bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Millimeter‐Wave Ultra‐Wideband Compact Wilkinson Power Divider Based on Auxiliary Resonance Network
Authors: Lu Qijun , Han Dawei , Zhang Hao , Zhang Tao , Zhu Zhangming
Published: January 2025

This letter presents a millimeter‐wave ultra‐wideband compact Wilkinson power divider (WPD) with an impedance compensation technique. For the first time, parallel LC resonance networks are introduced to compensate for the rapidly decreasing real part of the input impedance, resulting in additional matching and lossless frequency points. Besides, this design also leads to a reduction in area by more than 25% compared to traditional lumped‐element WPDs. The proposed novel WPD is implemented using 65 nm CMOS technology with a compact core area of 0.022 mm2 (0.88 × 10−3 λ02) and achieves the measured insertion loss of 1.36‒1.56 dB from 62 to 104 GHz, reaching the 0.2 dB‐amplitude fraction bandwidth of 70% (42 GHz). Furthermore, the corresponding input‐output return loss and isolation are better than 10 and 17 dB, respectively.
Third trimester fetal 4D flow MRI with motion correction
Authors: Tompkins Reagan M. , Fujiwara Takashi , Schrauben Eric M. , Browne Lorna P. , van Schuppen Joost , Clur Sally‐Ann , Friesen Richard M. , Englund Erin K. , Barker Alex J. , van Ooij Pim
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To correct maternal breathing and fetal bulk motion during fetal 4D flow MRI.

Methods

A Doppler‐ultrasound fetal cardiac‐gated free‐running 4D flow acquisition was corrected post hoc for maternal respiratory and fetal bulk motion in separate automated steps, with optional manual intervention to assess and limit fetal motion artifacts. Compressed‐sensing reconstruction with a data outlier rejection algorithm was adapted from previous work. Pre‐ and post–motion correction comparison included qualitative visibility of vasculature on phase‐contrast MR angiograms (five‐point Likert scale), conservation of mass of the aortic isthmus, ductus arteriosus, and descending aorta, and coefficient of variation of flow along the descending aorta.

Results

Twenty‐nine third trimester acquisitions were performed for 15 healthy fetuses and two patients with postnatally confirmed aortic coarctation during a single examination for each participant. Only 15/27 (56%) of all volunteers and 1/2 (50%) of all patient precorrection acquisitions were suitable for flow analysis. Motion correction recovered eight “failed” acquisitions, including one patient, with 24/29 (83%) suitable for flow analysis. In the 15 viable uncorrected volunteer acquisitions, motion correction improved phase‐contrast MR angiograms visibility significantly in the ductus arteriosus (from 4.0 to 4.3, p = 0.04) and aortic arch (3.7 to 4.0, p = 0.03). Motion correction improved conservation of mass to a median (interquartile range) percent difference of 5% (9%) from 14% (24%) with improvement shown in 14/15 acquisitions (p = 0.002), whereas coefficient of variation changes were not significantly different (uncorrected: 0.15 (0.09), corrected: 0.11 (0.09), p = 0.3).

Conclusions

Motion correction compensated for maternal and fetal motion in fetal 4D flow MRI data, improving image quality and conservation of mass.
A Qualitative Evaluation of Two Electronic‐Rehabilitation Programmes for Managing Persistent Knee Pain
Authors: McHugh Gretl A. , Lavender Elizabeth C. , Bennell Kim L. , Kingsbury Sarah R. , Conaghan Philip G. , Hinman Rana S. , Comer Christine , Conner Mark , Nelligan Rachel K. , Groves‐Williams Dawn
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Persistent knee pain often due to knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent and disabling condition. Electronic‐rehabilitation (e‐rehab) programmes have the potential to support self‐management of knee OA. This study aimed to evaluate user engagement and acceptability of two e‐rehab programmes, Group e‐rehab, a remote physiotherapy‐led programme and My Knee UK, a self‐directed web‐based exercise programme.

Methods

Descriptive qualitative study nested within a feasibility trial. In‐depth interviews were conducted remotely. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Eighteen participants from the feasibility trial took part in the interviews, 10 who received Group e‐rehab and eight My Knee UK. Two key themes were engagement with exercise and impact of programme. Despite initial challenges with doing the exercises, most participants found both programmes acceptable and beneficial in improving symptoms and knowledge in managing their knee pain. Multiple factors contributed to motivation to exercise.

Discussion

Understanding more about users' perception and acceptability of both programmes was important to ascertain, both from people who engaged and those who did not engage with the programmes, to make improvements for the future delivery of the e‐rehab programmes.

Conclusion

Group e‐rehab and My Knee UK can support people to self‐manage their persistent knee pain due to knee OA. The e‐rehab programmes have the potential to improve health services by providing two new models of service delivery enabling more patients to receive support and training to equip them to effectively manage their knee OA.
Major ABO Incompatibility in Non‐Myeloablative Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant for Sickle Cell Disease—Not an Insurmountable Obstacle
Authors: Chung Kimberly Ji Eun , Wall Donna A. , Chiang Kuang‐Yueh
Published: January 2025

With advances in conditioning strategies and graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) prevention, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a safe, curative treatment option for pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, donor options have been limited in non‐myeloablative matched sibling donor (MSD) setting by excluding recipients with major ABO blood group incompatible donors due to concern of the risk of significant complications such as pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). We present three cases of successful HSCT with major ABO incompatibility with their donors, and discuss strategies to safely expand the donor pool to include these donors.
Fabrication and characterization of low dielectric nanocomposites based on thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester and octaphenyl‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Lee Jun‐Hyeop , Moon Jongho , Shin Ye‐Rin , Hwang Gyeong‐Ig , Lee Shinwoo , Jeong Young Gyu
Published: January 2025

This study explores the effects of octaphenyl‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanofillers on the structure and properties of thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester (TLCP) nanocomposites, focusing on their morphological, thermal, rheological, mechanical, hydrophobic, and dielectric behavior. Electron microscopic analyses confirmed the efficient dispersity of octaphenyl‐POSS in the TLCP matrix, while vibrational spectroscopy identified molecular interactions between the two components. X‐ray diffraction revealed thinner crystal formation and increased interchain distances of the TLCP matrix with higher POSS content. Thermal analysis showed that melt‐crystallization and glass transition temperatures increased with POSS loading, while the melting temperature decreased, indicating improved melt processability. Despite this, the nanocomposites retained excellent thermal stability. Rheological tests demonstrated non‐Newtonian shear‐thinning behavior, with increasing viscosity and elastic moduli as POSS content rose. Mechanical properties showed a slight decline in bending strength and elastic modulus, but the nanocomposites maintained adequate strength for engineering applications. Hydrophobicity improved, with water contact angles increasing from 77.4° to 90.8°. Notably, the dielectric constant of the nanocomposites decreased from 3.05 for neat TLCP to 2.78 for the nanocomposite with 20 wt% POSS. Overall, the octaphenyl‐POSS‐reinforced TLCP nanocomposites possess enhanced thermal, hydrophobic, and dielectric properties, making them promising materials for advanced printed circuit board materials in electronic and communication applications.

Highlights

Octaphenyl‐POSS improved thermal, hydrophobic, and dielectric properties of TLCP.

SEM/EDS confirmed good POSS dispersion; minor agglomeration at high loadings.

FT‐IR identified specific interactions between POSS and TLCP matrix.

Higher POSS boosted Tmc and Tg, slightly reduced Tm with thinner crystals.

Enhanced hydrophobicity and low dielectric constant suit communication devices.
Effect of surface treatment on interfacial shear strength of basalt fiber reinforced polypropylene composite
Authors: Zhou Ying‐Guo , Liang Teng‐Fei , Wu Bu‐Yong
Published: January 2025

Basalt fiber‐reinforced polypropylene (BFPP) is an important composite for thermoplastic polymer materials with wide applications due to the strong mechanical properties and the ease of recycling, and the mechanical properties of the composites are highly dependent on the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the matrices, especially for the foamed products. In this study, in order to enhance the interfacial adhesion between the BF and PP, a novel in situ treating technology, which was proved to modify rapidly the surface of BF, was proposed and used for fabricating the BFPP composite. After surface treatment by both a silane coupling agent and a self‐made sizing agent, BF exhibited an uneven surface with regular grooves, and the strong interfacial adhesion between BF and the PP matrix was achieved, leading to a highly enhanced interfacial shear strength (ISS) of 14.39 MPa. Hence, the tensile strength of BFPP solid and foamed samples were 53.64 and 50.48 MPa, which showed roughly 57.1% and 79.4% increase than that of untreated fiber‐reinforced solid and foamed PP, indicating the efficient reinforcing effect of BFs on PP solid and foamed composites. Moreover, the foamed BFPP parts are more sensitive to the ISS than the solid ones, which was attributed to the variation of the critical length resulting from the foamed cells. This work provided a facile method to fabricate enhanced BFPP composites with extraordinary application potential in the fields of industry, sports, and transportation.

Highlights

A novel processing method of the surface coating of BFs was proposed.

The effect of interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix was verified.

Sensitivity to interfacial shear strength between solid and foamed parts was different.
Clinical characteristics of children with septic arthritis caused by different pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Li Ziyu , Li Gefang , Wu Jun , He Bo , Zhang Qun
Published: January 2025

Septic arthritis is a serious infectious disease in children. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the relationship between demographics, laboratory values at presentation, reported symptoms at presentation, joint involvement, and distribution characteristics of pathogenic bacteria in 171 patients during the period of 2012–2022. The results showed that a total of 77 pathogen‐positive patients were detected in the 171 patients (culture‐positive rate of 45.0%), 15 categories of pathogenic bacteria, and the highest detection rates were 52 cases of Staphylococcus aureus (67.5%), Streptococcus pyogenes in 7 cases (9.1%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae in 5 cases (6.5%). Comparison of these three pathogens revealed that the age of the Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes groups was significantly older than that of the Streptococcus pneumoniae group (p < 0.05), and that the white blood cell count (WBC) of the Streptococcus pyogenes group was significantly higher than that of the Staphylococcus aureus group (p < 0.05), and that the Streptococcus pyogenes group had a significantly higher procalcitonin (PCT), which was significantly higher in the Streptococcus pneumoniae group (p < 0.05). The results suggest that the pathogenic bacteria of septic arthritis in children are mainly Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae infection occurred more commonly in the infant stage, and Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes were detected frequently in school‐age children. Streptococcus pyogenes was found to be more pathogenic than Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Resisting and Claiming Digital Sovereignty: The Cases of Civil Society and Indigenous Groups
Authors: Couture Stéphane , Toupin Sophie , Mayoral Baños Alejandro
Published: January 2025

In this contribution to “Unthinking digital sovereignty,” we review some discourses and practical proposals that resist or challenge the digital sovereignty of “established states.” Our focus centers on two distinct sociopolitical groups engaged in such practices. The first group we highlight is what we call “civil society,” which is composed of nongovernmental, nonprofit organizations, and collectives, often inspired by anti‐capitalist, autonomist, and anarchist ideas, actively involved in building self‐managed digital infrastructures based on free and open‐source software and hardware. The second group consists of Indigenous peoples and organizations that have developed a robust discourse on “data sovereignty,” referring to the sovereignty of knowledge and data related to them. Finally, we discuss four contributions from our review that help “unthink” digital sovereignty: (1) the values of autonomy and self‐determination, which are quite important beyond state‐centric models; (2) the cultural dimensions of digital sovereignty; (3) the question of “openness,” which emerges as a point of tension between the perspectives; and finally; (4) the relevance of the concept of sovereignty itself in addressing these issues.
Functional response of two Mesocomys species on factitious host Antheraea pernyi and their biocontrol potential against the Japanese giant silkworm Caligula japonica
Authors: Wu Shi‐Shi , Shen Zhen , Xue Ji‐Zhi , Tariq Haneef , Zang Lian‐Sheng , Chen Yong‐Ming
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

The Japanese giant silkworm (JGS) Caligula japonica is a significant defoliator pest in East Asia, causing severe economic losses in forest and fruit production. To establish a cost‐effective biological control program against JGS, the age‐stage, two‐sex life table method was used to accurately assess the potential efficacy of two Mesocomys species (M. albitarsis and M. trabalae) in controlling this pest. Our study focused on the functional response of two Mesocomys species to Chinese oak silkworm (COS) Antheraea pernyi eggs (factitious host), as well as their reproductive attributes when exposed to JGS eggs (target host).

RESULTS

Both Mesocomys species exhibited a type II functional response to increasing densities of COS eggs. Mutual interference of M. trabalae was greater than that of M. albitarsis at high parasitoid densities. Two Mesocomys parasitoids reared from COS eggs effectively parasitized JGS eggs, albeit with differing parasitism capacities. M. albitarsis had an average fecundity of 190.4 offspring, which was 3.8‐fold higher than M. trabalae. Consequently, M. albitarsis demonstrated superior reproductive metrics when parasitizing JGS eggs, with more oviposition days (Od), intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ) and net reproduction rate (R0) compared to M. trabalae. Additionally, the net killing rate (C0) of M. albitarsis was 145.2 eggs/female, significantly higher than M. trabalae (32.6 eggs/female).

CONCLUSION

Mesocomys albitarsis was identified as a more potent biocontrol agent against JGS than M. trabalae under indoor conditions. Some mutual interference at high parasitoid rearing densities likely reduces the per capita parasitization efficiency of both Mesocomys parasitoids. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
A case study of boundary‐layer development downstream of a small, remote island
Authors: Ortiz‐Suslow David G. , Ruiz‐Plancarte Jesus , Yamaguchi Ryan , Kalogiros John , Fernando Harindra J. S. , Creegan Ed , Pardyjak Eric , Gaberšek Saša , Gultepe Ismail , Wang Qing
Published: January 2025

Marine fog remains a challenging process for environmental prediction; in coastal areas, these challenges are complicated by the heterogeneity of the land–sea boundary. Here, the findings from an investigation into the boundary‐layer development downstream of a remote, low‐relief island will be presented. This work arose from an intense observing period (IOP) during the Fog And Turbulence Interactions in the Marine Atmosphere (FATIMA) 2022 field campaign near Sable Island (SI) in the North Atlantic. The premise was to examine a unique fog dissipation mechanism known as a fog shadow, hypothesized to be caused by fog‐laden boundary interaction with the island's surface. Using coordinated measurements from the island observing station and a heavily instrumented research vessel, we have conducted an extensive analysis into the spatio‐temporal evolution of the atmospheric boundary‐layer state downstream of SI. A low‐level jet during the IOP prevented the development of an extensive fog layer in the region, and hence localized dissipation in the lee of the island. In terms of boundary‐layer development, the measurements captured the rough–smooth internal boundary‐layer formation, with some secondary impacts of the temperature adjustment from land to water surfaces. Analysis of the fetch‐limited wave growth followed the expected self‐similarity, but at a much higher intensity than predicted for the stability regime; this was linked to spatial inhomogeneity in wind acceleration and stress downstream, which may have increased the lateral extent of island impacts on the boundary layer.
Prescribed‐Time Optimal Formation Synchronous Tracking Control of UAV‐Ugvs Based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Xiong Shi‐Xun , Jiang Guo‐Ping , Zhu Yun‐Xia , He Xiao‐Ming , Chen Shu‐Han
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the issue of prescribed‐time optimal formation synchronous tracking control of nonlinear unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) systems. Based on a novel constructed second‐order nonlinear UAV‐UGV swarm case, the reinforcement learning (RL) method is introduced to obtain the optimal control scheme, and a gradient descent method with a simple positive function for the Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman (HJB) equation is improved to establish the adaptive actor and critic networks and solve the iterate adaptive laws, which allows adaptive parameters to be trained more thoroughly. Integrating the prescribed‐time constraints of formation tasks, the incorporation of traditional prescribed‐time functions can result in structural modifications within the RL framework and state coupling, thereby increasing the complexity of control strategy design. Hence, the prescribed‐time functions are designed in the critic and actor networks, which address the state coupling and optimize the acquisition of adaptive parameters under the gradient descent method. Then, by employing the aforementioned methods, an optimal synchronous control scheme is proposed to address nonlinear UAV‐UGV time‐varying formation tracking at a settling time, and a pivotal scaling technique is used for formation stability analysis. Finally, simulation and experiment results are carried out to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Advances in the Synthesis of Isoquinolines Using an Alkyne Coupling Partner via Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed C─H Activation
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sushobhan , Gupta Sampa , Guadagnoli Nicholas , McCurdy Christopher R.
Published: January 2025

Isoquinoline is a privileged structural motif and has extensive applications in asymmetric catalysis, photochemistry, and pharmaceutical use. Naturally, isoquinoline is a popular synthetic target for many research groups worldwide, who, as a result, have developed numerous methodologies to afford a wide variety of derivatives. The synthesis of isoquinoline in recent years has flourished, employing C─H activation strategies using various transition metal catalysts: rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and cobalt (Co). To summarize this diverse area of study, this review comprehensively assimilates the literature where isoquinolines are synthesized using alkynes (both internal and terminal) as coupling partners. Wherever possible, the mechanistic details associated with the reported reactions are provided.
Bimetallic Selenide NiCo‐Se/CFP as Effective Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalyst for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Guo Yajie , Wang Mengwei , Zhang Cong , Jia Kelun , Niu Fengjiao , Wang Ke
Published: January 2025

The industrial application of green hydrogen production from water electrolysis strongly depends on the invention of low‐cost, highly‐active, and stable nonprecious electrocatalysts for an oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this work, a two‐step process is developed to prepare a NiCo‐Se/CFP bimetallic electrocatalyst by a low‐temperature selenization of NiCo‐PBA precursors electro‐deposited on carbon fibre paper. The NiCo‐Se/CFP bimetallic electrocatalyst exhibits good catalytic activity for the OER, with an overpotential of 307 mV at 10 mA cm−2, and a Tafel slope of only 39.94 mV dec−1 in 1 M KOH. The steady current density and well‐preserved microscopic morphology during the 20 h electrolysis proves its outstanding stability. The high inherent activity of the electrocatalyst is attributed to the 3D porous structure, the synergistic effects of Ni, and Co active components doping, and low‐temperature selenization. The results provide an insightful reference for further improving composition and structure design while investigating nonprecious metal electrocatalysts.
Metamorphic Proteins to Achieve Conformationally Selective Material Surface Binding
Authors: Meerbott Kyle B. , Monhemi Hassan , Travaglini Lorenzo , Sawicki Artur , Ramamurthy Sakthirupini , Slocik Joseph M. , Dennis Patrick B. , Glover Dominic J. , Walsh Tiffany R. , Knecht Marc R.
Published: January 2025

The controlled binding of proteins on nanoparticle surfaces remains a grand challenge required for many applications ranging from biomedical to energy storage. The difficulty in achieving this ability arises from the different functional groups of the biomolecule that can adsorb on the nanoparticle surface. While most proteins can only adopt a single structure, metamorphic proteins can access at least two different conformations, which presents intriguing opportunities to exploit such structural variations for binding to nanoparticles. Such effects are examined using calmodulin, a sensing messenger protein, that can adopt two conformations based on Ca2+ binding. The affinity of the apo and holo forms of the protein for Au is examined using a highly integrated set of experimental and computation studies, which demonstrated significantly enhanced binding for the holo protein as compared to the apo. Such effects are proposed to arise from changes in the protein structure, which lead to substantially varied biomolecular surfaces that facilitate both Au adsorption and protein‐protein assembly once adsorbed. Such studies provide critical information for protein structural design to control nanoparticle adsorption for wide‐ranging applications.
Role of Mesoporosity in Hard Carbon Anodes for High‐Energy and Stable Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Jung SungHoon , Min JiWon , Choi Hyeongjun , Mapari Mitesh , Chougale Mahesh , Dubal Deepak P. , Kim TaeYoung
Published: January 2025

Herein, NaCl‐templated mesoporous hard carbons (NMCs) have been designed and engineered with tunable surface properties as anode materials for potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) and hybrid capacitors (KICs). By utilizing “water‐in‐oil” emulsions, the size of NaCl templates is precisely modified, leading to smaller particles that enable the formation of primary carbon structures with reduced particle size and secondary structures with 3D interconnected mesoporosity. These features significantly enhance electrode density, reduce particle‐to‐particle resistance, and improve electrolyte wettability. The resulting NMC delivers high gravimetric and volumetric capacities of 323.5 mAh g−1 and 142.3 mAh cm−3, respectively, with outstanding cycling stability, retaining 292.7 mAh g−1 after 620 cycles. Full‐cell evaluations demonstrate the potential of NMC‐based anodes paired with KIB (Prussian blue cathode) and KIC (activated carbon‐cathode), achieving a capacity of 109.4 mAh g−1 and capacitance of 254.6 F g−1, respectively. As a KIB, the cell delivers a high average voltage of 3.4 V, resulting in a specific energy of 256 Wh kg−1, while KIC reaches 141.4 Wh kg−1 and high specific power of 58.6 kW kg−1. These results underscore the importance of morphological features and porosity in enhancing the electrochemical performance of materials, providing insights for future energy storage solutions.
Controlled Delivery of MTX from Thermosensitive Hydrogels Using Au Nanorods for Enhanced Therapeutics of Psoriasis via Improving Stratum Corneum Penetration
Authors: Chen Hao , Xu Jiangmei , Jiang Yongxin , Sun Jiangwei , Zheng Wang , Qian Haisheng , Sun Jianan , Hu Wei
Published: January 2025

Topical transdermal drug delivery for psoriasis remains a challenge because of the poor solubility of hydrophobic drugs and the limited penetration of the stratum corneum. In this study, a near‐infrared (NIR) light‐responsive thermosensitive hydrogel (PDLLA‐PEG‐PDLLA, PLEL)‐based drug reservoir is developed that directly incorporated gold nanorods (GNRs) and methotrexate (MTX) in the sol state at low temperature, which is referred to as PLEL@GNR+MTX. The in vitro anti‐psoriasis experiment indicated that, GNRs, as photothermal cores of composite hydrogel, not only triggered keratinocyte apoptosis but also promoted MTX release in a synergistic manner. Moreover, the rapid phase transition enhanced the penetration of the hydrogel formulation through the stratum corneum upon NIR light irradiation and prolonged skin retention after returning to a gel state in a psoriasis mouse model. Compared with commercial ointment treatments, the PLEL@GNR+MTX hydrogel have similar efficacy in psoriatic lesion resolution but without skin wrinkling. The prepared hydrogel featured excellent biocompatibility and the accumulation of GNRs in healthy organs and skin tissues is negligible. Overall, the light‐activatable hydrogel‐based platform can utilize NIR as a “trigger switch” to release MTX more precisely, improve bioavailability, and facilitate permeation across the skin barrier during reversible phase‐change processes.
Visual Location of Oxygen Vacancies on Bismuth Titanate Nanosheets with Periodic Quantum Well and Promoting H2O2 Photosynthesis
Authors: Gao Yuqing , Zhan Zhen , Guo Liping , Li Zhenzi , Cai Songhua , Wang Xuepeng , Li Mingxia , Xie Ying , Zhou Wei
Published: January 2025

Oxygen vacancy (OV) defect engineering plays a crucial role in enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. However, the direct visual characterization of oxygen vacancies still remains technically limited. Herein, a bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12, BTO‐OV) model photocatalyst containing oxygen vacancies is constructed through density functional theory (DFT) calculations to reveal the influence mechanism of distinctive periodic quantum well and oxygen vacancies on the charge transfer behavior in BTO. Notably, the distribution of oxygen vacancies is directly observed using the low‐dose integrated differential phase contrast‐scanning transmission electron microscopy (iDPC‐STEM), providing visual evidence for the location of these oxygen vacancies in BTO‐OV. Furthermore, the theoretical calculation results are verified by characterizing the photoelectric properties and conducting performance tests on the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) photosynthesis. Specifically, the oxygen vacancies and distinctive periodic quantum well in BTO‐OV accelerate charge separation, leading to a H2O2 photosynthesis efficiency reaching 5278 µm g−1 h−1, which is 5 times that of the original BTO. This work offers theoretical and experimental references for the visual characterization of oxygen vacancies and the improvement of the charge transfer mechanism.
Tailoring a High Loading Atomic Zinc with Weak Binding to Sodium Toward High‐Energy Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhao Si , Chen Xudong , Patrun David , Zheng Lituo , Wang Lili , Wen Zhenhai , Mathur Sanjay , Hong Zhensheng
Published: January 2025

Single‐atom materials provide a platform to precisely regulate the electrochemical redox behavior of electrode materials with atomic level. Here, a multifield‐regulated sintering route is reported to rapidly prepare single‐atom zinc with a very high loading mass of 24.7 wt.% by significantly improved diffusion kinetics and stronger charge transfer between zinc and nitrogen atoms. X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra for Zn K‐edges during the charge and discharge process verify the stable single‐atom zinc structure and the reversible slight reduction and oxidation of Zn sites, which is much different from the previous report of the alloying reaction process. This result suggests atomic Zn acts as an active sites through weak binding with sodium to regulate the Na ion fluxes. Finally, Cu foil coated with a ≈2 µm layer of such material exhibits a high Coulombic efficiency of ≈99.99% up to 1700 cycles at 1 mA h cm−2. An ultra‐low overpotential of 3 mV and an unprecedented life span of over 3200 h in a symmetrical cell is achieved. Due to the very thin coating layer, anode‐free sodium battery fabricated by Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode displays a prominent energy density of 320 Wh Kg−1, demonstrating strong potential in practical application.
Enhancing Literature Quality Assessment Skill in Novice Researchers: A Collaborative Card‐Based Learning Approach
Authors: Yasin Affan , Fatima Rubia , Puspitasari Ira , JiangBin Zheng , Li Zhi
Published: January 2025

Assessing the quality and credibility of research is crucial across disciplines. However, training early career scholars in systematic quality appraisal poses challenges. The rise of online grey literature increases the need for nuanced evaluation capabilities. This study aims to impart basic literature quality assessment knowledge in early career software engineering researchers using an interactive card‐based learning activity. The PRISMA abstract quality checklist was adapted into a physical card deck. Sixteen novice researchers participated in a session using the cards to collaborate, discuss, and analyze a sample review paper abstract based on structured criteria. Quantitative feedback was gathered. Survey results indicated the card activity positively enhanced perceived understanding of quality principles, engagement, and assessment skills. Open‐ended feedback highlighted cards improved focus, interactivity, and peer exchanges. This preliminary study provides encouraging evidence that a customized card‐based approach can effectively instill foundational skills for assessing abstract quality while increasing motivation and enjoyment. Further research should evaluate long‐term retention and optimal instructional design parameters.
Imaging Bias‐Driven Domain Wall Motion With Scanning Oscillator Piezoresponse Force Microscopy
Authors: Raghuraman Shivaranjan , Vasudevan Rama K. , Yang Jan‐Chi , Kelley Kyle P. , Domingo Neus , Jesse Stephen
Published: January 2025

Understanding ferroelectric domain wall dynamics at the nanoscale across a broad range of timescales requires measuring domain wall position under different applied electric fields. The success of piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) as a tool to apply local electric fields at different positions and imaging their changing position, together with the information obtained from associated switching spectroscopies has fueled numerous studies of the dynamics of ferroelectric domains to determine the impact of intrinsic parameters such as crystalline order, defects and pinning centers, as well as boundary conditions such as environment. However, the investigation of sub‐coercive reversible domain wall vibrational modes requires the development of new tools that enable visualizing domain wall motion under varying applied fields with high temporal and spatial resolution while also accounting for spurious electrostatic effects. Here, scanning oscillator piezoresponse force microscopy extends the investigation of domain wall dynamics to new regimes, providing direct visualization of domain wall position as a function of an external electric field that varies in time and location. This enables studying the energetics of field‐driven ferroelectric domain wall motion, which is shown to obey a thermally activated flow regime in the millisecond timescale.
Carbon abatement strategies for bridges in India
Authors: Heggade V. N.
Published: January 2025

The average atmospheric temperature has been steadily increasing from pre‐industrial era and is on ascendency alarmingly. In India, the average temperature has risen by around 0.7°C from 1900 to 2018. As per the worst Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5, the mean warming is likely to touch 5.1°C by the end of 21st century. The resultant regional warming is creating havoc in the form of supercyclones, changed precipitation pattern, floods, droughts, wildfires, landslides, melting of ice and glaciers, avalanches, and so on. The built environment alone is responsible for nearly 52% of the carbon emission in Indian region. The paper presents the study of various strategies and technologies to achieve net zero carbon target in construction and operation of Concrete and Steel Bridges in the Indian context.
English Language Teacher Education with an Eco‐Social Perspective: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Barros‐Del Río María Amor , Mediavilla‐Martínez Beatriz
Published: January 2025

The importance of a critical and eco‐socially conscious English language teacher education in Europe is considered in this study. Information is collected through a survey to assess the working practice of various teachers and their perceptions of English language teaching under an eco‐social lens. New avenues are then suggested to build a comprehensive eco‐social language teacher education program. Based on the survey responses of the different stakeholders participating in English language teacher education, our case study yielded a survey‐based assessment of knowledge and familiarity with eco‐social issues. Weaknesses relating to language teacher education with an eco‐social perspective were detected and positive measures and strategies singled out, so as to design a language teacher education program with an eco‐social perspective. In all, 345 responses collected in various European countries amassed data that reflected a positive attitude toward eco‐social values among all the stakeholders within English language teacher education, mainly based on personal interests rather than collegial educational regulation. The need for the homogenization of existing resources and the regulation of education corpora was a common demand. Despite the limited scope of the survey, the results and the discussion presented in this paper offer a baseline study and a starting point to outline a fuller picture of the relation between English language teacher education and eco‐social commitments.
The Effect of Maropitant, Ondansetron and Metoclopramide on Dexmedetomidine‐Induced Vomiting in Cats
Authors: Gölgeli Bedir Ayşe , Yanmaz Latif Emrah , Okur Sıtkıcan , Şenocak Mümin Gökhan , Turgut Ferda , Kocaman Yakup , Orhun Ömer Tarık , Ersöz Uğur , Baykal Büşra
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Vomiting is frequently observed in cats after dexmedetomidine administration. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of different antiemetics in preventing vomiting in cats after dexmedetomidine administration.

Methods

Sixty‐four cats were randomly allocated to receive saline solution (0.9% NaCl, 0.1 mL/kg, SC), maropitant (1 mg/kg, SC), ondansetron (0.22 mg/kg, IM) or metoclopramide (1 mg/kg, IM) 30 min before the intramuscular administration of dexmedetomidine (25 µg/kg). Duration of vomiting, severity of vomiting and nausea signs (sialorrhoea, lip licking, retching and vomiting) was recorded for 30 min after dexmedetomidine administration.

Results

The duration and severity of vomiting were significantly reduced in groups that received maropitant, ondansetron or metoclopramide compared to the saline group. Although differences were observed in retching and vomiting between the saline and other groups (p < 0.001), there were no significant differences in sialorrhoea or lip licking (p = 0.34 and p = 0.12, respectively).

Conclusions

Maropitant, ondansetron and metoclopramide were found to significantly reduce retching and vomiting compared to the control group. In conclusion, no significant difference was found among maropitant, ondansetron and metoclopramide groups in the prevention of dexmedetomidine‐induced vomiting in cats.
Complete Genome Characterization of Canine Adenovirus From Türkiye With Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Sevinc Temizkan Secil , Temizkan Mehmet Cevat
Published: January 2025

Background

Determining the complete genome sequence data of adenoviruses has recently become greatly important due to their use by scientists as vectors in cancer studies and other fields, including vaccine development. However, the GenBank database currently has few complete genome sequences of adenoviruses, which are known for their large genomes. To address this gap, we analysed next‐generation sequencing data obtained from our previous study to provide the complete genome sequence of the canine adenovirus‐2 strain.

Methods

For the obtained canine adenovirus‐2 strain (OQ596341), comparative genomics, recombination and phylogenetic analysis were conducted. This sequence was compared and phylogenetically analysed with the 20 complete genome sequences of canine adenovirus previously reported in GenBank worldwide, as well as partial E3 ORFA sequences obtained from Türkiye.

Results

The nucleotide similarity rates of the sequence obtained from this study with other CAdV‐2 whole genomes are over 99.04%. The gene alignment results reveal that the OQ596341 was found to be closely related to the AC000020 reference genome and LC557011. There are two recombination events related to the genome in this study. Comparisons with other complete genome sequences revealed several previously unseen mutations. These mutations include H34Y in the E1A gene; P55A in the E1B 55K gene; D13N and D202N in the IVa2 gene; K679R, V934I and K989N in the Pol gene; E205K in the pTP gene; T455A in the pIIIa gene; A310V in the V gene; G151R in the protease gene; E268K in the 100K gene; G66S and G141S in the 33K gene; T14A, E250K, D287N and I293T in the E3 ORFA gene; and L193F in the E434K gene. Moreover, a comparison with partial sequences obtained from Türkiye revealed the E250K mutation in the E3 ORFA gene, which we report for the first time in Türkiye.

Conclusions

The complete CAdV‐2 genome sequence obtained in the present study is the first sequence from Europe. Comparative analysis with other genomes revealed some unique mutations. This study is the first to report the E250K amino acid change in the E3 ORFA gene in Türkiye. We anticipate that this data can be used in future CAdV‐2 vaccine development studies. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the impact of these mutations on viral tropism and other host interactions.
Thoraco‐abdominal impalement in a dog: The anaesthetic and surgical management
Authors: Varma Hrithik , Hutin Magdeleine , Erskine Matthew , Robertson Josephine
Published: January 2025

A 6.5‐year‐old, male, neutered Cocker Spaniel presented to the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital following impalement on a metal rod while out on a walk. Computed tomography imaging showed the transfixing metal foreign body penetrating the thoracic cavity, diaphragm and abdominal cavity, with associated pneumothorax, pulmonary contusions, hepatic injury, pneumoperitoneum and peritoneal effusion. Exploratory laparotomy and median sternotomy were performed to safely remove the rod. Left lateral liver lobectomy, typhlectomy, diaphragmatic hernia repair, and thoracic and abdominal wall repair were performed in addition to abdominal and thoracic drain placement. Peri‐operative administration of blood products was required. Post‐operative haemoabdomen developed secondary to liver lobectomy, but only required medical support. The dog was discharged 7 days post‐operatively and recovered fully with no long‐term complications.
The Digital Euro Package: From Legal Tender to Payment Services Providers
Authors: Zatti Filippo , Barresi Rosa Giovanna
Published: January 2025

This paper delves into the proposals for regulating the digital euro, establishing a connection between its legal standing and physical euro cash, and requiring payment services providers to offer digital euro services regardless of their location. It raises questions about the fundamental implications of treating the digital euro as legal tender. However, labelling the digital euro as a legal tender raises uncertainties about its core nature and purpose. The analysis challenges the notion that the digital euro is merely a digital version of physical cash, emphasising the evolving roles of central bank digital currencies and their legal and policy ramifications. With the digitalisation of the economy in mind, it examines how the involvement of payment services providers in distributing the digital euro could impact individual and economic rights. It underscores the importance of balancing security measures, privacy, and data protection while fostering competition. The paper aims to provide policymakers with insights into the design and regulation of the digital euro, underlining the necessity of clarifying its legal standing and reconsidering its classification as legal tender. It stresses the importance of thoroughly examining the conceptual foundations of the digital euro to ensure its successful implementation and regulation.
Digital Identity in a European User-Centric Ecosystem and Its Similarities with the Digital Euro Proposal
Authors: Blasco Ainhoa Inza
Published: January 2025

Digital identity systems have evolved from institutional databases from the sixties through the advent of the Internet and public key infrastructure, social networks, national ID, blockchain implementations and the EUDI Wallet. To ensure the success of implementing and adopting any digital identity system, the critical factor is the digital ecosystem the user can interact with, fostering not only the interactions of the netizens with public services but also between netizens and private entities or even between netizens online. Without habitual use and ease of adoption, resistance to change and increased friction could lead to abandoning the digital identity solution. As the European Digital Identity Wallet is defined in the Regulation and standards are published to complement the requirements laid out, other proposals, like the Digital Euro initiative, share similar broad requirements on usage and acceptance. The results and experience with the EUDI Wallet will be a learning opportunity to ensure the preferred outcome when implementing similar initiatives.
The National Security Framework as a Cybersecurity Reference for Information Cryptosystems
Authors: López Pablo
Published: January 2025

In today's hyper-connected world, implementing security in cyberspace has become a global strategic priority. As technology’s role in society increases, cybersecurity becomes an increasingly bigger challenge. In addition, the cyber threat landscape is evolving, with the emergence of new risks and the sophistication of existing threats. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting specific sectors, such as energy, finance, government, and healthcare, to cause maximum disruption and financial gain or loss. In Spain, the successive editions of the National Report on the State of Security (INES) and the body of CCN-STIC security guides have resulted in greater accumulated experience in its application and better knowledge of the situation. The new National Security Framework 2022 stands as a pivotal platform, addressing cybersecurity in a manner intricately linked to digital transformation. This is achieved through a robust and consolidated regulatory framework, making it the most significant development in this field. In this sense, Royal Decree 311/2022 is a guiding light for security in the digital society. Its applicability to crypto-asset systems is crucial to building a reliable foundation in the new financial paradigm. It represents a reference framework, a robust framework for assessing and improving security in systems that handle crypto assets.
Stablecoins in the MiCA Regulation
Authors: Martínez Nadal Apol·lònia
Published: January 2025

This work offers a legal analysis of stablecoins, a novel form of cryptocurrency that has emerged as a distinctive alternative to previous cryptocurrencies, which are characterised by their oscillating and highly volatile value, making them unsuitable for use as a payment instrument or functional legal tender equivalent. The pivotal legal framework for stablecoins is the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which addresses the conceptual aspects of stablecoins. Despite its presence in MiCA, stablecoins lack a specific legal definition therein. The Regulation’s classification is based on whether crypto assets aim to stabilise their value relative to other assets. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the in-depth examination of the two subcategories of the Regulation that fall under the umbrella of stable crypto assets: asset-referenced tokens and electronic money tokens. We delve into their unique characteristics, including their vocation for stability and, in turn, the intriguing differences between the two subcategories.
Linear regression analysis for complete blood count parameters during radiotherapy
Authors: Berpan Aniwat , Janhom Nattapatch
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the correlations between complete blood count (CBC) during radiotherapy and patient and treatment factors.

Patients and methods

Data of cancer patients, including age, sex, concurrent chemotherapy (CCRT), radiotherapy dose (equivalent dose in 2‑Gy fractions with an alpha/beta value of 10 Gy, EQD2Gy10), radiotherapy location, and baseline CBC were collected. Linear regression was used to determine results during radiation. Validation data comprised 20% of the whole cohort.

Results

A total of 496 radiotherapy courses and 1884 weekly CBC results during treatment were analyzed. Baseline hemoglobin (Hb) was positively associated with subsequent Hb. Each 1 g/dL increase in baseline Hb predicted a 0.73 g/dL increase in Hb during treatment (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7–0.76). Male sex was associated with a 0.16 g/dL higher Hb (95% CI 0.04–0.29), while female sex showed the opposite trend. CCRT was associated with a 0.18 g/dL reduction in Hb (95% CI −0.33 to −0.03). Radiotherapy to the pelvis, bone, and head and neck regions resulted in Hb reductions of 0.18, 0.34, and 0.94 g/dL, respectively (95% CI −0.33 to −0.03, −0.53 to −0.15, and −1.26 to −0.62, respectively), while brain irradiation increased Hb by 0.22 g/dL (95% CI 0.05–0.38). Age, cumulative dose, and thoracic irradiation did not show a significant correlation with Hb changes. Adjusted R‑squared for the development and validation data were 0.6 and 0.71 for Hb, 0.42 and 0.11 for white blood cell count, 0.36 and 0.32 for neutrophils, 0.42 and 0.06 for absolute neutrophil count, and 0.43 and 0.36 for platelets, respectively.

Conclusion

Hb levels during radiotherapy could be explained using linear regression, although they did not negatively correlate with cumulative dose.