bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turbulence-induced droplet grouping and augmented rain formation in cumulus clouds
Authors: Gumber Siddharth , Bera Sudarsan , Ghosh Satyajit , Prabhakaran Thara V.
Published: May 2024

This paper provides the first observational analysis of how droplet separation is impacted by the flinging action of microscale vortices in turbulent clouds over a select radii range and how they vary over cloud cores and along the peripheral edges. It is premised that this mechanism initiates droplet separation within a cloud volume soon after condensational growth, largely in the cloud core, and operates until the cloud droplet radii exceed 20–30 µm when this effect fades rapidly. New observations are presented showing how microscale vortices also impact the settling rates of droplets over a critical size range (6–18 µm) causing them to sediment faster than in still air affecting swept volumes and thereby impacting the rain initiation and formation. Large-scale atmospheric models ignore these microscale effects linked to rapid droplet growth during the early stages of cloud conversion. Previous studies on droplet spatial organization along the cloud edges and inside the deep core have shown that homogeneous Poisson statistics, indicative of the presence of a vigorous in-cloud mixing process at small scales obtained, in contrast to an inhomogeneous distribution along the edges. In this paper, it is established that this marked core region, homogeneity can be linked to microscale vortical activity which flings cloud droplets in the range of 6–18 µm outward. The typical radius of the droplet trajectories or the droplet flung radii around the vortices correlates with the interparticle distance strongly. The correlation starts to diminish as one proceeds from the central core to the cloud fringes because of the added entrainment of cloud-free air. These first results imply that droplet growth in the core is first augmented with this small-scale interaction prior to other more large-scale processes involving entrainment mixing. This first study, combining these amplified velocities are included in a Weather Research and Forecasting- LES case study. Not only are significant differences observed in the cloud morphology when compared to a baseline case, but the ‘enhanced’ case also shows early commencement of rainfall along with intense precipitation activity compared to the ‘standard’ baseline case. It is also shown that the modelled equilibrium raindrop spectrum agrees better with observations when the enhanced droplet sedimentation rates mediated by microscale vortices are included in the calculations compared to the case where only still-air terminal velocities are used.
A rat-based preclinical platform facilitating transcatheter hepatic arterial infusion in immunodeficient rats with liver xenografts of patient-derived pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ozaki Masanori , Kageyama Ken , Kimura Kenjiro , Eguchi Shinpei , Yamamoto Akira , Tanaka Ryota , Nota Takehito , Yonezawa Hiroki , Nishiofuku Hideyuki , Sakai Yuki , Tani Naoki , Jogo Atsushi , Terai Mizue , Sato Takami , Ishizawa Takeaki , Miki Yukio
Published: May 2024

Liver metastases from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are highly fatal. A rat-based patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model is available for transcatheter therapy. This study aimed to create an immunodeficient rat model with liver xenografts of patient-derived primary PDAC and evaluate efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin in this model. Three patient-derived PDACs were transplanted into the livers of 21 rats each (totally, 63 rats), randomly assigned into hepatic arterial infusion, systemic venous infusion, and control groups (n = 7 each) four weeks post-implantation. Computed tomography evaluated tumor volumes before and four weeks after treatment. Post-euthanasia, resected tumor specimens underwent histopathological examination. A liver-implanted PDAC PDX rat model was established in all 63 rats, with first CT identifying all tumors. Four weeks post-treatment, arterial infusion groups exhibited significantly smaller tumor volumes than controls for all three tumors on second CT. Xenograft tumors histologically maintained adenocarcinoma features compared to original patient tumors. Ki67 expression was significantly lower in arterial infusion groups than in the other two for the three tumors, indicating reduced tumor growth in PDX rats. A liver-implanted PDAC PDX rat model was established as a rat-based preclinical platform. Arterial cisplatin infusion chemotherapy represents a potential therapy for PDAC liver metastasis.
Surface terminations control charge transfer from bulk to surface states in topological insulators
Authors: Fukumoto Keiki , Lee Seunghee , Adachi Shin-ichi , Suzuki Yuta , Kusakabe Koichi , Yamamoto Rikuto , Kitatani Motoharu , Ishida Kunio , Nakagawa Yoshinori , Merkel Michael , Shiga Daisuke , Kumigashira Hiroshi
Published: May 2024

Topological insulators (TI) hold significant potential for various electronic and optoelectronic devices that rely on the Dirac surface state (DSS), including spintronic and thermoelectric devices, as well as terahertz detectors. The behavior of electrons within the DSS plays a pivotal role in the performance of such devices. It is expected that DSS appear on a surface of three dimensional(3D) TI by mechanical exfoliation. However, it is not always the case that the surface terminating atomic configuration and corresponding band structures are homogeneous. In order to investigate the impact of surface terminating atomic configurations on electron dynamics, we meticulously examined the electron dynamics at the exfoliated surface of a crystalline 3D TI (Bi$$_2$$

2

Se$$_3$$

3

) with time, space, and energy resolutions. Based on our comprehensive band structure calculations, we found that on one of the Se-terminated surfaces, DSS is located within the bulk band gap, with no other surface states manifesting within this region. On this particular surface, photoexcited electrons within the conduction band effectively relax towards DSS and tend to linger at the Dirac point for extended periods of time. It is worth emphasizing that these distinct characteristics of DSS are exclusively observed on this particular surface.
Research on proactive defense and dynamic repair of complex networks considering cascading effects
Authors: Shi Zhuoying , Wang Ying , Li Haijuan , Feng Gang , Fu Chaoqi
Published: May 2024

Cascading effects can result in the nonlinear propagation of failures in complex networks, ultimately leading to network collapse. Research on the fault propagation principles, defense strategies, and repair strategies can help mitigate the effects of cascading failures. Especially, proactive defense and dynamic repair are flexible and effective methods to ensure network security. Most studies on the cascade of complex networks are based on the unprocessed initial information of the network. However, marginal nodes are a type of node that cloaks the initial information of the network. In this study, we rank the importance of nodes according to the intensity of network energy confusion after the removal of this node, clarify the meaning of marginal nodes and proposed two methods to screen marginal nodes. The results indicated that the proactive removal of marginal nodes can effectively reduce the effect of cascading failures without causing any negative disturbance to the energy flow of the network. In addition, network repair according to the proposed strategy can minimize the cascade effect in the repair process and improve repair efficiency.
Influence of different position modal parameters on milling chatter stability of orthopedic surgery robots
Authors: Tian Heqiang , Pang Bo , Liu Junqiang , Meng Debao , Dang Xiaoqing
Published: May 2024

This research is dedicated to exploring the dynamics of milling chatter stability in orthopedic surgery robots, focusing on the impact of position modal parameters on chatter stability. Initially, we develop a dynamic milling force model for the robotic milling process that integrates both modal coupling and regenerative effects. We then employ the zero-order frequency domain method to derive a chatter stability domain model, visually represented through stability lobe diagrams (SLDs). Through conducting hammer test experiments, we ascertain the robot's modal parameters at varying positions, enabling the precise generation of SLDs. This study also includes experimental validation of the chatter SLD analysis method, laying the groundwork for further examination of chatter stability across different positional modal parameters. Finally, our analysis of the variations in modal parameters on the stability of robot milling chatter yields a theoretical framework for optimizing cutting parameters and developing control strategies within the context of orthopedic surgery robots.
Temporal niche partitioning among sympatric wild and domestic ungulates between warm and cold seasons
Authors: Wang Jian-Feng , Xu Kai , Yao Song , Liu Tong , Yu Bo , Huang Xiao-Qun , Xiao Zhi-Shu , Xia Dong-Po
Published: May 2024

The coexistence of sympatric species with similar ecological niches has been a central issue in ecology. Clarifying the daily activity patterns of sympatric wild ungulates can help understand their temporal niche differentiation and the mechanisms of coexistence, providing information for their conservation. The Baotianman National Nature Reserve in northern China is rich in wild ungulates, but little is known about the daily activity patterns of wild ungulates in the area, making it difficult to develop effective conservation strategies. We studied five representative wild ungulates (i.e. forest musk deer, Chinese goral, Reeve’s muntjac, Siberian roe deer, and wild boar) of the region using camera-trapping data, focusing on the seasonal daily activity patterns and effects of seasonal grazing of domestic sheep, to reveal their coexistence based on temporal ecological niche differentiation. Comparative analyses of the seasonal daily activity showed that forest musk deer exhibited a single-peak activity in the warm season. Other ungulates exhibited multipeak activity. All five ungulates differed significantly in daily activity patterns. Notably, wild boar and Reeve’s muntjac showed high overlap coefficients between the cold and warm seasons. In both cold and warm seasons, the five wild ungulates and domestic sheep displayed low overlap in their daily activity rhythms potentially indicating temporal ecological niche differentiation. The results suggest that temporal isolation might be a strategy for wild ungulates to avoid domestic sheep and reduce interspecific competition, and that temporal ecological niche differentiation potentially promoted the coexistence among the studied sympatric ungulates. This understanding may provide new insights for the development of targeted conservation strategies.
Fusobacterium nucleatum infection modulates the transcriptome and epigenome of HCT116 colorectal cancer cells in an oxygen-dependent manner
Authors: Udayasuryan Barath , Zhou Zirui , Ahmad Raffae N. , Sobol Polina , Deng Chengyu , Nguyen Tam T. D. , Kodikalla Shivanie , Morrison Ryan , Goswami Ishan , Slade Daniel J. , Verbridge Scott S. , Lu Chang
Published: May 2024

Fusobacterium nucleatum, a gram-negative oral bacterium, has been consistently validated as a strong contributor to the progression of several types of cancer, including colorectal (CRC) and pancreatic cancer. While previous in vitro studies have shown that intracellular F. nucleatum enhances malignant phenotypes such as cell migration, the dependence of this regulation on features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as oxygen levels are wholly uncharacterized. Here we examine the influence of hypoxia in facilitating F. nucleatum invasion and its effects on host responses focusing on changes in the global epigenome and transcriptome. Using a multiomic approach, we analyze epigenomic alterations of H3K27ac and global transcriptomic alterations sustained within a hypoxia and normoxia conditioned CRC cell line HCT116 at 24 h following initial infection with F. nucleatum. Our findings reveal that intracellular F. nucleatum activates signaling pathways and biological processes in host cells similar to those induced upon hypoxia conditioning in the absence of infection. Furthermore, we show that a hypoxic TME favors F. nucleatum invasion and persistence and therefore infection under hypoxia may amplify malignant transformation by exacerbating the effects induced by hypoxia alone. These results motivate future studies to investigate host-microbe interactions in tumor tissue relevant conditions that more accurately define parameters for targeted cancer therapies.
Sense of self in first-time pregnancy
Authors: Perrykkad Kelsey , O’Neill Rebecca , Jamadar Sharna D.
Published: May 2024

Pregnancy is a time of profound upheaval of the self, when in addition to undergoing dramatic physical changes to accommodate a developing foetus, significant cognitive and social transformations occur in preparation for birth and parenthood. So far, research into cognitive constructions of the self has been either infant-centric or psychopathology-focused, so our understanding of the healthy, changing self in pregnancy remains relatively poor. This online experiment uses online questionnaires and two cognitive tasks to investigate how constructs relating to the mental self-model, including body representation, self-concept clarity, sense of agency, general self-efficacy and self-attribute learning, differ between first-time pregnant (n = 100) and never-been pregnant (n = 102) women. Results indicate that first-time pregnancy is associated with a significantly higher sense of body agency, body visibility, and body estrangement. Poorer accuracy for newly learned associations was also observed in the pregnant group. Whilst a typical self-processing bias was observed in both groups as expected, an intentional binding effect was absent. Notably, post-hoc exploratory analyses provide initial evidence for trimester effects, with a decisively higher self-reported sense of negative agency in the first trimester compared to the never-pregnant group and other trimesters. Further, body agency and self-efficacy were higher in the second-trimester group compared to the never-pregnant group, suggesting a period of relative recovery and consolidation of the new self. Taken together, our results suggest that aspects of self-representation and agency undergo significant shifts over the course of pregnancy and provide multiple exciting avenues for future research.
Preparation of near-infrared photoacoustic imaging and photothermal treatment agent for cancer using a modifiable acid-triggered molecular platform
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Xiang Chunbai , Lv Yalin , Xiang Jingjing , Ma Gongcheng , Li Changzhong , Hu Yan , Guo Chunlei , Sun Hua , Cai Lintao , Gong Ping
Published: May 2024

We report here a tunable proton platform for the tumor micro-acid environment that is used for tumor imaging and treatment.
Selective recovery of light olefins from polyolefin catalyzed by Lewis acidic Sn-Beta zeolites without Brønsted acidity
Authors: Kokuryo Shinya , Tamura Kazuya , Tsubota Soshi , Miyake Koji , Uchida Yoshiaki , Mizusawa Atsushi , Kubo Tadashi , Nishiyama Norikazu
Published: May 2024

Lewis acidic Sn-Beta zeolites can produce light olefins selectively during LDPE catalytic cracking. The produced light olefins were protected from being converted to other hydrocarbons by the absence of Brønsted acid sites.
Recent insights of PROTAC developments in inflammation-mediated and autoimmune targets: a critical review
Authors: Galla Mary Sravani , Sharma Nitika , Mishra Priyanka , Shankaraiah Nagula
Published: May 2024

A comprehensive outlook of PROTAC breakthroughs in targeting anti-inflammatory and auto-immune diseases as promising therapeutic approaches for various unresolved disorders.
Transition metal-substituted polyoxometalate-ionic liquids with remarkable flame retardancy performance
Authors: Zeng Ying , Feng Yeqin , Zhang Junhao , Streb Carsten , Wang Zhimin , Lv Hongjin , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: May 2024

Transition-metal-substituted polyoxometalate-based ionic liquids (tmsPOM-ILs) exhibit superior flame retardancy performance owing to their good matrix compatibility and remarkable catalytic charring ability.
TEM-compatible microdevice for the complete thermoelectric characterization of epitaxially integrated Si-based nanowires
Authors: Sojo-Gordillo Jose M. , Kaur Yashpreet , Tachikawa Saeko , Alayo Nerea , Salleras Marc , Forrer Nicolas , Fonseca Luis , Morata Alex , Tarancón Albert , Zardo Ilaria
Published: May 2024

A MEMS device for the evaluation of suspended integrated single nanowires is presented, allowing transmission and electrothermal experiments for structural and thermoelectric characterization. μ-Raman thermometry confirms nanowires' epitaxy.
Nanoengineered Fe3O4–GO nanoscrolls: exploring the biofunctional applications through magnetic, optical, structural, and morphological analyses
Authors: Rafi Mubeena , Mayeen Anshida , John Honey , Gopinath Pramod
Published: May 2024

Engineered Biocompatible Fe3O4-GO nanoscrolls with exceptional magnetic and optical properties.
Continuous regulation of Cu electronic states by rectifying Schottky contacts enhancing electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia
Authors: Zhou Yuzhuo , Zhang Wenlin , Guo Peng , Guo Yabo , Zhan Jiayu , Wang Yaheng , Zhang Bo , Zhang Shaobo , Zhang Lu-Hua , Yu Fengshou
Published: May 2024

Metal–carbon heterostructured Cu@NxC catalysts with precise regulation of the N content are constructed. The optimized Cu@N1.0C electrocatalyst converts NO3− to NH3 with a high FENH3 of 96.2% at −0.9 V vs. RHE, and NH3 yield rate is 1353.1 mmol h−1 gcat−1 at −1.1 V vs. RHE.
Base-promoted fused β-carboline formation from 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)cyclohexan-1-ones, aldehydes and ammonium salts
Authors: Chen Jinjin , Zhang Yu , Liu Xinping , Liu Kang , Wu Junting , Peng Xinlei , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: May 2024

A novel base-promoted fused β-carboline formation strategy from 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)cyclohexan-1-ones, aldehydes and ammonium salts has been developed. Ammonium salts served as nitrogen sources and played an important role in selectivity control.
Mechanism insight into the high-efficiency catalytic killing of E. coli by metal–phenolic network as a nanozyme
Authors: Guo Weiyun , Wu Chaoyun , Li Guanghui , Wang Yonghui , He Shenghua , Huang Jihong , Gao Xueli , Yue Xiaoyue
Published: May 2024

CuTA nanozymes with dual functional properties similar to peroxidase-like activity and GSH depletion. CuTA can catalyze the decomposition of H2O2 to hydroxyl radicals (˙OH). CuTA has an excellent antibacterial effect against E. coli.
Synergistic effect between In2O3 and ZrO2 in the reverse water gas shift reaction
Authors: Dong Jiayu , Wang Hong , Zhao Guofeng , Jiang Dong , Xu Haitao
Published: May 2024

The 75In2O3–25ZrO2 forms a solid solution structure, and can achieve 28% CO2 conversion and 96% CO selectivity during a 200 h-test.
Selective hydrogenolysis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dimethylfuran with high yield over bimetallic Ru–Co/AC catalysts
Authors: Dong Zhen , Zhang Yahui , Xia Haian
Published: May 2024

Catalytic hydrogenolysis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) has become a hot topic in the bioenergy field in recent years.
Recent progress and prospects in the organocatalytic Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction
Authors: Maneesha Mohammed , Haritha S. H. , Aneeja Thaipparambil , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: May 2024

The organocatalytic Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) reaction, one of the most significant carbon–carbon bond formations involves the addition of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to activated alkenes to give α-methylene-β-hydroxycarbonyl compounds.
Functional metal–organic liquids
Authors: Ma Nattapol , Kosasang Soracha , Berdichevsky Ellan K. , Nishiguchi Taichi , Horike Satoshi
Published: May 2024

This review explores principles governing melting behaviors in coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks, overviews their practical applications, and discusses design strategies for achieving liquid states in diverse metal–organic liquids.
Bottom-up deposition of lithium on 3D lithiophobic–lithiophilic host for long-life lithium metal anodes
Authors: Huang Bendong , Cai Ziwei , Peng Tao , Tan Yingxiang , Zhang Nan , Liu Wei , Zhong Hai , Mai Yaohua
Published: May 2024

The features of 3D carbon skeletons can regulate the composition of the SEI layer to achieve bottom-up Li deposition behavior.
Significant chemiluminescence enhancement by tannic acid functionalised plasmonic silver nanoparticles
Authors: Lu Yao , Xu Jiamin , Riley D. Jason , Xie Fang
Published: May 2024

Tannic acid functionalised Ag nanospheres achieved a 175-fold increase in luminol chemiluminescence. This study focused on nanostructure optimisation, spacer design, and the difference between plasmonic and catalytic effects, leading to advancements in sensitive detection and imaging.
Local structure effects of carbon-doping on the phase change material Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Langhout John D. , Alverson Danielle N. , Ginter Colton , Ravel Bruce , Adams David P. , Butala Megan M.
Published: May 2024

In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy on C-doped Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films reveals that C-content increases the rigidity of the Ge–Te bond in the amorphous phase, but curiously, only at moderate doping levels.
Effects of selenium incorporation on the performance of polythiophene based organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Li Meisi , Feng Wang , Lan Yu , Sun Yimin , Li Ping , Li Jianfeng , Yang Wanli , Li Hongxiang , Ding Junqiao , Chen Jianhua
Published: May 2024

This study highlights that an appropriate selenium content should be evaluated to balance the trade-off between charge transfer and volumetric capacitance, paving the way for the optimal product of electronic mobility and volumetric charge storage.
Recent advancements in catalyst coated membranes for water electrolysis: a critical review
Authors: Vinodh Rajangam , Palanivel Tamilazhagan , Kalanur Shankara Sharanappa , Pollet Bruno G.
Published: May 2024

It is imperative to transition towards sustainable energy sources to mitigate the escalating threat of global warming and ameliorate the adverse impacts of climatic changes.
The Effect of Implementation of the National Early Warning Scoring System 2 on the Outcomes of COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Qaddumi Jamal , Tukhi Islam Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Introduction It is crucial to have tools to predict the clinical deterioration of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. We aimed to study the efficacy of the National Early Warning Scoring System (NEWS2) application in predicting the risk of clinical relapse and outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Palestinian specialized centers for COVID-19.

Patients and Methods A quasi-experimental design was applied. A sample of 384 adult patients was divided into two groups. For the pre-NEWS phase (control group) and the post-NEWS phase (study group), all study participants were observed until death or hospital discharge.

Results Comparing the pre-NEWS phase with the post-NEWS phase, a significant decrease was found in the mean length of hospital stay from 8.1 ± 5.5 to 6.4 ± 5.3 days (p = 0.002) and a reduction in the mortality rate from 19.8% during the pre-NEWS phase to 12.5% during the post-NEWS phase (p = 0.071). The predictive value of NEWS was an excellent predictor of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), as indicated by an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.91 (95% confidence interval: 0.87–0.96, p < 0.001). Also, a significant difference in the frequency of monitoring patients' vital signs was observed between the control group (pre-NEWS phase) and the study group (post-NEWS phase) following clinical deterioration (10.1 ± 7.8 [pre-NEWS phase] vs. 23.4 ± 0.7 [post-NEWS phase], p < 0.001).

Conclusion Implementation of NEWS2 showed a significant improvement in hospitalized COVID-19 patient outcomes (length of stay, predicted ICU admissions, mortality rate, and frequency of vital signs measurements), which indirectly raised the follow-up of those patients by the medical team and attributed to a significant prediction of their deterioration.
Global Re-emergence of Monkeypox: A Synoptic Review
Authors: Memariani Mojtaba , Memariani Hamed
Published: May 2024

As the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic continues to rage, the unprecedented manifold increase in monkeypox (mpox) cases throughout the world is raising qualms about a possible pandemic. As of January 2024, the disease has been reported in around 116 countries, with nearly 92,500 confirmed cases and 170 deaths. In this mini-review, we have endeavored to cover multiple aspects of the mpox disease. Mpox virus is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is endemic in certain African countries. Until recently, however, the disease was rarely reported in Europe and the United States. In contrast to the previous outbreaks outside Africa, reported cases in the 2022 outbreak did not travel to the endemic areas. Superspreading events at mass gatherings, multiple-partner sexual encounters, and international travel were major drivers of the recent global outbreak of mpox. The 2022 mpox virus may have undergone accelerated evolution. It diverges from the related 2018 to 2019 viruses by around 50 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, some of which brought about amino acid changes in immunogenic surface glycoprotein B21. Differential diagnosis for mpox could be quite challenging since it can masquerade as a wide variety of illnesses. Worse still, some patients may be asymptomatic or show subtle symptoms. The infection is confirmed by conventional or real-time polymerase chain reaction on lesion material. Although there is no specific therapy approved for mpox infections, two antivirals (tecovirimat and brincidofovir) and vaccinia immune globulin may be used. Vaccines also provide protection against mpox when properly administered prior to exposure. Finally, the implementation of preventive measures is of paramount importance, especially in regions where mpox transmission is widespread and among high-risk populations.
Loving a good fight: personality traits and reactions to conflict in TV debates
Authors: Taylor Sophie , Gherghina Sergiu
Published: May 2024

This article seeks to contribute to our understanding of media influence on political behaviour by investigating the ways in which people with different personality types react to candidates’ conflicting rhetoric in televised debates during election campaigns. It analyses responses along three reaction types: evaluations of candidate character, debate performance, and voting intentions in two debate clips from the 2019 UK general election and 2022 Australian federal election. The study uses semi-structured interviews with respondents in the UK and relies on deductive, flexible thematic analysis. The findings show that respondents’ personality traits are associated with different reactions to conflict in televised debates, which are sometimes mediated by the nature of attack, partisanship and preconceptions about candidates especially in the UK debate.
ESG performance on the value of family firms: international evidence during Covid-19
Authors: Espinosa-Méndez Christian , Maquieira Carlos , Arias José Tomás
Published: May 2024

The link between the financial success of family companies during COVID-19 and their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is examined for the first time in this research. We have a natural setting in the COVID-19 era to see if the market rewards family-run firms that integrate social and environmental concerns into their goals during uncertain times. Since they can enhance their image and reputation, which the market values, these companies are likely to pursue broader social objectives, such as environmental improvement (socioemotional wealth perspective); alternatively, managers can act as stewards of the family’s interests by using these initiatives to increase the company’s value (stewardship perspective). However, it is also possible that in this type of companies economic interests prevail over social wellness (“amoral familism”). Therefore, family-owned firms could be reluctant to implement ESG practices unless they yield certain socioemotional benefits, including enhancing or maintaining their reputation in the public eye. In light of the above, we use an international display of the 500 biggest family firms in the world from 2015 to 2021. Taking into account an endogenous relationship between ESG performance and family business value, the study uses generalized moments to construct a dynamic panel (GMM). The primary conclusion is that there is a positive correlation between corporate valuation and ESG performance. Nonetheless, it has been noted that the performance of the companies is negatively impacted during the COVID-19 period. However, for firms with superior ESG performance, this negative impact did not exist over this period, supporting the idea that investors view better ESG performance as a prediction of future good stock performance. The results have a variety of implications. To begin with, this study adds to the body of knowledge on the environmentally friendly and sustainable expansion of family companies by providing recommendations for investors and businesses to better understand the influence of ESG on the profitability of family businesses. Furthermore, managers have to concentrate on enhancing the ESG performance of their organizations as it has the potential to increase value, draw in investments, encourage sustainability, control risks, affect earnings, and interact with the ownership structure. Additionally, managers need to consider how important it is to have a strong ESG performance in order to mitigate the negative effects of external crises like the COVID-19 epidemic. It’s crucial to remember that the precise impact might change based on the sector and other aspects unique to each company.
Deterministic generation of highly squeezed GKP states in ultracold atoms
Authors: Kendell Harry C. P. , Ferranti Giacomo , Weidner Carrie A.
Published: May 2024

We demonstrate a method for encoding Gottesman–Kitaev–Preskill (GKP) error-correcting qubits with single ultracold atoms trapped in individual sites of a deep optical lattice. Using quantum optimal control protocols, we demonstrate the generation of GKP qubit states with 10 dB squeezing, which is the current minimum allowable squeezing level for use in surface code error correction. States are encoded in the vibrational levels of the individual lattice sites and generated via phase modulation of the lattice potential. Finally, we provide a feasible experimental protocol for the realization of these states. Our protocol opens up possibilities for generating large arrays of atomic GKP states for continuous-variable quantum information.
Excited-state properties of Cu-TADF complexes: A density functional theory study
Authors: Ashokan Ajith , Coropceanu Veaceslav , Salman Seyhan
Published: May 2024

Organometallic complexes, including copper atom, have attracted great interest as thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters for light emitting diode (LED) applications. This is ascribed to the potential low-cost, abundant availability of copper and most importantly to the ability of copper to enhance the spin–orbit couplings and, consequently, increase the reverse intersystem crossing rates. In this article, we use density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the excited state properties of six copper complexes based on N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, monoamido-amino carbene and diamido carbene, and carbazole ligand. The DFT calculations show that the lowest excited states consist of three groups, i.e., (i) local carbazole excitations, (ii) carbazole-to-carbene intramolecular charge transfer states, and (iii) metal-to-ligand charge transfer states. Only the latter states are characterized with large spin–orbit couplings. The DFT calculations show that the surrounding medium could have a major effect on electronic spectrum by reordering the states. Our results suggest that the TADF properties of the investigated complexes can be affected by the chemical structure of the ligands as well as by the dielectric properties of the LED device active layer.
Wear performance of FeCuMoTiV high entropy alloy coatings by laser cladding
Authors: Li Hui , He Wei , Wang Feng , Han Xudong , Wang Xinyao , Wang Gonglin , Zhang Xiaolong , Shcheretskyi Oleksandr
Published: May 2024

FeCuMoTiV high-entropy alloy coatings were prepared on the surface of aluminum matrix composites using the laser cladding technique. The physical phase composition of the coating, the hardness of each physical phase, and the friction and wear behavior of the coating were studied in detail. The results show that: From the XRD and TEM analysis, the coating’s physical phases, BCC1(MoV) and BCC2(TiFe), are coherent. From the EBSD analysis, the grains of the coating have no obvious selective orientation, and the average equivalent circle diameter is 26.44 μm. Nanomechanical tests showed that the average hardness of the BCC1 phase in the coating was 7831.2 N mm−2, which provided the coating with excellent abrasion resistance. The average coefficient of friction of the coating showed a tendency to decrease and then increase with the increase of time, and it floated in the range of 0.3 ± 0.05. The coating forms a structure containing Fe2O3, MoO3, CuO, and TiO2 mixed oxide ‘glaze layer’ on the wear surface, which provides good lubrication. Combined with SEM analysis, the wear mechanism of the coating is a mixture of abrasive wear, oxidative wear, adhesive wear, and fatigue wear.
Densification and shaping of pure Cu-BTC powders using a solid-state chemical transformation
Authors: Karve Vikram V , Mabillard Alexandre , Espin Marti Jordi , Asgari Mehrdad , Queen Wendy L , Soutrenon Mathieu
Published: May 2024

MOFs are a class of porous crystalline materials whose unique properties have led to applicability in several fields ranging from gas adsorption to drug delivery. Despite their high potential, MOFs are usually found as fine powders, a property that can limit their use in industrial applications. Here, a novel approach is proposed to form densified Cu-MOF (Cu-BTC) powders and monoliths using 1,2-ethanedisulfonic acid (EDSA) as a densification agent. A MOF/EDSA mixture was heated to ∼150 °C; the molten EDSA not only promotes the growth of larger MOF crystallites, but also stimulates condensation reactions between the carboxylate-based MOF ligands, further binding the particles together. When this reaction was done in a stainless-steel die under pressure MOF-based monoliths could also be formed. Notably, using this approach, the MOF had a higher density, significantly improving the volumetric CO2 adsorption capacity. We believe this contribution provides the basis for future work wherein the intrinsic MOF particle surfaces can be selectively engineered to improve their properties towards shaping for industrial applications.
Privacy-preserving quantum federated learning via gradient hiding
Authors: Li Changhao , Kumar Niraj , Song Zhixin , Chakrabarti Shouvanik , Pistoia Marco
Published: May 2024

Distributed quantum computing, particularly distributed quantum machine learning, has gained substantial prominence for its capacity to harness the collective power of distributed quantum resources, transcending the limitations of individual quantum nodes. Meanwhile, the critical concern of privacy within distributed computing protocols remains a significant challenge, particularly in standard classical federated learning (FL) scenarios where data of participating clients is susceptible to leakage via gradient inversion attacks by the server. This paper presents innovative quantum protocols with quantum communication designed to address the FL problem, strengthen privacy measures, and optimize communication efficiency. In contrast to previous works that leverage expressive variational quantum circuits or differential privacy techniques, we consider gradient information concealment using quantum states and propose two distinct FL protocols, one based on private inner-product estimation and the other on incremental learning. These protocols offer substantial advancements in privacy preservation with low communication resources, forging a path toward efficient quantum communication-assisted FL protocols and contributing to the development of secure distributed quantum machine learning, thus addressing critical privacy concerns in the quantum computing era.
Vanadium in silicon carbide: telecom-ready spin centres with long relaxation lifetimes and hyperfine-resolved optical transitions
Authors: Astner Thomas , Koller Philipp , Gilardoni Carmem M , Hendriks Joop , Tien Son Nguyen , Ivanov Ivan G , Ul Hassan Jawad , van der Wal Caspar H , Trupke Michael
Published: May 2024

Vanadium in silicon carbide (SiC) is emerging as an important candidate system for quantum technology due to its optical transitions in the telecom wavelength range. However, several key characteristics of this defect family including their spin relaxation lifetime (T1), charge state dynamics, and level structure are not fully understood. In this work, we determine the T1 of an ensemble of vanadium defects, demonstrating that it can be greatly enhanced at low temperature. We observe a large spin contrast exceeding 90% and long spin-relaxation times of up to 25 s at 100 mK, and of order 1 s at 1.3 K. These measurements are complemented by a characterization of the ensemble charge state dynamics. The stable electron spin furthermore enables high-resolution characterization of the systems’ hyperfine level structure via two-photon magneto-spectroscopy. The acquired insights point towards high-performance spin-photon interfaces based on vanadium in SiC.
Perspective on new implementations of atomtronic circuits
Authors: Polo Juan , Chetcuti Wayne J , Domanti Enrico C , Kitson Philip , Osterloh Andreas , Perciavalle Francesco , Singh Vijay Pal , Amico Luigi
Published: May 2024

In this article, we provide perspectives for atomtronics circuits on quantum technology platforms beyond simple bosonic or fermionic cold atom matter-wave currents. Specifically, we consider (i) matter-wave schemes with multi-component quantum fluids; (ii) networks of Rydberg atoms that provide a radically new concept of atomtronics circuits in which the flow, rather than in terms of matter, occurs through excitations; (iii) hybrid matterwave circuits—a combination of ultracold atomtronic circuits with other quantum platforms that can lead to circuits beyond the standard solutions and provide new schemes for integrated matter-wave networks. We also sketch how driving these systems can open new pathways for atomtronics.
Customized heat treatment process enabled excellent mechanical properties in wire arc additively manufactured Mg-RE-Zn-Zr alloys
Authors: Ma Dong , Xu Chunjie , Sui Shang , Qi Yuanshen , Guo Can , Zhang Zhongming , Tian Jun , Zeng Fanhong , Remennik Sergei , Shechtman Dan
Published: May 2024

Customized heat treatment is essential for enhancing the mechanical properties of additively manufactured metallic materials, especially for alloys with complex phase constituents and heterogenous microstructure. However, the interrelated evolutions of different microstructure features make it difficult to establish optimal heat treatment processes. Herein, we proposed a method for customized heat treatment process exploration and establishment to overcome this challenge for such kind of alloys, and a wire arc additively manufactured (WAAM) Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy with layered heterostructure was used for feasibility verification. Through this method, the optimal microstructures (fine grain, controllable amount of long period stacking ordered (LPSO) structure and nano-scale β′ precipitates) and the corresponding customized heat treatment processes (520 °C/30 min + 200 °C/48 h) were obtained to achieve a good combination of a high strength of 364 MPa and a considerable elongation of 6.2%, which surpassed those of other state-of-the-art WAAM-processed Mg alloys. Furthermore, we evidenced that the favorable effect of the undeformed LPSO structures on the mechanical properties was emphasized only when the nano-scale β′ precipitates were present. It is believed that the findings promote the application of magnesium alloy workpieces and help to establish customized heat treatment processes for additively manufactured materials.
Main Partner Relationships and the HIV Care Cascade: Examining the Predictive Utility of Sexual Agreements, Partner Concordance, and Drug Use Among Sexual Minority Men Living With HIV in the USA
Authors: Starks Tyrel J , Sauermilch Daniel , Doyle Kendell M , Kalichman Seth , Cain Demetria
Published: May 2024

Background

The past 15 years have seen increasing attention to relationship factors among sexual minority male (SMM) couples at high risk for HIV infection. Research has largely focused on HIV prevention outcomes. Outcomes relevant to SMM living with HIV have received relatively less attention.

Purpose

This study evaluated associations between relational covariates (relationship status, sexual agreements, and seroconcordance) and HIV care cascade outcomes (having a current antiretroviral therapy [ART] prescription, ART adherence, viral load (VL) testing, and VL detectability) above and beyond cannabis and stimulant drug use.

Methods

Adult SMM (n = 36,874) living with HIV in the USA were recruited between November 1, 2017 and March 15, 2020 through social networking applications. They completed a cross-sectional survey online.

Results

Nonmonogamous SMM with serodiscordant partners were most likely to have an ART prescription. Those with seroconcordant partners (regardless of sexual agreements) were least likely to be adherent. While relational covariates were not associated with VL testing, SMM in nonmonogamous relationships with serodiscordant partners were significantly more likely to have an undetectable VL. Those in monogamous relationships with seroconcordant partners were significantly less likely to have an undetectable VL.

Conclusions

SMM with seroconcordant partners and monogamous sexual agreements may experience diminished interpersonal motivation for HIV care engagement. HIV care cascade retention messages that emphasize the prevention of onward transmission may have limited relevance for these SMM. Novel intervention strategies are needed to enhance HIV care outcomes in this population, ideally ones that incorporate attention to drug use.
A Single Bout of Prolonged Sitting Augments Very Short-Term Blood Pressure Variability
Authors: Waghorn Jocelyn , Liu Haoxuan , Wu Yanlin , Rayner Sophie E , Kimmerly Derek S , O’Brien Myles W
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

More habitual time spent engaging in prolonged sedentary behaviors increases the risk of developing hypertension. Beat-by-beat systolic (SBPV) and diastolic blood pressure variability (DBPV) are more pronounced in persons with hypertension and may be an early manifestation of blood pressure dysregulation. We tested the hypothesis that a single bout of prolonged sitting augments very short-term SBPV and DBPV. The secondary aim was to explore sex differences in prolonged sitting-induced increases in SBPV and DBPV.

METHODS

Thirty-three adults (22.9 ± 1.9 years; 17 females) completed a single, 3-hour bout of prolonged sitting with beat-by-beat arterial pressure determined at baseline, 1.5-hour, and 3-hour via finger photoplethysmography.

RESULTS

There were no sex differences observed for baseline brachial SBP (males: 122 ± 10 mm Hg; females: 111 ± 9 mm Hg), SBPV (males: 1.87 ± 0.63 mm Hg; females: 1.51 ± 0.38 mm Hg), DBP (males: 68 ± 6 mm Hg; females: 66 ± 8 mm Hg), or DBPV (males: 1.40 ± 0.41 mm Hg; females: 1.27 ± 0.32 mm Hg) (all, P > 0.41). In the pooled sample, baseline SBPV (1.68 ± 0.54 mm Hg) remained unchanged after 1.5 hours (1.80 ± 0.60 mm Hg; P = 0.59) but increased after 3.0 hours (1.84 ± 0.52 mm Hg; P = 0.01). This post-sitting increase was driven by males (P = 0.009), with no difference observed in females (P = 1.00). Similarly, baseline DBPV (1.33 ± 0.36 mm Hg) was similar after 1.5 hours (1.42 ± 0.41 mm Hg; P = 0.72) but was increased at 3 hours (1.50 ± 0.34 mm Hg; P = 0.02). However, no sex differences in DBPV (all, P > 0.07) were observed across the time points.

CONCLUSIONS

In young, normotensive adults, a single bout of prolonged sitting augmented beat-by-beat blood pressure variability, which may provide a link between uninterrupted sitting and the development of blood pressure dysregulation.
Assessing the impact of authorisation process as a regulatory tool in the European REACH regulation: A study on improving occupational safety for applying companies
Authors: Deubner Holger-Lars , Walendzik Gudrun , Lüdeke Andreas , Schlüter Urs
Published: May 2024

This study looks into the effectiveness of the authorisation procedure as a regulatory instrument within the framework of the European REACH regulation. It highlights its impact on enhancing occupational safety and health for both applicants and companies utilising the substances. This procedure encompasses manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of substances, as well as representatives of foreign manufacturers who are also eligible to seek authorisation. When applying for authorisation, the ECHA Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) assesses the risks associated with the intended uses of the substance, including the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Occupational Conditions (OCs) and Risk Management Measures (RMMs) described in the application and the risks posed by potential alternatives. If the RAC determines that the OCs/RMMs are inadequate for managing or controlling the risk, or if the measures to protect workers are deemed insufficient, it may recommend additional measures to enhance occupational safety and health or environmental protection. The 398 processed Applications for Authorisation (AfA) that have been submitted to date were examined to determine these recommended measures, categorised as Conditions for use, Monitoring arrangements, and Recommendations for Review Reports. Overall, a significant improvement concerning occupational safety and health seems necessary, as indicated by the large number of measures recommended by the ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and ECHA Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) or supplemented by the European Commission. In addition to the proposed measures, a short assessment provided by the committees as to whether the operational conditions and risk management measures are adequate in controlling the risks is also included in the study.