bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal and interspecific comparisons reveal shifts in the distributions of two Florida skunk species
Authors: Doran‐Myers Darcy , Gillikin Mike N. , Barrett Mark A. , Sella Kristen Nelson , Zambrano Ricardo , Wallrichs Megan , Doonan Terry J. , Braun de Torrez Elizabeth C.
Published: December 2024

Understanding the distribution of wildlife species is key to their effective conservation and management. Comparing distributions of similar species can provide valuable insights regarding range overlap and how overlap changes over time. We estimated the geographic distributions of 2 skunk species, the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) and the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), in Florida, USA, for historical (1997–2002) and contemporary (2017–2022) periods using opportunistic presence data (e.g., public sightings, camera trap records, live trap records). For each species, we produced range models at 2 levels: a generalized boundary (range extent) using a concave hull and a more detailed delineation (occupied range) using kernel density estimation. We expected spotted skunk range to decline (as it has elsewhere), striped skunk range to remain stable, and both species' ranges to have a relatively high geographic overlap. The contemporary models show spotted skunk range encompassing 26% of Florida land area, primarily in southern and coastal Florida, and striped skunk range encompassing 55% of Florida land area, primarily in northern and interior Florida. Range size for spotted skunk declined by approximately 30% between periods, although range expansion occurred in some localized areas. Range size for striped skunk was stable over time, with some localized contractions and expansions. Considerable temporal shifts occurred in skunk distribution, where only 34% of spotted skunk and 54% of striped skunk occupied range remained spatially constant between periods. Divergent geographic use between the 2 species increased over time, yielding a low range overlap of 23% between their contemporary occupied ranges. Our study fills a spatial data gap in skunk research, can inform state‐ or species‐level conservation decisions for spotted skunk, and supports the need for further research on habitat requirements of skunks in Florida.
Variational Learning of Integrated Quantum Photonic Circuits via Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yang Chengran , Mok Wai‐Keong , Wan Lingxiao , Cai Hong , Li Qiang , Gao Feng , Luo Xianshu , Lo Guo‐Qiang , Chin Lip Ket , Shi Yuzhi , Thompson Jayne , Gu Mile , Liu Ai Qun
Published: December 2024

Integrated photonic circuits play a crucial role in implementing quantum information processing in the noisy intermediate‐scale quantum (NISQ) era. Variational learning is a promising avenue that leverages classical optimization techniques to enhance quantum advantages on NISQ devices. However, most variational algorithms are circuit‐model‐based and encounter challenges when implemented on integrated photonic circuits, because they involve explicit decomposition of large quantum circuits into sequences of basic entangled gates, leading to an exponential decay of success probability due to the non‐deterministic nature of photonic entangling gates. Here, a variational learning approach is presented for designing quantum photonic circuits, which directly incorporates post‐selection and elementary photonic components into the training process. The complicated circuit is treated as a single nonlinear logical operator and a unified design is discovered for it through variational learning. Engineering an integrated photonic chip with automated control achieved by genetic algorithm, the internal parameters of the chip are adjusted and optimized in real‐time for task‐specific cost functions. A simple case of designing photonic circuits for a single ancilla CNOT gate with improved success rate is utilized to illustrate how the proposed approach works, and then the approach is applied to the first demonstration of quantum stochastic simulation using integrated photonics.
Association between psychological distress and schizotypy in adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Uchida Hiroyuki , Ohki Sae , Kuroiwa Chiaki , Tsuchiya Kenji , Kikuchi Senichiro , Hirao Kazuki
Published: December 2024

Background

Schizotypy refers to a personality type characterized by behavioral and cognitive abnormalities similar in nature but less severe than those of schizophrenia. Schizotypy often progresses to schizophrenia, so identifying risk factors may facilitate early schizophrenia diagnosis and improve treatment. Psychological distress may be associated with schizotypy, highlighting its importance. However, the link between psychological distress and schizotypy remains unclear.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study examined the relationship between schizotypy and psychological distress in a Japanese adult population using internet‐based questionnaires. Schizotypy was assessed using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire‐Brief and psychological distress was measured using the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between psychological distress and schizotypy after adjusting for numerous potential confounding variables.

Results

Among 6632 participants, 225 were classified with schizotypy (3.39%, 89 females [39.6%]). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounding factors revealed that participants with psychological distress were significantly more likely to exhibit signs of schizotypy than those without psychological distress (adjusted odd ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.85–4.59).

Conclusions

The emergence of schizotypy in adults is strongly associated with psychological distress. This finding emphasizes the need for physicians to carefully, thoroughly, and routinely assess psychological distress in adults. Longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate the causal relationship between schizotypy and psychological distress.
Increased copeptin may reflect vasopressin‐related metabolic changes after bariatric surgery
Authors: Galbiati Francesca , Becetti Imen , Lauze Meghan , Aulinas Anna , Singhal Vibha , Bredella Miriam A. , Lawson Elizabeth A. , Misra Madhusmita
Published: December 2024

Objective

Mechanisms underlying metabolic improvement following metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) may provide insight into novel therapies. Vasopressin improves body composition and protects against hypoglycemia. Associations of copeptin, a stable cleavage product of vasopressin, with BMI and insulin resistance suggest an adaptive increase in vasopressin to counteract metabolic disruption. To our knowledge, no study has investigated copeptin before and after MBS in humans. This study's aim was to investigate copeptin changes following MBS and associations with metabolic parameters.

Methods

This was a 12‐month longitudinal study of 64 youth (78% female; mean age 18.7 [SD 2.8] y) with obesity (mean BMI 45.6 [SD 6.8] kg/m2) undergoing MBS (n = 34) or nonsurgical (NS) lifestyle management (n = 30). Fasting copeptin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), body composition, and resting energy expenditure (REE) were assessed.

Results

Over 12 months, copeptin increased more (time‐by‐treatment p = 0.017) whereas HbA1c and adiposity decreased more after MBS than NS (ps ≤ 0.036). Copeptin changes correlated negatively with percentage fat mass and REE changes (rho ≤ −0.29; ps ≤ 0.025) in the whole group, and they correlated positively with HbA1c and HOMA‐IR (rho ≥ 0.41; false discovery rate–adjusted p = 0.05) and negatively with REE changes (rho = −0.55; false discovery rate–adjusted p = 0.036) in the MBS group.

Conclusions

Increases in copeptin after weight loss in MBS compared with NS were associated with lower REE and higher HbA1c/HOMA‐IR values. Vasopressin may contribute to MBS‐related metabolic modifications.
Fabrication and Characterization of PPSU/PES Blend Nanofiltration Membrane via VIPS‐NIPS Method for Effective Dye Rejection
Authors: Dehban Amin , Kargari Ali , Ashtiani Farzin Zokaee
Published: December 2024

Industrial effluents, including dyes, pose a threat to the environment and human health, as they are resistant to reacting with oxygen; therefore, they are rarely biodegradable. Among the various processes, nanofiltration is an attractive process for separating dyes from water due to its economic efficiency. This work represents the fabrication of poly (phenyl sulfone) (PPSU)/poly (ether sulfone) (PES) blend nanofiltration membranes through vapor‐induced phase separation (VIPS) followed by immersion precipitation. The influence of polymer blend, exposure time, and coagulation bath composition on membrane characteristics and performance was studied. Results illustrate that an increment in exposure time caused a thinner top layer and changed the cross‐section morphology from finger‐like to sponge‐like. At PPSU:PES = 50:50 blend ratio, the pore radius significantly got larger than the neat polymers' fabricated membranes. The addition of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) in the coagulation bath causes the formation of smaller finger‐like voids at the top layers and a sponge‐like structure in the sub‐layers of membranes. The optimal conditions for the nanofiltration membrane were determined at 28 s VIPS time, an equal ratio of polymers, and pure water as the coagulation bath. Under these conditions, the distilled water permeability and Rose Bengal rejection were determined as 63.6 L/m2 h and 77.11%, respectively.
Numerical Simulation Study of the Motion of Single‐Chain Polymers in Microchannels
Authors: Dong Hua , Li Xiaobao , Zhou Hao , Zhao Liang
Published: December 2024

The rapid progress in microfluidic technology for viscoelastic fluids offers great potential in biomedical applications and beyond. Exploring macromolecular motion and conformation in microchannels is vital for understanding viscoelastic fluids at a microscopic level and enhancing microfluidic manipulation precision. Using the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) method, this study investigates the influence of flow parameters, molecular properties, and microchannel structures on macromolecular motion and conformation. Findings include the center of mass distribution of macromolecules in straight‐channel Poiseuille flow shifting toward the channel center with increasing confinement. In lower confinement, macromolecules exhibit symmetric probabilities of being coiled or stretched, whereas higher confinement favors coiling. Tapering channels exhibit similar conformational changes to straight channels but with increased stretch length. T‐shaped channels display an entropic trapping mechanism favoring shorter chains, while longer chains exhibit a “hairpin escape” phenomenon. This study enhances the understanding of macromolecular motion at a microscopic level and contributes to the advancement of efficient microfluidic technologies.
Novel Surface Crosslinker for Superabsorbent Polymers Based on Schiff Base Reaction
Authors: Talebi Nafiseh , Rezanejade Bardajee Ghasem , Kabiri Kourosh , Boohendi Hossein , Mehr Mohammad Jalal Zohuriaan
Published: December 2024

Superabsorbent surface modification significantly enhances hydrogels' structure, properties, and functionality, which cannot be directly polymerized. Over the past few decades, this modification technique has broadened the range of applications for superabsorbents in various industries. In this study, the Schiff base compound (E)‐2‐(((4‐hydroxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (HPIMP) was synthesized by reacting salicylaldehyde with para‐aminophenol. The resulting diphenol compound was then transformed into bis (phenol glycidyl ether)imine (DGSB) using epichlorohydrin to create a new crosslinker. The chemical structure of the DGSB crosslinker was analyzed using FTIR and H‐NMR spectroscopies. The results from both FTIR and 1H‐NMR confirmed that the crosslinker was successfully synthesized. Then, the synthesized DGSB crosslinker (different amounts) as an external crosslinker was used to modify the sodium polyacrylate superabsorbents. The modified SAP's chemical composition and thermal stability were evaluated using FTIR and TGA methods. Various tests were applied to evaluate the SAP and modified SAP properties, including free absorption properties in water and saline solution, absorption under load, gel‐blocking properties, rheological behavior, and antibacterial properties. The storage modulus indicates that the gel strength and absorbency under load have been enhanced, reaching levels of 57,600 Pa and 24.81 g/g, respectively. It is proposed that the outer layer of the SAP particles has been altered through crosslinking. The surface alteration has also improved thermal stability and prevented unwanted gel blocking.
An Updated Review on the Nanocarriers Based Co‐Delivery System of Chemo Drug Doxorubicin and Phytocompounds
Authors: Pandey Pratibha , Verma Meenakshi , Lakhanpal Sorabh , Bishoyi Ashok Kumar , Roopashree R. , Kaur Manpreet , Nakash Prashant , Kaur Irwanjot , Singh Ajay , Alam Mir Waqas , Khan Fahad
Published: December 2024

Numerous issues and concerns are associated with current cancer therapeutics, such as multidrug resistance tumors, drug toxicity, severe side effects, and financial burden. Phytocompounds from plants have garnered significant interest as alternatives and adjunct therapies to mitigate these effects owing to their safety, efficacy, and cost‐effectiveness. As demonstrated by a number of preclinical and clinical investigations, phytocompounds and their combinations with doxorubicin mediate their anticancer effects by modulating multiple signaling pathways linked to immune system mobilization, apoptosis promotion, and inhibition of excessive cellular proliferation. However, these combinations continue to encounter challenges related to inadequate bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism. To address these challenges, the utilization of different types of nanoparticles has become significant in nanomedicine for targeted drug delivery, enhancing bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, retention time, and reducing toxicity. This field of study showcases the remarkable amalgamation of nanotechnology with phytocompounds and chemo‐drugs (doxorubicin). Thus, this review focuses on recent developments in nanocarriers based drug delivery systems, particularly those intended for the simultaneous delivery of phytocompounds and doxorubicin chemotherapy medicines, by synthesizing existing knowledge and filling research gaps. This study also discussed the combined therapy of phytocompounds with doxorubicin chemotherapeutic drugs and other nanotechnology‐based carriers for cancer treatment.
Preparation of One‐Dimensional Polymer Brushes by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Styrene Initiated by Macroinitiator
Authors: Li Mengwen , Yuan Yuka , Peng Shuoli , Zhu Xiaofan , Wang Zeyun , Hua Jing , Liu Jinhui
Published: December 2024

Reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) is a controllable technique for free radical polymerization to synthesize polymer brushes. Macroinitiators have the advantage of grafting polymer brushes with high density over small molecule initiators due to the multiple active units in one molecule. However, there are still some shortcomings in the control of catalytic activity and polymer structure due to the unique segmental motion of macromolecules. In this work, we prepared one‐dimensional styrene polymer brushes via the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method using chlorinated polybutadiene (Cl‐LBR) as a macroinitiator and cuprous chloride (CuCl) as a catalyst. The effect of polymerization conditions on catalytic activity and polymer structure was investigated in detail. The ligands for CuCl including 2,2‐bipyridine (bpy) and pentamethyl‐diethylenetriamine (PMDETA) were also examined. Additionally, l‐ascorbic acid was adopted as a reducing agent to generate activator regenerated electron transfer (ARGET) ATRP in Cl‐LBR initiated system. In comparison with ATRP, ARGET ATRP can reduce the dosage of CuCl by 20 times. This work prepared one‐dimensional polystyrene polymer brushes with high polymerization rate and controllable structure through macromolecular initiators. This method provides a promising pathway for the preparation of one‐dimensional polymers with functional designs and demonstrates broad developmental potential in antifouling.
Modeling of z‐pinned structures using virtual fibers
Authors: Fang Jing , Chen Lei , Xie Junbo , Wang Jingjing , Shang Wei , Chen Li
Published: December 2024

This paper proposed a numerical method to simulate the z‐pinning process based on the concept of virtual fiber. Each virtual fiber is a flexible chain connected by truss elements with very short length. Then the plain fabric is constructed by virtual fiber yarns, which are obtained by assembling virtual fibers together. High precision model of z‐pinned structure is generated in the quasi‐fiber scale. Micro‐scale characteristics of z‐pinned structures are well modeled by the virtual fiber model, including the nesting between fabric plies, deflection of in‐plane fibers and the tilt of z‐pins during the z‐pinning process. The Micro‐CT tests are performed to investigate the internal fiber structures of the plain laminates, before and after z‐pinning. It is found that the modeled fiber structures are in excellent agreement with the Micro‐CT results. This approach would be helpful for understanding internal fiber architectures of z‐pinned structures and provides a good basis for mechanical modeling of z‐pinned composites.

Highlights

A novel method for modeling z‐pinned structures is proposed.

High precision model of z‐pinned structure is established at fiber scale.

It provides a good basis for mechanical modeling of z‐pinned composites.
Adolescents Are More Utilitarian Than Adults in Group Moral Decision‐Making
Authors: Jiang Yingying , Zhang Weiwei , Wan Yingjia , Gummerum Michaela , Zhu Liqi
Published: December 2024

This study explores how peers influence the moral decisions of Chinese adolescents (12‐ to 16‐year‐olds, Mage = 14.32, n = 84) and young adults (18‐ to 26‐year‐olds, Mage = 20.92, n = 99) in moral dilemmas. Participants were asked to make moral decisions individually and then collectively within groups of three to reach a consensus in Trolly dilemma and Footbridge dilemma. They were also required to evaluate the degree to which they felt their decisions were moral. Results showed that adolescents tended to choose “action” (pull the lever in Trolly dilemma, or push the man in Footbridge dilemma) more than adults, and evaluate their “no action” choice as more immoral than young adults across both individual and group settings. Adolescents showed consistent decision‐making patterns regardless of whether decisions were made individually or collectively, while adults were more likely to choose “no action” in group decision‐making. Our results suggest that adolescents are more utilitarian than young adults when making decisions in moral dilemmas, compared to young adults. Young adults are less likely to make utilitarian choices when they are in groups than when they make decisions individually.
Sustainable Solar Module Through the Substitution of Materials by Renewable Encapsulation, Recycled Backsheet, and Lead‐Free Interconnection
Authors: Koepge R. , Pander M. , Mordvinkin A. , Jaeckel B.
Published: December 2024

Sustainability and resource‐efficiency are the major topics for the 21st century. Most of the PV modules are manufactured of glass, polymers, metals, and silicon‐based solar cells. All these materials have the potential to be substituted by sustainable products. The substitution of materials for PV modules is challenging because of issues in significant unknown risks for short‐ and long‐term reliability of the PV module. Investigations for material and process routes of a 100% renewable solar module are necessary. This study investigates the suitability and reliability of different materials. For example, the reliability of an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) to a leaded‐solder reference is under investigation as well as various polymers (recycled, bio‐based, or biodegradable). In the first step, the interconnections are tested with a standard module encapsulation bill of materials (known good reference). In the second step, the module encapsulation and backsheet materials are substituted by their sustainable counterparts. The goal is to identify the most promising material combinations for further integration of lead‐free interconnected solar cells. Reliability is assessed using accelerated ageing tests in accordance with IEC 61215/IEC 61730 with standard test duration and extended test duration for each material and interconnection batches. The condition of the samples is assessed by regular visual inspection, power measurements, and electroluminescence images. The study aims to demonstrate and assess the suitability and reliability of the selected material combinations to enable the steps toward a renewable material solar module.
A549 Alveolar Carcinoma Spheroids as a Cytotoxicity Platform for Carboxyl‐ and Amine‐Polyethylene Glycol Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Petzer Melissa , Fobian Seth‐Frerich , Gulumian Mary , Steenkamp Vanessa , Cordier Werner
Published: December 2024

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) present with unique physicochemical features and potential for functionalization as anticancer agents. Three‐dimensional spheroid models can be used to afford greater tissue representation due to their heterogeneous phenotype and complex molecular architecture. This study developed an A549 alveolar carcinoma spheroid model for cytotoxicity assessment and mechanistic evaluation of functionalized AuNPs. A549 spheroids were generated using an agarose micro‐mold and were characterized (morphology, acid phosphatase activity, protein content) over 21 culturing days. The 72‐h cytotoxicity of carboxyl‐polyethylene glycol‐ (PCOOH‐) and amine‐polyethylene glycol‐ (PNH2‐) functionalized AuNPs against Day 7 spheroids was assessed by determining spheroid morphology, acid phosphatase activity, protein content, caspase‐3/7 activity, and cell cycle kinetics. Spheroids remained stable over the experimental period. Although the A549 spheroids' volume increased while remaining viable over the culturing period, structural integrity decreased from Day 14 onwards. The PCOOH‐AuNPs lacked cytotoxicity at a maximum concentration of 1.2 × 1012 nanoparticles/mL with no prominent alteration to the cellular processes investigated, while the PNH2‐AuNPs (at a maximum of 4.5 × 1012 nanoparticles/mL) displayed dose‐ and time‐dependent cytotoxicity with associated loss of spheroid compactness, debris formation, DNA fragmentation, and a 75% reduction in acid phosphatase activity. Differentiation between cytotoxic and non‐cytotoxic AuNPs was achieved, with preliminary elucidation of cytotoxicity endpoints. The PNH2‐AuNPs promote cytotoxicity by modulating cellular kinetics while destabilizing the spheroid ultrastructure. The model serves as a proficient platform for more in‐depth elucidation of NP cytotoxicity at the preclinical investigation phase.
Crashworthiness Analysis of a Novel Double‐Filled Hierarchical Hexagonal Tube Subjected to Axial Impact
Authors: Xie Zhaoping , Deng Xiaolin , Li Wei
Published: December 2024

This article presents a novel double‐filled hierarchical hexagonal (DHH) tube. An Abaqus finite element model is utilized to investigate the crashworthiness of this structure under axial impact. A numerical analysis explores the energy absorption (EA) performance across varying different inner hexagon side lengths, fractal orders, and tube masses. The results indicate that specific EA (SEA) increases with the hierarchical order, with the SEA of the second‐order DHH tubes being 9.22–24.70% higher than that of conventional single‐layered hexagonal tubes and 39.20–43.30% greater than that of conventional single‐filled hierarchical tubes. The DHH structure demonstrates optimal performance with an inner hexagon side lengths of 15 mm, achieving the highest SEA across different parameters. This study provides valuable insights for designing hierarchical multicell double tubes with improved EA efficiency.
A Novel Dual‐Loop Model‐Free Adaptive Iterative Learning Control and Its Application to the Refrigeration Systems
Authors: Ibrahim Nasreldin , Dong Na
Published: December 2024

This study investigates a novel dual‐input and dual‐output Model‐Free Adaptive Iterative Learning Control (A‐MFAILC) approach for energy‐saving control of refrigeration systems, aiming to maintain a minimum stable superheat and a constant evaporation temperature. Superheat control is often unstable due to the complex and high‐order nature of refrigeration systems. Furthermore, these systems often face large time delays, which complicate the tracking control process. Such delays can cause inefficiencies and instability in maintaining desired operational parameters, making it challenging to achieve energy savings. To get around these problems, a novel Model‐Free Adaptive Iterative Learning Control algorithm has been proposed by incorporating input rate constraints for time‐delayed systems.The proposed A‐MFAILC algorithm with a single input and single output has been extended to dual input and dual output energy‐saving control of refrigeration systems. Complete proofs of convergence analysis have been provided, and the algorithm's performance has been fully evaluated. Simulation tests based on the proposed A‐MFAILC algorithm, developed for dual‐loop control systems, have been conducted on refrigeration systems. Step signals have been used as input signals for comprehensive performance testing. As a result, the proposed approach demonstrates higher tracking stability and fast response speed, with an average tracking accuracy of 98.68% and 93.87% for superheat and evaporation temperature, respectively.
Decentralized Periodic Event‐Triggered Control for Nonlinear Switched Systems
Authors: Fu Anqi , Dai Yongji , Qiao Junfei
Published: December 2024

Decentralized periodic event‐triggered control (DPETC) is a method that allows sensors to be placed flexibly while cutting down on their workload and the amount of data they send in a feedback loop, which makes it a good fit for wireless network control systems. In this article, we investigate the control issues of nonlinear switched systems whose switches are determined by the system input and consider their stability by designing a DPETC scheme. Additionally, we model and control a water distribution system with looped pipe network using a switched model and the proposed theory. In this DPETC, at each periodic sampling time, the local event‐triggered mechanism determines events by assessing whether the local sampling error meets the predefined triggering condition. If so, the collected sampling data will be transmitted to a central controller. This controller processes the data to compute the control input, with those nodes without events using the previous updated sampling data. Based on the derived control input, the controller then switches to the appropriate mode following the system's switches. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated through three examples, including a smart water distribution system with looped pipeline.
Tweeting Circular Economy: Unveiling Current Discourse Through Natural Language Processing
Authors: Maarif Muhammad Rifqi , Pratama Arif Budy , Hutahaean Michael , Saleh Arif Rahman , Fitriyani Norma Latif , Syafrudin Muhammad
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the circular economy (CE) has emerged as a critical strategy for sustainable development, addressing environmental challenges, resource efficiency, and waste reduction. Although the advantages of CE over traditional linear economic models are well‐documented, less attention has been given to understanding how CE is perceived and discussed in public forums such as social media. This paper aims to fill that gap by analyzing Twitter conversations related to CE from 2012 to 2022, using advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. A total of 389,575 tweets were collected and processed to uncover the main themes, trends, and influential entities in the global CE discourse. The analysis shows that waste management, recycling, and resource efficiency are the most prevalent topics, reflecting the public's concern for practical CE applications. Additionally, technological advancements such as blockchain and IoT are emerging as significant drivers of CE innovation. Countries like the United Kingdom, China, and India, along with key organizations like the European Commission and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, are central to the global CE narrative. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers, corporations, and researchers, highlighting areas of public interest and potential collaboration to advance CE initiatives. By aligning strategies with social media discourse, stakeholders can promote more effective, widespread adoption of CE principles.
ESG Information Disclosure and Its Relationship to Tax Practices: Stakeholder‐Friendly or Legitimacy‐Seeking?
Authors: Amarna Khayria , López‐Pérez Maria Victoria , Garde Sánchez Raquel , Rodríguez Ariza Lázaro
Published: December 2024

Tax laws may promote practices that lead to tax deductions or deferrals over time and that relate to corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures. This study analyses whether transactions that have corporate tax effects are related to tax avoidance or are a way of channeling ESG commitments. In addition, we investigate whether the firm financial situation moderates the incidence of ESG disclosure on tax practices. The results show that ESG disclosure have a positive impact on permanent tax differences, which are produced by philanthropic, among others. However, the effect of ESG disclosure on temporary differences, which can be related to tax avoidance practices, is negative. Companies committed to ESG do not engage in tax avoidance. Regarding the moderating effect of financial indicators, the results show that only profitability positively moderates the relationship between ESG disclosure and temporary tax differences. ESG disclosure could be used to hide tax avoidance practices. The findings have important implications for policymakers, supporting the creation of effective regulations that incorporate companies' tax practices into the ESG objectives. This will encourage companies to be more conscientious about their tax behaviors.
Tetragonal Tungsten Oxide for Supercapacitor Electrodes: Study of Phase‐Driven Charge Storage Mechanism and Work Function Control
Authors: Hussain Sk. Khaja , Kim Min Soo , Thota Raju , Joo Sang‐Woo , Bang Jin Ho
Published: December 2024

The crystal phase of pseudocapacitive materials significantly influences charge storage kinetics and capacitance; yet, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study focuses on tungsten oxide (WO3), a material exhibiting multiple crystal phases with potential for energy storage. Despite extensive research on WO3, the impact of different crystal structures on charge storage properties remains largely unexplored. Here, the successful synthesis and electrochemical characterization of tetragonal WO3 are reported. This investigation demonstrates that tetragonal WO3 exhibits superior energy storage capabilities compared to other WO3 polymorphs. According to in situ Raman spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy combined with in‐depth electrochemical analyses, this enhancement is attributed to a unique charge storage mechanism and an expanded potential window facilitated by an engineered electrode work function. This study highlights the critical role of the crystal phase in optimizing the performance of pseudocapacitive materials and provides valuable insights for the development of next‐generation energy storage devices.
Measuring Alcohol‐Induced Striatal Dopamine Release in Healthy Humans With [11C]‐Raclopride: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kania Amir , Porco Natasha , Caravaggio Fernando
Published: December 2024

Alcohol consumption is known to affect dopamine (DA) release in the brain, with significant implications for understanding addiction and its neurobiological underpinnings. This meta‐analysis examined the effects of acute alcohol administration on striatal DA release in healthy humans as measured with [11C]‐raclopride positron emission tomography (PET). Oral alcohol administration was associated with a significant reduction in [11C]‐raclopride binding potential (BPND) in the ventral striatum (Cohen's d = –0.76), indicative of increased DA release, particularly at lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels (0.08 gm%; Z = 2.34, p = 0.02). That oral alcohol may increase DA release in the ventral striatum at lower doses, and decrease DA release at higher doses, warrants further investigation but appears consistent with other known biphasic, hermetic dose–response effects of alcohol. Additionally, larger effect‐sizes in the ventral striatum were observed among those studies which sampled more males than females (Z = –2.08, p = 0.04). While oral alcohol administration was associated with reduced [11C]‐raclopride BPND in the caudate (Cohen's d = –0.39) and putamen (Cohen's d = –0.37), these findings in the dorsal striatum were more variable and less robust. Our analyses suggests that study design (i.e., counterbalanced versus fixed order) may moderate effect sizes observed in the putamen across studies (Z = –2.27, p = 0.02). By identifying gaps in the current literature and proposing directions for future research, this study hopes to inform the design of future PET studies aimed at quantifying alcohol‐induced dopamine release in the striatum of humans.
Bimodal nesting season in Karoo dwarf tortoises (Chersobius boulengeri)
Authors: Loehr Victor J. T.
Published: December 2024

Tortoises in arid, unpredictable regions may use a bet‐hedging strategy of regularly laying small clutches regardless of actual environmental conditions, so that some hatchlings will emerge when conditions are favourable. Karoo dwarf tortoises (Chersobius boulengeri) are endangered in their arid, unpredictable range in South Africa, yet studies of reproduction are lacking. I used radiography and captive breeding to study reproduction in wild (n = 22, 2018–2022) and captive (n = 2, 2020–2023) individuals, expecting to find bet‐hedging characteristics. My expectation was that females would regularly lay eggs in summer, when most rain falls. In addition, I expected that females would produce consistently large eggs and hatchlings capable of surviving their harsh environment. Indeed, females produced multiple clutches of large single eggs per year, some even during drought. However, the egg‐laying season had a unique bimodal pattern in autumn and spring, possibly dispersing hatching events throughout the unpredictable rainfall season. Fecundity was low, approximately 5 eggs per year when resources were unlimited. The large eggs were usually wider than pelvic width, but egg size was nevertheless constrained by female size. Hatchling size correlated positively with egg size, confirming a potential survival benefit. Surprisingly, egg size decreased in successive clutches in a season, apparently to increase offspring frequency while resources were limited. Reproduction of Karoo dwarf tortoises is unlikely to offset current predation levels that contribute to their endangered status, thus predation reduction should be a conservation priority. Projected regional aridification due to climate change may pose a previously underestimated threat, because females lay fewer eggs during drought, females that lay eggs during drought may suffer increased mortality when body reserves cannot be restored, and hatchlings (particularly from late clutches) may have insufficient reserves for survival under aridified conditions. Conservation plans might focus on sites least affected by aridification.
Measuring and Minimizing Mistakes
Authors: Caplin Andrew
Published: December 2024

This chapter introduces cognitive legal studies and cognitive economic methods for measuring and minimizing decision-making mistakes using cognitive nudges. It outlines a case study that shows how adding an index to complex case files improved the quality of justice in Mexican labor arbitration courts in cases of unfair dismissal. It also indicates the need for cognitively-informed mandated disclosure regulations. It stresses how cognitively demanding is the Duty to Understand legal doctrine for complex online privacy disclosures and other sign-in-wrap contracts. It introduces experimental methods to test the effects of mandated disclosure regulations in reducing decision-making mistakes based on Bloom's educational taxonomy.
Cognitive Economics at Work
Authors: Caplin Andrew
Published: December 2024

Chapter 4 introduces cognitive labor economics. Inspired by the industrial revolution, standard production functions model the transformation of physical factors of production into physical outputs. With the growing importance of higher level decision-making skills, we need to model inputs as cognitive and outputs as improvements in decision quality. The chapter discusses how to amend human capital theory to capture the open-ended tasks that are increasingly important to earnings. The chapter also introduces recent research measuring and modeling economic decision-making skills based on the ability to apply the principle of comparative advantage. It introduces evidence that these skills help explain earnings from employment, and outlines ongoing research to track these effects in the Danish population registries.
Co-creating a Future Green Vision to Empower and Amplify Synergies in BTC, Ljubljana
Authors: Henič Ema , Janko Andrej
Published: December 2024

BTC City Ljubljana, a significant retail park in Slovenia, is an experimentation site in the Desire project. BTC, in collaboration with the CER-Sustainable Business Network, worked on experimenting with urban greening, biodiversity, and climate change adaptation. The project engages diverse stakeholders, including businesses, academia, and the local community, to co-create a sustainability strategy for BTC City 2025–2030. Key activities run under Desire include workshops, hackathons, and exhibitions, which foster collaboration and generate innovative solutions such as reducing carbon emissions and enhancing green spaces to combat the urban heat island effect in line with current EU policies. This chapter shows how the experimentation also implements concrete measures, including planting trees and developing green corridors to improve microclimate and biodiversity. Through its Green Star Sustainability Certification and a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement, BTC City builds a collaborative network for its green transformation. The Desire project demonstrates how systemic collaboration, clear leadership, and community empowerment can drive meaningful environmental change, positioning BTC City Ljubljana at the forefront for the transition to urban sustainability.
The Moral Hazard in Harvest Outsourcing Service
Authors: Qu Xue , Kojima Daizo , Wu Laping , Ando Mitsuyoshi
Published: December 2024

This chapter will examine the moral hazard in harvest outsourcing services.
Einlagenversorgung in der Therapie des Knicksenkfußes
Authors: Schmitt Alexander Pascal-Laurent , Liebau Kira-Henriette , Hamm Alexander , Mittelmeier Wolfram , Schulze Christoph
Published: December 2024

Hintergrund

Bei Erwachsenen erfolgt die Therapie des flexiblen symptomatischen Knicksenkfußes konservativ mit stützenden Einlagen, während sensomotorische Einlagen bei unzureichender Datenlage umstritten sind.

Fragestellung

Untersuchung der Wirksamkeit sensomotorischer und stützender Einlagen bei Erwachsenen.

Material und Methoden

Bei 73 Patienten wurden zusätzlich zu Fußgymnastik im Rahmen einer doppelt verblindeten, prospektiven, randomisierten placebokontrollierten Studie stützende, sensomotorische oder Placeboeinlagen unter Nutzung von Numerische Rating-Scala, Foot and Ankle Disability Index sowie Pedobarographie und Valgus-Index über 3 Messpunkte in einem Jahr miteinander verglichen. Die statistische Auswertung erfolgte mittels ANOVA mit Messwiederholungen.

Ergebnisse

Der Valgus-Index wurde bei stützenden Einlagen signifikant größer. Die Auflagefläche des Fußes konnte in der Verlaufskontrolle nur bei sensomotorischen Schuheinlagen in statischer und dynamischer Messung signifikant reduziert werden. Stützende Einlagen führten zu einer schnelleren Schmerzreduktion, jedoch ohne Reduktion der Auflagefläche. In der Funktionalität zeigten sich keine relevanten Unterschiede.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Reduktion der Auflagefläche in Verbindung mit sensomotorischen Einlagen zeigt das Potenzial zur muskulären Adressierung des flexiblen Knicksenkfußes. Nachteile gegenüber anderen Versorgungen zeigten sich nicht. Stützende Einlagen führten schneller zur Reduktion von subjektiven Beschwerden, schwächen aber scheinbar die Fußwölbung-stützende Muskulatur. Längerfristig erscheint die konsequente Durchführung von Fußmuskeltraining ebenfalls wirksam zu sein, da auch das Tragen von Placeboeinlagen ohne signifikante biomechanische Änderungen zu einer Verbesserung des subjektiven Wohlbefindens führte.
Factors affecting Missouri land managers’ willingness-to-adopt agroforestry practices
Authors: Stubblefield Kelsi , Smith Matthew , Lovell Sarah , Wilson Kelly , Hendrickson Mary , Cai Zhen
Published: December 2024

Temperate agroforestry practices offer various ecological, social, and economic benefits. However, data surrounding drivers of adoption for agroforestry in the U.S. remains limited. A survey of Missouri agricultural land managers was conducted to determine the extent of agroforestry adoption in the state, current knowledge and perceptions of agroforestry, and interest in implementing agroforestry practices. A choice experiment model was employed to assess participants’ willingness to accept (WTA) payment for adopting agroforestry practices and to determine land managers’ valuation of technical assistance and environmental benefits. Across the sample, self-reported knowledge of agroforestry practices was minimal to low (33%-78%). Perceptions of agroforestry systems for management and economic aspects were mixed, while promotion of biodiversity and environmental services were especially positive. Using a mixed logit regression model, if cost to establish a given agroforestry system was $2,500 per acre, it was determined that the average Missouri land manager would accept a per acre payment of $8,795 for alley cropping, $1,217 for forest farming, $3,080 for riparian forest buffers, $-3,546 for silvopasture, $11,458 for urban food forests, and $19,154 for windbreaks. WTA payments were lower for existing adopters of agroforestry than non-adopters. Among those who were willing to adopt agroforestry, technical assistance was valued at $1,670 per acre, while environmental benefits were valued at $2,992 per acre. In a second model testing interaction variables, participants with greater knowledge of agroforestry practices or with higher incomes were significantly more willing to adopt agroforestry practices, while participants with larger farms were less likely to adopt agroforestry.
On the vector subspaces of $$\mathbb {F}_{2^n}$$ over which the multiplicative inverse function sums to zero
Authors: Carlet Claude
Published: December 2024

We study the behavior of the multiplicative inverse function (which plays an important role in cryptography and in the study of finite fields), with respect to a recently introduced generalization of almost perfect nonlinearity (APNness), called kth-order sum-freedom, that extends a classic characterization of APN functions, and has also some relationship with integral attacks. This generalization corresponds to the fact that a vectorial function $$F:\mathbb {F}_2^n\mapsto \mathbb {F}_2^m$$

F
:

F
2
n

↦

F
2
m

sums to a nonzero value over every k-dimensional affine subspace of $$\mathbb {F}_2^n$$

F
2
n

, for some $$k\le n$$

k
≤
n

(APNness corresponds to $$k=2$$

k
=
2

). The sum of the values of the inverse function $$x\in \mathbb {F}_{2^n}\mapsto x^{2^n-2}\in \mathbb {F}_{2^n}$$

x
∈

F

2
n

↦

x

2
n

-
2

∈

F

2
n

over any affine subspace A of $$\mathbb {F}_{2^n}$$

F

2
n

not containing 0 (i.e. being not a vector space) has been addressed, thanks to a simple expression of such sum, which shows that it never vanishes. We study in the present paper the case of vector (i.e. linear) subspaces, which is much less simple to handle. The sum depends on a coefficient in subspace polynomials. We study for which values of k the multiplicative inverse function can sum to nonzero values over all k-dimensional vector subspaces. We show that, for every k not co-prime with n, it sums to zero over at least one k-dimensional $$\mathbb {F}_2$$

F
2

-subspace of $$\mathbb {F}_{2^n}$$

F

2
n

. We study the behavior of the inverse function over direct sums of vector spaces and we deduce that the property of the inverse function to be kth-order sum-free happens for k if and only if it happens for $$n-k$$

n
-
k

. We derive several other results and we show that the set of values k such that the inverse function is not kth-order sum-free is stable when adding two values of k whose product is smaller than n (and when subtracting two values under some conditions). We clarify the case of dimension at most 4 (equivalently, of co-dimension at most 4) and this allows to address, for every n, all small enough values of k of the form $$3a+4b$$

3
a
+
4
b

.
Phase Thermalization: from Fermi Liquid to Incoherent Metal
Authors: Banerjee Pinaki , Chakrabarty Bidisha , Mondal Swapnamay
Published: December 2024

When a system consists of a large subsystem (bath) and a small one (probe), thermalization implies induction of temperature of the bath onto the probe. If both the bath and the probe are described by same microscopic Hamiltonian, thermalisation further entails that the probe imbibes the phase of the bath. We refer to this phenomenon as phase thermalization. However, it is not clear whether this phenomenon is realizable when the probe and the bath are described by different microscopic Hamiltonians. We show phase thermalization is possible even when the microscopic Hamiltonians differ significantly. We provide an explicit example, where the probe is a Fermi liquid realised by a Majorana chain with

$$n \gg 1$$

n
≫
1

fermions per site interacting through random hopping and the bath is an incoherent metal described by another Majorana chain with

$$N > n$$

N
>
n

fermions per site interacting through arbitrarily long range random four-fermion interaction. In deep infrared (i.e. at very low energies), the probe turns into an incoherent metal, with Lyapunov spectrum and diffusion coefficient identical to the bath.