bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable Organic Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency Built on Sodium Alginate
Authors: Natali Marco , Maccagnani Piera , Dinelli Franco , Albonetti Cristiano , Cocchi Massimo , Bertoldo Monica , Seri Mirko
Published: February 2025

Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells can offer a range of specific advantages, making them suitable for potential integration into a wide variety of applications. This circumstance is driving an ever increasing attention to the environmental profile of this technology throughout its entire life cycle. Consequently, alternative materials and processes with a reduced environmental impact attract interest from researchers focused on developing a new generation of eco‐designed devices. In this context, biomaterials represent an emerging class of sustainable alternatives suitable for use as active and passive components. For instance, some biomaterials can be successfully employed as alternative substrates for flexible solar cells, achieving performances comparable to those of state‐of‐the‐art devices built on plastic. In this work, the preparation of organic solar cells is presented, integrating a water‐processed sodium alginate film as a substrate, with the dual purpose of optimizing the efficiency of the resulting devices and investigating their stability. Specifically, PM6:Y6‐based cells built on SA substrates exhibit a power conversion efficiency that exceeds 10% while showing excellent thermal and mechanical stabilities. These results demonstrate the potential of sodium alginate as a viable candidate for the realization of efficient and stable eco‐designed devices.
Multiscale modeling of a low‐temperature NH3 decomposition reactor for precious metal reduction and temperature control
Authors: Zhang Lixuan , Wu Yifan , Huang Wenshi , Lin Li , Wang Luqiang , Wu Zeyun , Fang Huihuang , Wang Dabiao , Chen Chongqi , Luo Yu , Jiang Lilong
Published: February 2025

Ammonia is a carbon‐free energy carrier with 17.6 wt% hydrogen content. The design of an efficient and compact ammonia decomposition reactor based on low‐temperature catalysts is the key to realizing industrial hydrogen production from ammonia. In this work, a multiscale model was developed by bridging the particle‐scale characteristics of catalysts and reactor performances, to fully comprehend the ammonia decomposition process. The effects of catalyst porosity and pore diameters on the reactor size, precious metal loading, and the profile of temperature and heat flux were systematically evaluated. An improved reactor design was further proposed by applying the segmented reactor packed with two‐stage egg‐shell‐type low‐temperature catalysts, which decreased the precious metal usage by 61.6% and the temperature drop by 42.9 K. This segmentation strategy balanced the reaction rate and heat flux, indicating a significant potential in highly efficient, economical, and reliable hydrogen production from ammonia.
Lamination Magic for Heat Transfer: Anisotropic Functional Composites Based on Multilayer Thermal Conductivity Modeling
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Han , Yang Weimin
Published: February 2025

Functional devices are widely used in several fields and thermal orientation is an important pursuit in their thermal management. Therefore, the preparation of an anisotropic thermally conductive functional material can enhance the application of micro/nanoscale functional devices in various fields. In this paper, micro‐ and nano‐layer technology was utilized to create alternating layer structures in polymer composites, and multilayer composites with thermally oriented properties were prepared by combining with metal braided fabrics, which provides a new path for innovative applications of functional materials. Through the in‐depth analysis of the heat conduction mechanism of the multilayer model, the expression of the temperature transfer of each layer inside the material was deduced to provide theoretical support for the material preparation. The results showed that the composites have remarkable delamination effect, and the long‐chain molecules exhibit regularity and orientation. The thermal conductivity of the composites reached 0.261–0.606 W/m K, which is improved by 2.5–6.8 times. The temperature rise curve of the composites showed a wave pattern with a more sensitive thermal response, and exhibited a faster and smoother temperature rise under point‐like thermal shock. This result was very helpful for optimizing the heat conduction path and effectively improving the thermal performance and stability of the device.
The Impact of Bank Riskiness on the Quality of ESG Disclosure: Empirical Evidence From European Banks
Authors: Manta Francesco , Boscia Vittorio , Conca Lavinia , Borgia Michele , Toma Pierluigi
Published: February 2025

The present study aims to inquire into the relationship between bank risk profile and ESG disclosure score. A sample of 50 listed banks from 28 European countries was analyzed in the timespan 2012–2018. Results revealed a positive relationship between bank risk and ESG disclosure score, confirming the likelihood of predatory banks increasing their ESG disclosure to mitigate the impact of risk‐taking activities and improve their reputation toward customers. Theoretical and practical implications arose from the study, suggesting that greater attention should be given to bank risk management due to the relevance of financial institutions for the stability of the system and prevent them from assuming ESG misconduct.
‘A Light in the Whole Darkness of Zoom’: A Qualitative Examination of College Students' Experiences in an Online Mindfulness‐Based Intervention
Authors: MacDonald Helen Z. , Bradley Madeline , Neville Tracy
Published: February 2025

Background

Mindfulness‐Based Interventions (MBIs), including those administered online, have demonstrated efficacy in promoting mental health among college students. Few studies, however, have examined participants' lived experiences of engaging in these interventions when administered online.

Method

The current qualitative study investigated nine college students' experiences of participating in a randomised controlled trial of an online adaptation of mindfulness‐based stress reduction, a group intervention administered during the fall 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Two themes and eight subthemes were identified. The first theme centred on advantages of the intervention's online modality. The college student participants described greater comfort, a strong instructor, broadened social connections and enhanced community in the context of the online intervention. The second theme surrounded challenges of the intervention's online format, and subthemes included environmental distractions, impersonal modality, difficulty connecting with others and technology issues.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic underscored the need for health promotion programmes specifically targeting college students; online MBIs may increase access to these interventions. Promoting the strengths and addressing the limitations of online MBIs among this population are essential as this modality of treatment becomes more widely employed across college campuses.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel D‐branched‐chain Amino Acids Importer from Lactobacillus fermentum
Authors: Aoki Koichiro , Mutaguchi Yuta , Hemmi Hisashi , Yoshimura Tohru , Ito Tomokazu
Published: February 2025

Various lactic acid bacteria synthesize D‐branched‐chain amino acids (D‐BCAA) during growth, but their physiological function remains largely elusive. The pyridoxal phosphate‐dependent enzyme isoleucine 2‐epimerase (ILEP) has been identified as the key enzyme responsible for D‐BCAA biosynthesis. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that genes encoding ILEP and an uncharacterized amino acid‐polyamine‐organocation (APC) family transporter are adjacent in several D‐BCAA‐producing bacteria, suggesting a functional link between these two proteins in D‐BCAA metabolism. 
In this study, we investigated the function of the APC family transporter from Lactobacillus fermentum (LfAAP). Using heterologous expression systems in Escherichia coli and Lactococcus lactis, we demonstrated that LfAAP functions as a non‐stereospecific BCAA importer. Mutational analysis revealed that Ala119 and Met331 play critical roles in substrate recognition. Heterologous expression of LfAAP and/or LfILEP in a L. lactis strain, which lacks the ILEP‐AAP genes operon, revealed that ILEP functions as both synthetic and catabolic enzyme for D‐BCAA. Our findings suggest that the ILEP‐AAP system contribute to storage and subsequent utilization of BCAA in a form that is less accessible by other organisms, providing a potential competitive advantage in microbial environments.
Alcohol Septal Ablation for Left Ventricle Outflow Tract Obstruction Prevention Before Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement Procedure: Computed Tomography Analysis Series
Authors: Belfekih Ayoub , Masri Alaa , Veugeois Aurélie , Diakov Christelle , Mahmoudi Khalil , Ribeyrolles Sophie , Mami Zoheir , Roig Clemence , Amabile Nicolas , Caussin Christophe
Published: February 2025

Background

Left ventricle outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) is the main limitation of transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) procedure occurring in 7%−9% of cases and responsible of 25% TMVR screen failures.

Aims

We aim to assess the alcohol septal ablation (ASA) effect on LVOTO risk before TMVR by multistage cardiac computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Patients indicated for TMVR procedure using Sapiens 3 Prosthesis with high LVOTO risk were enrolled in the study. ASA was the first choice technique to reduce this risk based on multiple and staged cardiac CT screening.

Results

Out of 29 consecutive TMVR procedures conducted in our center between March 2021 and April 2023, nine patients presented high LVOTO risk and were enrolled in our study. The main risk factor retained was a reduced predicted NeoLVOT surface 89 mm2 [66−135] (< 170 mm2). Most procedures were valve in MAC and all patients underwent at least one ASA. CT control showed a significant increase by 95% in the predicted NeoLVOT surface: 174 mm2 [121−240]; p = 0.012 compared to the baseline value. There were no significant paraprosthesis leakage or LVOTO found on TTE according to the MVARC criteria. Cardiac CT showed a larger than predicted final NeoLVOT surface: 215 mm2 [175−317]; p = 0.018. One patient died after ASA, and two others during the first year of follow‐up. Survivors had significant symptom relief (p = 0.046) and a decreased PASP (38 mmHg [32−47] vs. 54 mmHg [46−62.5]; p = 0.028).

Conclusions

Multistage CT analysis shows that ASA is effective in high LVOTO‐risk patients undergoing TMVR.
Biological Processes Underlying Genetic Adaptation of Larches to Cold and Dry Winter Conditions in Eastern Siberia
Authors: Meucci Stefano , Kruse Stefan , Haupt Sarah , Stoof‐Leichsenring Kathleen R. , Krutovsky Konstantin V. , Bernhardt Nadine , Harpke Dörte , Herzschuh Ulrike
Published: February 2025

The boreal forests of central and eastern Siberia, dominated by larches, are challenged by increasingly harsher continental conditions and more frequent droughts. Despite the crucial ecosystem services provided by these Siberian boreal forests, the major stressors driving the selective factors as well as the genetic adaptation mechanisms of larches are still unknown. Here we present a landscape genomics study on 243 individuals of the dominant larch tree species, Larix gmelinii and L. cajanderi. We assessed genotype‐environment associations (GEAs) between genetic variation of individual markers based on genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) data and bioclimatic variables recorded at the sampling locations. We find that the cold and dry winter conditions of eastern Siberia are likely the main selective factor driving the genetic adaptation of larches. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis identified metabolic, transmembrane transport, and homeostatic, as well as developmental processes among the main biological processes underlying genetic adaptation driven by cold and dry winter conditions.
A Secure and Efficient Framework for Intelligent Transportation: Leveraging ISDF and Augmented Iot Algorithms
Authors: Rathee Geetanjali , Abdelaziz Kerrache Chaker , Cheriguene Anissa
Published: February 2025

The Integrated Sensing Digital Framework (ISDF) serves as a transformative force for the Internet of Things (IoT) by facilitating data collection, execution, and computational services. Intelligent transportation, a key application of Cyber‐Physical Systems (CPS), modernizes vehicles through technologies such as GPS, alarms, trackers, and autonomous driving systems. Enhancing real‐time interactions among vehicles, pedestrians, and infrastructure requires advanced wireless communication technologies. While integrating ISDF with IoT offers many benefits, it also presents challenges in the reliability, security, and privacy of data transformation, location tracking, and analysis. This article proposes an efficient decision‐making framework employing augmented algorithms and n‐step bootstrapping learning schemes to identify legitimate devices within ISDF networks. The proposed mechanism is evaluated based on security and privacy metrics, including delivery ratio, accuracy, average trust value, and defense against DoS attacks, validated through simulations.
A Mollified Sharp‐Interface Direct Forcing Method for Suppressing Spurious Oscillations in Moving Immersed Body Simulations
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Xie Zhihua , Han Xun , Lin Pengzhi
Published: February 2025

The effects of complex boundary conditions on flows are represented by a volume force in the direct forcing method. This representation introduces spurious oscillations of the volume force in moving immersed body simulations. The present study focuses on the issues of spurious oscillations including pressure and force in the direct forcing method when encountering moving immersed body problems. In this study, the sources of the spurious pressure oscillations in the Cartesian fractional step framework are firstly analyzed theoretically, and then a novel smoothing method for the sharp‐interface direct forcing method is proposed, which could significantly suppress the spurious oscillations of the volume force and consequently the pressure field for simulating moving immersed body flow problems. Several canonical moving body flow cases are simulated as benchmarks to demonstrate the advantages of the present method for suppressing spurious pressure oscillations, while the results match remarkably well with previous experiments and numerical studies.
Oil Storage Capacity in Organic‐Rich Chang 7 Shale, Ordos Basin: Comparing Evaluation Methods and Controlling Factors
Authors: Dang Wei , Qian Menhui , Nie Haikuan , Liu Jun , Du Kefeng , Feng Yubo , Xue Yankai , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2025

This study examines the oil storage capacity and controlling factors of organic‐rich Chang 7 shale in the Ordos Basin, using multistep Rock‐Eval pyrolysis (MREP) and liquid hydrocarbon vapour adsorption (LHVA) techniques. The research evaluates the effectiveness of these techniques in determining oil content and identifies key geological and geochemical factors impacting free and adsorbed oil. Analyses of geochemical, mineralogical, and pore structure characteristics reveal that Chang 7 shale, with high total organic carbon (TOC) content and oil‐prone kerogen, along with moderate thermal maturity, is a high‐quality hydrocarbon source rock. A strong linear correlation between MREP and LHVA results demonstrate the reliability of both methods for assessing adsorbed oil content, though discrepancies emphasise the impact of hydrocarbon loss during sample preparation. Statistical analysis indicates TOC content (> 2%, with > 4% especially favourable) and thermal maturity (Ro = 0.7%–1.0%) as the critical factors for shale oil accumulation and key indicators for identifying sweet spots. These findings improve the understanding of oil occurrence processes in shale and offer practical insights for optimising shale oil exploration and development.
Factors Influencing Cervical Cancer Screening: A Cross‐Sectional Study Among Ethnically Diverse Women in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana
Authors: Abubakari Abdul‐K. , Gross Janet , Kwaku Ibrahim D. , Boateng Isaac K.
Published: February 2025

Background

Globally, Ghana is one of the countries with the greatest cervical cancer (CC) burdens and mortality rates. Available research has focused primarily on women's experiences in the general population neglecting factors that influence cervical cancer screening (CCS) among ethnically diverse populations in Ghana.

Aim

This study explored the factors influencing CCS among ethnically diverse women in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana.

Method

From April to June 2023, a community‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out in the Aboabo and Asawase communities of the Ashanti Region. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to determine the relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Outcome variables with p‐values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Habits, knowledge, perceived benefits, and facilitating factors influenced CCS among ethnically diverse women. An overall self‐reported CCS rate of 7.2% (n = 32) with an early age of sexual initiation of 15–20 years was recorded. While habits (OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.09, 0.58; p = 0.002), affect (OR = 0.00, 95% CI 0.00, 0.03; p < 0.001), and the perceived benefits of screening (OR = 3.07, 95% Cl 1.01, 10.8; p = 0.059) were associated with CCS. Norms (OR = 0.00, 95% CI 0.00, 20,948,726,859,075; p > 0.9), knowledge (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 0.61, 2.53; p = 0.5), and facilitating factors (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.51, 2.01; p > 0.9) were not statistically significant with CCS.

Conclusion

Poor knowledge, lower perceived benefits of CCS, and weak facilitating factors were identified as barriers to CCS. Implementing national CCS and vaccination campaigns to improve awareness, and screening to reduce women's risk is encouraged.
The role of charitable food assistance during times of crisis
Authors: Duncan Denvil , Navarro Luis , Suttles Shellye
Published: February 2025

We examine the role of charitable food assistance during periods of economic distress by looking at donations to a large Midwestern food bank. We explore the determinants of in‐kind food provisions and financial donations during the COVID‐19 pandemic and find that both types of assistance dramatically increased at the onset of the pandemic. However, these increases were not persistent. We argue that this is evidence that the charitable food system serves a critical role in facilitating the transmission of federal provisions and charitable donations to households in need during times of crisis.
Transforming Growth Factor‐β Modulates Cancer Stem Cell Traits on CD44 Subpopulations in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Aguilar‐Chaparro Mario Alejandro , Rivera‐Pineda Sonia Andrea , Hernández‐Galdámez Hury Viridiana , Ríos‐Castro Emmanuel , Garibay‐Cerdenares Olga Lilia , Piña‐Vázquez Carolina , Villa‐Treviño Saúl
Published: February 2025

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a formidable malignancy, with growing interest in identifying cancer stem cells (CSCs) as potential therapeutic targets. CD44 isoforms have emerged as promising CSC markers in HCC, often associated with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β). However, the intricate relationship between CSC traits, CD44 isoforms, and TGF‐β effects on CD44 subpopulations in HCC remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify how TGF‐β influences proteomic changes and CSC traits in subpopulations expressing standard CD44 isoform (CD44std) and CD44 variant 9 (CD44v9). Treating SNU‐423 cells with TGF‐β lead to notable morphological changes, resembling a spindle‐like phenotype, along with reductions in CD44v9+ subpopulations and differential CD44std expression. Proteomic analysis highlighted significant alterations in signaling pathways, particularly the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Validation experiments demonstrated upregulation in CD44std cells and downregulation in CD44v9 cells post‐TGF‐β treatment. Furthermore, TGF‐β exerted regulatory influence over Sox2 and Nanog expression, resulting in increased colony and spheroid formation in CD44std cells but decreased capabilities in CD44v9 cells. TGF‐β also enhanced the migratory and invasive properties of both subpopulations through EMT, alongside increased adhesive abilities in CD44v9 cells. These findings illuminate the dynamic interplay between TGF‐β and CD44std/CD44v9 subpopulations, emphasizing the role of MAPK signaling and modulation of CSC traits. This research contributes to understanding the dynamic interplay between CD44 isoforms and TGF‐β in HCC.
Nano Nutrient Foliar Application: Impacts on Yield, Quality, and Nutrient Efficiency in Dryland Finger Millet
Authors: Huq Ziya Ul , Vasanthi B. G. , Mudalagiriyappa  , Sneha M. A. , Harish M. C. , Devaraja K. , Latha H. S. , Gopinath K. A. , Visha Kumari V. , Singh Tarunendu , Krupashankar M. R. , Singh Vinod Kumar
Published: February 2025

Background

Nitrogen and zinc are the most critical macro‐ and micronutrients that significantly determine the crop productivity. Foliar application of these nutrients is a proven technology to abate acute deficiency at any crop‐growing stage. Recent developments in the field of nanotechnology such as spraying of nano‐urea and nano zinc in combination with conventional fertilizers enhance crop growth and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of crop.

Aim

This investigation assessed the impact of nano nutrient foliar sprays on the growth, yield, qualitative and quantitative traits, and nutrient utilization efficiency of finger millet.

Methods

Experiment was conducted at AICRP for Dryland Agriculture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru during Kharif 2021 with finger millet as test crop. It comprises 12 treatments with different levels of nitrogen in combination with foliar application of nano nutrients at 35 and 55 DAS.

Results

Foliar application of nano‐N and nano‐Zn along with 100% RDN + recommended PK in finger millet significantly enhanced the growth, yield, and nutrient utilization efficiency of finger millet. Application of 100% RDF + foliar spray of nano‐N and nano‐Zn recorded the highest grain yield (3486 kg ha−1) and straw yield (4810 kg ha−1), significantly outperforming treatments with conventional fertilizers alone. This treatment also improved the qualitative attributes such as the number of ear heads (6.53), length of ear heads (6.95 cm), and dry weight per plant (146.80 g). Similar was the trend with antioxidant enzymes, namely, catalase and peroxidase activity, proximate composition of finger millet grain with higher crude protein (8.88%), crude fiber (2.90%), ash (2.40%), and fat (1.46%). Moreover, this treatment also recorded the highest economic returns, with gross returns of Rs. 108,192 ha−1 and net returns of Rs. 79,579 ha−1, making it the most effective and beneficial strategy for finger millet cultivation under dryland conditions.

Conclusion

The productivity and NUE of finger millet were higher with foliar application of nano nutrients along with 75% RDN + recommended PK and were found to be cost‐effective compared to conventional fertilizers alone.
Knowledge Management and Organizational Resilience in MSMEs: The Intervening Role of Innovation Orientation
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Chatterjee Sheshadri , Chaudhuri Ranjan , Vrontis Demetris , Yildiz Helene
Published: February 2025

The relationship between knowledge management (KM) and organization performance has been thoroughly studied. However, there is still a research gap to determine other factors that could influence this relationship. One significant component is innovation, and we need to consider the size and age of the organization to determine how innovation influences organizational resilience (OR). A few studies discussed innovation and knowledge management; however, they usually focus on large firms. This study is based on MSMEs in India. In this study, we analyzed how innovation can link between KM and OR. We examined three components of KM in our research: knowledge generation (KG), knowledge transfer (KT), and knowledge acquisition (KA). We obtained responses from 336 respondents who took part in this study. We used PLS‐SEM to analyze the data. The findings indicate that innovation plays an essential role in establishing a relationship between KM and OR. Firm age is found as a significant moderating factor of this relationship. It implies that, to be robust, older enterprises in MSMEs should prioritize both KM and innovation. This study can serve as a useful resource for MSMEs that wish to learn more about the role of innovation in utilizing KM and OR.
Self‐healing conducting composite electrodes derived from chemical recycling of PET plastic wastes for flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Yan , Park Beom‐su , Vu Van‐Phu , Lee Soo‐Hyoung
Published: February 2025

As societal advancements and living standards rise, the consumption of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage bottles is witnessing a sharp increase. However, the haphazard disposal of PET‐containing products leads to environmental degradation and loss of valuable resources. The development of economically viable methods for recycling waste PET is of paramount societal significance. Thus, we developed a conductive polymer composite through an innovative strategy rooted in self‐healing polyurethane (PU) derived from chemically recycled components of waste PET plastic. Through the glycolysis of PET with ethylene glycol (EG), we obtained a high yield of 97.1% of a pristine recycled feedstock known as bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), renowned for its distinctive functional groups and abundant hydrogen bond stacking domains. Leveraging these attributes, monomers of recycled BHET (r‐BHET) were used as building blocks for synthesizing high‐performance PU elastomers with good mechanical properties, high thermal stability, and remarkable self‐healing capabilities of the polymer matrix. By synergistically combining recycled BHET‐based self‐healing PU with an optimized hybrid carbon nanofiller content, we developed healing composites that exhibit high conductivity (>8.20 × 102 S m−1). These composites are ideal for use as supporting electrodes in flexible supercapacitor devices. The resulting device retains 94.3% of its initial capacitance after five cutting cycles and 95.1% after 1000 mechanical bending cycles. By harnessing principles of conductive self‐healing and employing eco‐friendly constituents derived from bio‐sourced, recycled materials, our composites represent a significant advance toward sustainable, renewable alternatives to traditional petroleum‐based polymer composites.

Highlights

A sustainable PU elastomer from recycled PET with 97.1% BHET yield is developed.

Elastomers with Tg of −64.1°C self‐heal effectively via abundant hydrogen bonds.

Recycled elastomer and carbon nanofillers form conductive, durable electrodes.

Supercapacitors kept 94.3% capacitance after five healing and 95.1% after 1000 bends.

These polymer composites offer renewable alternatives to petroleum‐based polymers.
Front Cover Image
Authors: Wu Pengxiang , Xu Jiaqi , Fu Ruchen , Lin Qiaoling , Liu Chang , Wang Yanan
Published: February 2025

The cover image is based on the article Psyllid‐mite interactions promote psyllid fecundity by selecting for a different life history by Pengxiang Wu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.8539.

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Monitoring of a multi‐span prestressed concrete bridge using satellite interferometric data and comparison with on‐site sensor results
Authors: Giordano Pier Francesco , Kwapisz Maciej , Miano Andrea , Liuzzo Riccardo , Vorwagner Alois , Limongelli Maria Pina , Prota Andrea , Ralbovsky Marian
Published: February 2025

Satellite‐based Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) represents a promising supplement to traditional Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) methods, offering a non‐invasive solution that eliminates the need for sensor installations and provides extensive spatial coverage. The European Ground Motion Service (EGMS), developed by the European Space Agency under the Copernicus program, marks a significant advancement in monitoring capabilities. EGMS utilizes data from Sentinel‐1 satellites and employs InSAR techniques to generate displacement maps covering the European territory. This paper aims to investigate the behavior of the Schottwien Viaduct on the S6 Semmering motorway in Austria, using EGMS data. This multi‐span viaduct, measuring 632 m in length, stands as one of the longest prestressed concrete beam bridges in Austria. Environmental factors, such as temperature, are analyzed alongside satellite data to evaluate their influence on bridge displacements. The findings indicate consistent displacement patterns associated with temperature, enabling the estimation of thermal expansion coefficients that align with expected values for concrete. Two distinct InSAR data processing methods are applied, both producing comparable outcomes. Additionally, the reconstructed structural displacements closely match those obtained from an on‐site static monitoring system. These findings highlight the potential of InSAR data for SHM purposes.
A Comparative Study of GO/TiO2/SiO2 Catalysts for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue and Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Adaileh Abeer , Abu‐Rayyan Ahmed , Khasawneh Anas , Alahmad Waed
Published: February 2025

This study scrutinizes the photodegradation efficacy of methylene blue (MB) and selected phenolic compounds, emphasizing variables such as pH, catalyst dosage, and initial pollutant concentration. Employing a GO/TiO₂/SiO₂ composite (NC‐II) composed of 50:50% TiO₂ and SiO₂, the research identifies NC‐II as the optimal catalyst, achieving up to 100% degradation of MB under ideal conditions (0.5 ppm initial concentration, pH 10). For MB degradation, maximal rates were recorded under alkaline conditions (pH 8–10), with NC‐II reaching up to 84.6% degradation at pH 10, surpassing the 46.5% observed for NC‐I and 37.7% for NC‐III at the same pH level. Results also indicate that an increase in catalyst dosage up to 0.3 g enhances degradation rates, with NC‐II achieving 63.7% degradation at this dosage, in contrast to 17.8% for NC‐I and 53.1% for NC‐III. In the case of phenolic compounds, degradation efficiencies varied between 55% and 86%, with NC‐III demonstrating the highest photodegradation capability, achieving up to 86% degradation for Bisphenol A at a 0.3 g dosage. The degradation of 4‐chlorophenol and phenol was more pronounced at a neutral pH (5–6), with zero‐order kinetics producing superior regression coefficients (R2 = 0.91–0.99) compared to pseudo‐first‐order models. Moreover, NC‐II maintained over 80% degradation efficiency across five reusability cycles, underscoring its durability and minimal decline in performance. This study substantiates the efficacy of TiO₂:SiO₂ composites as cost‐effective, high‐performance catalysts suitable for diverse environmental conditions, where adjustments in pH and catalyst dosage can further refine photodegradation efficiency across different pollutant types.
Fractal theory of thermoelasticity in non‐integer dimension space
Authors: Sur Abhik
Published: February 2025

Motivated by the abundance of fractals within the natural world, the present study aims to explore a generalization of vector calculus for space having a non‐integer dimension. A novel concept of thermoelasticity for fractal media has been presented utilizing a continuum model with non‐integer dimensions. Invoking the analytic continuation in dimension, the first‐ and second‐order differential vector operators, including gradient, divergence, and the scalar and vector Laplacian operators, have been found for a non‐integer dimension space. Rotationally covariant vector and scalar point functions that are independent of angles have been taken into consideration for simplicity's sake. By incorporating the memory dependence within a sliding interval, the Moore–Gibson–Thompson theory of generalized thermoelatsicity frames the heat conduction equation for the present problem. Prescribed thermal loading and mechanical shock are applied to the continuum's bounding plane. To find the solution to the governing equations, the Laplace transform technique is employed. After that, a technique based on Fourier series expansion is used to numerically invert the Laplace transform. The graphical representations and computational findings show that a number of parameters, including the delay duration and the importance of various fractal dimensions, have a substantial impact. It also looks at the effects of various kernel functions, showing that in this new theoretical framework, nonlinear kernels are better than linear kernels.
Modeling hybrid polymer ball bearing with elastoplastic contact model and its nonlinear dynamic response
Authors: Doğan Burcu Küçükoğlu , Dal Abdurrahim , Karaçay Tuncay
Published: February 2025

The dynamic behavior of a polymer ball bearing system is mostly dependent on the contact characteristics among the ball and the races of the bearing. Although the well-known Hertz contact theory is widely used to model contacts in conventional bearings, it cannot be directly applied to polymer bearings due to the viscoelastic characteristics of the polymer structures. In this study, contacts in the polymer hybrid ball bearing are modeled using elastoplastic characteristics. The contact between inner/outer raceways and the ball is solved in elastic, elastoplastic, and plastic characteristics regions depending on the polymer structure and the loads. Then, two-degree of freedom rigid rotor-bearing system is simulated under different rotational speeds as well as different rotor weights. In order to investigate the nonlinear nature of the dynamic response, results are analyzed with different methods such as waterfalls, bifurcation diagrams, phase diagrams and Poincaré sections. The characteristic changes in the contact form elastic to elastoplastic regions are observed as a new peak in the time history that may lead to chaotic motion. A similar response is also seen when a single ball-race contact is in the elastoplastic region. The results are helpful to understand the cause and result of contact in a viscoelastic contact condition.
Using past sample means in exponential ratio and regression type estimators under a simple random sampling
Authors: Koçyiğit Eda Gizem
Published: February 2025

Statistical sampling commonly employs auxiliary variables for the selection and estimation phases to improve efficiency of the estimators. However, existing estimators like ratio and product types display limitations under specific conditions. Regression-type estimators, known for their unbiasedness and efficiency, rely solely on current sample information. This highlights the need for more effective estimators capable of leveraging both past and current sample means to improve accuracy and applicability across diverse datasets. In this study, we introduce two novel memory-type estimators, drawing inspiration from Noor-ul-Amin's (2020) approach, which integrates past and current sample information using Hybrid Exponentially Weighted Moving Averages (HEWMA), particularly effective for time-based surveys. Through simulation studies and real data examples, we evaluate the performance of our estimators and identify crucial shortcomings in previous memory-type estimator studies. Furthermore, we highlight significant deficits in previous studies, particularly concerning the impact of sample sizes based on past means, correlation, number of past means, weight parameters and initial values of EWMA and HEWMA algorithms, and the distribution shape of the data on estimator efficiency. Our findings underscore the importance of parameter selection in HEWMA, a greater number of past means, and the significance of past sample sizes for optimizing the performance of the proposed memory-type estimators. By integrating HEWMA, our approach enhances the efficiency and applicability of these estimators, addressing essential gaps in the existing literature and laying the groundwork for more robust and efficient estimation techniques for future studies that use mean.
Del Pezzo surfaces of Picard number one admitting a torus action
Authors: Hättig Daniel , Hafner Beatrice , Hausen Jürgen , Springer Justus
Published: February 2025

We present efficient classification algorithms for log del Pezzo surfaces with torus action of Picard number one and given Gorenstein index. Explicit results are obtained up to Gorenstein index 200.
Multiple invasions decimate the most imperiled freshwater invertebrates
Authors: Karatayev Alexander Y. , Burlakova Lyubov E. , Karatayev Vadim A. , Cooper John E. , Rudstam Lars G.
Published: February 2025

Invaders can have devastating impacts on freshwater ecosystems, but these impacts can subside over time as ecosystems “adapt” to the invasion of new species. We analyzed changes in species composition and density of molluscs in Oneida Lake (New York, USA), one of the best studied North American lakes based on detailed surveys conducted in 1915–17, 1967–68, 1992–95, 2012, and 2022–23, and on annual benthic surveys from 2009 through 2023. Eutrophication and habitat alteration after 1920 resulted in a 25% decline in species richness and a 95% decline in the density of native gastropods by 1967, while species richness of unionids did not change. The arrival of zebra mussels in 1991 and quagga mussels in 2005 was associated with an increase in species richness and density of native gastropods and an extirpation of unionids by 1995. However, an invasion by the round goby in 2013 led to a significant decline across all gastropod families, disproportionately impacting soft-shelled and shallow-dwelling species, while other species, including invasive dreissenids, partially recovered 3–7 years after the goby invasion. This mollusc recovery was depth-related and was limited to deeper areas. Altogether, molluscan communities were sensitive to ecosystem change and invasives species, with some invaders offsetting the impacts of eutrophication and habitat alterations. While individual stressors have taxon-specific and sometimes positive impacts, eutrophication and species invasions have collectively decimated the native mollusc community over the past century.
Should we Relax Abortion Reporting Requirements in Great Britain?
Authors: Parsons Jordan A.
Published: February 2025

In Great Britain, abortion has long proven to be contentious in the context of policy making, with it remaining a criminal offence. Despite progress over the last decade to permit home use of abortion medications and remote consultation, we have seen prosecutions in recent years. Regulatory frameworks such as this have been framed as ‘abortion exceptionalism’, such that termination of pregnancy is far more tightly regulated than comparable healthcare. One example of this exceptionalism is the strict abortion reporting requirements found in Great Britain. Per these requirements, any doctor providing abortion care must notify the relevant Chief Medical Officer or Public Health Scotland of each and every termination, including a startling amount of information about the patient. The extent of these requirements raises serious questions in relation to patient confidentiality and is, I suggest, an outlier in these terms. Further, it is questionable whether such reporting can be in any way said to be in the public interest. I begin by outlining the Abortion Regulations 1991, which apply in England and Wales, before considering the updated Scottish approach brought about by the Abortion (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021. I then move to examine the abortion reporting requirements against our general conception of patient confidentiality, highlighting the discordance. I ultimately argue that the requirements are not adequately justified and represent yet another, often forgotten, example of abortion exceptionalism in Great Britain. Thus, I suggest that all three nations that comprise Great Britain ought to further revise their approach to abortion data.
Reimagining Higher Education: Navigating the Challenges of Generative AI Adoption
Authors: Hughes Laurie , Malik Tegwen , Dettmer Sandra , Al-Busaidi Adil S. , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: February 2025

The proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has disrupted academic institutions across the world, presenting transformative challenges for decision makers, and leading to questions around existing methods and practices within higher education (HE). The widespread adoption of GenAI tools and processes highlights an ongoing change to existing perceptions of the role of humans and machines. Academics have expressed concerns relating to: academic integrity, undermining critical thinking, lowering of academic standards and the threat to existing academic models. This study presents a mixed methods approach to developing valuable insight to the key underlying challenges impacting GenAI adoption within HE. The results highlight many of the key challenges impacting decision makers in the formation of policy and strategic direction. The findings identify significant interdependencies between the key underlying challenges associated with GenAI adoption in HE. We further discuss the implications in the findings of the high levels of driving power of the factors: (i) perceived risks from Large Language Model training and learning; (ii) the reliability of GenAI outputs in the context of impact on creativity and decision making; (iii) the impact from poor levels of GenAI platform regulation. We posit this research as offering new insight and perspective on the changing landscape of HE through the widespread adoption of GenAI.
Multi-agent Path Planning Based on Conflict-Based Search (CBS) Variations for Heterogeneous Robots
Authors: Bai Yifan , Kotpalliwar Shruti , Kanellakis Christoforos , Nikolakopoulos George
Published: February 2025

This article introduces a novel Multi-agent path planning scheme based on Conflict Based Search (CBS) for heterogeneous holonomic and non-holonomic agents, designated as Heterogeneous CBS (HCBS). The proposed methodology employs a hybrid

$$A^*$$

A
∗

algorithm for non-holonomic car-like robots and a conventional

$$A^*$$

A
∗

algorithm for holonomic robots. Following this, a body conflict detection strategy is utilized to construct the conflict tree, bridging the initial path planning with the resolution of conflicts among agents. Moreover, we present two variants of HCBS: the Enhanced Conflict-Based Search (EHCBS) and the Depth-First Conflict-Based Search (DFHCBS). We evaluate the efficacy of our proposed algorithms—HCBS, EHCBS, and DFHCBS—against a standard prioritized planning algorithm, focusing on success rates and computational efficiency in environments with varying numbers of agents and obstacles. The empirical results demonstrate that EHCBS exhibits superior computational efficiency in small, dense environments, while DFHCBS performs well in larger-scale environments. This highlights the adaptability of our proposed approaches in various settings, proving the computational advantage of EHCBS and DFHCBS over traditional methods.
Identifying a suitable short form to assess Brand Love
Authors: Green Lucy Rose , Elphinstone Brad
Published: February 2025

Numerous Brand Love (BL) measures exist, with arguably the most comprehensive developed by Batra et al. (2012). Bagozzi et al. (2017) subsequently derived three short forms from the original measure, comprising 6, 13, and 26 items. The current study provides researchers with clarity in selecting a short form by assessing the factorial validity, reliability, convergent, and criterion-related validity of the three BL short forms in community and student samples. Each short form was reliable and valid, as were the 13 BL subdimensions comprising the 26-item measure. With minor modifications, the 6-item measure provided better model fit than the 13-item measure. The 26-item measure provided adequate model fit when the three second-order factors proposed by Batra et al. were excluded from the model. Overall, the 26-item measure is recommended, particularly for researchers who wish to investigate the unique contribution of each subdimension. If survey space is limited and study aims support investigating BL as a global construct, the 6-item measure is a viable option.
Effect of Solar Parameters on Geomagnetic Storm Formation in the Ascending Phase of the 25th Solar Cycle
Authors: Can Zehra , Erdağ Hasan Şafak
Published: February 2025

In this paper, starting from solar storms, which are the main cause of geomagnetic storms, the effects of the speed (v) and density (Np) of solar plasma coming to the Earth on geomagnetic storms are investigated. During the ascending phase of the 25th solar cycle (2021 – 2022), various geomagnetic storms from G1 to G4 were examined. Multiple linear regression models are created to examine the effects of solar parameters that cause changes in geomagnetic storm processes. The effects of the speed and charge density of solar wind, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), corotating interaction regions (CIRs), and CME-CME interactions on the Dst index, which reflects disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field and the scale of geomagnetic storms, are statistically analyzed. It is determined that a one-unit change in speed in 82 geomagnetic storms in the statistical models created a decrease in Dst of approximately −0.25 nT. In contrast, it is determined that a unit increase in particle density also reduces the effect and duration of a geomagnetic storm. However, if there is an increase in density during the main phase of the storm, then the storm level increases. We believe that our results will significantly contribute to predicting the formation of geomagnetic storms and their possible effects on space weather.
On a Generalization of all Strong Kleene Generalizations of Classical Logic
Authors: Cobreros Pablo , Grábalos Isabel , Toranzo Calderón Joaquín , Viñeta Javier , Zirattu artina
Published: February 2025

In his 2016 article On All Strong Kleene Generalizations of Classical Logic, Stefan Wintein provides a detailed and comprehensive semantic and tableau-based analysis of the consequence relations that can be defined over the four-valued Belnap–Dunn semantics. These include familiar consequence relations like

$$\textsf{FDE}$$

FDE

, which takes

$$\{t, b\}$$

{
t
,
b
}

as the set of designated values, but also much less familiar relations that don’t follow the designated-value strategy (i.e. defining logical consequence as preservation of a set of values). It turns out that many of the interesting features of these relations are made evident at the level of metainferences and, although Wintein discusses some aspects of metainferences, his work does not provide a systematic way to decide on the validity of metainferences for these logics. In this paper, we extend Wintein’s tableaux from inferences to metainferences. The paper ends with a discussion about different ways in which we can understand the notion of metainference validity.
Inside Classical Logic: Truth, Contradictions, Fractionality
Authors: Piazza Mario , Tesi Matteo
Published: February 2025

Fractional semantics provides a multi-valued interpretation of a variety of logics, governed by purely proof-theoretic principles. This approach employs a method of systematic decomposition of formulas through a well-disciplined sequent calculus, assigning a fractional value that measures the “quantity of identity” (intuitively, “quantity of truth”) within a sequent. A key consequence of this framework is the breakdown of the traditional symmetry between truth and contradiction. In this paper, we explore the ramifications of this novel perspective on classical logic. Specifically, we (i) introduce an alternative paraconsistent consequence relation, and (ii) show how the gradual character of contradictions induces a corresponding characterization of tautologies, thereby obtaining a full-fledged informational refinement of classical logic.