bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hot carrier dynamics in III–V semiconductor nanowires under dominant radiative and Auger recombination
Authors: Esmaielpour Hamidreza , Schmiedeke Paul , Isaev Nabi , Doganlar Cem , Döblinger Markus , Finley Jonathan J. , Koblmüller Gregor
Published: February 2025

One-dimensional structures such as nanowires (NWs) show great promise in tailoring the rates of hot carrier thermalization in semiconductors with important implications for the design of efficient hot carrier absorbers. However, the fabrication of defect-free crystal structures and control of their intrinsic electronic properties can be challenging, raising concerns about the role of competing radiative and non-radiative recombination mechanisms that govern hot carrier effects. Here, we elucidate the impact of crystal purity and altered electronic properties on the hot carrier properties by comparing two classes of III–V semiconductor NW arrays with similar bandgap energies and geometries, yet different crystal quality: one composed of GaAsSb NWs, which host antisite point defects but are free of planar stacking defects, and the other InGaAs NWs with a very high density of stacking defects. Photoluminescence spectroscopy demonstrates distinct hot carrier effects in both NW arrays; however, the InGaAs NWs exhibit stronger hot carrier effects, as evidenced by increased carrier temperature under identical photo-absorptivity. This difference arises from higher rates of Auger recombination in the InGaAs NWs due to their increased n-type conductivity, as confirmed by excitation power-dependent measurements. Our findings suggest that while enhancing material properties is crucial for improving the performance of hot carrier absorbers, optimizing conditions to increase the rates of Auger recombination will further boost the efficiency of these devices.
Thermodynamic coupling in micro-nanocavity graphene/paraffin phase change energy storage materials under impact loading
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Yu Junhong , Huang Wentian , Di Jun , Cai Jinming , Hu Jianbo
Published: February 2025

Micro-nanocavity graphene/paraffin nanocomposites (MNGPNs) are emerging as promising phase change materials for passive thermal management in electronics, utilizing the superior thermal conductivity of graphene in conjunction with the excellent heat storage capacity of paraffin. However, current assessments of MNGPNs thermal management performance are primarily conducted under laboratory static conditions, which do not fully represent the complex overload environments encountered in practical applications. In this study, we conducted strain freezing experiments using a split Hopkinson pressure bar and performed recovery analysis to investigate the influence of dynamic loading on thermal behavior through postmortem microstructural characterizations. Our findings reveal significant thermodynamic coupling effects in the in-plane direction, while coupling effects in the out-of-plane direction were less apparent. Specifically, the increase in internal thermal resistance under impact loading, due to the cracking, shedding, and directional changes in the graphene structure, diminishes the heat transfer capacity of MNGPNs in the in-plane direction. Alternations in interfacial thermal resistance caused by the layer compression and shedding affect the out-of-plane heat transfer capacity. Furthermore, the thermal behavior of MNGPNs was validated through heat dissipation experiments. This work provides valuable insights for the practical thermal management applications of MNGPNs, highlighting their performance from a dynamic perspective.
High temperature complementary heterojunction tunnel field-effect transistors for low-power circuits
Authors: Goo Dongbeom , Seo Ganghyeok , Lim Hongsik , Won Uiyeon , Lee Jongseok , Jin Taehyeok , Sung Kyunghwan , Lee Taehun , Kim Jinkyu , Lee Seok , Cho Jaehyun , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Cho Sungjae
Published: February 2025

Tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) is emerging as a promising alternative to overcome the thermionic limit of 60 mV/dec in subthreshold swing (SS) inherent to metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor through the band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) mechanism. TFET offers significant potential for applications in future industries, such as low-power sensors and wearable devices, where extreme energy efficiency is critical. Notably, due to the characteristic of the BTBT mechanism, TFET can maintain stable SS performance even at high temperature, enabling low-power operation under such condition. Although numerous theoretical predictions and simulations support this capability, experimental validation has not yet been demonstrated. As electric and autonomous vehicles advance, the demand for automotive semiconductors has increased, highlighting the importance of transistor technology that remains stable at high temperatures and consumes less power. Here, we report high temperature TFETs showing SS < 60 mV/dec through vertical heterojunction of two-dimensional semiconductors. n-TFET and p-TFET were implemented via BP-MoS2 and WSe2-ReS2 heterojunction, respectively. Both TFETs reached SSmin under 50 mV/dec at room temperature and maintained SS1dec_avg under 60 mV/dec up to 400 K. These findings pave the way for low-power circuits capable of operation in harsh environments.
Three-dimensional/one-dimensional seamlessly coupled simulation of cavitating flow in reciprocating positive displacement pumps and their piping
Authors: Munsch Pascal , Gianfelice Tobias , Feist Michael , Schlücker Eberhard , Skoda Romuald
Published: February 2025

A novel three-dimensional/one-dimensional (3D/1D) coupled simulation method is applied to study cavitation dynamics in a simplex plunger positive displacement pump. The compressible 3D unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations are solved by a finite volume method, using deforming meshes and a two-way coupled fluid–structure interaction approach for modeling fluid-actuated valve dynamics. The method incorporates a mass transfer cavitation model and accounts for non-dissolved air. Structural compliance is approximated by an enhanced fluid compressibility. The 3D method is seamlessly coupled with a 1D method of characteristics for the suction-side piping, using a finite difference flow solver. Spurious reflections at the 3D/1D coupling interface are minimized by equalizing the discretization errors of the 3D and the 1D solver. A partially reflective boundary treatment controls wave reflections at the suction side boundary of the 1D domain. Experimental validation is carried out using time-resolved pressure and flow rate data for both single-phase and cavitating flow condition. The method captures essential cavitation phenomena such as water hammer and the interaction of void structures. Remaining deviations from data observed during the initial valve opening phase are attributed to the omission of adhesion effects. We highlight that incorporating non-dissolved air into the cavitation model and using the 1D method for piping flow simulation, rather than conventional boundary conditions in the 3D solver, significantly improves the accuracy in reproducing the measured pressure characteristics.
Electrophoresis of soft particles in a non-Newtonian power-law fluidic microenvironment
Authors: Bag Naren , Singh Komal , Sarkar Sankar , Ohshima Hiroyuki , Gopmandal Partha Pratim
Published: February 2025

The core-shell structured soft particles resemble various classes of bioparticles and environmental entities. The presence of the functional group within the peripheral soft layer may lead to volumetric charge distribution. Besides, depending on the Brinkmann screening length, the shell layer allows penetration of electrolyte ions, and thus, the classical ζ-potential loses its meaning for such composite particles and comprehensive study on the electrophoretic motion of such particles is required. Considering the importance, we made a systematic study on the electrophoresis of pH-regulated soft particles suspended in non-Newtonian background buffer solution. For such a case the coupling between electrostatics and non-Newtonian fluid rheological behavior complicates the particle motion. The widely used power-law model is adopted to consider the non-Newtonian behavior of background buffer solution. Going beyond the Debye–Hückel electrostatic framework, we have obtained numerical results for electrophoretic velocity of soft particles. We have further deduced analytical results for the electrophoretic velocity under various electrostatic and hydrodynamic limits. The impact of pertinent parameters on the particle motion in a non-Newtonian background solution is further illustrated. The magnitude in particle velocity is significantly high when the background fluidic medium is shear thinning in nature, however it reduces with the rise in flow behavior index due to enhanced viscous effect of the background medium. In addition, the impact of pertinent parameters is prominent on the electrophoretic velocity of the particle when the Brinkmann screening length of the peripheral shell layer is large, and their impact further decays with the reduction in Brinkmann screening length.
Rapid preparation of high-performance Mg2Sn thermoelectric materials and their unique role in metal-air batteries
Authors: Luan Xinpeng , Liu Haodong , Wu Shipeng , Wang Jun
Published: February 2025

Magnesium-air batteries hold potential applications due to their high energy density and environmental friendliness. However, the formation of passivation films and the suboptimal standard electrode potential have been primary scientific challenges hindering the rapid advancement of magnesium-air batteries. This study develops Mg2Sn anode materials and conceptualizes a mechanism leveraging their superior thermoelectric properties to enhance the open-circuit voltage and inhibit the formation of passivation films. By employing a self-designed magnesium saturation temperature smelting method, high-performance n-type and p-type Mg2Sn thermoelectric materials are synthesized rapidly in the air. Notably, the n-type thermoelectric material exhibits a peak power factor of up to 4.83 mW m−1 K−2 and a thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) exceeding 1. A unique Mg2Sn-air battery is engineered to utilize thermoelectric effects for modulating the built-in electric field. This design not only compensates for the open-circuit voltage but also harnesses the Seebeck electromotive force generated by Mg2Sn to suppress the formation of passivation films on the anode surface, giving the high thermoelectric performance Mg2Sn, which tends to deliquesce in air, a unique application prospect. It elucidates a pathway for utilizing thermoelectric effects to synergistically enhance the electrochemical performance of metal-air batteries.
Active rheology of soft solids performed with acoustical tweezers
Authors: Penneron Antoine , Brunet Thomas , Baresch Diego
Published: February 2025

Single-beam acoustical tweezers are used to manipulate individual microbubbles and provide quantitative measurements of the local shear modulus of soft hydrogels. The microbubbles are directly generated by electrolysis of the hydrogel, and their displacement is detected using optical microscopy in the focal plane of a focused vortex beam. Microbubbles displaced off-axis can be pulled by a restoring radial force component that forms a stable two-dimensional trap. We also observe an off-axis tangential microbubble motion that is due to the transfer of the beam's angular momentum flux. A simple elastic model for the hydrogel deformation combined with radiation force calculations finally provides local values of the medium's shear modulus, which are found to be in good agreement with standard bulk measurements performed with a rheometer. Our results suggest that acoustical tweezers are relevant tools to characterize the local mechanical properties of complex soft materials, opening opportunities in the field of active rheology.
Determinants of women small ruminant farmers’ perceptions of climate change impact in Northern Benin
Authors: Dimon Elodie , Toukourou Youssouf , Egah Janvier , Assani Seidou Alassan , Diogo Rodrigue Vivien Cao , Alkoiret Traore Ibrahim
Published: February 2025

Context The effectiveness of adaptation strategies employed by women small ruminant farmers to combat climate change depends on the accuracy of their perceptions. However, these women’s perceptions are not well understood and are seldom considered in climate change adaptation policies. Aims The aim of this study is to analyze the perceptions of women herders of small ruminants on the effects of climate change in four communes in northern Benin. Methods A total of 120 women farmers were purposefully selected and surveyed. Sociodemographic parameters and the perception rates of these farmers were analyzed using a multinomial logit model to understand the determinants of climate change perception. Key results All surveyed women perceived the effects of climate change, such as delayed rains (73%), early cessation of rains (70%), floods (87.5%), irregular rainfall (62.5%), poor spatial distribution of rains (98%), increased heat (95%), reduced coolness (61.17%), increased strong winds (81%) and wind direction instability (64%) over the past 20 years. Age, education level, farming experience, family size, extension contact, the number of sheep and the number of goats were factors that contributed to evaluating these women’s perceptions of climate change. Conclusions In conclusion, climate change is making livestock farming highly vulnerable. It leads to a scarcity of pastoral resources and a deterioration in animal health. This study recommends promoting training actions for women pastoralists, so that they could be better prepared for preventing and coping with climatic disasters. Implications Future research should compare the differences in adaptation strategies implemented by men and women herders who are better prepared to prevent and cope with climate-related disasters.
Attributes and effects of the invasive air-breathing freshwater snail Physa acuta on ecosystem properties and services
Authors: Collado Gonzalo A. , Damborenea Cristina , Darrigran Gustavo , Alonso Álvaro
Published: February 2025

Context Freshwater ecosystems can experience significant disturbance from the introduction of non-native species. The sewage snail (SWGS), Physa acuta, has invaded numerous countries globally; however, a comprehensive assessment of its impacts is still lacking. Aims Our objective was to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the impacts of SWGS on ecosystem services. Methods The impacts of this invasive snail were synthesised from 135 references retrieved from the literature. The frequency of positive and negative effects on ecosystem services was compared using Fisher’s exact test. Key results The number of negative effects of SWGS was higher than the positive effects on cultural services (72 v. 28% respectively) and on provisioning services (67 v. 33% respectively). All effects on regulating and maintenance services were negative, which represents a statistically significant trend when compared with cultural and provisioning services. Conclusions SWGS primarily exerts negative effects on ecosystem services. However, it also enhances certain provisioning services related to biodiversity (e.g. increasing number of ciliate species). Additionally, it contributes to cultural services such as health (e.g. bioindicator for heavy metals) and research (e.g. study model). Implications Our study underscores the need for comprehensive assessments to evaluate the impact of invasive species on ecosystem services, offering valuable insights for informed management strategies.
Photon-drag photovoltaic effects and quantum geometric nature
Authors: Xie Ying-Ming , Nagaosa Naoto
Published: February 2025

The bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) generates a direct current photocurrent under uniform irradiation and is a nonlinear optical effect traditionally studied in noncentrosymmetric materials. The two main origins of BPVE are the shift and injection currents, arising from transitions in electron position and electron velocity during optical excitation, respectively. Recently, it was proposed that photon-drag effects could unlock BPVE in centrosymmetric materials. However, experimental progress remains limited. In this work, we provide a comprehensive theoretical analysis of photon-drag effects inducing BPVE (photon-drag BPVE). Notably, we find that photon-drag BPVE can be directly linked to quantum geometric tensors. Additionally, we propose that photon-drag shift currents can be fully isolated from other current contributions in nonmagnetic centrosymmetric materials. We apply our theory explicitly to the 2D topological insulator 1
T
′
-WTe
2
. Furthermore, we investigate photon-drag BPVE in a centrosymmetric magnetic Weyl semimetal, where we demonstrate that linearly polarized light generates photon-drag shift currents.
The common HAQ STING allele prevents clinical penetrance of COPA syndrome
Authors: Simchoni Noa , Koide Shogo , Likhite Maryel , Kuchitsu Yoshihiko , Kadirvel Senkottuvelan , Law Christopher S. , Elicker Brett M. , Kurra Santosh , Wong Margaret Mei-Kay , Yuan Bo , Grossi Alice , Laxer Ronald M. , Volpi Stefano , Dissanayake Dilan , Taguchi Tomohiko , Beck David B. , Vogel Tiphanie P. , Shum Anthony K.
Published: February 2025

COPA syndrome, an autosomal-dominant inborn error of immunity, is nonpenetrant in ∼20% of individuals, with no known mediators of protection. Recent studies implicate STING in the pathogenesis of COPA syndrome. We show that the common HAQ STING allele mediates complete clinical protection. We sequenced 35 individuals with COPA mutations, 26 affected patients and 9 unaffected carriers, finding HAQ STING co-segregation with clinical nonpenetrance. Exome sequencing identified only the mutations comprising HAQ STING as variants shared by unaffected carriers and absent in patients. Experimentally, we found that HAQ STING acts dominantly to dampen COPA-dependent STING signaling. Expressing HAQ STING in patient cells rescued the molecular phenotype of COPA syndrome. Our study is the first report of a common and well-tolerated allele mediating complete clinical protection from a severe genetic disorder. Our findings redefine the diagnostic criteria for COPA syndrome, expose functional differences among STING alleles with broad scientific and clinical implications, and reveal a potential universal gene therapy approach for patients.
Study of transient arc properties near current zero in an experimental CO2 high-voltage circuit breaker
Authors: Engelbrecht Joseph T , Gortschakow Sergey , Methling Ralf , Pietrzak Pawel , Franck Christian M
Published: February 2025

CO2 has emerged as a leading candidate in the search for a more environmentally friendly alternative to SF6. In high-voltage circuit breakers, where the gas serves as both gaseous insulation and switching medium, commercially available solutions use CO2 either alone or as the primary component of a mixture. In order for breakers to provide the performance necessary to support growing energy demands, a thorough understanding of the transient arc properties of CO2 during the current interruption process is urgently needed. To support these efforts, an experimental puffer circuit breaker has been developed to study thermal interruption in CO2 with a high degree of control, under conditions otherwise comparable to a commercial breaker exposed to short-line fault-like current and voltage stresses. This test setup was used together with high-speed imaging and optical emission spectroscopy (OES) to measure the temporal evolution of a CO2 arc’s radial temperature profile in the stagnation region near the instant of current interruption, over a period ranging from −200 μs to 40 μs relative to current zero. A novel diagnostic technique, intensified video optical emission spectroscopy, has been applied for detailed analysis of plasma properties. This technique allows for evaluation of time-dependent temperature decay with microsecond resolution through current zero, which is not possible with OES methods. Results showed little temperature variation more than 50 μs before current zero, with changes in current mainly found to affect the arc cross-section. Fast temperature decay was limited to a period within 20 μs of current zero, when maximum temperatures dropped from 12000K to 7000 K, with a stable temperature near 6000K measurable up to 40 μs after current interruption. The results also revealed the influence of nozzle erosion on the arc temperature profile, showing that new nozzles provide stronger cooling, resulting in a higher temperature, more constricted arc.
A standalone and cost-effective MR-compatible computer numerical control machine for simultaneous, multi-parameter mapping
Authors: Oiye Ivan Etoku , Poojar Pavan , Qian Enlin , Vaughan John Thomas , Geethanath Sairam
Published: February 2025

Measuring parameters like magnetic field strength and temperature inside a magnet bore is of interest to characterize the system and use that information for downstream image quality improvement or to determine safety thresholds. Multiple commercial measurement systems are available to achieve this goal. However, these systems are often expensive, utilizing proprietary hardware and software, and making adjustments for specific applications is challenging, if not prohibitive. In this work, we design, build, and test a simple, MR compatible 3D movement robot with a sensor holder as a standalone system using a Raspberry Pi and a 16-channel ADC hat. This design costs less than $1200 and is assembled from widely available components with a working volume of 397x398x310 mm³. We demonstrate the 3D field mapping of a 47mT scanner and six-inch wide disc magnets as examples of the robot's use over multiple trials and geometries. We simultaneously mapped data from one magnetic flux density sensor and three temperature probes. We found the measurements highly repeatable, with the maximum value of the average coefficient of variation across space and time measurements from multiple experiments less than 3.5%. We characterized our robot’s spatial accuracy, acoustic noise, and vibrations and found them to be capable of 0.5mm spatial resolution, less than 75dB, and less than 1m/s2 during periods of probe movement.
Bed sensor ballistocardiogram for non-invasive detection of atrial fibrillation: a comprehensive clinical study
Authors: Sandelin Jonas , Lahdenoja Olli , Elnaggar Ismail , Rekola Rami , Anzanpour Arman , Seifizarei Sepehr , Kaisti Matti , Koivisto Tero , Lehto Joonas , Nuotio Joel , Jaakkola Jussi , Relander Arto , Vasankari Tuija , Airaksinen Juhani , Kiviniemi Tuomas
Published: February 2025

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia associatedwith significant morbidity and mortality. Early detection and continuous monitoringof AFib are crucial for prevention of complications such as stroke. In this paper, weexplore the potential of using a ballistocardiogram (BCG) based bed-sensor to detectAFib through a comprehensive clinical study consisting of night hospital recordingsfor 116 patients split into 72 training subjects and 44 test subjects. The study usesestablished methods such as autocorrelation in order to detect AFib from the BCGsignals. Spot and continuous Holter ECG were used as the reference methods todetect AFib against which the BCG rhythm classifications were compared Our findingssuggest that this innovative approach holds promise for accurate and non-invasivecontinuous monitoring of AFib, contributing to improved patient care and outcomes.With full overnight recordings we were able to detect AFib with 94% accuracy withthe train set by using a rule-based method and achieving AUROC score of 97% for thetest set using a machine learning model trained with the training set.
Machine learning models for Si nanoparticle growth in nonthermal plasma
Authors: Raymond Matt , Elvati Paolo , Saldinger Jacob Charles , Lin Jonathan , Shi Xuetao , Violi Angela
Published: February 2025

Nanoparticles (NPs) formed in nonthermal plasmas (NTPs) can have unique properties and applications. However, modeling their growth in these environments presents significant challenges due to the non-equilibrium nature of NTPs, making them computationally expensive to describe. In this work, we address the challenges associated with accelerating the estimation of parameters needed for these models. Specifically, we explore how different machine learning models can be tailored to improve prediction outcomes. We apply these methods to reactive classical molecular dynamics data, which capture the processes associated with colliding silane fragments in NTPs. These reactions exemplify processes where qualitative trends are clear, but their quantification is challenging, hard to generalize, and requires time-consuming simulations. Our results demonstrate that good prediction performance can be achieved when appropriate loss functions are implemented and correct invariances are imposed. While the diversity of molecules used in the training set is critical for accurate prediction, our findings indicate that only a fraction (15-25%) of the energy and temperature sampling is required to achieve high levels of accuracy. This suggests a substantial reduction in computational effort is possible for similar systems.
An ISSA-TCN short-term urban power load forecasting model with error factor
Authors: Fan Chaodong , Li Gongrong , Xiao Leyi , Yi Lingzhi , Nie Shanghao
Published: February 2025

Under the general trend that all industries try to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, urban power load forecasting directly affects energy planning and power system management decisions. In this regard, this paper proposes an improved salp swarm algorithm (ISSA) optimized temporal convolutional network (TCN) load forecasting model with error factor. The model first introduces the SSA and improves it through adaptive leader scale adjustment, position update modification, and boundary adjustment strategy, aiming to improve the algorithm's pre-global search and post-local search ability; then, apply the improved algorithm to hyperparameters optimization for TCN, aiming to search for the optimal hyperparameters combination for different power load data, and the forecasting main model is constructed; Finally, to further enhance the accuracy and stability of power load forecasting, the paper considers the forecasting error of the main model and designs a specialized error auxiliary model. Test comparisons with different algorithms on the CEC2017 benchmark function were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm improvement. In addition, load forecasting experiments were conducted using data from three cities, and the forecast error values were lower than those of other forecasting models under three identical error metrics, showing good short-term load forecasting performance
Anharmonic corrections to the free energy and to the spectrum of collective modes in the 2d Wigner crystal
Authors: Kalinichenko Igor
Published: February 2025

In this paper we study the effect of anharmonicity on equilibrium properties of thetwo-dimensional Wigner crystal. The leading-order perturbation theory is used restrictedto high- and zero-temperature limits. The correction to the harmonic free energy of acrystal is found in both regimes. The correction to the Dulong-Petit law is found, whichappears to be positive. The shifts to the spectrum of the harmonic phonon frequenciesare calculated. In the high-temperature limit, it is shown that the anharmonicity softensall the spectrum of phonon frequencies, and the shifts are rather small. In the quantumlimit, the anharmonicity softens only the lower transverse branch, whereas for the upperlongitudinal branch the corrections are multidirectional. The relative shifts even close toquantum melting are less than 15%. The phonon lifetimes are also calculated for bothlimits. We find Wigner crystal to be rather harmonic, at least in the limits consideredOur findings can be used for the experiments on equilibrium properties of Wigner crystalsas well as for the theoretical investigation of the phase diagram of interacting electrons.
Theoretical approach to study Li self-diffusivities dependence on composition in lithium niobate single crystals
Authors: Hboub Hamza , Zelmati Omar , Masaif Noureddine
Published: February 2025

This study proposes an Arrhenius laws formula for lithium self-diffusion in lithium niobate single crystals (LiNbO3, LN) as a function of nonstoichiometry x, with general formula, Li1-5xNb1+xV4xO3 based on the ferroelectric phase transition theory in lithium niobate. This approach demonstrates that the variation in Li self-diffusivities depends on factors such as mass, charge, defect structure, and, consequently, temperature. This theoretical investigation enables us to reproduce the measured data of Li diffusivities in LN single crystals of three different compositions with various ratios of Li/(Li+Nb) = 0.499, 0.494, 0.486 by a mixed vacancy model.
Optimizing controlled degradation, bioactivity, and mechanical behaviour in sol-gel synthesized aluminium titanate biomaterials
Authors: B Shanmugapriya , Sathiyaseelan Shailajha , Muthulakshmi Sakthi
Published: February 2025

Abstract Orthopaedic applications require materials that balance mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and controlled degradation, particularly for bone regeneration and load-bearing purposes. This study investigates the effects of varying weight percentages of Al2O3 and TiO2 (25:75, 50:50, and 75:25) on the characteristics of Al2TiO5 biomaterials synthesized via the sol-gel method. Structural and chemical characterizations, including XRD and FTIR, confirmed the successful synthesis of phase-pure Al2TiO5, highlighting functional groups such as Al–O and Ti–O. Among the tested compositions, the 50:50 ratio exhibited the strongest antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, comparable to a commercial antibiotic, while also promoting hydroxyapatite (HAp) deposition in simulated body fluid (SBF). Additionally, cytotoxicity assessments using the L929 murine fibroblast cell line revealed that the 50:50 composition had the lowest toxicity. All formulations demonstrated controlled degradation, minimizing pH fluctuations and enhancing bioactivation and biocompatibility. Zeta potential analysis indicated that the 50:50 composition exhibited the most negative values over time, suggesting strong surface interactions with SBF and a favourable environment for HAp nucleation. Furthermore, the compressive strength of all formulations (71–74 MPa) was sufficient for load-bearing applications. These findings suggest that optimizing the 50:50 weight ratio enhances bioactivity, mechanical stability, and biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for orthopedic and bone tissue engineering applications.
Quantitative assessment of the potential benefits of global afforestation on ecosystem productivity
Authors: Ren Jintong , Xiao Jianhua , Ma Jun , He Panxing
Published: February 2025

Accurately estimating the contribution of afforestation/deforestation to the ecosystem’s gross primary productivity (GPP) is necessary for developing future afforestation policy. However, there is currently a lack of reports on quantitative assessments of the potential consequences of afforestation or deforestation on GPP over the global. Here, we used a 30 m high-resolution forest raster map and a satellite-driven GPP product to assess GPP differences under various afforestation/deforestation scenarios using space rather than time. Our results showed that: (1) Globally, the probability of high-intensity afforestation and high-intensity deforestation was extremely low (4.64%). Under this hypothetical scenario, the potential GPP of afforestation can reach 734.13 g C m-2 year-1, significantly higher than in previous scenarios. Although the probability of concurrent low and medium afforestation and deforestation was up to 41.37%, the potential value of afforestation to promote GPP increase was only 219.56 g C m-2 year-1. (2) The potential of afforestation to boost GPP varies significantly across space and time. In general, the accumulation of GPP is facilitated by proximity to the equatorial forest type, such as evergreen broad-leaved forest. However, as latitudinal zonality increases, the fixed GPP potential of high-latitude coniferous forests decreases significantly. Summer (particularly June) has the highest potential for afforestation to enhance GPP by more than twice as much as other seasons, and this pattern holds globally. (3) Afforestation costs vary substantially depending on the forest type and cover. Afforestation in rainforest areas with a better water-heat mix often requires a higher GPP to obtain the desired effect. Low-density forests dominated by temperate or cold zones yield significantly lower GPP benefits than afforestation in tropical rainforests. The present study quantifies the potential impact of afforestation on GPP for the first time and provides guidelines for future afforestation planning in various regions.
Recent Progress of Neuromorphic Sensory and Optoelectronic Systems
Authors: Nam San , Kang Donghyun , Jo Jeong-Wan , Kang Dong-Won , Park Sung Kyu , Kim Yong-Hoon
Published: February 2025

With the rise of the artificial intelligence (AI), neuromorphic sensory systems that emulate the five basic human sensations including tactility, audition, olfaction, gustation, and vision have attracted significant attention. In particular, research on integrating sensors with artificial synapses is being carried out extensively. These studies offer valuable opportunities for making another breakthrough in AI technology, including autonomous systems, real-time monitoring systems, human-machine interactions. In this review, we introduce promising reports of neuromorphic sensory systems. Specifically, the core sensing material, device architecture, fabrication process, and applications of the proposed systems are presented in detail. Finally, the unsolved challenges and the prospects of neuromorphic sensory systems are discussed.
Acoustofluidic pick-and-place operation for label-free spatial assembly of cellular spheroid
Authors: Yin Qiu , Chen Keke , Zhou Chenyang , Su Yimeng , Yu Xianglin , Feng Shiwei , Wang Xiaolin , Ma Zhichao , Zhang Wen-Ming
Published: February 2025

Cellular spheroids, closely resembling native tissue microenvironments, have emerged as pivotal constructs in tissue engineering due to their ability to naturally facilitate complex cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. However, current methods for constructing spheroid assembloids with spatial arrangement or heterogeneous structures are limited, which has become a barrier for studying tissue engineering and in vitro disease modeling. Here, we demonstrate an acoustofluidic pick-and-place operation system capable of spatially assembling of spheroids into desired patterns in both 2D and 3D spaces. The underlying physical mechanism of the device are systematically studied to explain the interrelationship between trapping cell spheroids and acoustic streaming and acoustic radiation force (ARF) induced by acoustically activated microneedle. We exploited these mechanisms to successfully transfer cellular spheroids into hydrogel solutions, enabling them to be precisely patterned and fused into assemblies of predefined shapes. Besides, we demonstrate arranging MC3T3-E1 cellular spheroids into a ring shape to fabricate the osteogenic tissues. Besides, a co-culture model involving tumor cells (MCF-7) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) is constructed to validate our method's ability to reconstruct heterogeneous tumor model, revealing that that fibroblast spheroids promote tumor spheroid invasion. Our method holds significant potential in a range of applications including regenerative medicine, disease model construction and drug screening.
Laser-assisted Manufacturing for Sensors
Authors: han jing , Xin Di , Pang Jinbo , Zhao Lili , Sun Dehui , Zheng Yang , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhao Zhenhuan , Zhang Xiaoli , Sun Qijun , Liu Hong , Zhou Weijia
Published: February 2025

The laser-assisted manufacturing technology has significant advantages in meeting various demands such as complex structures, functional integration, customized devices, and cost-effectiveness, which allow it to be a highly attractive option for fabricating sensors. In this review, the latest advancements and strategies in intelligent sensor development through laser processing were surveyed and outlined following the interaction of laser and materials. Laser-assisted manufacturing technologies have been extensively applied in materials science and device processing. Firstly, laser technology can be utilized in a wide range of materials, encompassing carbon-based materials, metals, and metallic oxides. In the field of device scale processing, laser manufacturing is widely used in micro/nano structures, planar device construction, and stereoscopic electronic devices such as cutting, engraving, and lithography. Additionally, laser technology provides robust support for sensor applications, covering fields such as pressure sensing, temperature sensing, gas sensing and biosensors. Furthermore, laser considerably serves in real application areas such as multifunctional sensing systems, actuators, and robots. The widespread application of laser manufacturing technology in sensor platform fabrication offers effective solutions for realizing the miniaturization, multifunctionality, and integration of sensors.
The Impact of Vibration on the Deterioration of Suspended Discharge in Oil-paper Insulation
Authors: Yu Hua , Liu Hong , Wang Xuan , Chen Qingsong , Li Guodong
Published: February 2025

Partial discharge is considered one of the main reasons for insulation degradation. To investigate the effect of suspended discharge on oil-paper insulation degradation under mechanical vibration, a test platform for suspended electrode-paper insulation degradation was constructed. Experimental studies were conducted under static and mechanical vibration conditions. The results showed that mechanical vibration promotes the development of discharge, alters the electrode gap, enhances the electric field intensity ahead of the elec-trode tip, and accelerates the degradation of oil-paper insulation. During operation, ultra-high-voltage shunt reactors experience continuous vibrations, which can lead to loosening and detachment of components, forming suspended potentials in insulating oil, thereby causing partial discharges.
Heat impacts on school sports club activities in Japan under climate change and the effectiveness of countermeasures
Authors: Oyama Takahiro , Takakura Jun'ya , Hosokawa Yuri , Honda Yasushi , Fujii Minoru , Nakajima Kenichi , Hijioka Yasuaki
Published: February 2025

Millions of students in Japan participate in school sports club activities, where thousands of heat illness cases occur every year. With future climate change, there is concern about the increased health risks posed to students in sports club activities by the worsening heat environment. However, few studies have quantitatively assessed the heat illness risks associated with school sports activities and the effectiveness of countermeasures under future climate change scenarios. Here, we evaluated the impact of heat and effectiveness of countermeasures based on hourly wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) projections under multiple climate scenarios. For the 2060s to 2080s, even under a stringent greenhouse gas (GHG) emission control scenario (SSP1-1.9), strenuous exercise will be restricted for one to four months in five out of eight WBGT zones defined for Japan and for one to six months in six zones under the scenario with little control of GHG emissions (SSP5-8.5). In three of the four scenarios, unlike in the past, all physical activity should be stopped at least once a week in one or more zones. While common countermeasures like early morning exercise and reducing outdoor activity frequency effectively reduce heat illness risks, under the most pessimistic scenario (SSP5-8.5), strenuous exercise would still need to be restricted for one to four months in warmer zones, even with these measures. Common heat illness countermeasures remain necessary for sports club activities at present. However, further measures—such as replacing outdoor activities with indoor sessions—and behavioral changes—such as moving tournaments concentrated during summer vacation to cooler times of the year—will be inevitable as global warming progresses.
Effects of Virtual Reality Versus Narrative Case Study on Empathy and Ageist Attitudes in Prelicensure Nursing Students
Authors: Quay Catherine , Dickinson Jane K. , O’Connell Kathleen
Published: February 2025

AIM

This study examined the effects of a virtual reality (VR) experience on empathy and attitudes toward older adults in prelicensure nursing students.

BACKGROUND

With an aging global population and concerns about age bias in health care and its role in health disparities, nurse educators must develop educational strategies that improve empathy and decrease bias.

METHOD

A sample of 61 second-degree, prelicensure nursing students participated in a quasi-experimental, comparison group study. The intervention group participated in a VR experience; the comparison group completed a narrative case study.

RESULTS

A mixed analysis of variance showed that both groups significantly improved from pretest to posttest for both empathy and attitudes, and there were no differences between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The observed findings suggest that both the narrative case study and VR were effective at improving empathy and attitudes.
Medicaid Expansion, Uninsurance Rates, and Catastrophic Costs at the Time of Emergency Gynecologic Surgery
Authors: Carrillo-Kappus Kristen , Albright Benjamin , Unnithan Shakthi , Erkanli Alaattin , Moss Haley
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the effect of Medicaid expansion on uninsurance rates and catastrophic charges from emergency surgical management of ectopic pregnancy and ovarian torsion using difference-in-difference analysis and to evaluate for racial and ethnic disparities.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using 2012–2018 State Inpatient Data and State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases in four states: Kentucky and Maryland (expansion) and Florida and North Carolina (nonexpansion). Patients undergoing surgical management of ovarian torsion or ectopic pregnancy were included. Logistic regression models were used controlling for year and expansion type; a difference-in-difference treatment indicator was used to evaluate changes in uninsurance rates and catastrophic spending (hospital charges more than 10% of estimated annual median income) among those uninsured. We then examined race and ethnicity for those uninsured before and after expansion by state.

RESULTS:

A total of 594,116 patients were included. Before expansion, the percent of patients uninsured was higher in nonexpansion states (6.5%) compared with expansion states (5.1%). After expansion, the percent uninsured decreased from 5.1% to 2.4% in expansion states compared with 6.5% to 5.3% in nonexpansion states. The interaction between expansion year and Medicaid expansion status was significant (P<.001). Pre-expansion percent catastrophic charges among uninsured patients were higher in nonexpansion states compared with expansion states (96.7% vs 85.7%). After expansion, the percent catastrophic financial burden remained higher at 96.9% in nonexpansion states compared with 82.5% in expansion states. The interaction between expansion year and Medicaid expansion status was significant (P<.001). The uninsured gap between Black or African American and White patients in expansion states after expansion was 0.5%—relatively unchanged—compared with 11.6% for Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients, an increase from 8.3% before expansion.

CONCLUSION:

Medicaid expansion was associated with reductions in uninsured hospitalizations and catastrophic charges after gynecologic surgical emergencies and was associated with differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients.
Prediction of Hepatitis C Virus Perinatal Transmission in Pregnant Individuals With Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Sandoval Grecio J. , Saade George R. , Hughes Brenna L. , Clifton Rebecca G. , Reddy Uma M. , Bartholomew Anna , Salazar Ashley , Chien Edward K. , Tita Alan T. N. , Thorp John M. , Metz Torri D. , Wapner Ronald J. , Sabharwal Vishakha , Simhan Hyagriv N. , Swamy Geeta K. , Heyborne Kent D. , Sibai Baha M. , Grobman William A. , El-Sayed Yasser Y. , Casey Brian M. , Parry Samuel , Macones George A. , Prasad Mona ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network
Published: February 2025

Our objective was to develop a prediction model for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection perinatal transmission to improve triage for neonatal follow-up. This was a secondary analysis of HCV antibody–positive participants who were enrolled in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network multicenter observational study of HCV infection in pregnancy. Among 432 participants, the perinatal transmission rate was 6.0% (95% CI, 4.0–8.7%). The prediction model was developed and included two factors: maternal HCV RNA titer greater than 106 international units/mL and having had any antepartum bleeding. Using this model, the area under the curve for perinatal transmission was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.67–0.86). Probabilities of perinatal transmission of HCV infection ranged from 1.5% (a pregnant individual with HCV RNA 106 international units/mL or less and no antepartum bleeding) to 28.5% (a pregnant individual with an HCV RNA titer greater than 106 international units/mL and antepartum bleeding). Our results provide data to aid in clinical counseling of pregnant individuals with positive HCV antibodies. Additional research is needed to externally validate this prediction model.