bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Conjugated L‐Cysteine: A Novel Metal Pincer for Efficient Heavy Metal Ions Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Mahmoud Safwat A. , Atia Bahig M. , Abdalla Mohamed
Published: July 2024

A facilely prepared composite based on Polyvinyl alcohol anchored‐ L‐cysteine (PVA‐L‐CYS) demonstrated efficient functionality in the elimination of heavy metals (Hg, Cr, Pb, and Cd) from working wastewater. The synthesis of the composite was validated through a comprehensive characterization utilizing various analytical techniques to ensure the composite‘s structural, chemical, and physical properties. At ambient temperature, pH of 4–5.5, interaction time of 15–20 minutes, and concentration of 200 mg/L metal ions, the composite exhibited a maximum retention capacity of 48.5, 25, 45.25, and 44.25 mg/g for Hg, Cr, Pb, and Cd, respectively. Langmuir modeling was establish to be more fitting to the practical results than Freundlich, providing theoretical values of 49.02, 25.97, 46.08, and 44.84 mg/g for Hg, Cr, Pb, and Cd, respectively. The kinetics of PVA‐L‐CYS composite was accurately predicted by model of the pseudo‐first‐order kinetic. Thermodynamic prospects indicated a spontaneous, exothermic, and favorable uptake process at low temperatures. Efficient elution of the heavy metal ions from the overloaded composite was performed using 1 M HNO3. In accordance with WHO and FAO guidelines, the successful elimination of working metal ions from wastewater utilizing the PVA‐L‐CYS composite was demonstrated in a single cycle before discharge into the marine environment.
Crystallographic Pathways to Tailoring Metal‐Insulator Transition through Oxygen Transport in VO2
Authors: Sim Hyeji , Doh Kyung‐Yeon , Park Yunkyu , Song Kyung , Kim Gi‐Yeop , Son Junwoo , Lee Donghwa , Choi Si‐Young
Published: July 2024

The metal–insulator (MI) transition of vanadium dioxide (VO2) is effectively modulated by oxygen vacancies, which decrease the transition temperature and insulating resistance. Oxygen vacancies in thin films can be driven by oxygen transport using electrochemical potential. This study delves into the role of crystallographic channels in VO2 in facilitating oxygen transport and the subsequent tuning of electrical properties. A model system is designed with two types of VO2 thin films: (100)‐ and (001)‐oriented, where channels align parallel and perpendicular to the surface, respectively. Growing an oxygen‐deficient TiO2 layer on these VO2 films prompted oxygen transport from VO2 to TiO2. Notably, in (001)‐VO2 film, where oxygen ions move along the open channels, the oxygen migration deepens the depleted region beyond that in (100)‐VO2, leading to more pronounced changes in metal‐insulator transition behaviors. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the intrinsic crystal structure, such as channel pathways, in controlling ionic defects and customizing electrical properties for applications.
Conformation‐Driven Responsive 1D and 2D Lanthanide‐Metal‐Organic Framework Heterostructures for High‐Security Photonic Barcodes
Authors: Yang Shuo , Xu Yuyu , Lin Ru , Feng Xingwei , Wang Kai , Wang Zhitong , Cui Ke , Chen Shunwei , Wang Zifei , Wang Xue , Chen Shiwei , Zhang Wei , Zhu Chaofeng , Gao Zhenhua
Published: July 2024

Development of luminescent segmented heterostructures featuring multiple spatial‐responsive blocks is important to achieve miniaturized photonic barcodes toward anti‐counterfeit applications. Unfortunately, dynamic manipulation of the spatial color at micro/nanoscale still remains a formidable challenge. Here, a straightforward strategy is proposed to construct spatially varied heterostructures through amplifying the conformation‐driven response in flexible lanthanide‐metal‐organic frameworks (Ln‐MOFs), where the thermally induced minor conformational changes in organic donors dramatically modulate the photoluminescence of Ln acceptors. Notably, compositionally and structurally distinct heterostructures (1D and 2D) are further constructed through epitaxial growth of multiple responsive MOF blocks benefiting from the isomorphous Ln‐MOF structures. The thermally controlled emissive colors with distinguishable spectra carry the fingerprint information of a specific heterostructure, thus allowing for the effective construction of smart photonic barcodes with spatially responsive characteristics. The results will deepen the understanding of the conformation‐driven responsive mechanism and also provide guidance to fabricate complex stimuli‐responsive hierarchical microstructures for advanced optical recording and high‐security labels.
Superspreading Surface with Hierarchical Porous Structure for Highly Efficient Vapor–Liquid Phase Change Heat Dissipation
Authors: Liu Luqi , Fu Chao , Li Shuangyang , Zhu Lijing , Ma Fuliang , Zeng Zhixiang , Wang Gang
Published: July 2024

Superspreading surfaces with excellent water transport efficiency are highly desirable for addressing thermal failures through the liquid–vapor phase change of water in electronics thermal management applications. However, the trade‐off between capillary pressure and viscous resistance in traditional superspreading surfaces with micro/ nanostructures poses a longstanding challenge in the development of superspreading surfaces with high cooling efficiency in confined spaces. Herein, a heat‐treated hierarchical porous enhanced superspreading surface (HTHP) for highly efficient electronic cooling is proposed. Compared with the single porous structures in nanograss, nanosheets, and copper foam, HTHP with hierarchical honeycomb pores effectively resolves the trade‐off effect by introducing large vertical through‐pores to reduce viscous resistance, and connected small pores to provide sufficient capillary pressure synergistically. HTHP exhibits excellent capillary performance in both horizontal spreading and vertical rising. Despite a thickness of only 0.33 mm, the as‐prepared ultrathin vapor chamber (UTVC) fabricated to exploit the superior capillary performance of HTHP achieved effective heat dissipation with outstanding thermal conductivity (12 121 Wm−1K−1), and low thermal resistance (0.1 KW−1) at a power of 5 W. This regulation strategy based on hierarchical honeycomb porous structures is expected to promote the development of high‐performance superspreading surfaces with a wide range of applications in thermal management.
Fully Recycled Polyolefin Elastomer‐Based Vitrimers with Ultra‐High, Universal, Stable, and Switchable Adhesion
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Xinghuo , Chen Yukun
Published: July 2024

Achieving both robust adhesion to arbitrary surfaces and thermal‐switchable/recyclable properties has proven challenging, particularly for commodity polyolefins. Herein, a simple and effective route is reported to transform polyolefins elastomer (POE) into a fully recycled epoxy‐functionalized POE vitrimers (E‐POE vit) with ultra‐high, universal, stable, and switchable adhesion via facile free radical grafting and dynamic cross‐linking. The resultant E‐POE vit exhibits increase in adhesion strength on glass exceeding three to ten times compared to those commonly used polymers, due to the synergy of dense hydrogen (H)‐bonds and strong interfacial affinity. In addition, E‐POE vit also displays strong adhesion on diverse surfaces ranging from inorganic to organic while maintaining good stability in various harsh environments. More importantly, temperature‐sensitive H‐bonds allow E‐POE vit to switch between attachment‐detachment at alternating temperatures, resulting in reversible adhesion without adhesion loss, even after 10 cycles. Moreover, E‐POE vit is able to be fully recycled and reused more than ten times via thermo‐activated transesterification reactions with negligible change in structure and performance. This work may unlock strategies to fabricate high‐performance commercial polymer‐based adhesives with adhesion and recyclable features for intelligent and sustainable applications.
Biochar Meets Single‐Atom: A Catalyst for Efficient Utilization in Environmental Protection Applications and Energy Conversion
Authors: Zhou Ting , Deng Jie , Zeng Yuxi , Liu Xiaoqian , Song Biao , Ye Shujing , Li Meifang , Yang Yang , Wang Ziwei , Zhou Chengyun
Published: July 2024

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs), combining the advantages of multiphase and homogeneous catalysis, have been increasingly investigated in various catalytic applications. Carbon‐based SACs have attracted much attention due to their large specific surface area, high porosity, particular electronic structure, and excellent stability. As a cheap and readily available carbon material, biochar has begun to be used as an alternative to carbon nanotubes, graphene, and other such expensive carbon matrices to prepare SACs. However, a review of biochar‐based SACs for environmental pollutant removal and energy conversion and storage is lacking. This review focuses on strategies for synthesizing biochar‐based SACs, such as pre‐treatment of organisms with metal salts, insertion of metal elements into biochar, or pyrolysis of metal‐rich biomass, which are more simplistic ways of synthesizing SACs. Meanwhile, this paper attempts to 1) demonstrate their applications in environmental remediation based on advanced oxidation technology and energy conversion and storage based on electrocatalysis; 2) reveal the catalytic oxidation mechanism in different catalytic systems; 3) discuss the stability of biochar‐based SACs; and 4) present the future developments and challenges regarding biochar‐based SACs.
V‐Doping Strategy Induces the Construction of the CoFe‐LDHs/NF Electrodes with Higher Conductivity to Achieve Higher Energy Density for Advanced Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Qiang Xinrui , Jia Bingzhe , Wu Xinming
Published: July 2024

Doping of metal ions shows promising potential in optimizing and modulating the electrical conductivity of layered double hydroxides (LDHs). However, there is still much room for improvement in common metal ions and conventional doping methods. In contrast to previous methodologies, a hollow triangular nanoflower structure of CoFeV‐LDHs is devised, which is enriched with a greater number of oxygen vacancies. This resulted in a significant enhancement in the conductivity of the LDHs, leading to an increase in energy density following the appropriate doping of V. To investigate the impact of V‐doping on the energy density of the LDHs, in situ XPS and in situ X‐ray spectroscopy is employed. Regarding electrochemical performance, the CoFeV‐LDHs/NF electrode with optimal doping ratio exhibited a specific capacitance of 881 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. The capacitance remained at 90.53% after 3000 cycles. In addition, the constructed battery‐type supercapacitor CoFeV‐LDHs/NF‐2//AC exhibited an impressive energy density of 124.7 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 850 W kg−1 and capacitance remained almost unchanged at 95.2% after 3000 cycles. All the above demonstrates the great potential of V‐doped LDHs and brings a new way for the subsequent research of LDHs.
A Crystalline‐Water Electrolyte Enabled High Depth‐of‐Discharge Anodes in Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Yao Rui , Zhao Yunxiang , Wang Lumeng , Kang Feiyu , Ho Johnny C. , Zhi Chunyi , Yang Cheng
Published: July 2024

Aqueous zinc metal batteries are regarded as a promising energy storage solution for a green and sustainable society in the future. However, the practical application of metallic zinc anode is plagued by the thermodynamic instability issue of water molecules in conventional electrolytes, which leads to severe dendrite growth and side reactions. In this work, an ultra‐thin and high areal capacity metallic zinc anode is achieved by utilizing crystalline water with a stable stoichiometric ratio. Unlike conventional electrolytes, the designed electrolyte can effectively suppress the reactivity of water molecules and diminish the detrimental corrosion on the metallic zinc anode, while preserving the inherent advantages of water molecules, including great kinetic performance in electrolytes and H+ capacity contribution in cathodes. Based on the comprehensive performance of the designed electrolyte, the 10 µm Zn||10 µm Zn symmetric cell stably ran for 1000 h at the current density of 1 mA cm−2, and the areal capacity of 1 mAh cm−2, whose depth‐of‐discharge is over 17.1%. The electrochemical performance of the 10 µm Zn||9.3 mg cm−2 polyaniline (PANI) full‐cell demonstrates the feasibility of the designed electrolyte. This work provides a crucial understanding of balancing activity of water molecules in aqueous zinc metal batteries.
Free Markets and Health Care: Lessons from Welfare Economics
Authors: Courtemanche Charles
Published: July 2024

The U.S. health care system is often criticized for being the most expensive in the world while delivering mediocre health outcomes. While policymakers on both the right and left agree about the need for reform, they disagree strongly about whether that reform should involve a smaller role for government or a larger role. At the same time, the U.S.’ high costs and mediocre health outcomes likely are at least partly attributable to lifestyle choices that occur outside of the health care system, creating another possible avenue for intervention. This introduction to the symposium on “Free Markets and Health Care” discusses how welfare economics provides a useful tool in evaluating the appropriateness of government involvement in markets related to health and health care. The papers in the symposium provide important new evidence to help inform debates about, for instance, regulations on health care providers and insurers, health insurance expansions, and policies designed to influence health behaviors.
Ti‐Doped ZnO Thin Films‐Based Transparent Photovoltaic for High‐Performance Broadband and Wide‐Field‐of‐View Photocommunication Window
Authors: Ghosh Shuvaraj , Patel Malkeshkumar , Kumar Naveen , Lee Junsik , Lee Junghyun , Choi Chanhyuk , Zala Devanshi , Ray Abhijit , Kim Joondong
Published: July 2024

Transparent photovoltaics (TPVs) are crucial for developing next‐generation see‐through electronics. However, TPV devices (TPVDs) require wide‐bandgap materials that are typically only responsive to short wavelength (ultraviolet, UV) lights rather than visible lights. Is it possible to improve the TPV performance by harvesting the longer wavelength lights without degradation of transparency? It may be satisfied with the function of intermediate energy states, which can utilize the lower photon energy (longer wavelength light) by a two‐step transition. To achieve this, co‐sputtered Ti‐doped ZnO (Ti:ZnO) film‐based high‐performance TPVDs have been developed. Density functional theory analysis revealed the formation of intermediate energy states due to the hybridization of O 2p and Ti 3d orbitals in the Ti:ZnO system. The Ti:ZnO‐based TPVDs show 65% average visible transparency with a power production value of 655 μW cm−2. These devices exhibit good photodetection behavior under UV to visible illuminations with high responsivity and detectivity values of 1.85 A W−1 and 2.5 × 1013 Jones, respectively. Finally, a high‐performance UV to visible broadband and wide‐field‐of‐view photocommunication system is designed based on the TPVDs to generate the fast Morse code signal. Therefore, Ti doping in ZnO provides a good way to improve the device's functionality for futuristic applications.
Gadolinium‐Manganese‐Based Nanoplatform Reverses Radiotherapy Resistant Factors for Radiotherapy Sensitization and Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Dual‐Modal Imaging
Authors: Li Yingwen , Niu Panhong , Han Zhenzhong , Wang Xueqian , Gao Duanmin , Xu Yunjian , He Qingbin , Qiu Jianfeng , Sun Yinglun
Published: July 2024

Insufficient reactive oxygen species originating from hypoxia and high glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is an important reason for radiotherapy (RT) resistance. Currently, radiosensitizers that remodel TME are widely investigated to enhance RT. However, developing an effective nano‐radiosensitization system that removes radiotherapy‐resistant factors from TME to boost RT effect while visualizing tumor imaging to aid therapy remains a challenge. Herein, MnO2 nanosheets are grown on the surface of ultrasmall Eu‐doped NaGdF4 (NaGdF4:Eu3+) nanoparticles and modified by biocompatible DSPE‐PEG2000 to prepare NaGdF4:Eu3+@MnO2@PEG nanoparticles (denoted as GMP NPs) as a radiosensitizer, which not only can reverse the TME by degrading H2O2 to produce oxygen and consuming high GSH but also achieve computed tomography (CT)and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. When GMP NPs synergize with X‐ray, a better antitumor effect is achieved in both HeLa cells and tumor‐bearing mice, compared with X‐ray alone. In addition, both paramagnetic Mn2+ ionsproduced by decomposing MnO2 in TME and NaGdF4:Eu3+ nanoparticles enhance T1‐weighted MR imaging. NaGdF4:Eu3+ nanoparticles containing high atomic number of Gd/Eu effectively attenuate X‐ray to enhance CT imaging. The work  provides new insights for developing an efficient RT sensitization platform integrating antitumor therapeutic effect as well as CT/MR dual‐modal imaging.
Tenfold Enhancement of Wear Resistance by Electrosynthesis of a Nanostructured Self‐Lubricating Al2O3/Sn(S)MoS2 Composite Film on AlSiCu Casting Alloys
Authors: Liu Jiacheng , Kure‐Chu Song‐Zhu , Katsuta Shuji , Zhang Mengmeng , Fang Shaoli , Matsubara Takashi , Sakurai Yoko , Hihara Takehiko , Baughman Ray H. , Yashiro Hitoshi , Pan Long , Zhang Wei , Sun Zheng Ming
Published: July 2024

Enhancing tribological performance through nanostructure control is crucial for saving energy and improving wear resistance for diverse applications. We introduce a new electrochemical approach that integrates aluminum (Al) anodization, tin alternating current (AC) electrodeposition, and anodic MoS2 electrosynthesis for fabricating nanostructured Al2O3/Sn(S)MoS2 composite films on AlSiCu casting alloys. Our unique process uses Sn‐modified MoS2 deposition to form robust solid lubricant MoS2–SnS electrodeposits within the nanochannels and microsized voids/defects of anodic alumina matrix films on the base materials, resulting in a bilayered Al2O3/SnSMoS2 and MoS2–SnS–Sn composite film. The AC‐deposited Sn enhances conductivity in the anodic alumina matrix film, acts as catalytic nuclei for Sn@SnS@MoS2 core‐shell nanoparticles and a dense top layer, and serves as a reductant for the direct synthesis of hybrid solid lubricant MoS2–SnS from MoS3 by anodic electrolysis of MoS42− ions. The resulting nanocomposite film provides a two‐fold increase in lubricity (friction coefficient (COF) μ = 0.14 ⇒ 0.07) and a ten‐fold improvement in wear resistance (COF μ < 0.2) compared to conventional Al2O3/MoS2 film formed by anodizing and reanodizing. The effectiveness of the Al2O3/Sn(S)MoS2 composite is further validated through real automotive engine piston tests.
Noodle Production for Diabetics from Modified Green Banana Starch by Phosphate Cross‐Linking
Authors: Vu Minh‐Tan , Nguyen Kim‐An Thi , Pham Mai‐Huong Thi , Le Hong‐Nhung Thi , Nguyen Ngoc‐Thanh , Nguyen Thanh‐Tung , Pham Thu‐Ha Thi , Nguyen Trung‐Duc , Nguyen Ngoc‐Tuan , Nguyen Phan‐Hang
Published: July 2024

The development of Green banana (GB) starch in prebiotic foods to address health problems such as diabetes. It is modified by phosphate cross‐linking to increase the resistant starch content, improve functional properties, and reduce digestible starch consumption. The starch is modified using a mixture of sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) with 6 to 12 wt%ratios in the presence of sodium sulfate. The results showed an increase in phosphorus content from 0.18% to 0.45% corresponding to the increase in sodium trimetaphosphate/sodium tripolyphosphate ratios. Resistant starch reached 60 wt% after increasing the concentration of phosphate agent above 10 wt% and rapidly digestible starch decreased significantly. Accordingly, the physicochemical properties of starch changed significantly. Phosphate cross‐linking led to disruption of the crystalline structure of starch granules and fragmentation, reducing enthalpy and increasing gelatinization temperature. The oil and water absorption and freeze‐thaw stability of treated starch increased. While water absorption and solubility index of starch decreased significantly as the result of phosphate cross‐linking. Modified starch is used for the production of rice noodles. From 10 to 30 wt% of 10P modified starch mixed, cooking fracture rate is not more than 10% and resistant starch content is over 41 wt%.
Machine learning enhanced modeling of steel‐concrete bond strength under elevated temperature exposure
Authors: Reshi Iraq Ahmad , Shah Asif H. , Jan Abrak , Tariq Zainab , Sholla Sahil , Rashid Sami , Wani Mohammad Umer
Published: July 2024

This study uses machine learning techniques to investigate the bond strength between steel and concrete under various elevated temperature scenarios. Five distinct machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, AdaBoost, Decision Tree, Linear Regression, and hyperparameteric optimisations, were used to predict changes in bond strength. The models underwent rigorous optimisation using GridSearchCV to achieve optimal performance. In this study, we evaluated several metrics such as Mean Squared Error, Root Mean Squared Error, Mean Absolute Error, and coefficient of determination (R2) Score to compare and assess the models' prediction capabilities. After optimisation, results indicate that the RF model exhibited exceptional performance in estimating bond strength across different temperature conditions, demonstrating minimal errors and a high R2 Score. Visual comparisons of actual and predicted values further confirmed the efficacy of the RF model in capturing complex fluctuations in bond strength. The findings of this study underscore the potential of machine learning models, particularly the optimized RF method, in accurately predicting bond strength under varying thermal conditions, with promising implications for engineering and construction practices.
Highly stretchable double‐network gel electrolytes integrated with textile electrodes for wearable thermo‐electrochemical cells
Authors: Zhou Yuetong , Zhang Ding , Zhang Shuai , Liu Yuqing , Ma Rujun , Wallace Gordon , Chen Jun
Published: July 2024

Thermo‐electrochemical cells (TECs) provide a new potential for self‐powered devices by converting heat energy into electricity. However, challenges still remain in the fabrication of flexible and tough gel electrolytes and their compatibility with redox actives; otherwise, contact problems exist between electrolytes and electrodes during stretching or twisting. Here, a novel robust and neutral hydrogel with outstanding stretchability was developed via double‐network of crosslinked carboxymethyl chitosan and polyacrylamide, which accommodated both n‐type (Fe2+/Fe3+) and p‐type ([Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe(CN)6]4−) redox couples and maintained stretchability (>300%) and recoverability (95% compression). Moreover, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) textile electrodes with porous structure are integrated into gel electrolytes that avoid contact issues and effectively boost the Pmax of n‐ and p‐type thermocell by 76% and 26%, respectively. The optimized thermocell exhibits a quick current density response and is continually fully operational under deformations, which satisfies the working conditions of wearable devices. Multiple thermocells (four pairs) are effectively connected in alternating single n‐ and p‐type cells in series and outputted nearly 74.3 mV at ΔT = 10°C. The wearable device is manufactured into a soft‐pack thermocells to successfully harvest human body heat and illuminate an LED, demonstrating the potential of the actual application of the thermocell devices.
Ecotoxicological Research on the Toxic Impact of Zinc Oxide and Silver Nanoparticles on Oreochromis mossambicus
Authors: Sibiya Ashokkumar , Jeyavani Jeyaraj , Ramesh Dharmaraj , Bhavaniramya Sundaresan , Vaseeharan Baskaralingam
Published: July 2024

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have been widely used and are eventually been discharged into the natural aquatic ecosystem. The current study examined and correlated the toxicity of AgNPs and ZnONPs on the Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. Lethal concentration (LC50) was determined with four different concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 mg/L) of AgNPs and ZnONPs; subsequently, the fishes were exposed to sublethal concentrations for a period of 21 days, and the oxidative stress and antioxidant and nonantioxidant parameters were studied. Results revealed oxidative stress evinced by increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) protein carbonyl activity (PCA), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity, metallothionein (MT) activity, and reduced glutathione in chronic exposure compared with acute exposure. Nonspecific immunological characteristics such as lysozyme (LYZ), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and respiratory burst activity (RBA) were also noticed in the serum. Furthermore, severe histological damages including damages in telangiectasia and epithelial cell hyperplasia were found in the combined treated group with Ag and ZnONPs than in individual treatments. When Ag and ZnONPs were combined, a reduction in the accumulation of Ag was observed in the liver, which increased drastically in individual exposure. The current findings highlight the importance of taking into account the combined exposure and correlation of NPs, their bioavailability, and toxicity in the aquatic ecosystem.
Subtotal traumatic penile amputation of unknown origin in a dog
Authors: Palper Dominique V. , van Stee Lucinda L.
Published: July 2024

Cases with a fracture of the os penis in dogs have been reported rarely, and to the authors’ knowledge, traumatic penile amputation has only been reported once. The dog presented in this case report sustained subtotal traumatic penile amputation of unknown origin. Before the presentation, the dog had been in a boarding facility, where no trauma was witnessed. The patient presented with haematuria, discharge from the prepuce, and lethargy. Upon examination, traumatic subtotal penile amputation was diagnosed, and a complete blood count revealed severe regenerative anaemia. Surgical debridement was performed, and the wound healed by second intention. During the recovery period, a urinary catheter was placed to aid in preventing urethral stenosis. Though the animal sustained extensive trauma to its genitals and subsequent anaemia, it survived with a good quality of life and acceptable urinary function.
Partial cystectomy of prolapsed urinary bladder in yellow‐footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulata)
Authors: Tardivo Caio Eduardo Okamoto , Ichikawa Ricardo Shoiti , Rahal Sheila Canevese , da Silva Jeana Pereira , Mamprim Maria Jaqueline
Published: July 2024

An adult yellow‐footed female tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulata) weighing 7.6 kg was voluntarily surrendered to the environmental police. The history‐taking could not be obtained due to a lack of information. Upon physical examination, a fluid‐filled structure prolapsed through the cloacal opening was observed. The aspirated fluid had a citrine‐yellow colour, suggesting urinary bladder prolapse, which was successfully reduced back into the coelomic cavity with the hydrostatic reduction technique. The following day, prolapse recurrence was observed. In addition, distal two‐thirds of the organ had a darkened coloration. Whole‐body radiographs revealed four eggs ready for oviposition. Partial cystectomy of the prolapsed urinary bladder was done. Pretreatment with calcium followed by oxytocin was used for nonobstructive egg retention, and all eggs were laid. After 2.4 years of the surgery, the tortoise did not experience a recurrence of bladder prolapse.
Soil pores in preferential flow terminology and permeability equations
Authors: Manns Hida R. , Jiang Yefang , Parkin Gary
Published: July 2024

Linkages between the micro‐scale of soil water and landscape scale of hydrological data could be improved with the analysis of soil factors in preferential flow rates. This rearrangement of the terminology on soil pore size from published literature focused on the relationship between aggregate and pore size. In the range of pore size relevant to water flow (>0.005 mm), a 2:1 ratio of aggregate to pore diameter approximated the mean of proposed pore size categories. Major functional change points in soil pore size were identified where water becomes mobile in soil (0.005 mm), where preferential flow among aggregate surfaces begins (0.3 mm), and where water flows without soil interaction (bypass flow ∼1.0 mm). A number of published equations supported the application of soil pore size in permeability estimation for modeling hydraulic conductivity. Common understanding of soil pore terminology would support water flow estimation from soil to landscape scales.
Patterns of island fox habitat use in sand dune habitat on San Clemente Island
Authors: Gamblin Holly E. L. , Green David , Maestas Jesse , Bridges Andrew S. , Garcelon David K.
Published: July 2024

On San Clemente Island (SCI), the island fox subspecies Urocyon littoralis clementae has been monitored annually since 1988 to track long‐term population trends. Annual density estimates in most habitat types across the island range from 2 to 13 foxes/km2, yet unusually high estimates have repeatedly approached 50 foxes/km2 in a unique sand dune habitat area. Although sand dune habitat is restricted to one small area on the island, these estimates suggest sand dune habitat supports one of the highest population densities of any fox species in the world, and it may support > 5% of the SCI fox population. This finding prompted our investigation to determine if SCI foxes captured in the sand dunes habitat area maintained home ranges within this habitat type. Between January and July 2018, we used global positioning system (GPS) collars to track the movements of 12 island foxes captured in the sand dune habitat area. Contrary to our initial predictions, we found that island foxes captured in the sand dune habitat area do maintain home ranges and core areas centralized in sand dune habitat. All 12 island fox home ranges estimated contained > 50% sand dune habitat in either their 50% or 95% fixed kernel density estimate (KDE) home range, and island foxes were 3.14 times more likely to use active sand dune habitat when compared to the second most abundant habitat type, maritime desert scrub (Adjusted β = 3.14, 95% CI = 3.07–3.12). We also found that island foxes in sand dune habitat maintained much smaller home ranges than reported estimates in other habitat types, with an average 95% KDE home range size of 0.42 km2 (95% CI = 0.20–0.63 km2). Although sand dune habitat comprises just 2% of available habitat on SCI, our research highlights the importance of this unique habitat area for island foxes.
Leitfaden für die Einführung neuer Arbeitswelten am Beispiel eines Schweizerischen Bundesamtes
Authors: Dellenbach Christian , Rufer Eric
Published: July 2024

Viele Schweizer KMU und Großunternehmen sind bemüht, die Zusammenarbeit im Rahmen der Digitalisierung zwischen Mitarbeitenden und Arbeitgebenden zu fördern. Der Druck auf dem Arbeitsmarkt steigt, als ansprechende und innovative Arbeitgebende zu bestehen. Alte Hierarchien und Dienstwege, welche sich bewährt haben, werden zunehmend an agile Organisationsformen angepasst, was wiederum Flexibilität und eine Veränderung des Führungsverständnisses erfordert. Um den Herausforderungen des Wandels zu begegnen, wurde sich auf drei relevante Dimensionen, welche die Arbeitswelt 4.0 beeinflussen, fokussiert: People, Technology und Place. Diese Fokussierung soll den Unternehmen dabei helfen, die Transformation in die agile und digitale Welt zu erleichtern und die Resultate der Veränderung zu steuern. Zur Zielerreichung, welche Chancen bei der Einführung der neuen Arbeitswelt entstehen können, wurden Interviews durchgeführt, wobei die Teilnehmenden aus unterschiedlichen Branchen stammen. Zur Datenerhebung wurde ein teilstrukturierter Interviewleitfaden genutzt. Auf Basis der gewonnenen Erkenntnisse wurden anschließend Empfehlungen ausgearbeitet. Es konnte eruiert werden, dass die öffentliche Verwaltung vor allem Chancen im Bereich der Flexibilisierung der Arbeitsstrukturen aufweist, welche sich positiv auf die Positionierung am Arbeitsmarkt und die Mitarbeitendenbindung auswirkt. Zudem können durch unterschiedliche Raumzonen die Anforderungen an die verschiedenen Arbeitsweisen gedeckt werden. Die Technologie ist zwar ein wichtiger Enabler der neuen Arbeitswelt, birgt allerdings auch große Herausforderungen im Management der verschiedenen Tools. Zu guter Letzt spielt das Thema Führung eine wesentliche Rolle, ob die Transformation in die neue Arbeitswelt glückt oder nicht.
Die Blockchain-ID: Eine mehrheitsfähige Lösung für den digitalen Identitätsnachweis innerhalb der schweizerischen Demokratie?
Authors: Wackernagel Tim , Schwarz Daniel
Published: July 2024

Die digitale ID gilt als wichtige Voraussetzung zur Realisierung ökonomischer, sozialer und politischer Potenziale in einer digitalen Welt. Nach der Ablehnung der E-ID-Vorlage in einer Volksabstimmung am 7. März 2021 versucht die Schweizer Politik, im Rahmen der Konzeption neuer E-ID-Lösungen die Interessen von Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Zivilgesellschaft besser zu berücksichtigen. Der Beitrag befasst sich mit einem E-ID-Lösungsansatz auf der Basis von Blockchain-Technologie. Die Forschungsergebnisse einer quantitativ-empirischen Befragung unter 1730 Stimmberechtigten zeigen, dass die Bevölkerung einer derartigen Lösung positiv gegenüberstehen würde. Dieser Befund gilt sowohl geschlechter-, sprach- als auch annähernd parteiübergreifend. Ferner zeigt sich, dass die Bevölkerung dem Einsatz der Blockchain-Technologie auch in anderen Anwendungsbereichen nicht generell ablehnend gegenübersteht und die teils vorhandene Skepsis mittels allgemein verständlicher Erklärungen zu überwinden ist.
Hackathon als Open Innovation in der öffentlichen Verwaltung
Authors: Marquez Alex Enrique , Gees Thomas
Published: July 2024

Der vorliegende Beitrag diskutiert die Innovationsmetode „Hackathon“ im Anwendungskontext des öffentlichen Sektors. Abgeleitet aus den Konzepten Open Government und Open Innovation wird aus der Literatur ein Überblick gegeben werden, inwieweit Innovationswettbewerbe wie ein Hackathon geeignet sind, Innovationsideen aus der Gesellschaft in die Verwaltung zu bringen und die digitale Transformation des öffentlichen Sektors zu unterstützen. Anschließend werden die Ergebnisse präsentiert, welche im Nachgang zu den erstmals vom Kanton Bern initiierten Data Hackdays 2021 geführt worden waren. Der Hackathon hat insbesondere das Potenzial, dass in der Vorbereitung gewohnte Arbeitsweisen und Routinen verlassen werden und am Anlass selber eine Auseinandersetzung mit einer interessierten Community ermöglicht wird. Die Resultate zeigen auch Schwierigkeiten in der Vorbereitung auf, welche allerdings mit zunehmender Erfahrung zu bewältigen sind.
Omni-Channel-Strategien im Non-Food-Detailhandel
Authors: Bühlmann Flurin , Schellinger Jochen
Published: July 2024

Der Einzelhandel ist nicht erst seit der Corona-Pandemie starken Veränderungen unterworfen. Geändertes Konsumverhalten und die Digitalisierung erfordern, dass sich die Anbieter anpassen, um auch künftig noch erfolgreich zu sein. Neben den stationären Absatzkanälen werden Vertriebskanäle über das Internet immer wichtiger. Sind alle Kanäle übergreifend geführt, hoch vernetzt, stark kundenfokussiert und ermöglichen ein kanalübergreifendes Einkaufserlebnis, spricht man von einer Omni-Channel-Strategie. Im Beitrag erfolgt eine Analyse der Situation im Schweizer Non-Food-Detailhandel mit Fokus auf die Fragen, welche Strategien sich bei der Transformation der Vertriebsstrukturen und -aktivitäten etabliert haben, welche für die Zukunft zu erwarten sind, und welche Voraussetzungen für die erfolgreiche Umsetzung von Omni-Channel-Strategien nötig sind. Auf Basis einer empirischen Erhebung wird ein Modell entwickelt, das Unternehmen dabei helfen soll, eine solche Strategie generieren und implementieren zu können.
An improved framework for computing waveforms
Authors: Brunello Giacomo , De Angelis Stefano
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We combine the observable-based formalism (KMOC), the analytic properties of the scattering amplitude, generalised unitarity and the heavy-mass expansion with a newly introduced IBP reduction for Fourier integrals, to provide an efficient framework for computing scattering waveforms. We apply this framework to the scattering of two charged massive bodies in classical electrodynamics. Our work paves the way for the computation of the analytic one-loop waveform in General Relativity.
The in-out formalism for in-in correlators
Authors: Donath Yaniv , Pajer Enrico
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Cosmological correlators, the natural observables of the primordial universe, have been extensively studied in the past two decades using the in-in formalism pioneered by Schwinger and Keldysh for the study of dissipative open systems. Ironically, most applications in cosmology have focused on non-dissipative closed systems. We show that, for non-dissipative systems, correlators can be equivalently computed using the in-out formalism with the familiar Feynman rules. In particular, the myriad of in-in propagators is reduced to a single (Feynman) time-ordered propagator and no sum over the labelling of vertices is required. In de Sitter spacetime, this requires extending the expanding Poincaré patch with a contracting patch, which prepares the bra from the future. Our results are valid for fields of any mass and spin but assuming the absence of infrared divergences.

We present three applications of the in-out formalism: a representation of correlators in terms of a sum over residues of Feynman propagators in the energy-momentum domain; an algebraic recursion relation that computes Minkowski correlators in terms of lower order ones; and the derivation of cutting rules from Veltman’s largest time equation, which we explicitly develop and exemplify for two-vertex diagrams to all loop orders.

The in-out formalism leads to a natural definition of a de Sitter scattering matrix, which we discuss in simple examples. Remarkably, we show that our scattering matrix satisfies the standard optical theorem and the positivity that follows from it in the forward limit.
The Yang-Mills duals of small AdS black holes
Authors: Choi Sunjin , Jeong Saebyeok , Kim Seok
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We study the large N matrix model for the index of 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Yang-Mills theory and its truncations to understand the dual AdS5 black holes. Numerical studies of the truncated models provide insights on the black hole physics, some of which we investigate analytically with the full Yang-Mills matrix model. In particular, we find many branches of saddle points which describe the known black hole solutions. We analytically construct the saddle points dual to the small black holes whose sizes are much smaller than the AdS radius. They include the asymptotically flat BMPV black holes embedded in large AdS with novel thermodynamic instabilities.
Entanglement islands and cutoff branes from path-integral optimization
Authors: Chandra Ashish , Li Zhengjiang , Wen Qiang
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Recently it was proposed that, the AdS/BCFT correspondence can be simulated by a holographic Weyl transformed CFT2, where the cut-off brane plays the role of the Karch-Randall (KR) brane [1]. In this paper, we focus on the Weyl transformation that optimizes the path integral computation of the reduced density matrix for a single interval in a holographic CFT2. When we take the limit that one of the endpoint of the interval goes to infinity (a half line), such a holographic Weyl transformed CFT2 matches the AdS/BCFT configuration for a BCFT with one boundary. Without taking the limit, the induced cutoff brane becomes a circle passing through the two endpoints of the interval. We assume that the cutoff brane also plays the same role as the KR brane in AdS/BCFT, hence the path-integral-optimized purification for the interval is in the island phase. This explains the appearance of negative mutual information observed in [2]. We check that, the entanglement entropy and the balanced partial entanglement entropy (BPE) calculated via the island formulas, exactly match with the RT formula and the entanglement wedge cross-section (EWCS), which are allowed to anchor on the cutoff brane.
Hadamard products and BPS networks
Authors: Elmi Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We study examples of fourth-order Picard-Fuchs operators that are Hadamard products of two second-order Picard-Fuchs operators. Each second-order Picard-Fuchs operator is associated with a family of elliptic curves, and the Hadamard product computes period integrals on the fibred product of the two elliptic surfaces. We construct 3-cycles on this geometry as the union of 2-cycles in the fibre over contours on the base. We then use the special Lagrangian condition to constrain the contours on the base. This leads to a construction that is reminiscent of spectral networks and exponential networks that have previously appeared in string theory literature.
The NNLO soft function for N-jettiness in hadronic collisions
Authors: Bell Guido , Dehnadi Bahman , Mohrmann Tobias , Rahn Rudi
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We compute the N-jettiness soft function in hadronic collisions to next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) in the strong-coupling expansion. Our calculation is based on an extension of the SoftSERVE framework to soft functions that involve an arbitrary number of lightlike Wilson lines. We present numerical results for 1-jettiness and 2-jettiness, and illustrate that our formalism carries over to a generic number of jets by calculating a few benchmark points for 3-jettiness. We also perform a detailed analytic study of the asymptotic behaviour of the soft-function coefficients at the edges of phase space, where one of the jets becomes collinear to another jet or beam direction, and comment on previous calculations of the N-jettiness soft function.
Multiparton Cwebs at five loops
Authors: Mishra Shubham , Pal Sourav , Srivastav Aditya , Tripathi Anurag
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Scattering amplitudes involving multiple partons are plagued with infrared singularities. The soft singularities of the amplitude are captured by the soft function which is defined as the vacuum expectation value of Wilson line correlators. Renormalization properties of soft function allows us to write it as an exponential of the finite soft anomalous dimension. An efficient way to study the soft function is through a set of Feynman diagrams known as Cwebs (webs). We present the mixing matrices and exponentiated colour factors (ECFs) for the Cwebs at five loops that connect six Wilson lines, except those that are related by relabeling of Wilson lines. Further, we express these ECFs in terms of 29 basis colour factors. We also find that this basis can be categorized into two colour structures. Our results are the first key ingredients for the calculation of the soft anomalous dimension at five loops.
Reconstructing the spacetime dual to a free matrix
Authors: de Mello Koch Robert , Roy Pratik , Van Zyl Hendrik J. R.
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this paper we consider the collective field theory description of the singlet sector of a free matrix field in 2+1 dimensions. This necessarily involves the study of k-local collective fields, which are functions of 2k + 1 coordinates. We argue that these coordinates have a natural interpretation: the k-local collective field is a field defined on an AdS4×Sk−2×Sk−1 spacetime. The modes of a harmonic expansion on the Sk−2×Sk−1 portion of the spacetime leads to the spinning bulk fields of the dual gravity theory.
Charges and topology in linearised gravity
Authors: Hull Chris , Hutt Maxwell L. , Lindström Ulf
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Covariant conserved 2-form currents for linearised gravity are constructed by contracting the linearised curvature with conformal Killing-Yano tensors. The corresponding conserved charges were originally introduced by Penrose and have recently been interpreted as the generators of generalised symmetries of the graviton. We introduce an off-shell refinement of these charges and find the relation between these improved Penrose charges and the linearised version of the ADM momentum and angular momentum. If the graviton field is globally well-defined on a background Minkowski space then some of the Penrose charges give the momentum and angular momentum while the remainder vanish. We consider the generalisation in which the graviton has Dirac string singularities or is defined locally in patches, in which case the conventional ADM expressions are not invariant under the graviton gauge symmetry in general. We modify them to render them gauge-invariant and show that the Penrose charges give these modified charges plus certain magnetic gravitational charges. We discuss properties of the Penrose charges, generalise to toroidal Kaluza-Klein compactifications and check our results in a number of examples.
Alternate computation of gravitational effects from a single loop of inflationary scalars
Authors: Miao S. P. , Tsamis N. C. , Woodard R. P.
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We present a new computation of the renormalized graviton self-energy induced by a loop of massless, minimally coupled scalars on de Sitter background. Our result takes account of the need to include a finite renormalization of the cosmological constant, which was not included in the first analysis. We also avoid preconceptions concerning structure functions and instead express the result as a linear combination of 21 tensor differential operators. By using our result to quantum-correct the linearized effective field equation we derive logarithmic corrections to both the electric components of the Weyl tensor for gravitational radiation and to the two potentials which quantify the gravitational response to a static point mass.
Extrakorporale Verfahren bei Vergiftungen
Authors: Hackl Gerald , Schreiber Nikolaus
Published: July 2024

In seltenen Fällen benötigen PatientInnen mit lebensbedrohlichen Intoxikationen ein extrakorporales Verfahren zur erweiterten Giftelimination. Die Extracorporeal Treatments in Poisoning (EXTRIP) Workgroup bietet konsens- und evidenzbasierte Empfehlungen mit laufender Aktualisierung bezüglich des Einsatzes von extrakorporalen Verfahren im Management von kritisch kranken, vergifteten PatientInnen. Die extrakorporale Clearance ist am höchsten bei niedermolekularen Substanzen mit niedrigem Verteilungsvolumen, niedriger Plasmaproteinbindung und hoher Wasserlöslichkeit. Um den Effekt der extrakorporalen Clearance zu maximieren, sollten Blut- und Dialysatfluss so hoch wie möglich sein und die Membran mit der größten Oberfläche verwendet werden. Meistens kommt aufgrund der höchsten Effektivität die intermittierende Hämodialyse zur Anwendung, wobei hämodynamisch kompromittierte PatientInnen von einem kontinuierlichen Verfahren profitieren können.