bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stretching‐Regulated Homogenization of Lamellae Thickness in Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Capacitor Films, and Its Effect on Breakdown Strength
Authors: Wang Jinqing , Guo Hanxiang , Huang Xinghua , Du Jianqiang , Zhang Qin , Wang Ke
Published: December 2024

Stretching fields give rise to the formation of reinforcing crystals in biaxially oriented polypropylene capacitor films, endowing them with excellent electrical properties. In this paper, the correlation between stretching temperature, ratio, and annealing temperature and film structure as well as electric breakdown strength (Eb) during biaxial stretching is investigated. Synchronous biaxial stretching ensures that the orientation of the prepared films is isotropic. However, the changes caused by the stretching field occur in the lamellae structure, with a gradation of thick and thin lamellae. First, an increasing stretching ratio leads to the homogenization of the crystal toward thick lamellae, increasing Eb. Second, the onset melting temperature (Tonset) is the key to the gradation of thick and thin lamellae. Stretching near or above Tonset results in a reduced order of the recrystallization precursors and forms thin lamellae, degrading Eb. Additionally, annealing below the melting point promotes chain migration, which facilitates the homogenization to thick lamellae and improves Eb. In conclusion, the improvement of Eb is related to the homogenization of lamellae thickness. These results provide new insights for optimizing film processing and crystal structure to enhance electrical insulation.
Effect of hollow beads content in aluminum oxide hollow beads reinforced epoxy composites on mechanical and energy absorption properties of the composites
Authors: Wu Z. , Gao Q. , Wang Q. , Wang Y. , Zhang Z. , Zhang Y.
Published: December 2024

Aluminum oxide hollow microbeads/epoxy resin composite is a kind of epoxy resin‐based multi‐porous energy‐absorbing material. This study improved the brittleness and toughness of epoxy resin. Adding hollow aluminum oxide microbeads with different mass fractions increased the energy absorption capacity. Quasi‐static compression tests were carried out at room temperature to test the compression properties of epoxy resin/hollow microbead composites. The composites′ energy absorption properties and energy absorption efficiency were analyzed and calculated using the obtained compression curves. The fracture characteristics and microscopic morphology of the composite specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that aluminum oxide hollow microbeads, as reinforcement material, can effectively improve the brittleness and yield strength of epoxy resin materials and enhance the energy absorption performance and energy absorption efficiency of composite materials. With the increase in the mass fraction of hollow microbeads, the energy absorption performance of the composite material first increases and then decreases. Its performance is the most significant when the mass fraction of aluminum oxide hollow microbeads is 10 %.
Ultrasonic welding of CF/epoxy‐CF/PEI joints with enhanced vibration transfer efficiency and optimized welding quality
Authors: Liu Jiaming , Quan Dong , Yue Dongsheng , Yang Xi , Dong Bowen , Zhao Guoqun , Zhou Chuanjian
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the impact of welding force on the ultrasonic welding quality of epoxy‐based to polyetherimide (PEI)‐based composite joints. PEI film layers were used on the carbon fiber/epoxy (CF/epoxy) composite surface through a co‐curing process, rendering it “weldable.” The ultrasonic welding for CF/epoxy and CF/PEI composite adherends were then performed, with varied welding force. The results showed critical effects of the welding force on the vibration transfer efficiency, morphology of welding lines and strength of welded joints. Lap‐shear strength (LSS) value of these joints initially increased and subsequently decreased with continuously increasing welding forces. Pore defects formed during the welding process were efficiently avoided while an optimal welding force was utilized, that resulted in the best quality welding line and the largest LSS of 39.4 MPa. In this case, CF/PEI and CF/epoxy composite adherends were cohesively failed, which was the main failure mechanism for the hybrid joints.

Highlights

Weldability of CF/epoxy composites was realized by co‐curing a PEI layer.

Increasing welding force provided enhanced vibration transfer efficiency.

Optimal welding force led to efficiently improved welding‐line quality.

The largest LSS of 39.4 MPa was obtained with an optimal welding force.
HPLC Fingerprint Combined With Chemometrics and Multicomponent Content Determination for Quality Evaluation and Control of Huangma Tincture
Authors: Qiu Jing , Li Jie , Shang Si‐yang , Zhou Peng , Leng Jing
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Huangma Tincture (HMT) is a Chinese patent medicine with a history of clinical use for more than 60 years, widely used for treating dermal chronic ulcer such as diabetic foot ulcer. However, the overall quality evaluation and control method of HMT has not yet been researched.

Objective

The aim of this study is to establish a comprehensive quality evaluation and control method for HMT based on high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint, chemometrics, and multicomponent content determination.

Methods

Establishing chemical fingerprint of HMT and carrying out similarity analysis comprehensively reflect the consistency of the formulation in terms of chemical composition. Chemometrics analyses, including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA), were performed to identify components crucial to quality differences. The content of five potential bioactive ingredients (brucine, strychnine, jatrorrhizine, coptisine, and berberine hydrochloride) was determined as a supplementary quality control measure.

Results

HPLC fingerprint of HMT with similarity index > 0.990 was established, in which five common compounds (brucine, strychnine, jatrorrhizine, coptisine, and berberine hydrochloride) were identified. HCA, PCA, and OPLS‐DA results, validated through 200 permutation tests, were basically consistent. The contents of brucine, strychnine, jatrorrhizine, coptisine, and berberine hydrochloride in 20 batches of HMT samples were 0.2088–0.5556, 0.2599–0.9868, 0.1358–0.2092, 0.2634–0.6843, and 1.8301–2.7826 mg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

HPLC fingerprint combined with chemometrics and multicomponent content determination considering both effect and toxicity provides a robust method for the comprehensive quality evaluation and control of HMT.
The Effects of Mindfulness on Shame: Exploring Mediation by Cognitive Flexibility and Self‐Compassion in a Chinese Adult Population
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshuo , Wang Jinghong , Wang Yuzheng , Wang Jinyan , Luo Fei
Published: December 2024

To examine the effects of mindfulness on shame and the mechanisms mediated by cognitive flexibility and self‐compassion in a Chinese adult population in daily life, we conducted two studies. Study 1 was a cross‐sectional study using the Five‐Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, the Self‐Compassion Scale, and the Self‐Conscious Affect‐3, which were administered to 481 adults in Beijing and Chengdu. For Study 2, an 8‐month follow‐up study was conducted on 128 of the adults. The results of Study 1 showed that (1) the awareness of action and nonjudgment dimensions, and the total score of mindfulness were significantly correlated with shame; (2) cognitive flexibility and self‐compassion could fully mediate the prediction of mindfulness on shame. The Study 2 showed that (1) mindfulness and shame were significantly negatively correlated in both phases of measurement; (2) controlling for T1 shame, T1 mindfulness was able to negatively predict T2 shame; controlling for T1 mindfulness, T1 shame was not able to predict T2 mindfulness. There is a longitudinal association between mindfulness and shame, and only mindfulness scores are predictive of the shame and not vice‐versa; both cognitive flexibility and self‐compassion can provide explanations for the prediction of shame by mindfulness. Enhancing levels of mindfulness can help alleviate individuals' shame levels.
Analyzing Normalized Binding Energy of GaAs Quantum Dot Containing Gaussian Impurity: Role of Noise
Authors: Bhakti Bhaskar , Ghosh Manas
Published: December 2024

In the present study, the impurity binding energy (IBE) and the normalized IBE (NIBE) of GaAs quantum dot (QD) are meticulously scrutinized. The QD contains Gaussian impurity as dopant. Gaussian white noise, applied via two different routes (additive and multiplicative), also becomes part of the QD confinement potential. The IBE and NIBE exhibit (depending on presence/absence of noise, mode of entrance of noise and the given physical parameter undergoing change) steady growth, steady fall, and maximization. Over the whole study, the NIBE plots efficiently manifest some intricate features which IBE plots fail to do and establish their greater efficacy over the IBE plots in unveiling the influences of various physical parameters. The findings of the study appear to be quite pertinent in realizing the optical properties of low‐dimensional nanostructures containing impurity and under the aegis of noise.
The Impact of Economic Disasters on Multidimensional Sustainability: Evidence From Cross‐Country Data
Authors: Malešević Perović Lena , Ćorić Bruno
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates how economic disasters affect sustainable development worldwide. These disasters, defined as particularly severe economic crises that cause a significant drop in GDP (10% or more), are the main focus of the study. In addition to being massive, economic disasters refer to both economic (financial, debt, and sovereign crises) and noneconomic events such as natural disasters, wars, and epidemics. This allows us to account for various events that potentially affect sustainability and differentiates us from other studies in the field, which typically focus on a much narrower concept—economic crises. In addition, this study looks at various sustainable development indicators and their components, thus enabling a more thorough and all‐encompassing analysis compared to other papers that primarily focus on the environment only. Finally, this paper investigates both the short‐ and long‐term effects across countries at different levels of development, thus providing additional insights into this topic. The findings show that economic disasters harm key sustainability indicators like adjusted net savings and the human development index, with low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries being hit the hardest. Economic disasters also impact environmental indicators such as CO2 emissions, deforestation rates, air pollution, energy efficiency, and resource consumption. In addition, the study highlights how these disasters affect progress on specific sustainable development goals, emphasizing the need for policies that focus on long‐term sustainability rather than short‐term economic recovery.
Surface Engineering of 2D Metal‐Porphyrin Metal–Organic Frameworks Z‐Scheme Heterostructure for Boosting and Stable Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhu Wenjun , Zhu Hu , Zhang Taiyang , Qin Lixia , Kang Shi‐Zhao , Li Xiangqing
Published: December 2024

How to improve the stability and activity of metal–organic frameworks is an attractive but challenging task in energy conversion and pollutant degradation of metal–organic frameworks materials. In this paper, we developed a facile method by fabricating TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) layer on 2D copper tetracarboxylphenyl‐metalloporphyrin metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with Zn2+ as the linkers (ZnTCuMT‐X, “Zn” represented Zn2+ as the linkers, the first “T” represented tetracarboxylphenyl‐metalloporphyrin (TCPP), “Cu” represented the Cu2+ coordinated into the porphyrin macrocycle, “M” represented MOFs, the second “T” represented TiO2 NPs layer, and “X” represented the added volume of n‐tetrabutyl titanate (X = 100, 200, 300 or 400)). It was found that the optimized ZnTCuMT‐200 showed greatly and stably enhanced H2 generation, which was about 28.2 times and 47.0 times as high as those of the original metalloporphyrin MOFs and TiO2, respectively. Combined with the results of free radical capture, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, electron spin resonance and theoretical calculation, a direct Z‐scheme electron transfer mechanism was achieved to fully explain the enhanced photocatalytic performance. It demonstrates that facilely designing Z‐scheme heterostructures based on porphyrin MOFs modified with inorganic semiconductor layer could be an advantageous strategy for enhancing the stability and activity of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Review on Heat Treatment and Surface Modification Technology of High‐Strength Bainite Steels
Authors: Zhao Siyang , Liu Man , Tian Junyu , Dai Fangqin , Xu Guang
Published: December 2024

Bainite steels with high strength, high toughness, and excellent wear resistance are gradually used in railway crossing, rail and wind power bearing, and other fields. The rapid development of modern industry has made the service environment of bainite steel in the heavy industry more and more harsh, which requires not only good overall performance of bainite steel matrix but also excellent surface properties. A lot of research work has been carried out to improve the properties of the bainite steel matrix and surface. In this review, the development of heat treatment technology of high‐strength bainite steels is introduced, including austempering above and below martensite starting temperature, continuous cooling, and multistep austempering processes. Afterward, the surface modification technology of high‐strength bainite steel is summarized emphatically, including carburizing, surface alloying, laser cladding, and integrated strengthening technology. Finally, the future research direction of high‐strength bainite steel is prospected based on the current research status and application performance requirements.
Microstructure Evolution of Ferrite and Martensite Phases during Heat Treatment of the Ultralow‐Carbon 11.3Cr–1.7Mn–0.8Ni Steel
Authors: Wei Hairui , Luo Gang , Du Huayun , Liu Baosheng , Hou Lifeng , Zhang Shoulu , Xu Mei , Wei Yinghui
Published: December 2024

Significant phase transformations occur in the ultralow‐carbon 11.3Cr–1.7Mn–0.8Ni steel during heat treatment processes, producing distinct microstructures. Herein, optical microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, and transmission electron microscopy techniques are employed to investigate the structural transformation of the steel after heat treatment at temperatures ranging from 730 to 1000 °C. The results reveal that the steel's microstructure gradually transforms from predominantly ferrite phase with minor martensite to mainly martensite with a small amount of ferrite structure, ultimately reaching almost complete martensite structure with a uniform distribution of low levels of retained δ‐ferrite strip at all tested temperatures. The band contrast curve exhibits unimodal characteristics in a single‐phase structure and bimodal characteristics in a biphase structure; the rise in the average kernel average misorientation value corresponds to higher degrees of misorientation and the formation more martensite; a grain orientation spread threshold of 4° could be utilized for qualitative determination regarding whether complete austenitic transformation occurs or not. Furthermore, the segregation of Cr, Mn, and Ni elements in hot‐rolled samples constitutes an intrinsic factor leading to microstructural alterations. Finally, hot‐rolled martensite exhibits a cellular structure, whereas heat‐treated martensite displays a lath bundle structure; both possess a body‐centered‐cubic crystal structure.
Surgical treatment of a case of avulsion of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle in a cat
Authors: Sabbatini Pietro , Jones Ciarán
Published: December 2024

Avulsion of the origin of the gastrocnemius muscle is a rare condition typically resulting from an acute, low‐grade local muscle injury: it usually presents as a weight‐bearing lameness with a tarsal hyperflexion. Surgical reattachment of the avulsed portion of the muscle is considered the treatment of choice. Overall, this pathology carries a good prognosis when a positive surgical outcome is achieved. A 9‐year‐old, female, neutered, domestic shorthair cat presented with an acute‐onset, weight‐bearing lameness and a plantigrade stance in the right hindlimb. Clinical and radiographic findings lead to a diagnosis of avulsion of the lateral origin of the gastrocnemius muscle: this was surgically anchored as close as possible to its anatomical origin, the tarsocrural joint was then locked in extension using a calcaneo‐tibial cortical positional screw for 5 weeks, and the leg was splinted for 7 weeks post‐operatively. At the 4‐month post‐surgical follow‐up, the cat showed a satisfactory limb function.
Introduction
Authors: van Suijlekom Walter D.
Published: December 2024

Ever since the early days of noncommutative geometry it has become clear that this field of mathematics has close ties with physics, and with gauge theories in particular. In fact, non-abelian gauge theories, and even more prominently, the Standard Model of particle physics, were a guiding principle in the formulation of noncommutative manifolds in [1, 2].
The Noncommutative Geometry of Electrodynamics
Authors: van Suijlekom Walter D.
Published: December 2024

In the previous chapters we have described the general framework for the description of gauge theories in terms of noncommutative manifolds. The present chapter serves two purposes. First, we describe abelian gauge theories within the framework of noncommutative geometry, which at first sight appears to be a contradictio in terminis. Second, in Sect. 11.2 we show how this example can be modified to provide a description of one of the simplest examples of a field theory in physics, namely electrodynamics. Because of its simplicity, it helps in gaining an understanding of the formulation of gauge theories in terms of almost-commutative manifolds, and as such it provides a first stepping stone towards the derivation of the Standard Model from noncommutative geometry in Chap. 13.
Phenomenology of the Noncommutative Standard Model
Authors: van Suijlekom Walter D.
Published: December 2024

In Theorems 13.10 and 13.11, we have derived the full Lagrangian for the Standard Model from the almost-commutative manifold $$M\times F_{\scriptscriptstyle SM}$$

M
×

F

SM

. One can find several relations among the coefficients in the Lagrangian, which we shall derive here. We then use the renormalization group equations to obtain predictions for the Standard Model at ‘lower’ (i.e. particle accelerator) energies.
Gauge Theories from Noncommutative Manifolds
Authors: van Suijlekom Walter D.
Published: December 2024

In this chapter we demonstrate how every noncommutative (Riemannian spin) manifold, viz. every spectral triple, gives rise to a gauge theory in a generalized sense.
Conclusion
Authors: Zhao Xinyan
Published: December 2024

This monograph examines the limitations of current WTO rules in supporting the SDGs. While WTO agreements touch on various sustainability issues, they fall short of providing a comprehensive framework for sustainable development. The monograph contends that existing rules excessively limit members’ regulatory policy space and proposes replacing the necessity test with a sustainability test. This new test would prioritise sustainable development values over trade concerns, ensuring that domestic regulations align with the SDGs and balance different sustainable development interests. Additionally, this monograph advocates for incorporating trade-related sustainable development commitments and the sustainability test into the WTO framework. It also offers recommendations for formalising these efforts through the establishment of a sustainable development club within the WTO.
Progress in Embedding Sustainability into WTO Rules
Authors: Zhao Xinyan
Published: December 2024

Many WTO members are actively negotiating new rules to enhance the sustainability of their commitments within the organisation. These negotiations are pivotal in driving the constitutionalisation of the WTO and reforming its rules. Given the stagnation of multilateral negotiations, WTO members are engaging in plurilateral negotiations to advance these rules. I categorise these negotiations into three main areas: liberalising international trade, advancing social rights, and committing to environmental sustainability. This chapter examines the progress and outcomes of these negotiations to determine which TSDCs are being incorporated into WTO law and whether they are adequate to establish a legal basis for the sustainability test.
A critical study of the Monte Carlo replica method
Authors: Costantini Mark N. , Madigan Maeve , Mantani Luca , Moore James M.
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We present a detailed mathematical study of the Monte Carlo replica method as applied in the global fitting literature from the high-energy physics theory community. For the first time, we provide a rigorous derivation of the parameter distributions implied by the method, and show that, whilst they agree with Bayesian posteriors for linear models, they disagree otherwise. We proceed to numerically quantify the disagreement between the Monte Carlo replica method and the Bayesian method in the context of two phenomenologically relevant scenarios: fits of the SMEFT Wilson coefficients, and fits of PDFs (albeit in a toy scenario). In both scenarios, we find that uncertainty estimates of the quantities of interest are discrepant between the two approaches when non-linearity is relevant. Our findings motivate future investigation of Bayesian methodologies for global PDF fits, especially in the context of simultaneous determination of PDFs and SMEFT Wilson coefficients.
Infinite-dimensional hierarchy of recursive extensions for all subn-leading soft effects in Yang-Mills
Authors: Nagy Silvia , Peraza Javier , Pizzolo Giorgio
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Building on our proposal in [1], we present in detail the construction of the extended phase space for Yang-Mills at null infinity, containing the asymptotic symmetries and the charges responsible for subn-leading soft theorems at all orders. The generality of the procedure allows it to be directly applied to the computation of both tree and loop-level soft limits. We also give a detailed study of Yang-Mills equations under the radial expansion, giving a thorough construction of the radiative phase space for decays compatible with tree-level amplitudes for both light-cone and radial gauges. This gives rise to useful recursion relations at all orders between the field strength and the vector gauge coefficients. We construct the subn-leading charges recursively, and show a hierarchical truncation such that each charge subalgebra is closed, and their action in the extended phase space is canonical. We relate these results with the infinite-dimensional algebras that have been recently introduced in the context of conformal field theories at null infinity. We also apply our method to the computation of non-universal terms in the sub-leading charges arising in theories with higher derivative interaction terms.
Kasner eons with matter: holographic excursions to the black hole singularity
Authors: Cáceres Elena , Murcia Ángel J. , Patra Ayan K. , Pedraza Juan F.
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Recent work has shown that introducing higher-curvature terms to the Einstein-Hilbert action causes the approach to a space-like singularity to unfold as a sequence of Kasner eons. Each eon is dominated by emergent physics at an energy scale controlled by higher-curvature terms of a given order, transitioning to higher-order eons as the singularity is approached. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we demonstrate that the inclusion of matter dramatically modifies the physics of eons compared to the vacuum case. We illustrate this by considering a family of quasi-topological gravities of arbitrary order minimally coupled to a scalar field. Second, we investigate Kasner eons in the interior of black holes with field theory duals and analyze their imprints on holographic observables. We show that the behavior of the thermal a-function, two-point functions of heavy operators, and holographic complexity can capture distinct signatures of the eons, making them promising tools for diagnosing stringy effects near black hole singularities.
Erratum to: Fermionic UV models for neutral triple gauge boson vertices
Authors: Cepedello Ricardo , Esser Fabian , Hirsch Martin , Sanz Veronica
Published: December 2024

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP07(2024)275
Scalar electrodynamics and Higgs mechanism in the unfolded dynamics approach
Authors: Misuna Nikita
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We put forward a novel method of constructing unfolded formulations of field theories, which is based on initial fixation of the form of an unfolded field and subsequent looking for the corresponding unfolded equation as an identity that this field satisfies. Making use of this method, we find an unfolded formulation for 4d scalar electrodynamics. By considering a symmetry-breaking scalar potential, we study the implementation of the Higgs mechanism within the framework of the unfolded dynamics approach. We explore a deformation of unfolded modules in the symmetry-broken phase and identify a non-invertible unfolded-field redefinition that diagonalizes the higgsed system.
Genetic and pharmacological targeting of mTORC1 in mouse models of arteriovenous malformation expose non-cell autonomous signalling in HHT
Authors: Queiro-Palou Antonio , Jin Yi , Jakobsson Lars
Published: December 2024

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal high flow shunts between arteries and veins with major negative impact on the cardiovascular system. Inherited loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in endoglin, encoding an endothelial cell (EC) expressed co-receptor for BMP9/10, causes the disease HHT1/Osler-Weber-Rendu, characterized by bleeding and AVMs. Here we observe increased activity of the downstream signalling complex mTORC1 within the retinal vasculature of HHT mouse models. To investigate its importance in AVM biology, concerning subvascular action, cell specificity, signalling strength and kinetics we combine timed genetic and antibody-based models of HHT with genetic mTORC1 inhibition or activation through EC specific deletion of Rptor or Tsc1. Results demonstrate that EC mTORC1 activation is secondary to endoglin LOF and mainly a consequence of systemic effects following AVM. While genetic EC inhibition of mTORC1 only showed tendencies towards reduced AVM severity, EC overactivation counterintuitively reduced it, implying that mTORC1 must be within a certain range to facilitate AVM. Complete inhibition of mTORC1 signalling by rapamycin provided the strongest therapeutic effect, pointing to potential involvement of RAPTOR-independent pathways or AVM-promoting effects of non-ECs in this pathology.
Evaluation of the seismic capacity of cultural heritage in case of aggregate buildings: the Castle of Rosignano Marittimo
Authors: Puppio Mario Lucio , Ariu Matteo , Deligia Mariangela , Doveri Fabio , Ferrini Martina , Sassu Mauro
Published: December 2024

The partitioning of masonry buildings in Structural Units (SUs), or aggregate of Structural Units, is a useful tool to simplify the analysis of the buildings and the study of static and seismic vulnerability. However, this allocation is affected by uncertainties, simplification, and sometimes unavoidable miscalculation due to the directionality of this subdivision. This procedure exposes the results to discrepancies due to the way the building is divided. The Castle of Rosignano is emblematic. In this paper, the dependence of the results on how the Structural Units are considered is analyzed, as well as the role of structural in plan and elevation irregularities on various SUs and their combination. Non-linear static analysis corresponding to different distributions of the building in Structural Units, the uncertainties about material properties, and different directions of the seismic action are analyzed, and the respective results are discussed here. A simplified approach, for the study of aggregate buildings on an urban scale, is based on the so-called “tabular method”. Several Authors proposed and improved similar methods applied to different urban contexts. A comparison of simplified methodologies with the results of the detailed FEM analysis is also discussed and presented here. Finally, a simplified approach is proposed based on the regularity parameter of the building in aggregate. Taking the evidence from FEM analysis as a physical-mechanical base, the authors propose the quantitative definition of irregularity parameters and the use of them to determine the building vulnerabilities. The proposed procedure aimed to be a practical tool to determine, in an expeditious manner, the seismic capacity of a masonry building in aggregate. The model proposed in this paper, applied to the case of the study of Rosignano Marittimo (a typical situation of aggregate building in a historical context in Tuscany, Italy) shows emblematic results that can be extended to analogous configuration.
Efficient extraction of carboxylated nanocellulose from ionoSolv pulps with alkaline H2O2 assisted oxidation
Authors: Rafat Aida Abouelela , Verdía Barbará Pedro , Ullah Asim , Kontturi Eero , Law Robert V. , Hallett Jason P.
Published: December 2024

We report a simple procedure to produce carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from grassy biomass (Miscanthus X Giganteus) using a two-step approach consisting of biomass fractionation with a protic ionic liquid followed by oxidation of the resulting cellulose-rich pulps with H2O2. The impact of the fractionation severity on the composition, structure, size, thermal stability, crystallinity, and degree of polymerization of the CNCs was evaluated. It was found that fractionation severity had a large impact on the pulp purity and its reactivity during the oxidation stage. Nevertheless, the impact on the properties of the final CNCs was small. CNCs were recovered as suspensions of negatively charged, electrostatically stable, needle-like CNCs with a lower degree of crystallinity (58–61%) compared to the precursor pulps (65–69%). The presence of carboxyl groups on the surface of the CNCs facilitated the stability of the suspensions but also caused a slight decrease in the thermal stability of the CNCs. A milder oxidation process followed by ultrasonication allowed us to maximize the production of CNCs while better preserving the degree of crystallinity of the cellulose (63%).
Exploring the Neuroprotective Effects of Rufinamide in a Streptozotocin-Induced Dementia Model
Authors: Kaur Darshpreet , Grewal Amarjot Kaur , Fouad Dalia , Kumar Amit , Singh Varinder , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Welson Nermeen N. , Singh Thakur Gurjeet
Published: December 2024

Due to the complex pathophysiology of AD (Alzheimer’s Disease), there are currently no effective clinical treatments available, except for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. However, CREB (cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein) has been identified as the critical factor for the transcription in memory formation. Understanding the effect of potential drugs on the CREB pathway could lead to the development of new therapeutic molecules. Rufinamide has shown promise in improving memory in animal models, and these effects may be associated with modulation of the CREB pathway, however, this has not been previously reported. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the involvement of the CREB pathway in the cognitive improvement effects of rufinamide in STZ (streptozotocin) induced mouse model of dementia. Administration of STZ [3 mg/kg, i.c.v. (intracerebroventricular) bilaterally] significantly impaired cognitive performance in step-down passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests in animals, reduced brain endogenous antioxidant levels (GSH, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), and increased marker of brain oxidative stress [TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances)] and inflammation [IL-1β (Interleukin-1 beta), IL-6 (Interleukin-6), TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor alpha) and NF-κB (Nuclear factor kappa B)], along with neurodegeneration. These effects were markedly reversed by rufinamide (50 and 100 mg/kg) when administered to STZ animals. However, the pre-treatment with the CREB inhibitor (666-15) in STZ and rufinamide-administered animals neutralized the beneficial influence of rufinamide. Our data suggest that rufinamide, acting via CREB signaling, reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory markers while elevating anti-oxidant levels. Our study has established that rufinamide may act through CREB signaling in an investigational AD model, which could be crucial for developing new treatments beneficial in progressive neurological disorders.

Graphical Abstract
Fine-scale residency and temperature-driven habitat selection in a migratory shark species
Authors: J. Thorburn , É. Gagnon , J. Martin , L.-A. Henry , P.J. Wright , J. Dodd , M. James , F. Neat
Published: December 2024

Many marine species exhibit complex and diverse movements that vary across spatial and temporal scales. These movements must be accounted for when designing effective management and conservation efforts. While environmental cues such as temperature and salinity have been shown to influence the movements of mobile species, it is increasingly documented that social factors can also influence space use and population behaviour. Understanding how various factors influence movement enhances our ability to predict the space use of highly dynamic ocean species. Spurdog (Squalus acanthias), known for their tendency to aggregate and use of both coastal and oceanic environments, are an ideal model species for studying drivers of movement. To investigate movement and habitat selection in spurdog, we conducted an acoustic telemetry study from June 2016 to July 2017, tagging 51 spurdog in a partially enclosed fjordic sea loch on the west coast of Scotland. The thermal profile of Loch Etive was recorded to complement the movement data. Our study revealed temperature as a pivotal driver of movement and habitat selection in spurdog, with the unique thermal environment of the fjord enabling year-round residency at a previously undocumented spatial scale, suggesting that such habitats may be especially important for mobile marine species. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding environmental influences on space use and movement to develop effective, climate-resilient management strategies for spurdog and other mobile marine species.
Solving the inclusion problem: gender without representationalism
Authors: Willems Ed
Published: December 2024

Recent work in the metaphysics of gender mostly focuses on trying to solve the exclusion problem - roughly, the problem of giving a metaphysical account of gender that doesn’t exclude anyone from their appropriate gender category. It is acknowledged that no completely satisfactory answer to the exclusion problem has yet been given in the literature; typically such theories fail to account for the diverse experiences and characteristics of trans people. One response is to adopt an anti-realism about gender properties, such as Heather Logue’s gender fictionalism. I rebut the move to an anti-realism, showing that it relies on assuming a representationalism about gender vocabulary that we need not hold. I put forward a non-representationalist theory of gender properties that analyses gender vocabulary in terms of its inferential profile, rather than its representational features. This theory constitutes a deflationary realism about gender properties; it solves the inclusion problem, and guarantees the first-person epistemic authority of an individual regarding their own gender identity.
VNR_LBP: A New Approach to Congestion Control Using Virtualization and Switch Migration in SDN
Authors: Jenabzadeh MohammadReza , Ayatollahitafti Vahid , Mollakhalili Meybodi MohammadReza , Ardakani MohammadReza Mollahoseini , Javadpour Amir
Published: December 2024

In order to improve network performance, traffic management is imperative. In addition to increasing the volume of network data, software-defined networks have expanded and the amount of information exchanged between the data plane and the control plane has increased. This will lead to congestion and reduce network efficiency because more traffic will flow through these networks. Congestion in these networks can be controlled effectively with switch migration. A mechanism that provides congestion control through the virtual migration of switches is presented, known as Virtual Network Request Load Balancing Profit (VNR_LBP). It is a problem to have many requests at a switch node, and to solve it, there is an effective solution. Network virtualization allows the controller to migrate switches into this space by taking advantage of available resources in switches and links. In order to control congestion, we have calculated the profit function of nodes and links to determine how much congestion exists. We also request a virtual network (VNR) to reduce load and manage resources. Lastly, the proposed method was evaluated using NS2 simulator according to various criteria. Simulated results show that in comparison with the basic method, the proposed method increases throughput by about 4.3%, decreases delay by about 5.3%, and reduces the average cost by 26%.
Predictors of Understaging with EUS and PET-CECT in Early Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Venkataramani Karthik , Jiwnani Sabita , Niyogi Devayani , Tiwari Virendrakumar , Pramesh C. S. , Karimundackal George
Published: December 2024

Background

The clinicoradiological staging for esophageal cancer is fraught with variable accuracy, potentially depriving patients who have been understaged of the benefit of neoadjuvant therapy, which has been shown to improve long-term survival in locally advanced malignancies. It is imperative to identify these high-risk tumors for tailored treatment.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients undergoing esophagectomy for carcinoma esophagus between 2011 and 2019. Patients with clinicoradiological early-stage esophageal carcinoma (T1/2 and N0), staged with EUS and fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (FDG PET-CECT), and undergoing upfront surgery were included. Demographic profile, staging, perioperative outcomes, and follow-up data were extracted from electronic records and analyzed using SPSS 26.0.

Results

During this period, we performed 1496 esophagectomies, of which 68 patients (4.5%) underwent upfront surgery for early-stage tumors. The overall concordance between clinical and surgical staging was 55.8%. The positive predictive value (PPV) of EUS for T1, T2, and N0 was 81.6%, 46.7%, and 82.4%, respectively, with 10.2% and 17% upstaging to T3 and N + , respectively. On multivariate analysis, T2 on EUS and tumors longer than 3.5 cm and having standardized uptake value (SUVmax) > 3.05 on FDG PET were strong predictors of stage migration. The 3-year overall survival (OS) of the entire cohort was 74.2%, while those who were understaged had a worse outcome, with a 3-year survival of 48.2%.

Conclusion

Endoscopic T2 stage, length more than 3.5 cm, and SUVmax more than 3.05 are associated with significant understaging and hence should be considered for neoadjuvant therapy.
Role of alanine aminotransferase in crop resilience to climate change: a critical review
Authors: Agrawal Nisha , Chunletia Rati S. , Badigannavar Anand M. , Mondal Suvendu
Published: December 2024

Alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT) is a crucial enzyme present in various isoforms. It is playing vital role in both humans and plants. This concise review focuses on the role of AlaAT in plants, particularly on preharvest sprouting, hypoxia, nitrogen use efficiency, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. The molecular genetics of AlaAT, including gene identification and the impact on plant yield and its physiology, is discussed. Notably, the major dormancy gene Qsd1/SD1 governing AlaAT synthesis has been characterized and cloned in various crops. This review emphasizes the current understanding of AlaAT and its influence on plants, covering mechanisms regulating preharvest sprouting, hypoxia, drought tolerance, salt tolerance, biotic resistance and nitrogen use efficiency. Identifying a protein with multidimensional roles in crop plants is very important. Modern biotechnological approaches can alter such candidate gene/protein for superior varieties development. Overall, the review gives an understanding of the uncovered area of AlaAT and the challenge of climatic change triggers in plants. In the future, the potential of genome editing in AlaAT through enhancer insertion and rapid stabilization through speed breeding will impart resilience to crop plants against climate change.
The consumer genome: Willingness to share and accept genetic data in marketing
Authors: Gil João Carlos , Guerreiro João
Published: December 2024

Genetic marketing presents novel challenges for marketing, namely how its implementation impacts consumers’ attitudes. The current study is grounded on the privacy calculus and theory of planned behavior theories to understand how consumers are willing to accept the use of genetic data for marketing purposes. A total of 309 consumers were surveyed about their perceptions of using genetic data. The study shows that creating benefits for the disclosure of information, establishing a positive reputation for the organization, and building systems that empower consumers in terms of control over their genetic data will help consumers accept genetic marketing practices.
Effect of farm size on vulnerability in beekeeping: Insights from mediterranean Spain
Authors: López-i-Gelats Feliu , Hobbelink Erik , Llaurador Paula , Rivera-Ferre Marta G.
Published: December 2024

There is broad consensus on the socioeconomic importance of beekeeping and the essential services it provides through pollination. However, beekeeping is being impacted by global environmental changes, and more specific insights are needed. Beekeeping is not a homogeneous activity; it is practiced in various ways and contexts. This study examines how these changes affect beekeeping operations of different sizes in Mediterranean Spain and whether size influences adaptation. Structured interviews were conducted to assess the sector's vulnerability, with climate change identified as a key contributing factor. The findings reveal that the vulnerability of beekeeping is shaped not only by multiple transformations but also by the diverse adaptive capacities of beekeepers. Additionally, the size of beekeeping operations significantly influences this capacity, a factor that should be integrated into policymaking given the sector’s highly polarized nature.
Development and validation of a generalized, AI-based inline void defect detection solution for FSW based on force feedback
Authors: Rabe P. , Schiebahn A. , Reisgen U.
Published: December 2024

Friction stir welding is a solid-state joining process that operates below the material’s melting point commonly used to join aluminum parts, avoiding the drawbacks of fusion-based methods. These resulting advantages have accelerated growth and are increasing the number of applications across a range of industrial sectors, many of which are safety–critical. Along with the increase in applications and rise in productivity the need for reliable and cost-effective, non-destructive inline quality monitoring is rapidly growing. This publication is based on the research group’s ongoing efforts to develop a capable generalized inline-monitoring solution. To detect and classify FSW defects, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) based on the DenseNet architecture are used to evaluate recorded process data. The CNNs are modified to include weld and workpiece-specific metadata in the classification. These networks are then trained to classify transient weld data over a wide range of welding parameters, three different Al alloys, and two sheet thicknesses. The hyperparameters are incrementally tuned to increase weld defect detection. The defect detection threshold is tuned to prevent false negative classifications by adjusting the cost function to fit the needs of a force-based detection system. Classification accuracies > 99% are achieved with multiple neural network configurations. System validation is provided utilizing a newly recorded weld dataset from a different welding machine with previously used parameter/workpiece combinations as well as parameter combinations and alloys as well as sheet thicknesses outside the training parameter range. The generalization capabilities are demonstrated by the detection of > 99.9% of weld defects in the validation data.
Supporting Coordination and Peer Editing in Students’ Online Collaborative Writing Processes
Authors: Usher Maya , Roll Ido , Fuhrman Orly , Amir Ofra
Published: December 2024

Online Collaborative Writing (OCW) is a prevalent practice among undergraduate students, yet challenges arising from a lack of group awareness (GA) often hinder effective collaboration. To address such challenges, this study included three phases: (1) A preliminary study (n=9) aimed to identify challenges that undergraduate students face while engaging in asynchronous OCW. (2) A GA tool (i.e., SITU) was designed to address the identified challenges by allowing students to invite their peers to edit specific sections of the document and provide written feedback. (3) The effect of SITU on students’ online writing behaviors and peer editing outcomes was evaluated. Students in the experimental group (n=32) worked on an OCW task with SITU while students in the control group (n=30) worked without it. Employing a mixed-methods research design, data were collected via screen-capture recordings of students’ writing processes and group interviews. Results from the preliminary study revealed that students experienced discomfort in editing parts of the shared document written by peers and encountered difficulties in coordinating task-related activities. The main study revealed that collaborative writing with SITU led to an almost twofold increase in the time students spent on conducting major edits to paragraphs written by peers.