bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of convexity in energy absorption of E‐glass reinforced epoxy composites under high velocity impact: An experimental and numerical investigation
Authors: Manesh Abolfazl Vaezi , Kazemian Amir Hossein , Rahmani Hossein
Published: September 2023

Composite laminates have found extensive application in various industries, and numerous studies have been conducted to investigate their behavior in flat sheet configurations. The present study aims to extend this research by examining the behavior of convex composite specimens subjected to high velocity impact (HVI), and comparing their energy absorption and failure area to that of flat sheets made of glass fibers. Additionally, we seek to investigate the influence of curvature diameter on the energy absorption and fiber failure percentage of the composite specimens. Four series of composite laminates with distinct geometries, comprising a flat specimen and three convex composite specimens, were fabricated with nine layers each and diameters of 10, 15, and 20 cm. All specimens were fully clamped and subjected to empirical gas gun impact tests at three different velocities of 200, 250, and 300 m/s. The velocity values before and after the impact were measured using velocity sensors, and the energy absorption of the laminates was computed. Of the tested composite specimens, those with smaller diameters and greater curvature exhibited reduced fiber damage percentage and increased energy absorption. Compared to the flat specimens made of glass fibers, the convex specimens with a diameter of 10 cm exhibited an energy absorption increase of approximately 47%, while the specimens with diameters of 15 and 20 cm showed approximately energy absorption increases of 42% and 7%, respectively. The results were confirmed through simulation using finite element software ABAQUS/Explicit.

Highlights

Curved E‐glass laminates studied under high velocity impact which is done experimentally and numerically.

Convexity increases energy absorption capacity of E‐glass reinforced epoxy composites.

The results show that convexity can absorb more energy compared to flat panels.

The damaged area of curved laminates are smaller than the flat one.

The findings suggest that convexity can be a useful design feature for improving impact resistance in various applications.
Rheological properties of graphene oxide/polyamide 6 composites
Authors: Liao Haoran , Yu Tao , Li Yan
Published: September 2023

In this work, graphene oxide (GO)/polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposites with different graphene content (0.03–0.5 wt%) were prepared via in situ polymerization of GO and ε‐caprolactam. The linear and nonlinear rheological properties and thixotropy of GO/PA6 nanocomposites are investigated using steady state, dynamic, and transient rheological method with a Haake plate rotary rheometer. Cox/Merz rules and Cross model were used to fit the shear rate sweep and dynamic frequency sweep data, and a wider range(10−2–104 s−1) of flow curve was obtained. The results show the PA6 and GO/PA6 melts are shear thinning fluid without yield stress, and have thixotropy.

Highlights

Dynamic, steady, and transient rheological tests were performed.

Cox/Merz rules and Cross model were used to fit the data.

A wider range(10−2–104 s−1) of flow curve was obtained.
Modification of nonwoven polymer materials for increasing of their filtration and antibacterial properties
Authors: Avdeeva Ekaterina , Petkevich Anna , Mikhalko Alexey , Shumskaya Alena , Sychik Sergey , Dudchik Natalia , Anisovich Marina , Yarmolenko Maxim , Halinouski Nikalai , Rogachev Alexander , Agabekov Vladimir
Published: September 2023

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT), and zinc oxide (ZnO) were used to modify the polypropylene nonwoven material by the methods of “wet chemistry” and low‐energy electron beam deposition (EBD). The influence of nonwoven material modification on the morphology, chemical composition, filtration, and antibacterial properties was established. The modified material has antibacterial activity against the gram‐positive strain Staphylococcus aureus and against gram‐negative strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (suppression of bacterial growth for materials with OCT was 100%, with ZnO—70%). PTFE application to Aquaspun leads to a significant increase in the contact angle (from 141.3° to 152.7°) and air filtration efficiency (from 78.3% to 83.4%), which provides the barrier properties of the material. It was established that the material obtained using low‐energy EBD demonstrated a more pronounced antimicrobial potential against the tested strains of St. aureus.

Highlights

The influence of polypropylene nonwoven materials surface modification methods is systematically investigated.

Low‐energy electron beam deposition increases antibacterial and filtration properties of nonwoven materials.

Surface modification methods increase barrier properties of polypropylene nonwoven materials.
The dimensions of expansive learning in the workplace: A multicase study from activity theory
Authors: Yu Wenhao
Published: September 2023

Learning in the workplace is among the most important forms of lifelong learning. This is because the workplace provides an authentic context for meaningful learning. Expansive learning, proposed by Engeström, focuses on learners as a community, the transformation of culture, and the creation of a new theoretical concept. Expansive learning eventually leads to a transformation in collective expertise. The primary aim of the study was to examine the dimensions of expansive learning and their relationships in the workplace. The cases selected were three Chinese consulting firms that focus on professional learning or talent training and development. I used multiple methods for data collection (e.g., semistructured interviews, observation, and document analysis). The successive analytical induction procedure was based on the constant comparison principle of grounded theory, and the four dimensions of expansive learning (distribution, collectiveness, routine, and expansiveness) emerged and were scrutinized. Based on the principle of activity theory, I constructed and integrated an interactive dynamic process model of expansive learning with its related dimensions.
Transformation and regeneration of DNA polymerase Θ mutant rice plants
Authors: Nishizawa‐Yokoi Ayako , Gelvin Stanton B.
Published: September 2023

Agrobacterium T‐DNA integration into the plant genome is essential for the process of transgenesis and is widely used for genome engineering. The importance of the non‐homologous end‐joining (NHEJ) protein DNA polymerase Θ, encoded by the PolQ gene, for T‐DNA integration is controversial, with some groups claiming it is essential whereas others claim T‐DNA integration in Arabidopsis and rice polQ mutant plant tissue. Because of pleiotropic effects of PolQ loss on plant development, scientists have previously had difficulty regenerating transgenic polQ mutant plants. We describe a protocol for regenerating transgenic polQ mutant rice plants using a sequential transformation method. This protocol may be applicable to other plant species.
Carbon nanotube reinforced biobased poly(urethane urea) covalent adaptable network composite
Authors: Xie Dong‐Mei , Li Yi‐Dong , Zeng Jian‐Bing
Published: September 2023

A solvent‐free approach was developed to incorporate carbon nanotube (CNT) into castor oil derived poly(urethane urea) (PPU) covalent adaptable network (CAN) based on dynamic piperidine‐urea bonds to fabricate CNT reinforced PPU composites. The approach includes two steps i.e., pre‐polymerization of castor with isophorone diisocyanate in flask and subsequent chain‐extension with 1,3‐bis(4‐piperidinyl)propane (PIP) in the presence of CNT in an internal mixer. The effect on CNT content of the morphology, mechanical property, stress relaxation, and reprocessability of the PPU/CNT composites was investigated in detail. The results demonstrated that CNT dispersed well in the PPU networks due to the applied strong shear force which facilitated the dispersion of CNT in the PPU matrix before cross‐linking. The well‐dispersed CNT reinforced the mechanical properties of PPU significantly and the Young's modulus (E) of the composites were enhanced significantly when the content of CNT was ≥6 wt% due to the formation of CNT network in the PPU matrix. When the content of CNT was 10 wt%, the E of PPU‐10%CNT was 927.59 ± 149.05 MPa, which was improved by ~60% compared to PPU. The reprocessability of the PPU network was remained although the stress relaxation rate was reduced with incorporation and increasing content of CNT. In addition, the PPU/CNT composites could be degraded chemically to recycle CNT through reaction of the dynamic piperidine‐urea bonds with additional PIP.
Temporal and spatial variations of propagule deposition in the riparian zones of mountain rivers
Authors: Flores‐Galicia Nihaib , Trejo Irma
Published: September 2023

Although dispersal is important for riparian plants, few studies have evaluated the variations of species richness and composition of propagules deposited by different dispersal mechanisms. In the present study, we evaluate the temporal and spatial variations in the diversity of propagules deposited by hydrochory and by other types of dispersal along mountain rivers. We sampled the propagules deposited in the riparian zone on a distance gradient with respect to the site of origin of the rivers in two seasons. We found no differences in the number of propagules between seasons. In the rainy season, we observed a greater number of species deposited by hydrochory, while for other types of dispersal there was a greater number of species in the dry season. Differences in composition were observed for hydrochory but not for other types of dispersal. There were no changes in the number of propagules deposited along the river by hydrochory, while for other types of dispersal an increase was observed in the dry season. A lower number of species deposited by hydrochory along the river was observed during the rainy season. Finally, we observed that turnover increases for other types of dispersal in the dry season but not for hydrochory. The results underline the importance of types of dispersal other than hydrochory in the contribution of propagules dispersed and the temporal and spatial particularities of the hydrochory in mountain rivers.
Sustainable economic development in OECD countries: Does energy security matter?
Authors: Zakari Abdulrasheed , Oluwaseyi Musibau Hammed
Published: September 2023

Given its versatility, energy security's importance to economic growth cannot be overstated. Existing empirical research has not, however, taken into account the significance of energy security in achieving sustainable economic and financial development. The objective of this study is to provide an empirical response to the question, “How can we exploit energy potentials without compromising the sustainable development agenda?”. Our research indicates that energy security enhances economic and financial sustainability. However, the influence varies between quantiles. Initially, energy security inhibited sustainable economic development; this may have been due to excessive reliance on fossil fuel as a source of energy generation; however, the energy transition to renewable energy mitigated this negative impact, thereby fostering sustainable economic development. Likewise, energy security promotes long‐term sustainable financial development. Energy security is the heart of sustainable economic and financial development hence, the need for diversification of energy sources by promoting the adoption of renewable energy technologies became necessary. Encourage investments in solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and other renewable sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate environmental impacts.
Ecological challenges on small tourist islands: A case from Chinese rural island
Authors: Zhang Jie , Dou Shiquan , Liu Jiangyi , Chen Yue
Published: September 2023

The expansion of the global tourism market has accelerated the development of small tourist islands. The rapid growth of tourist scale and activity intensity poses a potential threat to the fragile ecosystems of small islands. This article focuses on the ecological stresses small tourism islands face in their development. Compared with similar studies, we found a more flexible way to measure ecological stress of current activities. We show a framework for ecological stress assessment on small rural islands and illustrate it with Weizhou Island, China. It reveals a new approach to combining ecological footprint, geographic data, and visitor activity data. This combination enables a spatial linkage between biophysical and social surveys. To verify the validity of the assessment framework, we assessed the spatial distribution of ecosystem loss on the island using habitat quality. A multi‐scale geographically weighted model describes the spatial correlation between ecological stress and habitat quality. Real‐world application cases were used to test the usability and practical use of the policy assessment framework. We provide methodological and application‐based contributions to support the sustainable development of small tourist islands. Overall, the assessment framework offers a reliable solution for systematically collecting, analyzing, and reporting ecological stresses faced by small tourist islands.
The evaluation of men introduced in midwifery in the United Kingdom: A gender perspective
Authors: Sannomiya Masana , Morie Kento , Kubota Anna , Kanai‐Pak Masako
Published: September 2023

To explore the role of pilot tests in developing gender policies, this study investigates their use of policy‐making for the introduction of male midwives in the United Kingdom. A literature review was performed, and data that contradicted the statements of researchers studying male midwives or male midwives who had participated in the pilots were excluded. Any uncertainties were clarified through consultation with nursing and midwifery associations. The United Kingdom's Midwives Act 1902 initially restricted midwifery to women. However, the Sex Discrimination Act 1973 debates led to the consideration of introducing male midwives. While professional associations resisted, public bodies supported it, on the condition that it guaranteed women's right to select the gender of their attendant midwives. The government decided to conduct pilots to assess the acceptability of male midwives and the financial implications of having chaperones with male midwives. Despite pressure from the European Commission, the decision to permit male midwives across the United Kingdom, made in 1984, was withheld until the results of the pilots were available. However, substantive gender equality issues, such as the working conditions for male midwives, remain largely unexplored. To ensure gender inclusivity in midwifery, scientific pilot tests focusing on both formative and substantive equality are recommended.
Multi‐Functional Applications of H‐Glass Embedded with Stable Plasmonic Gold Nanoislands
Authors: Gangareddy Jagannath , Rudra Pratyasha , Chirumamilla Manohar , Ganisetti Sudheer , Kasimuthumaniyan Subramanian , Sahoo Sourav , Jayanthi K. , Rathod Jagannath , Soma Venugopal Rao , Das Subrata , Gosvami Nitya Nand , Krishnan N. M. Anoop , Pedersen Kjeld , Mondal Swastik , Ghosh Srabanti , Allu Amarnath R.
Published: September 2023

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) are synthesized using various techniques on diverse substrates that significantly impact their properties. However, among the substrate materials investigated, the major challenge is the stability of MNPs due to their poor adhesion to the substrate. Herein, it is demonstrated how a newly developed H‐glass can concurrently stabilize plasmonic gold nanoislands (GNIs) and offer multifunctional applications. The GNIs on the H‐glass are synthesized using a simple yet, robust thermal dewetting process. The H‐glass embedded with GNIs demonstrates versatility in its applications, such as i) acting as a room temperature chemiresistive gas sensor (70% response for NO2 gas); ii) serving as substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the identifications of Nile blue (dye) and picric acid (explosive) analytes down to nanomolar concentrations with enhancement factors of 4.8 × 106 and 6.1 × 105, respectively; and iii) functioning as a nonlinear optical saturable absorber with a saturation intensity of 18.36 × 1015 W m−2 at 600 nm, and the performance characteristics are on par with those of materials reported in the existing literature. This work establishes a facile strategy to develop advanced materials by depositing metal nanoislands on glass for various functional applications.
Proton is Essential or Not: A Fresh Look on Pseudocapacitive Energy Storage of PANI Composites
Authors: Yu Hongyuan , Long Yu , Chen Derong , Dong Ximan , Ye Xiaolin , Zhang Yibo , Li Fangbing , Xu Yue , Tao Ying , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: September 2023

Protonation has been considered essential for the pseudocapacitive energy storage of polyaniline (PANI) for years, as proton doping in PANI chains not only activates electron transport pathways, but also promotes the proceeding of redox reactions. Rarely has the ability for PANI of storing energy without protonation been investigated, and it remains uncertain whether PANI has pseudocapacitive charge storage properties in an alkaline electrolyte. Here, this work first demonstrates the pseudocapacitive energy storage for PANI without protonation using a PANI/graphene composite as a model material in an alkaline electrolyte. Using in situ Raman spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) measurements, this work determines the formation of −N= group over potential on a PANI chain and demonstrates the direct contribution of OH− in the nonprotonation type of oxidation reactions. This work finds that the PANI/graphene composite in an alkaline electrolyte has excellent cycling stability with a wider operation voltage of 1 V as well as a slightly higher specific capacitance than that in an acidic electrolyte. The findings provide a new perspective on pseudocapacitive energy storage of PANI‐based composites, which will influence the selection of electrolytes for PANI materials and expand their application in energy storage fields.
Reshaping Covalent Nanowires by Exploiting an Unexpected Plasticity Mediated by Deformation Twinning
Authors: Vlassov Sergei , Oras Sven , Trausa Annamarija , Tiirats Tauno , Butanovs Edgars , Polyakov Boris , Zadin Veronika , Kyritsakis Andreas
Published: September 2023

Nanowires (NWs) are among the most studied nanostructures as they have numerous promising applications thanks to their various unique properties. Furthermore, the properties of NWs can be tailored during synthesis by introducing structural defects such as nano‐twins, periodic polytypes, and kinks, i.e., abrupt changes in their axial direction. Here, this work reports for the first time the postsynthesis formation of such defects, achieved by exploiting a peculiar plasticity that may occur in nanosized covalent materials. Specifically, in this work the authors found that single‐crystal CuO NWs can form double kinks when subjected to external mechanical loading. Both the microscopy and atomistic modeling suggest that deformation‐induced twinning along the plane is the mechanism behind this effect. In a single case the authors are able to unkink a NW back to its initial straight profile, indicating the possibility of reversible plasticity in CuO NWs, which is supported by the atomistic simulations. The phenomenon reported here provides novel insights into the mechanisms of plastic deformation in covalent NWs and offers potential avenues for developing techniques to customize the shape of NWs postsynthesis and introduce new functionalities.
Guard Cell‐Inspired Ion Channels: Harnessing the Photomechanical Effect via Supramolecular Assembly of Cross‐Linked Azobenzene/Polymers
Authors: Chen Yi‐Fan , Hsieh Chia‐Ling , Lin Pei‐Yu , Liu Yu‐Chun , Lee Min‐Jie , Lee Lin‐Ruei , Zheng Sheng , Lin Yu‐Liang , Huang Yen‐Lin , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: September 2023

Stimuli‐responsive ion nanochannels have attracted considerable attention in various fields because of their remote controllability of ionic transportation. For photoresponsive ion nanochannels, however, achieving precise regulation of ion conductivity is still challenging, primarily due to the difficulty of programmable structural changes in confined environments. Moreover, the relationship between noncontact photo‐stimulation in nanoscale and light‐induced ion conductivity has not been well understood. In this work, a versatile design for fabricating guard cell‐inspired photoswitchable ion channels is presented by infiltrating azobenzene‐cross‐linked polymer (AAZO‐PDAC) into nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes. The azobenzene‐cross‐linked polymer is formed by azobenzene chromophore (AAZO)‐cross‐linked poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDAC) with electrostatic interactions. Under UV irradiation, the trans‐AAZO isomerizes to the cis‐AAZO, causing the volume compression of the polymer network, whereas, in darkness, the cis‐AAZO reverts to the trans‐AAZO, leading to the recovery of the structure. Consequently, the resultant nanopore sizes can be manipulated by the photomechanical effect of the AAZO‐PDAC polymers. By adding ionic liquids, the ion conductivity of the light‐driven ion nanochannels can be controlled with good repeatability and fast responses (within seconds) in multiple cycles. The ion channels have promising potential in the applications of biomimetic materials, sensors, and biomedical sciences.
Efficient Flexible Fabric‐Based Top‐Emitting Polymer Light‐Emitting Devices for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Li Ruiqing , Wang Yeyang , Chen Yujie , Zhao Jiaxuan , Wang Yawei , An Jingxi , Lu Yanan , Chen Yuehua , Lai Wenyong , Zhang Xinwen , Huang Wei
Published: September 2023

Low‐cost fabric‐based top‐emitting polymer light‐emitting devices (Fa‐TPLEDs) have aroused increasing attention due to their remarkable potential applications in wearable displays. However, it is still challenging to realize efficient all‐solution‐processed devices from bottom electrodes to top electrodes with large‐scale fabrication. Here, a smooth reflective Ag cathode integrated on fabric by one‐step silver mirror reaction and a composite transparent anode of polydimethylsiloxane/silver nanowires/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) via a water‐assisted peeling method are presented, both of which possess excellent optoelectrical properties and robust mechanical flexibility. The Fa‐TPLEDs are constructed by spin‐coating functional layers on the bottom reflective cathodes and laminating the top transparent anodes. The Fa‐TPLEDs show a current efficiency of 16.3 cd A−1, an external quantum efficiency of 4.9% and angle‐independent electroluminescence spectra. In addition, the Fa‐TPLEDs possess excellent mechanical stability, maintaining a current efficiency of 14.3 cd A−1 after 200 bending cycles at a radius of 4 mm. The results demonstrate that the integration of solution‐processed reflective cathodes and transparent anodes sheds light on a new avenue to construct low‐cost and efficient fabric‐based devices, showing great potential applications in emerging smart flexible/wearable electronics.
Spatiotemporally Programmed Disassembly of Multifunctional Integrated DNAzyme Nanoplatfrom for Amplified Intracellular MicroRNA Imaging
Authors: Zhang Qingqing , Yu Shanshan , Shang Jinhua , He Shizhen , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Fuan
Published: September 2023

The sensing performance of DNAzymes in live cells is tremendously hampered by the inefficient and inhomogeneous delivery of DNAzyme probes and their incontrollable off‐site activation, originating from their susceptibility to nuclease digestion. This requires the development of a more compact and robust DNAzyme‐delivering system with site‐specific DNAzyme activation property. Herein, a highly compact and robust Zn@DDz nanoplatform is constructed by integrating the unimolecular microRNA‐responsive DNA‐cleaving DNAzyme (DDz) probe with the requisite DNAzyme Zn2+‐ion cofactors, and the amplified intracellular imaging of microRNA via the spatiotemporally programmed disassembly of Zn@DDz nanoparticles is achieved. The multifunctional Zn@DDz nanoplatform is simply composed of a structurally blocked self‐hydrolysis DDz probe and the inorganic Zn2+‐ion bridge, with high loading capacity, and can effectively deliver the initially catalytic inert DDz probe and Zn2+ into living cells with enhanced stabilities. Upon their entry into the acidic microenvironment of living cells, the self‐sufficient Zn@DDz nanoparticle is disassembled to release DDz probe and simultaneously supply Zn2+‐ion cofactors. Then, endogenous microRNA‐21 catalyzes the reconfiguration and activation of DDz for generating the amplified readout signal with multiply guaranteed imaging performance. Thus, this work paves an effective way for promoting DNAzyme‐based biosensing systems in living cells, and shows great promise in clinical diagnosis.
A Readily Achieved Potentiostatic Method in Density Functional Theory Calculation for Improved Prediction of the Performance for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Hai Guangtong , Wang Haihui
Published: September 2023

Accurate prediction of the catalytic performance of nitrogen reduction reaction catalysts based on density functional theory (DFT) calculation is of great significance for developing catalytic materials for nitrogen fixation. However, the applied electrode potential induced the fixation of Fermi level and solvation effect are commonly ignored in the current computational hydrogen electrode method, which leads to the large deviation between the calculation predicted limit potential and the experimentally measured limit potential. In this work, the simple external iteration method is proposed to simulate the Fermi level of the catalysts that are fixed by the applied electrode potential, along with the hybrid solvent model to describe the strong interaction, such as hydrogen bond, between the solvent molecules and the intermediates. This method allowed the theoretical and experimental limit potentials to be in good agreement, indicating the significant effect of the electrode potential and solvation in the DFT calculation. These results will guide the calculation‐based prediction of other reaction systems in the field of electrocatalysis.
FIDEL: Fog integrated federated learning framework to train neural networks
Authors: Kumar Aditya , Srirama Satish Narayana
Published: September 2023

Technological advancement in the digital era has continued to produce voluminous amounts of data through various devices. Even though data is produced distributively, it needs to be accumulated centrally for processing, analysis, and knowledge extraction that faces several challenges such as bandwidth, latency, congestion, privacy, and security. Fog computing paradigm addresses some of these issues, and can be used as a distributed data processing unit. Federated learning trains a shared model over distributed nodes. However, a fog node can not process continuously growing data due to computational limitations. In this paper, we propose FIDEL: a fog integrated federated learning framework for neural network training using resource‐constrained devices. The federation of resource‐constrained Internet of Things (IoT) devices creates a shared global model trained on local data, which is generalized on the unseen dataset for prediction/inferences. We have also designed an online training scheme to process continuous data with limited compute resources. The FIDEL supports both synchronous and asynchronous federate learning that empowers resource‐constrained devices to train machine learning models. To test the learning capabilities of the FIDEL, we have trained three neural networks (i) Shallow network; (ii) Deep Network; (iii) Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models for human position detection in industrial IoT setup on rapidly changing datasets. The experimental results show that the framework can learn input–output relationships with significantly high accuracy. The overall system efficiency of the framework is reasonable in terms of latency and memory usage for resource‐constrained devices.
Defense program quality‐cost‐delay optimization: architecture framework, a bridge between program management and system engineering
Authors: Brisacier‐Porchon Lorraine , Hammami Omar
Published: September 2023

Military program management and system engineering re quire the expression of costs and delay trade‐off with respect to system architecture. If architecture frameworks (AF) such as NATO (NAF) were designed to fill this common need, their current state is essentially descriptive. As it turns out, building defense systems architectures using those frameworks in a properly anticipated cost/delay budget envelope would require to have all system engineering already solved, because the architecture frameworks are designed to provide an explicit representation of the operational domain that can be used in analysis, for articulation of issues and requirements, as support to planning, and as a means of solution design and validation, among other things. Thus Quality‐Resource‐Time  optimality in a regularly evolving environment cannot be represented in acceptable delay without automated optimization assistance. Our contribution in this article explores coupling architecture framework with operation research (OR) models to enable computer assisted design and evaluation of heterogeneous views in NATO Architecture Framework (NAF). Our illustrative example is a Linear Programming based bridge between program management and system engineering to anticipate  optimal trade‐offs. This article presents promising results, with which we hope to show how OR and AF will be indivisible in architecture evaluation process.
Integral nonlocal stress gradient elasticity of functionally graded porous Timoshenko nanobeam with symmetrical or anti‐symmetrical condition
Authors: Li Chang , Qing Hai
Published: September 2023

Utilization of symmetrical or anti‐symmetrical condition could improve the calculation efficiency. In this paper, a mathematical formulation is proposed to deal with the symmetrical or anti‐symmetrical condition in an integral nonlocal stress gradient model (INSGM), which is transformed equivalently into differential form with constitutive boundary condition as well as constitutive symmetrical or anti‐symmetrical condition. Unlike general constitutive boundary conditions, an integral item is introduced to constitutive symmetrical and anti‐symmetrical conditions, and they are opposite to each other. Based on INSGM with symmetrical or anti‐symmetrical conditions, static bending of simply‐supported (SS) and clamped‐clamped (CC) functionally graded porous Timoshenko nanobeams is investigated for symmetrical loads, including uniformly distributed load (UDL) and middle point force, as well as anti‐symmetrical loads, including anti‐symmetrical UDL and middle point moment. The exact solutions are deduced and expressed in explicit form for different boundary and loading conditions. Calculation shows that, under UDL, bending deflections of half Timoshenko nanobeams based on current model agree well with those for whole Timoshenko nanobeams based on general INSGM for both SS and CC boundary conditions. Numerical study is performed to show the effectiveness of current model.
Seismic Full Waveform Inversion Accelerated by Overlapping Data Input and Computation
Authors: Zhang Junqiu , Rao Ying
Published: September 2023

Seismic full waveform inversion (FWI) is a powerful technology to obtain high-precision and high-resolution images of subsurface structures. However, FWI is a data-intensive algorithm that needs to read extensive seismic data from disks, which significantly affects its performance. We proposed a portable parallel framework to improve FWI by overlapping data input and computation (ODIC). The framework is based on POSIX threads (Pthreads), which is a standard thread API library and can create a parent thread and a child thread in the FWI process. The former is used to perform computation and the latter to read data from disks, both running simultaneously. This framework has two attractive features. First, it is broadly applicable; it can run on almost any computer from a laptop to a supercomputer. Second, it is easy to implement; it can be readily applied to existing FWI programs. A 3D FWI example shows that the framework speeds up FWI considerably.
“There is No Reliable Evidence to Pass Moral Judgment on Frauwallner.”
Authors: Franco Eli
Published: September 2023

This paper engages with a little-known controversy between Jakob Stuchlik and Walter Slaje on the involvement of Erich Frauwallner, the renowned scholar of Indian philosophy (1898–1974), with NS institutions. It sheds new light on this controversy and highlights the Aryan-supremacist ideology that is reflected in Frauwallner’s division of the history of Indian philosophy into an Aryan and non-Aryan period. On the whole, the paper sides with Stuchlik and exposes Slaje’s attempt to whitewash Frauwallner and certain aspects of his work, despite his adoption of NS ideology and involvement with NS institutions such as the Gestapo and SA. Moreover, the paper dwells on Frauwallner’s adherence to antisemitism and Aryan-supremacist ideology even after the WWII and as late as the 1960s.
Mathematical modeling for further improving task scheduling on Big Data systems
Authors: Souravlas Stavros , Anastasiadou Sofia , Sifaleras Angelo
Published: September 2023

In the big data era which we have entered, the development of smart scheduler has become a necessity. A Distributed Stream Processing System (DSPS) has the role of assigning processing tasks to the available resources (dynamically or not) and route streaming data between them. Smart and efficient task scheduling can reduce latencies and eliminate network congestions. The most commonly used scheduler is the default Storm scheduler, which has proven to have certain disadvantages, like the inability to handle system changes in a dynamic environment. In such cases, rescheduling is necessary. This paper is an extension of a previous work on dynamic task scheduling. In such a scenario, some type of rescheduling is necessary to have the system working in the most efficient way. In this paper, we extend our previous works Souravlas and Anastasiadou (Appl Sci 10(14):4796, 2020); Souravlas et al. (Appl Sci 11(1):61, 2021) and present a mathematical model that offers better balance and produces fewer communication steps. The scheduler is based on the idea of generating larger sets of communication steps among the system nodes, which we call superclasses. Our experiments have shown that this scheme achieves better balancing and reduces the overall latency.
Augmenting Stationary Covariance Functions with a Smoothness Hyperparameter and Improving Gaussian Process Regression Using a Structural Similarity Index
Authors: Chlingaryan Anna , Leung Raymond , Melkumyan Arman
Published: September 2023

Gaussian process (GP) regression provides a probabilistic framework for modeling geochemistry in mineral resource estimation and environmental monitoring applications. An issue with this approach is that the kernel hyperparameters obtained by maximizing the log-marginal likelihood (LML) often produce GP posterior mean estimates that are overly smooth. This motivates the development of augmented kernels that are more capable of capturing the variability inherent in geological/geochemical processes than the existing stationary covariance functions like the Matérn kernels. This paper makes two contributions. First, it describes an extended class of stationary kernels that contain an extra smoothness hyperparameter ($$\alpha $$
α
) which can be learned from the input data. Valid intervals for $$\alpha $$
α
that lead to positive semi-definiteness are determined. Second, it uses a statistical measure called the structural similarity index (SSIM) to quantify smoothness and the spatial fidelity of GP solutions with respect to the input samples. This provides a new way for validating and optimizing GP models. Statistical and spectral analyses provide insights into the behavior of $$\alpha $$
α
in the augmented kernels which retain useful properties such as sparsity. Results on the Northern Great Basin geochemical dataset demonstrate that, all things being equal, (1) adjusting $$\alpha $$
α
increases spatial fidelity in GP regression; (2) SSIM is a more reliable spatial quality measure than LML; and (3) the optimal $$\alpha $$
α
value obtained is correlated with the Wiener entropy of the random process, which indicates the spectral flatness of the chemical signal in the Fourier domain. For GP regression, function smoothness may be defined using Sobolev space. The results show that $$\alpha $$
α
regulates over-smoothing by moderating the rate of decay in the power spectrum of the equivalent kernel.

Graphic abstract
The Role of Narratives for Gaining Domestic Political Legitimacy: China’s Image Management during COVID-19
Authors: Klenk Elias , Gurol Julia
Published: September 2023

Crises constitute ideal opportunities for authoritarian leaders to promote certain narratives, shaping reality in their favor and crafting their own preferred storylines about current events. In other words: they serve authoritarian leaders on a silver platter the opportunity to instrumentalize these unforeseen circumstances to gain domestic political legitimacy by promoting strategic narratives. The COVID-19 pandemic was no exception in this regard. Ever since its onset in early 2020, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was among the most active actors worldwide seeking to capitalize on the global crisis for legitimation purposes. Whether applying narratives of governance supremacy, portraying the People’s Republic of China as a “global savior,” or promoting emotionally appealing nationalistic narratives, the regime used the pandemic as a window of opportunity to rebrand its international role and enhance its domestic legitimacy. When observing the CCP’s communication style over the course of 24 pandemic months (2020–2022), however, major shifts become apparent regarding the main narratives crafted in communication with national audiences. Based on this, the paper focuses on the role of such narratives for legitimation claims. Using exemplary media articles collected between the outbreak of the pandemic in China in late 2019 until the harsh Shanghai lockdown in spring 2022, it thus traces the narratives employed by Chinese state elites and explores how they are intertwined with nationalism and broader power claims.
Second order linear differential equations with a basis of solutions having only real zeros
Authors: Bergweiler Walter , Eremenko Alexandre , Rempe Lasse
Published: September 2023

Let A be a transcendental entire function of finite order. We show that, if the differential equation w″ + Aw = 0 has two linearly independent solutions with only real zeros, then the order of A must be an odd integer or one half of an odd integer. Moreover, A has completely regular growth in the sense of Levin and Pfluger. These results follow from a more general geometric theorem, which classifies symmetric local homeomorphisms from the plane to the sphere for which all zeros and poles lie on the real axis, and which have only finitely many singularities over finite non-zero values.
Disgust Processing and Potential Relationships with Behaviors in Autism
Authors: Jayashankar Aditya , Aziz-Zadeh Lisa
Published: September 2023

Purpose of Review

While there are reports of differences in emotion processing in autism, it is less understood whether the emotion of disgust, in particular, plays a significant role in these effects. Here, we review literature on potential disgust processing differences in autism and its possible associations with autistic traits.

Recent Findings

In autism, there is evidence for differences in physical disgust processing, pica behaviors, attention away from other’s disgust facial expressions, and differences in neural activity related to disgust processing. In typically developing individuals, disgust processing is related to moral processing, but modulated by individual differences in interoception and alexithymia.

Autistic individuals may experience atypical disgust, which may lead to difficulty avoiding contaminants and affect socio-emotional processing. In autism, such outcomes may lead to increased occurrences of illness, contribute to gastrointestinal issues, diminish vicarious learning of disgust expression and behaviors, and potentially contribute to differences in processes related to moral reasoning, though further research is needed.
Genetically Engineered Foods and Moral Absolutism: A Representative Study from Germany
Authors: Jauernig Johanna , Uhl Matthias , Waldhof Gabi
Published: September 2023

There is an ongoing debate about genetic engineering (GE) in food production. Supporters argue that it makes crops more resilient to stresses, such as drought or pests, and should be considered by researchers as a technology to address issues of global food security, whereas opponents put forward that GE crops serve only the economic interests of transnational agrifood-firms and have not yet delivered on their promises to address food shortage and nutrient supply. To address discourse failure regarding the GE debate, research needs to understand better what drives the divergent positions and which moral attitudes fuel the mental models of GE supporters and opponents. Hence, this study investigates moral attitudes regarding GE opposition and support in Germany. Results show that GE opponents are significantly more absolutist than supporters and significantly less likely to hold outcome-based views. Furthermore, GE opponents are more willing to donate for preventing GE admission than supporters are willing to donate for promoting GE admission. Our results shed light on why the divide between opponents and supporters in the German GE debate could remain stark and stable for so long.
What about young adults’ photo manipulation activity? The predictive role of body shame and the mediating effect of body esteem
Authors: Gioia Francesca , McLean Siân A. , Rega Valeria , Boursier Valentina
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the centrality of photos on Social Networking Sites (SNSs) dramatically increased among young adults. The particular attention addressed to visual self-presentation might lead to body shame, influencing individuals’ body esteem and, likely, promoting photo manipulation (PM). Indeed, manipulating photos to alter how the body appears might be driven by the need to improve self-esteem and reduce body shame, albeit by digitally modified body image. Consequently, two studies were conducted. Study1 psychometrically evaluated the PM scale in a sample of Italian young adults (N = 922). Study2 verified the direct and indirect effect of body shame on PM, testing the mediating effect of body esteem and the moderating effect of gender (N = 595). The PM scale for young adults showed good psychometric properties. The tested mediation model revealed that body shame was both directly and indirectly associated with PM, via body esteemappearancein both male and female participants and via body esteem attribution among young men (R2 = 0.204;p < .001). Implications for young adults’ appearance-related issues are discussed.
Data-Driven Revolution: Advancing Scientific and Technological Innovation in Chinese A-Share Listed Companies
Authors: Wei Xing
Published: September 2023

The transformative role of big data technology in fostering scientific and technological innovation, leading to sustainable development and economic growth, has become increasingly crucial in modern business environments. This study utilizes text analysis of annual financial reports from Chinese A-share listed companies to assess the frequency of keywords related to big data application technology. Through panel data regression, the research investigates the significant impact of big data technology on scientific and technological innovation across diverse industries while controlling for relevant financial and corporate governance variables. The findings reveal a positive correlation between big data application technology and scientific and technological innovation, even after accounting for control factors. Moreover, private enterprises emerge as influential contributors to scientific and technological advancement. The study highlights the theoretical implications of integrating big data technology with the real economy to optimize resources effectively, and the policy implications call for targeted strategies to nurture innovation in established and growing enterprises. As future research prospects, this study lays the groundwork for exploring additional dimensions of big data technology’s impact on innovation and its implications for sustainable development in the ever-evolving business landscape.
The Right to be an Exception to Predictions: a Moral Defense of Diversity in Recommendation Systems
Authors: Viganò Eleonora
Published: September 2023

Recommendation systems (RSs) predict what the user likes and recommend it to them. While at the onset of RSs, the latter was designed to maximize the recommendation accuracy (i.e., accuracy was their  only goal), nowadays many RSs models include diversity in recommendations (which thus is a further goal of RSs). In the computer science community, the introduction of diversity in RSs is justified mainly through economic reasons: diversity increases user satisfaction and, in niche markets, profits.

I contend that, first, the economic justification of diversity in RSs risks reducing it to an empirical matter of preference; second, diversity is ethically relevant as it supports two autonomy rights of the user: the right to an open present and the right to be treated as an individual. So far, diversity in RSs has been morally defended only in the case of RSs of news and scholarly content: diversity is held to have a depolarizing effect in a democratic society and the scientific community and make the users more autonomous in their news choices. I provide a justification of diversity in RSs that embraces all kinds of RSs (i.e., a holistic moral defense) and is based on a normative principle founded on the agency of the user, which I call the right to be an exception to predictions. Such a right holds that the proper treatment of a RS user qua agent forbids providing them with recommendations based only on their past or similar users’ choices.