bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peat‐based amendment of soils reduces the complexity of the volatile profile in cultivated black truffles
Authors: Marco Pedro , Tejedor‐Calvo Eva , Gracia Ana Pilar , Gómez‐Molina Eva , García‐Barreda Sergi , Sánchez Sergio , Sanz M. Ángeles
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Truffle cultivation is evolving rapidly and new agronomic practices such as ‘truffle nests’ (localized peat amendments of the orchard soil) are being developed. Truffle nests improve the shape of truffles and their depth in the soil and reduce the occurrence of insect damage but have also raised concerns about their impact on the ripeness and maturity of the harvested truffles. In this study, the effect of the nests on the volatile organic compounds profile and the aromatic profile of black truffles was evaluated, as well as the existence of perceptible sensorial differences in truffles. For this, truffles growing in nests were compared with truffles growing in the bulk soil of the same host tree.

RESULTS

Gas chromatography showed that nest truffles had a less complex volatile organic compound profile than bulk‐soil truffles. Olfactometry indicated that nest truffles were associated with higher modified frequency values of odorants corresponding to sulfur‐containing compounds. Despite this, sensory evaluation with consumers could not clearly show that nest truffles can be distinguished sensorially from bulk‐soil truffles.

CONCLUSION

The results prove that soil conditions can influence the aromatic profile of truffles and thus suggest the possibility of managing truffle aroma using agronomic practices. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of Hormonal Changes Through 7 Days of Osho Dynamic Meditation Among Healthy Nepalese Participants
Authors: Sharma Vijay Kumar , Niraula Apeksha , Tuladhar Eans Tara , Dubey Raju Kumar , Bhattarai Aseem , Raut Mithileshwer , Kharal Nikita , Kadel Anuradha , Sapkota Srijana , Pokhrel Prakash , Sharma Namrata
Published: July 2024

Context

Meditation and related relaxation techniques are good means of alleviating stress and maintaining good health. Osho dynamic meditation decreases several psychopathological variables such as anxious‐depressive syndrome, aggressive behaviors, and depression which is practiced in Nepal and all over the world. Various studies have shown alteration in different hormone levels due to meditation by strengthening adaptive mechanisms.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Osho meditation on serum hormonal levels in pre‐ and postmeditation participants.

Methods

A pre–post study was conducted among 70 healthy volunteers (42 male and 28 female) where various types of Osho dynamic meditation techniques were incorporated together to understand their combined effects on serum hormone levels in participants attending the 7 days meditation camp. Serum hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), testosterone, and growth hormone were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results

Out of 70 participants, 68 participants (97%) had subjective opinion of Osho dynamic meditation being effective in alleviating stress, depression, and anger. Also, there was a significant decline in body weight and body mass index in both male and female populations after a strict vegetarian diet and meditation. Likewise, a significant rise in the level of estrogen (p < 0.001), progesterone (p < 0.001), growth hormone (p < 0.001), testosterone (p = 0.002), and fT3 (p = 0.049) in postmeditation male participants indicates the importance of Osho dynamic meditation on elevating sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone as well as fT3, and growth hormones among Osho meditation practicing participants.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest significant changes in the hormonal levels and improvement in stress and depression in participants undergoing Osho meditation.
Conductive hydrogel as stress‐strain sensor for human motion monitoring
Authors: Mondal Md. Ibrahim H. , Sofiuzzaman Md. , Ahmed Firoz , Hessel Volker , Ahmed Mohammad Boshir , Zargar Masoumeh
Published: July 2024

Hydrogel‐based stress‐strain sensors have attracted immense attention recently for developing wearable electronic devices and health‐monitoring systems owing to their intrinsic soft characteristics and flexible nature. Developing hydrogel that has high conductivity, better mechanical performance, and elasticity is necessary for better analysis or getting accurate measurement data. Hence, this study focuses on the development of novel conductive hydrogels with enhanced mechanical, swelling, and sensing properties targeting the advancement of stress‐strain sensitive hydrogel sensors. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and citric acid (CA) have been used to prepare esterified PVA/CA hydrogels while using a simple one‐pot method followed by doping with a conductive polymer (polyaniline, PANI). The resultant PVA/CA/PANI hydrogel displayed a high water uptake capacity of ∼4200%, a high mechanical strain of 700%, high puncture resistance, large durability, and a fast response time when applied as soft human‐motion sensors in real‐time measurement of large‐scale and subtle human physiological stress activities (i.e., joint motions in the forefinger, elbow, wrist, and neck). The high strain sensitivity and ultrahigh stretchability of hydrogel sensors allow them to detect small mechanical changes caused by human movement showing their great potential for hydrogel‐based sensor device fabrication.
Selecting fast algorithms for the capacitated vehicle routing problem with machine learning techniques
Authors: Asín‐Achá Roberto , Espinoza Alexis , Goldschmidt Olivier , Hochbaum Dorit S. , Huerta Isaías I.
Published: July 2024

We present machine learning (ML) methods for automatically selecting a “best” performing fast algorithm for the capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) with unit demands. Algorithm selection is to automatically choose among a portfolio of algorithms the one that is predicted to work best for a given problem instance, and algorithm configuration is to automatically select algorithm's parameters that are predicted to work best for a given problem instance. We present a framework incorporating both algorithm selection and configuration for a portfolio that includes the automatically configured “Sweep Algorithm,” the first generated feasible solution of the hybrid genetic search algorithm, and the Clarke and Wright algorithm. The automatically selected algorithm is shown here to deliver high‐quality feasible solutions within very small running times making it highly suitable for real‐time applications and for generating initial feasible solutions for global optimization methods for CVRP. These results bode well to the effectiveness of utilizing ML for improving combinatorial optimization methods.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Screening and Hg(II) Sensing, Activities of Cu(II)pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate Complexes
Authors: Ur Rahman Hameed , Khan Ezzat , Muhammad Mian , Khan Maaz , Ahmad Bhat Mashooq , Shahzada Khan Gul , Ali Nisar
Published: July 2024

In this study five different complexes of Cu(II) were synthesized for the purpose of environmentally notorious mercury sensing and preliminary biological screening. Pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid (also known as dipicolinic acid, and abbreviated as H2DPA), 3‐phenyl pyrazole (3‐ppz), 4‐iodo‐1H‐pyrazole (4‐ipz), 4‐nitropyrazole (4‐npz), 4‐bromopyrazole (4‐bpz), and 4‐chloropyrazole (4‐cpz) were chosen as potential ligands. The synthesized complexes labelled as 1–5, namely [Cu(DPA)(3‐ppz)], [Cu(DPA)(4‐ipz)], [Cu(DPA)(4‐npz)], [Cu(DPA)(4‐bpz)], [Cu(DPA)(4‐cpz)], were proposed based on spectroscopic data (FTIR, TGA, and UV‐visible spectroscopy). These complexes feature C=O functionalities that are not involved in coordination and may be used for further applications. The isolated complexes were utilized for detecting Hg(II) ions in water samples. Various concentrations of Hg(II) ions were prepared for detection purposes, and changes in absorption concerning complexes 1–5 were determined using UV‐Visible spectroscopy. It was found that complexes 3 and 4 exhibit efficient sensing abilities towards Hg(II) ions. The antibacterial activities of complexes 1–5 were assessed against S. typhi and E. coli. The complexes 1 and 3 displayed good antibacterial activities against S. typhi (13.67, and 13.56 mm, respectively) while complexes 1, 2 and 4 were found to be efficient against E. coli (11.6, 12.66, 11.31 mm, respectively). The absorption maxima of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryhydrazyl (DPPH) at 517 nm, considerably shifted upon addition of complexes 1–5. The results reveal that the complexes possess potential free radical scavenging abilities.
Development of sulfonated graphite oxide incorporated poly(styrene sulfonic acid‐co‐malic acid) crosslinked sodium alginate membranes for pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol
Authors: Chavan Shreenivas G. , Achari Divya D. , Munavalli Balappa B. , Poulose Laisa C. , Kariduraganavar Mahadevappa Y.
Published: July 2024

Pervaporation (PV) is a promising membrane‐based technology for dehydrating alcohols and separation of close‐boiling liquids. Poly(styrene sulfonic acid‐co‐maleic acid) (PSSAMA) crosslinked sodium alginate (NaAlg) membrane was developed, and was then modified by varying the mass% of sulfonated graphite oxide (SGO). Physicochemical properties of the resulting membranes were assessed using FTIR, WXRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM. The pervaporation study was carried out to assess membrane performance in dehydrating isopropanol. The membrane with 16 mass% of SGO exhibited the highest separation factor of 6025 and flux of 14.66 × 10−2 kg m−2 h−1 at 30°C for 10 mass% of water in the feed and were able to break the water–isopropanol azeotropic point. The activation energy for water permeation (Epw) was lower than that of isopropanol permeation (EIPA), indicating the high separation ability. Activation energies for total permeation (EP) and total diffusion (ED) ranged from 12.42 to 49.13 and 12.99 to 54.42 kJ mol−1, respectively. Negative enthalpy values (ΔHs) suggested Langmuir's sorption predominance for all membranes.

Highlights

The SGO incorporated crosslinked NaAlg composite membranes were prepared.

The membrane containing 16 mass% of SGO showed the highest water uptake.

Membrane with 16 mass% of SGO showed the highest flux and separation factor.

All composite membranes showed excellent thermal and mechanical stability.

Membrane with 16 mass% of SGO demonstrated excellent PV performance.
Predictive modeling of dielectric properties in crosslinked polyphenylene oxide systems: Molecular dynamics simulations and experimental validation
Authors: Wu Xiaowei , Fang Zeming , Zhu Xiaotao , Luo Cheng , Li Dan , Liu Qianfa , Xue Ke , Wang Ke
Published: July 2024

In high‐frequency applications such as 5G‐6G communication, internet of things, automotive radar, and automated driver‐assistance systems, substrate materials excel as insulating layers owing to their superior dielectric properties. However, traditional methods for material development are often laborious and costly. To overcome these limitations, we employed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to predict the dielectric properties of these materials at frequencies exceeding 107 Hz. Specifically, we selected thermosetting polyphenylene oxide (m‐PPO) as the resin matrix and combined it with three crosslinking agents, respectively: triallyl cyanurate, triallyl isocyanurate, and trimethylallyl isocyanurate. Our overarching goal is to provide comprehensive insights into the development and enhancement of materials critical for high‐frequency electronic devices. We anticipate that this methodology will be widely adopted for the development of advanced substrate materials across various applications, with the objective of effectively screening crosslinkers.

Highlights

Developed a simulation method to efficiently explore material scenarios for high‐frequency applications.

Studied the dielectric properties of m‐PPO combined with three crosslinking agents at high frequencies.

Successfully predicted dielectric properties using MD simulations.
Macromolecular architecture effect of dioctyl fumarate‐co‐styrene on the properties of modified asphalts
Authors: Gatti Tomas Gomez , Costantino M. Leticia Bravi , Fracassi Luciana , Larsen Diego , Padró Juan Manuel , Cortizo M. Susana , Oberti Tamara
Published: July 2024

In this study, new statistical copolymers made from dioctyl fumarate (DOF) and styrene (S) with different architectures (linear or branched) were synthesized to assess the impact of this macromolecular characteristic on the modification of Argentine asphalt. Modified asphalts (MA) exhibited good compatibility without evidence of oxidative effect during their manufacturing, as confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy assays. The incorporation of copolymers led to an improvement in the basic properties of the MA, and this showed a higher viscosity compared to the base asphalt, with the effect being more pronounced in the MA containing branched copolymer. The last sample exhibits the lowest thermal susceptibility, as determined from the analysis of activation energies.

Highlights

New linear and branched copolymers were synthesized using fumaric and styrene monomers.

Monomers randomly alternate in copolymer chains.

No oxidation during asphalt modification and the polymers are stable.

Incorporating branched copolymer doubles asphalt's elastic recovery.

Asphalt modified with the branched copolymer exhibits reduced thermal susceptibility.
A new kid on the block: The stratification pattern for space‐filling, with dimension by weight tables
Authors: Grömping Ulrike
Published: July 2024

Designs for computer experiments in quantitative factors use columns with many levels. Filling the experimental space is their most important property, and there are many criteria that assess aspects of space‐filling. Recently, Tian and Xu proposed a stratification pattern for assessing the stratification‐related space‐filling properties of designs for quantitative experimental variables whose number of levels is a power of a – usually small – integer. Such designs have been named GSOAs, in generalization of the earlier proposal of strong – or stratum – orthogonal arrays (SOAs). Latin hypercube designs (LHDs) with a suitable number of levels are special cases of GSOAs. Tian and Xu proposed to use the stratification pattern as a means to ranking (G)SOAs. They reported a small simulation study in which arrays that fared well in that ranking performed well in predicting an unknown function. Shi and Xu refined the criterion and also demonstrated success of a design that fares well on their refined criterion. This paper explains the ideas behind the stratification pattern and the related ranking criteria. A practical example and several toy examples aid the illustration. The stratification pattern can be calculated using the R package SOAs, which does not only provide the pattern itself but also provides more detail in a dimension by weight table, in the spirit of the refinement by Shi and Xu.
Heavy‐Metal Ions Removal and Iodine Capture by Terpyridine Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wang Huai‐Zhen , Chan Michael Ho‐Yeung , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: July 2024

Porous materials are excellent candidates for water remediation in environmental issues. However, it is still a key challenge to design efficient adsorbents for rapid water purification from various heavy metal ions‐contaminated wastewater in one step. Here, two robust nitrogen‐rich covalent organic frameworks (COFs) bearing terpyridine units on the pore walls by a “bottom‐up” strategy are reported. Benefitting from the strong chelation interaction between the terpyridine units and various heavy metal ions, these two terpyridine COFs show excellent removal efficiency and capability for Pb2+, Hg2+, Cu2+, Ag+, Cd2+, Ni2+, and Cr3+ from water. These COFs are shown to remove such heavy metal ions with >90% of contents at one time after the aqueous metal ions mixture is passed through the COF filter. The nitrogen‐rich features of the COFs also endow them with the capability of capturing iodine vapors, offering the terpyridine COFs the potential for environmental remediation applications.
Numerical study of aphron drilling crosser fluids coating layer incorporated blood with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles injected in esophagus
Authors: Akbar Noreen Sher , Hussain M. Fiaz , Muhammad Taseer
Published: July 2024

This study aims to explore a novel cross model for peristaltic flow, which has not been previously addressed. The focus is on investigating the peristaltic flow of an incompressible nanofluid within a vertically uniform channel. The current model has application in drug delivery, biomedical engineering, lab on chip etc. Utilizing peristaltic flow for drug delivery systems in symmetric channels offers precise control over fluid motion, non‐Newtonian fluids, such as polymer solutions used in drug formulations, exhibit complex flow behavior that can be manipulated through peristaltic pumping mechanisms. This application has the potential to revolutionize targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. Studying peristaltic flow in symmetric channels for non‐Newtonian fluids offers interdisciplinary insights and innovative applications. Understanding fluid rheology, channel geometry, and peristaltic pumping can lead to novel strategies for fluid control, with implications for healthcare, biotechnology, and materials science advancements. To simplify the complex system of nonlinear partial differential equations governing the flow, we consider long wavelengths and low Reynolds numbers. Subsequently, we employ Shooting methods to solve this system of equations, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the numerical results for key parameters such as velocity, temperature, concentration, and pressure gradient. The findings are presented through graphical representations of significant flow parameters.
Latour for Semiotics
Authors: Peverini Paolo
Published: July 2024

After highlighting the role played by the theory of signification in the development of an original research project aimed at exploring the paradoxes of a modernity that stubbornly strives to reaffirm the separation between nature and culture, denying the existence of those hybrids that it itself is unable to curb, it is now possible to change perspective, reversing the point of view assumed so far, focusing attention on the impact exerted by Latour’s work on contemporary semiotic research. There are at least three areas in which the dialogue outlined in the previous chapters appears most intense and potentially fruitful. A first area of study concerns the debate around an extended theory of enunciation, developed in parallel with the broadening of the phenomena of signification explored by contemporary semiotic research. A second direction starts from overcoming the nature/culture dichotomy and revolves around rethinking the relationship between semiotics and cultural anthropology, recognising the need to investigate the different modes of existence at play in contemporary phenomena by considering notions such as multinaturalism and internaturality. The third, finally, takes shape from the need to account for the sociosemiotic dimension inherent in artefacts, in their design, in the practices of their use, also in reference to the emerging signals of a new society of smart devices, marked by the irruption of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, technical and social innovations enabled by increasingly extensive, complex, and pervasive networks of hybrid agents.
Avoiding the Shoals - A New Approach to Liveness Checking
Authors: Xia Yechuan , Cimatti Alessandro , Griggio Alberto , Li Jianwen
Published: July 2024

We present , a new SAT-based model-checking algorithm for the verification of liveness properties of finite-state symbolic transition systems. Like other recent approaches, works by reducing liveness checking to a sequence of safety checks. Similarly to , it incrementally strengthens the input system using constraints obtained by refuting candidate counterexamples to the input liveness property, assumed (w.l.o.g.) to be of the form FGq. Differently from (and crucially), however, instead of directly searching for lasso-shaped counterexamples visiting $$\lnot q$$

¬
q

infinitely-often, searches for counterexamples incrementally, via a recursive chain of safety checks, each of which tries to determine whether it is possible to reach a $$\lnot q$$

¬
q

-state from a given $$\lnot q$$

¬
q

-state (which was previously determined to be reachable), in a manner similar to . When the current candidate counterexample is refuted, exploits the inductive invariants generated by the (recursive) safety checks to restrict the search space, until either no more reachable $$\lnot q$$

¬
q

-states remain, or a real lasso-shaped counterexample is found.

In this paper, we describe in detail, prove its soundness and completeness, and compare it against the state of the art both theoretically and empirically. Our experimental results show that our implementation of outperforms state-of-the-art implementations of , and other SAT-based liveness checking algorithms on a wide range of benchmarks from the literature.
Loops in de Sitter space
Authors: Cacciatori Sergio L. , Epstein Henri , Moschella Ugo
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We discuss general one and two-loops banana diagrams with arbitrary masses on the de Sitter spacetime by using direct methods of dS quantum field theory in the dimensional regularization approach. In the one-loop case we also compute the effective potential for an O(N) model in d = 4 dimension as an explicit function of the cosmological constant Λ, both exactly and perturbatively up to order Λ. For the two-loop case we show that the calculation is made easy thanks to a remarkable Källén-Lehmann formula that has been in the literature for a while. We discuss the divergent cases at d = 3 using a contiguity formula for generalized hypergeometric functions and we extract the dominant term at d = 4 proving a general formula to deal with a divergent hypergeometric series.
Metabolic flexibility and resting autonomic function in active menopausal women
Authors: Monferrer-Marín Jordi , Roldán Ainoa , Helge Jørn Wulff , Blasco-Lafarga Cristina
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The present study aims to analyze the relationship between cardiac autonomic control at rest—i.e., baseline Heart Rate Variability (HRV)—and metabolic flexibility assessed by means of the FATox and CHOox oxidation rates at the intensities of maximum fat and carbohydrate oxidation (MFO and MCO, respectively).

Methods

Twenty-four active over-60 women (66.8 ± 4.4 years) had their HRV assessed with 10 min recordings under resting conditions, and this was analyzed with Kubios Scientific software. After this, an incremental submaximal cycling test, starting at 30 watts, with increments of 10 watts every 3 min 15 s was performed. FATox and CHOox were calculated in the last 60 s at each step, using Frayn’s equation. MFO and MCO were further obtained.

Results

Nonlinear SampEn and 1-DFAα1 (Detrending Fluctuation Analysis score) at rest were both moderate and significantly (p < 0.05) related to FATox (r = 0.43, r = −0.40) and CHOox (r = −0.59, r = 0.41), as well as RER (r = −0.43, r = 0.43) at FATmax intensity. At the MCO intensity, no association was observed between HRV and oxidation rates. However, DFAα1 (r = −0.63, p < 0.05), the frequency ratio LF/HF (r = −0.63, p < 0.05), and the Poincaré ratio SD1/SD2 (r = 0.48, p < 0.05) were correlated with blood lactate concentration.

Conclusion

These results support the autonomic resources hypothesis, suggesting that better autonomic function at rest is related to enhanced metabolic flexibility in postmenopausal women. They also underpin a comprehensive analysis of cardiovascular-autonomic health with aging. The results imply that non-linear DFAα1 and SampEn are appropriate to analyze this association in health of the aging cardiovascular-autonomic system.

Graphical Abstract
Extra-pair paternity and sperm length variation in a far northern Great Tit (Parus major) population
Authors: Kleven Oddmund , Østnes Jan Eivind , Rudolfsen Geir , Schindler Sonja , Schmoll Tim
Published: July 2024

Extra-pair paternity is common among socially monogamous bird species and considered an important driver of post-copulatory sexual selection on ejaculate traits including sperm traits. Patterns of extra-pair paternity and sperm size both show substantial variation among populations, yet we know little about the expression of these key reproductive traits at high latitudes. Here we report patterns of extra-pair paternity and describe variation in sperm dimensions in a Norwegian population of the socially monogamous Great Tit (Parus major) breeding beyond the polar circle at 69° northern latitude. Across six study years, we detected extra-pair paternity in 19.2% of 26 broods, and on average 4.7% of nestlings per brood were extra-pair offspring. As expected from results of previous intraspecific analyses of latitudinal variation in extra-pair paternity rates, the observed rate of extra-pair offspring was low in comparison to published estimates from more southern Great Tit populations (range: 2.9 − 20.4%). Our results therefore support a pattern of decreasing levels of extra-pair paternity with increasing latitude in this species also for extremely high latitudes. Overall mean sperm total length amounted to 97.5 ± 0.6 (SE) μm and 30.6% of the total phenotypic variation in sperm total length was explained by differences among sperm samples. The among-sample coefficient of variation in mean sperm total length per sample was 1.93%. Using previous comparative work as a yardstick, this value is substantially lower than expected for the observed frequency of 4.7% extra-pair offspring.
Climate change vulnerability assessment of Karşıyaka, İzmir
Authors: Cangüzel Aybüke , Coşkun Hepcan Çiğdem
Published: July 2024

Cities are among the systems with the highest vulnerability to climate change impacts. These impacts greatly affect the population and physical infrastructure of the cities. Vulnerability assessment plays a significant role in identifying vulnerable areas to climate change in the city and developing adaptation solutions for these areas. This study aimed to determine and map the vulnerability level of Karşıyaka, İzmir on watershed scale to climate change hazards, high temperature, flood and sea level rise by using indicator based approach. In this context an indicator set was developed for each vulnerability component, exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity, taking into account socio-economic, physical and ecological characteristics of the watershed, and then vulnerability was determined by calculations at the neighborhood scale. The results showed that urban areas in the inland had high exposure and sensitivity to. heat related hazards while coastal areas had high exposure and sensitivity to water related climate hazards. Almost two thirds of the residents lived under the risk of urban floods and extreme heat. The findings also indicated that sensitivity is lower on the inner parts of the study region where population density is low. Furthermore, coastal areas had the highest vulnerability even though they had high adaptive capacity. The findings are expected to be a useful tool for decision makers in increasing climate resilience and adaptive capacity.
The inefficiency of courts of justice: industry structure, capacity and misallocation
Authors: Peyrache Antonio , Zago Angelo
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we introduce an optimization model to quantify the trade-off between resource capacity utilization and disposition time for the caseload of courts of justice. The optimization model takes into account the impact of an increase in demand that may arise when disposition time is reduced. We employ the model to measure the impact of various policy reform scenarios on the length of trials, both at the court and system level. We do so by taking into account the potential reallocation of resources, using the population of Italian courts of justice over the 2005–2012 period. Our results show that if all policy scenarios we discuss were to be implemented, the average length of trials for civil cases would be more than halved, from the current 15.5 months to about 7 months. Implementing best practices, the single most effective policy would be equivalent to a 25% increase in the number of judges (which would otherwise cost around 100 million euros per year).
An inorganic-organic hybrid CQDs@PVP lubricant additive: Achieving low friction and wear in PEG and water
Authors: Yang Tao , Wang Xiaozhen , Liu Huanchen , Zhao Qin , Gong Kuiliang , Li Weimin , Liang Yongmin , Wang Xiaobo
Published: July 2024

High-temperature lubrication has always been a hot topic in the lubricant and grease industry, and is also an essential concern in the high-end equipment sector to be addressed. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are an emerging material widely applied in the field of lubrication, owing to their exceptional lubricity and high load-bearing capacity. However, the vulnerability of CQDs to oxidation in air and reduced stability dramatically restrict their high-temperature application capability. In this study, a nanocomposite of amphiphilic polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) homopolymer with excellent lubricating properties and thermal stability, which is hydrogen bonded to CQDs (CQDs@PVP), was designed to achieve low friction and wear of lubricants at high temperatures. The CQDs@PVP are consistently dispersed in both PEG400 and water, and exhibit superior lubricity compared to unmodified CQDs at high temperatures (ranging from 200–150 °C and 90.50 °C). Meanwhile, the dense carbon film on the wear surface and the chemically reactive film of iron compounds directly contribute to the enhanced lubrication performance. These analytical results demonstrate the powerful candidacy of CQDs@PVP as a lubrication additive and promote future high-temperature applications of CQDs in industrial production.
Ultra-Stable Sodium-Ion Battery Enabled by All-Solid-State Ferroelectric-Engineered Composite Electrolytes
Authors: Wang Yumei , Wang Zhongting , Xu Xiaoyu , Oh Sam Jin An , Sun Jianguo , Zheng Feng , Lu Xiao , Xu Chaohe , Yan Binggong , Huang Guangsheng , Lu Li
Published: July 2024

Symmetric Na-ion cells using the NASICON-structured electrodes could simplify the manufacturing process, reduce the cost, facilitate the recycling post-process, and thus attractive in the field of large-scale stationary energy storage. However, the long-term cycling performance of such batteries is usually poor. This investigation reveals the unavoidable side reactions between the NASICON-type Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) anode and the commercial liquid electrolyte, leading to serious capacity fading in the symmetric NVP//NVP cells. To resolve this issue, an all-solid-state composite electrolyte is used to replace the liquid electrolyte so that to overcome the side reaction and achieve high anode/electrolyte interfacial stability. The ferroelectric engineering could further improve the interfacial ion conduction, effectively reducing the electrode/electrolyte interfacial resistances. The NVP//NVP cell using the ferroelectric-engineered composite electrolyte can achieve a capacity retention of 86.4% after 650 cycles. Furthermore, the electrolyte can also be used to match the Prussian-blue cathode NaxFeyFe(CN)6−z·nH2O (NFFCN). Outstanding long-term cycling stability has been obtained in the all-solid-state NVP//NFFCN cell over 9000 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g−1, with a fading rate as low as 0.005% per cycle.
Introducing a comprehensive methodology for optimizing the mass of realistic roofing structural systems using cold-formed steel profiles
Authors: Fruet Gustavo , Miguel Letícia Fleck Fadel
Published: July 2024

This study aims to introduce a comprehensive methodology for optimizing complete real structural systems for roofs involving trusses, purlins, and bracing systems jointly, taking into account realistic loads and constraints dictated by technical codes, thereby offering a more accurate representation of practical scenarios. The objective is to achieve the minimum mass through size, shape, and topology optimization of both the main truss and purlin structural subsystems. To achieve this goal, the Enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO) algorithm is implemented. An example of a realistic case, which takes into account multiple actual constraints such as stress, displacement, buckling, and natural frequency limits, is thoroughly evaluated. After that, 144 other interactions among dimensions of the building and loads applied are simulated, and the mass of the system is obtained for each one of them. The results indicated that the graphs generated from the various simulations allow for the determination of the optimized mass for different building dimensions. Consequently, the cost and raw material consumption can be estimated for common applications. Therefore, it is concluded that this work presents a significant contribution to structural designers, as the proposed methodology enables structural optimization quickly and easily for practical engineers.
Just Following Orders
Authors: Caspar Emilie A.
Published: July 2024

How can obedience and carrying out orders lead to horrific acts such as the Holocaust or the genocides in Rwanda, Cambodia, or Bosnia? For the most part, it is a mystery why obeying instructions from an authority can convince people to kill other human beings, sometimes without hesitation and with incredible cruelty. Combining social and cognitive neuroscience with real-life accounts from genocide perpetrators, this book sheds light on the process through which obedience influences cognition and behavior. Emilie Caspar, a leading expert in the field, translates this neuroscientific approach into a clear, uncomplicated explanation, even for those with no background in psychology or neuroscience. By better understanding humanity's propensity for direct orders to short-circuit our own independent decision-making, we can edge closer to effective prevention processes.
Cross‐Scale Energy Transfer From Ion‐Scale to Electron‐Scale Waves in the Earth's Foreshock Region
Authors: Chen Rui , Gao Xinliang , Yang Zhongwei , Lu Quanming , Kong Zhenyu , Ma Jiuqi , Ke Yangguang , Wang Chi
Published: July 2024

Cross‐scale energy transfer is a fundamental problem in plasma physics but is poorly understood. Based on Magnetospheric Multiscale satellite (MMS) data, we present the evidence of the energy transfer between ion‐scale and electron‐scale waves in the Earth's foreshock region. Low‐frequency fast‐magnetosonic waves (LFWs, ∼0.2 Hz; ion‐gyration scales) are observed in the solar wind upstream of the Earth's bow shock. Due to the magnetic compression of LFWs, suprathermal electrons (∼10–100s eV) are adiabatically heated in the perpendicular direction, which leads to the high anisotropy in the high‐magnetic‐field region. Then high‐frequency whistler mode waves (HFWs, 0.1–0.5 fce; electron‐gyration scales) are excited by those anisotropic electrons through cyclotron resonance. Therefore, this study reveals how energy is transported from LFWs to HFWs, suggesting that wave‐particle interactions have played a key role in cross‐scale energy transfer in collisionless plasmas.
The Arctic Ocean Nitrogen Cycle
Authors: Arrigo Kevin R. , Mills Matthew M. , Juranek Lauren W.
Published: July 2024

Although the Arctic Ocean is small, its shallow shelves and highly productive coastal waters make it an important component of global biogeochemical cycling, especially of nitrogen (N). Because inorganic forms of dissolved N exist in so many different oxidation states, the cycling of N can be quite complex. In this review, we describe the current understanding of the major conduits bringing N into Arctic surface waters as well as the key physical and biological processes that are responsible for the transformation from one form of N to another. We also discuss the environmental factors that are currently controlling these transformations and how this may change in a future Arctic.
High temperature heat flux sensor with ITO/In2O3 thermopile for extreme environment sensing
Authors: Dong Helei , Lu Meimei , Wang Weifeng , Tan Qiulin
Published: July 2024

Hypersonic vehicles and aircraft engine blades face complex and harsh environments such as high heat flow density and high temperature, and they are generally narrow curved spaces, making it impossible to actually install them for testing. Thin-film heat flux sensors (HFSs) have the advantages of small size, fast response, and in-situ fabrication, but they are prone to reach thermal equilibrium and thus fail during testing. In our manuscript, an ITO–In2O3 thick film heat flux sensor (HFS) is designed, and a high-temperature heat flux test system is built to simulate the working condition of a blade subjected to heat flow impact. The simulation and test results show that the test performance of the thick-film HFS is improved by optimizing the structure and parameters. Under the condition of no water cooling, the designed HFS can realize short-time heat flux monitoring at 1450 °C and long-term stable monitoring at 1300 °C and below. With a maximum output thermopotential of 17.8 mV and an average test sensitivity of 0.035 mV/(kW/m2), the designed HFS has superior high-temperature resistance that cannot be achieved by other existing thin (thick) film HFSs. Therefore, the designed HFS has great potential for application in harsh environments such as aerospace, weaponry, and industrial metallurgy.
Successful treatment of hard flaccid syndrome with multimodal therapy: a case report study
Authors: Yazar R. Omer , Hammad Muhammed A. M. , Barham David W. , Azad Babak , Yafi Faysal A.
Published: July 2024

Our article outlines a case study assessing the use of low-intensity shock wave therapy (LiSWT) for managing Hard Flaccid Syndrome (HFS). Given the absence of standardized treatments for HFS, LiSWT could serve as an additional tool in the treatment arsenal. The case involved a 36-year-old male presenting HFS, low libido, chronic pain, and erectile dysfunction. Treatment comprised phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5-I), physical therapy, and LiSWT. Following six sessions, the patient experienced regression of bothersome symptoms and improved erections. A 2-year follow-up revealed sustained symptom relief. LiSWT presents a non-invasive means of inducing mechanical stress and microtrauma in targeted tissues, fostering neovascularization and potentially enhancing blood supply. The integration of LiSWT with PDE5-I and physical therapy suggests a potential avenue for effective HFS management. Nevertheless, further systematic research is essential to validate the therapy’s benefits and assess, if any, potential drawbacks.
Multi-condensate state as a functional strategy to optimize the cell signaling output
Authors: Chattaraj Aniruddha , Shakhnovich Eugene I.
Published: July 2024

The existence of multiple biomolecular condensates inside living cells is a peculiar phenomenon not compatible with the predictions of equilibrium statistical mechanics. In this work, we address the problem of multiple condensates state (MCS) from a functional perspective. We combine Langevin dynamics, reaction-diffusion simulation, and dynamical systems theory to demonstrate that MCS can indeed be a function optimization strategy. Using Arp2/3 mediated actin nucleation pathway as an example, we show that actin polymerization is maximum at an optimal number of condensates. For a fixed amount of Arp2/3, MCS produces a greater response compared to its single condensate counterpart. Our analysis reveals the functional significance of the condensate size distribution which can be mapped to the recent experimental findings. Given the spatial heterogeneity within condensates and non-linear nature of intracellular networks, we envision MCS to be a generic functional solution, so that structures of network motifs may have evolved to accommodate such configurations.
Epigenetic memory is governed by an effector recruitment specificity toggle in Heterochromatin Protein 1
Authors: Ames Amanda , Seman Melissa , Larkin Ajay , Raiymbek Gulzhan , Chen Ziyuan , Levashkevich Alex , Kim Bokyung , Biteen Julie Suzanne , Ragunathan Kaushik
Published: July 2024

HP1 proteins are essential for establishing and maintaining transcriptionally silent heterochromatin. They dimerize, forming a binding interface to recruit diverse chromatin-associated factors. Although HP1 proteins are known to rapidly evolve, the extent of variation required to achieve functional specialization is unknown. To investigate how changes in amino acid sequence impacts heterochromatin formation, we performed a targeted mutagenesis screen of the S. pombe HP1 homolog, Swi6. Substitutions within an auxiliary surface adjacent to the HP1 dimerization interface produce Swi6 variants with divergent maintenance properties. Remarkably, substitutions at a single amino acid position lead to the persistent gain or loss of epigenetic inheritance. These substitutions increase Swi6 chromatin occupancy in vivo and altered Swi6-protein interactions that reprogram H3K9me maintenance. We show how relatively minor changes in Swi6 amino acid composition in an auxiliary surface can lead to profound changes in epigenetic inheritance providing a redundant mechanism to evolve HP1-effector specificity.
Modelling onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy and the impact of ivermectin treatment on its prevalence and incidence
Authors: Stapley Jacob N. , Hamley Jonathan I. D. , Walker Martin , Dixon Matthew A. , Colebunders Robert , Basáñez Maria-Gloria
Published: July 2024

Retrospective cohort studies in Cameroon found an association between Onchocerca volvulus microfilarial load in childhood (measured in 1991–1993) and risk of developing epilepsy later in life (measured in 2017). We parameterised and integrated this relationship (across children aged 3–15 years) into the previously published, stochastic transmission model, EPIONCHO-IBM, for Simulium damnosum sensu lato-transmitted onchocerciasis. We simulated 19 years (1998–2017) of annual ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) reflecting coverage in the study area, and modelled epilepsy prevalence and incidence. Scenario-based simulations of 25 years of (annual and biannual) MDA in hyper- and holoendemic settings, with 65% and 80% therapeutic coverage, were also conducted. EPIONCHO-IBM predicted 7.6% epilepsy prevalence (compared to 8.2% in the Cameroon study) and incidence of 317 cases/100,000 person-years (compared to 350). In hyperendemic areas, 25 years of biannual MDA (80% coverage) eliminated onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) and protected untreated under-fives from its development. Strengthening onchocerciasis programmes, implementing alternative strategies, and evaluating treatment for under-fives and school-age children are crucial to prevent OAE in highly-endemic settings.
Empowering the on-site detection of nucleic acids by integrating CRISPR and digital signal processing
Authors: Lee Chang Yeol , Kim Hyunho , Degani Ismail , Lee Hanna , Sandoval Angel , Nam Yoonho , Pascavis Madeleine , Park Hyun Gyu , Randall Thomas , Ly Amy , Castro Cesar M. , Lee Hakho
Published: July 2024

Addressing the global disparity in cancer care necessitates the development of rapid and affordable nucleic acid (NA) testing technologies. This need is particularly critical for cervical cancer, where molecular detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) has emerged as an accurate screening method. However, implementing this transition in low- and middle-income countries has been challenging due to the high costs and centralized facilities required for current NA tests. Here, we present CreDiT (CRISPR Enhanced Digital Testing) for on-site NA detection. The CreDiT platform integrates i) a one-pot CRISPR strategy that simultaneously amplifies both target NAs and analytical signals and ii) a robust fluorescent detection based on digital communication (encoding/decoding) technology. These features enable a rapid assay (<35 minutes) in a single streamlined workflow. We demonstrate the sensitive detection of cell-derived HPV DNA targets down to single copies and accurate identification of HPV types in clinical cervical brushing specimens (n = 121).
Tuning polyamide membrane chemistry for enhanced desalination using Boc-protected ethylenediamine and its in situ Boc-deprotection
Authors: Ahmad Hilal , Waheed Abdul , Alharthi Fahad Ayesh , Fellows Christopher Michael , Baig Umair , Aljundi Isam H.
Published: July 2024

The scarcity of freshwater resources, driven by rapid population growth and industrialization, underscores the urgent need for advanced desalination technologies. This research aims to meet this critical demand by enhancing the performance of polyamide membranes through innovative chemical tuning of the active layer. By strategically using Boc-protected ethylenediamine (EDA), we can precisely control the membrane’s surface properties. One amino group in EDA is protected with a Boc group, allowing the other to participate in the interfacial polymerization (IP) reaction with meta-phenylenediamine (MPD) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC). This inclusion of Boc-protected EDA enables in situ tuning of the active layer chemistry during polymerization. Subsequent removal of the Boc protection generates hydrophilic ammonium groups on the membrane surface, enhancing its desalination capabilities. As a result, three distinct membranes were fabricated and thoroughly characterized: MPD-TMC (control), MPD-TMC-EDA-Boc, and MPD-TMC-EDA-Deboc. At 20 bar and 2000 ppm NaCl feed, the MPD-TMC-EDA-Deboc membrane demonstrated superior desalination performance with a salt rejection of 98 ± 0.5% and a permeate flux of 25 L m−2 h−1; an increase of 25% compared to the control membrane. For the seawater nanofiltration (NF) permeate with a TDS of 33,700 ppm, a salt rejection of 97% and a permeate flux of 23 L m−2 h−1 was recorded at 20 bar. The MPD-TMC-EDA-Deboc membrane showed enhanced antifouling performance (95 ± 1% flux recovery) compared to the control MPD-TMC membrane with 93 ± 1% flux recovery. The Boc-protection/deprotection strategy demonstrated the high potential of this approach to significantly enhance the performance of polyamide membranes for desalination applications.