bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Solar PV Panels in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Benefits, Challenges, and Environmental Implications
Authors: Tripathi Abhishek Kumar , Sree Lakshmi G. , Mishra Heena , Chapala Shravani , Alwetaishi Mamdooh , Atamurotov Farruh , Benti Natei Ermias , Sura Sreekanth , Ahamed Saleel C.
Published: February 2025

The urgent need for sustainable transportation has highlighted the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels into electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This review examines the benefits, challenges, and environmental impacts of this integration. The paper begins by exploring the role of large‐scale solar electric vehicles, featuring cost‐effective, flexible thin‐film solar cells embedded in vehicle body panels. Extensive simulations in various climates demonstrate their potential to address EV charging concerns, reduce range limitations, and manage intermittent energy generation. The review then focuses on Japan's leadership in renewable energy, analyzing the integration of PV power into future electricity systems. Scenario analysis reveals the synergy between renewables, EVs, and heat pumps, supported by smart control strategies, indicating a sustainable energy future for Japan. The final analysis shifts to the Netherlands, where integrating PV panels with workplace EV charging shows promise both economically and environmentally. Economic assessments confirm the feasibility of this approach, supported by installation methods and feed‐in tariffs. Overall, the review highlights the transformative potential of solar PV integration in EV charging infrastructure while acknowledging technical and grid integration challenges. It calls on researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to collaborate in advancing sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly urban transportation systems.
Numerical Evaluation of Design Strategies for a Composite Wind Turbine Blade: Using Metallic Foams and Optimising Topology
Authors: Tüfekci Mertol , Koçak Onur , Özkan Yaren , Pir İnci , Tüfekci Ekrem
Published: February 2025

This study investigates and assesses two different strategies for the design of wind turbine blades, consisting of two components: the external shell made of carbon fibre‐reinforced epoxy and the internal beam. The first strategy is based on designing the blade through the selection of the beam material. Aluminium and aluminium foam with different porosity levels are considered for the beam material. The moduli of elasticity of the foams were calculated using the Mori‐Tanaka approach and ranged from 70 GPa for solid aluminium to 23.3 GPa for foams with 50% porosity. Then, using these results, the finite element simulations under various loading conditions are performed. It is observed that increasing the foam porosity from 0% to 50% results in a 50% reduction in beam weight, with only a 35% decrease in the specific stiffness. The second strategy involves a topology optimisation of the internal beam to determine the most structurally efficient geometry for the blade through finite element analyses. Aluminium is considered the beam material for topology optimisation studies. The topology optimisation leads to a 53% reduction in the beam mass compared to the initial design, while maintaining performance metrics within acceptable limits. The mechanical behaviour of blades designed with these two strategies is investigated in eight different positions during a complete revolution in steady‐state. The results are compared to each other, as well as a blade with a balsa beam as a benchmark. By providing a comprehensive assessment and comparison, this study provides a better understanding of how the chosen design method affects blade performance and demonstrates the balance between weight reduction and structural efficiency.
Spontaneous conception and pregnancy outcomes after multi‐agent chemotherapy and high‐dose radiotherapy for pelvic Ewing sarcoma: Case report and literature review
Authors: Tosto Valentina , Prefumo Federico , Scala Carolina , Tallone Ramona , Garaventa Alberto , Podestà Maurizio , Maffeo Ilaria
Published: February 2025

Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive, rare bone and soft tissue malignancy, often affecting the long bones and pelvis. A woman was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma of the left pelvis at 18 years of age. She underwent left paravesical lesion resection with ipsilateral ureteral reimplantation and received combined multi‐agent chemotherapy and high‐dose pelvic radiotherapy. A gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analog was administered to preserve ovarian function. The patient received oral contraceptives as hormone replacement therapy due to secondary amenorrhea. She spontaneously conceived after the withdrawal of oral contraceptives at 24 years. The pregnancy was complicated by early third‐trimester impaired fetal growth and preterm premature rupture of membranes at 32 weeks of pregnancy. Spontaneous preterm labor started and the patient delivered vaginally at 34 weeks, without any complications. Including our report, only 10 cases of pregnancy after pelvic Ewing sarcoma are reported in the literature. Pregnancy and delivery can be achieved after combined pelvic treatment for Ewing sarcoma, taking into account possible obstetric risks and complications. Complex bone surgery is associated with cesarean delivery, but previous high‐dose pelvic irradiation does not seem to affect mode of delivery. Our report provides further information on perinatal management, given the cases previously described.
Hypoxia inducible factor 3‐alpha promotes a malignant phenotype in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Lopez‐Mejia Alejandro , Moreno‐Londoño Angela Patricia , Fonseca Camarillo Gabriela , Yamamoto‐Furusho Jesús Kazuo , Villanueva‐Herrero Juan Antonio , de Leon‐Rendón Jorge Luis , Castañeda Patlán Maria Cristina , Robles‐Flores Martha
Published: February 2025

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Hypoxia is a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment, and cellular adaptation to it is primarily mediated by the family of Hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) HIF‐1α, HIF‐2α, and HIF‐3α. However, in contrast to HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α, a specific role for HIF‐3α in cancer biology has not yet been clearly established. This research was aimed to elucidate the role of HIF‐3α in colon cancer. As reported previously for HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α, we found that HIF‐3α is also overexpressed under normoxic conditions in all cancer cell lines examined and in patient‐derived tumor tissue samples compared with non‐malignant cells and normal tissue, but remarkably, pulse‐chase experiments demonstrated that HIF‐3α displays high stability in cells compared with HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α. Progno Scan data analysis showed that overexpression of HIF‐3α correlated with a patient's lower survival rate and a poor prognosis in colon adenocarcinoma patients. Knockdown of HIF‐3α expression was carried out to investigate the effects derived from its silencing on malignant phenotype. We found a significative decrease in the Hypoxia Response Element (HRE) reporter transcriptional activity mediated by HIF‐3α and a reduction in cell viability under oxidative stress in colon cancer cells with HIF‐3α knockdown compared with control HIF‐3α expressing cells. In addition, HIF‐3α silencing also produced an increase in apoptotic rate, decreased clonogenic capacity, altered autophagy flux, and modulated the canonical Wnt/β pathway in an isoform‐dependent and cell context‐dependent manner in colon cancer cells. Overall, these data show that transcriptional activity mediated by HI3‐3α plays an essential role in promoting the malignant phenotype, cell survival, and resistance to cell death in CRC cells.
Increase Docking Score Screening Power by Simple Fusion With CNNscore
Authors: Liang Huicong , Xie Aowei , Hou Ning , Wei Fengjiao , Gao Ting , Li Jiajie , Gao Xinru , Shi Chuanqin , Xiao Gaokeng , Xu Ximing
Published: February 2025

Scoring functions (SFs) of molecular docking is a vital component of structure‐based virtual screening (SBVS). Traditional SFs yield their inherent shortage for idealized approximations and simplifications predicting the binding affinity. Complementarily, SFs based on deep learning (DL) have emerged as powerful tools for capturing intricate features within protein‐ligand (PL) interactions. We here present a docking‐score fusion strategy that integrates pose scores derived from GNINA's convolutional neural network (CNN) with traditional docking scores. Extensive validation on diverse datasets has shown that by means of multiplying Watvina docking score by CNNscore demonstrates state‐of‐the‐art screening power. Furthermore, in a reverse practice, our docking‐score fusion technique was incorporated into the virtual screening (VS) workflow aimed at identifying inhibitors of the challenging target TYK2. Two promising hits with IC50 9.99 μM and 13.76 μM in vitro were identified from nearly 12 billion molecules.
Video review by utilizing asynchronous video communication platform
Authors: Otsuka Yuki , Mitsuda Eiko , Yamamoto Yukichika , Kato Atsushi , Soshi Mano , Higuchi Masaya , Obika Mikako , Otsuka Fumio , Hashimoto Tadayuki
Published: February 2025

Background

Video review is widely recognized as an effective method for teaching communication; however, it can increase educators' workload and learners' stress.

Methods

We utilized Tsucom, an online platform developed by BonBon, Inc., which enables asynchronous video communication instead of traditional styles. An 11‐min and 42‐s consultation video from a fifth‐year resident was uploaded, and 10 physicians provided 30 text‐based feedback.

Results

In this pilot survey, the utility and ease of use were rated 4.4 and 4.1 out of 5, respectively.

Conclusions

While asynchronous online video reviews provided flexibility and greater participation, challenges remain, and further trials and evaluations were deemed necessary.
Validity of the Uninjured Limb as a Control for Preoperative Assessment in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Grimandi Ronan , Tissier Florine , Garetier Marc , Labban Julien , Gérard Romain , Courtois‐Communier Emmanuelle , Andro Christophe , Bisseriex Hélène , Gunepin François‐Xavier , Rannou Fabrice , Giroux‐Metges Marie‐Agnès
Published: February 2025

Monitoring muscle atrophy in patients undergoing anterolateral cruciate ligament reconstruction is pivotal for optimizing postoperative recovery. Conventionally, the uninjured contralateral limb serves as the control. However, its relevance in patients with prolonged physical activity hiatus due to knee instability remains uncertain. Our objectives were to compare limbs within a control group by assessing combined force measurements, cross‐sectional areas (CSAs), and neuromuscular activation. In addition, we compared the contralateral limb of the surgery group preoperatively to the control group. This prospective controlled study (evidence level 2) included 40 healthy subjects (HG) and 30 patients scheduled for ACL surgery (SG). Both groups underwent identical assessments. The two HG limbs were compared to establish the standard difference for all assessed variables, whereas SG contralateral limb was compared with the mean of the control limbs. For HG, the comparisons between limbs showed no significant differences in muscle strength, CSA area, or electromyographic parameters. Similarly, comparisons between the SG contralateral limb and the mean of HG limbs revealed no significant differences in isometric and dynamic strength for the quadriceps and hamstrings (2.5 ± 0.5 and 2.6 ± 0.9 N.m/kg, and 1.7 ± 0.3 and 1.7 ± 0.4 N.m/kg, respectively). Neuromuscular activation and fatigue patterns were also comparable between groups. CSAs discrepancies were attributed to differences in body mass index between groups. These findings indicate that the contralateral limb in ACL_injured patients is functionally similar to that of healthy controls, supporting its use as a valid reference for monitoring postoperative recovery. Trial Registration: NCT03200678
High‐throughput assessment of Nb, Co, Ti, and Al effects on microstructure and mechanical properties in wrought nickel‐based superalloys
Authors: Meng Haoyan , Huang Jin , Zhao Tianhao , Zhang Xiaoyu , Tong Yang , Qu Jinglong , Li Weidong , Jiang Liang , Meng Fanchao , Chen Shuying
Published: February 2025

The influence of Nb, Co, Ti, and Al on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of GH4061 superalloy was simultaneously investigated using diffusion multiple techniques combined with double aging heat treatment. Co exhibited the highest penetration depth with monotonic concentration decrease, significantly inhibiting the formation of needle‐like δ phase and reduced the precipitation size of the γ′ phase. Nb diffusion formed distinct layers with clear interfaces, promoting substantial γ′′ phase precipitation, while simultaneously enhancing hardness through solid solution strengthening. Ti and Al diffusion generated substantial diffusion layers containing Ti‐Ni enriched needle‐like η phases and enhanced γ′ phase growth, characterized by increased size and volume fraction compared to the base alloy. In contrast to the base alloy, this diffusion layer was devoid of phases enriched with Nb. Mechanical property analysis demonstrated that high concentrations of Nb, Al, and Ti enhanced alloy hardness through various strengthening mechanisms, whereas increased Co content diminished the size of the γ′ phase at the interface, resulting in reduced hardness. This high‐throughput experimental approach significantly reduced experimental workload while enabling detailed analysis of varying element concentrations on microstructure and properties.
Colorado bill to require transparency in coverage decisions
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2025

Colorado legislation seeking to strengthen mental health parity by requiring insurers to use transparent, evidence‐based criteria when making coverage decisions, passed in the House Feb. 10.
Asymptotic Properties of a Stochastic Predator–Prey Model With a General Functional Response Driven by Dual Stochastic Perturbations
Authors: Souna Fethi
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates a generalized stochastic predator‐prey model consisting of two differential equations with a general nonlinear functional response denoted as , driven by both standard Brownian motion and Lévy noise. Unlike prior research, the main objective of this manuscript is to investigate the long‐term behavior of the system while placing only mild assumptions on the functional response. Our analysis establishes the existence and uniqueness of a global positive solution. Moreover, we derive sufficient conditions for the extinction and persistence of the two species by employing novel threshold parameters. Notably, these outcomes are derived and substantiated using a Lévy‐type perturbation by not requiring that the Lévy noise be bounded; that is, we do not assume .
Zoledronic acid increases spine bone mass and prevents hip bone loss after bariatric surgery: a randomized placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Gam Søren , Lysdahlgaard Simon , Gram Bibi , Kusk Martin Weber , Hermann Anne Pernille , Juhl Claus Bogh , Hansen Stinus Gadegaard
Published: February 2025

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of zoledronic acid for the prevention of bone loss after bariatric surgery.

Methods

In this randomized, double‐blinded study, 59 patients undergoing Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy (mean [SD], age: 48.9 [6.3] years, BMI: 42.3 [5.3], 73% female) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either zoledronic acid (5 mg; intervention [INT]) or placebo (control [CON]) preoperatively. The primary endpoint was the change in spine volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) at 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included changes in hip and femoral neck vBMD and areal BMD.

Results

The estimated mean treatment effects of zoledronic acid on the spine and total hip were 6.8 mg/cm3 (95% CI 1.9–11.7; p = 0.003) and 5.0 mg/cm3 (95% CI: 1.4–8.5; p = 0.006), respectively. Bone mass in the spine increased by 2.6% in INT, whereas no changes were observed in CON. Additionally, bone loss in the total hip was prevented in INT compared with CON (vBMD: −0.6% vs. −3.6%; p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Zoledronic acid increases bone mass in the spine and prevents bone loss in the hip region after bariatric surgery compared with placebo.
Effects of Surface‐Treated Nanomagnesia on the Electro‐Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene/Ethylene‐Propylene‐Diene Monomer Blends
Authors: Sharip Mohd Ridhuan Mohd , Lau Kwan Yiew , Noorden Zulkarnain Ahmad , Tan Chee Wei , Zaidel Dyg Norkhairunnisa Abang , Ching Kuan Yong
Published: February 2025

With a global shift toward energy sustainability, power cable insulation materials vital for modern energy transmission have seen needs for improvements. In this regard, thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) blends offer exceptional thermal and electrical properties over conventional insulation materials. Notably, nanostructuration of PP blends can further enhance the electrical properties of PP blends, but the underlying physics governing nanostructured PP blends has yet to be systematically explored. The current work therefore evaluates the effects of surface‐treated nanomagnesia (MgO) on the electro‐mechanical properties of PP blended with 10 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30 wt% of ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM). The results show that blending PP with EPDM exhibits significantly improved mechanical properties, with the elongation‐at‐break increasing beyond 400%, albeit that the breakdown strength deteriorates by 34%. Significantly, adding surface‐treated MgO to the PP/EPDM blends improves the breakdown strength of the materials by up to 14% without compromising the elongation‐at‐break of the materials. The mechanisms governing the improved breakdown strength of the PP/EPDM/MgO nanocomposites over the PP/EPDM blend counterparts are explained through changes in the materials' structures. These findings provide fundamental insights into the structure–property relationship of nanostructured PP blends crucial for the development of PP‐based power cable insulation.
Environmental Flows Rapidly Increase Zooplankton Abundance in a Regulated Lowland River
Authors: O'Brien Lauren , Hitchcock James N. , Mitrovic Simon M.
Published: February 2025

Zooplankton are important parts of the food web that support the survival of larval fish in floodplain rivers. Zooplankton abundance and community structure are sensitive to flow‐driven changes in the environment, which have been heavily impacted by river regulation with dams. Environmental flows (e‐flows) are managed dam releases designed to restore a degree of natural ecological functioning to regulated rivers. Native fish spawning can be triggered by e‐flows, but it is not well understood whether these flows can stimulate instream zooplankton production in an appropriate timeframe to support feeding by fish larvae in their first weeks of life. This study aimed to investigate the immediate and longer‐term impacts of a planned dam release during the drought of 2018 in the Macquarie–Wambuul River of New South Wales, Australia, on the abundance of zooplankton and associated environmental variables. Dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and chlorophyll a increased significantly at the onset of the e‐flow. The zooplankton community was dominated by Cladocera (also named Diplostraca). The significant drivers of zooplankton community structure were NOx, temperature and river level. The start of the e‐flow coincided with a significant increase in cladoceran densities, which resulted in up to 36.2 × 109 ± 1.5 × 109 Cladocera d−1 being exported through the study sites. Increased zooplankton exports were maintained for at least 6 weeks after the onset of the e‐flow. These findings demonstrate that e‐flows during drought can stimulate increased zooplankton abundance within appropriate timeframes to support the survival of native fish larvae.
Bulk Magnetic Properties Arise from Micron‐Sized Supraparticle Interactions and Can be Modified on the Nanoscale
Authors: Wolf Andreas , Heinlein Markus , Kent Noah , Müssig Stephan , Mandel Karl
Published: February 2025

Magnetic supraparticles (SPs) can be employed as micron‐sized particulate additives in arbitrary objects to serve as ID‐tag or recorder of environmental triggers. Combined with magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS), which enables read‐out of the magnetic information in ambient conditions within seconds, magnetic SPs represent a powerful approach to equip materials with information. The encoded information relies on magnetic interactions within the SPs (intra‐SP interactions) of chosen nanoparticles (NPs). However, possible magnetic interactions between SPs (inter‐SP interactions), that might alter the MPS signal as well, have been neglected so far. Herein, it is elucidated that significant inter‐SP interactions exist and that they can be tailored via adjustments in the SP structure, i.e., by defined adjustments of their intra‐interaction as revealed by 3D‐MuMax simulations and experiments in viscous fluids. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle‐based SP powders with strong inter‐SP interactions exhibit significantly different MPS signals compared to their state after being incorporated into a matrix. Powders with weak inter‐SP interactions (achieved by integration of non‐magnetic SiO2 nanoparticles) show almost no signal change before and after incorporation. Both extremes of inter‐SP interactions can be beneficial for various application scenarios and can be tailored on the nano‐scale due to the interdependency of intra‐ and inter‐SP interactions.
Spectrum and Evolution of Systems Engineering's Guiding Propositions
Authors: Rousseau David , Pennotti Michael , Brook Peter
Published: February 2025

Systems engineering's practice is informed by many hundreds of guiding propositions, but their diverse nature and inconsistent categorization hinder systematic aggregation and refinement. This paper introduces a framework for understanding the origins and evolution of these propositions and proposes a unifying classification scheme. We propose a maturation model that assesses guiding propositions in terms of measures we call scope, authority, and capability. These measures jointly determine the maturity of a guiding proposition. We describe a strategy for systematically improving the maturity of propositions, advancing them from context‐specific patterns to becoming generally applicable principles. We show how the maturation process supports the evolution of greater engineering elegance and greater transdisciplinarity. We argue that such advances will be needed for SE to effectively address the unprecedented challenges likely to emerge in Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0.
Influence of rice husk ash and nano‐CaCO3 on the properties of self‐compacting mortar
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Ramasamy , Rama Mahalingam , Dhanalakshmi Krishnan , Sudarsan Jayraman Sethuraman , Nithiyanantham Subramanian , Gunasekaran Bakthavatchallu , Krishnaraj Loganathan
Published: February 2025

Nanotechnology is one of the leading and promising fields of research in building and construction materials. The goal of this study is to examine the mechanical and durability behavior of the cement matrix that incorporates rice husk ash and nano‐CaCO3. Nano‐CaCO3 was mixed with 1%, 2%, and 3% ratios, and the rice husk ash was 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by the weight of cement. The rheological properties determined through mini V‐funnel flow‐time test. The cement mortar specimens are made with different percentages of rice husk ash and nano‐CaCO3, on which the properties of self‐compacting produce better performance. Scanning electron microscopy illustrates the highly packed pore structure of mortars resulting in improved strength and durability of the self‐compacted mortar specimen. Although the compressive strength of samples increased by up to 3% through the addition of mortar, compressive strength, water absorption, electrical resistivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and scanning electron microscopy tests are performed to evaluate their durability. The results show that combination of nano‐CaCO3 and rice husk ash enhanced the mechanical properties.
Are brain–machine interfaces the real experience machine? Exploring the libertarian risks of brain–machine interfaces
Authors: Mateus Jorge
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the implications of brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) from a libertarian perspective, arguing that their widespread use necessitates careful scrutiny due to potential risks to individual autonomy, freedom, privacy, and dignity. BMIs, while offering significant technological advancements, pose severe threats by potentially undermining fundamental libertarian values. The paper discusses how BMIs could enable invasive surveillance, thought manipulation, and emotional control, drawing parallels to Robert Nozick’s Experience Machine thought experiment. Unlike the hypothetical machine, which offers simulated experiences, BMIs could facilitate real-time control over individuals’ thoughts and emotions, leading to unprecedented forms of government overreach and coercion. The paper concludes that although libertarians advocate for minimal state intervention, the profound impact of BMIs on personal freedom and autonomy warrants a cautious approach, including potential restrictions on their use to safeguard against their misuse and to preserve individual self-ownership and dignity.
A physically based constitutive model for predicting surface and subsurface changes induced by orthogonal dry machining of hardened AISI 52100 steel
Authors: Caruso Serafino , Imbrogno Stano , Umbrello Domenico
Published: February 2025

The modification of surface and subsurface characteristics in mechanical components, such as microstructure, hardness variation and phase content, is crucial due to their significant impact on the functional performance and reliability of engineered products. Additionally, a deeper understanding of the relationship between mechanical behaviour and physical phenomena (such as recovery and dynamic recrystallization) under dynamic loading is required. In this context, accurate physically based numerical models that can simulate material behaviour during orthogonal machining and predict surface integrity by modelling thermal and mechanical aspects are necessary. In the present work, metallurgical changes during dry orthogonal machining of AISI 52100 steel with three different initial hardness levels are modelled using a customised 2D finite element (FE) model with a physically based constitutive law for material behaviour. A user subroutine has been developed and implemented in commercial FE software to predict grain refinement, hardness variation and dislocation density evolution induced by the process. Furthermore, the developed numerical model evaluates the martensite volume fraction transformation within the workpiece affected layer, considering the influences of (i) plastic deformation, (ii) cooling rate and (iii) austenitizing temperature under the effects of stress and strain. The numerical prediction strategy was calibrated and validated by analysing experimental results at different initial workpiece hardness levels, tool geometries, feed rates and cutting speeds. The outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed strategy and its utility in studying metallurgical phenomena (both thermally and mechanically induced), predicting grain size change, microhardness evolution, machining-affected layers, phase contents and formation mechanisms.
Approximating the inertia forces in the floating frame of reference formulation using the consistent finite element mass matrix
Authors: van Voorthuizen Karlijn , Abdul Rasheed Mohammed Iqbal , Schilder Jurnan , Ellenbroek Marcel
Published: February 2025

In the floating frame of reference formulation, the exact form of the inertia forces is derived using a continuum-based approach. This yields a mass matrix and quadratic velocity terms containing inertia shape integrals. To avoid these integrals, many implementations of the floating frame formulation approximate the inertia forces by defining the kinetic energy using the lumped finite element mass matrix. This work proposes an alternative approximation of the inertia forces based on the consistent finite element mass matrix for structural elements, addressing cases where the exact solutions available in literature for most solid elements are not applicable. The inertia forces are derived by defining the kinetic energy using the consistent finite element mass matrix or by using the inertia forces from the equation of motion of the corresponding linear finite element model. In this way, the inertia shape integrals are replaced by a readily available mass matrix. In comparison with the lumped approach, the proposed definition yields more accurate results for coarser meshes since a more realistic representation of the mass and inertia properties of the body is used. Furthermore, the proposed approach yields inertia forces similar to the exact continuum-based approach under the assumption of small deformations. If the influence of deformation on the mass matrix is significant or the quadratic velocity terms are important, mesh refinement is required to accurately represent the inertia forces. The accuracy of the proposed definition of the inertia forces is compared to the exact and lumped mass approaches through simulation of flexible systems.
“My First Threesome with Them Was a Religious Experience”: A Mixed-Methods Study of Symbiosexual Experiences
Authors: Johnston Sally W.
Published: February 2025

People of diverse backgrounds and identities report experiencing attraction to the energy, multidimensionality, and power created by people in relationships (Johnston, 2024a). Due to cultural privileging of monosexuality and monogamy, and stigma specifically within polyamory communities against people interested in sex and relationships with couples, very little is known about this population. Lack of recognition and validation negatively impacts those who experience this attraction, known as symbiosexual attraction (Johnston & Schoenfeld, 2021). I conducted a mixed-methods analysis of secondary data from The Pleasure Study (Harvey et al., 2023) to investigate the sexual and romantic experiences of this population. I found that people who experience symbiosexual attraction engage in a variety non-monogamous, multi-person sexual and relationship dynamics. Those who engage in these dynamics specifically with couples report a variety of unique and heightened experiences, both gratifying and undesirable. These findings fill a gap in the literature on this largely unexamined population and challenge the stigma in the polyamorous community as well as within our broader mononormative culture against sex and relationships with established couples which may be preventing people from engaging in ways that best align with their desires and center their pleasure.
Trace metals in natural lakes: seasonal variation of manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc speciation in lakes of different trophic states
Authors: Dengg Markus , Stirling Claudine H. , Lehto Niklas J. , Reid Malcolm R. , Safi Karl , Wood Susanna A. , Seyitmuhammedov Kyyas , Verburg Piet
Published: February 2025

Trace metal micronutrients are known to play an important role in the optimal functioning of aquatic microorganisms involved in the sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Understanding the biogeochemical cycling of trace metal micronutrients in the global ocean has been a focus of intense research over several decades. Conversely, investigations into the cycling of trace metals in lakes have been relatively rare. This study investigated the biogeochemical cycling of five biologically important trace metals, namely manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc in three New Zealand lakes of different trophic state. The surface water in the three lakes was sampled monthly over a year, during which depth profile samples were collected twice. The samples were analysed to examine how trace metal speciation and phytoplankton productivity interact in the three lakes over time. The cycling of the metals was driven by the different physicochemical and biogeochemical factors distinctive for each lake, including water column oxygen concentrations and the extent to which each metal was bound to particulates. Intriguingly, increased biological uptake or limitation of growth during times of high phytoplankton growth was not observed for any of the investigated trace metals. This is of interest, especially as many of the trace metals investigated were present in sub-nanomolar bioavailable concentrations. The results from this study emphasise the important role biogeochemical cycling plays in regulating the distributions and bioavailability of trace metals in lakes.
The ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants in Orhangazi (Bursa–Türkiye)
Authors: Doğan Şule , Doğan Ahmet
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to document traditional plant uses and preserve cultural knowledge in Orhangazi before it is lost. Fieldwork was conducted, and plant samples, along with their corresponding data, were collected from 81 residents, including folk healers and elderly agricultural workers. A total of 68 taxa, comprising 48 wild and 20 cultivated plants, belonging to 41 families, were identified. The plants were predominantly used to treat digestive system diseases (22%), genitourinary system diseases (18%), respiratory system diseases (16%), musculoskeletal system or connective tissue diseases (9%), skin diseases (9%), and injuries, poisoning, or certain other consequences of external causes (9%). A comprehensive list of 115 ethnomedicinal uses was recorded, including 14 previously undocumented uses in Türkiye. This study represents a pioneering documentation of the traditional usage of medicinal plants in Orhangazi.
Evaluating morphological diversity in male date palm genotypes from Tunisia: insights from vegetative and reproductive descriptors for selection criteria
Authors: Kadri Karim , Hedfi Yacine , Othmani Ahmed , Kerkni Amal , Elhoumaizi Mohamed Aziz , Elsafy Mohammed
Published: February 2025

Date palm cultivation is vital for sustaining agricultural economies in arid regions, where efficient pollination is essential for optimal fruit yield and quality. This study analyzed 47 morphological parameters in 10 date palm pollinators, including 32 vegetative and 15 reproductive traits, which were treated separately. The correlation matrix revealed strong positive correlations, such as pollinator vigor with palm angle and cornaf persistence with fibrillium hardness. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified eight highly discriminating vegetative traits (e.g. total palm length, palm angle) and six reproductive traits (e.g. spathe length, spikelet number). Genetic distance analysis showed close values (0.233–0.25), thereby indicating significant morphological diversity. Hierarchical classification grouped genotypes based on phenotypic similarities, with vegetative traits exhibiting greater dissimilarity (0.225–5.85) than reproductive traits (0.1–3.85). Heatmap analysis revealed that dense crowns correlated with long spikelets, while wide spines were associated with dense inflorescences. These findings underscore the importance of morphological traits for selecting and distinguishing pollinators, enhancing pollination efficiency, and ensuring sustainable production in date palm-dependent regions.
Attitudes About NIPT Routinisation: A Report from a Qualitative Study of 20 UK Healthcare Professionals’
Authors: Young Peter D.
Published: February 2025

All healthcare professionals (HCPs) have responsibilities to provide information to patients according to the duties found within UK decision-making guidance and with regards to theory about the doctor-patient relationship. While routinisation can be understood in a number of different ways, this paper is concerned with how routines might negatively affect patients in the decision-making process. Therefore, in this manuscript, medical decision making is understood as problematically routine when a medical test or procedure is framed as a standard one and—given the way options are presented—it is implied that someone can decide to use that test or treatment without being given sufficient opportunities to think through their choices. Routinisation, when understood in this way, can affect the quality and amount of information provided to patients and the ways in which patients reflect upon their choices when making decisions. With the introduction of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) into the UK healthcare system, bioethicists have questioned whether this new technology will be routinised and what the implications of routinisation on the decision-making process might be. While there have been numerous studies investigating the views and attitudes of pregnant women who use NIPT, there are fewer studies that look at the views and attitudes of healthcare professionals (HCPs). This study interviewed 20 UK-based HCPs who either offer NIPT or counselled pregnant women on the use of NIPT. One important finding was that many HCPs held the attitude that the NIPT decision-making process had become routine, however there was disagreement about whether routine NIPT was problematic or not. This study provides insights about the context that surrounds decision making for NIPT, and it raises important questions about how NIPT routinisation might be evaluated.
Testing exchangeability in the batch mode with e-values and Markov alternatives
Authors: Vovk Vladimir
Published: February 2025

The topic of this paper is testing the assumption of exchangeability, which is the standard assumption in mainstream machine learning. The common approaches are online testing by betting (such as conformal testing) and the older batch testing using p-values (as in classical hypothesis testing). The approach of this paper is intermediate in that we are interested in batch testing by betting; as a result, p-values are replaced by e-values. As a first step in this direction, this paper concentrates on the Markov model as alternative. The null hypothesis of exchangeability is formalized as a Kolmogorov-type compression model, and the Bayes mixture of the Markov model w.r. to the uniform prior is taken as simple alternative hypothesis. Using e-values instead of p-values leads to a computationally efficient testing procedure. Two appendixes discuss connections with the algorithmic theory of randomness; in particular, the test proposed in this paper can be interpreted as a poor man’s version of Kolmogorov’s deficiency of randomness.
Empirical risk minimization in the interpolating regime with application to neural network learning
Authors: Mücke Nicole , Steinwart Ingo
Published: February 2025

A common strategy to train deep neural networks (DNNs) is to use very large architectures and to train them until they (almost) achieve zero training error. Empirically observed good generalization performance on test data, even in the presence of lots of label noise, corroborate such a procedure. On the other hand, in statistical learning theory it is known that over-fitting models may lead to poor generalization properties, occurring in e.g. empirical risk minimization (ERM) over too large hypotheses classes. Inspired by this contradictory behavior, so-called interpolation methods have recently received much attention, leading to consistent and optimally learning methods for, e.g., some local averaging schemes with zero training error. We extend this analysis to ERM-like methods for least squares regression and show that for certain, large hypotheses classes called inflated histograms, some interpolating empirical risk minimizers enjoy very good statistical guarantees while others fail in the worst sense. Moreover, we show that the same phenomenon occurs for DNNs with zero training error and sufficiently large architectures.
Something in the air: does air pollution affect fund managers’ carbon divestment?
Authors: Huynh Thanh D. , Li Frank Weikai , Xia Ying
Published: February 2025

We examine whether mutual fund managers overestimate carbon risk when they are exposed to local air pollution. We find that air pollution near fund managers induces them to underweight stocks of high-emission firms. The effects strengthen among environmentally conscious fund managers and among those likely to be surprised by air pollution—consistent with the idea that managers revise their beliefs about carbon risk following exposure to air pollution. A firm’s carbon-emissions disclosures and fund managers’ sophistication moderate these effects. Carbon-intensive stocks sold by fund managers who are exposed to local air pollution subsequently outperform stocks they buy, suggesting that such underweighting is costly to fund investors.
Stratification of Livability: A Framework for Analyzing Differences in Livability Across Income, Consumption, and Social Infrastructure
Authors: Neuhuber Tatjana , Schneider Antonia E.
Published: February 2025

Livability has become a prominent topic in both academic discourse and policymaking. This paper investigates how societal stratification in livability varies based on residual income and the provision of social infrastructure and explores the factors that drive these differences. Initially, we calculate the residual income for households across different regions of Austria. Subsequently, we create a composite indicator to measure the availability and accessibility of social infrastructure in each municipality. Using a Finite Mixture Model (FMM), we analyze how households group based on these factors and employ a Bayesian multinomial logistic model to identify the socioeconomic variables such as household composition, education, and employment status that influence cluster membership. The results reveal significant clustering related to residual income and social infrastructure provision, indicating clear societal stratification in livability. Socioeconomic variables and regional context notably influence this clustering. Our findings highlight important implications, particularly regarding the potential impact of privatizing public services on residual income, especially for low-income households that may be more dependent on public social infrastructure.
Do students’ mindsets about emotional intelligence change over secondary school? Developmental paths in adolescence
Authors: Costa Ana , Faria Luísa
Published: February 2025

Research on mindsets has grown exponentially over the last few years, but the developmental trajectories of the different types of mindsets are less explored, especially among youth. Thus, the present study analyzed and compared the trajectory of both growth and fixed implicit theories of emotional intelligence over the secondary school cycle. In total, 523 students were followed during the complete Portuguese 3-year secondary school cycle, through a three-wave design from the 10th to the 12th grade. In the first wave, the participants were aged between 14 and 18 years (mean [M] = 15.4; standard deviation [SD] = 0.63) and were mainly female (58.6%). The results indicated that the emotional intelligence (EI) growth mindset increased over secondary school, whereas students’ fixed mindset tended to decrease in the same period. A students previous trait EI levels predicted the EI mindset change patterns, while a students gender did not. Moreover, in this study, the different mindset trajectories predicted students emotions toward school at the end of secondary school but not their EI trait levels. The results of this study provide information about the dynamics of emotion-related mindsets in late adolescence and will be discussed on the basis of their implications for the educational context.
Re-Analyses of Samples From Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients and Controls Identify Many Novel Small RNAs With Diagnostic And Prognostic Potential
Authors: Loher Phillipe , Londin Eric , Ilieva Hristelina , Pasinelli Piera , Rigoutsos Isidore
Published: February 2025

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a highly heterogeneous disease for which accurate diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are needed. Toward this goal, we reanalyzed two published collections of datasets generated from the plasma and serum of ALS patients and controls. We profiled these datasets for isoforms of microRNAs (miRNAs) known as isomiRs, transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs), and ribosomal RNA-derived fragments (rRFs), placing all remaining reads into a group labeled “not-itrs.” We found that plasma and serum are rich in isomiRs (canonical, non-canonical, and non-templated), tRFs, rRFs, and members of an emerging class of small RNAs known as Y RNA-derived fragments (yRFs). In both analyzed collections, we found many isomiRs, tRFs, rRFs, and yRFs that are differentially abundant between patients and controls. We also performed a survival analysis that considered Riluzole treatment status, demographics (age at onset, age at enrollment, sex), and disease characteristics (ALSFRS, rD50, onset type) and found many of the differentially abundant small RNAs to be associated with survival time, with some of these associations being independent of Riluzole treatment. Unexpectedly, many not-itrs that did not map to the human genome mapped exactly to sequences from the SILVA database of ribosomal DNAs (rDNAs). Not-itrs from the plasma datasets mapped primarily to rDNAs from the order of Burkholderiales, and several of them were associated with patient survival. Not-itrs from the serum datasets also showed support for rDNA from Burkholderiales but a stronger support for rDNAs from the fungi group of the Nucletmycea taxon. The findings suggest that many previously unexplored small non-coding RNAs, including human isomiRs, tRFs, rRFs, and yRFs, could potentially serve as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for ALS.
On the bijectivity of the map $$\chi $$
Authors: Graner Anna-Maurin , Kriepke Björn , Krompholz Lucas , Kyureghyan Gohar
Published: February 2025

We prove that for

$$n>1$$

n
>
1

the map

$$\chi :\mathbb {F}_q^n \rightarrow \mathbb {F}_q^n$$

χ
:

F
q
n

→

F
q
n

, defined by

$$y=\chi (x)$$

y
=
χ
(
x
)

with

$$y_i = x_i + x_{i+2}\cdot (1+x_{i+1})$$

y
i

=

x
i

+

x

i
+
2

·

(
1
+

x

i
+
1

)

for

$$1\le i \le n$$

1
≤
i
≤
n

, is bijective if and only if

$$q=2$$

q
=
2

and n is odd, as it was conjectured by Schoone and Daemen in 2024.
Mitochondriale und zytosolische Systeme der Eisen-Schwefel-Proteinbiogenese
Authors: Lill Roland
Published: February 2025

Iron-sulfur (FeS) clusters require a complex biosynthesis pathway, despite the simplicity of these versatile, inorganic protein cofactors. The process starts in mitochondria by action of the iron-sulfur cluster assembly (ISC) machinery and is the essential and minimal function of these organelles. The ISC system further assists the cytosolic iron-sulfur protein assembly (CIA) system in maturing FeS proteins in both cytosol and nucleus. Here, I briefly summarize our current mechanistic knowledge of this essential process of life.
Biosynthese von Glycerin in Dunaliella tertiolecta unter Salzstress
Authors: Keil Linda , Mehlmer Norbert , Garbe Daniel , Brück Thomas
Published: February 2025

The microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta phototrophically generates glycerol as an osmolyte in response to salt stress. This biogenic carbon sink is also a platform intermediate for the chemical sector. A synergistic genome and time resolved proteome analysis deciphered the metabolic pathways activated under salt stress. Immediately (30 min) Ca2+ signaling pathways and ions channels are activated, while in the longer term (24 h) cellular energy production and homeostasis pathways are upregulated.