bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P2‐Type Na0.67Ni0.23Fe0.1Mn0.67O2 Cathode Material with Suppressed P2−O2 Phase Transition for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xie Liang , Lu Weiqin , Li Lanyan , Li Mingzhou , Wang Xianyou , Luo Zhigao
Published: August 2024

Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 (NNMO) is one of the most promising cathodes for Sodium‐ion batteries. However, due to undesired P2−O2 phase transition at high voltage during Na+ extraction, its cyclic stability and coulomb efficiency are greatly adversely affected. Herein, electrochemically active Fe3+ ions substituted Na0.67Ni0.23Fe0.1Mn0.67O2 samples were prepared by both sol‐gel method (NNFMO‐SG) and solid phase method (NNFMO‐SP). It has been found that Fe substitution can suppress P2−O2 phase transition with a stable P2 phase during charging and discharging. Additionally, it also suppresses Na+/vacancy ordering, expands the slab‐spacing of the structure and improves the reversibility of the redox of anions. Owing to the combined advantages, NNFMO‐SG material exhibits the enhanced rate capability (70.1 mAh/g at 1000 mA/g) and excellent cycling stability (75.3 % capacity retention after 100 cycles at 200 mA/g).
The Effect of Concentration of Aluminum on Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of Aluminum‐doped ZnO Nanostructures Electrochemically Deposited on Polyimide
Authors: Çetinel Alper , Burgaz Sefer Haşim
Published: August 2024

Aluminum‐doped ZnO (AZO) were successfully prepared on polyimide (PI) film using electrochemical deposition. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis revealed that as the aluminum concentration increased, the morphology of AZO nanostructures changed from pellets to nanorods. X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) was employed to study the chemical states of undoped and Al‐doped ZnO on a polyimide substrate. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the PI/AZO nanostructures showed a polycrystalline wurtzite structure with a crystallographic orientation along the (002) plane. The XRD analysis also indicated that the average crystallite size decreased from 50.5 nm to 31.0 nm with increasing aluminum concentration (from 0.05 mM to 10 mM). Transmittance analysis revealed that with increasing aluminum concentration, the average optical transmittance in the visible region decreased from 90 % to 75 %. The aluminum concentration has a significant effect on the electrical properties of the samples, as shown by current‐voltage (I–V) and Hall measurements. Among the samples, the AZO/PI film prepared with 5 mM aluminum concentration exhibited the minimum electrical resistivity (4.14×10−2 Ω.cm), the highest carrier density (1.10×1021 cm−3) and the Hall mobility (5.40 cm2 V−1 s−1). We also discuss the possible mechanisms underlying these results compared to undoped ZnO films. This study contributes to the potential applications in flexible electronics and optoelectronics by demonstrating the tunability of AZO nanostructures on a flexible polyimide substrate through controlled aluminum doping.
An Efficient Electrochemical Synthesis of Selenocarbamates from Isocyanates and Diselenides
Authors: Zhou Shiyu , Xiao Qing , Guo Li , Jin Min , Sha Xuelei , Yang Jinhua , Xiao Jiayi , Wang Xia , Gui Qing‐Wen
Published: August 2024

A facile electrochemical synthesis of selenocarbamates from multicomponent reactions of isocyanides, diselenides, and water is developed here. This strategy provides a mild, direct, and complementary approach for synthesizing selenocarbamates in moderate to excellent yields with good substrate tolerance. The simple undivided cell setting with carbon/Pt electrodes proceeded smoothly. A radical pathway was proposed by preliminary mechanistic research.
Research on the Performance of the Cotton‐Based Al‐Air Battery with the Tilt Angle
Authors: Liu Chun‐mei , Jiang Peng‐fei , Liu Lei , Lai Gao‐qiang , Wang Peng‐ju
Published: August 2024

The passive cotton‐based Al‐air battery adopts the cotton cloth as the flow channel to transport the electrolyte by the capillary force from the cloth. An absorbent pad is usually put at the end of the cotton cloth to keep the electrolyte continuously flowing. Once the absorbent pad is saturated, the electrolyte flow slows down or even stops. This can affect the transportation of the electrolyte and product, decreasing the battery performance. To maintain the electrolyte's continuous flow, the cotton‐based Al‐air battery with the tilt angle was presented and constructed. The effects of the catalyst loadings, tilt angles, electrolyte types, and area ratios on this battery were studied. Under the 4 mg cm−2 carbon catalyst loading, 10° tilt angle, 4 mol L−1 KOH electrolyte, and anode‐to‐cathode area ratio of 1 : 3, this battery performance was optimal, with the peak power density of 78.09±0.68 mW cm−2 and limiting current density of 213.12±0.80 mA cm−2. Finally, the battery stack was gained by connecting the two batteries with the 10° tilt angle in series. This stack with a peak power of 48.47±0.37 mW could light the 44 LEDs.
An Efficient Synthesis of Mono‐ and Bis‐Indole Dioximes: Key Intermediates for the Design of Novel Nortopsentin Analogs
Authors: Sevgi Fatih , Sarıkaya Ebru Karakaş , Bedük A. Dinçer
Published: August 2024

A straightforward one‐pot synthesis method has been developed for combining the vic‐dioxime scaffold with the indole nucleus. Sixteen new mono‐ and bis‐indole dioximes were prepared as the first example of C−C coupling between readily available chloroglyoximes with indoles. This atom‐economic method requires only a stoichiometric amount of inexpensive sodium acetate and does not require any catalysts or toxic solvents. The reaction conditions were optimized and proceeded smoothly under mild conditions, providing good yields of the desired indole dioximes. The structures of synthesized vic‐dioximes were characterized using NMR, FT‐IR, and LC–MS. To shed light on the molecular structure, an extensive series of theoretical computations were performed on a representative molecule (3 a) using the DFT−B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory. The symmetrical and unsymmetrical indole dioximes obtained as key intermediates in this work have the potential to serve as essential building blocks for the design of new nortopsentin analogs with enhanced biological activities. To support this assumption, a representative molecule (3 a) was converted to a novel nortopsentin analog (4 a) having a 1,2,5‐oxadiazole (furazan) ring core.
Recent Developments of Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Nitriles and Alcohols
Authors: Cai Xiuju , Wei Xurui , Huang Ming
Published: August 2024

Cross‐coupling of nitriles and alcohols offers an environmentally friendly and atom‐economical method for the synthesis of various valuable compounds. These compounds include α‐alkylated and α‐olefinated nitriles, primary amines, imines, N‐alkylation amines, amides, N‐heterocycles, δ‐hydroxynitriles, olefins, etc. Herein, we have reviewed recent developments (from 2013–date) of transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of nitriles and alcohols. A number of transition metal complexes such as noble metals Ru and Ir, as well as base metals Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni are presented. Moreover, different product types, reaction conditions and mechanisms are discussed to understand the reaction and catalyst development.
Living beings, coevolution and psychotherapy: The legacy of Humberto Maturana
Authors: Tramonti Francesco
Published: August 2024

Recently died at the age of 92, Humberto Maturana has exerted a deep influence on the field of psychotherapy. Systemic and cognitive‐constructivist approaches are those that mostly—or more explicitly—have absorbed his theories, but in a wider perspective, all the field could benefit from the rediscovery of such a significant scientific background. Building on some of the main themes of Maturana's research and theories—such as autopoiesis, structural coupling and consensual domains of knowledge—the present article aims at discussing some of the most topical implications for psychotherapy today. A special focus is placed on how some crucial findings of the research on psychotherapy process and outcomes could be better understood considering Maturana's teachings and on the role of psychotherapy in our social and cultural worlds.
Disclosures 17: Internal decisions
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: August 2024

In past FERPA Doc columns, we discussed disclosures of education records to third parties outside one's own institution. I call these external disclosures. There are also internal disclosures. My experience tells me these disclosures tend to be potentially more contentious than external disclosures.
Facile Mechanochemical Synthesis of Compositionally Complex Spinel‐type Oxides, (Co, Fe, Mn)3O4, (Co, Fe, Mn, Ni)3O4, and (Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni)3O4
Authors: Teppala Dharma Teja , Bernauer Jan , Drouillard Esteve , Kumar Geddam Yaswanth , Chen Guoxing , Widenmeyer Marc , Trapp Maximilian , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim , Kumar Ravi , Mathur Sanjay , Ionescu Emanuel
Published: August 2024

In the current work, a simple mechanochemical route has been employed to preparatively access three spinel‐type compositionally complex ceramics, i. e., (Co, Fe, Mn)3O4, (Co, Fe, Mn, Ni)3O4, and (Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni)3O4. Hydrated nitrate salts of the respective transition metal elements were mechanically ground with ammonium hydrogen carbonate. The resulting paste‐like mixture of metal hydroxides, oxyhydroxides, and carbonates was rinsed with water to remove the byproduct (NH4NO3) and converted into the respective single‐phase spinel‐type oxides via calcination. In situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the formation of the spinel‐type structure (Fd
m) already at temperatures as low as 150 °C. Typically, the calcination of the precursors at temperatures beyond 500 °C led to the formation of well‐crystallized, single‐phase spinel‐type oxides with nearly equimolar composition and highly homogeneous distribution of the transition metals within the structure. The mechanochemical synthesis route in the present study is considered to be an easy, straightforward, and scalable access to compositionally complex oxides.
Further Extensions to GinSE
Authors: Byun Sung-Soo , Forrester Peter J.
Published: August 2024

The elliptic extension of GinSE considered in the previous chapter gives rise to a potential which is not spherically symmetric. In contrast, the extensions of GinSE to be considered in this chapter—specifically the induced GinSE relating to a polar decomposition involving a rectangular generalisation of GinSE and a random Haar symplectic unitary matrix, the quaternion spherical ensemble of matrices $$G_1^{-1}G_2$$

G
1

-
1

G
2

with $$G_1,G_2$$

G
1

,

G
2

both GinSE matrices, a sub-block of a Haar symplectic unitary matrix, and products of GinSE matrices—all have the common feature that the corresponding potential is spherically symmetric. This allows for a unified treatment in relation to the corresponding skew-orthogonal polynomials. Furthermore, in each case the pre-kernel can be shown to satisfy an inhomogeneous partial differential equation, from which scaled limits can be computed.
Eigenvalue PDFs and Correlations
Authors: Byun Sung-Soo , Forrester Peter J.
Published: August 2024

A GinUE random matrix has all entries as independent standard complex Gaussians. The eigenvalue PDF can be explicitly calculated, revealing an analogy with the Boltzmann factor for a particular two-dimensional Coulomb gas. The functional form of the eigenvalue PDF leads to a determinantal structure for the general k-point correlation function. The corresponding correlation kernel admits bulk and edge scaling limits, while the density also admits a global scaling limit giving rise to an example of the circular law. Various generalisations of the GinUE permit analogous analysis. Those considered in the present chapter are the elliptic GinUE consisting of a linear combination of Hermitian and anti-Hermitian Gaussian random matrices; the induced GinUE which relates to a polar decomposition involving a rectangular generalisation of a GinUE matrix; the complex spherical ensemble of matrices $$G_1^{-1} G_2$$

G
1

-
1

G
2

, with both $$G_1,G_2$$

G
1

,

G
2

GinUE matrices; the sub-block of a Haar unitary random matrix; and products of both GinUE matrices, and of truncated Haar unitary matrices. In the original paper of Ginibre [293], the diagonalisation formula $$G = V \Lambda V^{-1}$$

G
=
V
Λ

V

-
1

, where $$\Lambda $$
Λ
is the diagonal matrix of eigenvalues, and V is the matrix of corresponding eigenvectors which are unique up to normalisation, was used as the starting point to derive the eigenvalue PDF (1.7).
Fluctuation Formulas
Authors: Byun Sung-Soo , Forrester Peter J.
Published: August 2024

Generally, a statistic of a point process refers to the stochastic variable defined by evaluating a function at the points. In this setting the class of functions of a single variable are referred to as linear statistics. One example is the counting function for eigenvalues in a specified region. The large region size form of the variance of this statistic, when proportional to the surface area, is used to specify the state as being hyperuniform. In the case of GinUE eigenvalues, a central limit theorem for the distribution can be established, and this can be strengthened for a local limit theorem of the underlying probabilities. Moreover, large deviation formulas for the latter are obtained. The counting function linear statistic is discontinuous. Smooth linear statistics with global scaling exhibit distinct large N behaviours, in particular the variance is now an O(1) quantity for GinUE eigenvalues. A decomposition of this variance as a contribution from the bulk, and a contribution from the boundary, is exhibited. The chapter concludes with a discussion of GinUE eigenvalues in spatial modelling.
Coulomb Gas Model, Sum Rules and Asymptotic Behaviours
Authors: Byun Sung-Soo , Forrester Peter J.
Published: August 2024

Throughout this chapter we consider the Coulomb gas model (1.12) with general $$\beta > 0$$

β
>
0

, for which we use the notation OCP, which stands for one-component plasma. The special case $$\beta = 2$$

β
=
2

coincides with GinUE. The study of thermodynamic properties of the OCP requires the asymptotic expansion of the logarithm of the renormalised configuration integral for large N. This holds true for the Coulomb gas model confined to general domains. A conjectured universal logarithmic term, which is proportional to the Euler characteristic of the domain, is highlighted and a conjecture for the $$\sqrt{N}$$

N

surface tension term in the case of disk geometry is also reported, as are some exact results for the energy per particle. In relation to the edge-scaled charge density, sum rules for the total charge and the dipole moment are given, and an asymptotic expansion of the density outside of the droplet is formulated, which as the multiplicative constant term involves the dimensionless free energy per particle. The final section of the chapter addresses sum rules and asymptotics associated with the truncated two-point correlation function, which is conveniently interpreted as the screening cloud about a fixed charge. Its Fourier transform gives the structure function, for which several terms in the small wavenumber expansion can be predicted. Also emphasised is distinct, slowly decaying, asymptotic behaviour of the truncated two-point correlation function at the boundary.
Further Theory and Applications
Authors: Byun Sung-Soo , Forrester Peter J.
Published: August 2024

In addition to an analogy with the Boltzmann factor of the OCP with inverse temperature $$\beta = 2$$

β
=
2

, the GinUE eigenvalue PDF permits an interpretation as the absolute value squared of the ground state wave function for spinless fermions in the plane subject to a perpendicular magnetic field. More generally, for $$\beta $$
β
twice an odd positive integer m the OCP Boltzmann factor occurs as proportional to the absolute value squared of Laughlin trial wavefunction in the theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect with filling fraction 1/m. In relation to the topic of chaotic behaviour in dissipative quantum systems, statistical properties of the now complex energy spectrum can be compared with those of bulk GinUE eigenvalues.
Further Extensions to GinOE
Authors: Byun Sung-Soo , Forrester Peter J.
Published: August 2024

As for GinUE, GinOE permits a number of related ensembles which share many of its special properties. One of these, already introduced in the previous chapter, is elliptic GinOE. Considered in this chapter are the induced GinOE, which relates to a polar decomposition involving a rectangular generalisation of a GinOE matrix and a random Haar real orthogonal matrix; the real spherical ensemble of matrices $$G_1^{-1} G_2$$

G
1

-
1

G
2

, with both $$G_1,G_2$$

G
1

,

G
2

GinOE matrices; the sub-block of a Haar real orthogonal matrix; and products of GinOE matrices. Common structures and statistical features are emphasised, with again the occurrence of real eigenvalues responsible for topics of study beyond those for GinUE and its extensions.
Dissemination and Interpretation of Natural Heritage in Sierra de la Paramera (Ávila, Spain). An Experimental Activity on Geomorphosites, Cultural Heritage and Landscape
Authors: Ruiz-Pedrosa R. M. , Serrano E.
Published: August 2024

The inhabitants of Natural Protected Areas are often unaware of the scientific and heritage value of the natural environment in which they live, although they are users and form part of its landscapes and landforms. The scientific community, in turn, does not always include the local population in research projects. Thus, it is necessary to implement mechanisms for participation and knowledge exchange. The scientific dissemination activity carried out at Castro de Ulaca, in the Sierra de la Paramera, in Ávila (Spain), was offered to the residents of the villages of the Natural Area and was focused on the relief, landscape and geomorphosites. The work, carried out through field work with the participants and surveys, shows the knowledge and opinions of the locals about the geomorphological heritage and the environmental protection of the area before the activity, and how it changes after it.
Wastewater quality during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective analysis of a Polish case study
Authors: Luczkiewicz A. , Pierpaoli M. , Szopińska M. , Baraniak A. , Kotlarska E. , Komiazyk M. , Remiszewska-Skwarek A. , Fudala-Książek S.
Published: August 2024

The global crisis of the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an enormous burden not only on the health, social, and economic sectors but also on many essential municipal services. Water distribution and wastewater management have faced increasing uncertainty due to the possible transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) via aerosols. Additionally, behavioral and social changes have impacted the water/wastewater services and caused the need for adaptation. In this study, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the influent of wastewater treatment plant located in Poland was analyzed November–December 2020, while other parameters important for the water/wastewater sector (e.g.: water usage and wastewater quality) were monitored in long-term period (2015–2020) during the working days, and holidays, including the 2020 lockdowns. In all tested wastewater samples, the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 was detected, which confirmed the utility of wastewater monitoring to analyse the COVID-19 trends in local communities. Another important issue was the elevated presence of surfactants and the observed change in the organic matter structure in raw wastewater generated during lockdowns. Also the NGS approach and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing confirmed the changes of functional diversity and heterogeneity in activated sludge bacterial community, especially in terms of nutrients removal and biomass separation. Thus, it is crucial to a baseline understanding of how the water-wastewater sector can serve to control disease transmission among the community and which tools should be adopted as countermeasures not only for new water consumption patterns but also for keeping safe and effective wastewater treatment.

Graphical abstract
Bridging healthcare access: strategies beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency
Authors: Razmi Amaya Najma , Bajaj Simar S. , Stanford Fatima Cody
Published: August 2024

Issued in January 2020, the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE)’s termination was ultimately inevitable and has prompted reflection over how the pandemic elicited relatively progressive reforms to healthcare. Although we are concerned that the PHE’s termination poses a significant threat to public health and equity, we believe that physicians, along with systemic changes, can provide critical support for patients as they navigate a shifting health policy landscape. In response to this evolving landscape, the article emphasizes the pivotal role of physicians and healthcare institutions in safeguarding patient access to care. It proposes strategies such as community-based workshops, patient navigators, and streamlined technology-driven redetermination processes to support vulnerable populations during this transition. Physicians are encouraged to engage in advocacy efforts, from voicing concerns at health meetings to collaborating with non-profit organizations and the media, to influence data-driven policy changes that prioritize patient safety and equitable access. Marginalized patients should not be slipping through the cracks.
Investigating Mountain Watershed Headwater‐To‐Groundwater Connections, Water Sources, and Storage Selection Behavior With Dynamic‐Flux Particle Tracking
Authors: Dennedy‐Frank P. James , Visser Ate , Maina Fadji Z. , Siirila‐Woodburn Erica R.
Published: August 2024

Climate change will impact mountain watershed streamflow both directly—with changing precipitation amounts and variability—and indirectly—through temperature shifts altering snowpack, melt, and evapotranspiration. To understand how these complex processes will affect ecosystem functioning and water resources, we need tools to distinguish connections between water sources (rain/snowmelt), groundwater storage, and exit fluxes (streamflow/evapotranspiration), and to determine how these connections change seasonally and as climate shifts. Here, we develop novel watershed‐scale approaches to understand water source, storage, and exit flux connections using a dynamic‐flux particle tracking model (EcoSLIM) applied in California's Cosumnes Watershed, which connects the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley. This work develops new visualizations and applications to provide mechanistic understanding that underpins the interpretation of isotopic field data at watershed scales to distinguish sources, flow paths, residence times, and storage selection. In our simulations, streamflow comes primarily from snow‐derived water while evapotranspiration generally comes from rain. Most streamflow starts above 1,000 m while evapotranspiration is sourced relatively evenly across the watershed and is generally younger than streamflow. Modeled streamflow consists primarily of water sourced from precipitation in the previous 5 years but before the current water year, while ET consists primarily of water from precipitation in the current water year. ET, and to a lesser extent streamflow, are both younger than water in groundwater storage. However, snowmelt‐derived streamflow preferentially discharges older water from snow‐derived storage. Dynamic‐flux particle tracking and new approaches presented here enable novel model‐tracer comparisons in large‐scale watersheds to better understand watershed behavior in a changing climate.
Curiosity Digs Up Evidence of a Cold, Wet Martian Past
Authors: Benningfield Damond
Published: August 2024

Amorphous materials, which are rarely studied on Earth, yield insights into the history of Gale Crater and the early Martian environment.
Development of Compaction Localization in Leitha Limestone: Finite Element Modeling Based on Synchrotron X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Huang Wanying , Meng Fanbao , Liu Jie , Wong Teng‐fong
Published: August 2024

The mechanical behavior and failure mode of porous rocks vary with their microstructures. The formation of compaction bands (CBs) has been captured with high precision via in situ synchrotron CT and kinematic characteristics can be attained by image analysis. However, the stress characteristics cannot be directly evaluated from images, and how porosity heterogeneity triggers local instability and leads to the formation of CBs is not yet fully understood. To address this problem, we established a finite element (FE) model of the solid skeleton of a Leitha limestone sample based on X‐ray μCT data, considering the heterogeneity of pores and plastic hardening, and reproduced the evolution of strain localization and CBs. Our results revealed that the heterogeneity of porosity has a profound influence on the formation and propagation of CBs. Precursory stresses always appear very early around the pores where compaction bands develop, and the stress state of most points in CBs is quasi‐uniaxial compression, which has significantly high maximum principal stress σ1 in a direction subparallel to the sample axis, causing yield then compaction failure. Also, using a simplified FE mesh and ignoring the fracture of particles underestimate the extreme stress and porosity reduction—these can be improved by using fine mesh and involving grain‐scale fracture mechanics. Our study proves the feasibility and reliability of the CT‐FE simulation scheme, which can be extended to investigating the stress distribution and evolution of different rock types with a spectrum of failure modes if in situ CT data of rock deformation is available.
Transmission dynamics of MERS-CoV in a transgenic human DPP4 mouse model
Authors: van Doremalen Neeltje , Bushmaker Trenton , Fischer Robert J. , Okumura Atsushi , Figueroa Acosta Dania M. , McMinn Rebekah J. , Letko Michael , Scott Dana , Saturday Greg , Munster Vincent J.
Published: August 2024

Since 2002, three novel coronavirus outbreaks have occurred: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2. A better understanding of the transmission potential of coronaviruses will result in adequate infection control precautions and an early halt of transmission within the human population. Experiments on the stability of coronaviruses in the environment, as well as transmission models, are thus pertinent.

Here, we show that transgenic mice expressing human DPP4 can be infected with MERS-CoV via the aerosol route. Exposure to 5 × 106 TCID50 and 5 × 104 TCID50 MERS-CoV per cage via fomites resulted in transmission in 15 out of 20 and 11 out of 18 animals, respectively. Exposure of sentinel mice to donor mice one day post inoculation with 105 TCID50 MERS-CoV resulted in transmission in 1 out of 38 mice via direct contact and 4 out of 54 mice via airborne contact. Exposure to donor mice inoculated with 104 TCID50 MERS-CoV resulted in transmission in 0 out of 20 pairs via direct contact and 0 out of 5 pairs via the airborne route. Our model shows limited transmission of MERS-CoV via the fomite, direct contact, and airborne routes. The hDPP4 mouse model will allow assessment of the ongoing evolution of MERS-CoV in the context of acquiring enhanced human-to-human transmission kinetics and will inform the development of other transmission models.
Expanding the repertoire of GalNAc analogues for cell-specific bioorthogonal tagging of glycoproteins
Authors: Zafar Abdul , Sridhar Sandhya , Bineva-Todd Ganka , Cioce Anna , Abdulla Nadia , Chang Vincent , Malaker Stacy A. , Hewings David S. , Schumann Benjamin
Published: August 2024

Demonstrating the use of azide-containing GalNAc analogues in conjunction with an engineered metabolic pathway to study glycosylation cell-specifically.
Influence of high hydrostatic pressure treatment on cassava flour's volatile retention performance
Authors: Conde Ladie Anne , Kebede Biniam , Oey Indrawati
Published: August 2024

The granular alterations and microstructural disruption associated with high hydrostatic pressure-induced gelatinisation of starches in cassava flour reduced its ability to bind volatiles but it remained stable during storage.
Life cycle assessment of innovative methods for treating wastewater and solid wastes: a case study focusing on their application within the brewing sector
Authors: Drosou Fotini , Kekes Tryfon , Boukouvalas Christos , Oikonomopoulou Vasiliki , Krokida Magdalini
Published: August 2024

This study assesses the environmental sustainability of brewery waste treatment via life cycle assessment. Comparing conventional methods (base case) with two alternative scenarios revealed significant improvement in the environmental footprint.
Complementary dual abelian codes in group algebras of some finite abelian groups
Authors: Jitman Somphong
Published: August 2024

Linear complementary dual codes have become an interesting sub-family of linear codes over finite fields since they can be practically applied in various fields such as cryptography and quantum error-correction. Recently, properties of complementary dual abelian codes were established in group algebras of arbitrary finite abelian groups. However, the enumeration formulas were given mostly based on number-theoretical characteristic functions. In this article, complementary dual abelian codes determined by some finite abelian groups are revisited. Specifically, the characterization of cyclotomic classes of an abelian group and the enumeration of complementary dual abelian codes are presented, where the group is a finite abelian p-group, a finite abelian 2-group, and a product of a finite abelian p-group and a finite abelian 2-group for some odd prime number p different from the characteristic of the alphabet filed. The enumeration formula for such complementary dual codes is given explicitly in a more precise form without characteristic functions. Some illustrative examples are given as well.
Victim clustering with k-prototype algorithm for flood evacuation planning
Authors: Chang Jin Wang , Teoh Lay Eng , Khoo Hooi Ling
Published: August 2024

Global warming intensifies inevitable severe floods, thus necessitating robust evacuation planning to minimize disaster impacts through swift assistance. Recognizing the interconnectedness of demand and supply aspects, effective evacuation planning considers evacuee behavior through victim clustering, which is of utmost importance. Despite previous efforts in modeling victim behavior, there remains a gap in incorporating victim clustering explicitly in flood evacuation planning. Thus, this study aims to adopt k-prototype algorithm, which is capable of handling mixed-type features, to perform victim clustering for probable flood occurrence by considering numerous influential factors including risk perception, compliance level and arrival pattern of victims. The k-prototype clustering was performed via McClain index (for performance assessment) on an illustrative mixed-type dataset (with 10 variables) comprising 498 valid respondents, for the context of Central Region of Malaysia. The findings show that the optimal number of clusters, which ranges from 2 to 5, could be formed effectively for 8 distinct scenarios. Besides, it is noticeable that the probable response to evacuate (somewhat and very likely) is about 52% under uncertainty. Concisely, this study aspires to furnish emergency planners with beneficial insights in implementing effective evacuation strategies to reduce the negative impact of flood occurrence significantly.
Rough Neutrosophic Multisets Geometric Aggregation Operator with Entropy Weight Combined Roughness Dice Similarity Measure and Its Application
Authors: Alias Suriana , Mohamad Daud , Shuib Adibah , Mustapha Norzieha , Md Yasin Roliza , Mohd Yusoff Nazhatul Sahima , Broumi Said
Published: August 2024

Rough neutrosophic multisets (RNM) is an uncertainty set theory generalized from the rough neutrosophic set. In the same equivalence relation, the universal set is a neutrosophic multisets with boundary regions involving lower and upper approximation. To date, to handle the multiplicity of information collected, the rough neutrosophic multisets geometric aggregation operator (RNMGAO) is introduced. The algebraic operations of RNM used in the derivation of RNMGAO are defined. The entropy measure of RNM is also discussed as a weighted assign for each criterion simultaneously with the geometric aggregation operator. The roughness Dice similarity measure of RNM is combined in methodology for ranking purposed. The application in medical diagnosis of three epidemic diseases Coronavirus, Influenza, and Pneumonia is implemented as a case study.
Diagonal Variable Matrix Method in Solving Inverse Problem in Image Processing
Authors: Chang Dick Mun , Sim Hong Seng , Goh Yong Kheng , Chua Sing Yee , Leong Wah June
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we introduce a new gradient method called the Diagonal Variable Matrix method. Our proposed method is aimed to minimize Hk+1 over the log-determinant norm subject to weak secant relation. The derived diagonal matrix Hk+1 is the approximation of the inverse Hessian matrix, which enables the calculation of the search direction, dk = −Hk+1gk, where gk denotes the gradient of the objective function. The proposed method is coupled with the backtracking Armijo line search. The proposed method is specifically designed to reduce the number of iterations and training duration, particularly in the context of solving large-dimensional problems. Finally, as a practical illustration, the proposed method is applied to solve the image deblurring problem, and its performance is analyzed using image quality metrics. The results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms various conjugate gradient (CG) methods and multiple damping gradient method.
Examining technological performance-related variables for effective usage of ChatGPT in academic learning of tertiary learners
Authors: Yeoh Hong Beng , Yap Zhi Hui
Published: August 2024

Recently, ChatGPT is widely leveraged as information searching and drilling natural language processing tool to facilitate academic learning. However, a comprehensive framework is indeed lacking for its effective deployment in educational institutions. Thus, this research aims to analyse technological performance-related variables while using ChatGPT, namely technological self-efficacy, acceptance level and job expectancy and their inter-relationships to support effective usage of ChatGPT among tertiary learners for their academic learning. Quantitative research via questionnaire survey was conducted. All question items in the questionnaire were adapted from past related studies. The respondents were recruited using multi-staged cluster sampling technique at main campus of a comprehensive university in Malaysia. Data collected from 230 tertiary learners were analysed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The research finding shows that tertiary learners’ job expectancy on the outcomes of using ChatCPT and their self-efficacy to use ChatGPT significantly affect its effective usage in their academic learning. Besides, both tertiary learners’ self-efficacy and job expectancy when using ChatGPT are significantly affected by their perceived usefulness and importance of ChatGPT. In addition, tertiary learners’ self-efficacy in ChatGPT is also significantly influenced by their behavioural intention to use it. Furthermore, the relationship between tertiary learners’ perceived ease of use and their behavioural intention to use ChatGPT is partially mediated by their perceived usefulness and importance of ChatGPT. On top of it, the tertiary learners’ behavioural intention to use ChatGPT partially mediates the relationship between their perceived usefulness and importance and self-efficacy to use it in their academic learning. These research results provide an insight to related stakeholders, including tertiary learners and higher education decision makers, on their initiatives to facilitate and manage the usage of ChatGPT as a learning tool in tertiary educational institutions.
Comparative Studies of Region-Based Segmentation Algorithms on Natural and Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Shoaib Asim , Vadiveloo Mogana , Lim Seng Poh
Published: August 2024

Region-based segmentation algorithms are used as a preprocessing approach to generate over-segmented regions. Over-segmented regions refer to the creation of small regions in an image that represent no meaningful object regions. It has been observed that there are limited works on the performance comparison of the region-based segmentation algorithms on both natural and remote sensing (RS) images. Hence, the objective is to compare the performance of region-based segmentation algorithms on natural and RS images with different complexity of object regions of interest (ROIs). There are four algorithms (Felzenszwalb and Huttenlocher (FH), Quick Shift (QS), Compact Watershed (CW), and Simple Linear Iterative Clustering (SLIC)) being compared using two public datasets. The adapted rand error (ARE) and variation of information (VOI) are used for the segmentation evaluations. Generally, the experiments showed that the SLIC achieved better results as compared to the other algorithms for both images with different complexities of ROIs. This is mainly because the over-segmented regions produced by the SLIC adhered to the image object boundaries well than the over-segmented regions generated by other algorithms. However, CW achieved better average ARE than SLIC for RS images because CW has compactness and marker parameters which influence it to achieve better results.
Improving financial distress prediction using machine learning: A preliminary study
Authors: Hou Guo Dong , Tong Dong Ling , Liew Soung Yue , Choo Peng Yin
Published: August 2024

Financial distress is when a company faces significant difficulties meeting its financial obligations and maintaining profitability, leading to bankruptcy, insolvency, and severe economic losses. Therefore, early warning for companies at risk of financial distress is vital for business stakeholders to take timely corrective actions and avoid adverse outcomes. Existing financial distress predictions often rely on historical datasets, incorporating various indicators collected through varied methodologies and experts’ opinions. The challenge arises in discerning which indicators are pivotal for predicting corporate distress, as their influence and relevance may vary. This study proposed a machine learning framework to eliminate variations of different experts’ knowledge when selecting pivotal indicators. Data containing 4006 companies and 204 indicators was extracted from CSMAR. The Chi-square test is employed to select significant indicators. The correlation of these selected indicators is modeled using the C4.5 decision tree. Results showed that this selected feature set is closely aligned with those obtained when utilizing all features in the data. A thorough comparison of the indicators selected by the expert revealed notable distinctions. Features chosen by the Chi-square test are related to financial ratios and also exhibit a pronounced focus on societal attention, shareholding concentration, and market dynamics.
On probabilities in quantum mechanics
Authors: Helland Inge S.
Published: August 2024

This is an attempt to clarify certain concepts related to a debate on the interpretation of quantum mechanics, a debate between Khrennikov on the one hand and Stacey and Schack on the other hand. Central to this debate is the notion of quantum probabilities. I first take up the probability concept in the QBist school, as seen from my point of view, and then give my own arguments for the Born formula for calculating quantum probabilities. In that connection, I also sketch some consequences of my approach toward the foundation and interpretation of quantum theory. I discuss my general views on QBism as a possible alternative interpretation of quantum mechanics before I give some final remarks.
Supramolecular assembly of polycation/mRNA nanoparticles and in vivo monocyte programming
Authors: Hu Yizong , Tzeng Stephany Y. , Cheng Leonardo , Lin Jinghan , Villabona-Rueda Andres , Yu Shuai , Li Sixuan , Schneiderman Zachary , Zhu Yining , Ma Jingyao , Wilson David R. , Shannon Sydney R. , Warren Tiarra , Rui Yuan , Qiu Chenhu , Kavanagh Erin W. , Luly Kathryn M. , Zhang Yicheng , Korinetz Nicole , D’Alessio Franco R. , Wang Tza-Huei , Kokkoli Efrosini , Reddy Sashank K. , Luijten Erik , Green Jordan J. , Mao Hai-Quan
Published: August 2024

Size-dependent phagocytosis is a well-characterized phenomenon in monocytes and macrophages. However, this size effect for preferential gene delivery to these important cell targets has not been fully exploited because commonly adopted stabilization methods for electrostatically complexed nucleic acid nanoparticles, such as PEGylation and charge repulsion, typically arrest the vehicle size below 200 nm. Here, we bridge the technical gap in scalable synthesis of larger submicron gene delivery vehicles by electrostatic self-assembly of charged nanoparticles, facilitated by a polymer structurally designed to modulate internanoparticle Coulombic and van der Waals forces. Specifically, our strategy permits controlled assembly of small poly(β-amino ester)/messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) nanoparticles into particles with a size that is kinetically tunable between 200 and 1,000 nm with high colloidal stability in physiological media. We found that assembled particles with an average size of 400 nm safely and most efficiently transfect monocytes following intravenous administration and mediate their differentiation into macrophages in the periphery. When a CpG adjuvant is co-loaded into the particles with an antigen mRNA, the monocytes differentiate into inflammatory dendritic cells and prime adaptive anticancer immunity in the tumor-draining lymph node. This platform technology offers a unique ligand-independent, particle-size-mediated strategy for preferential mRNA delivery and enables therapeutic paradigms
via
monocyte programming.
Presynaptic neurons self-tune by inversely coupling neurotransmitter release with the abundance of CaV2 voltage-gated Ca
2+
channels
Authors: Xiong Ame , Richmond Janet E. , Kim Hongkyun
Published: August 2024

The abundance of CaV2 voltage-gated calcium channels is linked to presynaptic homeostatic plasticity (PHP), a process that recalibrates synaptic strength to maintain the stability of neural circuits. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing PHP and CaV2 channels are not completely understood. Here, we uncover a previously not described form of PHP in
Caenorhabditis elegans
, revealing an inverse regulatory relationship between the efficiency of neurotransmitter release and the abundance of UNC-2/CaV2 channels. Gain-of-function
unc-2SL(S240L)
mutants, which carry a mutation analogous to the one causing familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 in humans, showed markedly reduced channel abundance despite increased channel functionality. Reducing synaptic release in these
unc-2SL(S240L)
mutants restored channel levels to those observed in wild-type animals. Conversely, loss-of-function
unc-2DA(D726A)
mutants, which harbor the D726A mutation in the channel pore, exhibited a marked increase in channel abundance. Enhancing synaptic release in
unc-2DA
mutants reversed this increase in channel levels. Importantly, this homeostatic regulation of UNC-2 channel levels is accompanied by the structural remodeling of the active zone (AZ); specifically,
unc-2DA
mutants, which exhibit increased channel abundance, showed parallel increases in select AZ proteins. Finally, our forward genetic screen revealed that WWP-1, a HECT family E3 ubiquitin ligase, is a key homeostatic mediator that removes UNC-2 from synapses. These findings highlight a self-tuning PHP regulating UNC-2/CaV2 channel abundance along with AZ reorganization, ensuring synaptic strength and stability.
A synergetic cocatalyst for conversion of carbon dioxide, sunlight, and water into methanol
Authors: Ye Zhengwei , Yang Ke R. , Zhang Bingxing , Navid Ishtiaque Ahmed , Shen Yifan , Xiao Yixin , Pofelski Alexandre , Botton Gianluigi A. , Ma Tao , Mondal Shubham , Norris Theodore B. , Batista Victor S. , Mi Zetian
Published: August 2024

The conversion of CO
2
into liquid fuels, using only sunlight and water, offers a promising path to carbon neutrality. An outstanding challenge is to achieve high efficiency and product selectivity. Here, we introduce a wireless photocatalytic architecture for conversion of CO
2
and water into methanol and oxygen. The catalytic material consists of semiconducting nanowires decorated with core–shell nanoparticles, with a copper-rhodium core and a chromium oxide shell. The Rh/CrOOH interface provides a unidirectional channel for proton reduction, enabling hydrogen spillover at the core–shell interface. The vectorial transfer of protons, electrons, and hydrogen atoms allows for switching the mechanism of CO
2
reduction from a proton-coupled electron transfer pathway in aqueous solution to hydrogenation of CO
2
with a solar-to-methanol efficiency of 0.22%. The reported findings demonstrate a highly efficient, stable, and scalable wireless system for synthesis of methanol from CO
2
that could provide a viable path toward carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability.
Chalcogenide Ge20Sb5Se75 photonic crystal fiber with seven air-hole rings for ultraflat mid-infrared supercontinuum generation
Authors: Van Lanh Chu , Le Tran Bao Tran
Published: August 2024

Supercontinuum (SC) generation in solid-core circular photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) made of Ge20Sb5Se75 is numerically analyzed. A large core is projected to increase light coupling efficiency into selected PCFs as well as raise coupling to standard silica fibers. High nonlinear coefficient and near-zero flat dispersion allow ultraflat SC spanning 1.5–4.6 μm in an all-normal dispersion regime. This requires 3 kW of peak power with 180 fs of pulse duration. The fiber with one zero-dispersion wavelength (ZDW) generates SC bandwidth in the range of 1.54–7.39 μm at 3.5 μm using peak power of 10 kW. For the same input power, the SC spectral covers from 1.39 to 7.36 μm in 10 cm of fiber with two ZDWs. These are wider SC bandwidths than those of previous chalcogenide fibers reached with lower peak powers. Therefore, the proposed Ge20Sb5Se75 PCFs are excellent candidates for the broadband ultraflat mid-infrared SC spectra used in high-speed nonlinear imaging and frequency measurement.
Superposition and interference of Gaussian wave packets for laser transverse modes
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Fuyong
Published: August 2024

We interpret the intrinsic mechanism of the transition from geometric modes to eigenmodes in the Gaussian wave-packet representation based on numerical simulation. We then construct multiaxial super-geometric modes and polygonal vortex modes based on Gaussian wave packets. We highlight that the superposition of Gaussian wave packets can build the geometric modes described by Hermite polynomials and that the eigenmodes are the result of the interference of Gaussian wave packets. We conclude that Gaussian wave packets might serve as a complete basis for constructing structured light generated in solid-state laser cavities. Our study may provide meaningful insight into Gaussian wave packets for laser transverse modes.