bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexibility, Dispersion Property, and Giant Sunlight Absorption of Monolayer MX2 (M = Zr, Hf; X = S, Se) and Related Janus MXY (M = Zr, Hf; X = S, Y = Se)
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Zhao Qi‐yi , Wang Jia‐sheng , Jiang Kai , Wang Kai‐tao , Zhao Xi‐yang , Ji Yang , Wei Xiu‐qin , Zheng Ji‐ming , Li Lu
Published: October 2024

IVB–VIA transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) MX2 (M = Zr, Hf; X = S, Se) and related Janus MXY (M = Zr, Hf; X = S, Y = Se) have garnered significant attention due to their unique optoelectronic properties. To further explore their potential in flexible photonics, their mechanical, band dispersion, and optical dielectric properties using orbital hybrid theory are investigated. The results reveal that the out‐of‐plane linear compression resistance of these materials is considerably lower than their in‐plane resistance, primarily because van der Waals interactions are much weaker compared to ionic bond interactions. This characteristic makes them less susceptible to external pressure and torsional forces, positioning them as promising candidates for flexible optoelectronic devices. Furthermore, the presence of multiple energy bands at the same momentum state suggests a tendency toward metal–insulator transitions. Notably, the materials exhibit a high photon flux, indicating robust photoelectric conversion capabilities, making them suitable for applications in photoelectric transducers. This study not only deepens the understanding of the optoelectronic and mechanical properties of IVB–VIA TMD materials, but also offers theoretical guidance for the development and application of flexible optoelectronic devices based on IVB‐VIA TMDs and related Janus materials.
Did court dismiss fraternity members’ legal action?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: October 2024

The Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Office at the University of California Riverside received a report expressing concern for the health of a pledge in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Hurricane Katrina survivor uses her experience to step up for college students facing challenges
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: October 2024

Rhonda Mouton, Ed.D., understands what it's like to face housing uncertainty. In 2005, she and her family fled New Orleans just prior to Hurricane Katrina. She lost her home and her daycare business and had to begin anew.
Dopant‐Free Hole Transport Material Based on Non‐Covalent Interaction for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tan Junhong , Zhang Jin , Sun Hao , Chen Kaixing , Gao Xing , Zhang Ping , Zhong Cheng , Wu Fei , Li Zhong'an , Zhu Linna
Published: October 2024

Hole transport materials (HTMs) have a critical impact on the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Especially, the dopant‐free HTMs could avoid the usage of hygroscopic dopants and reduce costs, which are important for device stability. Most of the current organic dopant‐free HTMs are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons‐based planar conjugated structures. Yet, the synthesis of conjugated fused heterocycles is often complicated. In this work, intramolecular non‐covalent interaction is introduced to construct two organic HTMs (DCT and DTC), which can be facilely obtained through simple reactions. Compared to DTC with hexyl chain on the central benzene ring, DCT with hexyloxy chains shows better planarity in the core structure, as a result of the intramolecular non‐covalent interactions between oxygen on hexyloxy and sulfur atom on the adjacent thiophene, as reflected from its single crystal structure. Moreover, DCT in a pristine state shows a decent hole mobility comparable to the doped Spiro‐OMeTAD. Ultimately, conventional devices using dopant‐free DCT as HTM show a high efficiency of 22.50%, with excellent long‐term stability, and light and thermal stability. The results show that the noncovalent interaction is a useful and simple design strategy for dopant‐free HTMs, that can effectively improve the efficiency and stability of PSCs.
A Janus Spectrally Selective Glazing Toward All‐Season Energy‐Efficient Windows
Authors: Huang Jingkai , Yuan Liming , Liao Jianming , Liu Yang , Li Dongxian , Wang Yuetang , Lin He , Ji Chen , Ma Xiaoliang , Huang Cheng , Luo Xiangang
Published: October 2024

Windows offer the most promising avenue for mitigating energy consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the balance between comfortable natural lighting and all‐season energy savings is often neglected in extensive explorations of energy‐efficient windows. Herein, a Janus glazing is proposed that enables the switch of passive radiative cooling and heating under the precondition of conveying sufficient natural light. Measurement results indicate that the Janus window maintains a visible transmittance of 0.47, while possesses a near‐infrared (NIR) reflectivity/absorptivity of 0.75/0.71 and a mid‐infrared (MIR) emissivity of 0.94/0.13 for the cooling and heating modes, respectively. As demonstrated by the outdoor test, the Janus window realizes a reduction of 7.1 °C for room cooling and an increase of 0.4 °C for room heating compared with commercial low‐e window, potentially conserving 13%–53% of the total building energy consumption across China. Meanwhile, attributed to the photothermal effect, the Janus window can elevate the surface temperature by 6.1 °C compared with the low‐e window, which can effectively reduce fogging occurrences on the window surface for ensuring sunlight entrance in the cold‐weather conditions. This strategy offers novel prospects for enhancing energy efficiency in diverse applications, including architectural windows, greenhouse cultivation, photovoltaic generation, etc.
Designing High Donor Number Anion Additive for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Jia , Zhang Jingwei , Yu Huaqing , Xi Zihang , Fan Zhenyu , Ren Shuangxin , Liu Xu , Li Kun , Zhao Qing
Published: October 2024

The electrolytes in energy‐dense lithium metal batteries (LMBs) face the challenge of being compatible with both the lithium anode and the high voltage cathodes. Adjusting the solvation structures of the electrolytes by regulating the interaction between ions and solvents is an effective strategy to improve the stability of LMBs. Herein, lithium trifluoroacetate (LiTFA) endowed with high donor number is introduced into ether‐based electrolytes as an additive to regulate the solvation structure and further stabilize the interphase as well as accelerate the interfacial kinetic of LMBs. Due to the strong interaction between TFA− with Li+, the anion‐rich solvation structure with reduced solvent coordination capability is constructed, contributing to the formation of inorganic‐rich interphase layers and facilitate charge transfer reaction. Consequently, the designed electrolyte improves the reversibility of Li plating/stripping with high Coulombic efficiency of 99.24% and enables long‐term cycling of Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) over 100 cycles with a capacity retention of 84.37% under the condition of lean electrolyte, limited Li source and conventional Li‐salt concentration. This work provides an effective and low‐cost strategy to adjust the solvation structure and improve the stability of LMBs without largely sacrificing the intrinsic physicochemical property (viscosity, wettability, ionic conductivity etc.) of electrolytes.
Applicability of Waste from Al Industry toward Dephosphorization of Hot Metal in Primary Steel Making
Authors: Padala Himaja , Das Swagat , Pal Varinder , Goyal Prateek , Misra Superb , Paliwal Manas
Published: October 2024

Managing industrial waste is a global challenge. Red mud is a byproduct of the aluminum industry posing serious concerns. The presence of FeO and CaO in red mud makes it a potential DeP flux. Red mud has been utilized as a DeP flux in previous studies, but these studies deal with low Si content and no P2O5 content in the red mud. However, certain steel makers have high initial Si content (0.6–0.7 wt%) in the hot metal, and with increasing demand for low P steel, new dephosphorization fluxes need to be explored. Addressing this gap, this study investigates red mud's potential as a flux for dephosphorization in hot metal with elevated Si levels. Conducting slag–metal equilibrium experiments at 1350 °C, using red mud‐based fluxes, the research achieves a 40% dephosphorization degree under optimized conditions of double deslagging and fluxing. Analysis via wet chemical methods and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry confirms the effectiveness of the approach. Furthermore, thermodynamic calculations highlight the influence of O2 partial pressure and Si content on dephosphorization efficacy. Through laboratory experiments and theoretical insights, this study provides a valuable roadmap for leveraging red mud as a sustainable flux in hot metal dephosphorization processes, contributing to both waste management and steel production efficiency.
Control of Instantaneous Abnormal Mold Level Fluctuation in Slab Continuous Casting Mold Based on Bidirectional Long Short‐Term Memory Model
Authors: Meng Xiaoliang , Luo Sen , Zhou Yelian , Wang Weiling , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: October 2024

The instantaneous abnormal mold level fluctuation (IAMLF) has significant harmful effects on slab quality. This article proposes a prediction and control method for IAMLF. First, the data processed by difference method is used for the IAMLF prediction and stopper‐rod position prediction. Then, the bidirectional long short‐term memory (BI‐LSTM) is introduced to predict the IAMLF; the corresponding stopper‐rod position is predicted according to the mold level prediction result. BI‐LSTM can predict the IAMLF with the mean absolute error of 1.52 mm and the false alarm rate of 1.8%, and also performs well in predicting the stopper‐rod position with a mean absolute error of only 1.92 mm. Furthermore, the two prediction models are combined to form a closed loop, where the mold level fluctuation is predicted according to the industrial data processed by data difference method, and the stopper‐rod position is adjusted in advance to eliminate IAMLF. Finally, the fuzzy proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller is used to control mold level based on the mold level and stopper‐rod position prediction results. The prediction accuracy of IAMLF reaches 98.4%, and the present proposed fuzzy PID controller can effectively prevent the occurrence of IAMLF with a success rate of 95.6%.
Effect of Ti–Mg–Ce Complex Deoxidation on the Inclusions and Mechanical Properties of S355 Steel
Authors: Li Tianrui , Zhang Xiangjun , Wu Wenping , Zhang Liangliang , Yang Yong , Chen Zhiqiang , Xu Yong , Lv Yong , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: October 2024

Oxide metallurgy technology not only refines the microstructure but also modifies the type, density, and size of inclusions. This study examines the impact of Ti–Mg–Ce composite deoxidation on the inclusions and mechanical properties of S355 steel used for heavy‐duty H‐beams. Compared to base alloy, Ti–Mg–Ce‐added alloy features a higher presence of inclusions such as MgO, TiN (containing Ce), TiOx, and TiS, except for SiO2, Al2O3, MnS, and MnO. Following Ti–Mg–Ce composite deoxidation, the number density of inclusions increases by 16.4%, and the equivalent diameter, length, and width of the inclusions decrease by 41.0%, 41.2%, and 37.9%, respectively. The length of large‐angle grain boundaries in the same area increases by 20%, and the average grain size reduces by 12.5%, resulting in an enhancement of yield strength by 23.6 MPa, tensile strength by 37 MPa, total elongation by 2.1%, and impact energy by 92 J. By employing Ti–Mg–Ce composite deoxidation to optimize inclusions and microstructure, the strength, plasticity, and toughness of the experimental steel are significantly improved.
Novel Strategies for Synthesis and Assessment of Dextran Conjugated 9Z,11E Linoleic Acid on Cancer Cell Lines Viability via Wnt/Beta‐Catenin Signaling Pathway and Apoptosis
Authors: Sevim Akan Handan , Donmez Hanife Guler , Uysaler Bengi , Kaplan Can Hatice
Published: October 2024

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is one of the positional and structural isomers of linoleic acid. Ninety percent of the CLA contained in natural foods is the cis‐9(9Z), trans‐11(11E) isomer. CLA also has anti‐carcinogenic, anti‐adipogenic, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Limited studies aim to elucidate the impact of 9Z,11E‐CLA on Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling.

In this study, we have selected MDA‐MB‐231, T98G, and SAOS‐2 cell lines of various cancer origins and investigate the impact of dextran conjugated 9Z,11E CLA (Dex‐9Z,11E‐CLA) using cell proliferation assay and immunocytochemical methods. Cytotoxic effects of Dex conjugated 9Z,11E CLA are assessed with the MTT method. It analyzed Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling changes using target molecule beta‐catenin, Dickkopf‐1 (Dkk‐1) as a negative regulator, and active caspase3 (CC3) as an apoptotic marker.

Dex‐9Z,11E‐CLA is shown to suppress cell viability in three different types of cancer cells, and the most effective concentration is 200 µm. 9Z,11E‐CLA and Dex‐9Z,11E‐CLA affect the Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling pathway negatively in all cell lines. Beta‐catenin expression is decreased, Dkk‐1 expression is increased, and CC3 positivity is increased significantly compared to the control group. In conclusion, the data suggest that Dex‐9Z,11E‐CLA suppresses cell viability and causes apoptosis in cells via the Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling pathway. Lastly, Dex‐9Z,11E‐CLA harbors novel anticancer potential and exhibits uncontrolled activation of Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling.
Unveiling the Potential of Halloysite Nanotubes: Insights into Their Synthesis, Properties, and Applications in Nanocomposites
Authors: Aljibori Hakim S. , Al‐Amiery Ahmed , Isahak Wan Nor Roslam Wan
Published: October 2024

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have attracted considerable attention due to their unique properties and wide range of applications. This review explores HNT‐based nanocomposites, focusing on their preparation methods and improvements in mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. Various synthesis techniques, including solution mixing, melt compounding, in situ polymerization, and surface modification, are discussed, along with their benefits and limitations. The role of HNT characteristics such as aspect ratio, dispersion, and surface chemistry in enhancing nanocomposite properties is examined. HNTs significantly boost mechanical properties, including tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and toughness, due to their reinforcement effects. Improved dispersion and interfacial adhesion between HNTs and the polymer matrix enhance these properties. HNTs also act as thermal barriers, improving heat resistance and dimensional stability, while enhancing barrier properties against gases and moisture. These synergistic effects allow for the customization of nanocomposites for specific applications in packaging, automotive, electronics, and biomedical fields. Future research should focus on optimizing synthesis methods and processing techniques to further improve HNT‐based nanocomposites’ performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of HNT‐based nanocomposites, offering valuable insights for advancing nanomaterials science and engineering.
End anchorage‐reinforcement CFRP systems for heat‐damaged beams with side NSM CFRP rope
Authors: Haddad Rami H. , Alsahalen Ala A.
Published: October 2024

The efficiency of retrofitting systems with side near surface mounted (SNSM) CFRP ropes in boosting the flexural performance of intact/heat‐damaged reinforced concrete (RC) beams was investigated using a total of 14 RC beams (250 × 150 × 1450 mm) in two groups. In the first group, the beams were strengthened using SNSM CFRP ropes of a parabolic profile without and with end fan or hock anchorages, coupled with the implantation of lateral and/or vertical CFRP dowels in the high‐shear zone. The beams of the second group were repaired using similar configurations after being heated to 400°C in an electrical furnace for 2 h. A control beam in each group was designated as a reference. The mechanical performance and cracking sequence in all beams was evaluated under four‐point loading test setup. Heat‐damage resulted in reductions in load capacity and stiffness at 11% and 10%, yet an increase in toughness and displacement ductility by 18% and 20%, respectively. Implementing end hocks with end vertical and lateral dowels prevented concrete‐cover separation; imparting the best enhancement in structural performance for the repaired and post‐heated beams. All beams experienced flexural failure mode except for the heat‐damaged one, repaired with end‐hock anchorage without lateral doweling.
Reliability and partial factor‐based assessment of a highway bridge supported by nondestructive testing
Authors: Küttenbaum Stefan , Braml Thomas , Heinze Marco , Kainz Christian , Stettner Christian , Taffe Alexander
Published: October 2024

The preservation of the degrading transport infrastructure is vital, as replacing it is impossible in view of limited budgets and environmental impacts. One component in overcoming this challenge is the evaluation of the reliability and the calculation of the remaining service life of existing structures. These structural reliability reassessments allow for the identification and utilization of load‐bearing capacity reserves. The consideration of actual structural characteristics and environmental conditions, various of which can be gathered by means of numerous measurement and inspection techniques, has the potential for more realistic computation results and therefore more economic decisions about the operation as well as maintenance activities. This article attempts to shed light on the potential of nondestructive testing (NDT) methods for updating the input variables in the ultimate limit states during a recalculation. The approach of the NDT‐supported reliability reassessment is demonstrated using a prestressed concrete bridge emphasizing the bending proof in transversal direction. As a result, the semi‐probabilistic, probabilistic and NDT‐based reassessment results are compared and the effects of NDT‐supported structural analysis on the calculated reliability are highlighted.
Application of nanoliposome as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging technique
Authors: Zare‐Zardini Hadi , Nafisi‐Moghadam Reza , Rajaee Seyed Mehdi , Eshaghi Farzaneh Sadat , Soltaninejad Hossein , Ghorani‐Azam Adel , Ansari Mojtaba
Published: October 2024

Liposomes, nano‐sized vesicles primarily comprising phospholipids and cholesterol, have emerged as pivotal tools in medical imaging, notably in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), due to their biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate diverse molecules. Tailorable properties like size, surface charge, and encapsulation capacity make liposomes ideal for targeted delivery of imaging agents and drugs to specific tissues, improving pharmacokinetics. As MRI contrast agent (CA) carriers, liposomes encapsulate gadolinium, mitigating toxicity and boosting relaxivity and circulation times. Functionalization with targeting ligands and stimuli‐responsive designs enhances their controlled release and targeted delivery capabilities, crucial for cancer imaging and therapy. Benefits include reduced toxicity, prolonged circulation, targeted delivery, enhanced bioavailability, and potential for multimodal imaging. Challenges remain, such as stability, clearance, and manufacturing intricacies, requiring further research. Nonetheless, liposomal MRI CAs hold promise for enhancing diagnostic precision and therapeutic effectiveness in oncology and neurology, offering a robust pathway for future biomedical advancements. Addressing existing limitations could unlock their full potential in improving patient care and outcomes.
Spraying drones: efficacy of integrating an avian repellent with drone hazing to elicit blackbird flock dispersal and abandonment of sunflower fields
Authors: Duttenhefner Jessica L. , Greives Timothy J. , Klug Page E.
Published: October 2024

Multiple management strategies exist to combat bird damage to agriculture. We explored combining two tools, drones as frightening devices and an avian repellent, to assess effectiveness of an integrated method to deter large flocks on complex landscapes. We evaluated the ability of a spraying drone (DJI Agras MG‐1P) deploying Avian Control (i.e. active ingredient: methyl anthranilate; hereafter MA) or water to elicit abandonment, flock reductions, latency to return, and behavioral changes of blackbirds (Icteridae) foraging in sunflower Helianthus annuus. Following hazing and spraying (MA = 32; water = 32 trials), the percent of flocks abandoning, partially abandoning, or remaining was 56%, 31%, and 13% for MA and 50%, 25%, and 25% for water, respectively. Following full abandonment, 14% more flocks returned following MA (83%) than water (69%), averaging 3.96 min ± 3.51 (SD) to return (MA = 4.12 min ± 4.03; water = 3.73 min ± 2.68). When reduction occurred, average decline was 47% ± 35 (SD) with MA and 44% ± 39 (SD) with water. Site conditions impacted the ability to maneuver the drone and observe flock behaviors, potentially resulting in variables other than treatment explaining the probability of abandonment and flock reduction. When controlling for flock size, number of lift‐offs following water treatments (0.23 min−1 ± 0.17 SD) was statistically less than the pre‐hazing period (0.43 min−1 ± 0.28 SD), however no relationship existed for MA treatments (post: 0.29 min−1 ± 0.32 SD; pre: 0.31 min−1 ± 0.20 SD). This difference may be due to a longer latency to return, decreasing the post‐hazing time period, or flightier birds after MA exposure. We found eight mins of hazing, and a 9‐l tank of repellent, was insufficient to elicit differences between water and repellent applications. We suggest extended hazing or additional negative stimuli (e.g. multiple drones, increased repellent) to increase efficacy.
Sea-Locked: The Cascading Effects of Seaborne Challenges to Human Security in Madagascar
Authors: Shi Xuefei
Published: October 2024

This chapter presents a ‘wicked deadlock’ between human insecurity, underdevelopment, and unsustainability against the background of a more turbulent ocean environment, which can be best illustrated with the ongoing seaborne challenges on the island of Madagascar, especially those engendered by sea-originated nature hazards and man-caused maritime disruptions. It first investigates what human security means in respect of Madagascar’s position as both one of the least-developed island nations and the frontier of ocean sustainability. Then it examines how the worsening of human insecurity on the island has been accelerated recently in light of climatic and socio-ecological changes from the sea. The human security emergencies the island is confronting might have rooted partly in its oceanographic peculiarities, but they warn the world of a possible failing scenario of the sustainability-security nexus, which might have larger implications that go beyond Madagascar’s coastlines and reach to other oceanic communities.
How to Move Forward?
Authors: van Kamp Irene , Woudenberg Fred
Published: October 2024

This book looks at sound from many perspectives, all necessary to improve the sound environment we live in. In this chapter we argue that after more than 50 years of, partly successful noise policies this is still necessary. We hope our ‘Sound Approach to Noise and Health’ book will help to create a future in which fewer people suffer the negative effects of noise and more people enjoy the sounds that restore their wellbeing in pleasant soundscapes sometimes surrounded by silence!
Noise and Effects on Health and Well-Being
Authors: Clark Charlotte , Vienneau Danielle , Aasvang Gunn Marit
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores the broad impact of noise, highlighting its non-auditory health effects. It is well acknowledged that noise as an environmental stressor disrupts daily life by affecting concentration, communication, rest, and sleep. Beyond these acute effects of noise, the understanding of the health effects of long-term exposure to noise, including the physiological mechanisms behind them, has evolved significantly over the years. Environmental noise is clearly an increasing concern for public health, and current knowledge underscores the urgency of comprehensive approaches to mitigate the health effects of environmental noise.
Economics and Environmental Noise
Authors: Klæboe Ronny
Published: October 2024

This chapter focuses on quantifying the costs of environmental noise in monetary terms (monetisation) that can be used for taxation of travel and freight activities producing unwanted noise and other externalities. Monetisation also allows acoustic consequences to be included in economic analyses of infrastructure investments, efforts to reduce noise and efforts to improve the acoustic environment. It is when the external costs of noise are used for taxation and the economic benefits of an improved acoustic environment are included in the planning of transport and building infrastructure, urban and regional development processes that they affect policies and decision-making. Finally, we mention some of the shortcomings of current approaches and the scope for further research and caveats.
Context-Specific Resilience Through a Cultural Lens: Social-Ecological Factors Among Chinese Families of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
Authors: Dai Xiaolu , Cheung Yves Cho Ho , Zhuang Xiaoyu , Ng Elvis Fong Wing , Wong Daniel Fu Keung
Published: October 2024

With the rise in attention towards Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Hong Kong and worldwide, understanding the role of social ecological resilience in reducing parenting stress and enhancing child outcomes is crucial, particularly within the unique cultural context of Chinese families. This study utilized a social ecological model to examine resilience factors at individual and interpersonal levels among Hong Kong parents of children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. It also compared the stress and resilience conditions and differential functions of social ecological resilience between parents with and without children diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. A sample of 447 parents of children with and without Neurodevelopmental Disorders were assessed by a newly developed Social Ecological Resilience Scale, along with measures of parenting stress and the internalizing and externalizing behaviors of their children. Independent sample t-tests showed that Chinese parents of children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders report significantly higher parenting stress and more internalizing and externalizing difficulties in their children compared to those without Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that enhanced social ecological resilience among parents predicted improved parenting stress and better outcomes in children’s behaviors. Notably, social ecological resilience factors showed varying effects between parents with and without children diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. These findings highlight that both individual and interpersonal resilience factors among parents predicted improved parenting stress and better outcomes in children’s behaviors and certain resilience factors may be contextually motivated. Policy makers and practitioners should consider developing context-specific strategies and programmes to help the focal target group.
Improving the efficiency of thermal insulation of window panes—the use of transparent thin-layer insulation coverings filled with nanostructures
Authors: Motyl Przemysław , Król Danuta , Patej Mirosław , Poskrobko Sławomir
Published: October 2024

The article discusses experimental studies on the thermal conductivity of a transparent thermal insulation layer (film) applied to a window pane. The research was conducted using a measurement cube known as the "Hot Box" method. The examined film was made based on a polymer matrix with metallic inclusions. The insulating layer of the film allows for the transmission and blocking of light—UV infrared radiation. In the studies, a 100 W bulb was used as the source of infrared radiation (light source), placed at the central point of the measurement cube "Hot Box". To estimate the heat transport conditions, temperature distributions on the internal and external surfaces of the examined window pane with the applied transparent coating (film) were measured. Based on the temperature distribution data, the thermal conductivity coefficient of the applied transparent coating on the pane was estimated.
Ultrafast and Reproducible Fiber-Optic Hydrogen Sensor via a Tilted Fiber Grating With Pd/WO3 Nanocoating
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Yan Xiangyu , Peng Bo , Li Zhencheng , Xia Xudong , Lu Changhai , You Daotong , Li Kaiwei , Guo Tuan
Published: October 2024

Hydrogen, a high-density and clean energy, has been widely used in various critical applications. However, the safety risk caused by hydrogen leakage during storage and transportation is still a non-negligible issue. Therefore, it is necessary to offer hydrogen sensors with fast response and high repeatability, and it will be perfect for achieving in situ monitoring over the lifecycle of hydrogen production and utilization. Here, we propose a compact optical fiber sensor with a short section of the tilted Bragg fiber grating (TFBG) inscribed in the fiber core and a palladium and tungsten trioxide (Pd/WO3) combined film of 40 nm thickness over the fiber surface. The TFBG excites tens of narrow cladding resonances, part of which possess refractive indexes matching that of the Pd/WO3 coating and providing the high sensitivity to the surrounding hydrogen concentration change. The sensor offers improved sensing characteristics, including the fast response time (less than 10 s), high repeatability (over tens of measurement), and excellent linear response (higher than 99.6%) over the 0% to 3% concentration range.
Quasisymmetrically rigid self-similar carpets
Authors: RAO FENG , WEN FAN
Published: October 2024

We define balanced self-similar quasi-round carpets and compare the carpet moduli of some path families relating to such a carpet. Then, using some known results on quasiconformal geometry of carpets, we prove that the group of quasisymmetric self-homeomorphisms of every balanced self-similar quasi-round carpet is finite. Furthermore, we prove that some balanced self-similar carpets in the unit square with strong geometric symmetry are quasisymmetrically rigid by using the quasisymmetry of weak tangents of carpets.
The role of game riskiness on the expectation-cooperation link in social dilemmas and its relations with fear and greed
Authors: Ng Gary Ting Tat , Au Wing Tung , Lai Derek Chun Kiu
Published: October 2024

Game riskiness is an index to describe the variance of outcomes of choosing cooperation relative to that of choosing defection in prisoner’s dilemmas (PD). When the variance of cooperation is larger (smaller) than that of defection, the PD is labeled as a more-risky PD (less-risky PD). This article extends the previous work on game riskiness by examining its moderating role on the effect of expectation on cooperation under various PDs. We found across three studies that game riskiness moderated the effect of expectation on cooperation such that the effect of expectation on cooperation was larger in more-risky PDs than in less-risky counterparts. This effect was observed in N-person PD (Study 1), PD presented in both gain and loss domains (Study 2), and PD where expectation was manipulated instead of measured (Study 3). Furthermore, we found that participants cooperated more in PDs presented in the gain domain compared to those presented in the loss domain, and this effect was again moderated by game riskiness. In addition, we illustrated mathematically that game riskiness is related to other established indices of PD, including the index of cooperation, fear index, and greed index. This article identified game riskiness as a robust situational factor that can impact decisions in social dilemmas. It also provided insights into the underlying motivations of cooperation and defection under different expectations and how game riskiness can be utilized in cooperation research.
COMPLEX WEIGHING MATRICES AND QUATERNARY CODES
Authors: LU DANNI , SHI MINJIA , EGAN RONAN , SOLÉ PATRICK
Published: October 2024

Weighing matrices with entries in the complex cubic and sextic roots of unity are employed to construct Hermitian self-dual codes and Hermitian linear complementary dual codes over the finite field

$\mathrm {GF}(4).$

The parameters of these codes are explored for small matrix orders and weights.
Precessional hydroclimatic synchronicity changes in the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool driven by the intertropical convergence zone over the past 450 kyr
Authors: Qian Fang , Chang Fengming , Nürnberg Dirk , Zhang Shuai , Wang Yi , Zhang Junru , Tang Luyao , Li Tiegang
Published: October 2024

The Indo-Pacific Warm Pool (IPWP) significantly influences the global hydrological cycle through its impact on atmospheric-oceanic circulation. However, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the hydrologic climate dynamics within the IPWP and its broader effects on the global climate have been hindered by spatial and temporal limitations in paleoclimate records on orbital timescales. In this study, we reconstructed precipitation records (approximated from δ18Osw-ivc) over the past 450 kyr, based on planktonic foraminiferal Mg/Ca and δ18O data obtained from International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1486 in the western tropical Pacific. The δ18Osw-ivc record revealed a generally consistent pattern with precession variations over the past 450 kyr, closely corresponding to changes in boreal summer insolation at the equator. The δ18Osw-ivc record displayed an anti-phased relationship with Chinese speleothem δ18O records on the precession band, with lower precipitation in the western tropical Pacific and higher precipitation in the East Asia summer monsoon region during periods of high Northern Hemisphere summer insolation. This anti-phased correlation primarily resulted from the north-south migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), influenced by the interhemispheric insolation contrast. By considering additional δ18Osw-ivc records from various locations within the IPWP region, we identified synchronous precipitation changes within the IPWP on the precession band. The synchronization of precipitation on both margins of the ITCZ’s seasonal range and differences between central and marginal regions of the ITCZ within the IPWP revealed the expansion and contraction of the ITCZ on precession band.
The role of emotional prototypicality in Chinese emotion word recognition: evidence from implicit and explicit emotion tasks
Authors: Wu Chenggang , Wu Yanlu , Gao Fei
Published: October 2024

Emotional prototypicality (EmoPro) quantifies the extent to which an emotion-label word represents emotion concepts. While previous research demonstrated faster recognition for high EmoPro words than low EmoPro words in Spanish, the modulation of EmoPro on emotion word recognition in other languages and its dependence on task demands remain unclear. This study employed both the lexical decision task (Experiment 1) and the valence judgment task (Experiment 2) to investigate the EmoPro effect among Chinese speakers. The results not only confirmed the role of EmoPro in Chinese emotion word recognition, supporting the prototype theory of emotion concepts, but also highlighted that the EmoPro effect was more pronounced in the valence judgment task (an explicit emotion task) than in the lexical decision task (an implicit emotion task). This suggests that EmoPro is associated with the ease of accessing emotion concepts and serves as an affective-semantic variable.
Impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic on pathogens transmitted via food in the Netherlands
Authors: Pijnacker Roan , Mughini-Gras Lapo , Verhoef Linda , van den Beld Maaike , Franz Eelco , Friesema Ingrid
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the transmission of many pathogens. The aim was to determine the effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the incidence of diseases transmitted via food. Weekly incidence rates for nine foodborne pathogens were collected from national surveillance registries. Weekly pathogen incidence during lockdown weeks of 2020 and 2021 were compared with corresponding weeks in 2015–2019. The same analyses were performed to determine the effect of self-defined expected impact levels of measures (low, intermediate and high). Eight out of 9 diseases showed a significant decrease in case number in 2020, except for listeriosis, which remained unchanged. The largest decrease was observed for rotavirus gastronteritis A (−81%), norovirus gastroenteritis (−78%), hepatitis A (−75%) and shigellosis (−72). In 2021, lower case numbers were observed for 6 out of 9 diseases compared with 2015-2019, with the largest decrease for shigellosis (−5/%) and hepatitis E (−47%). No significant change was observed for listeriosis, STEC infection and rotavirus gastroenteritis. Overall, measures with increased expected impact level did not result in a larger decrease in number of cases, except for Campylobacter, and norovirus and rotavirus gastroenteritis. Disease transmitted via food significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a more pronounced effect during 2020 than 2021.
M-SAKHI – Mobile health solutions to help community providers promote maternal and infant nutrition and health: a description of development of the Program Impact Pathway using Theory of Change
Authors: Patel Archana B , Kuhite Priyanka N , Khan Samreen Sadaf , Puranik Amrita , Alam Ashraful , Dibley Michael J
Published: October 2024

Objective:

Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) intervention programmes often lack documentation of successful processes. This manuscript aims to describe the development of Program Impact Pathway (PIP) using Theory of Change (ToC) approach for a mHealth BCC intervention titled ‘Mobile Solutions Aiding Knowledge for Health Improvement (M-SAKHI)’ aimed at reducing stunting in infants at 18 months of age.

Design:

The PIP was developed using ToC to design the intervention and plan its implementation. Literature review and data from previous pilots helped to identify health service gaps that needed to be addressed by the PIP of this intervention.

Setting:

M-SAKHI was implemented in 244 villages under governance of forty primary health centres of Nagpur and Bhandara districts of eastern Maharashtra in central India.

Participants:

The study investigators and the public health stakeholders participated in developing the PIP. M-SAKHI evaluation study recruited 2501 pregnant women who were followed up through delivery until their infants were 18 months old.

Results:

The PIP was developed, and it identified the following pathways for the final impact: (1) improving maternal and infant nutrition, (2) early recognition of maternal and infant danger signs, (3) improving access and utilisation to healthcare services, (4) improving hygiene, sanitation and immunisation practices, and (5) improving implementation and service delivery of community health workers through their training, monitoring and supervision in real time.

Conclusion:

This paper will illustrate the significance of development of PIP for M-SAKHI. It can aid other community-based programmes to design their PIP for nutrition-based BCC interventions.
Pro Latinitate Activa: a student's perspective on Active Latin
Authors: Lanzillotta Lee
Published: October 2024

Critics have argued that the Active1 approach to Latin is not, in fact, an effective way to learn the language. This misconception appears to stem at least in part from misunderstandings regarding teaching methodology, such as the belief that teachers who use these methods neglect grammar or do not in fact introduce students to ‘real’ original Latin, but simplified versions of the texts created by the teachers themselves. As someone who learned Latin primarily through the Active Method, I can attest that this is an unrealistic representation. These methods are not used at the expense of formal grammar instruction; they are a different way of teaching grammar that also stresses the importance of acquiring a large vocabulary for the purpose of more fluent reading. Nor do such courses never progress to the reading of authentic Classical Latin. I will use online descriptions of Active Method courses to demonstrate this.
A very short history of Greek
Authors: Moran Jerome
Published: October 2024

I have written this article primarily as an overview for students who are studying Greek at A level and beyond; it may also be useful for their teachers. It covers the period from the Archaic age up to the beginning of Medieval Greek (c. 750 BCE to 500 CE). There is an emphasis on Classical Greek both within and beyond the Classical period, since the Classical form, or approximations to it, has never ceased to be learned, the only form of Greek of which this can be said. It has also left a sizeable imprint on Modern Greek, especially but not exclusively on its more educated forms. I hope though that the article will serve to draw the users’ attention to the many other forms of the language apart from Classical Greek. I know that I could have done with something like this when I was a student: I was hardly aware of the existence of the κοινή, except perhaps as a form of Greek used by Christian writers long after the end of the Classical period.
Crustal Thermal Architecture, Structural Reconstructions, Field Relationships, and Geophysical Data Rule Out Deep Structural Burial of the Footwall of the Northern Snake Range Metamorphic Core Complex (Nevada, USA)
Authors: Long Sean P. , Blackford Nolan R. , Lee Jeffrey , Soignard Emmanuel
Published: October 2024

Thermobarometry in the Northern Snake Range metamorphic core complex (Nevada, USA) implies pre‐extensional burial of footwall rocks to 21–30 km depths, while geologic field relationships support 7–13 km pre‐extensional depths. This has fueled a 40‐year‐long debate, which has far‐reaching implications for how pressure data are interpreted in orogenic settings. Here, we test published models for deep burial by integrating regional cross‐section reconstructions with new (n = 95) and published (n = 132) peak temperature measurements, field relationships and published geophysical data. Burial of Neoproterozoic‐Cambrian metasedimentary footwall rocks to 21–30 km depths is incompatible with a regional seismic reflection cross‐section that interprets the top of Precambrian crystalline basement at 17–20 km depths. Two reconstructed cross‐sections define 42 km and 50–65 km of displacement on the master detachment fault and demonstrate that the higher displacement ranges (>66–94 km and >76–102 km, respectively) necessary to exhume rocks from 21 to 30 km depths are not possible without spatially overlapping Cambrian rocks preserved in its footwall and hanging wall. The 22°C/km average Late Cretaceous thermal gradient predicted by thermobarometry is incompatible with the 46 ± 10°C/km Late Cretaceous peak thermal gradient that we calculate down to 15–20 km pre‐extensional depths. Field relationships that rule out large‐magnitude shortening invalidate models for deep footwall burial via thrust or reverse faulting. We conclude that there is no scenario for deep burial that is compatible with structural/geophysical constraints, crustal thermal architecture, and field relationships. This necessitates a non‐lithostatic interpretation for pressures from the Northern Snake Range, similar to recent interpretations for other Cordilleran metamorphic core complexes.
In situ visualization of endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicle formation in steady state and malignant conditions
Authors: Atkin-Smith Georgia K. , Santavanond Jascinta P. , Light Amanda , Rimes Joel S. , Samson Andre L. , Er Jeremy , Liu Joy , Johnson Darryl N. , Le Page Mélanie , Rajasekhar Pradeep , Yip Raymond K. H. , Geoghegan Niall D. , Rogers Kelly L. , Chang Catherine , Bryant Vanessa L. , Margetts Mai , Keightley M. Cristina , Kilpatrick Trevor J. , Binder Michele D. , Tran Sharon , Lee Erinna F. , Fairlie Walter D. , Ozkocak Dilara C. , Wei Andrew H. , Hawkins Edwin D. , Poon Ivan K. H.
Published: October 2024

Endothelial cells are integral components of all vasculature within complex organisms. As they line the blood vessel wall, endothelial cells are constantly exposed to a variety of molecular factors and shear force that can induce cellular damage and stress. However, how endothelial cells are removed or eliminate unwanted cellular contents, remains unclear. The generation of large extracellular vesicles (EVs) has emerged as a key mechanism for the removal of cellular waste from cells that are dying or stressed. Here, we used intravital microscopy of the bone marrow to directly measure the kinetics of EV formation from endothelial cells in vivo under homoeostatic and malignant conditions. These large EVs are mitochondria-rich, expose the ‘eat me’ signal phosphatidylserine, and can interact with immune cell populations as a potential clearance mechanism. Elevated levels of circulating EVs correlates with degradation of the bone marrow vasculature caused by acute myeloid leukaemia. Together, our study provides in vivo spatio-temporal characterization of EV formation in the murine vasculature and suggests that circulating, large endothelial cell-derived EVs can provide a snapshot of vascular damage at distal sites.
Preexisting risk-avoidance and enhanced alcohol relief are driven by imbalance of the striatal dopamine receptors in mice
Authors: Bocarsly Miriam E. , Shaw Marlisa J. , Ventriglia Emilya , Anderson Lucy G. , Goldbach Hannah C. , Teresi Catherine E. , Bravo Marilyn , Bock Roland , Hong Patrick , Kwon Han Bin , Khawaja Imran M. , Raman Rishi , Murray Erin M. , Bonaventura Jordi , Burke Dennis A. , Michaelides Michael , Alvarez Veronica A.
Published: October 2024

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is frequently comorbid with anxiety disorders, yet whether alcohol abuse precedes or follows the expression of anxiety remains unclear. Rodents offer control over the first drink, an advantage when testing the causal link between anxiety and AUD. Here, we utilized a risk-avoidance task to determine anxiety-like behaviors before and after alcohol exposure. We found that alcohol’s anxiolytic efficacy varied among inbred mice and mice with high risk-avoidance showed heightened alcohol relief. While dopamine D1 receptors in the striatum are required for alcohol’s relief, their levels alone were not correlated with relief. Rather, the ratio between striatal D1 and D2 receptors was a determinant factor for risk-avoidance and alcohol relief. We show that increasing striatal D1 to D2 receptor ratio was sufficient to promote risk-avoidance and enhance alcohol relief, even at initial exposure. Mice with high D1 to D2 receptor ratio were more prone to continue drinking despite adverse effects, a hallmark of AUD. These findings suggest that an anxiety phenotype may be a predisposing factor for AUD.