bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Proton Transport in Nafion Membranes via Azol Functional Silica Nanoparticles for PEMFC Applications
Authors: Aslan Ayşe
Published: December 2024

This study comprises the production and characterization of multifunctional silica nanoparticles and their incorporation into Nafion for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications. A two‐step method was used to produce Azole‐SiO2/Nafion; First, epoxy functional SiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized with 5‐Amino‐Tetrazole (Tet‐SiO2), 3‐Amino‐1,2,4‐Triazole (ATri‐SiO2), and 1H‐1,2,4‐Triazole (Tri‐SiO2) via ring opening of the epoxy unit. After the synthesis of functional nanoparticles, Nafion composite membranes were prepared via the mechanical mixing method. Azole‐SiO2/Nafion composite membranes were characterized by FT‐IR, and TGA were used to investigate the structural thermal properties, and the results indicated that they were thermally stable up to approximately 380 °C. The anhydrous conductivity of the Nafion composite membranes were studied by a dielectric impedance analyzer and maximum conductivity was measured for N‐SiO2‐Tet10 as 1.01 × 10−2 (Scm−1) at 160 °C.
Fabrication of Green and Smart Anti‐Corrosion PDA@Bio‐MOF‐11@Nano‐Curcumin Coating for Mild Steel
Authors: Rezvani Niya Shokoufeh , Benvidi Ali , Zare Hamid R. , Dehghan Tezerjani Marzieh
Published: December 2024

Corrosion is a destructive phenomenon which occurs spontaneously in the environment and leads to economic, environmental, and safety problems. The focus of recent studies in the field of corrosion is on replacing harmful inhibitors with biocompatible and cheap ones. In this research, the purpose is to synthesize a smart and self‐healing coating based on a poly dopamine biopolymer containing Bio‐MOF‐11@ nano‐curcumin as a green inhibitor. The characteristics and morphology of the synthesized materials and the effectiveness of these materials as corrosion‐protective coatings were investigated with various techniques including Fourier‐Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X‐Ray analysis (EDS). The UV–vis technique was also used to evaluate the effect of the inhibitor release at pH 4 and 7. The maximum amount of the inhibitor release after 72 hours was 86.61 ppm at pH 4.0. The corresponding electrochemical studies were conducted through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel plot. Finally, the inhibition rate of the coating was found to be 95.08%, which indicates the good performance of the PDA@Bio‐MOF‐11@Cur NPs coating for corrosion protection of MS in 3.5% NaCl.
Preparation of Zn0.6Cd0.4S/Bi2MoO6 Composite and Its Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Qin Yijin , Li Yan , Wei Liang , Li Meng , Zhang Hongxi , Yang Jing , Yang Xiande
Published: December 2024

As dye wastewater poses increasingly significant harm to the natural environment, the development of visible light responsive catalysts for the efficient degradation of dyes has become imperative. In this work, Zn0.6Cd0.4S solid solution modified Bi2MoO6 was synthesized via a two‐step solvothermal method. The photocatalytic performance of the catalyst was evaluated through the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The results indicated that the 10 wt% Zn0.6Cd0.4S/Bi2MoO6 (10% ZCS/BMO) composite exhibited remarkable RhB removal efficiency, achieving 92.8% after 2.5 h, while pristine BMO demonstrated only 53.6% removal. This enhancement was attributed to the successful construction of a heterojunction in the 10% ZCS/BMO composite, which led to low fluorescence intensity, signifying efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. Consequently, the photocatalytic activity of BMO was substantially improved. Furthermore, ·O2− played a pivotal role in RhB degradation. This work provides a reference for the design of efficient visible‐light‐driven catalyst, facilitating the rapid purification of dye wastewater.
Metal‐Coordinated Ligand Radical Species With Non‐innocent Ortho‐aminophenol Functionalities: Reactivity and Catalysis
Authors: Ali Akram , Arora Himanshu , Rajput Amit , Kumar Akhilesh
Published: December 2024

This review article presents a comprehensive analysis of metal complexes featuring ortho‐aminophenol based non‐innocent ligands in various oxidation states, including dianion/o‐amidophenolate, monoanion/o‐iminosemiquinonato, and o‐iminoquinonato forms. We focus extensively on the reactivity and catalytic properties of these metal complexes, offering insights into their potential applications and behavior in different chemical environments. The ligands are meticulously categorized based on their denticity, providing a clear framework for understanding their coordination chemistry. Correspondingly, the metal complexes are systematically organized according to the sequence of ligands, ensuring a coherent and logical presentation of the data. The structural approach not only highlights the intricate relationships between ligands and metal centers but also facilitates a deeper understanding of their roles in various catalytic processes.
Design of Novel Thiazole‐based Schiff Analogs as α‐Amylase Inhibitors Using 3D‐QSAR, ADME‐Tox, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, Biological Efficacy, and Retrosynthesis
Authors: Naanaai Lhoucine , Ouabane Mohamed , Moukhliss Youness , El Aissouq Abdellah , Zaitan Hicham , Bouachrine Mohammed , Khalil Fouad
Published: December 2024

This study enabled us to develop new analogs of the Schiff thiazole base with high inhibitory activity against the α‐amylase enzyme as effective anti‐diabetic drug candidates. To this end, we used virtual screening methods such as 3D‐QSAR, molecular docking, ADMET properties, molecular dynamics simulation, biological efficacy, and retrosynthesis on selected Schiff thiazole base derivatives. The results of 3D‐QSAR modeling showed that the CoMSIA_DH model has excellent predictive ability (Q2 = 0.71, R2train = 0.978, R2test = 0.987, and SEE = 0.072). Using the template (17), we designed three new ligands with high inhibitory activities against the α‐amylase enzyme. ADMET predictions for designed molecules met Lipinski's rule and pharmacokinetic profiles. The new Ligands were anchored in α‐amylase's active site, showing good binding affinities. The molecular docking results and binding stability of the selected ligands to the receptor were confirmed through molecular dynamics simulations. The CaverDock program was utilized to identify the tunnels through which ligands are most likely to migrate from the active site to the receptor surface, thereby determining the biological efficacy of the target compounds. The study found compound B1 to be the most effective, and using retrosynthesis, a pathway for the synthesis of these therapeutic prospects was identified.
Directional Swimming of B. Subtilis Bacteria Near a Switchable Polar Surface
Authors: Kodithuwakku Arachchige Mahesha , Siddiquee Zakaria , Baza Hend , Twieg Robert , Lavrentovich Oleg D. , Jákli Antal
Published: December 2024

The dynamics of swimming bacteria depend on the properties of their habitat media. Recently it is shown that the motion of swimming bacteria dispersed directly in a non‐toxic water‐based lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal can be controlled by the director field of the liquid crystal. Here, we investigate whether the macroscopic polar order of a ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal (NF) can be recognized by bacteria B. Subtilis swimming in a water dispersion adjacent to a glassy NF film by surface interactions alone. Our results show that B. Subtilis tends to move in the direction antiparallel to the spontaneous electric polarization at the NF surface. Their speed is found to be the same with or without a polar NF layer. In contrast to observation on crystal ferroelectric films, the bacteria do not get immobilized. These observations may offer a pathway to creation of polar microinserts to direct bacterial motion in vivo.
Low‐Temperature and Highly Efficient Reduction of O2‐Containing CO2 Mixtures via Pt‐Ni/CeO2 Oxygen Carriers
Authors: Sun Xueyan , Zhao Wei , Wang Chenghua , Lei Yuan , Xiao Hang , Yang Yulong , Zhu Liangliang , Chen Xi
Published: December 2024

Poor O2 tolerance and high reaction temperature of the conventional oxygen carriers challenge the direct utilization of impure CO2 via chemical looping. Here, Pt‐Ni bimetallic Ce‐based oxygen carriers with excellent O2 tolerance are developed for highly efficient reduction of O2‐containing CO2 at low temperatures. At a temperature as low as 700 °C, high CO2 conversion (≈92%) is obtained over 0.1 wt% Pt‐0.1wt% Ni/CeO2 oxygen carrier in the CO2 feed gas with 16.7% O2 impurities. These results benefit from that Pt‐Ni bimetal plays a crucial role in improving CH4 partial oxidation and accelerating the breaking of the C═O bond to alleviate the competitive oxidation of O2 impurities. Ni compensates for the reduction of low‐temperature redox activity caused by the decrease of Pt content. Moreover, Pt‐Ni/CeO2 oxygen carriers exhibit excellent structural and performance stability during redox cycles. This work presents a feasible strategy for the direct utilization of impure CO2 at low temperatures and realizing a carbon‐neutral cycle.
An Antibacterial and Antioxidant Food Packaging Film Based on Amphiphilic Polypeptides‐Resveratrol‐Chitosan
Authors: Zhang Yu , Song Wenliang , Mao Shina , Qian Yiduo , Gui Qiudi , Du Jianzhong
Published: December 2024

Antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging films play a crucial role in extending food shelf life, maintaining quality, and enhancing safety by inhibiting microbial growth and slowing oxidation processes. However, most commercial preservative films suffer from limited antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Moreover, these films are made from petroleum‐based materials that degrade into microplastics, resulting in environmental contamination and potential health risks for humans. Herein, an antibacterial and antioxidant food packaging film (CS‐SAP@R) is developed by integrating star‐shaped amphiphilic polypeptides (SAP) and resveratrol (R) into the chitosan (CS) matrix. The incorporation of SAP not only effectively addresses the existing compatibility issues between the highly hydrophobic resveratrol and water‐soluble CS film, but also significantly enhances the antimicrobial properties of CS. Additionally, the well‐integrated resveratrol molecules endow the film with superior antioxidant properties. Furthermore, CS‐SAP@R has achieved bacterial killing rates of 97.31% against E. coli and 99.05% against S. aureus. The enhanced characteristics of the CS‐SAP@R film contribute to its exceptional preservation performance, effectively extending the shelf life of perishable products by ≈3 days when stored at 4 °C. These remarkable attributes underscore the benefits of polypeptide‐based biopolymers and demonstrate the potential applicability of the CS‐SAP@R film in effectively safeguarding perishable products.
Core‐Shell Quantum Wires‐Supported Single‐Atom Fe Electrocatalysts for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Bolin , Deng Fulin , Wang Hanlu , Li Zesheng , Yan Fanfei , Yu Changlin
Published: December 2024

It is of great significance for the development of hydrogen energy technology by exploring the new‐type and high‐efficiency electrocatalysts (such as single atom catalysts (SACs)) for water splitting. In this paper, by combining interface engineering and doping engineering, a unique single atom iron (Fe)‐doped carbon‐coated nickel sulfide (Ni3S2) quantum wires (Ni3S2@Fe‐SACs) is prepared as a high‐performance bi‐functional electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Theoretical calculation and experimental results show that the addition of atomic Fe species can effectively adjust the electronic structure of sulfide, the interfacial electron transfer modulates the d‐band center position, optimizing the transient state of the catalytic process and adsorption energy of hydrogen/oxygen intermediates, and greatly accelerates the kinetics of HER and OER. The results show that the Ni3S2@Fe‐SACs core‐shell quantum wires array exhibit overpotentials of 46 and 219 mV for HER and OER at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH, respectively. In addition, the two‐electrode electrolyzer assembled by the Ni3S2@Fe‐SACs requires a voltage as low as 1.465 V to achieve alkaline overall water splitting of 10 mA cm−2. This work holds great promise for the development of highly active and highly stable electrocatalysts for future hydrogen energy conversion applications.
Complementary Nucleobase‐Containing Double‐Network Elastomers with High Energy Dissipation and Room‐Temperature Fast Recovery
Authors: Zeng Fanxuan , Wu Jiang , Hua Zan , Liu Guangming
Published: December 2024

Elastomers have been widely employed in various industrial products such as tires, actuators, dampers, and sealants. While various methods have been developed to strengthen elastomers, achieving continuously high energy dissipation with fast room‐temperature recovery remains challenging, prompting the need for further structural optimization. Herein, high energy dissipated and fast recoverable double‐network (DN) elastomers are fabricated, in which the supramolecular polymers of complementary adenine and thymine serve as the first network and the covalently cross‐linked soft polymer as the second network. Both networks are efficiently prepared via photopolymerization. The resulting DN elastomer displays high energy dissipation and room temperature fast recovery, which can be attributed to the good independence of supramolecular and covalent networks. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the DN elastomer can be exploited as excellent cushioning materials under continuous impacts. This work presents a feasible avenue for fabricating DN elastomers with high energy dissipation and fast recovery based on the multiple hydrogen bonds of complementary nucleobases.
Emerging 2D Materials and Van der Waals Heterostructures for Advanced NIR, SWIR, and MWIR Emitters
Authors: Chen Po‐Liang , Ahmed Tanveer , Kuo Ching , Lu Chung‐Chun , Lien Der‐Hsien , Liu Chang‐Hua
Published: December 2024

Infrared (IR) emitters have drawn considerable attention for applications in deep‐tissue imaging, optical communication, and thermal sensing. While III‐V and II‐VI semiconductors are traditionally used in these emitters, their reliance on complex epitaxial growth to overcome lattice mismatch and thermal expansion challenges leads to intricate device structures and limits their integrability. In contrast, 2D materials provide a more flexible solution, offering diverse optical bandgaps and the ability to be vertically restacked in arbitrary crystal orientations to form complex van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, which can be further integrated onto diverse device platforms. This review highlights recent advancements in 2D‐based IR emitters, focusing on the NIR, SWIR, and MWIR regions. It discusses the photoluminescence properties of 2D materials and innovative vdW engineering techniques used to develop IR light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). The review also explores how external stimuli, such as electric fields and strain, can enable tunable emission wavelengths and examines the integration of 2D‐based emitters with photonic structures, like cavities and waveguides, to create hybrid photonic devices. Finally, the review addresses the challenges and prospects of 2D‐based IR technologies, highlighting their potential to transform IR light sources across various applications.
Automotive Safety‐Assisted Driving Technology Based on Computer Artificial Intelligence Environment
Authors: Yan Haibo
Published: December 2024

A reasonable driving behavior decision model can choose the appropriate driving behavior according to the actual situation, thus improving the safety and efficiency of driving. To achieve an intelligent and humanized driving experience, this study explores the decision‐making process behind driving behaviors. We have established a decision‐making model for driving behaviors rooted in the finite state machine (FSM) paradigm. This model selects the most suitable driving action based on the car's current state, the surrounding environment, and the driver's intention. Given the intricate and varied nature of driving behaviors, we have incorporated a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm. This enables the optimization of decision‐making strategies through dynamic interactions between the driver and the environment. Our findings reveal that this model adeptly handles complexities in real‐world driving scenarios, thereby enhancing driving safety. In automotive contexts, FSM ensures the selection of apt driving actions aligned with the vehicle's status, environmental cues, and the driver's intentions. This innovative model surpasses traditional decision‐making frameworks, paving the way for advancements in intelligent driving technology, and demonstrating remarkable adaptability and potential for further optimization. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
VMD‐Based Feature Extraction and Enhanced GWO‐DBN for Health Assessment of Automatic Transfer Switching Equipment
Authors: Liu Guojin , Yang Yuze , Liu Daming , Wang Lekang
Published: December 2024

This article proposes a method for assessing the health condition of automatic transfer switching equipment (ATSE) during the switching process. The method combines variational mode decomposition (VMD) with deep belief networks (DBN) for non‐invasive monitoring and fault diagnosis. First, the VMD method is introduced to address mode mixing, using sample entropy to determine the decomposition iterations of VMD. Wavelet packet energy entropy is then extracted as the feature for health condition assessment. Subsequently, the Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm is enhanced with a nonlinear convergence factor and a dynamic weight strategy to improve performance and avoid local optima. The enhanced GWO is used to optimize the network parameters of the DBN, which then serves as the pattern recognition algorithm for assessing ATSE health. Comparative experimental analysis demonstrates that the proposed method effectively addresses the health condition assessment of ATSE vibration signals, exhibiting high diagnostic accuracy. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Showing the unshowable: a new start for rescue horses
Authors: Dahm Emma
Published: December 2024

Emma Dahm introduces a new society in the world of showing that aims to give horses that have come back from neglect and abuse a platform to show off their talents and resilience.
Brian Derek Hoskin
Authors: Meldrum Keith C.
Published: December 2024

Brian was one of life's gentlemen. A stalwart supporter of the BVA, he enjoyed an impressive career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Effect of graphene oxide on mechanical properties of epoxy matrix and its glass fiber composite
Authors: Liem Nguyen Thanh , Nhan Nguyen Thi Thanh
Published: December 2024

There has been much research investigating the mechanical properties of graphene oxide/epoxy (GO/EP) nanocomposites, but few examinations have used the GO‐modified matrix to prepare glass fiber composites or experimental studies more focused on the mechanical performance of finished composites without fully evaluating GO's effects upon matric phases. This research not only assesses the effect of GO on the mechanical performance of epoxy resin but also prepares the composite based on GO/EP and glass fiber to discover how GO affects the characteristics of this kind of composite. EP was modified by a simple solution mixing at the different weight percentages (wt%) of GO, followed by a glass fiber composite fabrication process. Tests showed that adding GO improved the impact strength, fracture toughness as well as thermal stability of the epoxy matrix. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra proved that there was a low‐frequency shift of the ─OH band in modified epoxy showing an interaction of epoxy and GO. The X‐ray analysis also confirmed that GO also fully exfoliated in the matrix. The modification of epoxy resulted in an improvement in the impact and the tensile strength of composites, and that was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique.
Bile acids: Can the position of hydroxyl substitution influence antidiabetic potency?
Authors: Wang Yinan , Yin Rui , Jia Liwei , Tian Yuan , Meng Xin
Published: December 2024

Numerous analogous compounds exist in natural products, exhibiting subtle structural variations that nonetheless result in distinct biological activities. Hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and deoxycholic acid (DCA) are analogues belonging to the steroids, and related studies have demonstrated that all three possess antidiabetic effects in reducing hyperglycemia. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease with high morbidity and mortality in recent years. A thorough exploration of the mechanisms underlying compounds with potential antidiabetic properties serves as an essential prerequisite for subsequent research endeavors. However, the mechanism of action regarding them has not been fully verified, and the present study identified one of the antidiabetic mechanisms of action of bile acid analogs at the protein and molecular levels. The results suggested that structural differences due to differences in the position of the hydroxyl substituent alter the antidiabetic capacity. The application of machine learning methods for pharmacokinetic prediction contributes to a better understanding of the nature and in vivo behavior of bile acid analogs. This study endeavors to establish a basic reference and experimental foundation to contribute to the ongoing exploration of the potential role of bile acid compounds in antidiabetic mechanisms.
Chemical diversity and biological activities of secondary metabolites produced by Pleosporales sp.
Authors: Samy Mamdouh Nabil
Published: December 2024

Fungi are one of the richest sources of bioactive metabolites, which can be used to produce innovative therapeutic agents. Pleosporales sp. including epiphytic, endophytic, or parasitic species can yield diverse secondary metabolites widely spread throughout many ecosystems. These metabolites are classified into polyketides, alkaloids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, steroids, and others depending on their unique structural characteristics. Secondary metabolites produced by Pleosporales sp. displayed outstanding biological activities such as cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti‐inflammatory properties. The goal of this review was to compile the most recent, comprehensive literature data on the secondary metabolite classes of Pleosporales sp., backed by its various bioactivity data, as a scientific record for the upcoming drug discovery endeavors.
Development of an electrochemical sensor based on the combination of copper‐based metal‐organic framework and gold particles for glyphosate detection in water
Authors: Luyen Bui Thi , Nga Dau Thi Ngoc , Yen Pham Thi Hai , Ngan Nguyen ThiThanh , Tu Vu Cam , Phong Pham Hong , Thuong Nguyen Thi Kim , Ha Vu Thi Thu
Published: December 2024

This work develops a sensing platform based on the combination of copper‐based metal‐organic framework with 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid (CuBTC) and gold particles (AuPs), taking advantage of the materials’ properties, such as high porosity of CuBTC and high conductivity of AuPs and their synergistic effect. First, AuPs were electrodeposited onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), followed by the drop‐cast of CuBTC onto AuPs/GCE. The morphology and element presence of CuBTC/AuPs/GCE were examined by SEM and EDX. The bare and modified electrodes were tested by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The results demonstrate that CuBTC/AuPs/GCE improves the electron transfer and offers a more distinct current difference, approximately 1.8 times higher than CuBTC/GCE, making it more effective for glyphosate determination. The sensor shows good performance with high sensitivity of 1.1 109 µA mM cm−2 and low limit of detection of 44 pM, high selectivity, and good reproducibility with an RSD of 2.2%. Real samples before and after spiking were analyzed using sensors and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Both results aligned with each other with recoveries of 100% and 103% for sensors and MS/MS analysis, respectively. The developed sensors could be successfully applied for the analysis of glyphosate concentration in environmental samples.
§ 5 Nicht eigentumsfähige Güter
Authors: von Weschpfennig Armin
Published: December 2024

Der verfassungsrechtliche Eigentumsschutz nach Art. 14 GG ist elementare Garantie freiheitlicher Entfaltung, ohne die ein selbstbestimmtes Leben kaum möglich wäre. Prägend für das verfassungsrechtliche Verständnis war das zivilrechtliche Sacheigentum, wie es das Bürgerliche Gesetzbuch regelt, auch wenn der Schutzgehalt des Art. 14 GG weit darüber hinausreicht. Die gesetzgeberische Entscheidung, Güter wie bestimmte Rohstoffe, Grundwasser oder herrenlose Dinge der Eigentumsordnung zu entziehen, scheint auf den ersten Blick gerade wegen der Eigentumsunfähigkeit Möglichkeiten der Freiheitsentfaltung einzuschränken. Oft handelt es sich aber um eine bewusste Entscheidung, um eine staatliche Steuerung der Nutzung solcher Güter zu ermöglichen, deren dauerhafte Verfügbarkeit zu gewährleisten sowie den privaten Zugriff zu fördern und damit insgesamt freiheitliche Entfaltung dauerhaft zu sichern. Der Ausschluss der Eigentumsfähigkeit bedarf hierfür eines gesetzlichen Surrogats, welches entsprechende Zuordnungen regelt und in dessen Rahmen häufig wieder eigentumsrechtliche Lösungen gewählt werden.
Reactive power redispatch at the TSO-DSO interface: analysis of the challenges and differences for processual integration
Authors: Belz Nadja Isabelle , Schlegel Steffen , Grünberg Jannes , Westermann Dirk
Published: December 2024

The increasing challenge of maintaining voltage due to reduced reliable reactive power potentials in the transmission grid requires a fast and economically optimal consideration of reactive power in the congestion management processes of transmission system operators. Established processes such as the German Redispatch 2.0 process adjust the dispatch of plants to avoid congestion but do not make use of available reactive power potentials to avoid voltage-related congestion. This work evaluates the suitability of existing processes for application to reactive power. Using a realistic distribution grid, the procedural Redispatch 2.0 specifications for clustering reactive power are applied. It can be shown that the determination of reliable reactive power capability is associated with more dependencies and influencing factors than with active power. This leads to the need for a separate cluster concept and, due to the operating point dependency, for a procedure coordinated with the grid situation.
Values-based food systems: the role of local food partnerships in England
Authors: Jackson Peter , Yap Christopher , Parsons Kelly , Treuherz Selina , Roberts Gareth
Published: December 2024

This paper outlines the concept of values-based food systems building on the related idea of values-based food chains (VBFCs), terms which are definitionally diffuse but which cohere around a common commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice. The paper examines the development of four multi-stakeholder local food partnerships in Birmingham, Bristol, Rotherham and Sheffield—and the national Sustainable Food Places network to which they are affiliated. Based on our collaborative research with these organizations and a review of their public statements, the paper identifies the values that guide their work. The paper then draws on the evidence of a series of workshops which revealed some of the challenges the partnerships face as they seek to put their values into practice, focusing on governance issues (and related funding challenges) and the implementation of equity, diversity and inclusion policies. Our findings show that the partnerships’ work is consistent with the concept of values-based food systems though they do not use the term themselves. Our research also shows the range of work being undertaken by these local food partnerships with much in common but also some significant divergence in their activities. The paper concludes with some reflections about scale and the differences between our English case studies and earlier work on VBFCs in the US.
Urban–Rural Disparities in the Transition to Parenthood During Times of Uncertainty: A Multilevel Perspective on Finland
Authors: Campisi Nicholas , Kulu Hill , Mikolai Júlia , Klüsener Sebastian , Myrskylä Mikko
Published: December 2024

Over the last 15 years, many European countries have experienced fertility declines. Existing research on this shift in fertility behavior points to economic aspects and increased levels of uncertainty as important drivers. However, in this debate little attention has been paid to how the relevance of individual- and contextual-level dimensions for understanding the new fertility patterns varies by level of urbanization. This is surprising given that urban and rural areas not only differ strongly in fertility timing and levels, but also in economic conditions. Our paper fills this important research gap by analyzing rich register data from Finland using multi-level event history models to study the transition to first birth among younger (under age 30) and older (ages 30 or older) women. We show that urban–rural differences in the transition to parenthood are particularly pronounced among younger women. In addition, the results indicate that economic circumstances and related uncertainties are more relevant for understanding first births probabilities for younger women than older women. Finally, among younger women, the relevance of economic circumstances and related uncertainties seems to be most relevant in the capital region of Helsinki and urban areas compared to semiurban and rural areas. Our findings underline that the urban–rural dimension should receive more attention in research on fertility in times of uncertainty.
“I am not any Greater than you are” Cultivation of Humility in Higher Education through Mentoring
Authors: Kumar Anuradha Thittai , Prieto-Flores Òscar
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the experiences of college-student mentors to gain a nuanced understanding of ‘humility’ in higher education (HE) and to illuminate how it operates within mentoring dyads. Seventeen mentors, comprising both undergraduate (9) and graduate (8) students, were interviewed in this exploratory qualitative research. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were employed as the primary method of data collection. The analysis followed a deductive approach guided by the HEXACO (Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Openness) personality framework. While the mentors’ narratives are situated within the Indian context, the study appraises implications for the broader landscape of HE. The investigation shows that mentors viewed humility as essential. They demonstrated it by reflecting on their own humility, adjusting their behavior to guide mentees toward program goals effectively, and navigating relationships in a socio-culturally humble manner. Additionally, humility was also found to be instrumental in resolving conflicts and enhancing the quality of mentorship. The study fills a critical gap in HE and mentoring literature and underscores the role of humility in fostering generativity and socially responsible leadership among college-student mentors. The outcome also encourages HE institutions to leverage mentoring programs to cultivate humility in their students, preparing them holistically for the professional world by integrating personal growth with technical expertise.
Ethnic diversity in SME business teams: generating employment growth through digitalisation, innovation, and exporting
Authors: Korosteleva Julia , Mickiewicz Tomasz , Parrilli Mario Davide
Published: December 2024

This paper examines how the ethnic composition of SMEs’ business teams, also in conjunction with their strategic behaviour (including digitalisation, innovation and exporting), affect their employment growth. The study conceptualises different forms and aspects of social capital to develop the theoretical framework and hypotheses. We utilise the UK Office for National Statistics’ Longitudinal Small Business Survey data for the period of 2018–2020 to test our hypotheses. Our study shows that ethnically diverse business teams achieve relatively higher employment growth as compared to more homogeneous teams. Moreover, ethnically diverse business teams that embrace innovation, international expansion, and digitalisation translate these strategies more effectively into increased employment compared to their more homogenous counterparts.
Butterfly Diagram and Other Properties of Plage Areas from Kodaikanal Ca ii K Photographs Covering 1904 – 2007
Authors: Jha Bibhuti Kumar , Chatzistergos Theodosios , Banerjee Dipankar , Ermolli Ilaria , Krivova Natalie A. , Solanki Sami K. , Priyadarshi Aditya
Published: December 2024

Ca ii K observations of the Sun have a great potential for probing the Sun’s magnetism and activity, as well as for reconstructing solar irradiance. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) in India, houses one of the most prominent Ca ii K archives, spanning from 1904 to 2007, obtained under the same experimental conditions over a century, a feat very few other sites have achieved. However, the KoSO Ca ii K archive suffers from several inconsistencies (e.g., missing/incorrect timestamps of observations and orientation of some images) which have limited the use of the archive. This study is a step towards bringing the KoSO archive to its full potential. We did this by developing an automatic method to orient the images more accurately than in previous studies. Furthermore, we included more data than in earlier studies (considering images that could not previously be analyzed by other techniques, as well as 2845 newly digitized images), while also accounting for mistakes in the observational date/time. These images were accurately processed to identify plage regions along with their locations, enabling us to construct the butterfly diagram of plage areas from the entire KoSO Ca ii K archive covering 1904 – 2007. Our butterfly diagram shows significantly fewer data gaps compared to earlier versions due to the larger set of data used in this study. Moreover, our butterfly diagram is consistent with Spörer’s law for sunspots, validating our automatic image orientation method. Additionally, we found that the mean latitude of plage areas calculated over the entire period is

$20.5\%\pm 2.0$

20.5
%
±
2.0

higher than that of sunspots, irrespective of the phase or the strength of the solar cycle. We also studied the north–south asymmetry showing that the northern hemisphere dominated plage areas during solar cycles 19 and 20, while the southern hemisphere dominated during Solar Cycles 21 – 23.
The critical need for an open medical imaging database in Japan: implications for global health and AI development
Authors: Ueda Daiju , Walston Shannon , Takita Hirotaka , Mitsuyama Yasuhito , Miki Yukio
Published: December 2024

Japan leads OECD countries in medical imaging technology deployment but lacks open, large-scale medical imaging databases crucial for AI development. While Japan maintains extensive repositories, access restrictions limit their research utility, contrasting with open databases like the US Cancer Imaging Archive and UK Biobank. The 2018 Next Generation Medical Infrastructure Act attempted to address this through new data-sharing frameworks, but implementation has been limited by strict privacy regulations and institutional resistance. This data gap risks compromising AI system performance for Japanese patients and limits global medical AI advancement. The solution lies not in developing individual AI models, but in democratizing access to well-curated Japanese medical imaging data. By implementing privacy-preserving techniques and streamlining regulatory processes, Japan could enhance domestic healthcare outcomes while contributing to more robust global AI models, ultimately reclaiming its position as a leader in medical innovation.
Global well-posedness and analyticity for the fractional stochastic Hall-magnetohydrodynamics system in the Besov–Morrey spaces
Authors: Khaider Hassan , Azanzal Achraf , Raji Abderrahmane
Published: December 2024

This paper studies the existence and uniqueness of solution for the fractional Hall-magnetohydrodynamics system (HMH) and with two stochastic terms (SHMH). Based on the theory of Besov–Morrey spaces and the contraction principle, we will demonstrate tow main result. The first result shows the existence, uniqueness and the analyticity of solution for (HMH) in Besov–Morrey spaces $$\textrm{N}_{p,\lambda }^{s}$$

N

p
,
λ

s

. The second result prove the existence and uniqueness of solution for (SHMH) in $${\mathcal {L}}_0^1\big (\Omega \times (0,T),{\mathcal {P}};{\mathcal {M}}_p^\lambda \big ) \cap \textrm{N}_{p,\lambda }^{s}$$

L
0
1

(

Ω
×

(
0
,
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Development of a carbon equivalent formula for underwater wet welding
Authors: Vaccari Leandro , Klett Jan , Scheithauer Thomas , Hassel Thomas , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: December 2024

Steel structures play a vital role in the marine industry for application in ships, platforms, wind turbines, bridges, or pipelines. This leads to challenges if parts made from higher strength steels have to be repaired underwater. Underwater wet welding is the most common underwater repair method and highly prone to hydrogen-assisted cold cracking, especially in higher strength steels. A common method to access this risk in dry welding is based on the calculation of the carbon equivalent (e.g., CE or CET) representing the behavior of the parent metal based on its composition. However, these formulas were not specifically developed for wet welding conditions, and the applicability of these formulas on the special requirements of wet weldments has not been validated. In the present study, the effectiveness of existing CE formulas for underwater wet welding was evaluated. It is demonstrated that the conventional approaches designed for conventional welding under dry atmospheric conditions are hardly applicable to underwater wet welding. Based on comprehensive experimental data, a mathematical model leading to improved hardness and CE formulas dedicated to underwater wet welding was developed. The new formulas demonstrated greater efficiency in predicting hardness and carbon equivalent within the analyzed data, when compared to the existing formulas used for welding under dry atmospheric conditions.
Dephosphorization Behavior of Monazite Concentrates Through Carbothermal Treatment at High Temperatures: Thermodynamic Assessment and Experimental Study
Authors: Nababan Deddy C. , Pownceby Mark I. , Bruckard Warren J. , Rhamdhani M. Akbar
Published: December 2024

The high-temperature, carbothermal treatment of REE-bearing monazite concentrates to remove P in preparation for REE extraction was investigated. The study comprised a series of thermodynamic assessments followed by laboratory-scale experiments at 1400 °C and 1500 °C at 1 atm pressure. Two monazite concentrates with different compositions were used; a RE flotation concentrate from Australia and a high-grade Korean monazite concentrate. The Australian sample contained 38% total RE (49% monazite) as well as goethite (32 wt%) and aluminosilicate gangue constituents. The Korean sample was higher grade, containing 58% RE (91% monazite) with minor gangue components. The P level in the high-grade Korean monazite concentrate was reduced from 27.1% P2O5 to 1.9% P2O5 (93% reduction) following carbothermal reduction at 1400 °C. For the lower grade Australian concentrate and using the same conditions, the P level was lowered from 19.4 to 15.8% P2O5, i.e., only a 19% reduction. Characterization of the calcine for the Australian sample revealed that the remaining P was mainly associated with iron, as Fe2P, whereas the REs were tied up as REE-bearing silicates and aluminosilicates. For the Korean calcine, the REs were mainly present as REE-oxides and REE- silicates. These results indicated that impurities in the monazite concentrate such as Fe, Al, and Si significantly impact P removal during carbothermal treatment via the formation of unwanted metallics, phosphides, and REE-bearing aluminosilicate phases. Based on the results, a generalized monazite carbothermic dephosphorization mechanism, encompassing the effects of various feed impurities, is proposed. Further, the strategic implications for the dephosphorization of monazite using carbothermal treatment at high temperatures are discussed.

Graphical Abstract
Molecular characterization and insilico expression analysis of ammonium transporter genes family in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Sarkar Tanushree , Bakshi Suman
Published: December 2024

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for plants, primarily absorbed from the soil as ammonium (NH₄⁺) through Ammonium Transporters (AMTs), which are plasma membrane proteins. This study involved the genome-wide identification, characterization, and insilico expression analysis of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) AMT genes (SbAMTs) in different tissues, including flowers, meristems, embryos, roots, and shoots, as well as under treatments with abscisic acid (ABA) and 20% polyethylene glycol (PEG). Structural analyses revealed conserved transmembrane domains, though SbAMT2.2 and SbAMT3.3 exhibited fewer domains due to their small protein size. Gene structure analysis showed significant intron variation between AMT1 and AMT2 families, while motif analysis suggested evolutionary divergence. Secondary and 3D structure analysis indicated that AMTs are predominantly composed of alpha-helices. Synteny analysis revealed strong gene conservation among Poaceae family members, especially with Zea mays. Gene ontology analysis (GO) and protein–protein interaction analysis highlighted roles in ammonium transport, nitrogen metabolism, and stress responses. Cis-element analysis of AMT promoter regions revealed regulatory elements responsive to light, hormones (eg. auxin, gibberellin, abscisic acid), and environmental stresses like drought and anaerobic conditions, suggesting AMTs’ involvement in growth, development, and stress adaptation. Expression profiling revealed tissue-specific patterns, with SbAMT1.2 being highly expressed in roots, and SbAMT3.3 broadly expressed across tissues. Stress-induced upregulation of SbAMT genes under ABA and PEG treatments suggests their involvement in drought tolerance. These findings provide valuable insights into the structure, function, and evolution of AMTs in S. bicolor, with potential applications for improving nitrogen use efficiency and stress resilience in crops.
Acoustics in Nineteenth-Century Literature and Science
Authors: Dickson Melissa
Published: December 2024

What did it mean to hear, for the first time, what George Eliot described as 'that roar which lies on the other side of silence'? Rapid developments in nineteenth-century acoustic science and communications technologies opened up new worlds beyond the limits of normal audibility for the Victorian public. Weaving together explorations of scientific developments with imaginative cultural, spiritual, and literary responses, this book sets out to explore the burgeoning field of acoustics in the nineteenth century and the new language, structure, and conceptual models it offered to broker the boundaries of the individual self. Ranging from Eliot's Middlemarch to Du Maurier's Trilby, and from Laënnec's work on the stethoscope to experiments on animal audition, inquiries into the unconscious, and spiritualist investigations of the hidden world of vibrations, it demonstrates the profound challenge to the boundaries of the human that was issued by new sound technologies in the Victorian period.
Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Data Science
Authors: Rigdon Steven E. , Fricker, Jr Ronald D. , Montgomery Douglas C.
Published: December 2024

Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Data Science provides a solid course in the fundamental concepts, methods and theory of statistics for students in statistics, data science, biostatistics, engineering, and physical science programs. It teaches students to understand, use, and build on modern statistical techniques for complex problems. The authors develop the methods from both an intuitive and mathematical angle, illustrating with simple examples how and why the methods work. More complicated examples, many of which incorporate data and code in R, show how the method is used in practice. Through this guidance, students get the big picture about how statistics works and can be applied. This text covers more modern topics such as regression trees, large scale hypothesis testing, bootstrapping, MCMC, time series, and fewer theoretical topics like the Cramer-Rao lower bound and the Rao-Blackwell theorem. It features more than 250 high-quality figures, 180 of which involve actual data. Data and R are code available on our website so that students can reproduce the examples and do hands-on exercises.
Navigating performance measures for ambulatory antimicrobial stewardship: a review of HEDIS® and other metrics the steward should know
Authors: Arena Christen J. , Veve Michael P. , Fried Steven T. , Ware Felisa , Lee Patricia , Shallal Anita B.
Published: December 2024

Ambulatory antimicrobial stewardship can be challenging due to disparities in resource allocation across the care continuum, competing priorities for ambulatory prescribers, ineffective communication strategies, and lack of incentive to prioritize antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) initiatives. Efforts to monitor and compare outpatient antibiotic usage metrics have been implemented through quality measures (QM). Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) represent standardized measures that examine the quality of antibiotic prescribing by region and across insurance health plans. Health systems with affiliated emergency departments and ambulatory clinics contribute patient data for HEDIS measure assessment and are directly related to value-based reimbursement, pay-for-performance, patient satisfaction measures, and payor incentives and rewards. There are four HEDIS® measures related to optimal antibiotic prescribing in upper respiratory tract diseases that ambulatory ASPs can leverage to develop and measure effective interventions while maintaining buy-in from providers: avoidance of antibiotic treatment for acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis, appropriate treatment for upper respiratory infection, appropriate testing for pharyngitis, and antibiotic utilization for respiratory conditions. Additionally, there are other QM assessed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), including overuse of antibiotics for adult sinusitis. Ambulatory ASPs with limited resources should leverage HEDIS® to implement and measure successful interventions due to their pay-for-performance nature. The purpose of this review is to outline the HEDIS® measures related to infectious diseases in ambulatory care settings. This review also examines the barriers and enablers in ambulatory ASPs which play a crucial role in promoting responsible antibiotic use and the efforts to optimize patient outcomes.