bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and functional properties of fish skin collagen hydrolysate extracted using microbial protease
Authors: Sulistyo Joko , Pratiwi Ika Yohanna , Titis Suniati Fransisca Romana , Lolita Amelia Myristi , Atamimi Mohammad Thariq , Holy Phylea
Published: February 2025

The hydrolyzed form of collagen demonstrates various biological activities that are absent in its native structure. Enzymatic hydrolysis is frequently utilized to generate collagen hydrolysate from different animal tissues. However, the application of microbial proteases in this process is not widely documented. The resulting peptide fractions can vary considerably based on the collagen source and the specific enzymes employed. Extracting crude enzymes from microbial sources, which tend to be more economical than commercial proteases, has shown considerable promise for liberating bioactive peptides from collagen. Furthermore, the functional characteristics of the resulting hydrolysate can be improved by selecting appropriate enzymes and optimizing hydrolysis conditions. Despite this potential, the use of microbial proteases for such applications remains largely underexplored. This study intends to identify local microbial protease sources for the preparation of collagen hydrolysate from barramundi fish skin. The collagen hydrolysis process will be evaluated based on physicochemical parameters, including the degree of hydrolysis, hydroxyproline content, morphological analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and identification of chemical structure using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Additionally, the biological activity, particularly the antioxidative potential of the collagen hydrolysate, will be assessed. The effectiveness of collagen hydrolysis using microbial proteases derived from bacterial and fungal sources will be compared with that of commercial proteases.
Morphological characteristics and quality of Simplisia of the temu ireng (Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb.)
Authors: Ngatinem Ngatinem , Azizah I. Farikha , Chaidir  , Eka Permadi Elpri , Himawan Subiantoro Agus
Published: February 2025

The development of medicinal plant extracts with unique chemical-physical characteristics and equipped with relevant clinical trial data must continue to be carried out to meet the availability of extracts of traditional medicinal raw materials (BBOT) with consistent quality. This study aims to determine the morphological characteristics and quality standards of Simplicia in five accessions of the temu ireng, there are Yukum Jaya (TI.13), Pangandaran (TI.14), Ciamis (TI.15), Bondowoso (TI.16) and Pasuruan (TI.17). The result as TI 14 (Pangandaran) had the highest all variable parameters compared to other accessions. Simplisia extract had the largest yield in the accession of TI Yukum Jaya. The drying rate of temu ireng accession TI Pangandaran and TI Bondowoso. TI Pasuruan accession has a total ash content value that exceeds the FHI standard. The content of acid insoluble ash from simplicia temu ireng all accession is still following FHI standards, TI Bondowoso above the other. Qualitative standards: The soluble juice content of TI Bondowoso and TI Pasuruan only met the FHI standard of 12.3% and the soluble content of ethanol was only the temu ireng of IT accession. The Total Plate Number on all temu ireng accessions has a value that is by BPOM standards, which does not exceed 1x106 CFU/ml and the mold/yeast number test for all temu ireng accessions also shows a value that is by BPOM standards, which does not exceed 1x104 CFU/ml.
S2k-Leitlinie „Harninkontinenz bei geriatrischen Patienten“ – Teil 4: Medikamentöse Therapie
Authors: Wiedemann Andreas , Becher Klaus , Bojack Barbara , Drews Claudia , Kirschner-Hermanns Ruth
Published: February 2025

Einleitung 1/2023 wurde das dritte Update der seit 2005 bei der AWMF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft wissenschaftlich-medizinischer Fachgesellschaften) gelisteten und fortlaufend aktualisierten Leitlinie „Harninkontinenz bei geriatrischen Patienten – Diagnostik und Therapie“ durch die interdisziplinäre Arbeitsgruppe „Harninkontinenz“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG) publiziert. Aus dieser Leitlinie, die als offizielle Leitlinie DGG akkreditiert ist, stellt der vorliegende Artikel das Kapitel „Medikamentöse Therapie“ dar.

Methodik In einem strukturierten Bewertungsprozess identifizierte eine Literaturrecherche zunächst die vorhandene Literatur im Kontext des „geriatrischen Patienten“, wie er als zumeist über 70-jährig und multimorbid oder über 80jährig durch die Fachgesellschaften definiert ist. Primäre Berücksichtigung fanden randomisierte, doppelblinde, Placebokontrollierte Studien sowie bereits vorhandene Leitlinien zum Thema. Wo keine solchen Untersuchungen vorlagen oder aus methodischen Gründen prinzipiell nicht durchführbar sind, wurden auch Publikationen anderer Designs (nicht randomisierte Untersuchungen, Fallkontrollstudien) zur Leitlinienerstellung herangezogen. Die daraus resultierenden Leitlinienempfehlungen wurden einem strukturierten Abstimmungsprozess unterzogen und abschließend Deligierten relevanter Fachgesellschaften vorgelegt.

Ergebnisse Die medikamentöse Therapie der Überaktiven Blase, der Belastungsharninkontinenz und der Überlaufinkontinenz sowie die unspezifische medikamentöse Therapie mit Antidiuretika wurde vor dem besonderen Hintergrund des vulnerablen, potentiell kognitiv eingeschränkten und im Rahmen der Multimorbidität und Multimedikation durch Medikamenteninteraktionen besonders gefährdeten Patienten betrachtet. Dabei fand das relevante Nebenwirkungsprofil der eingesetzten Substanzen besondere Berücksichtigung.

Schlussfolgerungen Eine medikamentöse Therapie der Harninkontinenz bedarf bei den besonders vulnerablen, häufig multimedizierten Patienten eine besonders sorgfältige Indikationsstellung und Überwachung in Kenntnis des spezifischen Risiko- und Nebenwirkungsprofils der eingesetzten Substanzen. Es ist ständig zu überprüfen, ob auch nicht-medikamentöse Interventionen zu ähnlichen Ergebnissen führen; dies gilt insbesondere dann, wenn potentielle Nebenwirkungen der medikamentösen Therapie vor dem Hintergrund eines speziellen Gefährdungspotentials des geriatrischen Patienten zu berücksichtigen sind.
Die Quintessenz formulieren – Ergotherapeutische Diagnose
Authors: Merklein de Freitas Claudia
Published: February 2025

In ergopraxis 10/24 (S. 47) schrieb Rechtsanwalt Dr. Thomas Schlegel, dass die Diagnosestellung zum gesetzlich definierten „Kernbereich“ ärztlicher Tätigkeiten gehört und deshalb nur von ärztlichen Fachpersonen erbracht werden darf, nicht von Therapeut*innen und auch nicht von Psycholog*innen. Unter Ergotherapeut*innen sorgt die Begrifflichkeit immer wieder für Verwirrung. Viele fragen sich: Was ist denn dann die ergotherapeutische Diagnose? Was darf ich und was darf ich nicht? Claudia Merklein de Freitas klärt auf.
Den inneren Kompass erkennen – Wertearbeit
Authors: Arens Isabel
Published: February 2025

Warum es lohnend ist, sich im Team mit den unterschiedlichen Lebensprinzipien der einzelnen Personen auseinanderzusetzen: Wer Konflikte bespricht, entwickelt mehr Verständnis füreinander.
Die AG Asthmaschulung
Authors: Morawski Dana
Published: February 2025

Alles, was Betroffene und ihre Familien über den Umgang mit der chronischen Erkrankung Asthma bronchiale wissen müssen, vermittelt die „Arbeitsgemeinschaft Asthmaschulung im Kindes- und Jugendalter e. V.“.
Shoulder Dystocia. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k-Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/098, 10/2024)
Authors: Jakubowski Peter , Abele Harald , Bamberg Christian , Bogner Gerhard , Desery Katharina , Fazelnia Claudius , Jückstock Julia , Hamza Amr Sherif , Heihoff-Klose Anne , Janning Luise , Köbke Andrea , Kyvernitakis Ioannis , Lütje Wolf , Reister Frank , Reitter Anke , Seeger Sven , Seehafer Peggy , Springer Laila , Valet Axel , Wallwiener Stephanie , Kimmich Nina
Published: February 2025

Purpose This is an official guideline of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, DGGG), the Austrian Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, ÖGGG) and the Swiss Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, SGGG). Shoulder dystocia is a rare but feared obstetric complication with potentially far-reaching medical consequences for mother and child. The purpose of this guideline is to standardize the processes which provide individual obstetric solutions for shoulder dystocia in accordance with current scientific knowledge and current clinical practice. The aim is also to emphasize that no matter how good the medical care, shoulder dystocia and its associated complications cannot be entirely prevented and are not fully controllable.

Methods Representative members from different medical specialties were commissioned by the guidelines programm of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG to develop this S2k-guideline using a structured consensus process.

Recommendations The guideline provides recommendations about the definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, risk factors and prevention, logistics, and measures to treat shoulder dystocia including an algorithm for action, and the associated complications, documentation requirements, debriefing, forensic aspects, education, training and simulation as well as follow-up discussions on the shoulder dystocia event.
Risk for Imminent Delivery in Preeclampsia Based on the sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio: Do We Need New Cut-Offs?
Authors: Enengl Sabine , Oppelt Peter , Stelzl Patrick , Scharnreitner Iris , Altmann Reinhard , Grienberger Julia , Hermann Philipp , Wagner Helga , Rezk-Füreder Marlene , Damian Ilinca , Maghörndl Lena
Published: February 2025

It is still difficult to predict the outcome of preeclampsia and determine the individual procedure with regards to the time of birth. Cut-offs of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio with a high risk for imminent delivery have been previously published and analyzed by our study group, but could not be confirmed. The aim of the current study is to re-evaluate the described cut-off values again in a new period of time.

We performed a retrospective analysis (IRB 1279/2020) including all preeclampsia patients delivering in our department over a 3-year period. Patients were divided into 2 groups – gestational week 24+0–33+6 with an s-Flt1/PlGF > 655.2 and 34+0–37+0 weeks with an sFlt-1/PlGF > 201 and were compared with preeclampsia patients of the same weeks with sFlt-1/PlGF values below the described cut-offs. Correlation between sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and time to delivery was assessed.

The association between sFlt-1/PlGF above the threshold and delivery within 48 h is significant for the high ratio early group (p < 0.01) but not for the high ratio late group (p = 0.62). In the early group, 60% of patients with sFlt-1/PlGF > 655.2 but only 8% in the low ratio group delivered within 48 h. In both the early and the late preeclampsia group, a high number of patients remained pregnant even though they showed elevated ratios.

High sFlt-1/PlGF ratios seem to correlate with a shorter pregnancy duration to some extent. Nevertheless, not all patients need to be delivered within 48 h, so the decision should never be based on the laboratory test alone.
Dispelling stigma and enduring bias: exploring the perception of esports participation among young women
Authors: Tang Di , Peng Bo , Ma Ruisi , Sum Kim-wai Raymond
Published: February 2025

This study examined how female players engage with Honor of Kings (HOK), a mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game, focusing on the facilitating and inhibiting factors shaping their participation in this traditionally male-dominated domain. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 female players (aged 18–29). The analysis primarily focused on how social factors, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control influence their gaming experience in HOK. Additionally, thematic analysis was utilized to explore themes related to the experiences of female participation in HOK, societal perceptions of esports, gender biases, and online toxicity. The results indicate that HOK has successfully broadened female participation in esports through social media integration and esthetic appeal. However, traditional cultural norms and masculine gaming culture, manifested in gender discrimination and online harassment, significantly challenge women’s inclusive participation in the esports ecosystem. This study is the first to explore women’s experiences as primary players in mobile esports, providing fresh insights into gender dynamics in esports. The research expands understanding of the relationships between game design, social integration, and cultural barriers in esports participation.
Effect of Al3+ substitution on structural, morphological, magnetic, optical, and functional study of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Sundararajan M. , Dahlous Kholod , Ramesh M. , Isaac R. S. Rimal , Yuvaraj S. , Rajabathar Jothi Ramalingam , Dash Chandra Sekhar , Udhaya P. Aji
Published: February 2025

ZnFe1−xAlxO4 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5) samples were synthesized by the combustion method. The x-ray diffraction pattern confirms that the ferrite samples have a cubic inverse spinel structure, and Rietveld refinement adds more weight to this conclusion. Furthermore, the space group is Fd3̄m. Using Rietveld analysis, the oxygen location, lattice parameter, and cation distribution were found, proving that Al doped ZnFe2O4 ferrites were present in every sample. According to structural research, when the Al3+ concentration increases, the crystallite size decreases (15–29 nm) but the lattice parameter increases (8.399–8.418 Å). The FE-SEM images are agglomerated for all the ferrite samples. The estimated energy gap (1.83–2.05 eV) increases as the doping concentration is increased. The FT-IR spectrum revealed the formation of Al doped ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles, and vibrating sample magnetometry showed the ferromagnetic behavior.
High-harmonic generation in solids from a high-energy fiber laser system
Authors: Boukhaoui D. , Mikhneva A. , Idlahcen S. , Houard J. , Godin T. , Guiramand L. , Blum I. , Amrani F. , Gérôme F. , Benabid F. , Gauthier D. , Boutu W. , Merdji H. , Vella A. , Hideur A.
Published: February 2025

We demonstrate high-harmonic generation (HHG) in solids using a high-energy fiber laser system operating at 1550 nm. The driving few-cycle source consists of an erbium-doped fiber chirped pulse amplifier combined with a post-compression stage featuring a gas-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (HC-PCF). The nonlinear self-compression process in the HC-PCF enables the generation of ultrashort pulses with sub-50 fs durations and μJ-level energies at a 660 kHz repetition rate. Perturbative and non-perturbative harmonics were subsequently generated when focusing the few-cycle pulses into zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) bulk samples. In the latter, in particular, we observed the generation of extreme ultraviolet harmonics up to H29 (below 55 nm), highlighting the remarkable potential of such a platform for the development of compact HHG sources.
UV degradation analysis of TOPCon cells
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Zhou Pengyu , Xiu Qi , Xing Xianbang
Published: February 2025

In the field of photovoltaics (PVs), tunnel oxide passivating contacts (TOPCon) cells have emerged as one of the mainstream cell structures adopted by PV module manufacturers, primarily due to their high photovoltaic conversion efficiency and excellent low-light performance. Ensuring the long-term reliability of TOPCon cells and modules is crucial, and the ultraviolet-light (UV) test serves as an essential method for assessing this reliability. By comparing the electrical performance parameters of TOPCon cells produced by a first-tier solar cell manufacturer before and after the UV test, it was observed that the electrical performance of both the front and rear sides degraded post-test. Notably, the rear side of the cell exhibited greater sensitivity to UV irradiation, with more pronounced degradation. When similar tests were conducted on cells with different passivation processes, UV degradation was still evident but varied in severity. This suggests that mass-produced TOPCon cells currently face issues with UV degradation, which can be mitigated by optimizing the thickness or refractive index distribution of the passivation layer. The UV resistance of the front side can be enhanced by adjusting the number of atomic layer deposition aluminum oxide cycles to modify the layer thickness and the structural composition of silicon nitride (SiNx). Similarly, the UV resistance of the rear side can be improved by optimizing the number, thickness, and refractive index of SiNx layers. These adjustments are essential for maintaining high double-sided power output in TOPCon cells.
Efficient room-temperature spin-amplified luminescence of an InAs quantum dot tunnel coupled with a thin GaNAs spin filter
Authors: Hiura Satoshi , Sato Shino , Sakano Shunsuke , Takayama Junichi , Murayama Akihiro
Published: February 2025

Dilute nitride GaNAs has attracted much attention for spin generation owing to its defect-engineered spin filtering at room temperature. Strong, circularly polarized luminescence reflecting the spin-polarized electron states generated by a GaNAs spin filter is needed to realize practical opto-spintronics applications. This study examined the impacts of the GaNAs thickness on the room-temperature spin-polarized luminescence properties of tunnel-coupled InAs quantum dots (QDs) through polarization- and time-resolved photoluminescence in combination with a rate equation analysis. Reducing the GaNAs thickness from 20 to 5 nm increased the QD luminescence intensity by over an order of magnitude at low excitation powers. This increased luminescence was attributed to decreased electron capture in the deep-level defect states of GaNAs, which resulted from fewer defects in thinner GaNAs layers. Furthermore, the reduction in GaNAs thickness decreased the excitation power needed to maximize electron spin polarization of QDs while maintaining a near-maximum value. This efficient spin-amplified luminescence of QDs was achieved through spin-selective capture of QD electrons by defect states under low excitation spin densities. These results demonstrate that using a thin GaNAs spin filter can result in strong QD luminescence and high circular polarization at room temperature and low excitation spin densities. The findings give valuable implications for the development of spin-functional optical devices utilizing a GaNAs spin filter.
Deep neural network-based prediction and computational fluid dynamics analysis of convective heat transfer in dusty fluid flow over heated surface
Authors: Kumar Maddina Dinesh , Raju C. S. K. , Sajjan Kiran , Dharmaiah Gurram , Shah Nehad Ali , Yook Se-Jin
Published: February 2025

Due to the necessity of creating customized nanomaterial designs, advanced coating processes have been developed on the surface of an isothermal sphere. To achieve accuracy in these processes, it is necessary to understand thermodynamic behavior, the rheology of materials, and the chemical reactions involved. The novelty of the present research is analyzing heat transfer in dusty fluid flow over a heated surface in the cross section of the cylinder. We develop a mathematical model including these factors for both phases and demonstrate how these factors affect the flow field. Thermal radiation propagation is simulated using Rosseland's flux diffusion model. Equations describing flow transport and magnetic body force are expressed using a Cartesian coordinate system. A set of boundary conditions has been established for momentum, thermal energy, and concentration particles to formulate conservation equations for the surface of an isothermal sphere. Using a nonsimilar transform, nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed into dimensionless PDEs. Using the PDSolve technique, dimensionless PDEs are solved. A significant factor in coating engineering is analyzing and calculating velocity distributions, mass, and heat transfers, which were the results of this research. The calculation is carried out using MAPLE 2024, a computational software tool. A deep neural network program was designed, which emphasizes machine learning for predicting the nature of physical phenomena for fluid applications. As part of the validation process of the proposed research, some statistical metrics were taken to assess the degree of error between true values and anticipated values. Based on the results presented, the presented approach is the most efficient method to predict physical quantities for the surface of an isothermal sphere. These results are therefore recommended for the development of industrial device setups.
Pressure responses and acoustic emission characteristics during simultaneous and sequential propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures in shale
Authors: Zhang Haoqian , Zhu Haiyan , Ou Zhipeng , Xie Mengke , Zhang Zhaopeng , Gao Mengting , Yu Xiang , Qin Yang
Published: February 2025

Deep shale gas reservoirs in the southern Sichuan Basin feature well-developed geological discontinuities, including bedding planes and natural fractures. The interaction between Hydraulic fractures (HFs) and these weak planes can cause complex pressure responses and microseismic event patterns during multi-fracture propagation. This study introduces a novel experimental method for multi-stage and multi-cluster hydraulic fracturing in a horizontal well. The simultaneous and sequential HF propagation are analyzed by integrating real-time injection pressure monitoring and acoustic emission (AE) event localization. Characteristic pressure and AE response patterns are identified for different HF propagation behaviors. Results show that multi-cluster HFs within a stage may not initiate simultaneously, with multiple pressure peaks and each associated with high-energy AE events. The initiation pressure and AE energy of previously initiated clusters are higher than those of subsequently initiated clusters. For multi-fracture sequential propagation, subsequent HFs may initiate at an angle to the wellbore due to the stress shadow from previous fractures, eventually coalescing with them. Moreover, under poor cementing quality, longitudinal HFs may initiate and the injection pressure decreases slightly after peak pressure, followed by a gradual increase with weak fluctuations. The pressure drops when the HF crosses a natural weak plane, with high-energy AE events generated at the intersection and low-energy events distributing along the weak plane. When the fracturing fluid seeps along natural discontinuities, the pressure curve fluctuates intensely and periodically, with low-energy AE events along the weak plane. The conclusions provide a guidance for evaluating fracture geometries through interpreting operation pressures and microseismic monitoring results.
Flow instability and vortex evolution in a three-twisted-blade pump using delayed detached eddy simulation
Authors: Wang Mengfei , Yang Bo , Liang Bingchen , Wu Guoxiang , Zhu Pengrui
Published: February 2025

The study investigates the fluid dynamics and instability mechanisms of a three-twisted-blade pump using hydrodynamic field analysis, vortex identification, and spectral methods. High-fidelity numerical modeling was conducted with OpenFOAM, employing the Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation method and an arbitrary mesh interface on structured grids. The results identify two distinct fluid motion mechanisms: in the flow passage range of R45%–R60%, significant velocity fluctuations and vortex shedding lead to turbulent flow, while in the R80%–R90% range, the flow becomes more stable with weaker fluctuations. Vortex motion in the flow passages, driven by the twisted blade shape, resembles the Kármán vortex street. On the suction side of the blade leading edge, striped vorticity patterns extend and densify with increased flow rate and rotational speed, correlating with the vortex shedding frequency. An increased flow rate promotes the transition from single-axis to multi-axis frequency in the velocity Power Spectral Density (PSD), counteracting the volute tongue effect and eliminating single-blade frequency. Conversely, higher rotational speeds intensify turbulence near the blade tip but minimally affect the velocity PSD's peak frequency domain.
Temporal information in sentence-final particles
Authors: Jiang Yan
Published: February 2025

This paper scrutinizes the claim that modern Shanghainese has sentence-final particles tse and keh that have tense-marking functions. We review works by Qian (2006; 2009), Chao (1926) and Li, Thompson & Thompson (1982) and analyze Shanghainese missionary texts on the use of these SFPs. Through a functional-discoursal investigation, we identify the IN-cluster use and the END-cluster use of tse. We take the temporal marking function of tse as a consequence of its discourse function, which introduces a (con)-current reference time in the discourse. On the other hand, we take keh as an assertion particle, whose occasional sense of recent past comes from its confirmation of a completed event.
Comparing Chinese and British entrepreneurial pitches in reality TV shows
Authors: Zhang Huiyu , Liu Honglv , Deng Wujing , Wei Yuanhong
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to explore and compare how entrepreneurs in different cultures mobilize evaluative linguistic resources to perform self-promotion in entrepreneurial pitches. Through corpus-based quantitative and qualitative analyses of 160 pitches from two venture capital reality TV shows, the UK’s Dragons’ Den and its Chinese version He Huo Zhong Guo Ren, this study scrutinizes the functions and features of Attitude and Graduation resources in entrepreneurial pitches and conducts further cross-culture comparisons. It is found that all entrepreneurs frequently use positive Attitude resources and upscaled Graduation resources to align investors with the value position being promoted and generate emotional appeal, so as to achieve their pragmatic intent of self-promotion. As for cross-cultural differences within the different social contexts of business culture, Chinese entrepreneurs use Judgment and Intensification resources more frequently and resort more to authoritative institutions, highlighting entrepreneurial commitment and achievements in the pitch process, while British entrepreneurs place more emphasis on the product, including its innovativeness, markets, and usability. With these findings, this study contributes to the literature on self-promotion discourse and cross-cultural pragmatics by exploring and comparing the evaluative resources and linguistic features of entrepreneurial pitches in different cultures.
Influence of circuit parameters on the electroluminescence characteristics of single-contact-driven micro-LEDs
Authors: Li Zongtao , Yuan Pan , Liang Jiachao , Li Jiasheng
Published: February 2025

The continued miniaturization of micro-light-emitting-diodes (Micro-LEDs) presents huge challenges for chip yield testing by using electrical contact probes. As showing significant advantages in chip inspection with low damage, low technical requirements and high applicability, the single-contact driving method is emerging as a burgeoning research focus. However, the underlying mechanism of this driving mode remains poorly understood, particularly the lack of direct physical descriptions of the electroluminescence (EL) process and effective driving optimization strategies of micro-LEDs. Herein, finite element simulation is applied to quantitatively explore and analyze the intrinsic effects of circuit parameters on the EL characteristics of single-contact-driven micro-LEDs (SCD micro-LEDs), including driving waveform, amplitude, frequency and the capacitance value of sapphire substrate. Through comparison with experimental results, increasing the amplitude of driving voltage and the capacitance value of sapphire substrate within a certain range, adjusting the frequency to an appropriate level and using the square wave are all conducive to achieve high stability and high efficiency of SCD micro-LEDs. Our work lays a theoretical foundation for the study of the operation mechanism of SCD micro-LEDs, which is expected to provide a certain guiding role for improving its EL characteristics and to promote the application of this mode in the field of chip detection.
A fourth-degree fluid dispersion relation to study linear azimuthal oscillations in Hall thrusters
Authors: Rojas Contreras Fernando
Published: February 2025

The principal objective of this work was to derive a linear dispersion relation considering density, momentum, and energy conservation equations for electrons where we can assess thermal effects along with momentum exchange collisions and explore if this type of elastic collisions could act as an instability mechanism. So, we derived a fourth-degree dispersion relation from a two-fluid plasma of ions (cold, non-collisional, unmagnetized, and singly charged) and electrons (hot, collisional, and magnetized with inertia). Then, to validate the resulting mathematical expression, we applied some simplifying conditions made in other studies, confirming that our 4th-degree dispersion relation is a generalization of some linear models proposed earlier. Thus, we evaluated our model with SPT-100 Hall Thruster data, finding two azimuthal unstable modes with two instability regions each. The first mode, dominant near the anode extending to the beginning of the acceleration region with a frequency spectrum from ∼3 KHz to ∼100 KHz, corresponded to an instability related to momentum exchange collisions. The second one, although dominant in the plume region with a frequency spectrum from ∼0.1 KHz to ∼0.23 KHz, corresponded to a rotating spoke instability where elastic collisions act as a damping factor, especially inside the discharge chamber where we had the maximum rate of electron-neutral collisions. Furthermore, when we compared our results with those of other dispersion relations, we saw that elastic collisions could represent a source of instability or damping, depending on the nature of the unstable modes. Finally, we also assessed the relative importance of electron inertia over the development of instabilities, finding that when we have a model with temperature perturbations and collisional effects aside from plasma non-uniformities, density, and electrostatic fluctuations, inertia seems to be of minor significance, nevertheless, in simplified models without energy conservation equation and thermal effects, inertia has a relevant impact over the instability.
Surface modification in FAPbI3 perovskites using methyl-substituted benzene derivatives: impact of functional groups and methyl position
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Feng XiangXiang , Li Yunhao , Gao Jinqi , Aslam Fawad , Sadiq Muhammad Irfan , Liu Biao , Yang Junliang
Published: February 2025

Perovskite materials are promising candidates for solar cells and other electronic devices due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. However, the stability and performance of these materials can be significantly influenced by surface modifications. In this study, we investigate the surface modification of FAPbI3 Perovskites using methyl-substituted benzene derivatives. Specifically, we examine the impact of the functional groups and methyl position in these derivatives on the structure, electronic and optical properties of the FAPbI3 Perovskite. The study shows that 3,4,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) derivatives with Pyridine-N, −NH2, −COOH and −OCH groups increase FAPbI3 Perovskite stability due to low adsorption energy. However, the doping with these molecules change the electronic properties of FAPbI3 Perovskite solar cell. There are remarkable change in work function shift (WFS) of Perovskite surface have been happened, initially ascribable to the effect of interfacial charge transfer and inherent dipole moment of molecules. Moreover, Pyridine-N, −NH2, −COOH and −OCH functionalities directly contribute to the band-edge alignment of the FAPbI3 Perovskite. Optical properties show that these exhibit significant absorption properties, with an absorption strength of up to 23.79%, surpassing that of the pristine FAPbI3 Perovskite. Furthermore, the strategic placement of methyl groups at the 1, 3, and 5 positions on the benzene ring was analyzed for its impact on the properties of FAPbI3. While a significant variation in structural and electronic characteristics was observed, the optical properties, in contrast, showed minimal variation.
Enhanced nanolaser power for metamaterial waveguide using Bragg reflector and PSO algorithm
Authors: Kadhim Nawres M , Vahed Hamid , Soofi Hadi
Published: February 2025

This work enhanced the laser output power from a nanolaser device utilizing an InGaAsP waveguide. We added the DBR structure to the meta-waveguide gain strips with 14 waveguides. Then, we used the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to improve the dimensions, especially the meta-WG’s width and the DBR structure’s x, y, span, and period dimensions. From this new design, we obtained an increase in the output laser power in both the backward and forward directions, respectively, as the value of the increase in the backward direction reached ten orders of magnitude, meaning an output power of 2 mW. In comparison, it increased the laser output power in the forward direction by 2.61 orders of magnitude, indicating an output power value of 0.7 mW. This increase was achieved while maintaining the original device dimensions and operating at room temperature.
Variability of Central Stars of Planetary Nebulae with the Zwicky Transient Facility. I. Methods, Short-timescale Variables, and the Unusual Nucleus of WeSb 1*
Authors: Bhattacharjee Soumyadeep , Kulkarni S. R. , Kong Albert K. H. , Tam M. S. , Bond Howard E. , El-Badry Kareem , Caiazzo Ilaria , Chornay Nicholas , Graham Matthew J. , Rodriguez Antonio C. , Zeimann Gregory R. , Fremling Christoffer , Drake Andrew J. , Werner Klaus , Rodriguez Hector , Prince Thomas A. , Laher Russ R. , Chen Tracy X. , Riddle Reed
Published: February 2025

A complete understanding of the central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPNe) remains elusive. Over the past several decades, time-series photometry of CSPNe has yielded significant results including, but not limited to, discoveries of nearly 100 binary systems, insights into pulsations and winds in young white dwarfs, and studies of stars undergoing very late thermal pulses. We have undertaken a systematic study of optical photometric variability of cataloged CSPNe, using the light curves from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). By applying appropriate variability metrics, we arrive at a list of 94 highly variable CSPN candidates. Based on the timescales of the light-curve activity, we classify the variables broadly into short- and long-timescale variables. In this first paper in this series, we focus on the former, which is the majority class comprising 83 objects. We report periods for six sources for the first time, and recover several known periodic variables. Among the aperiodic sources, most exhibit a jitter around a median flux with a stable amplitude, and a few show outbursts. We draw attention to WeSb 1, which shows a different kind of variability: prominent deep and aperiodic dips, resembling transits from a dust/debris disk. We find strong evidence for a binary nature of WeSb 1 (possibly an F-type subgiant companion). The compactness of the emission lines and inferred high electron densities make WeSb 1 a candidate for either an EGB 6-type planetary nucleus, or a symbiotic system inside an evolved planetary nebula, both of which are rare objects. To demonstrate further promise with ZTF, we report three additional newly identified periodic sources that do not appear in the list of highly variable sources. Finally, we also introduce a two-dimensional metric space defined by the von Neumann statistics and Pearson Skew and demonstrate its effectiveness in identifying unique variables of astrophysical interest, like WeSb 1.
Optimizing hybrid fiber concrete: an experimental analysis of steel and polypropylene fiber composites using RSM
Authors: Khan Muhammad Aftab , Khan Qaiser uz Zaman
Published: February 2025

Concrete inherent brittleness, limits its performance under various loading conditions, posing challenges in high-performance applications. Hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HYFRC), incorporating both steel and polypropylene fibers, has emerged as a promising solution to enhance crack resistance of concrete, its durability, and overall mechanical properties. This study investigates the mechanical and microstructural properties of HYFRC through a series of comprehensive experiments. Specifically, the study evaluates workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and microstructural characteristics using x-ray radiography and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The experimental setup involved 101 trial mixes, producing 1,212 standard cylinders, each incorporating varying combinations of steel fibers (SF) and polypropylene fibers (PP) across four hybridization schemes. The SF volume ratios were varied from 0.25% to 1.5%, and PP fiber ratios ranged from 0.2% to 1.0%. Key findings include significant improvements in compressive strength (up to 4290 psi) and split tensile strength (up to 554 psi) compared to non-fibrous control samples. Optimization through Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and ANOVA revealed an optimal mix achieving a slump of 3.32 inches and notable improvements in strength (61.19% for split tensile and 40.39% for compressive strength). Microstructural analysis confirmed that enhanced strength was primarily due to the development of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel structures within the hybrid matrix. This study contributes valuable insights into the design and performance of HYFRC, laying the foundation for future investigations into its application in dynamic loading scenarios, such as bridge piers subjected to seismic forces. The findings support the potential of HYFRC as a durable, high-performance material for critical infrastructure, and contributing in a research gap in fiber-reinforced concrete.
Experimental study on physical and mechanical properties of expanded soil improved by lime activated blast furnace slag
Authors: Jia Jilong , Zhao Yuxuan , Hu Jianlin , Cheng Wei
Published: February 2025

To address environmental concerns related to cement-stabilized expansive soil and the safety risks of caustic-activated blast furnace slag, this study explores the use of lime-activated blast furnace slag as an alternative stabilizer in northern Hebei, China. The effects of slag dosage, curing time, and osmotic pressure on the expansion, osmotic properties, and strength of the improved soil were evaluated through free expansion rate, permeability coefficient, and unconfined compressive strength tests. Results show that adding slag-lime significantly reduces soil expansion. As slag content increases, the free expansion rate decreases exponentially. During the curing period of 3–7 days, expansion declines and stabilizes between 7–14 days. Similarly, the permeability coefficient permeability coefficient decreases with higher slag content, following a quadratic trend. Under osmotic pressures of 0.1–0.2 MPa, the permeability coefficient permeability coefficient increases but stabilizes between 0.2–0.4 MPa.Furthermore, slag-lime significantly enhances unconfined compressive strength, which increases linearly with slag content. The stress–strain curve follows a logistic function in the rising stage and a rational fractional equation in the descending stage.This study demonstrates that lime-activated blast furnace slag is a sustainable and effective alternative for stabilizing expansive soils while reducing dependence on cement.
A least-squares augmented Lagrangian virtual element method for Reissner-Mindlin plates
Authors: Duan Huoyuan , Li Ziliang , Tan Roger
Published: February 2025

A new virtual element method, augmented with local least-squares residuals, on arbitrary polygonal meshes is proposed for the Reissner-Mindlin plate model, where the families of the Lagrangian virtual elements of any equal-order or unequal-order virtual elements

[

W
k

]

2

−

W
m

\left [W_k\right ]^2-W_m

are used for approximating the rotation and the transverse displacement while the shear stress is locally computed at the element levels by the local

L
2

L^2

projections from the discontinuous polynomial elements

[

P

ℓ

]

2

\left [\mathbb {P}_\ell \right ]^2

for

m
−
1
≤
ℓ
≤
min

(
m
+
1
,
k
)

m-1\le \ell \le \min \left (m+1,k\right )

. Stability and error estimates are established, which hold for all values of the plate thickness (including the zero thickness) and for all the mesh sizes and for all the variables (rotation, transverse displacement and shear stress) in their norms independent of the mesh size and the plate thickness. Numerical experiments are performed to illustrate the method and the theoretical results.
Oppressive Praise
Authors: Holroyd Jules
Published: February 2025

This is a book about praise: in particular, the expressions we use to elevate others, esteem them, celebrate the things they do. These expressions are a pervasive feature of social life: within families, between friends or colleagues, in institutional settings such as education and employment. Despite this, praise has attracted comparatively little philosophical attention, perhaps because—unlike its putative counterpart, blame—praise is assumed to be a benefit; an expression of positive appraisal that requires little scrutiny or justification. This book argues that, on the contrary, our practices of praising can be harmful, and implicated in oppression. It introduces cases of oppressive praise, using them to develop a diagnosis of when and why praise is oppressive, and an account of praise that focuses on its function in affirming and entrenching values in a community. This role of praise is essential to understanding moral appraisal as a social practice, and one that can be implicated in social hierarchy and oppression. The book offers an ameliorative framework: a set of norms for how we express praise; and how we might respond to and resist oppressive praise.
Three Norms of Praise
Authors: Holroyd Jules
Published: February 2025

This chapter evaluates three norms that might govern the expression of praise. Even where praise is deserved, its expression might not be appropriate. Norms that might govern expressions of praise include: a norm concerning its distribution, across people or groups; another concerning the standing of the person expressing praise; and an epistemic norm, concerning what praisers ought to reasonably believe about the targets of praise. This chapter argues that attending to the oppressive potential of praise, and its function in signalling values in a moral community, enables us to better evaluate and articulate each of these norms.
Receiving and Resisting Oppressive Praise
Authors: Holroyd Jules
Published: February 2025

This chapter returns to the harms that oppressive praise can be implicated in. It can contribute to forms of oppression such as cultural imperialism, exploitation, powerlessness, and marginalization; it does so by entrenching social hierarchies, perpetuating stereotypes and distorting our moral sensitivities. This chapter then considers strategies for resisting oppressive praise, evaluating the merits and limitations of responses such as self-deprecation, outright rejection, solidarity-based third-party rejections, and forms of non-reactive resistance, including social transformations and material redistributions. The latter is appealing since expressions of oppressive praise are best understood as implicated in structurally unjust processes (in Iris Marion Young’s sense).
Institutionalized Forms of Praise
Authors: Holroyd Jules
Published: February 2025

This chapter adds to existing debates about the wrongs of, and responses to, problematic public statues. I advance an analysis of (some) problematic statues in terms of oppressive praise, or oppressive honours. The analysis of praise that has been developed across the earlier chapters helps us to characterize the wrongs and harms at issue, and provides a framework for considering how to respond. The diagnosis set out in this chapter relies on articulating not just what statues represent or express, but the speech act of praising they (sometimes) perform. This chapter shows how attention to oppressive praise provides helpful resources for responding to problematic statues; and it raises doubts about whether statues are ever an apt medium for expressing praise.
Schubert’s Untrue Symphony
Authors: Reece Frederick
Published: February 2025

Chapter 3, “Schubert’s Untrue Symphony,” introduces key principles characteristic of modern cultures of forgery. In 1975, Swiss-born East German musicologist Harry Goldschmidt received a curious letter from a West German journalist and amateur musician named Gunter Elsholz claiming that Schubert’s lost “Gmunden-Gastein” Symphony, D. 849, had been rediscovered after a century and a half in the wilderness. Institutions including the Neue Schubert-Ausgabe responded to Goldschmidt by using source criticism in an attempt to repudiate the composition. Yet, despite this evidence, the town-hall debate that preceded the symphony’s 1982 premiere in Hanover concluded with the majority of lay listeners siding with Goldschmidt—i.e., in favor of Schubert’s authorship—when asked to vote on the matter in an unprecedented act of public musicological judgment. The case of Schubert’s Untrue Symphony was only resolved two years later when the Federal Institute for Materials Testing [Bundesanstalt für Materialprüfung], or BAM, in West Berlin used groundbreaking forensic technologies to test the ink and paper of the score itself. However, in the wake of this new historical development, the uncomfortable fact remained that it was laboratory analysis that had resolved the matter, and not the work’s sources or its sounding structure as traditionally understood.
From the Four Directions
Authors: I. Córdova Hidalgo Amalia
Published: February 2025

This chapter offers an overview of the emergence of Indigenous media projects across Latin America, describing the various strategies that Indigenous media-making collectives and organizations have developed to support processes of Indigenous recognition, self-representation, and self-determination. The chapter maps the key projects that have achieved continuity in media production, within distinctly different national and regional contexts. It outlines the precarious yet widespread support system this work has brought together, which reaches beyond regional and national boundaries, and examines the links between funding, production, and distribution that form and strengthen local, national, regional, and increasingly global Indigenous linkages. The chapter outlines what holds this community of practitioners together: a diverse yet collectively driven spirit, and a network of solidarity and activism.
Following the Path of the Serpent
Authors: I. Córdova Hidalgo Amalia
Published: February 2025

This chapter provides an in-depth account of the practices developed by the largest and longest-running Indigenous film festival of Abya Yala, the Festival International de Cine y Video de los Pueblos Indígenas, and its sister festival, Premio Anaconda. Both are itinerant, international festivals run by CLACPI and its partners. These festivals are attuned to the dynamics of circulating audiovisual media embedded in the struggle for Indigenous autonomy and resistance. The chapter identifies their organizational structures, funding, and circulation strategies, and discusses their incorporation of Indigenous methodologies. It closes with a significant shift in the alignment of Indigenous political projects with the work of CLACPI and reflects on the long-term impact and challenges of this organization over its almost forty-year history.