bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A criterion for the holomorphy of the curvature of smooth planar webs and applications to dual webs of homogeneous foliations on PC2$\mathbb {P}^{2}_{\mathbb {C}}$
Authors: Bedrouni Samir , Marín David
Published: September 2024

Let be an integer. For a holomorphic ‐web on a complex surface , smooth along an irreducible component of its discriminant , we establish an effective criterion for the holomorphy of the curvature of along , generalizing results on decomposable webs due to Marín, Pereira, and Pirio. As an application, we deduce a complete characterization for the holomorphy of the curvature of the Legendre transform (dual web) of a homogeneous foliation of degree on , generalizing some of our previous results. This then allows us to study the flatness of the ‐web in the particular case where the foliation is Galois. When the Galois group of is cyclic, we show that is flat if and only if is given, up to linear conjugation, by one of the two 1‐forms , . When the Galois group of is noncyclic, we obtain that is always flat.
Bifurcation for indefinite‐weighted p$p$‐Laplacian problems with slightly subcritical nonlinearity
Authors: Cuesta Mabel , Pardo Rosa
Published: September 2024

We study a superlinear elliptic boundary value problem involving the ‐Laplacian operator, with changing sign weights. The problem has positive solutions bifurcating from the trivial solution set at the two principal eigenvalues of the corresponding linear weighted boundary value problem.

Drabek's bifurcation result applies when the nonlinearity is of power growth. We extend Drabek's bifurcation result to slightly subcritical nonlinearities. Compactness in this setting is a delicate issue obtained via Orlicz spaces.
A review of diamond dosimeters in advanced radiotherapy techniques
Authors: Angelou Christina , Patallo Ileana Silvestre , Doherty Daniel , Romano Francesco , Schettino Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

This review article synthesizes key findings from studies on the use of diamond dosimeters in advanced radiotherapy techniques, showcasing their applications, challenges, and contributions to enhancing dosimetric accuracy. The article explores various dosimeters, highlighting synthetic diamond dosimeters as potential candidates especially due to their high spatial resolution and negligible ion recombination effect. The clinically validated commercial dosimeter, PTW microDiamond (mD), faces limitations in small fields, proton and hadron therapy and ultra‐high dose per pulse (UHDPP) conditions. Variability in reported values for field sizes 2 2 is noted, reflecting the competition between volume averaging and density perturbation effects. PTW's introduction of flashDiamond (fD) holds promise for dosimetric measurements in UHDPP conditions and is reliable for commissioning ultra‐high dose rate (UHDR) electron beam systems, pending the clinical validation of the device. Other advancements in diamond detectors, such as in 3D configurations and real‐time dose per pulse x‐ray detectors, are considered valuable in overcoming challenges posed by modern radiotherapy techniques, alongside relative dosimetry and pre‐treatment verifications. The studies discussed collectively provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of diamond dosimetry in the field of radiotherapy, and offer insights into future directions for research and development in the field.
Prediction of early recurrence of adult‐type diffuse gliomas following radiotherapy using multi‐modal magnetic resonance images
Authors: Salari Elahheh , Chen Xuxin , Wynne Jacob Frank , Qiu Richard L. J. , Roper Justin , Shu Hui‐Kuo , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2024

Background

Adult‐type diffuse gliomas are among the central nervous system's most aggressive malignant primary neoplasms. Despite advancements in systemic therapies and technological improvements in radiation oncology treatment delivery, the survival outcome for these patients remains poor. Fast and accurate assessment of tumor response to oncologic treatments is crucial, as it can enable the early detection of recurrent or refractory gliomas, thereby allowing timely intervention with life‐prolonging salvage therapies.

Purpose

Radiomics is a developing field with great potential to improve medical image interpretation. This study aims to apply a radiomics‐based predictive model for classifying response to radiotherapy within the first 3 months post‐treatment.

Methods

Ninety‐five patients were selected from the Burdenko Glioblastoma Progression Dataset. Tumor regions were delineated in the axial plane on contrast‐enhanced T1(CE T1W) and T2 fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (T2_FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hand‐crafted radiomic (HCR) features, including first‐ and second‐order features, were extracted using PyRadiomics (3.7.6) in Python (3.10). Then, recursive feature elimination with a random forest (RF) classifier was applied for feature dimensionality reduction. RF and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers were built to predict treatment outcomes using the selected features. Leave‐one‐out cross‐validation was employed to tune hyperparameters and evaluate the models.

Results

For each segmented target, 186 HCR features were extracted from the MRI sequence. Using the top‐ranked radiomic features from a combination of CE T1W and T2_FLAIR, an optimized classifier achieved the highest averaged area under the curve (AUC) of 0.829 ± 0.075 using the RF classifier. The HCR features of CE T1W produced the worst outcomes among all models (0.603 ± 0.024 and 0.615 ± 0.075 for RF and SVM classifiers, respectively).

Conclusions

We developed and evaluated a radiomics‐based predictive model for early tumor response to radiotherapy, demonstrating excellent performance supported by high AUC values. This model, harnessing radiomic features from multi‐modal MRI, showed superior predictive performance compared to single‐modal MRI approaches. These results underscore the potential of radiomics in clinical decision support for this disease process.
Failure analysis of a frangible cover made of short‐cut basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Li Hong , Liu Jun‐zhou , Liu Jia‐lin , Wang Bei , Chen Jin‐cao , Chen Ji‐gang
Published: September 2024

The frangible cover made of continuous fiber reinforced composites has become widely used structure for the new generation launch canisters. However, destroying the continuity of fibers is needed during the hand lay‐up process to make the frangible cover fail in predetermined patterns. In this article, composite frangible covers were fabricated with short‐cut basalt fiber reinforced epoxy(BF/Epoxy) composites instead of continuous fiber‐reinforced composite materials, reducing the strength redundancy in the local structure of the frangible covers. Tensile tests were firstly conducted on material samples to obtain the stress–strain characteristics of the short‐cut BF/Epoxy composites. The constitutive model and failure criterion of the short‐cut BF/Epoxy composites material were established. Then failure pressure and failure mode of the frangible covers were predicted by finite element method. Two frangible covers with different geometric parameter were fabricated and subjected to static bursting strength tests. The influence of structure parameter on the bursting pressure of the frangible cover was investigated in detail. it was found that the bursting pressure of the BF/Epoxy composite fragile cover can be tailored by adjusting the geometry size of the weak zones on surface of the cover. Meanwhile, Failure modes and the bursting pressure of the BF/Epoxy composite fragile covers are highly consistent with the predictions.

Highlights

A frangible cover made of the short‐cut basalt fiber reinforced epoxy(BF/Epoxy) composites was fabricated.

The constitutive model and failure criterion were established based on the mechanical properties of the short‐cut BF/Epoxy composites.

The static burst strength of the short‐cut BF/Epoxy composite frangible cover subjected to uniform pressure was investigated via both theoretical and experimental approaches.

The short‐cut BF/Epoxy composite frangible cover eventually failed in accordance with the predetermined pattern.

The simulation error of the failure pressure of the short‐cut BF/Epoxy composite frangible cover was less than 20%.
Cover Image
Authors: Jin Runze , Xu Baosheng , Qu Lijie
Published: September 2024

The cover image is based on the article Cryogenics performance enhancement of epoxy resin composites through negative expansion nanomaterials: Mechanism and predictive modeling by Runze Jin et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28607.

image
The Conundrum of Mechanics Versus Genetics in Congenital Hydrocephalus and Its Implications for Fetal Therapy Approaches: A Scoping Review
Authors: Herzeg Akos , Borges Beltran , Diafos Loukas N. , Gupta Nalin , MacKenzie Tippi C. , Sanders Stephan J.
Published: September 2024

Recent advances in gene therapy, particularly for single‐gene disorders (SGDs), have led to significant progress in developing innovative precision medicine approaches that hold promise for treating conditions such as primary hydrocephalus (CH), which is characterized by increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes and cerebral ventricular dilation as a result of impaired brain development, often due to genetic causes. CH is a significant contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality and a driver of healthcare costs. In many cases, prenatal ultrasound can readily identify ventriculomegaly as early as 14–20 weeks of gestation, with severe cases showing poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Postnatal surgical approaches, such as ventriculoperitoneal shunts, do not address the underlying genetic causes, have high complication rates, and result in a marginal improvement of neurocognitive deficits. Prenatal somatic cell gene therapy (PSCGT) promises a novel approach to conditions such as CH by targeting genetic mutations in utero, potentially improving long‐term outcomes. To better understand the pathophysiology, genetic basis, and molecular pathomechanisms of CH, we conducted a scoping review of the literature that identified over 160 published genes linked to CH. Mutations in L1CAM, TRIM71, MPDZ, and CCDC88C play a critical role in neural stem cell development, subventricular zone architecture, and the maintenance of the neural stem cell niche, driving the development of CH. Early prenatal interventions targeting these genes could curb the development of the expected CH phenotype, improve neurodevelopmental outcomes, and possibly limit the need for surgical approaches. However, further research is needed to establish robust genotype‐phenotype correlations and develop safe and effective PSCGT strategies for CH.
Impact of the use of a smartphone‐based blood glucose management system within a maternal diabetes service
Authors: Hyams Elizabeth , Brackenridge Anna , White Sara L.
Published: September 2024

Background: The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus is increasing, placing more demand on pregnancy diabetes services.

Aims: This study aimed to explore the impact of implementing GDm‐Health, a remote blood glucose monitoring application (app), on a tertiary pregnancy diabetes service.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted as part of a quality improvement project. We assessed the frequency of interactions between patients and health care professionals, the type of interactions (face‐to‐face [f2f] or non‐f2f [via text or phone call]), effect on time to treatment initiation and women's satisfaction with the app. We compared two cohorts: cohort 1, women diagnosed in September 2019 (n=52) prior to app introduction, and cohort 2, women diagnosed in September 2020 (n=54) after app introduction. Data were collected from the electronic notes, and app satisfaction was assessed using a questionnaire.

Results: Median interactions for each woman from diagnosis to delivery increased from 5 (interquartile range [IQR], 3–6) in cohort 1 to 7 (IQR, 5–10) in cohort 2 (p<0.001). In cohort 2, 88.4% of interactions were non‐f2f compared to 13.7% in cohort 1. There was no change in the time to treatment initiation (19 days [cohort 1] vs 20 days [cohort 2]; p=0.59). Women using the app were satisfied with their care.

Conclusions: After GDm‐Health was introduced, women had more interactions with the diabetes team; however, most were non‐f2f interactions via telephone. The app has helped health care professionals streamline the service, particularly in terms of the allocation of clinic space and appointments, and has been well received by patients.
Optimized powder bed laser melting processes
Authors: Laderer Karl , Lübbert Lutz
Published: September 2024

The goal of Aconity3D is to optimize the stability of an innovative manufacturing method called powder bed laser melting and to promote its use in a wide range of industries. By utilizing high‐speed industrial cameras from SVS‐Vistek, the company has come one step closer to this goal.
Assessment of patients' baseline cystic fibrosis knowledge levels following translation and adaptation of the CF R.I.S.E translation program into Turkish
Authors: Balcı Merve Selcuk , Gökdemir Yasemin , Eralp Ela Erdem , Ergenekon Almala Pınar , Yegit Cansu Yılmaz , Yanaz Mürüvvet , Gulieva Aynur , Kalyoncu Mine , Karabulut Seyda , Cakar Neval Metin , Uzunoglu Burcu , Tastan Gamze , Kocaman Damla , Coskun Ozge Kenis , Gorgun Ilknur , Randall Messier R. , Mertz Pamela , Karakoc Fazilet , Karadag Bülent
Published: September 2024

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have a limited life expectancy, but significant medical advances now highlight the need for successful transition programs from pediatric to adult care. The goal of this project was to introduce the transition program CF R.I.S.E (Responsibility. Independence. Self‐care. Education.) to a CF center with limited resources at Marmara University (MU).

Methods

The program was adapted and translated into Turkish with the CF Foundation's permission. A team of experts collaborated to develop educational materials for patients and families. After translation and implementation of the CF S.O.B.E program, 11 Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire (KQA) tests were administered online to the patients aged between 16 and 25 years to assess the lack of patient knowledge.

Results

The CF R.I.S.E program was successfully implemented within 6 months. A pilot study showed positive feedback from randomly selected patients, indicating the program's effectiveness and understandability. The mean age of the patients was 19.4 ± 2.9 years, and 42 (52%) were female. The mean forced expiratory volume (FEV1pp) was 76.3 ± 23.2. Fourteen (17.3%) and 4 (4.9%) of the patients colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), respectively. Fifteen (18.5%) were on modulator therapy. Eleven Knowledge Assessment Questionnaires (KAQ) surveys were administered to 81 patients. The percentage of correct responses to the KAQs ranged from 47.9% to 68.3%.

Conclusion

MU CF Center in Turkey implemented the CF S.O.B.E (Responsibility, Self‐care, Independence, and Education in Turkish) program. The center aims to make the program a regular practice and expand collaboration with adult clinics. Future studies will assess its long‐term impact and applicability in different health settings. The final goal is to disseminate the program's resources and promote structured transition practices across the country.
Glycosyltransferase genes are associated with resistance to cyhalofop‐butyl in a Chinese Echinochloa crus‐galli population
Authors: Zhang Sisi , Li Sifu , Fang Yuhang , Liu Min , Wu Lamei , Wang Junzhi , Pan Lang
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Echinochloa crus‐galli is the most troublesome and widespread weed of most rice‐growing regions of the world. Cyhalofop‐butyl, a herbicide within the acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase) chemical group, has been extensively used to control barnyardgrass in rice. The repeated exposure to cyhalofop‐butyl has led to resistance evolution in E. crus‐galli populations.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified a population of E. crus‐galli (R‐HN) in a rice field in Hunan, China, that developed resistance to cyhalofop‐butyl at 4.49‐fold the recommended field dose. No known target mutation was detected in the ACCase gene of the R‐HN population by ACCase sequencing compared to sensitive populations. Both cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) inhibitors could not significantly reverse the resistance to cyhalofop‐butyl. The nontarget‐site resistance (NTSR) mechanism was investigated by transcriptome sequencing. Validation of the screened candidate genes by quantitative real‐time (qRT)‐PCR revealed that six glycosyltransferases (GTs) and four ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes were consistently upregulated in the R‐HN population. Five GTs and one ABC transporter genes were constitutively upregulated after cyhalofop‐butyl treatment in the R‐HN population. Molecular docking results showed that the significant binding energy of GT79, GT75L6 and GT74E among all candidate genes.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the GT genes appear to be directly implicated in NTSR to cyhalofop‐butyl in the R‐HN populations through metabolic enhancement, but their functional characterization needs to be studied. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Variational Quantum Algorithm‐Preserving Feasible Space for Solving the Uncapacitated Facility Location Problem
Authors: Wang Sha‐Sha , Liu Hai‐Ling , Li Yong‐Mei , Gao Fei , Qin Su‐Juan , Wen Qiao‐Yan
Published: September 2024

The Quantum Alternating Operator Ansatz (QAOA+) is one of the Variational Quantum Algorithm (VQA) specifically developed to tackle combinatorial optimization problems by exploring the feasible space in search of a target solution. For the Constrained Binary Optimization with Unconstrained Variables Problems (CBO‐UVPs), the mixed operators in the QAOA+ circuit are applied to the constrained variables, while the single‐qubit rotating gates operate on the unconstrained variables. The expressibility of this circuit is limited by the shortage of two‐qubit gates and the parameter sharing in the single‐qubit rotating gates, which consequently impacts the performance of QAOA+ for solving CBO‐UVPs. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a suitable ansatz for CBO‐UVPs. In this paper, the Variational Quantum Algorithm‐Preserving Feasible Space (VQA‐PFS) ansatz is proposed, exemplified by the Uncapacitated Facility Location Problem (UFLP), that applies mixed operators on constrained variables while employing Hardware‐Efficient Ansatz (HEA) on unconstrained variables. The numerical results demonstrate that VQA‐PFS significantly enhances the probability of success and exhibits faster convergence than QAOA+, Quantum Approximation Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), and HEA. Furthermore, VQA‐PFS reduces the circuit depth dramatically compared to QAOA+ and QAOA. The algorithm is general and instructive in tackling CBO‐UVPs.
Oxidative stress affects sperm health and fertility—Time to apply facts learned at the bench to help the patient: Lessons for busy clinicians
Authors: Sengupta Pallav , Pinggera Germar‐M. , Calogero Aldo E. , Agarwal Ashok
Published: September 2024

Background

Increased oxidative stress (OS), resulting from the delicate balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense, is closely linked to sperm abnormalities and male subfertility. Elevated ROS levels particularly affect sperm quality. The vulnerability of spermatozoa to ROS is due to the absence of DNA repair mechanisms and the high presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their membranes.

Methods

This article updates and advances our understanding of the molecular damage caused by OS in spermatozoa, including lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, motility, and functionality. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges in diagnosing OS in semen and recommends accurate and sensitive testing methods. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate the effective management of male infertility caused by OS.

Main findings

Highlighting the need to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, this review suggests strategies for clinicians, such as lifestyle and dietary changes and antioxidant therapies. The review emphasizes lifestyle modifications and personalized care as effective strategies in managing male infertility caused by OS.

Conclusion

This review calls for early detection and intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient care in male infertility cases related to increased OS.
Sustainable development and investor confidence: The safe‐haven appeal of green‐bond issuing firms
Authors: Azad Shivam , Devi S. L. Tulasi
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the performance of a green‐linked portfolio as a safe haven and hedge against traditional assets during periods of market turmoil, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic and the Russia‐Ukraine war. Utilizing a dynamic conditional correlation (DCC)‐generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) approach, the study analyzes the portfolio's correlations with  global assets like SENSEX 30, BSE ESG 100, Gold, S&P Green Bond Index, and US 10‐year Treasury bonds, demonstrating its stability. [Correction added on 05 September 2024, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the word ‘asse’ was corrected to ‘assets’ in this version.] Our findings demonstrate that the green‐linked portfolio outperforms both individual stocks and major indices as well as traditional safe havens like gold and US Treasury bonds. The portfolio exhibits superior risk‐adjusted returns and lower volatility, particularly during crisis periods. The portfolio's strong positive correlation with the S&P Green Bond Index highlights its alignment with the broader green market. Interestingly, with a 95% hedge effectiveness, it emerged as a viable safe haven investment, surpassing gold in stability during market uncertainties. Further, forecast matrix results and VAR analysis confirm the portfolio's potential as a diversifier and safe haven asset, characterized by significant positive returns. Additionally, the SAP‐LAP framework provides clarity to stakeholders on safe‐haven options within green markets. Moreover, while green bond markets are more mature in developed economies, our results suggest that green‐linked investments in emerging markets, such as India, offer a promising avenue for investors seeking both financial returns and environmental impact. Overall, the study provides empirical evidence supporting the inclusion of green‐linked assets in diversified portfolios to enhance risk management and capture long‐term growth opportunities.
Are social justice and sustainability interdependent? If so, how and under what conditions?
Authors: Törnblom Kjell Y. , Popa Răzvan‐Gabriel , Krütli Pius
Published: September 2024

Sustainability often entails dealing with issues of justice in the distribution of goods and bads, such as resources and restrictions. Applications of justice to concrete situations, including what is deserved and entitled, call for specifications of several issues, like the meaning of “deservingness” and “entitlement” and how justice should be accomplished. This is a key aspect for sustainability, as social arrangements that are not experienced as fair may not be long‐lived. Conversely, justice may be an empty notion unless it is sustainable. With this in mind, we provide an inventory of factors to analyze the relationship between (un)sustainability and social (in)justice from a social psychological perspective. We (a) clarify the gist of the two subjective notions, (b) discuss their interdependences, (c) provide a list of factors for analyses, and (d) illustrate how they may be applied to two cases, one at a global level (food accessibility) and the other at a local level (distribution of renewable energy resources in communities). The proposed framework forms the basis of empirical analyses of the social dimension of sustainability.
Bio‐Informed Porous Mineral‐Based Composites
Authors: Zhao Ran , Amstad Esther
Published: September 2024

Certain biominerals, such as sea sponges and echinoderm skeletons, display a fascinating combination of mechanical properties and adaptability due to the well‐defined structures spanning various length scales. These materials often possess high density normalized mechanical properties because they contain well‐defined pores. The density‐normalized mechanical properties of synthetic minerals are often inferior because the pores are stochastically distributed, resulting in an inhomogeneous stress distribution. The mechanical properties of synthetic materials are limited by the degree of structural and compositional control currently available fabrication methods offer. In the first part of this review, examples of structural elements nature uses to impart exceptional density normalized Young's moduli to its porous biominerals are showcased. The second part highlights recent advancements in the fabrication of bio‐informed mineral‐based composites possessing pores with diameters that span a wide range of length scales. The influence of the processing of mineral‐based composites on their structures and mechanical properties is summarized. Thereby, it is aimed at encouraging further research directed to the sustainable, energy‐efficient fabrication of synthetic lightweight yet stiff mineral‐based composites.
Rational Design of A‐Site Cation for High Performance Lead‐Free Perovskite X‐Ray Detectors
Authors: Zhang Bobo , Zhang Yuefeng , Su Hang , Huang Endai , Zhao Zeqin , Xu Zhuo , Liu Yucheng , Zhang Lu , Zeng Zhiyuan , You Jiaxue , Jen Alex K.‐Y. , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: September 2024

Design of hypotoxic lead‐free perovskites, e.g. Bismuth(Bi)‐based perovskites, is much beneficial for commercialization of perovskite X‐ray detectors due to their strong radiation absorption. Nevertheless, the design principles governing the selection of A‐site cations for achieving high‐performance X‐ray detectors remain elusive. Here, seven molecules (methylamine MA, amine NH3, dimethylbiguanide DGA, phenylethylamine PEA, 4‐fluorophenethylamine p‐FPEA, 1,3‐propanediamine PDA, and 1,4‐butanediamine BDA) and calculated their dipole moments and interaction strength with metal halide (BiI3) are selected. The first‐principles calculations and related spectroscopy measurements confirm that organic molecules (DGA) with large dipole moments can have strong interactions with perovskite octahedron and improve the carrier transport between the organic and inorganic clusters. Consequently, zero‐dimensional single crystal (SC) (DGA)BiI5∙H2O is synthesized. The (DGA)BiI5∙H2O SCs demonstrate an exceptional carrier mobility‐lifetime product of 6.55 × 10−3 cm2 V−1, resulting in the high sensitivity of 5879.4 µCGyair−1cm−2, featuring a low detection limit (4.7 nGyair s−1) and remarkable X‐ray irradiation stability even after 100 days of aging at a high electric field (100 V mm−1). Furthermore, the (DGA)BiI5∙H2O SCs for imaging, achieving a notable spatial resolution of 5.5 lp mm−1 are applied. This investigation establishes a pathway for systematically screening A‐site cations to design low‐dimensional SCs for high‐performance X‐ray detection.
Enhanced Electron Emission Performance and Air‐Surface Stability in ScO‐Terminated Diamond for Thermionic Energy Converters
Authors: Zulkharnay Ramiz , Fox Neil A. , May Paul W.
Published: September 2024

Diamond with negative electron affinity (NEA) and low work function surfaces are suggested as a suitable material for electron‐generation applications in vacuum, in particular, as the emitter electrode in thermionic energy converters. Such NEA surfaces can be fabricated by evaporating and then annealing submonolayers of a suitable metal in vacuo onto bare or oxidized diamond. Among the metals studied, scandium termination of bare diamond (100) and (111) surfaces is recently reported to give the largest NEA values reported to date for a metal‐diamond system, as well as being thermally stable to 900 °C. It is now shown that preoxidized (100) diamond functionalized with 0.25 monolayers of Sc also produces a large NEA value of −1.02 eV with low work functions (<3.63 eV). Moreover, this surface is thermally stable to 700 °C and can withstand exposure to air for extended periods. Here, the structural and electronic properties of this Sc─O‐functionalized diamond surface are characterized in detail using a variety of surface‐science techniques. The results suggest that this material may be the ideal candidate for the fabrication of commercial thermionic energy conversion devices, e.g., for solar‐power generation, as well as for various other electronic devices that rely upon electron emission.
Elimination of Trace Tetracycline with Alkyl Modified MIL‐101 in Water
Authors: Li Yi , Peng Haoxin , Li Heming , Ma Qianhui , Zhang Xin , Chen Qiang , Li Jian‐Rong
Published: September 2024

The overuse of antibiotics poses a serious threat to human health and ecosystems. Therefore, the development of high‐performance antibiotic removal materials has attracted increasing attention. However, the adsorption and removal of trace amounts of antibiotics in aqueous systems still face significant challenges. Taking tetracycline (TC) as a representative antibiotic and based on its structural characteristics, a series of TC adsorbents are prepared by grafting alkyl groups to the framework of MIL‐101(Cr). The adsorptive capacity of the modified materials for tetracycline markedly surpasses that of MIL‐101(Cr), with MIL‐101‐dod achieving the best adsorption performance. MIL‐101‐dod demonstrated an outstanding ability to adsorb tetracycline at low concentrations, where a 5.0 mg sample of MIL‐101‐dod can reduce the concentration of a 90 mL 5 ppm tetracycline solution to below 1 ppb, significantly superior to other sorbents. XPS and IR tests indicate that MIL‐101‐dod has multiple weak interactions with tetracycline molecules, including C─H…O and C─H…π. This work provides theoretical and experimental support for the development of adsorbents for low‐concentration antibiotics.
Identifying Root Origin of Insulating Polymer Mediated Solar Water Oxidation
Authors: Liu Jia‐Liang , Yan Xian , Yuan Jiao‐Nan , Wu Yue , Wang Xin , Xiao Fang‐Xing
Published: September 2024

Rational construction of high‐efficiency photoelectrodes with optimized carrier migration to the ideal active sites, is crucial for enhancing solar water oxidation. However, complexity in precisely modulating interface configuration and directional charge transfer pathways retards the design of robust and stable artificial photosystems. Herein, a straightforward yet effective strategy is developed for compact encapsulation of metal oxides (MOs) with an ultrathin non‐conjugated polymer layer to modulate interfacial charge migration and separation. By periodically coating highly ordered TiO2 nanoarrays with oppositely charged polyelectrolyte of poly(dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA), MOs/polymer composite photoanodes are readily fabricated under ambient conditions. It is verified that electrons photogenerated from the MOs substrate can be efficiently extracted by the ultrathin solid insulating PDDA layer, significantly boosting the carrier transport kinetics and enhancing charge separation of MOs, and thus triggering a remarkable enhancement in the solar water oxidation performance. The origins of the unexpected electron‐withdrawing capability of such non‐conjugated insulating polymer are unambiguously uncovered, and the scenario occurring at the interface of hybrid photoelectrodes is elucidated. The work would reinforce the fundamental understanding on the origins of generic charge transport capability of insulating polymer and benefit potential wide‐spread utilization of insulating polymers as co‐catalysts for solar energy conversion.
Determination of Temperature‐ and Carrier‐Dependent Surface Recombination in Silicon
Authors: Le Anh Huy Tuan , Nie Shuai , Ochoa Eduardo Prieto , Rodriguez John , Bonilla Ruy Sebastian , Hameiri Ziv
Published: September 2024

Knowledge regarding the temperature dependence of the surface recombination at the interface between silicon and various dielectrics is critically important as it 1) provides fundamental information regarding the interfaces and 2) improves the modeling of solar cell performance under actual operating conditions. Herein, the temperature‐ and carrier‐dependent surface recombination at the silicon–oxide/silicon and aluminum–oxide/silicon interfaces in the temperature range of 25−90 °C using an advanced technique is investigated. This method enables to control the surface carrier population from heavy accumulation to heavy inversion via an external bias voltage, allowing for the decoupling of the bulk and surface contributions to the effective lifetime. Thus, it offers a simple and versatile manner to separate the chemical passivation from the charge‐assisted population control at the silicon/dielectric interface. A model is established to obtain the temperature dependence of the capture cross sections, a critical capability for the optimization of the dielectric layers and the investigation of the fundamental properties of the passivation under field operating conditions.
Reinforced concrete structures under hard projectile impact: penetration and perforation resistance
Authors: Distler Pascal , Heibges Lars , Sadegh‐Azar Hamid
Published: September 2024

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures are mainly designed to withstand both static and dynamic loads. However, due to the highly nonlinear behavior of RC structures subjected to extreme dynamic loads, these structures have a very complex damage behavior under dynamic impact loading. In fact, current existing methods for damage‐simulation and prediction are generally based on either empirical data, simplified mechanical approaches or complex numerical simulations mainly using the finite element method. In this regard, empirical and semi‐empirical models can be considered to calculate the load‐bearing capacity in a simplified way with only a few input parameters. Hence, using current experimental test data, this paper aims to analyze and assess existing empirical and semi‐analytical approaches that are established in standards and guidelines. Accordingly, a functional relationship in terms of an impact factor is found. Based on the obtained results, different approaches are also developed to describe the resistance to projectile penetration of RC structures as well as the force interaction between projectile and RC structures.
People who have more science education rely less on misinformation—Even if they do not necessarily follow the health recommendations
Authors: Rozenblum Yael , Dalyot Keren , Baram‐Tsabari Ayelet
Published: September 2024

Recent research has highlighted the role of science education in reducing beliefs in science‐related misinformation and stressed its potential positive impact on decision‐making and behavior. This study implemented the Elaboration Likelihood Model to explore how individuals' abilities and motivation interact with the type of processing of scientific information in the peripheral vs. central persuasion routes. A representative sample of adults (N = 500) completed an online questionnaire during the second wave of COVID‐19 (November 2020) focused on two COVID‐19‐related dilemmas involving social distancing recommendations. First, we examined whether relying on misinformation was associated with participants' stances and the complexity of their arguments and found that relying on misinformation was associated with the intention to reject social distancing recommendations and with the use of simple arguments. Second, we explored how motivation, operationalized as personal relevance, and abilities, operationalized as the highest level of science education, science knowledge, and strategies to identify misinformation, were associated with viewpoints and justifications. We found that personal relevance was associated with the intention to reject the recommendations but also with more complex arguments, suggesting that people did not intend to reject scientific knowledge but rather tended to contextualize it. Abilities were not associated with stance but were positively correlated with argument complexity. Finally, we examined whether motivation and abilities are associated with relying on scientific misinformation when making science‐related decisions. Respondents with higher levels of science education and motivation relied less on misinformation, even if they did not necessarily intend to follow the health recommendations. This implies that motivation directs people to greater usage of the central processing route, resulting in more deliberative use of information. Science education, it appears, impacts the information evaluation decision‐making process more than its outcome.
Subchronic Chloroform Exposure Causes Intestinal Damage and Induces Gut Microbiota Disruption and Metabolic Dysregulation in Mice
Authors: Wang Zaishan , Xu Meng , Li Qiang , Lu Sihan , Liu Zhu
Published: September 2024

Chloroform is a prevalent toxic environmental pollutant in urban settings, posing risks to human health through exposure via various mediums such as air and tap water. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining host health. However, there is a paucity of research elucidating the impact of chloroform exposure on the gut microbiota. In this investigation, 18 SPF Kunming female mice were stratified into three groups (n = 6) and subjected to oral gavage with chloroform doses equivalent to 0, 50, and 150 mg/kg of body weight over 30 days. Our findings demonstrate that subchronic chloroform exposure significantly perturbs hematological parameters in mice and induces histopathological alterations in cecal tissues, consequently engendering marked disparities in the functional composition of cecal microbiota and metabolic equilibrium of cecal contents. Ultimately, our investigation revealed a statistically robust correlation, exhibiting a high degree of significance, between the intestinal microbiome composition and the metabolites that were differentially expressed consequent to chloroform exposure.
Improving urban flyways for bats: the importance of tree canopy structure
Authors: Barba Manuel de Oyarzabal , Lavy Brendan L. , Bennett Victoria J.
Published: September 2024

Urbanization can hinder movement and restrict landscape permeability for wildlife. However, there is the potential to improve landscape connectivity by establishing and maintaining movement corridors throughout urban areas. One way to achieve this is through the urban forest; the collection of trees in an urban area. Specifically, it is the characteristics of trees within this forest that can provide the structural and functional connectivity that enables wildlife to move effectively through urban areas. To investigate this, we explored the influence of four tree characteristics, alone and in combination, on bat commuting activity along 30 potential movement corridors in an urban setting in north central Texas. Along 10, 30, and 50 m corridor sections, we calculated percent canopy cover, maximum gap distance between canopies, and canopy rugosity using a 60 cm resolution tree canopy layer, while maximum tree height was determined in situ. We then conducted behavioral observations using thermal cameras and acoustic monitoring along the 10 m section of each site between March and September of 2022 and 2023 to determine the amount of time bats were observed commuting/h and species present. Our analysis revealed that increasing percent canopy cover and rugosity positively influenced commuting activity up to a certain threshold (> 60% and > 1.3, respectively), beyond which they may became detrimental. In contrast, the presence of gaps in the canopy lowered commuting, while tree heights > 11 m increased this activity. When considered together, bats in our study area showed a preference for commuting routes with tall trees and straighter, less cluttered canopies with no gaps. Additionally, sites with these features had a greater species diversity. These findings suggest that we can manage and plan the urban forest by establishing an interconnecting network of tree‐lines and forest edges to enhance landscape permeability for bats and subsequently aid urban bat conservation.
Magnetic Action at a Distance: Fields, Gradients and Currents in Fluids
Authors: Butcher Tim A.
Published: September 2024

A brief introduction to the main concepts that underpin the interaction of magnetic fields with fluids is given. The effect of the main magnetic force densities, the Kelvin force in a magnetic field gradient and the Lorentz force in magnetohydrodynamics is discussed. The focus lies on incompressible fluids that are enclosed by solid walls such as are prevalent in microfluidic systems. These are only influenced by rotational body forces.
Phenomenological Models of Magnetizable Fluids
Authors: Cēbers Andrejs
Published: September 2024

Basic principles underlying the phenomenological description of magnetizable fluids are reviewed. Particular attention is paid to the conservation laws for the energy of the magnetic field and the fluid medium, the momentum and the mass of the fluid medium. A particular choice of the electromagnetic energy flux and stress due to the magnetic field together with the Gibbs relation for the internal energy yields an unambiguous relation for the entropy production including the magnetic relaxation. The models derived enable description of the behavior of magnetic liquids under a broad variety of conditions.
Scaling and Flow Profiles in Magnetically Confined Liquid-In-Liquid Channels
Authors: Dev Arvind Arun , Sacarelli Florencia , Bagheri G. , Joseph Aleena , Oleshkevych Anna , Bodenschatz E. , Dunne Peter , Hermans Thomas , Doudin Bernard
Published: September 2024

Ferrofluids kept in place by permanent magnet quadrupoles can act as liquid walls to surround a second non-magnetic liquid inside, resulting in a liquid fluidic channel with diameter ranging from mm down to less than 10 µm. Micro particle tracking velocimetry (µPTV) experiments and modeling show that near ideal plug flow is possible in such liquid-in-liquid channels due to the reduced friction at the walls. The measured fluid velocity profiles agree with the predictions of a hydrodynamic model of cylindrical symmetry with a minimal set of hypotheses. By introducing symmetry-breaking elements in the system, we show how unique velocity and flow properties can be obtained. Our liquid-in-liquid confinement opens new possibilities for < 10 µm-sized microfluidics with low pressures and low shear, with flow characteristics not attainable in comparable solid-wall devices.
What Is That Thing Called ‘Transdisciplinarity for Transformation’?
Authors: Regeer Barbara J. , Klaassen Pim , Broerse Jacqueline E. W.
Published: September 2024

Unprecedented challenges in the spheres of health, global justice, environmental degradation and climate change characterize our current era. This situation constitutes a call to all of humanity to respond. Arguably it comes with an even greater call to those in privileged positions, including academics. In other words, today’s complex problems call for societal transformation, and this in turn calls for not only new knowledge, but also new ways of producing knowledge and new ways of dealing with different knowledges—it calls for transdisciplinarity for transformation. This chapter sketches different ways of understanding multi-actor, reflexive responses to complex societal challenges, whether under the banner of transdisciplinarity or otherwise, and presents what we take Transdisciplinarity for Transformation to mean. Building upon learning questions of early career researchers, it presents the agenda for the three parts of the book: Design and Evaluation, Diversities and Inclusion, Roles and Competencies.
Reassembling the Scholar: A Conversation About Positionality in Transdisciplinary Processes
Authors: Gunn Callum , Hoffmann Sabine , Sager Morten , Wittmayer Julia , Zuiderent-Jerak Teun
Published: September 2024

Transdisciplinary research (TDR) is a framing of scientific practice in which collaboration on problems or issues of common interest is located outside disciplinary approaches, and is geared towards a transformation of the current situation towards something more desirable, albeit without necessarily knowing what that is. Any form of ‘transformation’ invariably has a normative component, and the same goes for positionality. A TDR context thus has much to do with both. The issue of positionality specifically in inter- and transdisciplinary research settings has become a more prominent object of study within these scholarly traditions. This contribution takes the positionality of the researcher as the departure point. The chapter is written as a conversation of the first author (CG), an early career researcher, with the co-authors (SH, MS, JW, TZJ), who are more experienced researchers from various fields of science and society working in inter- and transdisciplinary settings, using a dataset of ‘learning questions’ from a postgraduate training programme on TDR. These questions reflect on what researchers find important (often at the beginning of their career) in making sense of their own efforts in implementing this form of research practice.
Beyond Interdisciplinary Research: Transdisciplinarity and Transformative Literacy Through Artistic Thinking and Research
Authors: Stark Wolfgang
Published: September 2024

While there is now more than enough scientific knowledge to make changes towards sustainability, responsible business and a just society, we are failing to change individual, collective and entrepreneurial mindsets. In other words, the dominant ways we organize our world, think and act, obtain knowledge and learn, are still based on rational-technical thinking that is promoting industrialized processes and a myth of everlasting growth and effectiveness. In this chapter, Wolfgang Stark argues that change and social transformation cannot be achieved only on the basis of rational choice and planning. A truly transdisciplinary and ‘transformative’ science needs to integrate natural science, social science and the arts (music, dance, theatre, visual arts) in order to affect individual and collective mindsets and ways of thinking for current and future leaders, decision makers and entrepreneurs. An experience-based and creative ‘knowledge and action base’ will be needed to reveal and teach the tacit knowing patterns we need to develop, in order to take the next steps towards sustainability.
Transdisciplinary Development of Quality Criteria for Transdisciplinary Research
Authors: Defila Rico , Di Giulio Antonietta
Published: September 2024

Funding structures and review processes are still considered as among the major barriers to transdisciplinary research. The search for convincing and satisfying avenues and guidelines for funding agencies and review panels is ongoing. The question of how to evaluate transdisciplinary research has been debated for some time, and it resulted in a considerable number of proposals and criteria. What is missing is a scholarly engagement with the evaluation practice. Knowing more about the actual dynamics of evaluation processes, about the challenges faced by those involved, and about what they perceive to be supportive could uncover promising (and evidence based) paths both for review processes and for future research. Three case studies in which we accompanied the evaluation of transdisciplinary research and in which we collaborated with funders, review panels, and research teams provide the empirical fundament of the chapter. The evaluation processes in all three cases are characterized by ‘well-meaning and well-informed actors’ (actors who value transdisciplinary research, are experienced in dealing with it, are aware of the specific requirements of such research). We present results about requirements for practicable criteria, about the interdisciplinary nature of the evaluation processes, and about the potential of adopting a transdisciplinary approach in evaluating transdisciplinary research.