bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schulabsentismus und psychische Erkrankungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Reissner Volker , Fabis Lisa , Bowi Ulrike , Asceric Senka , Knollmann Martin
Published: February 2025

Der Begriff „Schulabsentismus“ beschreibt das Fernbleiben aus der Schule unabhängig von einem entsprechenden Grund. Die spezifische Klassifikation des Schulabsentismus kann nach Dauer der Fehlzeiten, nach Symptomatik/Verhalten im Rahmen des Absentismus, nach Schulrecht oder nach Art des Vermeidungsverhaltens eingeteilt werden. Das „Multi-tiered, multi-domain system of supports“ (MT-MDSS) repräsentiert ein praktisches Rahmenmodell für Diagnostik und Interventionen. Präventive, schulweite Maßnahmen sind bei leichtgradigem Absentismus indiziert. Individuelle schulische und psychiatrisch-psychotherapeutische Maßnahmen kommen bei mittelgradigem Ausmaß der Fehlzeiten und gleichzeitiger psychischen Störungen zur Anwendung. Schwergradiger, chronischer Schulabsentismus der zusätzlich mit Multi-problemlagen einhergeht, benötigt koordinierte Interventionen in einem Netzwerk aus verschiedenen Institutionen. Die Prognose von mit einer psychischen Störung einhergehendem Schulabsentismus stellt sich in Hinblick auf die psychische Belastung sowie die Schulreintegration als gut dar.
Outcomes after Acute Perilunate Injuries: A Single-Center Experience Over 30 Years
Authors: Mitchell Eric C. , Kadar Assaf , Chambers Spencer , Grewal Ruby
Published: February 2025

Background Perilunate fracture-dislocations represent a spectrum of devastating wrist injuries. They typically involve high-energy mechanisms, occur in young patients and are relatively uncommon. Our current knowledge on this rare wrist pathology is limited as most studies involve small retrospective case series and limited follow-up.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the functional, radiographic, and patient reported outcomes after perilunate injuries and evaluate surgical practice trends over time.

Materials and Methods A retrospective review identified 123 patients who had open reduction and internal fixation of an acute perilunate injury at a single academic centre over a 30-year study period. Post-operative functional, patient-reported, and radiographic outcomes were assessed. The association of various surgical and injury-related variables on outcomes was examined using independent t-tests and ANOVA testing, with post-hoc analysis. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results Fourty-seven patients participated with a mean follow-up of 14 years. All patients underwent urgent or semi-urgent operative intervention with a dorsal or combined approach. At final follow-up, mean patient-rated wrist evaluation score was 24.2, visual analogue scale pain score was 2.4, flexion-extension arc was 56% of the contralateral side and grip strength was 76%. Patients who underwent re-operation or injured their dominant hand had worse outcomes. Only 9% of patients were unable to return to their same job or a similar job as a result of their injury.

Conclusions Overall, patients retain a relatively high level of function and report low pain scores long-term after perilunate injuries. Multi-centre, prospective studies are required going forward.
Free Triiodothyronine Concentrations and Gestational Diabetes
Mellitus: Unveiling the Correlation and Implications
Authors: Zha Hongying , Li Shasha , Sun Lu , Yu Lin , Yuan Qingxin
Published: February 2025

Thyroid disease and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are frequent
complications during pregnancy. We observed the relationship between thyroid
indicators and blood glucose to analyze whether thyroid function is associated
with the development of GDM. We enrolled a total of 575 pregnant women diagnosed
with GDM and 573 pregnant women without GDM. The correlation between thyroid
indicators and blood glucose levels was established through correlation
analysis. In addition, stratified analysis and restricted cubic spline curves
were employed to describe the association between thyroid indicators and the
incidence of GDM. We found no significant difference in urine iodine levels
between the GDM and non-GDM groups throughout the second trimester. The levels
of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and both fasting blood glucose and post-load
blood glucose showed a robust positive connection. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), on the other hand, showed a weakly positive
connection with these glucose values. A nonlinear correlation between FT3 and
the risk of GDM was also found (pNonlinear=0.0007, p<0.0001). Particularly,
those in the top quartile of FT3 had a 6.99-fold greater risk than those in the
lowest. Notably, FT3 levels below 4.04 pmol/l were linked to a decreased chance
of developing GDM, but levels over 4.04 pmol/l were linked to a greater risk.
Our study successfully established the correlation between thyroid indicators
and the risk of GDM. Notably, we discovered a non-linear association between FT3
levels and GDM. The study suggests that ensuring optimal thyroid function during
pregnancy may decrease the likelihood of developing GDM.
Unspezifische Effekte in der Physiotherapie
Authors: Luomajoki Hannu , Schwertfellner Christoph
Published: February 2025

Moderne Physiotherapie ist im besten Fall evidenzbasiert und orientiert sich an den Bedürfnissen der
Patient*innen. Neben der Fachkompetenz der Therapeut*innen tragen sogenannte Kontextfaktoren zum
Behandlungserfolg bei.
Measuring social media customer engagement with brands based on information entropy: an application case of luxury brand
Authors: Xiao Siwei , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: February 2025

Customer engagement (CE) within social media has emerged as a focal point in marketing research due to its significant impact on brand and firm-related outcomes. However, effective measurement methodologies for CE behaviours remain underexplored in this context. Building upon the existing concept of CE behaviour proposed by Brodie et al. (J Serv Res 14(3):252–271, 2013), and the CE cycle theory, this paper introduces an operational definition that supports an entropy-based CE behaviour measurement framework, offering a nuanced reflection of social media dynamics. The proposed measurement approach, among the initial attempts to integrate the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) weighting method into brand marketing analytics, ensures a reliable and rigorous assessment of CE performance with brands. Additionally, a range of analytical methods, including regression modelling using dummy variables, sentiment analysis, and hierarchical clustering algorithm, were synthesized to assist the objective evaluation of brands’ impacts on CE behaviour outcomes. A peer group of six luxury brands were chosen to analyse their impacts on engagement performance independently. Key findings from this application demonstrate the approach’s ability to compare the engagement performance of different brands, offering a significant tool to differentiate engagement behaviour levels while providing actionable insights for brand marketing initiatives.
Keeping political science relevant: an argument for reinvigorating and internationalizing the pedagogy of the US-based civic engagement movement
Authors: Strachan J. Cherie
Published: February 2025

Despite the normative origins of our discipline, political scientists often embrace our role as objective scholars, to the point of teaching our students to undertake research without also helping them to become public-spirited citizens. This essay argues that this restrained approach is inadequate to maintain political science’s relevance in an era characterized by heightened partisan polarization, rising authoritarianism, and democratic backsliding. To help our students sustain democratic systems of government going forward, political scientists must not only recognize our normative roots, but must also extend our normative agenda to a reinvigorated civic engagement pedagogy that is timely, intersectional, and internationalized. In short, how and what we teach our students is the key to our discipline’s relevance in difficult political times.
Topological applications of p-adic divergence and gradient operators
Authors: Bradley Patrick Erik
Published: February 2025

p-Adic divergence and gradient operators are constructed giving rise to p-adic vertex Laplacian operators used by Zúñiga in order to study Turing patterns on graphs, as well as their edge Laplacian counterparts. It is shown that the Euler characteristic of a finite graph can be expressed via traces of certain heat kernels associated with these new operators. This result is applied to the extraction of topological information from Mumford curves via heat kernels.
A microfluidic sucrose gap platform using trilaminar flow with on-chip switching and novel calibration: Challenges and limitations
Authors: Dungan J. , Mathews J. , Levin M. , Koomson V.
Published: February 2025

Gap junction connectivity is crucial to intercellular communication and plays a key role in many critical processes in developmental biology. However, direct analysis of gap junction connectivity in populations of developing cells has proven difficult due to the limitations of patch clamp and dye diffusion based technologies. We re-examine a microfluidic technique based on the principle of laminar flow, which aims to electrically measure gap junction connectivity. In the device, the trilaminar flow of a saline sheathed sucrose solution establishes distinct regions of electrical conductivity in the extracellular fluid spanning an NRK-49F cell monolayer. In theory, the sucrose gap created by laminar flow provides sufficient electrical isolation to detect electrical current flows through the gap junctional network. A novel calibration approach is introduced to account for stream width variation in the device, and elastomeric valves are integrated to improve the performance of gap junction blocker assays. Ultimately, however, this approach is shown to be ineffective in detecting changes in gap junction impedance due to the gap junction blocker, 2-APB. A number of challenges associated with the technique are identified and analyzed in depth and important improvements are described for future iterations.
Crank–Nicolson Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook integrator for multiscale particle-based kinetic simulations
Authors: Pfeiffer M. , Garmirian F. , Ott T.
Published: February 2025

Solving the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (BGK) equation with a stochastic particle approach enables efficient and flexible simulations of flows in the transition regime, between continuum and free molecular flow. However, the usual first-order operator splitting between particle movement and relaxation imposes restrictions on the time step, causing the computational cost to increase with the gas density. The Crank–Nicolson stochastic particle BGK (CN-SPBGK) method is introduced here as an advanced particle-based kinetic solver designed for multi-scale gas flow simulations. This method integrates the BGK equation with second-order accuracy across all Knudsen number regimes without requiring additional parameters, while asymptotically preserving the Navier–Stokes flux in the continuum regime. Comparisons with preexisting particle BGK methods are conducted on several test cases, with CN-SPBGK demonstrating more consistent convergence and accuracy.
Effect of foliar application of lithium on biofortification, physiological components, and production of irrigated rice
Authors: Ramos Danilo Pereira , Chan Guillermo Arturo Herrera , de Souza Wanessa Rocha , Silva Dayara Vieira , Rodrigues Larissa Urzêdo , Fernandes Patrícia Sumara Moreira , Cavazzini Paulo Henrique , Dias Danyllo Santos , Martinez Roberto Antonio Savelli , da Silva Damiana Beatriz , Guarda Patrícia Martins , Guarda Emerson Adriano , Nascimento Vitor L. , Sarmento Renato de Almeida , Fidelis Rodrigo Ribeiro
Published: February 2025

Context Lithium (Li) is an essential trace element for human health. Although the biofortification of rice (Oryza sativa) with Li is a promising strategy to overcome its deficiency, little is known about its biological activity in plants. Aims We determined the effect of sources and doses of Li applied via the leaves on the biofortification, physiological components, and production of irrigated rice. Methods The experimental design consisted of randomised blocks in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement, with four replicates. The factors consisted of five doses of Li (0, 50, 100 150, and 200 g ha−1) and three sources (lithium sulfate, Li2SO4·H2O; lithium hydroxide, LiOH·H2O; and lithium chloride, LiCl). Key results Regardless of the source used, foliar application of Li allowed bioaccumulation in rice grains without influencing the development and grain yield of the crop. Supplying Li to rice plants in the form of Li2SO4·H2O increased the photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency. Moreover, regardless of the source used, the consumption of rice grains biofortified with Li at a dose of 200 g ha−1 can supply more than 50% of the minimum recommended daily intake of the element. Conclusions Foliar spraying of Li is effective for agronomic biofortification of rice. Implications Biofortification of rice with Li can contribute to reducing its deficiency in naturally poor regions.
Advances in CRISPR/Cas9 technology: shaping the future of photosynthetic microorganisms for biofuel production
Authors: Arshad Samreen , Qadir Muhammad Luqman , Hussain Nazim , Ali Qurban , Han Shiming , Ali Daoud
Published: February 2025

Use of fossil fuels causes environmental issues due to its inefficiency and and imminent depletion. This has led to interest in identifying alternative and renewable energy sources such as biofuel generation from photosynthetic organisms. A wide variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, known as microalgae, have the potential to be economical and ecologically sustainable in the manufacture of biofuels such as bio-hydrogen, biodiesel, bio-oils, and bio-syngas. By using contemporary bioengineering techniques, the innate potential of algae to produce biomass of superior quality may be enhanced. In algal biotechnology, directed genome modification via RNA-guided endonucleases is a new approach. CRISPR/Cas systems have recently been frequently used to modify the genetic makeup of several aquatic and freshwater microalgae. The majority of research has used the Cas9-driven Type II system, one of two classes and six unique kinds of CRISPR systems, to specifically target desired genes in algae, and knock them out and down, or both. Using CRISPR technology to modify its genetic makeup, microalgae has produced more biomass and increased in lipid content. This review highlights the attempts made so far to target microalgae genome modification, discusses the prospects for developing the CRISPR platform for large-scale genome modification of microalgae, and identifies the opportunities and challenges in the development and distribution of CRISPR/Cas9 components.
Multiple sexual partners and condomless anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in southern China: investigating the role of receiving HIV serostatus disclosure from partners before sex
Authors: Mo Jinli , Tian Weiyi , Wang Min , Zhang Yun , Liang Yinxia , Peng Hongbin , Luo Xia , Huang Haimei , Tan Sumin , Zhu Jiawen , Cen Ping , Lan Guanghua , Wang Hao , Jiang Li , Ning Chuanyi
Published: February 2025

Background The impact of receiving HIV serostatus disclosure from partners before sex on number of sexual partners and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) among men who have sex with men (MSM) remains unclear. We aimed to determine the association between receiving this disclosure and engaging in risky sexual behaviors and its impact on HIV incidence rates. Methods HIV-negative MSM were followed with questionnaires every 3 months for 12 months. Generalized estimation equations models were used to assessed the factors associated with receiving serostatus disclosure and its impact on multiple sexual partners and CAI. Results Of the 363 participants, those tested for HIV in the past 3 months were more likely to receive serostatus disclosure than those who had not (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.145, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.109–4.691, P < 0.001). Receiving disclosure from all partners in the past 3 months was linked to fewer sexual partners (aOR = 0.468, 95% CI: 0.347–0.632, P < 0.001). However, receiving this disclosure from all partners was not associated with engaging in CAI with any one partner (OR = 1.128, 95% CI: 0.876–1.453, P = 0.351). Subgroup analysis revealed that MSM with casual partners who received serostatus disclosure were more likely to engage in CAI (aOR = 1.646, 95% CI: 1.06–2.556, P = 0.027). Conclusions HIV testing promotes serostatus disclosure and disclosure of HIV serostatus correlated with fewer sexual partners. However, among MSM with casual partners, disclosure was associated with a higher likelihood of CAI. These findings encourage regular HIV testing and HIV serostatus disclosure.
Debiasing job ads by replacing masculine language increases gender diversity of applicant pools
Authors: He Joyce C. , Kang Sonia K.
Published: February 2025

Job advertisements for jobs in male-dominated fields tend to contain more masculine language, and a commonly proposed intervention to increase gender diversity in applicant pools is to remove this language. In our research, we offer predictions about the broader impact of such interventions on individuals who may not “fit” with traditional masculine identity. Across four multimethod studies (
N
= 37,920) spanning both field and lab settings, we demonstrate that a gender debiasing intervention that replaces masculine language in job postings with synonymous gender-neutral language increases application rates among women and men whose self-identities are less aligned with masculinity. Our research highlights that conceptualizing identity incongruence along a continuum can help explain when and why gender diversity initiatives foster the inclusion of a broader group of individuals than initially anticipated.
Giant RNA genomes: Roles of host, translation elongation, genome architecture, and proteome in nidoviruses
Authors: Neuman Benjamin W. , Smart Alexandria , Gilmer Orian , Smyth Redmond P. , Vaas Josef , Böker Nicolai , Samborskiy Dmitry V. , Bartenschlager Ralf , Seitz Stefan , Gorbalenya Alexander E. , Caliskan Neva , Lauber Chris
Published: February 2025

Positive-strand RNA viruses of the order
Nidovirales
have the largest known RNA genomes of vertebrate and invertebrate viruses with 36.7 and 41.1 kb, respectively. The acquisition of a proofreading exoribonuclease (ExoN) by an ancestral nidovirus enabled crossing of the 20 kb barrier. Other factors constraining genome size variations in nidoviruses remain poorly defined. We assemble 76 genome sequences of invertebrate nidoviruses from >500.000 published transcriptome experiments and triple the number of known nidoviruses with >36 kb genomes, including a 64 kb RNA genome. Many of the identified viral lineages acquired putative enzymatic and other protein domains linked to genome size, host phyla, or virus families. The inserted domains may regulate viral replication and virion formation, or modulate infection otherwise. We classify ExoN-encoding nidoviruses into seven groups and four subgroups, according to canonical and noncanonical modes of viral replicase expression by ribosomes and genomic organization (reModes). The most-represented group employing the canonical reMode comprises invertebrate and vertebrate nidoviruses, including coronaviruses. Six groups with noncanonical reModes include invertebrate nidoviruses with 31-to-64 kb genomes. Among them are viruses with segmented genomes and viruses utilizing dual ribosomal frameshifting that we validate experimentally. Moreover, largest polyprotein length and genome size in nidoviruses show reMode- and host phylum-dependent relationships. We hypothesize that the polyprotein length increase in nidoviruses may be limited by the host-inherent translation fidelity, ultimately setting a nidovirus genome size limit. Thus, expansion of ExoN-encoding RNA virus genomes, the vertebrate/invertebrate host division, the control of viral replicase expression, and translation fidelity are interconnected.
Inhibition of GABARAP or GABARAPL1 prevents aminoglycoside- induced hearing loss
Authors: Li Jinan , Oh Seung-Il , Liu Chang , Zhao Bo
Published: February 2025

Aminoglycosides (AGs) are highly potent, broad-spectrum antibiotics frequently used as first-line treatments for multiple life-threatening infections. Despite their severe ototoxicity, causing irreversible hearing loss in millions of people annually, no preventive therapy has been approved. We previously reported that GABARAP and several other central autophagy proteins are essential for AG-induced hearing loss. This finding opens avenues for the rational design and development of inhibitors that selectively target proteins in this pathway, thereby mitigating AG ototoxicity. In this study, we generated a mouse model with a targeted deletion of GABARAPL1, a homolog of GABARAP, and another model deficient in both GABARAP and GABARAPL1. We found that normal hearing is unaffected by the depletion of these proteins. Remarkably, both proteins are essential for AG-induced hearing loss, with GABARAP playing a more significant role. To further explore the therapeutic potential, we designed and validated short hairpin RNAs targeting the mouse and human
GABARAP
gene. By inhibiting GABARAP expression in inner ear hair cells using adeno-associated virus-mediated RNA interference, we successfully prevented AG-induced hair cell death and subsequent hearing loss. Our findings underscore the critical role of GABARAP in AG ototoxicity and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for preventing AG-induced hearing loss.
Ancient origin and high diversity of zymocin-like killer toxins in the budding yeast subphylum
Authors: Heneghan Padraic G. , Salzberg Letal I. , Ó Cinnéide Eoin , Dewald Jan A. , Weinberg Christina E. , Wolfe Kenneth H.
Published: February 2025

Zymocin is a well-characterized killer toxin secreted by some strains of the yeast
Kluyveromyces lactis
. It acts by cleaving a specific tRNA in sensitive recipient cells. Zymocin is encoded by a killer plasmid or virus-like element (VLE), which is a linear DNA molecule located in the cytosol. We hypothesized that a tRNA-cleaving toxin similar to zymocin may have caused the three parallel changes to the nuclear genetic code that occurred during yeast evolution, in which the codon CUG became translated as Ser or Ala instead of Leu. However, zymocin-like toxins are rare — both among species, and among strains within a species —and only four toxins of this type have previously been discovered. Here, we identified 45 zymocin-like toxin genes in Saccharomycotina, the budding yeast subphylum, using a bioinformatics strategy, and verified that many of them are toxic to
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
when expressed. Some of the toxin genes are located on cytosolic VLEs, whereas others are on VLE-derived DNA integrated into the nuclear genome. The toxins are extraordinarily diverse in sequence and show evidence of positive selection. Toxin genes were found in five taxonomic orders of budding yeasts, including two of the three orders that reassigned CUG codons, indicating that VLEs have been parasites of yeast species for at least 300 My and that their existence predates the genetic code changes.
Reenacting a mouse genetic evolutionary arms race in yeast reveals that SLXL1/SLX compete with SLY1/2 for binding to Spindlins
Authors: Arlt Martin F. , Kruger Alyssa N. , Swanepoel Callie M. , Mueller Jacob L.
Published: February 2025

The house mouse X and Y chromosomes have recently acquired multicopy, rapidly evolving gene families representing an evolutionary arms race. This arms race between proteins encoded by X-linked
Slxl1
/
Slx
and Y-linked
Sly
gene families can distort offspring sex ratio, but how these proteins compete remains unknown. Here, we report how
Slxl1
/
Slx
and
Sly
encoded proteins compete in a protein family–specific and dose-dependent manner using yeast. Specifically, SLXL1 competes with SLY1 and SLY2 for binding to the Spindlin SPIN1. Similarly, SLX competes with SLY2 for binding the Spindlin SSTY2. These competitions are driven by the N termini of SLXL1, SLX, SLY1, and SLY2 binding to the third Tudor domains of SPIN1 and SSTY2. SLY1 and SLY2 form homo- and heterodimers, suggesting that the competition is between complex multimers. Residues under positive selection mapping to the interaction domains and rapid exon gain/loss are consistent with competition between the X- and Y-linked gene families. Our findings support a model in which dose-dependent competition of these X- and Y-linked encoded proteins to bind Spindlins occurs in haploid X- and Y-spermatids to influence X- versus Y-sperm fitness and thus sex ratio.
Exploring the ruminal microbiota of dairy cows for probiotic strains
Authors: Duan Xiaowei , Ma Rui , Vigors Stafford , Ma Lu , Gu Jingang , Bu Dengpan
Published: February 2025

The rumen ecosystem is complex and dynamic, with bacteria playing crucial roles in nutrient breakdown and utilization. In this study, we aimed to establish a strain-level database that will enable targeted screening of functional probiotic strains for future applications in the ruminant industry. We examine the rumen bacterial community using a combined approach of culturomics and amplicon sequencing, utilizing six dairy cows as rumen fluid donors. To isolate both facultative and strict anaerobic strains, we employed 15 culture conditions, which included nine different media and two gas conditions. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis were combined to identify specific strains. A total of 1047 isolates were assigned to 203 strains, accounting for 7.62% of the OTUs found in the rumen microbiota. The strains were assigned to three phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria), three classes, six orders, 10 families, 16 genera, and 32 species, including eight potential new species (belonging to five genera). At the genus level,
Escherichia
,
Limosilactobacillus
,
Ligilactobacillus
,
Streptococcus
,
Enterococcus
,
Bacillus
,
Klebsiella
,
Staphylococcus
,
Kurthia
,
Microbacterium
,
Brevibacillus
,
Lacticaseibacillus
,
Pediococcus
,
Weissella
,
Pseudomonas,
and
Propionibacterium
were identified in the ruminal culturome. Of them, a group of previously identified probiotic strains, including LAB (
Limosilactobacillus
,
Ligilactobacillus
,
Enterococcus
,
Lacticaseibacillus
,
Pediococcus
, and
Weissella
) and
Bacillus
(
B. safensis
,
B. subtilis
, and
B. tequilensis
), was identified and based on function having potential as ruminant feed additives. Culturomics played a pivotal role in mining the five genera of
Propionibacterium
,
Lacticaseibacillus
,
Microbacterium
,
Brevibacillus
, and
Kurthia
, which accounted for 2.38% of bacterial genera, complementing the discovery made by the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing results in this study, the Hungate 1000 project, and two other published ruminal culture datasets. Wilkins-Chalgren broth was the most efficient medium for isolating ruminal bacteria under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. Among the 203 representative strains, 43 were strictly aerobic, seven were strictly anaerobic, and 152 were facultative anaerobes. This study confirms the key role of culturomics in exploring the complex microbiota of the rumen and provides a valuable probiotic resource for fermented feed and direct-fed microbes in the ruminant industry.
Investigating factors affecting the internal erosion of soils used in earth fill dams and embankments
Authors: Attom Mousa F , Yamin Mohammad , Vandanapu Ramesh , AbdulGhafour Husaen , Eltayeb Ahmed
Published: February 2025

One of the main causes of failures in earth dams and embankments is internal erosion. This process initiates when seepage forces exceed the internal frictional resistance within soils. This paper investigates the effect of physical properties of soils that control failure due to internal erosion of soils such as plastic limit, cohesion and initial dry density. Three types of clayey soils with different properties were used in this research. Specimens were prepared to perform direct shear test and hole erosion test at different initial dry densities to find cohesion and internal erosion characteristics of soils. An effort was made to identify the relationship between engineering properties and internal erosion parameters of soil like critical shear stress and erosion rate index. Results show that increase in initial dry density and liquid limit of soil makes them less susceptible to erosion and increase the critical shear value. Moreover, equations were developed to predict both erosion rate index and critical shear based on the initial physical properties of the soils. The findings of this research will contribute in selecting the soils for dams and embankments and predict their behavior from proposed equations using simple geotechnical properties.
Slope stability analysis of the diversion tunnel inlet at Pasir Kopo Dam, Banten Province, Indonesia
Authors: Wirawan Andri , Gde Budi Indrawan I , Hendra Amijaya Donatus
Published: February 2025

Pasir Kopo dam will be built to develop infrastructure facilities in Banten province. This dam is supported by a twin diversion tunnel, which is a horseshoe-shaped tunnel with lengths of 413,11 meters and 433,10 meters. As the stability of the natural slope is disturbed by excavation activity for tunneling, slope stability analysis is required to ensure safety during construction and use. The geological engineering in this research was obtained by identifying the core rock sample from BT 01, BTA 01, and BTA 02 by PT. Mettana in 2017-2018 to get information about lithology, level of weathering, and Geological Strength Index (GSI). The index properties test and the mechanical properties are used as material parameters for slope stability. This paper will focus on the slope stability analysis of the diversion tunnel inlet using the limit equilibrium method, namely Bishop’s method and Morgenstern-Price’s method under static and dynamic loads. The research location geomorphology is a hill formed by volcanic eruptions and can be dePined as a rather steep pyroclastic Plow ridge. The diversion tunnel inlet consists of fair-quality lapilli tuff and tuff with moderate weathering. The safety factor using the Bishop simpliPied method is 3,731 under static load and 2,567 under earthquake load. The safety factor using the Morgenstern-Price method is 3,748 under static load and 2,561 under earthquake load. Both methods indicate that the slope stability of the diversion tunnel can be categorized as stable according to the requirements of the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 8460:2017
Chemical Composition and Particle Size Analysis with SEM, TEM, and XRD Techniques of Silicon Dioxide for (SiO2+EG/DW) Nanofluids
Authors: Abdulah Amri , Kristiawan Budi , Endra Juwana Wibawa , Sukarman  , Khoirudin  , Tri Wijayanta Agung
Published: February 2025

Silica or silicon dioxide, with the chemical formula SiO2, has a structure with a repeating pattern of silicon and oxygen. Silicon dioxide is widely used as a nanofluid because it has the ability to absorb moisture, which is useful for reducing the impact of corrosion, in addition to its high thermal conductivity, which can improve the thermal performance of nanofluids. Determining factors for the success of nanofluids include the preparation of nanofluids, such as the chemical composition of the material and the particle size of the nanoparticles used, so that testing must be carried out. Preparation of nanofluid in this study using the two-step method (TSM), identification of chemical composition, and particle size measurement of SiO2 nanoparticle base materials using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Dispersion Energy (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were carried out to validate the nanoparticle materials used. From the results of the SEM tests in two selected areas, it is known that nanoparticles have 45.83% silicon compounds, 53.75% and oxygen 54.17%, and 46.25%, respectively. The particle size based on the XRD data was calculated repeatedly using the Scherrer equation and then the modified Scherrer equation, obtaining a crystallite size value of 1.15 nm. The particle size, based on TEM data, varied between 15 and 28 nm. From the results of particle measurements using several techniques, it was found that silicon dioxide (SiO2) particle samples used to make nanofluids meet the criteria for nanoparticles, namely particles measuring 1-100 nanometers.
Numerical simulation of fluid flow in semicircular cavity using structured meshes
Authors: Saroja Gancang , Rianto Sugeng , Abdurrouf  , Sakti Setyawan P. , Nurhuda Muhammad
Published: February 2025

Fluid flow within semicircular cavities is a significant focus in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) due to the complex flow patterns and diverse applications associated with such geometries. However, creating a structured mesh in these intricate domains presents notable challenges. This study aims to develop and evaluate various structured mesh designs for semicircular domains using a multi-blocking strategy. We generated four distinct mesh configurations, utilizing both quadrilateral and triangular elements, to effectively discretize the computational domain. Laminar flow simulations were conducted at Reynolds numbers of 500, 1000, and 2000 to investigate the flow characteristics. The findings demonstrate that all mesh configurations consistently yielded accurate streamline and vorticity contours, as well as U-velocity profiles, showing strong agreement with prior studies that utilized alternative meshing techniques.
Study of EPC type 3D printer materials as a kidney organ phantom with variations in CT-Scan exposure voltage and kidney cancer nodule size
Authors: Yunianto Mohtar , Riyatun  , Nerita Ranny Lilin
Published: February 2025

A study of EPC-type 3D printer materials has been carried out, which has the potential to become a kidney organ phantom. The parameters studied include material density, CT-Number, electron density, effective atomic number, and radiation dose, as well as to determine the visibility of kidney cancer nodules on variations in CT-Scan exposure voltage. The phantom sample was printed using a 3D printer in the shape of a kidney organ. The CT-Scan exposure voltage is set at 80 kV, 100 kV, and 120 kV. The nodule diameters were 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm. The research showed that the material’s density was 1.05 grams/cm3. The CT-Number of samples at each voltage was obtained respectively 35.28 HU, 38.98 HU, and 50.45 HU. The electron density results at each voltage were obtained: 1.035, 1.039, and 1.050, respectively. The EDG results obtained were 3.25 x 1023 electrons/gram. The EDV results obtained were 3.33 x 1023 electrons/cm3. The effective atomic number results were 3.98. These parameters are by the parameters of the kidney organ so that the EPC material has the potential to become a phantom material for the kidney organ. The practical dose value obtained for each voltage is 2.47 mSv, 3.12 mSv, and 3.12 mSv, which is still below the abdominal CT-Scan value of 5-7 mSv. The results of exposure to kidney cancer nodules showed that for nodule visibility for each voltage variation, nodules measuring 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm were visible, while nodules measuring 2 mm were not visible.
Effect of distance between evaporator source and substrate on the formation and characteristics of Aluminum (Al) layers
Authors: Daphne Juliannisa P. , Nurosyid Fahru , Suryana Risa
Published: February 2025

Aluminum (Al) layers have been deposited on glass substrates using the thermal evaporation method. The distances between the evaporator source (Al source) and the glass substrates (spacers) were varied at 5, 8, and 11 cm, and the Al source’s positions were also diverse. This variation was conducted to observe the influences on the morphological, optical, electrical, and crystal properties of the prepared layers. The results revealed that the source-substrate distance and Al source position affected the morphological surfaces and thickness of the samples, proven by the morphological images, transmittance curves, and XRD results. Further, these characteristics led to the alteration of resistivity and conductivity values.
Morphology of plasma electrolytic oxidation formed on Zr-4 alloy with time
Authors: Al Afghani Fajar , Anawati Anawati
Published: February 2025

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is a metal surface modification for developing an anti-corrosion and wear-resistant oxide layer. The morphology of the PEO layer evolved with time. This work studies the morphological change of the PEO layer formed on zircalloy-4 (Zr-4) with time. The PEO was performed at a current density of 90 mA/cm2 for 60, 180, and 300 s. Surface and cross-sectional morphology were studied, and elemental composition was analyzed using SEM-EDS. At 60 s, the resulting layer exhibited surface porosity of 5.34 % and thickness of 10.2 μm. At a prolonged time of 180 s, the thickness increased three times to 30.2 μm, and the surface porosity increased to 7.86%. At 300 s, the layer further thickened but only slightly to 34.4 μm and became more porous with porosity of 12.57%. The layer formed for 60, 180, and 300 s yielded hardness of 262.4 ± 6.6, 299.8 ± 7.5, and 346.4 ± 8.0, respectively. The PEO layer on Zr-4 gradually thickened with time, resulting in enhancement of hardness and an increase of porosity.
Effect of heating rate on thermal behaviour of plasticised hard polyurethane-urea
Authors: Restasari Afni , Kaur Anureet , Naderizadeh Sara , Qi Xin , Akutagawa Keizo , Spontak Richard J. , Busfield James J. C. , Tan Wei
Published: February 2025

Polyurethane-urea (PUU) forms through the chemical reactions of prepolymer with diisocyanate-end groups and diamine. The mechanical properties of PUU are explored by examining its hard and soft segments. In addition to a melting temperature, this investigation involves determining the glass transition temperature (T
g) of PUU, the characteristic temperature that marks the shift from a glassy to a rubbery state in materials. Those thermal properties are potentially affected by plasticiser commonly used to overcome a short pot life of PUU because of its high reactivity. This work aims to investigate the effect of heating rate on the thermal properties of plasticised hard PUU using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This work used a plasticised PUU with a hardness of 95 shore A. DSC analysis was performed with variations of the heating rate of 10, 20, 40, and 60 K/min. Based on melting point analysis, it is found that plasticised hard PUU has two types of crystal of which one of them has heating rate dependence. Based on T
g analysis, T
g of hard segment is twice of T
g soft segment at zero heating rate. Increasing the heating rate increases T
g and the preferred heating rate for T
g analysis is 20 K/min.
Numerical investigation of Marangoni natural convection and entropy generation using the RBF meshless method
Authors: Pranowo  , Kubota Mitsuhiro , Tri Wijayanta Agung , Budiyanto Setyohadi Djoko , Itaya Yoshinori
Published: February 2025

The entropy study of luid low and heat transfer in an open square cavity with simultaneous natural and Marangoni convection is presented in this paper. Sidewall heating drives natural convection luid low. Marangoni convection is invoked to account for thermal interaction through the free surface at the top. Through numerical calculations, the evolution of thermal-hydraulic low physics is thoroughly studied. The Navier-Stokes, continuity, and energy equations are cast using the fractional step method, and the governing equations are discretized using the Radial Basis Function (RBF) meshless approach. Using relevant parameters such as the Marangoni number (Ma = 10-1000), Prandtl number (Pr = 0.71-7.0), and Rayleigh number (Ra = 1000-100000), the results show various low patterns. A comparative analysis that takes into account Marangoni convection demonstrates how its presence can improve heat transmission. Additionally, the entropy creation of the speci ied parameters is examined and analyzed.
Properties investigation of sago starch plasticized with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and glycerol as food packaging material
Authors: Khairuddin  , Rizky Arrafi Saddam , Widiyandari Hendri
Published: February 2025

Properties of biopolymer composite based on sago starch plasticized with glycerol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) have been investigated. The composites were prepared as food packaging material. The properties were characterized including the water vapor barrier properties through Payne cups analysis, cooking oil barrier testing, contact angle measurement, FTIR analysis, and SEM analysis. The total weight of sago starch and plasticizer was 1 gram, with a ratio of 10% plasticizer to 90% sago starch. The best water vapor barrier properties given when starch was mixed with PEG 1000, while the best oil barrier properties when sago starch was mixed with PEG 600. The best biodegradability was observed when sago starch was mixed with PEG 2000. The sago starch/PEG 2000 composite exhibited the highest hydrophilicity in the contact angle test with water. All samples exhibited polar properties and strong adhesion forces in the contact angle test with oil. FTIR analysis revealed changes in absorption peak patterns during the mixing and degradation processes of the composites. SEM analysis showed differences in surface conditions of the films based on the molecular weight of the plasticizers used. Glycerol produced smooth and elastic films, while PEG 1000 resulted in rough and rigid films.
Reconciling Earth’s growing energy imbalance with ocean warming
Authors: Allan Richard P , Merchant Christopher J
Published: February 2025

Rising greenhouse gas concentrations and declining global aerosol emissions are causing energy to accumulate in Earth’s climate system at an increasing rate. Incomplete understanding of increases in Earth’s energy imbalance and ocean warming reduces the capability to accurately prepare for near term climate change and associated impacts. Here, satellite based observations of Earth’s energy budget and ocean surface temperature are combined with the ERA5 atmospheric reanalysis over 1985-2024 to improve physical understanding of changes in Earth’s net energy imbalance and resulting ocean surface warming. A doubling of Earth’s energy imbalance from 0.6±0.2 Wm−2 in 2001-2014 to 1.2±0.2 Wm−2 in 2015-2023 is primarily explained by increases in absorbed sunlight related to cloud-radiative effects over the oceans. Observed increases in absorbed sunlight are not fully captured by ERA5 and determined by widespread decreases in reflected sunlight by cloud over the global ocean. Strongly contributing to reduced reflection of sunlight are the Californian and Namibian stratocumulus cloud regimes, but also recent Antarctic sea ice decline in the Weddell Sea and Ross Sea. An observed increase in near-global ocean annual warming by 0.1 oC/yr for each 1 Wm−2 increase in Earth’s energy imbalance is identified over an interannual time-scale (2000-2023). This is understood in terms of a simple ocean mixed layer energy budget only when assuming no concurrent response in heat flux below the mixed layer. Based on thissimple energy balance approach and observational evidence, the large observed near-global ocean surface warming of 0.27oC from 2022 to 2023 is found to be physically consistent with the large energy imbalance of 1.85±0.2 Wm−2 from August 2022 toJuly 2023 but only if (1) a reduced depth of the mixed layer is experiencing the heating or (2) there is a reversal in the direction of heat flux beneath the mixed layer associated with the transition from La Nina to El Nino conditions. This new interpretation ofthe drivers of Earth’s energy budget changes and their links to ocean warming can improve confidence in near term warming and climate projections.
Post-Installed Reinforcement with the Application of Adhesives: A Review
Authors: Siapno Mayco-nel P. , Dela Cruz Orlean G.
Published: February 2025

Due to the significance of post-installation reinforcement in strengthening and rehabilitation projects, it is commonly used worldwide, including in the Philippines. It helps to lower the cost of construction more effectively and provides a measure of assurance regarding the structural soundness of building and civil engineering infrastructure projects. It is also necessitated enhancing the structural soundness of existing structures, like improving the connections between members. Whenever it is necessary to add new structural components, added to the already existing ones rather than punishing the entire structure to be taken down and rebuilt after installation process provides a corrective strategy. But the bond’s strength (BS) in the post-installed structural element between the reinforcements and the concrete greatly influences the effectiveness and anchoring of the entire structural structure. Like any design and construction development, there are still a number of challenges with the post-installed reinforcement that need to be addressed.
Measurements of the quantitative analytical depth resolution at evaporated gold layers with the FEG-EPMA JEOL JXA-8530F
Authors: Berger D , Nissen J
Published: February 2025

This work concludes our systematic investigations of the spatial analytical resolution at different primary electron energies and specimens with different atomic numbers [1-4]. The aim of the entire study was to determine the qualitative and especially the quantitative analytical spatial resolutions that can actually be achieved in practise. For this purpose, we prepared test specimen by evaporating thin metallic layers (Al, Ag and Au) with various thicknesses on top of non-fluorescent substrates. To determine the depth resolution, the layers were analysed from the top. The measurements were carried out using a field emission electron microprobe, but the results are also applicable to SEM-EDS and SEM-WDS.

This work now evaluates the quantitative analytical depth resolution measured with electron energies from 4 to 15 keV on eight gold layer specimens with different layer thicknesses from 30 to 1,030 nm. By varying the primary electron energy E
0, we determined the minimum value of E
0 for which the depth of the signal source volume is identical to the layer thickness. This value is defined as the depth resolution, which is identical to the ionisation range of the atomic shell under consideration. With respect to the excitation energy of the characteristic X-rays, the depth resolution for the quantitative element analysis for Au (Mα at 4 kV) is found to be below 50 nm. It should be noted that the applied electron energies fulfil the 2-times overvoltage criteria resulting in reasonable X-ray signals with good signal-to-noise ratio.

The experimental results were cross-checked with simulations and calculations. While we found a good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations, the well-known Castaing-formula predicts smaller values for all primary electron energies. The deviation increases for decreasing energies. Since we regard test specimens without any disturbing secondary fluorescence, the measurements presented in this paper are very helpful for further improvements of calculations, MC simulations and other approximations.