bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MXene‐Derived TiO2/Starbon Nanocomposite as a Remarkable Electrode Material for Coin‐Cell Symmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Sutar Sanjay D. , Patil Indrajit , Parse Haridas , Mukherjee Prateekshita , Swami Anita
Published: July 2024

In this study, the synthesis of a MXene (Ti3C2Tx)‐derived TiO2/starbon (M‐TiO2/Starbon‐800 °C) nanocomposite using a facile calcination method is explored. High‐temperature exposure transforms layered Ti3C2Tx into rod‐like TiO2 and starbon into amorphous carbon. The resulting M‐TiO2/Starbon‐800 °C nanocomposite exhibits a significantly larger surface area and pore volume compared to its individual components, leading to superior electrochemical performance. In a three‐electrode configuration, the nanocomposite achieved a specific capacitance (Csp) of 1352 Fg⁻¹ at 1 Ag⁻¹, while retaining more than 99% of its Csp after 50 000 charge/discharge cycles. Furthermore, when incorporated into a two‐electrode symmetric coin cell, it demonstrates a Csp of 115 Fg⁻¹ along with exceptional long cycle life. Moreover, the device shows an energy density (ED) of 51 Whkg−1 and a power density (PD) of 7912 Wkg−1 at 5 Ag−1. The enhanced charge storage is attributed to the formation of a porous structure with a high specific surface area resulting from the interaction between M‐TiO2 nanorods and starbon, which facilitates efficient ion penetration.
A Biodegradable, Stretchable, Healable, and Self‐Powered Optoelectronic Synapse Based on Ionic Gelatins for Neuromorphic Vision System
Authors: Wang Kaili , Wu Jicai , Wang Min , Zhang Fa , Li Xiujuan , Xu Min , Zhu Duoyi , Han Jikun , Liu Juqing , Liu Zhengdong , Huang Wei
Published: July 2024

Optoelectronic synapses have gained increasing attentions as a fundamental building block in the development of neuromorphic visual systems. However, it remains a challenge to integrate multiple functions into a single optoelectronic synapse that can be widely applied in wearable artificial intelligence and implantable neuromorphic vision systems. In this study, a stretchable optoelectronic synapse based on biodegradable ionic gelatin heterojunction is successfully developed. This device exhibits self‐powered synaptic plasticity behavior with broad spectral response and excellent elastic properties, yet it degrades rapidly upon disposal. After complete cleavage, the device can be fully repaired within 1 min, which is mainly attributed to the non‐covalent interactions between different molecular chains. Moreover, the recovery and reprocessing of the ionic gelatins result in optoelectronic properties that are virtually indistinguishable from their original state, showcasing the resilience and durability of ionic gelatins. The combination of biodegradability, stretchability, self‐healing, zero‐power consumption, ease of large‐scale preparation, and low cost makes the work a major step forward in the development of biodegradable and stretchable optoelectronic synapses.
A Self‐foaming Strategy to Construct Small Mo2C Nanoparticles Decorated 3D Carbon Foams as Superior Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Materials with Strong Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Liu Yonglei , Zhang Minghui , Liu Dawei , Gai Lixue , Wang Yan , Wang Pan , Han Xijiang , Du Yunchen
Published: July 2024

3D macroporous carbon‐based foams are always considered as promising candidates for high‐performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing materials due to the collaborative EM contribution and salutary structure effect. However, the uneven distribution of heterogeneous EM components and the cumbersome preparation process have become key issues to hinder their performance improvement and practical popularity. Herein, the fabrication of 3D carbon foam decorated with small and highly dispersed Mo2C nanoparticles is realized by an innovative self‐foaming strategy. The foaming mechanism can be attributed to the decomposition of nitrate during the softening process of organic polymers. The good dispersion of Mo2C nanoparticles boosts interfacial polarization significantly. After regulating the content of Mo2C nanoparticles, the optimal Mo2C/CF‐x exhibits good EM absorption performance, whose minimum reflection loss intensity value can reach up to ‐72.2 dB, and effective absorption bandwidth covers 6.7 GHz with a thickness of 2.30 mm. Very importantly, the resultant Mo2C/CF‐x exhibits hydrophobicity and strong acidic anticorrosion, and a long‐time treatment in HCl solution (6.0 mol L−1) produces negligible impacts on their EM functions. It is believed that this extraordinary feature may render Mo2C/C foams as qualified and durable EM wave absorbing materials (EWAMs) under rigorous conditions.
Analysis of lichen and moss samples by the EDXRF method
Authors: Zuzaan P. , Batsuren Z. , Enkhtuya O. , Sosorburam E. , Damdinsuren Bolortuya
Published: July 2024

This research presents the contents of K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, and Pb in lichen and moss samples used as biomonitors of air pollution collected in Ulaanbaatar city. X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) methods were used, employing for excitation a Pd X‐ray tube with a molybdenum secondary target. Matrix effects were corrected by the use of normalization for the coherent and incoherent scattered peak, in this way the determination is more efficient. For quality control of the results, comparisons were made with results from other certified laboratories. No significant differences were found between the different techniques. The elemental distribution patterns obtained for each metal were associated with different pollution sources, thus contributing to the assessment of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar.
Horizon phase spaces in general relativity
Authors: Chandrasekaran Venkatesa , Flanagan Éanna É.
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We derive a prescription for the phase space of general relativity on two intersecting null surfaces using the null initial value formulation. The phase space allows generic smooth initial data, and the corresponding boundary symmetry group is the semidirect product of the group of arbitrary diffeomorphisms of each null boundary which coincide at the corner, with a group of reparameterizations of the null generators. The phase space can be consistently extended by acting with half-sided boosts that generate Weyl shocks along the initial data surfaces. The extended phase space includes the relative boost angle between the null surfaces as part of the initial data.

We then apply the Wald-Zoupas framework to compute gravitational charges and fluxes associated with the boundary symmetries. The non-uniqueness in the charges can be reduced to two free parameters by imposing covariance and invariance under rescalings of the null normals. We show that the Wald-Zoupas stationarity criterion cannot be used to eliminate the non-uniqueness. The different choices of parameters correspond to different choices of polarization on the phase space. We also derive the symmetry groups and charges for two subspaces of the phase space, the first obtained by fixing the direction of the normal vectors, and the second by fixing the direction and normalization of the normal vectors. The second symmetry group consists of Carrollian diffeomorphisms on the two boundaries.

Finally we specialize to future event horizons by imposing the condition that the area element be non-decreasing and become constant at late times. For perturbations about stationary backgrounds we determine the independent dynamical degrees of freedom by solving the constraint equations along the horizons. We mod out by the degeneracy directions of the presymplectic form, and apply a similar procedure for weak non-degeneracies, to obtain the horizon edge modes and the Poisson structure. We show that the area operator of the black hole generates a shift in the relative boost angle under the Poisson bracket.
Loops of loops expansion in the amplituhedron
Authors: Brown Taro V. , Oktem Umut , Paranjape Shruti , Trnka Jaroslav
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We study a novel geometric expansion for scattering amplitudes in the planar sector of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills theory, in the context of the Amplituhedron which reproduces the all-loop integrand as a canonical differential form on the positive geometry. In a paper by Arkani-Hamed, Henn and one of the authors, it was shown that this result can be recast in terms of negative geometries with a certain hierarchy of loops (closed cycles) in the space of loop momenta, represented by lines in momentum twistor space. One can then calculate an all-loop order result in the approximation where only tree graphs in the space of all loops are considered. Furthermore, using differential equation methods, it is possible to calculate and resum integrated expressions and obtain strong coupling results. In this paper, we provide a more general framework for the ‘loops of loops’ expansion and outline a powerful method for the determination of differential forms for higher-order geometries. We solve the problem completely for graphs with one internal cycle, but the method can be used more generally for other geometries.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 conformal supergravity in five dimensions
Authors: Adhikari Soumya , Sahoo Bindusar
Published: July 2024

Abstract

$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 conformal supergravity in five dimensions is constructed via a systematic off-shell reduction scheme from maximal conformal supergravity in six dimensions which is (2, 0). The dimensional reduction of the (2, 0) Weyl multiplet in six dimensions gives us the Weyl multiplet in five dimensions which is a dilaton Weyl multiplet as it has a dilaton scalar. The dimensional reduction of the (2, 0) tensor multiplet in six dimensions gives us the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 vector multiplet in five dimensions coupled to conformal supergravity. We also comment on Nahm’s classification regarding the non-existence of an $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal algebra in five dimensions and why it does not contradict the existence of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 conformal supergravity in five dimensions that is constructed in this paper.
Dressing fields for supersymmetry: the cases of the Rarita-Schwinger and gravitino fields
Authors: François J. , Ravera L.
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this paper we argue that the gauge-fixing conditions typically used to extract the (off-shell) degrees of freedom of the Rarita-Schwinger spinor-vector and gravitino, respectively in rigid supersymmetric field theory and supergravity, are actually instances of the dressing field method of symmetry reduction. Since the latter has a natural relation interpretation, solving the “gauge-fixing condition” — or, better, “dressing functional constraints” — actually realises the Rarita-Schwinger spinor-vector and the gravitino fields as (non-local) relational variables. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of the dressing field method to supersymmetric theories.
Increasing road cover in urban areas is associated with greater midgut histological damage in a primitively eusocial bee
Authors: Ferrari A. , Polidori C. , Trisoglio C. F. , Bonasoro F.
Published: July 2024

Urbanisation is associated with air and soil pollution, particularly from heavy metals. One of the tissues most exposed to such pollutants is the midgut epithelium as insects may ingest these pollutants with food. Bees are one of the most important urban insects, providing important ecosystem services such as pollination. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have investigated the possible histological alterations to the midgut epithelium of bees caused by urbanisation. We sampled workers of the ground-nesting, primitively eusocial bee Halictus scabiosae in a large metropolis (Milan), with the aim to test if individuals from areas characterised by higher urbanisation and consequently higher pollution levels—defined here by a greater proportion of roads—exhibit greater histological tissue and cellular alterations in the midgut epithelium. We obtained semi-thin sections of the midgut through histological techniques, and then adopted a semi-quantitative approach to assess morphological damage. The midgut presented a range of histological alterations including epithelium disorganisation, vacuolisation, and nucleus karyorrhexis (one of the stages of cellular death). We found higher histological damage score (calculated taking into account all found alterations) and frequency of karyorrhectic nuclei in sites with a higher proportion of roads (i.e. more urbanised). The observed alterations may underline a potential impairment of the digestive function in highly urbanised areas.
The prevalence of misophonia in a representative population-based survey in Germany
Authors: Pfeiffer Elisa , Allroggen Marc , Sachser Cedric
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Misophonia is a new disorder, currently defined as significant emotional and physiological distress when exposed to certain sounds. Although there is a growing body of literature on the characteristics of the disorder, the prevalence in the general population is still relatively unknown. This study therefore aims at determining the prevalence and symptom severity of misophonia in a large and representative general population sample in Germany.

Methods

To examine the prevalence of misophonic sounds, misophonic reactions and misophonia severity, a cross-sectional population representative survey in Germany has been conducted. Participants (N = 2.522) were questioned retrospectively about misophonic symptoms using the Amsterdam Misophonie Scale – Revised (AMISOS-R).

Results

Overall 33.3% reported to be sensitive to at least one specific misophonic sound. Within the total sample, subthreshold symptoms were reported by 21.3%, mild symptoms were reported by 9.9%, moderate to severe symptoms were reported by 2.1%, and severe to extreme symptoms were reported in 0.1% of participants.

Conclusion

Based on the diverging presentations and prevalence rates of misophonic sounds, reactions and symptoms according to the severity, it seems worthwhile to conceptualize misophonia as a rather continuous spectrum disorder (subthreshold, mild, moderate to severe), still taking into account that an additional categorical diagnostic approach might be necessary to derive a diagnosis in clinical practice.
Electrochemical synthesis of poly(6,7-diphenyl-4,9-di(selenophen-2-yl)-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-g]quinoxaline-co-3,3-didecyl-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) and its electrochemical and optical characterizations
Authors: Smail Sardar Kareem , Gokce Gurcan , Icli Ozkut Merve
Published: July 2024

In this study, electrochemical copolymerization of 6,7-diphenyl-4,9-di(selenophen-2-yl)-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-g]quinoxaline and 3,3’-didecyl-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene is carried out to obtain a copolymer namely poly(6,7-diphenyl-4,9-di(selenophen-2-yl)-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-g]quinoxaline-co-3,3’-didecyl-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene). Two distinct copolymers, PC1 and PC2, were produced as a result of the utilization of two different feed ratios. Copolymers were examined electrochemically and spectroelectrochemically after the copolymerization procedure. This study’s major goal is to combine the exceptional characteristics of homopolymers P1 and P2 (P1 has a low band gap but is not soluble, and P2 is soluble and has a larger band gap) into a single copolymeric material.
Dynamics of a 3-D inlet/isolator measured with fast pressure-sensitive paint
Authors: Bustard Andrew N. , Noftz Mark E. , Hasegawa Mitsugu , Sakaue Hirotaka , Jewell Joseph S. , Bisek Nicholas J. , Juliano Thomas J.
Published: July 2024

Fast pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) was applied to an inlet/isolator designed using the Osculating Internal Waverider Inlet with Parallel Streamlines (OIWPS) method. The dorsal isolator surface pressure was measured using anodized-aluminum PSP through transparent cast acrylic that makes up the ventral portion of the isolator. Temperature-sensitive paint was utilized to correct for the PSP’s temperature sensitivity. The model was tested under Mach 5.7 flow at Re $$=$$
=
8.5 $$\times 10^6$$

×

10
6

 /m and 10.2 $$\times 10^6$$

×

10
6

 /m in the AFOSR–Notre Dame Large Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel (ANDLM6QT) under conventional noise conditions. Flow phenomena, such as shocks originating in the inlet and flow separation at the throat, were visualized with high spatial resolution. The dynamics measured by the PSP and pressure transducers matched well where the spectral signal-to-noise ratio was above unity. Power spectral densities showed significant frequency content at $$\approx$$
≈
1 kHz in the shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction (SWBLI) regions. Coherence analysis showed a linear relationship between the unsteady pressures at locations underneath different SWBLI in the isolator, with the exception of the Busemann throat shock. Temporal correlation of shock positions indicated that disturbances propagated downstream at 114% of the core-flow velocity; however, improved calculations of the core-flow velocity are needed to refine this assessment. The surface pressure fields at Re = 8.5 $$\times 10^6$$

×

10
6

 /m and 10.2 $$\times 10^6$$

×

10
6

 /m were quantitatively very similar, and the results in the ANDLM6QT were qualitatively similar to previous studies in the Boeing/AFOSR Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel under noisy flow.
Cluster Validation Based on Fisher’s Linear Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Kächele Fabian , Schneider Nora
Published: July 2024

Cluster analysis aims to find meaningful groups, called clusters, in data. The objects within a cluster should be similar to each other and dissimilar to objects from other clusters. The fundamental question arising is whether found clusters are “valid clusters” or not. Existing cluster validity indices are computation-intensive, make assumptions about the underlying cluster structure, or cannot detect the absence of clusters. Thus, we present a new cluster validation framework to assess the validity of a clustering and determine the underlying number of clusters $$k^*$$

k
∗

. Within the framework, we introduce a new merge criterion analyzing the data in a one-dimensional projection, which maximizes the ratio of between-cluster- variance to within-cluster-variance in the clusters. Nonetheless, other local methods can be applied as a merge criterion within the framework. Experiments on synthetic and real-world data sets show promising results for both the overall framework and the introduced merge criterion.
A deep dive into enhancing sharing of naturalistic driving data through face deidentification
Authors: Thapa Surendrabikram , Sarkar Abhijit
Published: July 2024

Human factors research in transportation relies on naturalistic driving studies (NDS) which collect real-world data from drivers on actual roads. NDS data offer valuable insights into driving behavior, styles, habits, and safety-critical events. However, these data often contain personally identifiable information (PII), such as driver face videos, which cannot be publicly shared due to privacy concerns. To address this, our paper introduces a comprehensive framework for deidentifying drivers’ face videos, that can facilitate the wide sharing of driver face videos while protecting PII. Leveraging recent advancements in generative adversarial networks (GANs), we explore the efficacy of different face swapping algorithms in preserving essential human factors attributes while anonymizing participants’ identities. Most face swapping algorithms are tested in restricted lighting conditions and indoor settings, there is no known study that tested them in adverse and natural situations. We conducted extensive experiments using large-scale outdoor NDS data, evaluating the quantification of errors associated with head, mouth, and eye movements, along with other attributes important for human factors research. Additionally, we performed qualitative assessments of these methods through human evaluators providing valuable insights into the quality and fidelity of the deidentified videos. We propose the utilization of synthetic faces as substitutes for real faces to enhance generalization. Additionally, we created practical guidelines for video deidentification, emphasizing error threshold creation, spot-checking for abrupt metric changes, and mitigation strategies for reidentification risks. Our findings underscore nuanced challenges in balancing data utility and privacy, offering valuable insights into enhancing face video deidentification techniques in NDS scenarios.
Excisional biopsy of perforated gastric ulcer: mandatory or potentially harmful?
Authors: Koca Faruk , Koch Christine , Schulze Falko , Pession Ursula , Bechstein Wolf O. , Malkomes Patrizia
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the morbidity associated with excisional biopsy in patients with spontaneous gastric perforation.

Methods

A retrospective, single-center, observational study was performed. All consecutive patients with spontaneous gastric perforation who underwent surgical therapy were included. Outcomes were assessed concerning the performance of excisional biopsy.

Results

A total of 135 adult patients were enrolled. Of these, 110 (81.5%) patients underwent excisional biopsy, while 17 (12.6%) did not. The remaining eight (5.9%) patients who underwent gastric resection were excluded from the analysis. Patients undergoing excisional biopsy developed significantly higher rates of postoperative complications (p = 0.007) and experienced more severe complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, particularly type III and above (p = 0.017). However, no significant differences were observed regarding in-hospital mortality, reoperation, suture dehiscence, or length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Excisional biopsy for gastric perforation has been shown to be associated with increased morbidity. Surgical closure followed by early endoscopic biopsy may be a superior approach for gastric perforation management to rule out malignancy.
Improved memory-type ratio estimator for population mean in stratified random sampling under linear and non-linear cost functions
Authors: Pal Arun , Varshney Rahul , Yadav Subhash Kumar , Zaman Tolga
Published: July 2024

This paper offers an improved memory-type ratio estimator in stratified random sampling under linear and non-linear cost functions. The issue is given as all integer non-linear programming problems (AINLPPs). The sampling properties mainly the bias and the mean squared error of the introduced estimator are derived up to the first order of approximation. The optimum value of the characterizing scalar is obtained by the Lagrange method of maxima–minima. The least value of the MSE of the suggested estimator is also obtained for this optimum value of the charactering constant. The suggested estimator is compared both theoretically and empirically with the competing estimators. Under this setup, the optimum allocation with mean square error of the suggested estimator is attained, and the estimator is compared to other comparable estimators. The AINLPP is solved using the genetic programming approach, which is applied to both actual and simulated data sets from a bivariate normal distribution.
Silencing the FABP3 gene in insulin-secreting cells reduces fatty acid uptake and protects against lipotoxicity
Authors: Hyder Ayman , Sheta Basma , Eissa Manar , Schrezenmeir Jürgen
Published: July 2024

Background

Long-term exposure of pancreatic islets to fatty acids (FAs), common in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, leads to a compensatory hyperactivity followed by inflammation, apoptosis, dysfunctional beta cells, and results in insulin dependence of the patient. Restriction of fatty uptake by islet beta cells may protect them from lipotoxicity.

Purpose

Pancreatic islet beta cells express the fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) to bind FAs and to orchestrate lipid signals. Based on this, we investigated whether downregulation of FABP3, by Fabp3 silencing, might slow lipid metabolism and protect against lipotoxicity in insulin-secreting cells.

Results

Neither Fabp3 silencing, nor overexpression affected the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in absence of FAs. Fabp3 silencing decreased FA-uptake, lipid droplets formation, and the expression of the lipid accumulation-regulating gene Dgat1 in Ins1E cells. It reduced FA-induced inflammation by deactivation of NF-κB, which was associated with upregulation of IκBα and deactivation of the NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, and the downregulation of the cytokines ILl-6, IL-1β, and TNFα. Ins1E cells were protected from the FA-induced apoptosis as assessed by different parameters including DNA degradation and cleaved caspase-3 immunoblotting. Furthermore, FABP3 silencing improved the viability, Pdx1 gene expression, and the insulin-secreting function in cells long-term cultured with palmitic acid. All results were confirmed by the opposite action rendered by FABP3 overexpression.

Conclusion

The present data reveals that pancreatic beta cells can be protected from lipotoxicity by inhibition of FA-uptake, intracellular utilization and accumulation. FABP3 inhibition, hence, may be a useful pharmaceutical approach in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.
Identification of peripheral blood test parameters predicting the response to palbociclib and endocrine therapy for metastatic breast cancer: a retrospective study in a single institution
Authors: Yamamoto Misato , Shibata Masahiro , Tanaka Aya , Tsunoda Nobuyuki , Masuda Norikazu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors have been used in endocrine therapy for patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer. Although randomized trials have shown that combined therapies prolong progression-free survival (PFS) in comparison to endocrine monotherapy, the predictors of efficacy are unknown. This study aimed to identify the blood test parameters to predict the effects of palbociclib and endocrine therapy.

Methods

Seventy-nine patients treated with palbociclib and endocrine therapy between December 2017 and June 2022 were reviewed. We assessed PFS in patients according to factors evaluated based on patient characteristics and peripheral blood tests.

Results

Patients in the C-reactive protein (CRP)-high, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-high, and albumin (Alb)-low groups had significantly shorter PFS than those in the normal group. A multivariate analysis revealed that high LDH and low Alb levels were independent factors that affected PFS. The Alb-low group had an inferior disease control rate. Patients in the CRP-high, LDH-high, and Alb-low groups who received these therapies as first- or second-line treatments showed poor PFS.

Conclusions

Several predictors of the efficacy of palbociclib and endocrine therapy were identified in the peripheral blood test parameters of patients with ER-positive and HER2-negative subtypes of metastatic breast cancer.
Three-dimensional thermomechanical wave propagation analysis of sandwich nanoplate with graphene-reinforced foam core and magneto-electro-elastic face layers using nonlocal strain gradient elasticity theory
Authors: Aktaş Kerim Gökhan
Published: July 2024

This article investigates the propagation of bending, longitudinal, and shear waves in a smart sandwich nanoplate with a graphene platelet (GPL)-reinforced foam core and magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) surface layers using sinusoidal higher-order shear deformation theory (SHSDT). The suggested nanoplate is comprised of a Ti–6Al–4V foam core placed between MEE surface layers. The MEE surface layers are composed of a volumetric combination of cobalt-ferrite (CoFe2O4) and barium-titanate (BaTiO3). The foam core and MEE face layers’ material characteristics are temperature dependent. In this study, three different core types are considered: metallic solid core (Type-I), GPL-reinforced solid core (Type-II) and GPL-reinforced foam core (Type-III), as well as three different foam distributions: symmetrical foam I (S-Foam I), symmetrical foam II (S-Foam II) and uniform foam (U-Foam). To derive the nanoplate's equations of motion and determine the system response, Hamilton's principle and Navier's method are employed. The effects of various parameters such as the wave number, nonlocal parameter, foam void coefficient and distribution pattern, GPL volume fraction, and thermal, electric, and magnetic charges, on the phase velocity and wave frequency are investigated via analytical calculations. The findings of the research indicate that the 3-D wave propagation characteristics of the sandwich nanoplate can be considerably modified or tuned with respect to external loads and material parameters. Thus, the proposed sandwich structure is expected to provide important contributions to radar stealth applications, protection of nanoelectromechanical devices from high frequency and temperature environments, advancement of smart nanoelectromechanical sensors characterized by lightweight and temperature sensitivity and wearable health equipment applications.
Repetitions as a participation practice in children’s argumentative peer interactions
Authors: Arendt Birte , Ehrlich Sara Zadunaisky
Published: July 2024

Both participation and argumentation (OECD, 2022) are important keywords in educational contexts. While participation is seen as a crucial prerequisite for education and collaborative learning in general, argumentation as a discursive practice serves to convey and negotiate—also school-specific—knowledge. This paper explores repetition in argumentative events as a technique of establishing—or even hindering—participation in terms of alignment and affiliation. It can serve as a strategy for participation by signalling responsiveness and thematic coherence—and thus inclusion. At the same time, however, studies show that repetition can also signal contradiction and rejection—and thus exclusion. So far, we know little about how exactly these functional differences are produced—especially in younger children. Therefore, the paper explores how children use repetition as a resource for negotiating participation in argumentative events. Using authentic data in the form of observations and transcriptions of audio and video recordings from child-child-interactions of 15 Hebrew- and 31 German-speaking children aged 3–6 years, we identify oral argumentative events and investigate different forms of repetitions and their respective relevance for enabling participation. Our results show that, on the one hand, minimal and partial repetitions are used by the children in an inclusive way, creating closeness between the participants. On the other hand, children use complete repetitions more as an excluding technique, displaying misalignment and disaffiliation, in order to challenge and mock each other. The findings suggest that this line of research has significant potential to provide new insights into the formation of social relationships between peers, into the prevention or establishment of participation, which itself is a prerequisite for joint learning, as well as insights into the acquisition of argumentative competence.
Harmonizing Growth Symphony: Unraveling the Intricacies of Apricot Seedling Enhancement Through Humic Acid and Silicon Applications
Authors: Karakecili Ramazan , Bolat Ibrahim , Dogan Meral , Kaya Ozkan
Published: July 2024

Understanding the physiological responses of apricot (Prunus armenica L.) seedlings to treatments involving Humic Acid (HA), Silicon (Si), and their combination (HA + Si) is crucial for advancing sustainable agricultural practices. Focused on growth parameters, physiological attributes, and leaf mineral concentrations, this study addressed critical knowledge gaps in the influence of these treatments on apricot seedlings. The study highlighted a significant increase in stomatal conductance (SC), with the combined HA + Si treatment displaying the highest SC value at 303.98 mmol.m-2s-1. In contrast, control seedlings of the Alyanak apricot cultivar showed the lowest SC, registering at 122.52 mmol.m-2s-1. Regarding chlorophyll concentrations, the Şekerpare apricot cultivar treated with HA + Si achieved the highest value of 43.74, while in the Alyanak apricot cultivar, the Si treatment alone marked the second highest concentration at 43.02. The combined treatment (HA + Si) also reduced leaf temperatures (32.28 °C), notably in apricot cultivar Hacıhaliloğlu. Visual evaluation analyses underscored significant increases in Leaf Area (LA), Total Leaf Number (TLN), Shoot Length (SL), and other parameters, with the combined HA + Si treatment consistently outperforming individual ones. Mineral analysis revealed elevated Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) with HA, increased Magnesium (Mg) with Si and HA + Si, and significant effects on Potassium (K) and Calcium (Ca). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed the positive impacts on overall plant performance, corresponding to a cumulative explanation of 53.82%. This study provided crucial insights for tailoring agricultural practices to optimize apricot seedlings growth, emphasizing the effectiveness of HA and Si treatments, particularly in combination, for enhanced physiological responses.
Emergence Pattern of Argemone mexicana, Brassica tournefortii, and Rapistrum rugosum in Eastern Australia
Authors: Mahajan Gulshan , Singh Chauhan Bhagirath
Published: July 2024

A study assessed the potential for using cumulative growing degree days (CGDD) to predict the weed emergence periodicity of three weed species:Argemone mexicana,Brassica tournefortii, andRapistrum rugosum. Weed emergence was monitored regularly by placing 200 fresh seeds of each weed species on the soil surface. Weed emergence data was fit using a three-parameter sigmoidal Gompertz model. The CGDD required for 50% emergence ofA. mexicanaranged from 3380 to 5302, depending upon the seasonal variation in temperature and rainfall. The majority of emergence appeared from March to June. The seeds ofA. mexicanaexhibited dormancy, as the majority of seeds germinated in the second season. The CGDD required for 50% emergence ofB. tournefortiiranged from 824 to 2311, depending upon the seasonal variation in temperature and intensity of rainfall. Most cohorts ofB. tournefortiiappeared in the first season from February to June, indicating little dormancy in seeds. The CGDD required for 50% emergence ofR. rugosumranged from 2242 to 2699, depending upon weather parameters (temperature and rainfall). The main cohorts ofR. rugosumappeared from February to June, and 60% of seeds germinated in the first season, while 40% germinated in the second season, indicating dormancy in seeds. The coefficients of determination for the model verification on the emergence pattern of three weeds were > 85%, suggesting that CGDD are good predictors for the emergence of these weeds. These results suggest that forecasting the emergence of three weed species on the basis of CGDD and rainfall patterns will help growers to make better weed management decisions.
Are the size of the organizational units and the type of activities of an information technology company associated to the level of work-related stress indicators? Results of an observational study in Italy
Authors: La Torre Giuseppe , Manai Maria Vittoria , Shaholli David , Chiappetta Marta , Cocchiara Rosario Andrea , Casini Leandro
Published: July 2024

Aim

Work-related stress is caused by many aspects related to the work organization and environment. The aim of this research was to assess, according to the INAIL (National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work) methodology, the stress factors in an information technology (IT) company, in order to detect possible improvement actions and monitor the impact of organizational change on individuals' physical and mental health.

Subject and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023, recruiting 39 senior executives of an IT company. Data were collected by interviews using the INAIL questionnaire on work-related stress (66 questions in three distinct groups: sentinel events, work content, and work context).

Results

The bivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between sentinel events and “work content” score (ῤ = 0.347; ῤ = 0.031) and between “work content” score and “work context” score (ῤ = 0.336; ῤ = 0.037). On the other hand, the regression analysis showed that “work content” score proved to be relevant in influencing sentinel events (β = 0.348; p = 0.030), and that “work context” score was influenced by the population belonging to the technical function (β = 0.389; p = 0.011).

Conclusion

The study showed that an instable work environment could increase stress levels. Furthermore, it was observed that the type of organizational unit does not increase the stress levels, whilst the type of activity does. Future work should explore support systems that could be improved to reduce stress and develop coping strategies among employees.
Review on Mechanical Performance of Fibre-Reinforced Plastics in Marine Environments
Authors: Osa-uwagboe Norman , Silberschmidt Vadim V. , Demirci Emrah
Published: July 2024

Fibre-reinforced plastics (FRPs) are increasingly popular in marine applications, such as boats, offshore wind-power installations, as well as oil and gas offshore systems thanks to their high stiffness, light weight, and damage resistance. This paper aims to examine the recent developments in the investigation of the effects of moisture uptake on the mechanical performance of FRP for maritime applications, to identify the gaps in the literature, and to suggest likely future research directions in this area. While the review is limited to recent studies—within the last two decades, it discusses in detail the current advances in the experimental investigations of moisture uptake on critical mechanical performance including tensile, flexural, shear and viscoelastic properties, thus covering the major quasi-static and dynamic regimes of FRPs subjected to seawater exposure.
Cancer treatments as paradoxical catalysts of tumor awakening in the lung
Authors: Nicolas Emmanuelle , Kosmider Beata , Cukierman Edna , Borghaei Hossein , Golemis Erica A. , Borriello Lucia
Published: July 2024

Much of the fatality of tumors is linked to the growth of metastases, which can emerge months to years after apparently successful treatment of primary tumors. Metastases arise from disseminated tumor cells (DTCs), which disperse through the body in a dormant state to seed distant sites. While some DTCs lodge in pre-metastatic niches (PMNs) and rapidly develop into metastases, other DTCs settle in distinct microenvironments that maintain them in a dormant state. Subsequent awakening, induced by changes in the microenvironment of the DTC, causes outgrowth of metastases. Hence, there has been extensive investigation of the factors causing survival and subsequent awakening of DTCs, with the goal of disrupting these processes to decrease cancer lethality. We here provide a detailed overview of recent developments in understanding of the factors controlling dormancy and awakening in the lung, a common site of metastasis for many solid tumors. These factors include dynamic interactions between DTCs and diverse epithelial, mesenchymal, and immune cell populations resident in the lung. Paradoxically, among key triggers for metastatic outgrowth, lung tissue remodeling arising from damage induced by the treatment of primary tumors play a significant role. In addition, growing evidence emphasizes roles for inflammation and aging in opposing the factors that maintain dormancy. Finally, we discuss strategies being developed or employed to reduce the risk of metastatic recurrence.
How Do Situational Cues Influence Honest and Deceptive Impression Management in Selection Interviews? A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Bill Benedikt , Schmitz-Wilhelmy Annika , Heinzelmann Rebecca , Melchers Klaus G.
Published: July 2024

In selection interviews, most applicants use deceptive as well as honest impression management (IM) to seem like a better candidate. To date, however, little is known about situational cues that determine these behaviors, about the psychological processes in the form of affect and cognitions caused by situational cues, and about how these processes affect subsequent impression management. Given that the absence of a conceptual model that explicitly considers both kinds of IM is holding the literature back, we explored situational cues and associated psychological processes. To do so, we conducted a qualitative study using a Grounded Theory approach. Based on the data, we were able to establish a main model and three submodels that include both deceptive and honest impression management. The submodels describe situational cues related to either the interviewer or interview content. In these submodels, we were also able to identify several cues that have not yet received attention in the literature. We also found that these situational cues are associated with positive and/or negative affect, and that affect subsequently influences IM behavior. In addition, we were able to identify IM tactics that go beyond the existing literature.
When government’s economic ideology shapes income redistribution. Empirical evidence from the OECD
Authors: Román-Aso Juan A. , Bellido Héctor , Olmos Lorena
Published: July 2024

This paper studies the relationship between Government´s economic ideology and income redistribution, using a panel of OECD countries spanning the years 2004–2020. Our results point to the existence of a partisan effect, showing that taxes and transfer policies implemented by parties on the left reduce income inequality more than those of parties on the right. Other political and electoral factors (the proximity of the elections, the number of years for which the chief executive has been in office, and the presence of coalitional and minority governments) do not seem to be as relevant. We also analyze the role that the Great Recession and the globalization process have played in the relationship between Government´s economic ideology and income redistribution, finding that they have significantly altered it.
Integrating ecosystem services, stakeholders’ perspective, and land-use scenarios to safeguard sustainability of the Mulberry-Dyke and Fish-Pond System
Authors: Lin Jingya , Huang Lu , Zheng Yihong , Chen Chongzhi , Wang Li , Wang Ke , Qiu Jiangxiao
Published: July 2024

Context

Optimizing landscape patterns by considering ecosystem services and human well-being is crucial for landscape sustainability research. Such optimization process shall also consider multiple stakeholders’ perspectives, interests and benefits, which remain less well investigated.

Objectives

The study aims to integrate ecosystem services and land-use scenario analysis to design sustainable landscapes. The overall goal of spatial optimization is to explore pathways towards sustainable development.

Methods

This study uses the Mulberry-Dyke and Fish-Pond System as a representative agricultural landscape. It analyzes the spatiotemporal pattern of the landscape from 1975 to 2019. The market value method, InVEST model, and MaxEnt model are used to quantify the ecosystem services of the landscape. The analytic hierarchy process is used to set the weight of ecosystem services from the perspective of three stakeholder groups. We compare the outcomes of different scenarios and assessed through emergy yield ratio, environmental loading ratio, and environmental sustainability index.

Results

Our results indicated that: (1) The scale of the Mulberry-Dyke and Fish-Pond system decreased significantly from 1975 to 2019. (2) Among the six major ecosystem services, the average value of water purification service was the highest, while average value of mulberry supply service was the lowest. (3) Spatial optimization of the three design objectives, ‘sustainably intensify’, ‘increase landscape multifunctionality’, and ‘restore ecological integrity’, were primarily distributed in the study area’s eastern, central, and western regions, respectively. (4) All three stakeholder-oriented scenarios showed improvements in ecological quality or agricultural output.

Conclusions

Our study incorporates viewpoints of critical, diverse stakeholders in the assessment of ecosystem services and scenario analysis to establish sustainable and culturally important agricultural landscape. The framework and methods can help minimize environmental stress on the system, balance agricultural productivity and profitability, and enhance the sustainability of agricultural landscapes.
V2O5/TiO2 Catalyst for Catalytic Glucose Oxidation to Formic Acid in Batch Reactor: Vanadium Species Nature and Reaction Conditions Optimization
Authors: Álvarez-Hernández Débora , Ivanova Svetlana , Domínguez María Isabel , Blanes José María Martínez , Centeno Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2024

This study focused on the development of vanadium-based catalysts for formic acid production from glucose. The influence of different vanadium precursors on the catalytic activity of titania supported catalysts was contemplated and compared to the performance of commercial and synthesized unsupported V2O5. The obtained results reveal a successful deposition of multiple vanadium species on TiO2 as confirmed by XRD, Raman, and UV-Vis measurements. Catalyst screening identifies V5+ species as main player indicating its important oxidizing potential. Afterwards, the key reaction conditions, as temperature, time, pressure and catalyst loading, were optimized as well as the state of the catalyst after the reaction characterized.
Structural dynamics in chromatin unraveling by pioneer transcription factors
Authors: Orsetti Andrea , van Oosten Daphne , Vasarhelyi Roxana-Geanina , Dănescu Theodor-Marian , Huertas Jan , van Ingen Hugo , Cojocaru Vlad
Published: July 2024

Pioneer transcription factors are proteins with a dual function. First, they regulate transcription by binding to nucleosome-free DNA regulatory elements. Second, they bind to DNA while wrapped around histone proteins in the chromatin and mediate chromatin opening. The molecular mechanisms that connect the two functions are yet to be discovered. In recent years, pioneer factors received increased attention mainly because of their crucial role in promoting cell fate transitions that could be used for regenerative therapies. For example, the three factors required to induce pluripotency in somatic cells, Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4 were classified as pioneer factors and studied extensively. With this increased attention, several structures of complexes between pioneer factors and chromatin structural units (nucleosomes) have been resolved experimentally. Furthermore, experimental and computational approaches have been designed to study two unresolved, key scientific questions: First, do pioneer factors induce directly local opening of nucleosomes and chromatin fibers upon binding? And second, how do the unstructured tails of the histones impact the structural dynamics involved in such conformational transitions? Here we review the current knowledge about transcription factor–induced nucleosome dynamics and the role of the histone tails in this process. We discuss what is needed to bridge the gap between the static views obtained from the experimental structures and the key structural dynamic events in chromatin opening. Finally, we propose that integrating nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with molecular dynamics simulations is a powerful approach to studying pioneer factor–mediated dynamics of nucleosomes and perhaps small chromatin fibers using native DNA sequences.