistance formulas for high-strength bolted joints subjected to combined shear and tension forces. Traditional formulas typically assume that the prying force generated at the contact surface does not contribute to the slip resistance. To explore the influences of the prying force on slip resistance, a trial design was conducted based on the Specifications for Highway Bridges and Recommendation for Design of High Strength Tensile Bolted Connections for Steel Bridges, with variations in parameters such as bolt diameter, bolt pitch, joint flange thickness, and joint flange material. Additionally, numerical analyses were performed to validate the design methodology incorporating prying force. The trial design results demonstrated that the slip capacity improved when the prying force was considered, especially in cases where the external force direction ranged between 27.6 and 90 degrees. The maximum observed improvement in slip capacity was a factor of 1.2. Moreover, the slip resistance of joints with thinner flanges was enhanced when prying force effects were accounted for. This increase in slip capacity due to prying force was further corroborated through fine element method (FEM) simulations. Finally, the findings suggest the potential for enhancing joint compactness and slip resistance.
Bio-lubricant production from black liquor as a sustainable biorefinery strategy
Authors: Demirkaya E. , Cantero D. , Tenorio-Alfonso A. , Cortés-Triviño E. , Franco J. M. , Cocero M. J.
Published: November 2024

The paper and pulp industry annually generates approximately 170 million tons of black liquor, yet research directly targeting its utilization remains scarce. Addressing this gap, our study tackles the challenge of revalorizing black liquor through innovative techniques. Concurrently, the lubricant industry’s pursuit of eco-friendly alternatives necessitates effective thickeners for semi-solid lubricant formulations derived from vegetable oils. Our research focuses on revalorizing weak black liquor via supercritical water hydrolysis, presenting a novel avenue for semi-solid bio-lubricant production. We obtained and treated four lignin waste fractions, including original black liquor and depolymerized variants through supercritical water hydrolysis, followed by additional processes such as spray-drying, oven-drying, and ethyl acetate extraction. These lignin fractions were then incorporated into epoxy-modified vegetable oils to formulate sustainable lubricants. Evaluation of these formulations revealed promising rheological and tribological properties. The resulting castor oil-based bio-lubricants not only exhibited excellent stability and appearance but also demonstrated notable performance improvements in rheological and tribological tests, noticing a maximum wear scar size reduction of around 50%, while maintaining friction factor values. Our findings highlight the potential of depolymerization hydrolysis in enhancing the lubricating properties of castor oil-based formulations, thus advancing the revalorization of weak black liquor.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of a variable electrode force on the LME crack formation during resistance spot welding of 3G AHSS
Authors: Ullrich M. , Jüttner S.
Published: November 2024

In the pursuit of lightweight vehicles, third-generation advanced high-strength steels (3G AHSS) with increased mechanical properties are desired to be used for critical components. However, the exposure of these zinc-coated AHSS to the manufacturing conditions during resistance spot welding can trigger liquid metal embrittlement (LME), possibly compromising the mechanical properties. As the reproducibility of LME cracks in resistance spot welding is a challenge, the effect on the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the welds is not yet fully clarified and therefore a distinction between critical and non-critical cracks is not implemented in current standards. To achieve this, it is necessary to provoke LME cracks of a given size, for example by increasing the welding current, reducing the electrode force and hold time, or using manufacturing discontinuities. Due to its significant effect on the heat input and the tensile stresses during the resistance spot welding process, which impacts the LME crack propagation, the focus of this paper is on the electrode force. An expulsion-free decreasing force profile, which consists of a force run-in, force decrease, and force run-out time, has been derived in a two-stage Face-Centered-Central-Composite design of experiment for an electrogalvanized third-generation advanced high-strength steel (3G AHSS) DP1200 HD. The crack location, length, depth, and nugget geometries were investigated for each weld. With the decreasing force profile, it was possible to generate type A, B, and C cracks by parameter adaption, with type B and C cracks being the most dominant. The type C crack formation was investigated by aborting the welding process in defined time steps and the LME cracking mechanism was confirmed by welding dezincified samples. Based on the investigations carried out, the force profile was found suitable for generating different LME crack sizes to further investigate the mechanical joint properties as it was able to reproducibly generate defined cracks without expulsion and excessive electrode indentation while maintaining a minimum nugget diameter.
Dual-Donor-Induced Crystallinity Modulation Enables 19.23% Efficiency Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Liang Anhai , Sun Yuqing , Chung Sein , Shin Jiyeong , Sun Kangbo , Zhu Chaofeng , Zhao Jingjing , Zhao Zhenmin , Zhong Yufei , Zhang Guangye , Cho Kilwon , Kan Zhipeng
Published: November 2024

Trap-assisted charge recombination is one of the primary limitations of restricting the performance of organic solar cells. However, effectively reducing the presence of traps in the photoactive layer remains challenging. Herein, wide bandgap polymer donor PTzBI-dF is demonstrated as an effective modulator for enhancing the crystallinity of the bulk heterojunction active layers composed of D18 derivatives blended with Y6, leading to dense and ordered molecular packings, and thus, improves photoluminescence quenching properties. As a result, the photovoltaic devices exhibit reduced trap-assisted charge recombination losses, achieving an optimized power conversion efficiency of over 19%. Besides the efficiency enhancement, the devices comprised of PTzBI-dF as a third component simultaneously attain decreased current leakage, improved charge carrier mobilities, and suppressed bimolecular charge recombination, leading to reduced energy losses. The advanced crystalline structures induced by PTzBI-dF and its characteristics, such as well-aligned energy level, and complementary absorption spectra, are ascribed to the promising performance improvements. Our findings suggest that donor phase engineering is a feasible approach to tuning the molecular packings in the active layer, providing guidelines for designing effective morphology modulators for high-performance organic solar cells.
Advances in the Development of Gradient Scaffolds Made of Nano-Micromaterials for Musculoskeletal Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Fang Lei , Lin Xiaoqi , Xu Ruian , Liu Lu , Zhang Yu , Tian Feng , Li Jiao Jiao , Xue Jiajia
Published: November 2024

The intricate hierarchical structure of musculoskeletal tissues, including bone and interface tissues, necessitates the use of complex scaffold designs and material structures to serve as tissue-engineered substitutes. This has led to growing interest in the development of gradient bone scaffolds with hierarchical structures mimicking the extracellular matrix of native tissues to achieve improved therapeutic outcomes. Building on the anatomical characteristics of bone and interfacial tissues, this review provides a summary of current strategies used to design and fabricate biomimetic gradient scaffolds for repairing musculoskeletal tissues, specifically focusing on methods used to construct compositional and structural gradients within the scaffolds. The latest applications of gradient scaffolds for the regeneration of bone, osteochondral, and tendon-to-bone interfaces are presented. Furthermore, the current progress of testing gradient scaffolds in physiologically relevant animal models of skeletal repair is discussed, as well as the challenges and prospects of moving these scaffolds into clinical application for treating musculoskeletal injuries.
On the Effect of Chemical Heterogeneity on the Shape Memory Performance of Fe–Ni–Co–Al–Ti Single Crystals
Authors: Remich V. , Lauhoff C. , Kriegel M. J. , Motylenko M. , Niendorf T. , Krooß P.
Published: November 2024

The present work focuses on the formation of the γ′-phase and its impact on the functional properties of a Fe-28Ni–17Co–11.5Al–2,5Ti (at.-%) shape memory alloy (SMA) under cyclic loading conditions at different testing temperatures. The effect of aging treatments conducted in a wide range of aging temperatures and times was investigated. While specific heat treatments, namely 600 °C for 4 h, result in excellent superelastic properties with a fully reversible material response in single cycle experiments, interestingly, functional degradation is found to be more pronounced under cyclic loading compared to other derivatives of the Fe–Ni–Co–Al-based SMA systems. In addition to mechanical testing, a detailed microstructural analysis was conducted using transmission electron microscopy. The results of the present study clearly reveal that chemical inhomogeneities have to be carefully considered for the characterization of the functional performance of these iron-based SMAs. Chemical heterogeneities are not only identified as the underlying microstructural mechanism for the pronounced cyclic degradation behavior, but are also supposed to have a significant influence on the precipitation kinetics of the γ′-phase.
A new PVA-κCA double-network hydrogel comprising conductive polyaniline nanofibers for strain sensing applications
Authors: Al-Goraee Ashraf M. , Alshorman Ahmad , Bozeya Ayat , Alshami Ali S. , Khnouf Ruba Elias , Al-Shami Abdulrahman M.
Published: November 2024

Wearable and flexible materials are replacing the conventional solid-state sensors in diffident biomedical applications. Hydrogel-based sensing elements offer several appealing inherent properties such as tissue resembling elasticity, accessibility for modification and robust mechanical performance. Their widely available and affordable raw components in-addition to straightforward synthesis and modification approach make hydrogels appealing material for flexible and wearable sensors in biomedical applications. This work demonstrates the development of new and sensitive material for strain sensing using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and κ-carrageenan (κCA) hydrogel comprising conductive polyaniline nanofibers (PANI NFs). The double-network hydrogel was produced via chemical crosslinking of PVA with Glutaraldehyde (GA) and physical crosslinking of κCA with potassium ions in a binary solvent system of deionized water and glycerol. The PANI NFs were then embedded in the hydrogel via the interfacial polymerization (IP) method of polyaniline nanofibers to significantly enhance the material properties and strain sensitivity of the pristine hydrogel. The obtained hydrogel has been involved in rigorous material characterization and sensing capability evaluation. The produced hydrogel demonstrated a high-water content (86.6%), high swelling percentage in acidic solutions, mechanical compressibility up to 60% at 400 kPa, high electrical conductivity of 2.11 S/m, and thermal stability ranging from − 26.9 to 120 oC. The hydrogel resulted in a linear response in its sensing performance of the applied stress (R2 = 0.99). Also, the developed composite demonstrated a sensitivity of 1.5 mV/kPa in stress range from zero up to 170 kPa with response and recovery times of ~ 300 ms and 500 ms, respectively.
Synthesis and characterization of piperazine nitrate monochloride semi-organic single crystal for NLO applications
Authors: Sudhakar G. , Babu D. Rajan
Published: November 2024

A semiorganic single crystal of piperazine nitrate chloride (PNC) was grown utilising the gradual evaporation solution technique at ambient temperature. The crystal lattice properties and molecular structure of the formed crystal of PNC were identified via X-ray diffraction examination of a single crystal and are consistent with the monoclinic crystal system with space group P21/n. Using Hirshfeld surface analysis, intra and intermolecular interactions were displayed. The FTIR spectrum analysis presented here examines the vibratory patterns of several functional sections found within the PNC crystal. The crystal exhibits a low absorbance throughout the entire visible spectrum according to studies of UV–vis-NIR absorbance and calculated band gap as well as optical constants. TG/DTA analysis was used to identify the stability and breakdown properties. This refractive index was computed using the prism coupling method. At different temperatures studies of the dielectric properties were conducted and the Vickers hardness technique was employed to investigate the mechanical properties. The grown crystal's laser-damaged threshold value was found. The Z-scan method investigates a PNC crystal’s third-order NLO behaviours. This method makes it possible to calculate the material's linear and nonlinear refractive indices. The PNC crystal exhibits strong third-order nonlinear optical properties, crucial for applications in optical switching and NLO devices.
Development of textile based supercapacitors using activated carbon from renewable banana peels and conductive polymer composites
Authors: Tadesse Melkie Getnet , Simon Nicolai , Lübben Jörn Felix
Published: November 2024

Activated carbon was synthesized from banana peel using a two-step chemical activation process and blended with poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT-PSS) to improve the electrochemical performance of screen-printed electrodes fabricated on cotton fabrics. The use of carbonized banana peel (CBP) with PEDOT-PSS to develop reliable and sustainable supercapacitors was investigated. The work includes the design of a CBP: PEDOT-PSS axisymmetric electrode energy storage device with 0.1 M K2SO4 electrolyte. The results showed that the screen-printed cotton fabric delivered an electrical conductivity of 4.1 ± 1.3 S/cm and a specific capacitance, and energy density of 52.1 F g−1 and 7.233 WhKg−1 at 5 mV/s scanning rate, respectively with a three-electrode system. The material showed a remarkable rate performance in an axisymmetric three-electrode cell configuration with an operating potential window of 0–0.5 V. In addition, the fabricated material demonstrated uniform deposition of PEDOT-PSS and CBP on the cotton fabric which was confirmed by both AFM and SEM image analysis. FTIR confirmed the structural properties of the composite. There is more consistency between the ideal supercapacitor modelled with COMSOL Multiphysics and the actual experimental results. The model curves aid in better design and performance and durability monitoring by offering a more thorough and precise characterization of the kinetics and thermodynamics of the supercapacitors. Consequently, the CBP: PEDOT-PSS composite presents a promising option for supercapacitor uses.
Metrics for Evaluating and Improving Transparency in Software Engineering: An Empirical Study and Improvement Model
Authors: Ofem Paulinus , Isong Bassey , Lugayizi Francis
Published: November 2024

Transparency remains an emerging non-functional requirement that stakeholders in the software engineering process (SEP) must consider. Existing studies provide evidence of the usefulness of transparency and offer hindsight on how transparency may be evaluated in different contexts. Considering communication, software maintainability, and stakeholders’ productivity, SEP has not thoroughly explored the benefits of transparency. Currently, there is no appropriate measurement of transparency in SEP, and the consequence of this is that theoretically and empirically, the factors that characterise transparency and their interrelationships are unknown. This study empirically validates measures and metrics for evaluating and improving software-development-life-cycle-product transparency. It investigates the correlations between transparency factors and their corresponding metrics. Following the Goal Question Metric paradigm, it proposes a transparency evaluation and improvement model based on the transparency factors, measures, and metrics. The usefulness of the metrics was demonstrated via a controlled experiment to investigate the impact of transparency on the maintainability of software requirements specifications (SRS) and its support for good communication and stakeholders’ productivity. Results suggest that object-oriented SRS are easier to maintain and offer better communication and more productivity. The practical implication of our findings is that adopting use case modelling in developing SRS benefits from transparency implicitly. Secondly, a transparency evaluation team can use the improvement model to evaluate SRS transparency explicitly and and improve SRS based on the evaluation outcome. Our proposals can be applied early in the requirements engineering and design phases of SEP. The model can be used to diagnose and deal with maintainability and communication problems with SRSs and design documents.
Speciesism in natural language processing research
Authors: Takeshita Masashi , Rzepka Rafal
Published: November 2024

Natural Language Processing (NLP) research on AI Safety and social bias in AI has focused on safety for humans and social bias against human minorities. However, some AI ethicists have argued that the moral significance of nonhuman animals has been ignored in AI research. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is speciesism, i.e., discrimination against nonhuman animals, in NLP research. First, we explain why nonhuman animals are relevant in NLP research. Next, we survey the findings of existing research on speciesism in NLP researchers, data, and models and further investigate this problem in this study. The findings of this study suggest that speciesism exists within researchers, data, and models, respectively. Specifically, our survey and experiments show that (a) among NLP researchers, even those who study social bias in AI, do not recognize speciesism or speciesist bias; (b) among NLP data, speciesist bias is inherent in the data annotated in the datasets used to evaluate NLP models; (c) OpenAI GPTs, recent NLP models, exhibit speciesist bias by default. Finally, we discuss how we can reduce speciesism in NLP research.
Fast POI anomaly detection using a weakly-supervised temporal state regression network
Authors: Yao Xin
Published: November 2024

Point-of-interest (POI) is a fundamental data type of maps. Anomalous POIs would make maps outdated and lead to user-unfriendly location-based services, and thus should be discovered as fast as possible. Traditional POI anomaly detection methods are inefficient owing to high investigation costs. The emergence of massive human activity data provides a new insight into monitoring POI states through time series modeling. When a POI turns into an anomaly, the associated human activity would disappear. However, human activity data have complicated temporal patterns and noises. It is challenging for existing time series methods to model human activity dynamics. More importantly, there is a lag between the time a POI becomes anomalous and the time we discover it. In this research, we develop a temporal state regression network (TSRNet) model for fast POI anomaly detection. The model can extract temporal features in human activity data, and predict POI state scores as anomaly indicators. Meanwhile, an inference approach is proposed to generate state score sequences as inexact labels for model training. Such weak labels enable TSRNet to identify abnormal temporal patterns as soon as they appear, so that POI outliers can be detected at an early time. Experiments on real-word datasets from AMAP validate the feasibility of our method.