bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring hope and expectations amidst the shadows: Navigating through the hearts of cancer patients admitted to a palliative care unit
Authors: Nikoloudi Maria , Thanasko Florian , Tsatsou Ioanna , Mantoudi Alexandra , Mystakidou Kyriaki
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The objective of this study is to conduct an in-depth exploration of the psychological well-being, hope, and expectations of cancer patients receiving care in a palliative care unit, utilizing a qualitative research approach.

Methods

We employed the methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Our data collection involved conducting 1-hour semi-structured interviews with the patients. In the subsequent data analysis, we applied investigator triangulation to ensure rigor and reliability.

Results

Understanding patients’ hope and expectations from palliative care is crucial as it can serve as an indicator of the quality of care and motivate care providers to fulfill these expectations as much as possible. Throughout the IPA, 3 superordinate themes emerged from the qualitative data: cancer diagnosis and the spectrum of emotions, hope and cancer patient, and oncology patient expectations of palliative care.

Significance of results

From the patient’s perspective, making sense of their cancer experience involves managing symptoms, redefining their understanding of illness, adapting to functional changes, and fostering open communication among themselves, their families, physicians, and the palliative care team. This underscores the crucial necessity for an interdisciplinary approach and emphasizes the importance of reinforcing positive support systems. In essence, our study delves into the multifaceted psychological aspects of cancer patients in the context of palliative care, shedding light on their hope and expectations as they navigate the challenging terrain of cancer treatment and palliative support.
The role of culture as an informal institution in cross-border venture capital investments
Authors: Mahn Daniel , Poblete Carlos , Wang Cong , Heaton Chris
Published: January 2025

Grounded in Hofstede cultural dimensions theory, we examine how informal institutional factors shape cross-country venture capital (VC) flows. Separating VC activity into flows, our method studies how an increment in inflows supports ventures, and an increment in outflows more investing activity. Results suggest that (1) uncertainty avoidance negatively affects investors and ventures (the last with a larger effect), (2) individualistic attitudes equally support both investors and ventures, and (3) a higher level of power distance contributes to a larger private investors sector, an effect that is greater under strong formal institutions (FIs). Effects of masculinity, long-term orientation, and indulgence are inconclusive. Results are robust to various specifications, use of instruments, and endogeneity treatments. The implication is that the optimal characteristics of informal institutions for fostering VC activity differ depending on the level of FIs, as both institutions interact to affect both investors and ventures.
Early maternal undernutrition induces sex-related metabolic changes in adult offspring
Authors: Guergolette Rhauany P. , Aguiar Danielly D. , Stopa Larissa R.S. , Souza Camila F. , Wunderlich Ana Luiza M. , Zaia Dimas A.M. , Zaia Cássia Thais B.V. , Leite Cristiane M. , Uchoa Ernane T.
Published: January 2025

Nutritional status during the developmental periods leads to predisposition to several diseases and comorbidities, highlighting metabolic and reproductive changes throughout adult life, and in the next generations. One of the experimental models used to induce undernutrition is litter size expansion, which decreases the availability of breast milk to pups and delays development. This work evaluated the effects of maternal undernutrition induced by litter size expansion, a maternal undernutrition preconception model, on the metabolic and reproductive alterations of the offspring. For this, metabolic and reproductive parameters were evaluated in male and female offspring of female rats reared in normal (NL - 10 pups: 5 males and 5 females) and large (LL - 16 pups: 8 males and 8 females) litters. Male and female offspring of LL mothers presented higher food intake than the offspring of NL mothers. Male offspring from undernourished females showed reduced body weight from lactation to adulthood, nasoanal distance in childhood, increased nasoanal distance, and decreased Lee index in adult life, while female offspring showed decreased nasoanal distance in childhood. The male offspring from LL mothers showed increased insulin plasma levels and glucose tolerance, and reduced triglycerides plasma levels, without changes in the female offspring. These results indicate that neonatal undernutrition in females predisposes their male and female offspring to develop metabolic alterations, without reproductive repercussions, and male offspring seems to be more susceptible to present these metabolic changes than females. Thus, there are sexual differences in the metabolic responses of the offspring elicited by maternal preconceptional undernutrition.
Effects of Rock Fragment Cover on the Sediment Transport Capacity of Overland Flow
Authors: Dong Lixia , Fu Suhua , Liu Baoyuan
Published: January 2025

The reliable prediction of sediment transport capacity (Tc) is essential for soil erosion models. Although rock fragments are a common surface cover type, quantitative studies on their relationship with Tc are limited. Tc typically follows a power function with slope gradient (S) and flow discharge (q) under bare flumes, but varying exponents complicate practical application. This study aims to investigate the effect of rock fragment cover on Tc, explore the interactive effects of S, q, and cover on Tc, and ultimately develop a universal Tc prediction equation and assess its feasibility for different scenarios. Flume experiments on Tc with rock fragment cover have been conducted, and many existing Tc prediction equations have been reviewed. The results revealed that the effects of S and q on the relationship between rock fragment cover and Tc were minor and that the impact of rock fragment cover on the relationships of S and q with Tc was also not significant. Consequently, a new universal equation for Tc incorporating cover was developed. This equation featured fixed exponents of 1.66 for S and 1.22 for q and was applicable across various slope gradient, flow discharge, coverage and cover type conditions. Moreover, the impact of rock fragment cover on Tc reduction was significantly less than those of litter cover and stem basal cover (P < 0.05). Therefore, the role of rock fragments should be considered separately in soil erosion models. These findings could significantly advance the practical application of the Tc prediction equation.
Identification of glutamine as a potential therapeutic target in dry eye disease
Authors: Chen Xiaoniao , Zhang Chuyue , Peng Fei , Wu Lingling , Zhuo Deyi , Wang Liqiang , Zhang Min , Li Zhaohui , Tian Lei , Jie Ying , Huang Yifei , Yang Xinji , Li Xiaoqi , Lei Fengyang , Cheng Yu
Published: January 2025

Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent inflammatory condition significantly impacting quality of life, yet lacks effective pharmacological therapies. Herein, we proposed a novel approach to modulate the inflammation through metabolic remodeling, thus promoting dry eye recovery. Our study demonstrated that co-treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) yielded the best therapeutic outcome against dry eye, surpassing monotherapy outcomes. In situ metabolomics through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) revealed increased glutamine levels in cornea following MSC + Tβ4 combined therapy. Inhibition of glutamine reversed the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and homeostasis-preserving effects observed with combined therapy, highlighting the critical role of glutamine in dry eye therapy. Clinical cases and rodent model showed elevated expression of glutaminase (GLS1), an upstream enzyme in glutamine metabolism, following dry eye injury. Mechanistic studies indicated that overexpression and inhibition of GLS1 counteracted and enhanced, respectively, the anti-inflammatory effects of combined therapy, underscoring GLS1’s pivotal role in regulating glutamine metabolism. Furthermore, single-cell sequencing revealed a distinct subset of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic corneal epithelial cells in the dry eye model, while glutamine treatment downregulated those subclusters, thereby reducing their inflammatory cytokine secretion. In summary, glutamine effectively ameliorated inflammation and the occurrence of apoptosis by downregulating the pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic corneal epithelial cells subclusters and the related IκBα/NF-κB signaling. The present study suggests that glutamine metabolism plays a critical, previously unrecognized role in DED and proposes an attractive strategy to enhance glutamine metabolism by inhibiting the enzyme GLS1 and thus alleviating inflammation-driven DED progression.
Enhancing concealed object detection in active THz security images with adaptation-YOLO
Authors: Cheng Aiguo , Wu Shiyou , Liu Xiaodong , Lu Hangyu
Published: January 2025

The terahertz (THz) security scanner offers advantages such as non-contact inspection and the ability to detect various types of dangerous goods, playing an important role in preventing terrorist attacks. We aim to accurately and quickly detect concealed objects in THz security images. However, current object detection algorithms face many challenges when applied to THz images. The main reasons for the detection difficulty are that the concealed objects are small, the image resolution is low, and there is back-ground noise. Many methods often ignore the contextual dependency of the objects, hindering the effective capture of the object’s features. To address this task, this paper first proposes an adaptive context-aware attention network (ACAN), which models global contextual association features in both spatial and channel dimensions. By dynamically combining local features and their global relationships, contextual association information can be obtained from the input features, and enhanced attention features can be achieved through feature fusion to enable precise detection of concealed objects. Secondly, we improved the adaptive convolution and developed the dynamic adaptive convolution block (DACB). DACB can adaptively adjust convolution filter parameters and allocate the filters to the corresponding spatial regions, then filter the feature maps to suppress interference information. Finally, we integrated these two components to YOLOv8, resulting in Adaptation-YOLO. Through wide-ranging experiments on the active THz image dataset, the results demonstrate that the suggested method effectively improves the accuracy and efficiency of object detectors.
Exposure of insects to current use pesticide residues in soil and vegetation along spatial and temporal distribution in agricultural sites
Authors: Honert Carolina , Mauser Ken , Jäger Ursel , Brühl Carsten A.
Published: January 2025

Current use pesticides (CUPs) are recognised as the largest deliberate input of bioactive substances into terrestrial ecosystems and one of the main factors responsible for the current decline in insects in agricultural areas. To quantify seasonal insect exposure in the landscape at a regional scale (Rhineland-Palatine in Germany), we analysed the presence of multiple (93) active ingredients in CUPs across three different agricultural cultivation types (with each three fields: arable, vegetable, viticulture) and neighbouring meadows. We collected monthly soil and vegetation samples over a year. A total of 71 CUP residues in different mixtures was detected, with up to 28 CUPs in soil and 25 in vegetation in single samples. The concentrations and numbers of CUPs in vegetation fluctuated over the sampling period, peaking in the summer months in the vegetation but remaining almost constant in topsoil. We calculated in-field additive risks for earthworms, collembola, and soil-living wild bees using the measured soil concentrations of CUPs. Our results call for the need to assess CUP mixture risks at low concentrations, as multiple residues are chronically present in agricultural areas. Since this risk is not addressed in regulation, we emphasise the urgent need to implement global pesticide reduction targets.
Dengue dynamics, predictions, and future increase under changing monsoon climate in India
Authors: Sophia Yacob , Roxy Mathew Koll , Murtugudde Raghu , Karipot Anand , Sapkota Amir , Dasgupta Panini , Baliwant Kalpana , Saunik Sujata , Tiwari Abhiyant , Chattopadhyay Rajib , Phalkey Revati K.
Published: January 2025

The global burden of dengue disease is escalating under the influence of climate change, with India contributing a third of the total. The non-linearity and regional heterogeneity inherent in the climate-dengue relationship and the lack of consistent data makes it difficult to make useful predictions for effective disease prevention. The current study investigates these non-linear climate-dengue links in Pune, a dengue hotspot region in India with a monsoonal climate and presents a model framework for predicting both the near-term and future dengue mortalities. Dengue mortality and meteorological conditions over a twelve-year period (2004–2015) are analyzed using statistical tools and machine learning methods. Our findings point to a significant influence of temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity on dengue mortality in Pune, at a time-lag of 2–5 months, providing sufficient lead time for an early warning targeted at curbing dengue outbreaks. We find that moderate rains spread over the summer monsoon season lead to an increase in dengue mortality, whereas heavy rains reduce it through the flushing effect, indicating the links between dengue and monsoon intraseasonal variability. Additionally, warm temperatures above 27°C and humidity levels between 60% and 78% elevate the risk of dengue. Based on these weather-dengue associations, we developed a machine-learning model utilizing the random forest regression algorithm. The dengue model yields a skillful forecast, achieving a statistically significant correlation coefficient of r = 0.77 and a relatively low Normalized Root Mean Squared Error score of 0.52 between actual and predicted dengue mortalities, at a lead time of two months. The model finds that the relative contributions of temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity to dengue mortality in Pune are 41%, 39%, and 20%, respectively. We use the dengue model in conjunction with the climate change simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 for the future dengue mortality projections under a global warming scenario. In a changing climate, dengue-related mortality in Pune is projected to rise by 13% in the near future (2021–2040), 23–40% in the mid-century (2041–2060), and 30–112% in the late century (2081–2100) under low-to-high emission pathways in response to the associated increase in temperature and changes in monsoon rainfall patterns.
Optimizing the graft size in the Evans osteotomy to minimize the calcaneocuboid joint pressure by highly realistic in-silico analysis
Authors: Quagliato Luca , Lim Youngbin , Choi Yunjeong , Lee Kyoung Min , Kim Sewon , Lee Taeyong
Published: January 2025

This contribution details a new high-fidelity finite element analysis (FEA) methodology for the investigation of the effect of the graft size on the pressure distribution developing at the calcaneocuboid joint after the Evans osteotomy procedure. The FEA model includes all 28 bones of the foot up to the distal end of fibula and tibia as well as soft tissues, tendons, and muscles. The developed FEA model was validated by comparing the in-vivo pressure distribution on the foot plantar with the in-silico results, resulting in a low deviation equal to 7.8%, and with the deformed foot shape caused by the body weight in static standing position measured by a high-precision lidar scanning, for an average shape error of 5.3%. The developed FEA was then employed to investigate the effect of the graft size on the calcaneocuboid joint pressure and improvement in the medial-longitudinal arch for a flat foot patient, where the soft and hard tissues’ geometries were acquired by a CT scan. The results quantitatively demonstrated that the maximum pressure at the calcaneocuboid joint follows a quadratic trend where the minimum point also represents the best compromise to alleviate the flat foot condition while avoiding excessive pressure.
Relative anterior spinal overgrowth in mild and moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Haoyang , Ye Xin , Wu Hongjiao , Shen Yi , Pan Yingsen , Ying Xiaoming , He Jiaying
Published: January 2025

To determine whether relative anterior spinal overgrowth (RASO) occurs regardless of scoliosis segments and severity, and to explore the pattern of vertebral body height changes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A total of 125 AIS and 179 non-scoliotic adolescents were enrolled. The anterior vertebral body height (VBHa) and posterior vertebral body height (VBHp) were measured on lateral spine radiographs, and the VBHa/VBHp ratio was calculated. The ratios were compared between the two groups and across scoliosis segments in the AIS group. The correlation between scoliosis severity and vertebral ratios, as well as the relationship between the apex vertebra’s ratio and Cobb angle, was analyzed. Results showed that the VBHa/VBHp ratios were higher in the AIS group than the control group from T6 to L5 (P < 0.001), with increasing ratios from T7 to T10 and L1 to L5. No significant differences were found across scoliosis segments. Pearson analysis showed positive correlations between scoliosis severity and ratios at T7, T8, and T11 (P < 0.05), and a negative correlation at L5 (P < 0.05). No correlation was found between the apex vertebra’s ratio and the Cobb angle. In conclusion, RASO is common in mild to moderate AIS and may help maintain spinal function.
On the structure of nanoparticle clusters: effects of long-range interactions
Authors: Kamphorst Rens , Theisen Maximilian F. , Bordoloi Ankur D. , Salameh Samir , Meesters Gabrie M. H. , van Ommen J. Ruud
Published: January 2025

An active pull on particles undergoing Brownian motion in particle-cluster aggregation leads to more open structures. Aggregates formed under these conditions are shown to have lower fractal dimensions and densities.
Platinum(II) and Ruthenium(II) Coordination complexes equipped with an anchoring site for binding the protein kinase enzyme pockets: synthesis, molecular docking and biological assays.
Authors: Scarpi-Luttenauer Matthieu , galentino katia , Orvain Christophe , FLUCK Audrey , Cecchini Marco , Mellitzer Georg , Gaiddon Christian , Mobian Pierre
Published: January 2025

To mimic the structural aspects of Staurosporine, a potent but unspecific kinase inhibitor, several coordination compounds based on two readily available diimine ligands containing hydrogen bonding donor/acceptor sites (NH-CO fragment)...
Genome mining of albocandins A–E from Streptomyces sp. YINM00030
Authors: Zhang Zhou-Tian-Le , Ren Zhen , Su Xiaoyu , Xie Tian-Peng , Yi Mengzhuo , Zhou Hao , Yin Min , Ding Zhong-Tao
Published: January 2025

Guided by genome mining techniques, five albonoursin analogues were isolated, albocandins C and D exhibited cytotoxic activities.
CRIRES+ transmission spectroscopy of WASP-127 b
Authors: Nortmann L. , Lesjak F. , Yan F. , Cont D. , Czesla S. , Lavail A. , Rains A. D. , Nagel E. , Boldt-Christmas L. , Hatzes A. , Reiners A. , Piskunov N. , Kochukhov O. , Heiter U. , Shulyak D. , Rengel M. , Seemann U.
Published: January 2025

Context. General circulation models of gas giant exoplanets predict equatorial jets that drive inhomogeneities in the atmospheric physical parameters across the planetary surface.

Aims. We studied the transmission spectrum of the hot Jupiter WASP-127 b during one transit in the K band with CRIRES+.

Methods. Telluric and stellar signals were removed from the data using SYSREM and the planetary signal was investigated using the cross-correlation technique. After detecting a spectral signal indicative of atmospheric inhomogeneities, we employed a Bayesian retrieval framework with a two-dimensional modelling approach tailored to address this scenario.

Results. We detected strong signals of H2O and CO, which exhibited not one but two distinct cross-correlation peaks. The doublepeaked signal can be explained by a supersonic equatorial jet and muted signals at the planetary poles, with the two peaks representing the signals from the planet’s morning and evening terminators. We calculated an equatorial jet velocity of 7.7 ± 0.2 km s−1 from our retrieved overall equatorial velocity and the planet’s tidally locked rotation, and derive distinct atmospheric properties for the two terminators as well as the polar region. Our retrieval yields a solar C/O ratio and metallicity, and shows that the muted signals from the poles can be explained by either significantly lower temperatures or a high cloud deck. It provides tentative evidence for the morning terminator to be cooler than the evening terminator by −175−117+133 K.

Conclusions. Our detection of CO challenges previous non-detections of this species in WASP-127b’s atmosphere. The presence of a clear double-peaked signal highlights the importance of taking planetary three-dimensional structure into account during interpretation of atmospheric signals. The measured supersonic jet velocity and the lack of signal from the polar regions, representing a detection of latitudinal inhomogeneity in a spatially unresolved target, showcases the power of high-resolution transmission spectroscopy for the characterisation of global circulation in exoplanet atmospheres.
Comparison of speech intelligibility in a real and virtual living room using loudspeaker and headphone presentations
Authors: Schütze Julia , Kirsch Christoph , Kollmeier Birger , Ewert Stephan D.
Published: January 2025

Virtual acoustics enables hearing research and audiology in ecologically relevant and realistic acoustic environments, while offering experimental control and reproducibility of classical psychoacoustics and speech intelligibility tests. Hereby, indoor environments are highly relevant, where listening and speech communication frequently involve multiple targets and interferers, as well as connected adjacent spaces that may create challenging acoustics. Hence, a controllable laboratory environment is evaluated here (by room acoustical parameters and speech intelligibility) which closely resembles a typical German living room with an adjacent kitchen. Target and interferer positions were permuted over four different locations, including an acoustically challenging position of a target in the kitchen with interrupted line of sight. Speech intelligibility was compared in the real room, in virtual acoustic representations, and in standard anechoic audiological configurations. Three presentation modes were tested: headphones, loudspeaker rendering on a small-scale, four-channel loudspeaker array in a sound-attenuated listening booth, and a three-dimensional 86-channel loudspeaker array in an anechoic chamber. The results showed that the target talker in the coupled room requires higher signal to noise ratios (SNRs) at threshold than typical indoor conditions. Moreover, for the stationary speech shaped interferer, effects of room acoustics were negligible. For a majority of target positions, no difference between the four-channel and the large-scale loudspeaker array were found, with an overall good agreement to the real room. This indicates that ecologically valid testing is feasible using a clinically applicable small-scale loudspeaker array.
Cicer arietinum abscisic acid receptor PYL1 and glycine-rich RNA-binding, abscisic acid-inducible protein-like differential expression under induced draught conditions
Authors: Slishchuk Heorhii , Volkova Nataliia , Dilafruz Kholmurodova
Published: January 2025

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a key legume crop with significant economic and nutritional importance, often cultivated in drought- prone regions. The development of drought-tolerant varieties is crucial for maintaining food security amidst the challenges posed by climate change. This study focuses on the differential expression of two key drought- responsive genes: abscisic acid receptor PYL1 and glycine-rich RNA- binding abscisic acid-inducible protein-like in two chickpea genotypes, Desi PI598080 (non-drought-tolerant) and Kabuli Flip07 318C (drought- tolerant), under both control and simulated drought stress conditions. Results showed a significant interaction between genotype and condition for abscisic acid receptor PYL1, where expression increased in the drought-tolerant genotype under stress and decreased in the non-tolerant genotype. This suggests the gene's potential role in conferring drought tolerance, making it a promising target for future molecular breeding efforts. On the other hand, no significant differences in glycine-rich RNA-binding abscisic acid- inducible protein-like gene expression were detected between genotypes or conditions, indicating its limited role in drought response. These results highlight the importance of the abscisic acid receptor PYL1 in adaptation to drought stress and provide insight into the molecular response of chickpea to drought, laying the foundation for further genetic improvement of drought tolerance in this crop.
Assessing the impact of climate change on sunflower yields using mathematical modeling
Authors: Zhygailo Taras , Zhygailo Olena , Akramova Ziyoda
Published: January 2025

The article examines the agroclimatic conditions for influencing sunflower yield formation under the influence of climate change according to the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Based on a water-heat regime and sunflower productivity formation model, calculations and a comparative analysis of sunflower and seed yields were conducted for the climate periods 1986-2005 and 2031-2050. Under both scenarios, the expected climate and weather conditions are expected to be more favourable for sunflower cultivation in the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The highest risk of sunflower seed yield shortfalls in certain years is anticipated in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine, with the most significant losses expected under the RCP4.5 scenario.
The impact of climate change on the natural dendroflora of the greater caucasus
Authors: Baghirova Samira
Published: January 2025

Against the background of global climate change, such processes as soil degradation, salinization, etc. have become pressing problems of our time, as they lead to a reduction in biodiversity. We have studied relict, endemic and rare plants of the southern slopes of the western part of the Greater Caucasus (Gakh), comprehensively analyzed the influence of anthropogenic, biotic and abiotic factors on modern flora. Favorable physical, geographical and climatic conditions of the region contributed to the formation of a rich and diverse vegetation cover. The forest area of 26,848 hectares of the Gakh district is classified as specially protected forest areas. The dominant species in the dendroflora of the Gakh district are representatives of the genera Fagus L., Carpinus L., Quercus L., Betula L., Tilia L., Fraxinus L., Acer L., Castanea Mill., Malus Mill., Prunus L., Pyrus L., Prunus L., Cornus L., Spiraea L., Juniperus L., Rosa L., Rubus L., Sorbus L., Cotoneaster Medik. The article examines the main features of the current state of vegetation in the region, reveals that anthropogenic factors have changed and impoverished the vegetation, and some species are currently on the verge of extinction. In the course of the study, based on the analysis of water taken from the Lakit River and soil samples taken in the villages of Kapychay and Lakit, certain changes in the mineralogical composition of water and soil were revealed. The soil layer of the Kapychay site 0-30 cm was found to have low organic matter (humus) content, and the magnesium level in water samples from the Lakit River was toxic. The data obtained during the study of climatic and anthropogenic impacts on the vegetation cover of the region can contribute to the development of measures aimed at developing scientific research and expanding environmental protection measures to preserve biodiversity in the future.
Advancements and Innovations in Marine Fuel Technology
Authors: Liu Yimeng
Published: January 2025

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the application of three clean energy engines— Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), hydrogen, and ammonia— in the shipping industry. The shipping industry is increasingly exploring clean energy alternatives to reduce its carbon footprint. LNG is one of the most established and widely adopted options, owing to its mature technology and reduced emissions compared to conventional fuels. However, it remains a non-renewable resource and still produces some pollution, making it a less-than-ideal solution for long-term sustainability. Hydrogen, with its high combustion efficiency and zero direct emissions, holds promise as a truly clean fuel. Nonetheless, it faces significant obstacles, including high costs related to production, storage, and transportation, as well as safety concerns due to hydrogen embrittlement and flammability. Ammonia offers the potential for zero-carbon emissions and can be produced using renewable energy sources. Yet, its use is limited by poor combustion characteristics and high corrosiveness, which pose challenges for engine design and material durability. This article delves into the advantages and limitations of these three fuels, focusing on aspects such as corrosion resistance, transportation logistics, pollution levels, friction reduction, and combustion efficiency. The paper concludes by examining future development directions for each energy source within the maritime sector, highlighting the importance of continued innovation to achieve sustainable shipping practices.
Rechargeable Batteries for Renewable Energy: Current Status, Technical Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Hu Qihan
Published: January 2025

With the increasing severity of climate change and the threat of global warming, countries are boosting the development and promotion of renewable energy sources like solar and wind to bring about the energy transition and reduce carbon emissions. However, because these energy sources are unreliable in supply, efficient energy storage technologies are required to balance energy output to satisfy daily electricity demand. Among numerous energy storage alternatives, rechargeable battery technology has received a lot of interest due to its high energy density, efficiency, and reusable nature. Currently, lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lead-acid batteries, and other rechargeable battery types are widely utilized in consumer electronics, transportation, renewable energy storage, medical equipment, and other industries. This paper examines the basic working principle, structure, and important chemical reactions of rechargeable batteries, as well as their performance indicators such as capacity, energy density, cycle life, and so on. Furthermore, this paper addresses the technology’s global application cases, as well as the status of its development and the major problems, such as safety, cost, longevity, environmental impact, and other issues. Finally, this article examines probable future technology breakthroughs, market trends, and the possibility of suitable policy support in this field.
Research Progress of Solid Electrolytes in Solid-State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Xia Nan
Published: January 2025

In today’s world where fossil fuels are increasingly depleting, electric energy, this new type of energy, is rapidly developing, the safety of batteries is receiving more and more attention from people as well. The excellent mechanical properties of solid-state batteries significantly enhance their safety features. However, the mainstream solid-state inorganic electrolytes and gel polymer electrolytes still face issues such as low ionic conductivity, poor electrode interface performance, and inadequate environmental stability. This paper is based on years of research by predecessors on the characteristics of Solid inorganic electrolytes and gel polymer electrolytes, summarizing the recent research progress on solid-state composite electrolytes by researchers, discussing the properties of single-phase electrolytes and the improvement of composite-phase electrolytes. It discusses the improvement of solid-state battery performance by solid-state composite electrolytes from three aspects: polymer composite non-polar ceramic materials, the addition of SN catalysts, and three-dimensional skeletal structures. It analyses the problems and challenges of solid-state electrolytes, Pointing out the existing shortcomings of the current solid composite electrolytes. Finally, providing directions for the continued development of solid-state electrolytes.
Die Rechtsfrage: Dürfen Klinik-therapeut*innen Therapiepraxen weiterempfehlen?
Authors: Schlegel Thomas
Published: January 2025

Ich bin Therapeutin in einem Krankenhaus. Darf ich meinen Patient*innen eine Therapiepraxis für die ambulante Weiterbehandlung empfehlen? Wenn meine Hausärztin mich an einen Spezialisten verweist, sagt sie immer, dass sie mir niemanden empfehlen darf. Und wie muss eine Schweigepflichtentbindung aufgebaut sein?

Therapeutin aus Bayern
Dem Schmerz auf der Spur – Teil 2: LWS
Authors: Petzold Ronny , Schwarz Rainer
Published: January 2025

Clinical Reasoning ist die Basis für die Untersuchung und Behandlung von neuromuskuloskelettalen Beschwerden am Bewegungsapparat. Bei schmerzhaften Bewegungsstörungen sucht die Symptomlokalisation mit differenzierenden Bewegungstests systematisch nach Schmerzsymptomen. Ronny Petzold und Rainer Schwarz erklären die schnelle und effektive Suche in der Lenden-Becken-Hüft-Region anhand eines Fallbeispiels.
Enhanced proton acceleration from near-critical density targets employing intense lasers with mixed polarization
Authors: Gupta D. N. , Kumar Saurabh , Kar S.
Published: January 2025

We demonstrate a scheme for enhanced proton acceleration from near-critical density targets by splitting a laser pulse into a linearly and circularly polarized one. The combination of two laser pulses generates a shock wave and hole-boring effect at the front surface of the target. Protons at the front get combined acceleration from the two acceleration mechanisms. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation shows a nearly twofold enhancement in proton energy from this mechanism for a near-critical density target. The acceleration mechanism is also studied with different target densities and thicknesses to ascertain the target parameters over which the acceleration process shows dominant behavior.
Topological electronic structure and transport properties of the distorted rutile-type WO2
Authors: Muramatsu Yuto , Hirai Daigorou , Kawamura Mitsuaki , Minami Susumu , Ikeda Yoshitaka , Shimada Takahiro , Kojima Keita , Katayama Naoyuki , Takenaka Koshi
Published: January 2025

We elucidate the transport properties and electronic structures of distorted rutile-type WO2. Electrical resistivity and Hall effect measurements of high-quality single crystals revealed the transport property characteristics of topological materials; these characteristics included an extremely large magnetoresistance of 13 200% (2 K and 9 T) and a very high carrier mobility of 25 700 cm2 V−1 s−1 (5 K). First-principles calculations revealed Dirac nodal lines (DNLs) near the Fermi energy in the electronic structure when spin–orbit interactions (SOIs) were absent. Although these DNLs mostly disappeared in the presence of SOIs, band crossings at high-symmetry points in the reciprocal space existed as Dirac points. Furthermore, DNLs protected by nonsymmorphic symmetry persisted on the ky = π/b plane. The unique transport properties originating from the topological electronic structure of chemically and thermally stable WO2 could represent an opportunity to investigate the potential electronic applications of the material.
Advanced perspective on heavily phosphorus-doped diamond layers via optical emission spectroscopy
Authors: Sung Kil-dong , Irimiciuc Stefan Andrei , Novotný Michal , Weiss Zdeněk , Hubík Pavel , Kopeček Jaromír , Vondráček Martin , Mortet Vincent
Published: January 2025

Although heavily phosphorus-doped diamond (PDD) holds great potential for advanced device applications, incorporating phosphorus into diamond remains challenging with conventional growth methods. In this study, optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was used to correlate the emission intensity ratio of PH to CH radicals (IPH/ICH) with phosphorus concentration ([P]) in diamond layers synthesized under varying phosphine ([PH3]/[H2]) and methane ([CH4]/[H2]) concentrations using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. OES results revealed a strong proportional relationship between IPH/ICH and [P] across different [PH3]/[CH4] ratios. However, beyond a maximum [P] of ∼7.0 × 1020 atoms/cm3, further increases in IPH/ICH did not lead to higher [P] with a significant reduction in phosphorus incorporation efficiency (η), consistent with the solubility limits of phosphorus in diamond. At lower [PH3]/[H2], [P] did not scale proportionally with [PH3]/[CH4], exhibiting nonlinear behavior due to phosphorus contamination (Pcont.) in the reaction chamber, which provided sufficient PHx radicals to grow heavily PDD without PH3 gas flow. By understanding plasma properties and their effects on [P], heavily PDD has been effectively achieved with enhancing [P] (up to 745%) and η (up to 143%) by alternating the dominant radical species in the plasma. Time-dependent control of precursor gas flow allowed modulation of IPH/ICH, improving control over phosphorus incorporation. This novel growth approach offers valuable insights for optimizing PDD synthesis, enabling more efficient phosphorus incorporation for electronic, electrochemical, and quantum applications.
Impact of mechanically applied strain on Auger recombination in InGaAs multiple quantum wells
Authors: Dickson Killian N. , Simmons Y. Lange , Ricks Amberly F. , Skipper Alec M. , Briggs Andrew F. , Muhowski Aaron J. , Bank Seth R. , Gopinath Juliet T.
Published: January 2025

We present the results of direct measurements of the effect of mechanically applied biaxial strain on Auger recombination rates in InGaAs quantum wells grown on InP. By mounting these structures on a flexible membrane, we applied strain mechanically rather than by changing the quantum well alloy fraction. Specifically, we employed time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy to probe the recombination dynamics in the degenerate carrier regime. From these measurements, we extract the non-degenerate cubic Auger coefficient C30. We found that applying 1.59% tensile biaxial strain increased the Auger C30 coefficient by 325% in one of our samples. These results support the hypothesis that the mechanical strain induced by heteroepitaxy plays a direct role in mitigating Auger recombination in InP-based telecommunication-range lasers.
Fabrication and characterization of heteroepitaxial Zn2GeO4 films on sapphire via radio frequency magnetron sputtering
Authors: Niu Kai , Du Xueting , Mi Wei , Wang Di , He Lin'an , Zhou Liwei , Zhu Yan , Wang Juan , Zhang Xingcheng , Zhao Jinshi
Published: January 2025

In this study, we explored the fabrication, structural characteristics, and optical properties of Zn2GeO4 thin films grown on c-cut Al2O3 substrates via radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The crystalline quality, surface morphology, and optical characteristics were comprehensively evaluated at various annealing temperatures, and the 700 °C-annealed film presented the best crystallization quality. XRD and TEM results revealed the microstructure of Zn2GeO4 film and confirmed that the epitaxial relationship is Zn2GeO4 (0006)//Al2O3 (0006) with Zn2GeO4 [11¯00]//Al2O3 [11¯00]. O 1s spectrum indicated the bandgap of the 700 °C-annealed film is 4.98 eV. UV-Vis-Near Infrared spectroscopy showed that the average transmittance reached approximately 85% in the visible region, and the optical bandgap of Zn2GeO4 film annealed at 700 °C was about 5.02 eV.
Flow velocity around air-conditioner outdoor unit
Authors: Xu Chen , Ou Chunshan , Gu Xiaojiang , Wang Chao , Mao Yijun
Published: January 2025

The time-averaged and fluctuating components of flow velocity have significant impacts on the heat exchange performance and noise level of an air-conditioner outdoor unit. This study uses a hot-wire measurement method to investigate the instantaneous velocity field around the outdoor unit. In comparison to the inlet flow field that exhibits a low and uniform average velocity, the outlet flow field displays a high average velocity but is uneven in the radial direction. Both periodic and stochastic components of the velocity disturbances are primarily located at blade tip. A deep neural network model is constructed and trained based on the experimental data, with the objective of mapping the steady flow quantities to the turbulence kinetic energy spectrum, and the results demonstrate that the relative prediction error is smaller than 5% with a probability of 92.49%.
Temperature stability of multilayer symmetric KNN-based ceramics with continuous phase transitions
Authors: Li Bosen , Xiong Cheng , Cao Xuanyang , Wei Xintao , Qiu Yan , Gao Daqiang
Published: January 2025

Temperature sensitivity of the lead-free piezoelectric ceramics based on potassium sodium niobate (KNN) has posed a significant challenge for practical applications. In this study, we developed a multi-layer symmetric KNN matrix composite ceramic in a strategy of compositional symmetry to enhance the thermal stability of its piezoelectric properties. The optimized piezoelectric properties of d33 and kp can last up to 121 and 105 °C (setting 10% performance reduction as standard), superior to its single composition sample. Importantly, the compositional symmetry effectively addresses the deformation issue during ceramic sintering. This finding of stability in KNN matrix ceramics will facilitate its industrial-scale production processes.
Relaxation method for detonations in condensed explosives with pressure–temperature-equilibrium models and Mie–Grüneisen type equations of state
Authors: Chiapolino Alexandre , Saurel Richard
Published: January 2025

This paper deals with detonation waves in condensed explosives in the context of pressure and temperature equilibrium models. Most engineering solvers for detonation waves in condensed explosives are based on the reactive Euler equations, which model flows evolving in both temperature and pressure equilibrium conditions. Although the assumption of thermal equilibrium is physically questionable, the reactive Euler equations remain the most popular model because of its convenience. Conventional methods rely on Mie–Grüneisen equations of state (EOS) and are challenged by their limited applicability, high computational complexity, and frequent failure. A previous publication addressed these issues by using the Noble–Abel-stiffened-gas EOS as a predictor, followed by a relaxation step to map the solution to the physical target EOS. This novel thermodynamic relaxation framework was originally introduced in the context of mechanical equilibrium. The present work builds on this novel method to encompass both mechanical and thermal equilibrium, thus enabling the treatment of detonation waves in condensed explosives within the framework of pressure and temperature equilibrium models. The proposed method is capable of treating both interfacial flows through “diffuse interface” formulations, and mixture flows in mechanical and thermal equilibrium. In addition, the proposed method demonstrates improved computational robustness, a significant increase in efficiency, and greater flexibility.
A unified method for detonation-induced elastoplastic response of multiple interacting materials
Authors: Nikodemou M. , Nikiforakis N.
Published: January 2025

This work is concerned with the elastoplastic response of multiple interacting materials under extreme conditions, due to the combustion and transition to detonation of condensed phase explosives. A new unified system of equations is developed to model the phase transition from a condensed phase to gas in explosives, as well as the elastoplastic behavior of solids. This system amalgamates the unified Godunov–Peshkov–Romenski model of solid and fluid mechanics with a diffuse-interface, reactive model. The theoretical foundations of this approach, including the mathematical model and the corresponding algorithm for its numerical solution, have been described in a previous communication by these authors. In this work, we extend the system of equations to handle an arbitrary number of interacting materials, both inert and reactive, across multiple spatial dimensions. The extension to multiple reactive materials relies on a constant density ratio assumption between reactants and products, avoiding the complex multidimensional root-finding procedures typically required in diffuse-interface multi-explosive formulations with thermal equilibrium assumptions. Additionally, we develop an appropriate numerical algorithm for the solution of this extended model, incorporating adaptive mesh refinement to efficiently capture fine-scale material interactions. For validation purposes, we consider a broad set of benchmarks from the literature, including an explosives-filled vessel and the sensitization of explosives through cavities and solid beads. The capabilities of this method are demonstrated through a confined multi-explosive rate stick problem and a multi-material detonator configuration. Various types of explosives and confining materials are considered throughout these test problems, highlighting the method's versatility.
Pressure characteristics of two-dimensional topography in wave-induced seabed liquefaction
Authors: Wang Youqi , Wang Qixiang , Cao Ruichen , Gao Guandong , Feng Xingru , Yin Baoshu , Ren Huanping , Guo Junting , Lv Xianqing
Published: January 2025

This study used the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model (MITgcm) to simulate the seabed liquefaction process in the Chengdao area. The liquefied soil and the overlying water are considered as a two-layer fluid system in the model. By constructing various topographies using Gaussian functions, it is possible to achieve an agreement between simulation and measurement. The simulation results reveal the characteristics of pore pressure in different topographies. The main findings include the following: (1) The expansion of liquefaction zone leads to an accelerated attenuation of pore pressure amplitude. (2) A decrease in topographic slope diminishes the wave group characteristics of pore pressure due to the sensitivity of certain wave components with specific frequencies to topographic slope.