bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐strength, tough, and hygrothermal aging‐resistant UV cationic‐cured epoxy resin improved by castor oil fatty acid
Authors: Fan Yecheng , Chen Shiyu , Xu Zhaoran , Shen Peipei , Guo Xuewen , Quan Yiwu
Published: January 2025

This work investigated the effect of toughening agents on the hygrothermal aging resistance of ultraviolet (UV) cationic‐cured epoxy resin 3,4‐epoxycyclohexymethyl‐3′,4′‐epoxycyclohexyl carboxylate (CE). After being toughened by polycaprolactone diol (PCL), the resulting epoxy sample (PCL‐CE) exhibited excellent toughness but poor hygrothermal aging resistance, with a tensile strength of 39.8 MPa and elongation at break of 16.9%. After being toughened by poly(tetramethylene ether glycol) (PTMG), the resulting epoxy sample (PTMG‐CE) showed good hygrothermal aging resistance but limited toughness, with a tensile strength of 33.9 MPa and elongation at break of 8.2%. Another epoxy sample (COFA‐CE) was prepared by introducing hydrophobic castor oil fatty acid (COFA) into CE, which combined the high toughness of PCL‐CE and the hygrothermal aging resistance of PTMG‐CE, reaching a tensile strength of 47.8 MPa and elongation at break of 12.9%. After 72 h of hygrothermal aging at 50°C and 100% RH, COFA‐CE retained 46.9% and 88.8% of its original tensile strength and storage modulus, respectively. These were higher than the values retained by PCL‐CE (16.6% and 49.9%) and PTMG‐CE (44.5% and 77.7%). Finally, the hygrothermal aging study revealed that the performance of the epoxy samples degraded due to plasticization caused by moisture absorption, but the properties could be recovered after drying.

Highlights

Castor oil fatty acid (COFA) was employed to modify UV‐cured epoxy resin (CE).

The pre‐reaction between COFA and CE increased their compatibility.

Epoxy sample COFA‐CE showed a high toughness and hygrothermal aging resistance.
Acoustic‐Vibration Coupling Characteristics of Composite Plate Structure with Acoustic Black Hole and Acoustic Coating
Authors: Wen Huabing , Qiao Yunjie , Li Wei , Guo Junhua
Published: January 2025

Acoustic black hole (ABH) has gained significant attention in the scientific community as a passive, effective, and lightweight solution for controlling noise induced by structural vibrations. This article introduces ABH technology into composite plate structure, resulting in the design of an ABH composite plate. A finite element model of the free‐space acoustic field is developed to evaluate this structure's acoustic and vibrational properties. Results indicate that the ABH acoustic coating damping layer composite plate (ABH + AC + DL) demonstrates excellent vibration attenuation above the cutoff frequency. The modal analysis offers a multiperspective explanation of the normal layered modes in the ABH + AC + DL composite plate, shedding light on the intrinsic mechanisms responsible for its high damping performance. The study further investigates the impact of these layered modes on structural sound radiation, providing insights into the noise reduction mechanisms of the ABH composite plate. Additionally, the research explores the sound radiation characteristics of ABH composite plates in different media, demonstrating the effectiveness of the ABH structure in water and broadening the potential application scenarios for these composite plate structures.
Periodic Multiple Component Reassignments Preventive Maintenance Under Unequal Assignment
Authors: Fu Yuqiang , Cui Yifei , Ma Xiaoyang , Zhao Fei , Hao Yaqian
Published: January 2025

Many physical systems contain a series of positions with different degradation characteristics and a series of functionally interchangeable components, in which the component reassignment (CR) is usually used to balance the degradation characteristics by reassigning the workloads of components. Although many research has been conducted on CR‐related problems, there is no existing research on periodic CR policy under unequal assignment, in which the number of components and positions are unequal. This paper proposes a new type of CR‐based preventive maintenance policy, namely, the periodic multiple CRs (PMCRs) policy. The PMCRs policy implements periodic CRs before the system replacement, minimal repairs for sudden failed components, and unequal assignment between positions and components. An optimization model is established to find the optimal number of CRs, the optimal interval for adjacent CRs, and the optimal assignment for CRs with the objective of minimizing the expected annual system maintenance cost. Furthermore, the upper bound and the lower bound on the optimal number of CRs are derived. Finally, based on the genetic algorithm‐based matheuristic method, numerical examples show that the proposed PMCRs policy can be used as an effective tool to improve the system's performance.
Systematic Profile of Oxylipins in Myocardial Infarction by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tan Xin , Ni Hui , Li Qin , Ma Zhanglin
Published: January 2025

Rationale

Oxylipins play an important role in inflammatory processes, accompanying the occurrence of myocardial infarction. Analyzing a wide panel of oxylipins derived from more polyunsaturated fatty acids may provide valuable information to elucidate the relationships between the signaling mediator profile and myocardial infarction comprehensively.

Methods

An ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method for simultaneously measuring 74 oxylipins in 50‐μL human samples with a 10‐min chromatographic run and easy operation has been developed and validated.

Results

Accuracy and precision were below 15% of the relative errors in 99% of quality control. Recoveries and matrix effect were considered acceptable. Potential effects of different collecting tubes were also assessed. We successfully utilized our approach to measure plasma samples obtained from 99 healthy individuals and 302 myocardial infarction patients.

Conclusions

Profiles of oxylipins discovered potential biomarkers and clarified the pathological characteristics of oxylipin metabolism in myocardial infarction. Our approach was rapid, accurate, and precise, with high throughput, low sample volume, and easy operation, suitable for large‐scale studies.
Real‐time Nonlinear Model Predictive Control of a Robotic Arm Using Spatial Operator Algebra Theory
Authors: Yaren Tuğçe , Kizir Selçuk
Published: January 2025

Nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) has inherent challenges, such as high computational burden, nonconvex optimization, and the necessity of powerful and fast processors with large memory for real‐time robotics. In this study, a new NMPC strategy is proposed using Spatial Operator Algebra (SOA) theory to address these challenges, and experimental results are presented for the five degrees of freedom robot manipulator. The proposed scheme is based on an NMPC controller using the SOA‐based dynamic model to provide good tracking performance and ensure the satisfaction of constraints. Two novel control schemes, SOA–NMPC and SOA–NMPC proportional‐derivative (PD), are introduced for a comprehensive analysis of the proposed innovative approach. The validity of the proposed scheme is experimentally tested through robustness analysis conducted across various tasks, including the addition of weight and exposure to internal/external disturbances. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through benchmarking against NE‐NMPC using the Newton–Euler (NE) algorithm, classical MPC, MPC‐PD, and PID techniques. The comparative results show that the SOA–NMPC controller provides effective performance and ensures constraints for the entire trajectory of the manipulator, even under varying conditions.
Bridging Student Funds of Knowledge With Science Discourse: An Examination of the Organizational Context That Shaped Teachers' Sense of Agency for Instructional Change
Authors: Hogan Erin , Bae Christine
Published: January 2025

This study, which is part of the special issue on Teacher Learning and Practice in Organizational Contexts, investigated the ways in which urban middle school science teachers' organizational contexts influenced their ability to identify and leverage minoritized students' funds of knowledge (FoK) to facilitate equitable science learning through hybrid discourse. Ten science teachers received professional development from an external, university partner and ongoing professional learning as part of lesson study. We used a multiple case study methodology and applied the Instructional Capacity Framework and the concept of teacher agency to analyze lesson study artifacts (classroom videos, lesson plans, and TeachFX reports) and interviews where teachers described their perspectives on organizational barriers and facilitators to the implementation of hybrid discourse. Findings demonstrate how individual, organizational, and external factors interacted to produce differences in teams' approaches to hybrid discourse and the individual and collective agency they held for engaging in this work. To all teams, teacher agency was needed to challenge organizational culture and schooling norms that historically did not value minoritized students' FoK or opportunities to construct scientific understandings. External policies, especially high‐stakes tests, reified this culture, which was, in turn, internalized by teachers and students as actors within the organization. These interacted with teachers' dispositions (e.g., critical reflexivity and perspectives on the value of students' FoK) as well as capacities within their organization generated via lesson study to influence the degree to which teachers exerted agency to implement hybrid discourse. We close by discussing implications for future teacher learning experiences aligned to equitable science instruction.
Empirical Exploration of the Drivers of Human Development in Central and West Asian Countries: How Effective Are Control of Corruption, Political Stability and the Rule of Law?
Authors: Celik Ali , Kostekci Ahmet
Published: January 2025

Good governance indicators such as controlling corruption, establishing the rule of law, and ensuring political stability are central to social well‐being as they affect both sustainable income growth and non‐income indicators of human development. However, human development is still not a priority in Central and West Asia, where humanitarian problems are widespread and the literature on the impact of good governance on human development is limited. Moreover, the effects of corruption, rule of law and political stability on human development in Central and West Asia are not conclusive due to the limitations of inclusive studies. Therefore, this research explores the impact of economic, demographic, and environmental factors as well as governance factors such as corruption, political stability, and the rule of law on human development in Central and West Asian countries applying the advanced panel econometric techniques for the period between 2002 and 2021. The findings indicate that corruption has a negative influence on human development, but raising control of corruption has positive impact on human development. Furthermore, political stability and the rule of law positively contribute human development. Moreover, trade openness, and CO2 emissions promote human development, while inflation, unemployment and, population growth have negative effects on human development. In conclusion, the findings obtained from the study provide important clues and new perspectives for policy makers to achieve the human development goal in the region in question. Accordingly, our results stress that Central and West Asian countries need to adopt transparency and accountability‐oriented policies to reduce corruption, establish the rule of law and ensure political stability in order to achieve high human development.
Unraveling Various Sources of Particulates Matter in Air‐Dust Samples Collected from North India Through Elemental Mapping and Concentration Correlation Using Micro‐Particle‐Induced X‐Ray Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Saini Darshpreet Kaur , Byers Todd A. , Verma Shivcharan , Sharma Mohin , Parashar Mritunjaya , Bowen Charles T. , Mohanty Biraja , Glass Gary A. , Rout Bibhudutta
Published: January 2025

Particulate matter (PM) found in the air is one of the major sources of pollution and air‐borne diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to examine the elemental concentration distribution of the PM to identify the pollutant sources. In this study, it has demonstrated the capabilities of micro‐particle‐induced X‐ray emission (micro‐PIXE) spectroscopy in quantitative analysis of air samples collected from the Old Delhi outdoor market and indoor locations in the Panjab University hostel in the winter months. A 2‐million electronvolts energetic scanning proton micro‐beam (diameter ≈1 µm2) is used in micro‐PIXE experiments generating high‐resolution elemental maps of different regions of interest (ROI). Micro‐PIXE along with the GeoPIXE analysis provides a non‐destructive, standard‐less, and ng/mg level‐sensitive tool for the investigation of elemental distributions and highlighting pixels, which correlates to specific concentration ratios between elements at ROIs, thereby enabling a comprehensive understanding of the source of each elemental particulate. Si, Ca, and K detected in indoor PM suggest the source to soil erosion and crop burning, while high S levels in outdoor PM are primarily associated with coal power plants. Additionally, Sc, Ti, Cr, Mn, and Zn are found in outdoor samples, while indoor locations also contained trace amounts of V, Co, and Cu.
Sustainable Electrospun Hybrid Nanofibers for Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Thomas‐Kochakkadan Sweetly , Duque Marcos , Murillo Gonzalo , Nirwan Viraj P. , Fahmi Amir
Published: January 2025

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as potential energy‐harvesting modules for miniaturized devices. TENG modules are derived often from components having low sustainability whereas the current environmental and economic circumstances demand a focus on sustainable, ecologically friendly approaches for the development of advanced hybrid materials. Herein, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) along with commercially available nylon are electrospun into nanofibers for TENG devices. The obtained nanofibers are characterized using microscopy, spectroscopy, and thermal and mechanical analysis. Electrospinning of pristine and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) blended polymer solutions resulted in uniform nanofibers without beads. The addition of TiO2 NPs improved the thermal properties and significantly improved the mechanical stability of the nanofibers. The performance of the fabricated TENG device has been improved by functionalizing the nanofibers with TiO2 NPs. Particularly, the combination of pristine PET and TiO2 NPs (5%) functionalized nylon nanofibers reached a peak power density of 23.44 mW m−2 with a surface charge density of 6.81 µC m−2, a max output voltage of 111 V and a max current of −1.61µA. This study opens a new avenue to utilize upcycled cost‐effective polymers processed using electrospinning as a powerful tool for the fabrication of the next generation of sustainable TENG devices.
Surface Engineered MoS2‐Based Novel Vertical Triboelectric Nanogenerator (V‐TENG) for Wireless Information Processing
Authors: Biswas Mukul , Bhattacharya Didhiti , Mondal Rahul , Bhunia Ritamay , Garg Ashish , Chowdhury Avijit
Published: January 2025

Self‐sustaining mechanical energy harvesting devices are pivotal for developing durable energy‐efficient systems, providing scalable and adaptable solutions to wearable technology. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) efficaciously convert ambient mechanical energy into usable electrical power to sustainably drive modern electronics. Surface and structural engineering is an avenue to boost TENGs’ energy harvesting through modulating contact interfaces and charge transfer interactions between the constituent layers. This study explores dielectric engineering incorporating an additional transition layer, such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), alongside kapton to store accumulated charges. The surface of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) is modified with different aromatic carboxylic acids to boost the vertical TENG's performance. The anchoring of aromatic carboxylic acid [4,4′‐Oxybis (Benzoic acid)] modifies the work function and surface charge density of MoS2‐based TENG and enhances the output performance. The output open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and short‐circuit current (ISC) for “PET‐Kapton@4,4′‐MoS2” TENG increase from 6 to 30 V and 65 to 202nA, respectively. The maximum power density obtained after inserting the transition layer and modifying the MoS2 surface is 399 mW m−2. The “PET‐Kapton@4,4′‐MoS2” TENG can power up to 6 LEDs, run a calculator, and generate International Morse code. A microcontroller unit successfully decodes the Morse code and transmits it wirelessly to a smartphone via Wi‐Fi.
Unlocking Peak Efficiency in Anion‐Exchange Membrane Electrolysis with Iridium‐Infused Ni/Ni2P Heterojunction Electrocatalysts
Authors: Salokhe Balaji S. , Nguyen Thanh Tuan , Rawat Rohit Singh , Song Hewei , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: January 2025

Developing cost‐effective, highly efficient, and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts for water electrolysis remains a significant challenge. Nickel‐based materials have shown promise as catalysts, but their efficiency in alkaline electrolytes is still lacking. Fascinatingly, Mott–Schottky catalysts can fine‐tune electron density at interfaces, boosting intermediate adsorption and facilitating desorption to reduce the energy barrier. In this study, iridium‐implanted Mott–Schottky Ni/Ni2P nanosheets (IrSA–Ni/Ni2P) is introduced, which are delivered from the metal–organic framework and employ them as the bifunctional catalysts for water electrolysis devices. This catalyst requires a small 54 mV overpotential for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 192 mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) to reach 10 mA·cm−2 in a 1.0 m KOH electrolyte. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the incorporation of Ir atoms with enriched interfaces between Ni and Ni2P can promote the active sites and be favorable for the HER and OER. This discovery highlights the most likely reactive sites and offers a valuable blueprint for designing highly efficient and stable catalysts tailored for industrial‐scale electrolysis. The IrSA‐Ni/Ni2P electrode exhibits exceptional current density and outstanding stability in a single‐cell anion‐exchange membrane electrolyzer.
Triggered “On/off” Luminescent Polypeptide Bowl‐Shaped Nanoparticles for Selective Lighting of Tumor Cells
Authors: Gao Yaning , Wang Yin , Jiang Jinhui , Wei Ping , Sun Hui
Published: January 2025

Functional polymeric nanoparticles, especially those with anisotropic structures, have shown significant potential and advantages in biomedical applications including detecting, bioimaging, antimicrobial and anticancer. Herein, tetraphenylethylene (TPE) and azobenzene modified polypeptides of poly((L‐glutamic acid) tetraphenylethylene‐stat‐(L‐glutamic acid)) (P(GATPE9‐stat‐GA25)) and poly((L‐glutamic acid) azobenzene‐stat‐(L‐glutamic acid)) (P(GAAzo5‐stat‐GA29) are synthesized, which self‐assemble into bowl‐shaped nanoparticles (BNPs) with controlled diameter, opening size and fluorescent property individually, or by co‐assembly. Due to the quenching effect of azobenzene, the fluorescence of the coassembled BNPs is completely inhibited. Upon incubated under reduction environment, the fluorescence of the BNPs is re‐excited owing to the reduction or break of azo bonds. Benefiting from the high‐level azo reductase in hypoxic liver cancer cells comparing to normal liver cells, the quenched BNPs exhibit pronounced fluorescence signal in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells under hypoxic condition, demonstrating the high efficiency of the reduction‐responsive luminescent BNPs for selective screening of tumor cells. In addition, it is also found that a proper opening size promotes the cellular uptake of the BNPs even with size up to micron. Overall, this study provides a fresh perspective in the controlled preparation of anisotropic polymeric nanoparticles and high efficient cancer cell screening.
3D Printed Spectroelectrochemical Platform for Redox‐Based Bioelectronics
Authors: Chen Chen‐Yu , Kim Eunkyoung , Zakaria Fauziah Rahma , Chu Monica J. , Wu Benjamin , Payne Gregory F. , Bentley William E.
Published: January 2025

Redox provides unique opportunities for interconverting molecular/biological information into electronic signals. Here, the fabrication of a 3D‐printed multiwell device that can be interfaced into existing laboratory instruments (e.g., well‐plate readers and microscopes) to enable advanced redox‐based spectral and electrochemical capabilities is reported. In the first application, mediated probing is used as a soft sensing method for biomanufacturing: it is shown that electrochemical signal metrics can discern intact mAbs from partially reduced mAb variants (fragmentation), and that these near‐real‐time electrical measurements correlate to off‐line chemical analysis. In the second application, operando spectroelectrochemical measurements are used to characterize a redox‐active catechol‐based hydrogel film: it is shown that electron transfer into/from the film correlates to the molecular switching of the film's redox state with the film's absorbance increasing upon oxidation and the film's fluorescence increasing upon reduction. In the final example, a synthetic biofilm containing redox‐responsive E. coli is electro‐assembled: it is shown that gene expression can be induced under reducing conditions (via reductive H2O2 generation) or oxidative conditions (via oxidation of a phenolic redox‐signaling molecule). Overall, this work demonstrates that 3D printing allows the fabrication of bespoke electrochemical devices that can accelerate the understanding of redox‐based phenomena in biology and enable the detection/characterization redox activities in technology.
Optimization of Plasticity and Toughness in 10.5Cr–1.5W–2.0Mn Ferritic/Martensitic Steel through Deep Cryogenic Processing
Authors: Zeng Wen , He Shiqiang , Zhang Wei , Qiu Risheng , Zhou Ming , Abe Hiroaki
Published: January 2025

The effect of deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) on microstructure and mechanical properties of 10.5Cr–1.5W–2.0Mn ferritic/martensitic steel is studied. The results show that DCT has little effect on the hardness and strength of steels, while the plasticity and toughness of steels can be significantly influenced by DCT. An appropriate DCT process can greatly improve the plasticity and toughness of steels. The impact toughness and elongation of the steel through 2‐cycle DCT are 28.8 and 30.8% higher than the steel without DCT, respectively. The results of microstructure show DCT‐refined martensitic laths/blocks, reduced carbide size, increased carbide volume fraction, and increased dislocation density. The fine‐grain strengthening effect caused by the refinement of martensitic laths/blocks improves the plasticity and toughness of the steel, while the dislocation strengthening effect caused by the increase of dislocation density and the precipitation strengthening effect caused by the precipitation of fine carbides reduce the plasticity and toughness of the steel.
A Numerical and Parametric Study on Metallic Double Corrugated Damper Directly Connected to CBF Braces
Authors: Kontoni Denise‐Penelope N. , Ghamari Ali
Published: January 2025

Although concentrically braced frames (CBFs) pertain to high elastic stiffness and strength, they suffer from low energy dissipation capacity. This dilemma is due to the susceptibility of the diagonal member of the CBF to buckling. On the contrary, adding passive metallic energy dampers, although improving the behavior of the system, imposes more cost to structure and more constructional complexity. To overcome the problem, in this study, an innovative shear damper is made of a double corrugated plate for the web and two flange plates, called double corrugated damper (DCD). The numerical results using the Finite Element Method (FEM) indicated that the proposed damper pertains to a suitable performance with stable hysteresis curves under cyclic loading without degradation in stiffness, strength, and energy dissipation. This is true just to a certain lateral deformation. Also, numerical results under the monotonic loading indicated that the proposed damper shows an overstrength, Ω, of more than 1.5 (as recommended by AISC), and thus, Ω = 2.5 was proposed for it. Although links are categorized according to the factor in AISC 341‐16, the results indicated that dampers with the same revealed different response curves. Also, using the proposed damper with a corrugation angle instead of leads to an increase in the ultimate strength and stiffness, respectively, between 12% and 19% and 6% and 13% related to the flange thickness . The effect of on this damper's performance is greater on dampers with thin flange plates than on dampers with thick flange plates.
Inverse Eigenmode Modeling and Multiscale Seismic Analysis of Irregular Frame Structure by Shear Spring–Multifloor Mass System
Authors: Akehashi Hiroki , Watai Kazuki , Kamoshita Naoto
Published: January 2025

A modeling method of an elastic shear spring–multifloor mass system (MF system) based on the fundamental eigenmode and natural circular frequency of a full‐scale structural frame is presented. MF system has plural lumped masses as representative of single floor, and the lumped masses are connected by interfloor shear springs. MF system focuses on both global and local responses of the original frame, namely, the total displacement, the non‐uniform displacements of an identical floor and the member force distributions. Therefore, the alternative use of MF system to the original full‐scale frame leads to the accurate and rapid evaluation of the responses of the frame. The introduction of the coupled shear springs to the modeling formulation provides the coupled horizontal responses in the two orthogonal directions. In addition, the interstory shear force distribution of the original frame and that of the equivalent MF system correspond. The accuracy of the proposed method is investigated through numerical examples for in‐plan irregular frames.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Plate–Fiber‐Reinforced Composite Double Coupling Beams
Authors: Tian Jianbo , Jiao Song , Yu Qinghua , Liu Yunhe , Shi Qingxuan , Wang Mengmeng , Zhao Yong
Published: January 2025

Coupling beams characterized by a small span‐to‐depth ratio are particularly susceptible to brittle shear failures during seismic activities. To improve their seismic performance and alter their modes of failure, four distinct types of coupling beams were conceptualized, designed, and fabricated. The low‐cyclic reversed loading tests of the reinforced concrete (RC) single coupling beam, the RC double coupling beam, the plate‐reinforced composite (PRC) double coupling beam, and the plate–fiber‐reinforced composite (PFRC) double coupling beam were completed. The test results indicate that the double coupling beam demonstrates commendable ductility and a notable capacity for energy dissipation. It is beneficial for dissipating a significant amount of seismic energy and delaying damage to the wall limb. Adding steel plates to the double coupling beams can enhance their shear bearing capacity and prevent brittle shear failure. Substituting the matrix material with fiber‐reinforced concrete (FRC) significantly enhances the interaction between the concrete and the steel plates, leading to improved seismic performance of the coupling beams. Compared to RC double coupling beams, PFRC double coupling beams reach peak bearing capacity more quickly and exhibit an approximately 56.27% increase in bearing capacity. The axial forces exerted on the embedded steel plates within the PFRC double coupling beam are higher than those observed in the PRC double coupling beam. The use of fiber can improve the failure mode of the PRC double coupling beam. Finally, based on the experiments, a parametric analysis of the PFRC double coupling beams was conducted using ABAQUS software.
Policy Context for Gender Equality Reforms in Education in Central Asia
Authors: Durrani Naureen , Kataeva Zumrad , Kuzhabekova Aliya
Published: January 2025

This chapter conducts a comparative analysis of gender equality policies across the five Central Asian countries, focusing on gender equality in education and other spheres by synthesising insights from academic and grey literature. The chapter begins by outlining the historical policy landscape, examining how Soviet gender equality policies impacted women in Muslim Central Asia. It then analyses how the intricate interplay of the Soviet legacy, globalisation, neoliberalism, and nationalist discourses influence gender equality policies and identities. Subsequently, it explores post-independencegender equality frameworks and policies, considering key actors, international gender equality commitments, and policy structures within each Central Asian nation. Lastly, the chapter examines gender social norms viewed as the primary obstacle hindering the effectiveness of gender equality policies and endeavours in the region.
Who Are the Persistently out of Education and Jobless? Identifying the Socio-Demographic Factors Affecting NEET Women in Kazakhstan
Authors: Alimkhanova Dinara
Published: January 2025

This chapter presents a descriptive analysis of the main factors that increase the likelihood of women becoming NEET in Kazakhstan, based on secondary data from the Labour Force Survey covering the years 2012 to 2022. In Kazakhstan, the NEET rate for women has been twice as high compared to men. Every tenth young woman aged 15–28 years is neither engaged in employment nor educational activities. Possessing vocational education, being a young mother, living with an extended number of family members and residing in a rural area are key factors that raise the likelihood of a woman becoming a NEET.
Exploring the Experiences of Doctoral Student Mothers: A Comparative Study of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Authors: Tabaeva Almira , Durrani Naureen
Published: January 2025

This study addresses the research gap on doctoral student mothers (DSMs) in Central Asia by examining the experiences of 15 DSMs in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as they navigate multiple roles. Drawing on Butler’s theory of gender and O’Reilly’s maternal theory, qualitative online interviews reveal common challenges in balancing motherhood, spousal duties, academic pursuits, and kelin (a bride or a daughter-in-law at husband’s parental home) roles, leading to feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Gender norms, lack of support, financial constraints, and negative perceptions from supervisors hinder DSMs’ academic progress, highlighting the importance of extended study timelines, supportive supervisors, and understanding institutions. Coping strategies, including support from family and peers, and self-motivation, are crucial in addressing the mental health impact of these challenges. Contrasts in experiences between Kazakhstani and Uzbekistani DSMs are evident, with Uzbekistani DSMs facing greater pressure as kelins, limited spousal support and mobility challenges to field sites, and encountering more institutional biases compared to their Kazakhstani counterparts. The study advocates for broader implications to promote equitable opportunities for DSMs in the region.
Understanding Barriers and Supports for Women’s Progression in STEM in Kazakhstan
Authors: Almukhambetova Ainur
Published: January 2025

Based on the theoretical taxonomy of supports and barriers and Social Cognitive Career theory, this chapter contributes to the existing literature on STEM women’s pathways by qualitatively examining environmental supports and barriers that girls and women experience in all developmental stages, from childhood to professional life. The overarching purpose of this chapter is to synthesize and summarize the multidimensional barriers that affect, impede, or prevent girls and women from choosing STEM educational/career trajectories and the supports that facilitate their advancement and retention in STEM career trajectories across three developmental stages: childhood, adolescence (high school and university study), and adulthood (professional life). A core finding from this study is that women are strongly dependent on external social agents, such as parents, teachers, peers, employers, and spouses, in all developmental stages, who can play a dual role, either supporting the girls’ and young women’s interest in STEM and providing mentorship or discouraging them from being engaged with STEM.
Mediation of Investment Disputes Under the ICSID Mediation Rules: An Overview
Authors: Titi Catharine
Published: January 2025

The criticisms that have been voiced against investment arbitration have led to a growing interest in alternative means of dispute settlement, especially mediation. In 2022, as part of an overhaul of its Rules and Regulations, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) adopted a set of mediation rules, which are the first institutional mediation rules developed specifically for investment disputes. These rules are the focus of this chapter. The chapter reviews the context of the adoption of the ICSID Mediation Rules, before considering the reasons that may have encouraged ICSID to establish them, given that, even before 2022, the Centre provided a framework for the conciliation of investment disputes. The chapter further examines the mediation procedure under the ICSID Mediation Rules, from the initiation of proceedings to their conduct and termination, and considers remaining challenges, which it argues will need to be addressed, if mediation is to become a more mainstream means of settling investment disputes.
Socio-economic Factors and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Japan: Is Unrestricted Access to Healthcare Resources Enough?
Authors: Ozasa Neiko , Yoshida Toshiko
Published: January 2025

Japan is considered a country with economic power, but in fact income inequality is increasing, and this is leading to health inequities. It is estimated that millions of people have limited access to healthcare due to lack of medical insurance. Many older heart failure patients, who are the terminal stage of cardiovascular diseases, require nursing care and support and are socially isolated, and it is necessary to improve the quality of disease management during their daily lives through the use of nursing care services as well as medical care. Even in telemedicine, which is expected to increase in the future, patients who are poor, elderly, and digitally illiterate may be left behind. In future Japanese healthcare, it is necessary to create a system to address the social determinants of health (SDOH) that patients are facing.
Peripheral Artery Disease in Regions with Limited Socioeconomic Resources
Authors: Matsushita Kunihiro , Salameh Maya Jean , Allison Matthew
Published: January 2025

Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) represents a significant public health problem, with its prevalence and association with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality as well as limb complications, resulting in reduced quality of life in affected individuals. Despite its burden and impact, PAD is underdiagnosed and undertreated compared to coronary artery disease and stroke, likely due to a general lack of awareness by the public and practitioners. In particular, the impact of PAD in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been largely overlooked and is of particular concern given the increased burden of cardiovascular disease observed in LMICs in recent years. The aging of the global population, along with urbanization, industrialization, and increased prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and smoking have all contributed to the increasing burden of PAD in LMICs. This is of particular concern in settings where resources are limited and where early detection of PAD is crucial to implementing preventative interventions aimed at control of vascular risk factors, with the ultimate goal of improving cardiovascular and limb outcomes of this high-risk population. This chapter summarizes epidemiology, representative diagnostic tests, and major therapeutic challenges of PAD, with a special focus on resource-limited settings.
Postoperatives steifes Kniegelenk nach Knieprothese
Authors: Neunteufel Elena , Hirschmann Michael T. , Mengis Natalie , Avram George , Ammann Elias
Published: January 2025

Etwa ein Drittel der Patienten berichtet nach einer Knieprothesenoperation über anhaltende oder wiederkehrende Schmerzen und/oder Unzufriedenheit mit dem Ergebnis. Die Beschwerden sind klinisch äußerst komplex und variieren stark von Patient zu Patient. Eine fundierte diagnostische Abklärung erfordert die Expertise eines auf Revisions-Knieendoprothetik spezialisierten Orthopäden. Eine Verbesserung der Beschwerden ist nur möglich, wenn die Ursachen eindeutig identifiziert werden – unabhängig davon, ob eine konservative oder operative Behandlung gewählt wird. Dieser Artikel dient dazu, den Bruderholz-Algorithmus zur systematischen Abklärung von Patienten mit Schmerzen und Bewegungseinschränkungen nach einer Knieprothesenoperation vorzustellen. Das Schema umfasst eine strukturierte Diagnostik, die Ursachenanalyse sowie mögliche konservative oder operative Therapieansätze, um eine gezielte und effektive Behandlung zu gewährleisten.
Liver and pancreatic fat fractions as predictors of disease severity in acute pancreatitis: an MRI IDEAL-IQ study
Authors: Panc Kemal , Gundogdu Hasan , Sekmen Sumeyye , Basaran Mustafa , Gurun Enes
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and non-alcoholic fatty pancreatic disease (NAFPD) are metabolic diseases with rising incidence. Fatty infiltration may lead to dysfunction of the liver and pancreatic tissues. This study aims to quantify liver and pancreatic fat fractions and examine their correlation with disease severity in acute pancreatitis patients.

Methods

The severity of acute pancreatitis was assessed using the revised Atlanta classification (RAC), computed tomography severity index (CTSI), and modified CTSI (mCTSI). Proton density fat fraction (PDFF) levels of the liver and pancreas were measured via IDEAL MRI. Patients were categorized into biliary and non-biliary pancreatitis groups. Correlations between PDFF levels and the RAC, CTSI, and mCTSI scores were analyzed.

Results

A total of 127 patients were included, with MASLD present in 40.9% and NAFPD in 30%. Liver PDFF values were significantly higher in non-biliary pancreatitis (p = 0.040). Patients with MASLD exhibited higher CTSI and mCTSI scores (p = 0.009, p = 0.033, respectively). No significant differences were observed in severity scales between patients with and without NAFPD. Liver PDFF was positively correlated with CTSI and mCTSI scores in biliary pancreatitis. ROC analysis identified a liver PDFF > 3.9% (p = 0.002) and pancreatic corpus PDFF > 12.1% (0.028) as diagnostic markers for severe pancreatitis. In addition, a liver PDFF < 4.5% (p = 0.042) was an indicator for biliary pancreatitis.

Conclusion

MASLD is associated with increased severity in acute pancreatitis. IDEAL MRI-derived PDFF levels of the liver and pancreas show potential in predicting severe acute pancreatitis and distinguishing between biliary and non-biliary etiologies.
Taxus tree-ring chronologies from southern England reveal western European hydroclimate changes over the past three centuries
Authors: Bebchuk Tatiana , Moir Andy K. , Arosio Tito , Kirdyanov Alexander V. , Torbenson Max C. A. , Krusic Paul J. , Hindson Toby R. , Howard Heidi , Buchwal Agata , Norman Charles A. P. , Büntgen Ulf
Published: January 2025

Heatwaves and summer droughts across Europe are likely to intensify under anthropogenic global warming thereby affecting ecological and societal systems. To place modern trends and extremes in the context of past natural variability, annually resolved and absolutely dated climate reconstructions are needed. Here, we present a network of 153 yew (Taxus baccata L.) tree-ring width (TRW) series from 22 sites in southern England that cover the past 310 years. Significant positive correlations were found between TRW chronologies and both April–July precipitation totals (r > 0.7) and July drought indices (r > 0.59) back to 1901 CE (p < 0.05). We used a suite of residual and standard TRW chronologies to reconstruct interannual to multi-decadal spring–summer precipitation and mid-summer drought variability over western Europe, respectively. Our yew hydroclimate reconstructions capture the majority of reported summer droughts and pluvials back to 1710 CE. Clusters of severe drought spells occurred in the second half of the 18th and mid-twentieth century. Our study suggests that the frequency and intensity of recent hydroclimate extremes over western Europe are likely still within the range of past natural variability.
Measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of simulation optimization metaheuristic algorithms
Authors: Thengvall Benjamin G. , Hall Shane N. , Deskevich Michael P.
Published: January 2025

Metaheuristic algorithms have proven capable as general-purpose algorithms for solving simulation optimization problems. Researchers and practitioners often compare different metaheuristic algorithms by examining one or more measures that are derived through empirical analysis. This paper presents a single measure that can be used to empirically compare different metaheuristic algorithms for optimization problems. This measure incorporates both the effectiveness and efficiency of the metaheuristic algorithm, which is especially important in simulation optimization applications because the number of simulation runs available to the analyst (i.e., the run budget) can vary significantly with each simulation study. Therefore, the trade-off between the effectiveness and efficiency of a metaheuristic algorithm must be examined. This single measure is especially useful for multi-objective optimization problems; however, determining this measure is non-trivial for two or more objective functions. Additional details for calculating this measure for multi-objective optimization problems are provided as well as a procedure for comparing two or more metaheuristic algorithms. Finally, computational results are presented and analyzed to compare the performance of metaheuristic algorithms using knapsack problems, pure binary integer programs, traveling salesman problems, and the average results obtained across a diverse set of optimization problems that include simulation and multi-objective optimization problems.
Handling data drift in deep learning-based quality monitoring: evaluating calibration methods using the example of friction stir welding
Authors: Bauer Johannes C. , Trattnig Stephan , Vieltorf Fabian , Daub Rüdiger
Published: January 2025

Deep learning-based classification models show high potential for automating optical quality monitoring tasks. However, their performance strongly depends on the availability of comprehensive training datasets. If changes in the manufacturing process or the environment lead to defect patterns not represented by the training data, also called data drift, a model’s performance can significantly decrease. Unfortunately, assessing the reliability of model predictions usually requires high manual labeling efforts to generate annotated test data. Therefore, this study investigates the potential of intrinsic confidence calibration approaches (i.e., last-layer dropout, correctness ranking loss, and weight-averaged sharpness-aware minimization (WASAM)) for automatically detecting false model predictions based on these confidence scores. This task is also called model failure prediction and highly depends on meaningful confidence estimates. First, the data drift robustness of these calibration methods combined with three different model architectures is evaluated. Two datasets from the friction stir welding domain containing realistic forms of data drift are introduced for this benchmark. Afterward, the methods’ impact on model failure prediction performance is assessed. Findings confirm the positive influence of well-calibrated models on model failure prediction tasks, highlighting the need to look beyond classification accuracy during model selection. Moreover, transformer-based models and the WASAM technique were found to improve robustness to data drift, regarding the classification performance as well as obtaining useful confidence estimates.
Evaluation of fungal-induced structural changes in arsenic- and antimony-contaminated mine drainage ochreous sediments using radioanalytical techniques
Authors: Goneková Zuzana , Miglierini Marcel , Dekan Július , Cesnek Martin , Urík Martin , Bujdoš Marek , Matúš Peter
Published: January 2025

Biotransformation of ochres, a material crucial in immobilizing toxic elements, such as arsenic and antimony, found in mine effluents is investigated by Mössbauer spectrometry. Incubation of ochreous sediments was performed with the fungus Aspergillus niger. Neutron activation analysis determined the elemental composition. The findings demonstrate a redistribution of iron phases, which may contribute to the release of trace elements. This work introduces a novel approach to studying microbial interactions with ochres using these complementary techniques, providing insight into the environmental impact of fungal-induced transformations in contaminated mine sediments.
The Asymptotic Distribution of the Scaled Remainder for Pseudo Golden Ratio Expansions of a Continuous Random Variable
Authors: Herbst Ira W. , Møller Jesper , Svane Anne Marie
Published: January 2025

Let

$$X=\sum _{k=1}^\infty X_k \beta ^{-k}$$

X
=

∑

k
=
1

∞

X
k

β

-
k

be the (greedy) base-

$$\beta $$

β

expansion of a continuous random variable X on the unit interval where

$$\beta $$

β

is the positive solution to

$$\beta ^n = 1 + \beta + \cdots + \beta ^{n-1}$$

β
n

=
1
+
β
+
⋯
+

β

n
-
1

for an integer

$$n\geqslant 2$$

n
⩾
2

(i.e.,

$$\beta $$

β

is a generalization of the golden mean corresponding to

$$n=2$$

n
=
2

). We study the asymptotic distribution and convergence rate of the scaled remainder

$$\sum _{k=1}^\infty X_{m+k} \beta ^{-k}$$

∑

k
=
1

∞

X

m
+
k

β

-
k

when m tends to infinity.
Amphibian cellular immune response to chytridiomycosis at metamorphic climax
Authors: Humphries Josephine E. , Hicks Allan , Lanctôt Chantal , McCallum Hamish , Newell David , Grogan Laura F.
Published: January 2025

The fungal disease chytridiomycosis (caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis [Bd]) is a primary contributor to amphibian declines. The frog metamorphic stages, characterised by extensive physiological reorganisation and energy expenditure, have heightened susceptibility to Bd. However, little is known about how these metamorphic stages respond immunologically to Bd infection. In this study, we examined Bd infection and the cellular immune response of Mixophyes fleayi at Gosner stages 40, 42 and 45, using blood smears and skin and liver histology. Although proportional differences were observed, the impact of Bd exposure appeared negligible prior to Gosner stage 45 (onset of morbidity), with no significant differences observed in absolute leukocyte counts for blood or liver samples between control and Bd-exposed groups at Gosner stages 40 and 42. Animals exhibiting clinical signs at Gosner stage 45 demonstrated significant elevation in liver leukocyte counts, blood neutrophil and monocyte counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios. These findings are reminiscent of the amplified inflammatory response characteristic of immunopathology in clinically infected amphibians. Interestingly, a subset of exposed animals that had apparently cleared infections at Gosner stage 45 had similar blood leukocyte counts but reduced liver leukocyte counts compared to naïve controls. This could be a consequence of prior cellular consumption during pathogen removal or effective immune regulation via anti-inflammatory protective feedback mechanisms. We recommend targeted gene expression analyses (e.g. immunomodulatory cytokines) to establish the mechanisms responsible for the varied immune expression and infection outcomes across metamorphosis.