bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced EMI Shielding Efficiency of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Glass Sphere Composite‐Loaded Ultralight Weight Flexible Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Sultana Salma , Chandan Mohammed Rehaan
Published: October 2024

Graphene nanoplatelets and glass sphere (GNP@GS) composite is prepared using a simple mixing process and is loaded in flexible polyurethane foam to produce ultralight weight, high‐performance, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material. The presence of a glass sphere enhances the mobility of graphene nanoplatelets in a polymer matrix forming a continuous conductive network thereby achieving better electrical conductivity and enhanced EMI shielding efficiency. The electrical conductivity of the synthesized GNP@GS/PU foam composites was achieved between 5.69 × 10−8 and 13.25 × 10−4 S/cm at varying filler loading. The maximum shielding effectiveness (i.e., −24.43 dB) was found at 12 wt% GNP@GS‐loaded samples. The shielding results show that the composites have the potential to be employed as ultralight weight, flexible EM shielding materials. These materials are essential in many applications because they are good shield materials that prevent electronic equipment from electromagnetic‐interference, better heat dissipation from the device, and also flexible to support fall protection.
Harmonizing lightweight and ablation resistance: Design and performance of multilayer composite insulation materials for solid rocket motors
Authors: Wang Li , Li Jiang , Wang Yiwei , Dong Jiaxin , Wan Liqing
Published: October 2024

The realization of lightweight insulation materials is often accompanied by a decrease in ablation performance. Coordinating the contradiction between lightweight and ablation resistance is the key to the development of thermal protection technology. Addressing the need for high‐performance insulation materials within solid rocket motors (SRMs) combustion chambers, we designed three multilayer composite structural insulation materials and studied their properties. The results show that among these constructed multilayer composites, the bilayer structure exhibited the lowest density at a mere 0.72 g/cm3, marking a 27% reduction compared to the basic structure. Remarkably, the bilayer configuration demonstrated superior ablation resistance, showcasing a 25% decrease in the line ablation rate in contrast to the basic structure after oxygen‐acetylene test. This achievement embodies the successful harmonization of lightweight properties with ablation resistance. Furthermore, based on the performance and microstructure of the char layer, a further analysis revealed the enhancement mechanism of ablative performance by the multilayer composite structure. It was found that the synergistic effect of the compact/porous structure of the char layer grants the bilayer structure thermal insulation material optimal ablative performance. This work provides strong support for improving the performance of SRMs.

Highlights

Insulation materials with multilayer composite structures are designed.

The materials exhibit both lightweight and superior ablation resistance.

Compact/porous char layers enhance material ablation performance.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Magnetic Cube‐Like Copper Ferrite Nanocrystallines for Reduction 4‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Zhang Enlei , Song Xiaowen , Chen Jiaojiao , Zhang Bengui , Wang Guosheng
Published: October 2024

The cube‐like copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) nanocrystallines are produced by the hydrothermal method without using any surfactant. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) are used to characterize the morphology, structure, and phase of the samples. CuFe2O4 nanocubes show the superior catalytic performance of reduction 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP). 20 mg CuFe2O4 nanocubes can totally convert 4‐NP to 4‐AP in 30 s at room temperature. Moreover, the reaction kinetics of 4‐NP catalytic reduction are also studied. Hence, this innovative CuFe2O4 nanocube has a lot of potential for organic pollutant destruction.
Development and applications of enzymatic peptide and protein ligation
Authors: Cui Yan , Han Dongyang , Bai Xuerong , Shi Weiwei
Published: October 2024

Chemical synthesis of complex peptides and proteins continues to play increasingly important roles in industry and academia, where strategies for covalent ligation of two or more peptide fragments to produce longer peptides and proteins in convergent manners have become critical. In recent decades, efficient and site‐selective ligation strategies mediated by exploiting the biocatalytic capacity of nature's diverse toolkit (i.e., enzymes) have been widely recognized as a powerful extension of existing chemical strategies. In this review, we present a chronological overview of the development of proteases, transpeptidases, transglutaminases, and ubiquitin ligases. We survey the different properties between the ligation reactions of various enzymes, including the selectivity and efficiency of the reaction, the ligation “scar” left in the product, the type of amide bond formed (natural or isopeptide), the synthetic availability of the reactants, and whether the enzymes are orthogonal to another. This review also describes how the inherent specificity of these enzymes can be exploited for peptide and protein ligation.
A Passive Defensive Tactic in Target‐Attacker‐Defenders Game Against Fast Attacker
Authors: You Lingchen , Duan Haibin , Huo Mengzhen , Wang Siyuan
Published: October 2024

The target‐attacker‐defenders game (TADs) is an important topic in multi‐agent systems, concerning group cooperation and decision‐making. To effectively counter fast attackers, this study introduces a passive defensive approach, where a group of defenders position themselves around a formation point, rather than intercept the attacker actively. An evaluation model is developed to determine the optimal formation point, and a comprehensive analysis of the model is conducted, demonstrating that the formation point changes at a slower rate than the attacker, allowing the defenders to effectively track the attacker's movements. To enhance the global search capabilities, a backbone exchange mechanism is integrated into the original pigeon‐inspired optimization (PIO) algorithm. Finally, a series of comparative experiments are conducted, providing a comprehensive assessment of the defense strategy and the improved algorithm. The simulation results indicate the defenders can block the attacker with a slower speed following the proposed strategy, while the UAVs using the comparison method fail to follow the attacker, and the attacker escape the encirclement of defenders. The results prove the effectiveness of the proposed passive method in the article.
Take steps to counter enrollment challenges related to demographic cliff
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: October 2024

PHILADELPHIA — Enrollment is declining at many colleges and universities, and without a plan to counteract the impact, the situation will continue to worsen.
Students' Meaning‐Making of Nature of Science: Interaction Between Visual, Verbal, and Written Modes of Representation
Authors: Cheung Kason Ka Ching , Oancea Alis , Erduran Sibel
Published: October 2024

Students' understanding of nature of science (NOS) has been largely examined primarily in written or verbal modes. The visual, verbal, and written modes are essential for students' meaning‐making of NOS. However, research has sidelined the interaction among these three modes in understanding students' collaborative discourse of NOS. Informed by theories of multimodality and social semiotics, this paper investigates the interactions between the visual, verbal, and written modes as groups of students engaged in explicit‐reflective multimodal representation during NOS instruction. Utilizing a collective case study approach, we planned NOS instruction with teachers, and videotaped how each focal group of students in two grade seven classes in Hong Kong constructed multimodal representations of NOS. Multimodal discourse analysis revealed that the three modes fulfill various purposes during students' co‐construction of multimodal representations of NOS. The interaction between the three modes facilitates meaning‐making of NOS in four ways: (a) students' re‐semiotization of discursive scientific practices into their multimodal ensembles; (b) bridging students' writing of scientific reports to scientists' social certification and dissemination; (c) connecting students' decontextualized meaning‐making to contextualized meaning‐making of methods and methodological rules; and (d) facilitating students' embodied semiosis in social organizations and interactions of science. Focusing on four episodes of co‐constructing multimodal representations of NOS, we illustrate how students' meaning‐making of NOS is multimodal in nature and how various modes have their own affordances. We discuss future research directions on how multimodality can facilitate students' meaning‐making of NOS.
Separating Neroli from Water Using the PDMS‐ZSM5 Mixed Matrix Membrane and the Pervaporation Method
Authors: Molavi M. , Hojjati M. R.
Published: October 2024

In this study, the separation of neroli from water by PDMS‐ZSM5 mixed matrix membrane and separation performance of the pervaporative process of the prepared membranes with the parameters of permeability flux and separation factor was investigated. The effect of adding nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, the effect of the operating parameter of temperature and concentration on the efficiency of the membrane in the pervaporative process to be placed. Comparison of the results for pure membrane and mixed matrix membrane shows a 3‐fold increase in flux along with a 5‐fold increase in the separation factor in the mixed matrix membrane with a ratio of 12% nano in the membrane matrix so that the permeability and separation factor are 1.256 kg/m2h and 550, respectively. Membrane function was also evaluated in the temperature range of 298–353 K and feed concentration of 122–209 ppm. With increasing temperature to 353 K, permeability of membrane containing 8% ZSM‐5 nanoparticles increased from 0.63 to 0.89 kg/m2h. Also, with increasing feed concentration, permeability increased from to 0.96 kg/m2h. The optimization of these conditions was investigated by response surface method (RSM) based on the design of central points (CCD). The effect of all three parameters on the permeability, flux, and separation factor was investigated simultaneously and the optimal conditions were obtained at 12 wt% of ZSM‐5, a concentration of 209 mg/L of neroli, and a temperature of 304 K. Under these optimal conditions, the values of permeability, flux, and separation factor were 1.414 kg/m2h and 1039.57, respectively.
Pyridazine‐Based Aggregation Induced Emission Active Conjugates: Synthesis, Single Crystal XRD Analysis, and Self‐Assembly Assessment
Authors: Waghchoure Aishwarya P. , Sangale Vijay B. , Shaligram Parth S. , Lambud Sushil , Pardeshi Satish K. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Bandaru Sateesh , More Sandeep , Prakasha Reddy J. , Bhosale Rajesh S.
Published: October 2024

In the present investigation, pyridazine based two aggregation induced emission (AIE) active conjugates ((pyridazine‐3,6‐diylbis(oxy)) bis(4,1‐phenylene))bis(pheny lmethanone) DBPC and 2,2′‐(((pyridazine‐3,6‐diylbis (oxy)) bis(4,1‐phenylene))bis (phenylmethaneylylidene))dimalono nitrile DDPC were successfully designed and synthesized. Further, the conjugates DBPC and DDPC were crystallized, and their molecular structures have been determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The light absorption and emission properties of both conjugates have been explored using UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The conjugates DBPC and DDPC in pure DMSO were in molecular form and weak emissive. The conjugate DBPC demonstrates AIE property as the water percentage in DMSO increases from 50–90 %, but the conjugate DDPC exhibits AIE property as the water percentage increases from 50–80 %, and its emission get decreased at 90 %. Optical microscopic and FE‐SEM investigation revealed that in 70 % water fraction, conjugate DBPC generated several μm long strip like self‐assembled structures, while conjugate DDPC created several μm long fractal fiber like self‐assembled structures. The formation of strip‐like self‐assembled structures by DBPC and fractal fiber‐like self‐assembled structures by DDPC may be attributed to DDPC's more twisted structural geometry compared to DBPC.
Graphene‐Transition Metal Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Water Electrolysis
Authors: Tripathi Prerna , Verma Amit Kumar , Sinha Akhoury Sudhir Kumar , Singh Shikha
Published: October 2024

Transition metal compounds (TMCs) are potentially fruitful substitutes for noble metals for electrocatalytic splitting of water due to their intrinsic electrocatalytic activity, modifiable morphology, tunable electronic structure and their earth‐abundance. The combination of TMCs with graphene improves the dispersion of loaded catalysts, providing more catalytic active sites, enhancing the conductivity of hybrids, affording accelerated charge‐transfer kinetics, and minimizing catalyst bleaching, aggregation, and sintering under harsh reaction conditions. Additionally, graphene incorporation into TMCs modulates the electronic structure of active centers because of the synergistic interaction between them, thereby improving their catalytic performance. This review paper focuses on the recent progress made in designing different graphene‐transition metal‐based materials that can be used in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and overall water splitting (OWS). In‐situ characterization methodologies and DFT calculations that facilitate catalyst development are discussed elaborately. Finally, the advancements made in the development of graphene‐supported transition metal compounds for use in a functional water electrolyzer have been explored. In conclusion, a few specific recommendations have been made about the current challenges related to the widespread production of effective HER/OER electrocatalysts for water electrolysis.
Nickel Boride as Hydride Source in Nickel Catalyzed Chemoselective Reduction of α,β‐Unsaturated Amides
Authors: Sarkar Rumpa , Menon Anila M. , Chopra Deepak , Bera Mrinal K.
Published: October 2024

A facile and highly efficient chemoselective reduction of α,β‐unsaturated amides leading to saturated amide has been described. In situ generated nickel boride was found to act as an efficient reagent for the conjugate reduction. The reaction proceeds smoothly under an inert atmosphere at ambient temperature with a moderate to good yield. Both aliphatic and aromatic α,β‐unsaturated amides were found to be compatible with the reaction protocol.
Experimental and numerical study of wind effect on an ultra‐thin concrete triangular plan shell structure
Authors: Gomes M. Glória , Marques da Silva F. , Sousa J. H. , Martinho N. , Moret Rodrigues A.
Published: October 2024

Self‐supporting concrete shell structures are highly efficient in distributing loads, which can result in very reduced thicknesses (ultra‐thin), giving them remarkable slenderness. Due to their geometric complexity, it is difficult to predict how they interact with wind action. The main aim of the present study is to assess the mean surface pressure coefficient distribution in a shell with a triangular plan shape and three supports for different angles of wind incidence. To determine the distribution of surface pressure coefficients and lift and drag force coefficients, an experimental study was carried out in a wind tunnel, and a numerical simulation study was performed through computational fluid dynamics. The experimental and numerical results were analyzed and compared, and making it possible to identify the most critical surface zones and wind incidences when the shell is under the wind action.
Spatially Coded Transformations in Gradient‐Dependent Protocell Morphogenesis
Authors: Wu Shuqi , Ji Wei , Li Mei , Mann Stephen , Tian Liangfei
Published: October 2024

Chemical gradients provide spatiotemporal signaling fields in various cellular processes, driving complex dynamic behaviours such as differentiation and spatial organization. Here we employ opposing gradients of two artificial morphogens (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium phosphotungstate (polyoxometalate; POM)) to systematically investigate morphological differentiation in organized populations of coacervate microdroplet‐based protocells. Using a matrix of 16 sets of counter‐diffusive gradients, we classify the differentiated protocells into five phenotypes and encode their spontaneous organization into different spatially patterned protocell consortia using a 3‐bit binary information system. We show that a predominant SDS gradient produces a diversity of differentiated phenotypes to generate complex spatially coded 2D protocell organizations. In contrast, a prevailing POM gradient decreases morphological differentiation, resulting in population homogenization. Our results improve our understanding of gradient concentration‐dependent collective responses in synthetic microscale agents and provide a step to a new spatially resolved information encoding method with 3‐bit binary outputs.
Assessing Pubic Symphysis Evolution in Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus): Insights From Computer Tomography on Primiparous and Non‐Breeding Females
Authors: Vieu Sabrina , Hugon Héloïse , Boucher Samuel , Bercker Clément , Bruyas Jean‐François , Fusellier Marion
Published: October 2024

In guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), dystocia is a common occurrence. Several factors have been identified in the literature, including the ossification of the pubic symphysis following failure to breed before 9–12 months of age. The objective of this study was to investigate the ossification of pubic symphysis and its evolution during growth in two groups of females. The first group consisted of non‐breeding females, while the second group comprised females introduced to breeding at 4–6 months of age. Twelve pairs of sows were selected for comparison, with one non‐breeding and one breeding sow in each pair. Symphysis width and tissue density were assessed using micro‐computed tomography. Measurements included the distance between the acetabula, width and bone density of the pubic symphysis. Serial computed tomography scans were performed on each sow over several months, both before and after parturition. The results revealed a significantly higher symphysis width in females that had bred. In addition, symphysis ossification was absent in both breeding and non‐breeding sows, contrary to previous descriptions of this species. Therefore, dystocia in guinea pigs may not be attributable to ossification of the pubic symphysis.
Preparation of Co–Ce@RM catalysts for catalytic ozonation of tetracycline
Authors: Sun Wenquan , Xie Yiming , Zhang Ming , Zhou Jun , Sun Yongjun
Published: October 2024

In this work, a Co–Ce@RM ozone catalyst was developed using red mud (RM), a by‐product of alumina production, as a support material, and its preparation process, catalytic efficiency, and tetracycline (TCN) degradation mechanism were investigated. A comprehensive assessment was carried out using the 3E (environmental, economic, and energy) model. The optimal production conditions for Co–Ce@RM were as follows: The doping ratio of Co and Ce was 1:3, the calcination temperature was 400°C, and the calcination time was 5 h, achieving a maximum removal rate of 87.91% of TCN. The catalyst was characterized using different analytical techniques. Under the conditions of 0.4 L/min ozone aeration rate, with 9% catalyst loading and solution pH 9, the optimal removal rates and chemical oxygen demand by the Co–Ce catalytic ozonation at RM were 94.17% and 75.27%, respectively. Moreover, free radical quenching experiments showed that superoxide radicals (O2−) and singlet oxygen (1O2) were the main active groups responsible for the degradation of TCN. When characterizing the water quality, it was assumed that TCN undergoes degradation pathways such as demethylation, dehydroxylation, double bond cleavage, and ring‐opening reactions under the influence of various active substances. Finally, the 3E evaluation model was deployed to evaluate the Co–Ce@RM catalytic ozonation experiment of TCN wastewater.

Practitioner Points

The preparation of Co–Ce@RM provides new ideas for resource utilization of red mud.

Catalytic ozonation by Co–Ce@RM can produce 1O2 active oxygen groups.

The Co–Ce@RM catalyst can maintain a high catalytic activity after 20 cycles.

The degradation pathway of the catalytic ozonation of tetracycline was fully analyzed.

Catalytic ozone oxidation processes were evaluated by the “3E” (environmental, economic, and energy) model.
Recent Progress on Nanomedicine‐Mediated Repolarization of Tumor‐Associated Macrophages for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Jing‐Yang , Su Yun‐He , Wang Xu , Yao Xueqing , Du Jin‐Zhi
Published: October 2024

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute the largest number of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). They play an essential role in promoting tumor progression and metastasis, which makes them a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. TAMs are usually divided into two categories: pro‐tumoral M2‐like TAMs and antitumoral M1 phenotypes at either extreme. The reprogramming of M2‐like TAMs toward a tumoricidal M1 phenotype is of particular interest for the restoration of antitumor immunity in cancer immunotherapy. Notably, nanomedicines have shown great potential for cancer therapy due to their unique structures and properties. This review will briefly describe the biological features and roles of TAMs in tumor, and then discuss recent advances in nanomedicine‐mediated repolarization of TAMs for cancer immunotherapy. Finally, perspectives on nanomedicine‐mediated repolarization of TAMs for effective cancer immunotherapy are also presented.
Deep Dive Into Noninvasive Biometrics: A Pilot Journey Using Stereo‐Video in a Public Aquarium
Authors: Ferreira Ana , Santos Simão , Silva Gonçalo , Baylina Núria
Published: October 2024

Accurate collection of biometric data is important for understanding the biology and conservation of marine organisms, including elasmobranch and teleost fish, both in nature and controlled environments where monitoring marine specimens' health is mandatory. Traditional methods involving specimen capture and handling are invasive, stressful, and disruptive. Some techniques like underwater visual census or laser photogrammetry have been used for noninvasive data collection, but they have limitations and biases. The application of stereo‐video photogrammetry through the use of diver‐operated stereo‐video systems (stereo‐DOV) is a noninvasive method that overcomes these challenges, providing highly accurate measurements. It has become popular for species monitoring, studying anthropogenic impacts, and assessing length distributions. However, this technique is still uncommon and barely reported in aquarium settings. This study describes an innovative pilot study targeting multiple species carried out in a Public Aquarium, using a low‐cost house‐made device. The results revealed that measuring more than 100 individuals in approximately 1 day's work is possible. Total and fork lengths were estimated using specific software for 31 teleost and 16 elasmobranch species and compared with real measurements for the available species. Despite technical limitations that must be reviewed for application in future studies that resulted in high root mean square (RMS) values (> 20 mm), differences between methodological approaches revealed a minimal discrepancy (1.37%–5% in large sharks and rays and 1.8%–5.5% in teleost fish). This technique has time and cost requirements, but might represent a major advance in husbandry and in the contribution to conservation that ex situ studies can provide.
Conclusions
Authors: Pisarevskaya Asya , Scholten Peter
Published: October 2024

The local turn in migration studies has drawn attention to the local level for understanding migration and migration-related diversities (Zapata-Barrero et al., 2017). This book contributes to this turn by revealing a plurality of urban diversities and exploring the factors that contribute to this plurality. Cities of migration come in various types, reflecting different diversity configurations, different locally situated inequalities, and different local approaches. There is no reason for trying to understand the dynamics of migration-related diversity in Paris and Plauen or in Rotterdam and Rouen in similar terms. These cities have very different diversity configurations, migration histories, opportunity structures and political institutional settings. Rather than defining these cities in terms of one urban model our effort is to grasp and understand the complexity of urban diversities. We see this as an important step towards a more differentiated view of urban diversities, and also a insight into the challenges that form in different cities and a better understanding of how and why cities choose different approaches towards governance of migration and diversity. Where Ingolstadt may need an approach very much tailored to the legacy of industrial migration and urban segregation, Hilversum may need an approach that is focused on the whole local population and on the role of diversity across policy sectors and domains.
The Λc → Λ ℓ+νℓ weak decay including new physics
Authors: Alvarado Fernando , Alvarez-Ruso Luis , Hernández Eliecer , Nieves Juan , Penalva Neus
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We investigate the Λc → Λℓ+νℓ decay with a focus on potential new physics (NP) effects in the ℓ = μ channel. We employ an effective Hamiltonian within the framework of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) to consider generalized dimension-6 semileptonic c → s operators of scalar, pseudoscalar, vector, axial-vector and tensor types. We rely on Lattice QCD (LQCD) for the hadronic transition form factors, using heavy quark spin symmetry (HQSS) to determine those that have not yet been obtained on the lattice. Uncertainties due to the truncation of the NP Hamiltonian and different implementations of HQSS are taken into account. As a result, we unravel the NP discovery potential of the Λc → Λ semileptonic decay in different observables. Our findings indicate high sensitivity to NP in lepton flavour universality ratios, probing multi-TeV scales in some cases. On the theoretical side, we identify LQCD uncertainties in axial and vector form factors as critical for improving NP sensitivity, alongside better SMEFT uncertainty estimations.
Biofilm Formation on Excavation Damaged Zone Fractures in Deep Neogene Sedimentary Rock
Authors: Hirota Akinari , Kouduka Mariko , Fukuda Akari , Miyakawa Kazuya , Sakuma Keisuke , Ozaki Yusuke , Ishii Eiichi , Suzuki Yohey
Published: October 2024

Deep underground galleries are used to access the deep biosphere in addition to mining and other engineering applications, such as geological disposal of radioactive waste. Fracture networks developed in the excavation damaged zone (EDZ) are concerned with accelerating mass transport, where microbial colonization might be possible due to the availability of space and nutrients. In this study, microbial biofilms at EDZ fractures were investigated by drilling from a 350-m-deep gallery and subsequent borehole logging at the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory (URL). By using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, the dense colonization of microbial cells was demonstrated at the surfaces of the EDZ fractures with high hydraulic conductivity. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed the dominance of gammaproteobacterial lineages, the cultivated members of which are aerobic methanotrophs. The near-complete genomes from Horonobe groundwater, affiliated with the methanotrophic lineages, were fully equipped with genes involved in aerobic methanotrophy. Although the mediation of aerobic methanotrophy remains to be demonstrated, microbial O2 production was supported by the presence of genes in the near-complete genomes, such as catalase and superoxide dismutase that produce O2 from reactive oxygen species and a nitric oxide reductase gene with the substitutions of amino acids in motifs. It is concluded that the EDZ fractures provide energetically favorable subsurface habitats for microorganisms.
International Distribution and Development of Rock Mass Classification: A Review
Authors: Erharter Georg H. , Bar Neil , Hansen Tom F. , Jain Sumit , Marcher Thomas
Published: October 2024

Since the 1950s, numerous rock mass classification systems (RMCS) have emerged for applications such as tunneling, mining, and slope engineering. The continued proliferation of these systems reflects the complexity of the issue and the absence of a universally accepted approach within the rock engineering community. This review offers an up-to-date examination of the global utilization of RMCS across applications such as tunnels, caverns, mining slope stability, and more. A “family tree of rock mass classification systems” is presented that traces their evolution over the decades. The family tree illustrates a prolific period of system development between 1970 and 2000, followed by a decline in progress and increasing specialization of systems. Based on surveys within the rock engineering community carried out between 2022 and 2024, the dominant systems for underground engineering and slope-related tasks were found to be GSI, RMR, and the Q-system, which have demonstrated their practical efficacy over 5 decades. Based on the surveys, two “world maps of rock mass classification” have been produced that visualize the international RMCS distribution. However, the survey shows that only some new or derived systems developed in the last 25 years have gained global acceptance. The paper closes with an outlook to possible future developments in rock mass classification and characterization.
Warm, rainy winter onset increases the risk of hard, icy snow layers and the occurrence of mycotoxins in reindeer winter pastures
Authors: Kumpula Jouko , Rämö Sari , Holkeri Leena , Pekkarinen Antti-Juhani , Siitari Jukka , Tuomenvirta Heikki , Lehtonen Ilari , Rasmus Sirpa
Published: October 2024

When thick wet snow covers unfrozen ground at the beginning of winter, herders fear the development of a hard, icy bottom snow layer and the appearance of noxious moulds (microfungi) in semi-domesticated reindeer pastures. Such winter onsets were experienced in 2019 and 2021 in the reindeer herding area of Finland, after which significant reindeer losses, along with collapses in calf production and slaughter animals, were encountered. We studied the development of weather and snow conditions in the late autumn and early winter of 2021–2022 and measured snow conditions in March 2022 in 11 reindeer cooperatives. We also collected samples from reindeer winter forage plants for mycotoxin analysis. We found that the weather and snow conditions during the late autumn and early winter of 2021 caused the formation of a hard, icy bottom snow layer and the development of mycotoxins in pastures. Alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), produced by Alternaria spp., were found in all 33 samples (104–2562, 61–808 µg/kg DM) and zearalenone (ZEN) by Fusarium spp. in 16 samples (14–206 µg/kg). Certain significant correlations in the concentrations of mycotoxins with snow conditions and ground surface temperatures were found. We assume that besides difficult grazing conditions in the winters of 2019–2020 and 2021–2022, the presence of mycotoxins in pastures has contributed to reindeer losses and reduced the body condition, health, and reproduction of reindeer. As onsets of winters become warmer and rainier, the risk of similar pasture conditions in reindeer herding may increase.
Revisiting a Drag Partition Model For Canopy-Like Roughness Elements
Authors: Buono Elia , Katul Gabriel G. , Vettori Davide , Poggi Davide , Manes Costantino
Published: October 2024

Turbulent flows over a large surface area (S) covered by n obstacles experience an overall drag due to the presence of the ground and the protruding obstacles into the flow. The drag partition between the roughness obstacles and the ground is analyzed using an analytical model proposed by Raupach (Boundary-Layer Meteorol 60:375-395, 1992) and is hereafter referred to as R92. The R92 is based on the premise that the wake behind an isolated roughness element can be described by a shelter area A and a shelter volume V. The individual sizes of A and V without any interference from other obstacles can be determined from scaling analysis for the spread of wakes. To upscale from an individual roughness element to n/S elements where wakes may interact, R92 adopted a background stress re-normalizing instead of reducing A or V with each element addition. This work demonstrates that R92’s approach results in a linear background stress reduction in A and V only when the ratio of n/S is small, due to a low probability of wake interactions. This probabilistic nature suggests that up-scaling from individual to multiple roughness elements can be re-formulated using stochastic averaging methods proposed here. The two approaches are shown to recover R92 under plausible conditions. An alternative scaling for the shelter volume is also proposed here using thermodynamic arguments of work and dissipation though the final outcome remains similar to R92. Comparisons between R92 and available data spanning more than two decades after R92 on blocks and vegetation-like roughness elements confirm the practical utility of R92. The agreement between R92 and this updated databases of experiments and simulations confirm the potential use of R92 in large-scale models provided that the relevant parameters accommodate certain features of the roughness element type (cube versus vegetation-like) and, to a lesser extent, their configuration throughout S. Last, a comparison between R92 and models based on first-order closure principles with constant mixing length suggests that R92 can outperform such models when evaluated across a wide range of roughness densities.
Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Bullying and Intervention Responses: A Systematic and Meta-analytic Review
Authors: Dawes Molly , Malamut Sarah T. , Guess Hannah , Lohrbach Emily
Published: October 2024

Teachers are key to antibullying efforts, and their attitudes toward bullying can influence their intervention responses. There has been a proliferation of this type of research but thus far no review has been performed to coalesce the evidence. Following PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines, we performed a systematic and meta-analytic review. A total of 3990 titles and abstracts identified across 7 databases (PsycINFO, Education Source, ERIC via EBSCOhost, ERIC via ProQuest, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Google Scholar) were screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. After screening, 27 studies were included in the systematic review, 25 of which were included in meta-analyses. The association between antibullying attitudes and intervention responses differed depending on whether (1) measures assessed retrospective reports of intervention responses (i.e., how often teachers used that response) versus intervention intentions (i.e., likelihood they would intervene in hypothetical scenarios) and (2) the specific type of intervention response. Results indicate that teachers’ antibullying attitudes were positively related to some responses (disciplining/punishing bullying, victim support, involving parents, involving peer bystanders), negatively related to some responses (advocating avoidance, encouraging independent coping), and unrelated to others (advocating assertion, enlisting other adults, separating students). Results also indicate a positive overall association between antibullying attitudes and intervention likelihood. No moderation by form of bullying was found. Implications for preservice training and in-service teachers’ professional development to target bullying attitudes are discussed.
Decentralising mathematics: Mutual development of spontaneous and mathematical concepts via informal reasoning
Authors: Uegatani Yusuke , Otani Hiroki , Fujita Taro
Published: October 2024

This paper aims to shed light on an overlooked but essential aspect of informal reasoning and its radical implication to mathematics education research: Decentralising mathematics. We start to problematise that previous studies on informal reasoning implicitly overfocus on what students infer. Based on Walton’s distinction between reasoning and argument, and Ernest’s concept of intrapersonal dialogue, we propose two theoretical perspectives for understanding the roles of informal reasoning in argumentation: the semi-formal, and the negotiation perspectives. From the latter perspective, we can say that informal reasoning involves creating alternatives, eschewing the relatively unpromising ones, and choosing the most promising one. To illustrate the advantage of the negotiation perspective over the semi-formal perspective, we present two examples of students’ statistical written reports from a previous study. These examples illustrate that spontaneous concepts influenced the students’ creation of multiple alternatives, and choice of the most promising one, in informal reasoning. Therefore, to better understand the development of mathematical concepts, we need to recognise the role of spontaneous concepts through decentralising mathematics. Finally, we introduce inferentialism as an additional theoretical perspective for investigating both the mathematical development of spontaneous concepts, and the spontaneous development of mathematical concepts. The inferentialist idea of the game of giving and asking for reasons indicates how to empirically investigate the mutual development of spontaneous and mathematical concepts.
Evaluating fructose content in poultry feed: electrochemical insights
Authors: Sha Mizaj Shabil , Alejli Assem , Devarajan Surya , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Al-Maadeed Somaya , Maalej Ramzi , Chaari Mohamed Zied
Published: October 2024

The global demand for poultry meat has increased, but consumers have become more picky in their nutritional choices. The fat content of poultry meat has risen since genetic advancement has resulted in higher rates of body weight gain and fat deposition, which are closely linked. The increase in further processing for fast-food poultry items has resulted in larger birds with more body fat. Usually, carbohydrates are used for easy weight gain in poultry. This study focuses on the electrochemical detection of fructose as a feed additive in poultry. The catalyst used was silver–silver oxide–zinc oxide (Ag–AgO–ZnO) and it was prepared by sol–gel method. Further, the surface morphology of the catalyst was analysed using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (XRD, FTIR and TEM). Cyclic voltammetry was carried out to find out the effectiveness of this catalyst in detecting fructose and our results revealed a sensitivity of 0.3 M with an electrochemical current of 1 mA cm−2, indicating the effectiveness of the chosen electrochemical approach. And further investigation was carried out to monitor effects of various parameters including scan rate, catalyst loading and fructose concentration. This research contributes valuable insights into assessing fructose levels in poultry feed, with potential implications for optimising nutritional formulations and enhancing overall poultry health. The electrochemical method demonstrates promise as a reliable tool for sensitively analysing fructose in feed additives. Precision and accuracy assessments further underscore the reliability of our electrochemical approach in differentiating fructose content within the poultry feed matrix.

Graphical Abstract
Utility of Microwave-Synthesized Silver Nano Particles as Spectrofluorimetric Sensors for the Determination of Nano Concentrations of Favipravir: Application to Dosage Forms and Spiked Human Plasma
Authors: Zaid Mona H. Abo , El-Enany Nahed , Mostafa Aziza E. , Hadad Ghada M. , Belal Fathalla
Published: October 2024

A simple and facile microwave-assisted method was developed for the synthesis of highly fluorescent silver-nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). The synthesis of silver-nanoparticles depends on a redox reaction between silver nitrate and ascorbic acid using chitosan as a stabilizing agent. The produced Ag-NPs were characterized using Zeta potential and transmission electron microscope micrograph where they are spherical in shape with smooth surface morphology and size of 26.81 ± 2.2 nm. Favipiravir (FAV) was found to cause an obvious enhancement in the fluorescence of Ag-NPs; hence, they were used for its spectrofluorimetric estimation. The fluorescence intensity was measured at 430 nm after excitation at 360 nm. Under optimum conditions, a good linear relationship was accomplished between the FAV concentration and the fluorescence intensity in a range of (5.0–200.0) ng/mL with a limit of detection of 1.59 ng/mL. The method was successfully applied for the assay of the drug in its commercial tablets and spiked human plasma samples, and the results obtained were satisfactory.
Serial batching to minimize the weighted number of tardy jobs
Authors: Hermelin Danny , Mnich Matthias , Omlor Simon
Published: October 2024

The

$$1\vert \text {s-batch}(\infty ),r_j\vert \sum w_jU_j$$

1
|
s-batch

(
∞
)

,

r
j

|
∑

w
j

U
j

scheduling problem takes as input a batch setup time

$$\Delta $$

Δ

and a set of n jobs, each having a processing time, a release date, a weight, and a due date; the task is to find a sequence of batches that minimizes the weighted number of tardy jobs. This problem was introduced by Hochbaum and Landy (Oper Res Lett 16(2):79–86, 1994); as a wide generalization of Knapsack, it is

$$\textsf{NP}$$

NP

-hard. In this work, we provide a multivariate complexity analysis of the

$$1\vert \text {s-batch}(\infty ), r_j\vert \sum w_jU_j$$

1
|
s-batch

(
∞
)

,

r
j

|
∑

w
j

U
j

problem with respect to several natural parameters. That is, we establish a classification into fixed-parameter tractable and

$$\textsf{W}[1]$$

W
[
1
]

-hard problems, for parameter combinations of (i)

$$\#p$$

#
p

= number of distinct processing times, (ii)

$$\#w$$

#
w

= number of distinct weights, (iii)

$$\#d$$

#
d

= number of distinct due dates, (iv)

$$\#r$$

#
r

= number of distinct release dates. Thereby, we significantly extend the work of Hermelin et al. (Ann Oper Res 298:271–287, 2018) who analyzed the parameterized complexity of the non-batch variant of this problem without release dates. As one of our key results, we prove that

$$1\vert \text {s-batch}(\infty ), r_j\vert \sum w_jU_j$$

1
|
s-batch

(
∞
)

,

r
j

|
∑

w
j

U
j

is

$$\textsf{W}[1]$$

W
[
1
]

-hard parameterized by the number of distinct processing times and distinct due dates. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first parameterized intractability results for scheduling problems with few distinct processing times. Further, we show that

$$1\vert \text {s-batch}(\infty ), r_j\vert \sum w_jU_j$$

1
|
s-batch

(
∞
)

,

r
j

|
∑

w
j

U
j

is fixed-parameter tractable parameterized by

$$\#d + \#p + \#r$$

#
d
+
#
p
+
#
r

, and parameterized by

$$\#d + \#w$$

#
d
+
#
w

if there is just a single release date. Both results hold even if the number of jobs per batch is limited by some integer b.
Simultaneous optimal system and controller design for multibody systems with joint friction using direct sensitivities
Authors: Verulkar Adwait , Sandu Corina , Sandu Adrian , Dopico Daniel
Published: October 2024

Real-world multibody systems are often subject to phenomena like friction, joint clearances, and external events. These phenomena can significantly impact the optimal design of the system and its controller. This work addresses the gradient-based optimization methodology for multibody dynamic systems with joint friction using a direct sensitivity approach. The Brown–McPhee model has been used to characterize the joint friction in the system. This model is suitable for the study due to its accuracy for dynamic simulation and its compatibility with sensitivity analysis. This novel methodology supports codesign of the multibody system and its controller, which is especially relevant for applications like robotics and servo-mechanical systems, where the actuation and design are highly dependent on each other. Numerical results are obtained using a software package written in Julia with state-of-the-art libraries for automatic differentiation and differential equations. Three case studies are provided to demonstrate the attractive properties of simultaneous optimal design and control approach for certain applications.
Structural changes in troponin during activation of skeletal and heart muscle determined in situ by polarised fluorescence
Authors: Sevrieva Ivanka R , Kampourakis Thomas , Irving Malcolm
Published: October 2024

Calcium binding to troponin triggers the contraction of skeletal and heart muscle through structural changes in the thin filaments that allow myosin motors from the thick filaments to bind to actin and drive filament sliding. Here, we review studies in which those changes were determined in demembranated fibres of skeletal and heart muscle using fluorescence for in situ structure (FISS), which determines domain orientations using polarised fluorescence from bifunctional rhodamine attached to cysteine pairs in the target domain. We describe the changes in the orientations of the N-terminal lobe of troponin C (TnCN) and the troponin IT arm in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells associated with contraction and compare the orientations with those determined in isolated cardiac thin filaments by cryo-electron microscopy. We show that the orientations of the IT arm determined by the two approaches are essentially the same and that this region acts as an almost rigid scaffold for regulatory changes in the more mobile regions of troponin. However, the TnCN orientations determined by the two methods are clearly distinct in both low- and high-calcium conditions. We discuss the implications of these results for the role of TnCN in mediating the multiple signalling pathways acting through troponin in heart muscle cells and the general advantages and limitations of FISS and cryo-EM for determining protein domain orientations in cells and multiprotein complexes.
Design of self-emulsifying oral delivery systems for semaglutide: reverse micelles versus hydrophobic ion pairs
Authors: Sandmeier Matthias , Ricci Fabrizio , To Dennis , Lindner Sera , Stengel Daniel , Schifferle Michaela , Koz Saadet , Bernkop-Schnürch Andreas
Published: October 2024

It was the aim of this study to evaluate the potential of reverse micelles (RM) and hydrophobic ion pairs (HIP) for incorporation of semaglutide into self-emulsifying oral drug delivery systems. Reverse micelles loaded with semaglutide were formed with a cationic (ethyl lauroyl arginate, ELA) and an anionic surfactant (docusate, DOC), whereas HIP were formed between semaglutide and ELA. Maximum solubility of the peptide and the rate of dissolution was evaluated in various lipophilic phases (glycerol monocaprylocaprate:caprylic acid 1:4 (m/m), glycerol monolinoleate:caprylic acid 1:4 (m/m) and glycerol monocaprylocaprate:glycerol monolinoleate 1:4 (m/m)). Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) loaded with RM and HIP were characterized regarding size distribution, zeta potential, cytocompatibility and Caco-2 permeability. Droplet sizes between 50 and 300 nm with polydispersity index (PDI) around 0.3 and zeta potentials between − 45 mV (RMDOC) and 36 mV (RMELA) were obtained. RM provided an almost 2-fold higher lipophilicity of semaglutide than HIP resulting in a 4.2-fold higher payload of SEDDS compared to HIP. SEDDS containing RM or HIP showed high cytocompatibilities with a cell survival above 75% for concentrations up to 0.1% on Caco-2 cells and acceptable hemolytic activity. Permeation studies across Caco-2 monolayer revealed an at least 2-fold increase in permeability of semaglutide for the developed formulations.