bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water repellency of cotton knitted fabrics treated with alkyl ketene dimers
Authors: Onodera Satoru , Tanaka Chiaki , Isogai Akira
Published: January 2025

Water repellency is one of the expected functions for originally hydrophilic cotton fabrics (CFs) in various applications. Aqueous dispersions of alkylketene dimers have been used as efficient sizing chemicals in practical papermaking. In the present study, we soaked CFs in weakly cationic AKD dispersions of various AKD concentrations, squeezed them, and cured/dried the AKD dispersion-containing wet CFs at 120 °C for 10 min. Scanning electron microscopy revealed flake-like AKD structures in the AKD-treated and air-dried CFs, which mostly disappeared when the AKD-related compounds (such as the original AKD, hydrolyzed AKD, and cellulose-reacted AKD molecules present in the CFs) melted and spread during curing. The contents of the AKD-related compounds in the CFs were determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. When a dispersion with an AKD concentration of 6.7 g/L and a pH of 4.5 was used, the cured and dried CF contained ~ 0.49% AKD-related compounds. The resulting CF sample had prolonged water-absorption times (a measure of water repellency) of > 1800s, even after 30 cycles of laundry treatment. The content of AKD-related compounds was decreased markedly from 0.49 to 0.06% and 0.01% by laundry treatment once and 30 times, respectively. Quite small amounts of AKD-related compounds remained in the CF after laundry treatment, and contributed to its high water repellency. Therefore, the AKD treatment developed in the present study offers a practical and efficient means of conferring high water repellency on CFs.

Graphical abstract
Legal Standards of Proof: When and Why Merely Statistical Evidence Can Satisfy Them
Authors: Silva Paul
Published: January 2025

The relation of normic support offers a novel solution to the proof paradox: a paradox in evidence law arising from legal cases involving merely statistical evidence (Smith in Mind 127: 1193–1218, 2018). Central to the normic support solution has been the thesis that merely statistical evidence cannot confer normic support. However, it has been observed that there are exceptions to this: there exist cases where merely statistical evidence can give rise to normic support (Blome-Tillmann in Mind 129: 563–578, 2020). If correct, this fact seems to undermine the normic support solution to the proof paradox. This paper explores a resolution: normic support can resolve the proof paradox even though merely statistical evidence sometimes gives rise to normic support. The key to understanding this resolution lies with a source of evidential support that arises out of bodies of evidence that involve character evidence (cf. Colyvan, et al. in JPP 9(2): 168–181 2001). It turns out that character evidence can provide normic support when it is grounded in our knowledge of a certain kind of disposition individuals can have: goal-directed dispositions. The upshot is the recovery of the normic support solution to the puzzle of whether statistical evidence can meet legal standards of proof.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations Leading the Way in Child Health Research
Authors: Pickard Anita , Stubbs Thomas , Carter Emily , Rice Lauren , Thomas Sue , Davies Jadnah , Oscar June , Martiniuk Alexandra , Elliott Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2025

Historically, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research in Australia has adhered to Western research paradigms and contributed to the adverse impacts of colonisation. However, recent developments driven by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and scholars, and development of ethical guidelines for research, have promoted a more inclusive and collaborative research landscape. In this study, published papers and internal documents arising from a long-term partnership between Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre (MWRC) and the University of Sydney (USYD) from 2009 to 2023 were analysed using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool and consultations with project partners. Every project had Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance, leadership, and inclusive consultation; was driven by community-identified priorities, built local capacity, and benefitted the community. There was an increase in the use of Indigenous research paradigms and data/intellectual property (IP) agreements over time, reflecting responsiveness to community leadership. This partnership exemplifies community-driven, co-designed, Aboriginal-led health research and serves as a model for effective collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Outpacing sol-gel-prepared magnesium fluoride for rare earth element separation by mixed mechanisms over many second-group fluorides
Authors: Hagag M. S.
Published: January 2025

The synthesis, characterization, and testing of new inorganic compounds as perspective adsorbents or ion exchangers are of significant importance. Magnesium fluoride is a well-known inorganic compound that is affordable and widely used in various scientific and industrial applications. A series of adsorption experiments have been conducted, including investigations of pH range, magnesium fluoride dose weights, initial concentration of the Rare earth elements (REEs) and adsorption time. An outstanding finding regarding magnesium fluoride as an adsorbent is that REEs were separated at pH 1 through ion exchange and at pH 4 through adsorption mechanisms, showing nearly identical uptake of 191 mg/g. Under optimal adsorption conditions, the REEs were adsorbed on magnesium fluoride with an uptake of 302.4 mg. The morphological traits of magnesium fluoride were characterized using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Kinetically, the adsorption of REEs on magnesium fluoride aligns with the pseudo-second-order model and exhibits a theoretical loading capacity of 310 mg/g. What’s more, isothermally, the adsorption of REEs corresponds to the Langmuir model and predicts a theoretical uptake of 305 mg/g. Interference studies indicate that magnesium fluoride is a promising adsorbent and exhibits notable selectivity. The study suggested that magnesium fluoride has shown a higher saturation capacity compared to other Group IIA fluorides. From a sustainability perspective, magnesium fluoride has been sourced from the Mediterranean Sea. This approach achieved a REEs separation capacity of 308.7 mg/g after implementing all the optimum sol-gel magnesium fluoride adsorption conditions.

Graphical Abstract
“Doing fractions” and “understanding fairness”: Examining the cultural scripts of a mathematics lesson through the eyes of Japanese and Malaysian educators
Authors: Sarkar Arani Mohammad Reza , Lander Bruce , Shibata Yoshiaki , Iksan Zanaton , Tan Shirley
Published: January 2025

This article analyzes Malaysian and Japanese educators’ reactions to a mathematics lesson observed by a subset of researchers. The main aims are to reveal the cultural scripts about mathematical learning that are held by, but often invisible to, members of a culture; and to address educators’ conceptions of teaching mathematics across cultures. This study’s emphasis is placed largely on understanding the logic behind the teaching scripts and the underlying epistemology of teacher pedagogical decisions. A qualitative analytical approach identifies the idea that focus on a single problem during a whole lesson enables opportunities for deeper learning (Japanese participants) or may be boring for students (Malaysian educators), and explores the value of, or problems associated with, extrinsic rewards. This research stands to make an important contribution, both through its novel method, and in its specific ideas about desirable qualities of mathematics lessons and how these might differ from the viewpoint of individual cultures.
The senolytic cocktail, dasatinib and quercetin, impacts the chromatin structure of both young and senescent vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Gadecka Agnieszka , Nowak Natalia , Bulanda Edyta , Janiszewska Dorota , Dudkowska Magdalena , Sikora Ewa , Bielak-Zmijewska Anna
Published: January 2025

One promising strategy to alleviate aging symptoms is the treatment with senolytics that is compounds which selectively eliminate senescent cells. Some therapies aim to reduce symptoms of cellular senescence without senescent cell eradication (senomorphic activity). However, senotherapies raise many questions concerning the selectivity, safety and efficiency of senolitic drugs. A vital question is how the senolytic compounds affect young proliferating cells. In our study, we checked the impact of quercetin and dasatinib (D + Q), one of the promising drug mixtures of drugs, on chromatin structure in young and senescent cells. We analyzed the effect of a single and triple drug treatment on vascular smooth muscle cells. We have shown that D + Q impacts the chromatin in both young and senescent cells. In senescent cells, D + Q caused some symptoms of chromatin “rejuvenation” but in young cells some changes characteristic of senescent cells were observed. The alterations in young cells appeared only transiently and chromatin returned to the initial state after 24 h of recovery. The complexity of chromatin staining and nucleus morphology evaluation indicated that a triple treatment makes senescent cells more similar to the young ones than a single treatment. However, the analysis of senescence markers suggested that a single treatment with D + Q caused slightly less pronounced senescence characteristics and was more efficient in alleviating the features of senescence than a triple treatment. It is still an open question whether the alterations caused by D + Q are beneficial or harmful in the long term; however, so far, it can be concluded that the effects depend on cell type and the physiological context.
Evidenzbasiert oder selbstkreiert?
Authors: Haller Janine Arabella , Knauf Rhea-Katharina
Published: January 2025

Hintergrund

Schulen haben viele Möglichkeiten Bullying präventiv zu begegnen, wobei aufgrund der Prävalenz und schwerwiegenden Folgen in den letzten Jahren einige Präventionsprogramme entwickelt wurden. Da es zur Implementierung dieser an Schulen nur wenige Bestandsaufnahmen gibt und die Wirksamkeit von Implementierungsfaktoren abhängt, soll die aktuelle Situation an Schulen im Rems-Murr-Kreis erfasst werden. Hierbei werden die Voraussetzungen und Schwierigkeiten aufgezeigt und Implementierungsbarrieren offengelegt.

Methode

In Hinblick auf Implementierungsfaktoren und -barrieren wurde ein vollstandardisierter Online-Fragebogen entwickelt, der in zwei Pretests optimiert wurde. Es wurden alle Sekundarschulen eines Landkreises per E‑Mail und telefonisch kontaktiert. Für die Auswertung konnten die Daten von 45 Schulen berücksichtigt werden.

Ergebnisse

In den vergangenen beiden Jahren wurden an 66,7 % der befragten Schulen Präventionsprogramme gegen Bullying umgesetzt, die größtenteils selbstkonzipiert waren. Insgesamt wurden die Voraussetzungen der Umsetzung, wie die Unterstützung durch die Schulleitung, als positiv beschrieben, während sich jedoch ein Bedarf an personellen und zeitlichen Ressourcen abzeichnete. Sowohl bei den selbstkonzipierten als auch bei den evidenzbasierten Programmen wurde nur selten eine Evaluation durchgeführt. Schulen, die bisher keine Programme umsetzten, meldeten in 64,3 % Bedarf hierzu an, wobei sich diese für die zukünftige Umsetzung Unterstützung durch geschultes Personal wünschen.

Schlussfolgerung

Es besteht eine deutliche Implementierungslücke für evidenzbasierte Programme. Dass Schulen einen deutlichen Bedarf für Prävention angaben, aber vermehrt selbstkonzipierte Programme eingesetzt wurden, verdeutlicht die Notwendigkeit, den Praxistransfer zu verbessern, um wissenschaftlich fundierte Programme an Schulen zu etablieren.
Volatile organic compounds of royal jellies obtained from honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies fed with different industrial sugars at different locations
Authors: Seker Ibrahim , Karlidag Semiramis , Akyol Abuzer , Yil Gulsah , Koseman Abdurrahman , Uyumlu Ayse Burcin , Erdogan Selim , Yilmaztekin Murat
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study was to reveal differences in the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of royal jellies (RJs) produced by honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies fed with 3 different industrial sugars at 2 different locations. VOCs in the RJ samples were extracted via headspace-solid phase micro-extraction and analysed by gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry. In total, 46 compounds, including 3 esters, 14 alcohols, 5 acids, 1 aldehyde, 14 ketones, 3 lactones, 2 terpenes and 4 other compounds, were identified in the RJ samples obtained from honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies reared in Doğanşehir. A total of 45 compounds, including 3 esters, 14 alcohols, 5 acids, 1 aldehyde, 14 ketones, 4 lactones, 2 terpenes and 2 other compounds, were detected in the RJ samples obtained from honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies reared in the Uluköy location. It has been determined that different locations and different feeding conditions significantly affect the composition and amounts of volatile organic compounds in royal jelly.
Compartmental modeling for blood flow quantification from dynamic $$^{15}$$O-water PET images of humans: a systematic review
Authors: Rainio Oona , Klén Riku
Published: January 2025

Dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) can be used to non-invasively estimate the blood flow of different organs via compartmental modeling. Out of different PET tracers, water labeled with the radioactive

$$^{15}$$

15

O isotope of oxygen (half-life of 2.04 min) is freely diffusable, and therefore, very well-suited for blood flow quantification. While the earlier

$$^{15}$$

15

O-water PET research has primarily focused on cerebral or myocardial blood flow quantification, the recent emergence of total-body PET scanners has enabled greater application possibilities for both PET imaging in general and also

$$^{15}$$

15

O-water PET based blood flow quantification in particular. However, to validate new methods, it is necessary to compare them to earlier research. To help in this process, we systematically review 53 articles quantifying blood flow via compartmental modeling. We introduce the articles organized within subcategories of cerebral, myocardial, renal, pulmonary, pancreatic, hepatic, muscle, and tumor blood flow and summarize their results so that they can easily be evaluated in terms of population characteristics of the patients such as age or sex ratio and their potential diagnoses. We compare how both the compartment model used and the potential corrections for arterial blood volume, non-perfusable tissue, spill-over from the heart cavities, and time delay caused while the tracer travels between different areas of interest are generally implemented in the articles. We also analyze the differences in the data pre-processing techniques. According to our results, the estimates of cerebral and tumor blood flow vary considerably more between the articles than those of myocardial blood flow. This might be caused by differences in the model approaches or the study populations. We also note that the choice of the unit for these estimates is quite inconsistent as certain researchers seem to prefer mL/min/g over mL/min/mL even if no weight or density parameter is present in the modeling. We encourage more research on sex- and age-based differences in blood flow estimates and organ-specific blood flow quantification studies for kidneys, lungs, liver, and other important organs besides brain and heart.
Czech Version of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA): Psychometric Evaluation and Network Model
Authors: Klocek Adam , Řiháček Tomáš , Cígler Hynek
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Interoceptive awareness is crucial in mental health research, yet the psychometric characteristics of the most commonly used tool to measure it, the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), have been underexplored, as the results of previous studies have been inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Czech version of the tool (MAIACZ).

Method

Participants were sampled from seven clinical sites in the Czech Republic and the final sample consisted of 431 Czech clinical patients (75% women, M

age
 = 39.20 ± 11.04 years), suffering from various psychiatric diagnoses. Patients were measured weekly across 8 weeks. A combination of factor analysis and network models was employed.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the commonly used eight-factor structure of the MAIA, consistent with the original English version, though subscales Not distracting, Not worrying, and Noticing showed poor internal consistency. Invariance across gender, age, and measurement waves was confirmed using multigroup CFA. Convergence validity was established through correlations between MAIACZ subscales and measures of anxiety, depression, alexithymia, and symptom acceptance. A bootstrapped dynamic network model, conducted over 8 weekly measurement waves, showed the dynamic associations between MAIA subscales and its relation to wellbeing.

Conclusions

Contrary to the theoretical model, the temporal graph revealed that the main source nodes were related to the subjective mindset towards interoception, such as the tendency not to worry or distract from bodily signals, rather than the neutral perception of interoceptive stimuli. Well-being was also a prerequisite rather than a consequence of interoceptive awareness-related mechanisms. The Trusting subscale, which has received significant support for its predictive effects in previous literature, was found to be related to wellbeing primarily at the between-person level.
The future of cardiac repair: a review on cell-free nanotherapies for regenerative myocardial infarction
Authors: Kamal Nermeen H. , Heikal Lamia A. , Abdallah Ossama Y.
Published: January 2025

Cardiovascular diseases as myocardial infarction (MI) represent a major cause for morbidity and mortality worldwide. Even though, patients who survive MI are susceptible to high risk of heart failure. This is mainly attributed to the major loss of cardiomyocytes and limited regenerative potential of myocardium. Despite the availability of various cardiovascular drugs, they fail to address the main cause of MI. The optimum therapeutic goal should therefore focus on enhancing cardiac regeneration through cellular and cell-free therapeutic approaches. This review focused on different mechanisms of cardiac regeneration that can be achieved via non-cellular therapeutic modalities. Passive and active targeting of the infarcted myocardium using various nanoparticles that can be loaded with growth factors, drugs or affordable natural products can reduce negative ventricular remodeling, infarct size and the apoptotic rate of cardiomyocytes. In addition, injectable biomaterials-based nanocomposite can be used as a scaffold to support infarcted heart and recruit cells. Innovative affordable and less invasive cell-free approaches can be implemented to enhance cardiac regeneration post MI.

Graphical abstract
A reduced labor, non-invasive method for characterizing small mammal communities
Authors: Cleary Katherine A. , Bonaiuto Vincenzo , Amulike Bridget , Pearson Jessica , Johnson Glenn
Published: January 2025

We developed the BucketCam as a reduced-labor, non-invasive alternative to conventional approaches for characterizing small mammal communities. We conducted a field test at 14 sites in northern NY to compare the BucketCam to three other widely used small mammal trapping methods: Sherman traps, pitfall traps, and track plates. Our findings show that BucketCams have the highest detection frequency of any of the trap types, similar or higher estimates of species richness as the other trap types, and show relative abundance patterns comparable to those produced by the two live traps. However, in studies prioritizing detection of Soricidae and Talpidae, BucketCams should be paired with pitfall traps.
Influence of the cooling time t8/5 on weld metals
Authors: Rust Brian , Schmidt Jan , Stroetmann Richard
Published: January 2025

The increasing use of high-strength steels in construction has raised the importance of high-strength filler materials. Therefore, precise control of the mechanical properties of these fillers is crucial, as their strength often closely matches that of the base material. Heat input during welding can weaken slightly overmatched joints, turning them undermatched and compromising the safety of the welded component. In this context, the ongoing AiF-FOSTA research project P1453 investigates the impact of cooling time t
8/5 on the mechanical properties of weld metals in gas-shielded metal arc welding. Furthermore, the introduction of the new Eurocode 3 Part 1–8 allows the consideration of the nominal tensile strength of the filler material for fillet and butt welds, directly affecting the design resistance of the welded joint and increasing the importance of the filler material’s tensile strength. Experimental characterizations of filler materials G62 and G89 on new centric drilled flat tensile specimens highlight the correlation between tensile strength and cooling time. The study reveals that the standardized tensile strength requirements for filler materials of strength classes G79 were not reliably met for cooling times of 7.5 s and beyond. Moreover, the study indicates that the filler material E89 consistently fails to meet the specified minimum tensile strength requirements by 5%. However, filler materials such as G35, G42, G62, and G69 consistently comply with normative standards. These results emphasize the critical need to consider welding parameters, particularly cooling time, to ensure weld quality and structural integrity.
SOLFA study: a multicenter, open-label, prospective, randomized study to investigate the clotting propensity of asymmetric cellulose triacetate membrane compared to synthetic membranes in on line HDF
Authors: Puerta Marta , Jaldo María Teresa , Muñoz Patricia , Martínez-Miguel Patricia , Maduell Francisco , Lancho Carolina , García-Herrera Antonio Luis , Eloot Sunny , de Sequera Patricia
Published: January 2025

Background

Performing hemodialysis without heparin is still challenging. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the impact on thrombogenicity of the hemodialysis circuit using synthetic membranes compared to the asymmetric cellulose triacetate (ATA) membrane.

Methods

Prospective, multicenter, randomized, crossover, open-label study. In each of the two phases of the study, six consecutive hemodialysis sessions were performed over two weeks, in which the patients were dialyzed with the dialyzer randomly assigned (synthetic vs asymmetric cellulose triacetate membrane). During the six sessions of both phases, the heparin dose was progressively reduced from the full usual heparin dose in the first session to zero heparin in the sixth session. After each session, visual inspection of the venous chamber and dialyzer was performed, and a coagulation score was assigned. A micro- computed tomography (CT) scanning of some dialyzers was also executed at Ghent University.

Results

Comparison of the last completed sessions shows that there were significant differences depending on the dialyzer used: 60% of dialysis sessions with asymmetric cellulose triacetate could be completed without heparin versus 24% with synthetic membranes (p = 0.01). We also found differences in the number of sessions completed: 46% with the asymmetric cellulose triacetate membrane and 7% with the synthetic membrane (p = 0.001). The results obtained with the micro-CT analysis were also better with the asymmetric cellulose triacetate.

Conclusions

Our findings strongly suggest that asymmetric cellulose triacetate membranes may be useful in situations in which dialysis should be performed without heparin or with low-dose heparins.

Trail registry

NCT06505616.

Graphical abstract
Mobility of Sediment and Phosphorus in a Small Stream During Artificial Flood Wave
Authors: Neumann Martin , Jáchymová Barbora , Koudelka Petr , Dostál Tomáš , Bauer Miroslav , Krása Josef , Laburda Tomáš , Rosendorf Pavel , Fiala Daniel , Bynum Karina , Schwartz John S. , Zumr David
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the dynamics of sediment and phosphorus transport in small streams affected by recurrent flood waves. The experiments were carried out in two streams with contrasting conditions: one in an agricultural headwater section, which serves as a sediment source, and the other in a mid-water section influenced by fish ponds. High-frequency data on suspended sediment and phosphorus concentrations were collected during several flood waves to assess how floods affect the transport regime, including the role of small reservoirs. The results showed that even initially clear water can mobilize significant amounts of sediment from the riverbed when discharge increases. Sediment mobilization was strongest at the beginning of the flood wave, with concentrations peaking early and then decreasing. Successive floods without additional sediment input led to a decrease in sediment concentrations, as the stream had already flushed out the available sediments. Hysteresis loops showed that most of the sediment transport occurred during the rising part of the flood wave, indicating that the sediment originated from the nearby streambed areas. Phosphorus was mobilized simultaneously with the sediment, and an almost linear relationship was observed between sediment concentration and total phosphorus (r = 0.979, p < 0.0001). However, only a fraction of the phosphorus was dissolved, so most of the phosphorus was bound to the sediment particles. Soluble reactive phosphorus showed a weaker correlation with sediment concentration (r = 0.272, p = 0.047). This shows how important it is to consider both sediment dynamics and phosphorus mobilization in event-based flood models.
High-resolution characterization of complex groundwater systems using wireline logs analyzed with machine learning classifiers and isometric mapping techniques
Authors: Mohammed Musaab A. A. , Szabó Norbert P. , Szűcs Péter
Published: January 2025

Characterizing the lithological and hydraulic behavior of heterogeneous groundwater systems presents a significant challenge in hydrogeology. Traditional methods often rely on sparse data points that lead to inaccurate representations of the complex systems. This study presents an innovative approach to the characterization of the heterogeneous groundwater systems using wireline logs analyzed by machine learning (ML) techniques to infer the lithological variations and estimate aquifer parameters within the Quaternary aquifer system in the Debrecen area, Eastern Hungary. Initially, Manhattan distance-based k-means analysis as an outliers-resistance clustering method is employed to identify distinct lithological clusters based on the well logs responses. The results of the k-means clustering were then used to train ML classifiers including linear discriminant analysis, gradient boosting, random forest, and support vector machine for automated mapping of the lithofacies distribution. Additionally, the study introduced the first application of isometric map (IsoMap) to estimate the shale content and hydraulic conductivity within the aquifer system. The IsoMapping extracts latent components that capture essential features of the wireline logs and correlate them to the aquifer parameters. The regression between the latent component and the deterministically estimated shale volume and hydraulic conductivity showed significant exponential relationships resulting in universal equations that can be used independently to estimate these parameters. For more robust estimation, genetic algorithm global optimization was applied to refine the regression parameters governing these relationships to overcome the limitations associated with linearized estimations. The proposed approach provided a fast, automated, and effective alternative for characterizing heterogeneous groundwater, offering reliable inputs for groundwater flow and contaminant transport models.
A comparison of confidence interval methods for the intraclass correlation coefficient based on the one-way random effects model
Authors: Ohyama Tetsuji
Published: January 2025

Intraclass correlation coefficients are widely used not only in medicine but also in various other fields. This study focuses on the intraclass correlation coefficient based on the one-way random effects model. We review the methods for constructing confidence intervals and compare their performance through simulations. Donner and Wells (Biometrics 42:401–412, 1986) and Ukoumunne (Stat Med 21(24):3757–3774, 2002) conducted simulation studies to compare some methods. However, in this study, we also include methods developed after their studies. These include a method based on the nonparametric bootstrap by Ukoumunne et al. (Stat Med 22(24):3805–3821, 2003), a method based on the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) by Burch (Comput Stat Data Anal 55(2):1018–1028, 2011), and a method based on the beta distribution by Demetrashvili et al. (Stat Methods Med Res 25(5):2359–2376, 2016). Our simulations reveal that under the normality of random effects and errors, the REML-based method performs best overall in terms of coverage probability of confidence intervals, upper and lower error rates, and mean interval width.
Design, Fabrication and Characterization of L&T Hybrid Mode Transducers for Thermoplastic Welding
Authors: Ergun Celaletdin , Sezer Semih
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aims to present a systematic approach for designing, fabricating and characterizing ultrasonic transducers for thermoplastic sheet welding capable of operating in longitudinal–torsional (L&T) hybrid vibration modes at 20 kHz, driven by an axially poled piezoceramic stack.

Methods

Multiple horn models featuring circumferential deep helical grooves were designed to generate longitudinal and torsional vibratory displacements. Modal analyses were conducted to determine the appropriate dimensions for the desired mode shape and resonance frequency. The selected horn geometries were integrated with transducer bodies in a CAD environment to build 3D models of ultrasonic transducers. Modal and harmonic analyses were performed to evaluate their mode shapes, resonance frequencies, and displacement amplitudes under various excitation conditions. Prototypes of the optimized designs were fabricated using predetermined materials and geometries and characterized experimentally for resonance frequencies and tip displacements. The experimental results were compared with numerical analyses to validate the approach.

Results

The developed transducers demonstrated successful operation in L&T hybrid vibration modes at the targeted frequency, with displacement amplitudes and resonance frequencies aligning well with the numerical predictions. Combining exponential area reduction and helical grooves in the horn appears to be a highly effective method for achieving longitudinal-torsional vibration from a longitudinally vibrating transducer. Finite element analysis proved to be a valuable design tool, facilitating accurate dimensional optimization of the horns to achieve the desired L & T hybrid vibrational mode shapes. The apparent longitudinal and torsional (spring) stiffness of the horn significantly influences the longitudinal displacement amplitude and angular displacement at the horn tip. The resonance frequency of the transducers shifted to higher frequencies with increasing excitation voltage.

Conclusion

This research provides a comprehensive and validated framework for designing ultrasonic transducers capable of operating in hybrid vibration modes. The methodology reliably achieved the desired vibratory performance, with prototype results aligning closely with design objectives.
A Two-way Crossed Effects Fuzzy Panel Linear Regression Model
Authors: Hesamian Gholamreza , Johannssen Arne
Published: January 2025

Over the last two decades, the panel data model has become a focus of applied research. While there are numerous proposals for soft regression models in the literature, only a few linear regression models have been proposed based on fuzzy panel data. However, these models have serious limitations. This study is an attempt to propose a kind of two-way fuzzy panel regression model with crossed effects, fuzzy responses and crisp predictors to overcome the shortcomings of these models in real applications. The corresponding parameter estimation is provided based on a three-step procedure. For this purpose, the conventional least absolute error technique is employed. Two real data sets are analyzed to investigate the fitting and predictive capabilities of the proposed fuzzy panel regression model. These real data applications demonstrate that our proposed model has good fitting accuracy and predictive performance.
Machine learning and uncertainty quantification to track and monitor natural frequencies in vibration-based SHM applied to offshore wind turbines
Authors: Weil Maximillian , Sastre Jurado Carlos , Weijtjens Wout , Devriendt Christof
Published: January 2025

Vibration-based structural health monitoring (SHM) of (large) infrastructure through operational modal analysis (OMA) is a commonly adopted strategy. This is typically a four-step process, comprising estimation, tracking, data normalization, and decision-making. These steps are essential to ensure structural modes are correctly identified, and results are normalized for environmental and operational variability (EOV). Other challenges, such as nonstructural modes in the OMA, for example, rotor harmonics in (offshore) wind turbines (OWTs), further complicate the process. Typically, these four steps are considered independently, making the method simple and robust, but rather limited in challenging applications, such as OWTs. Therefore, this study aims to combine tracking, data normalization, and decision-making through a single machine learning (ML) model. The presented SHM framework starts by identifying a “healthy” training dataset, representative of all relevant EOV, for all structural modes. Subsequently, operational and weather data are used for feature selection and a comparative analysis of ML models, leading to the selection of tree-based learners for natural frequency prediction. Uncertainty quantification (UQ) is introduced to identify out-of-distribution instances, crucial to guarantee low modeling error and ensure only high-fidelity structural modes are tracked. This study uses virtual ensembles for UQ through the variance between multiple truncated submodel predictions. Practical application to monopile-supported OWT data demonstrates the tracking abilities, separating structural modes from rotor dynamics. Control charts show improved decision-making compared to traditional reference-based methods. A synthetic dataset further confirms the approach’s robustness in identifying relevant natural frequency shifts. This study presents a comprehensive data-driven approach for vibration-based SHM.
Free torus actions and twisted suspensions
Authors: Galaz-García Fernando , Reiser Philipp
Published: January 2025

We express the total space of a principal circle bundle over a connected sum of two manifolds in terms of the total spaces of circle bundles over each summand, provided certain conditions hold. We then apply this result to provide sufficient conditions for the existence of free circle and torus actions on connected sums of products of spheres and obtain a topological classification of closed, simply connected manifolds with a free cohomogeneity-four torus action. As a corollary, we obtain infinitely many manifolds with Riemannian metrics of positive Ricci curvature and isometric torus actions.
On families of K3 surfaces with real multiplication
Authors: van Geemen Bert , Schütt Matthias
Published: January 2025

We exhibit large families of K3 surfaces with real multiplication, both abstractly, using lattice theory, the Torelli theorem and the surjectivity of the period map, as well as explicitly, using dihedral covers and isogenies.
A single source theorem for primitive points on curves
Authors: Khawaja Maleeha , Siksek Samir
Published: January 2025

Let C be a curve defined over a number field K and write g for the genus of C and J for the Jacobian of C. Let
$n \ge 2$
. We say that an algebraic point
$P \in C(\overline {K})$
has degree n if the extension
$K(P)/K$
has degree n. By the Galois group of P we mean the Galois group of the Galois closure of
$K(P)/K$
which we identify as a transitive subgroup of
$S_n$
. We say that P is primitive if its Galois group is primitive as a subgroup of
$S_n$
. We prove the following ‘single source’ theorem for primitive points. Suppose
$g>(n-1)^2$
if
$n \ge 3$
and
$g \ge 3$
if
$n=2$
. Suppose that either J is simple or that
$J(K)$
is finite. Suppose C has infinitely many primitive degree n points. Then there is a degree n morphism
$\varphi : C \rightarrow \mathbb {P}^1$
such that all but finitely many primitive degree n points correspond to fibres
$\varphi ^{-1}(\alpha )$
with
$\alpha \in \mathbb {P}^1(K)$
.

We prove, moreover, under the same hypotheses, that if C has infinitely many degree n points with Galois group
$S_n$
or
$A_n$
, then C has only finitely many degree n points of any other primitive Galois group.
Closed approximate subgroups: compactness, amenability and approximate lattices
Authors: Machado Simon
Published: January 2025

We investigate properties of closed approximate subgroups of locally compact groups, with a particular interest for approximate lattices (i.e., those approximate subgroups that are discrete and have finite co-volume).

We prove an approximate subgroup version of Cartan’s closed-subgroup theorem and study some applications. We give a structure theorem for closed approximate subgroups of amenable groups in the spirit of the Breuillard–Green–Tao theorem. We then prove two results concerning approximate lattices: we extend to amenable groups a structure theorem for mathematical quasi-crystals due to Meyer; we prove results concerning intersections of radicals of Lie groups and discrete approximate subgroups generalising theorems due to Auslander, Bieberbach and Mostow. As an underlying theme, we exploit the notion of good models of approximate subgroups that stems from the work of Hrushovski, and Breuillard, Green and Tao. We show how one can draw information about a given approximate subgroup from a good model, when it exists.
Capsaicin supplementation on ruminal fermentation, immune responses, intake and digestibility nutrients in grazing bulls
Authors: Lopes Igor M. S. , Pereira Juliana R. , Teixeira Luísa G. , Silva Fabiano F. , de Carvalho Gleidson G. P. , Rodrigues Carlindo S. , Santiago Murilo R. , de Araújo Maria Leonor G. M. L. , Pires Aureliano J. V. , e Silva Ricardo D. G. , Pina Douglas S. , Rennó Francisco P. , Brant Lara M. S. , de Freitas Júnior José E.
Published: January 2025

This study evaluated the effects of capsaicin (CAP) supplementation on the intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis and health traits of bulls managed on pasture. Eight crossbred (Holstein x Zebu) cattle averaging 313 ± 31 kg of body weight (BW) were arranged in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design (one square of four bulls, rumen fistulated with 4-inch silicone cannulas and one square of four non-fistulated bulls), which were kept on Pangola grass pasture (Digitaria decumbens). Each experimental period consisted of 21 days, with 7 days for data collection (no washout between periods). Bulls were randomly assigned to the following treatments: CON (control): concentrate supplementation at 0.5% live weight (BW) and no additive (CAPCIN®), or concentrate supplementation at 0.5% BW in association with CAPCIN® (NutriQuest, Campinas, Brazil) fed at the inclusion rates of 150 (CAP150), 300 (CAP300) and 450 (CAP450) mg/animal/day. Digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fibre showed quadratic responses to CAP supplementation. Rumen pH linearly increased with CAP supplementation. The numbers of lymphocytes and eosinophils were linearly increased with CAP supplementation. The use of encapsulated pepper in supplements of crossbred (Holstein x Zebu) bulls managed on D. decumbens pasture up to 450 mg/animal/day improves nutrients digestibility and ruminal fermentation and can positively influence the health status of beef cattle managed under tropical conditions.
Optimizing geophysics, biotechnology and other emerging tools for livestock production and management: a review
Authors: Folarin Gbolahan M. , Folarin Itunuola A. , Olanloye Silifat A.
Published: January 2025

In working towards meeting the rapidly rising demand for livestock products in the face of challenges such as climate change, limited forage land availability and inadequacies in water availability and quality, it is imperative to consider sustainability in farm or grazing land management and water resources conservation as well as biodiversity management and conservation, etc. Geophysics, GIS, remote sensing, etc., have been useful tools. Emerging technologies such as biotechnology, advanced sensor technologies, machine learning algorithms, internet of things, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics, etc., are also being employed in agriculture and other aspects of human concerns. There are potentials for better utilization of these emerging technologies and more in livestock production and management. However, a limitation is that relevant knowledge and skills are still relatively inadequate, especially in developing countries; hence the need for this review, which is an enhancement of knowledge for research and improved productivity. Efforts should be made to advance in knowledge and skills acquisition so as to optimize this development for improved livestock production and management.
Benchmarking of topsoil moisture estimation methods based on a field study
Authors: Thaler Sabina , Eitzinger Josef , Fischer Milan , Kubu Gerhard , Marin David , Orság Matěj , Trnka Miroslav , Vecchiotti Filippo , Vreugdenhil Mariette , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: January 2025

Extreme weather events caused by climate change, such as drought and heavy rainfall, will further increase in Central Europe in the near future. Resilient crop production requires in-depth knowledge of soil moisture (SM), its spatial and temporal variability and the dynamics of agriculturally used land. In the current study, different SM estimation methods, including measurement and simulation-based methods, were evaluated over a 17-ha experimental arable crop field with respect to their abilities to capture the spatial and temporal SM dynamics of within-field areas and their related uncertainty and spatial representativeness. The high-spatial resolution in-situ topsoil moisture measurements (50 m grid) were compared with the estimated SM from satellite-based remote sensing (S1ASCAT) and the simulated SM from three different crop water balance models (Agricultural Risk Information System [ARIS], AquaCrop and DSSAT). The evaluation revealed that the spatial variability in the experimental field obtained from the reference could not be captured by the alternative methods investigated because of the limitations of the grid size-related soil map information. Nevertheless, the analysis revealed a very good temporal correlation of SM dynamics with the field area average across all approaches, with AquaCrop and ARIS at a soil depth of 0–10 cm and S1ASCAT soil–water index 05 achieving a R2 and a Kling–Gupta efficiency >0.80. These results indicate the added value of complementary methods for estimating SM to reduce spatial and temporal uncertainties in the estimated topsoil water content.
Breadth versus depth of knowledge: the need for new model trematode species
Authors: Poulin R.
Published: January 2025

The growth of knowledge and research practices in any discipline is characterised by a trade-off between depth and breadth: we can either invest efforts to learn a little about many things, or learn a lot about few things. In parasitology, breadth of knowledge corresponds to research on biodiversity and taxonomy: the discovery and description of an increasing number of new species. In contrast, depth of knowledge comes from focused research on a few model species, about which we accumulate much detailed information. Breadth and depth of knowledge are equally important for progress in parasitology. In this essay, focusing on trematodes, I demonstrate that current research is rapidly broadening our knowledge (high rate of new trematode species being discovered) but not deepening that knowledge at a comparable rate. The use of model species, with caveats, appears to offer a promising avenue for deeper knowledge. I present a case study illustrating how it is possible to develop new model trematode species at low cost to increase the depth of our understanding in areas including host-parasite ecological dynamics, co-evolution, and responses to environmental and climatic changes. The take-home message serves as a call to action to parasitologists, emphasising the need to focus as much effort on depth of knowledge as we currently invest in breadth of knowledge.
Gender Diversity and Inclusion in Canadian Security Studies
Authors: Duncombe Constance , von Hlatky Stéfanie , Nuñez-Mietz Fernando G. , Rublee Maria Rost , Saideman Stephen M.
Published: January 2025

Although much research confirms a gender gap in political science and its subfields internationally, only recently have scholars analyzed country-specific conditions for women within the field. Our study contributes to this national-level examination of gender diversity and inclusion by examining the extent to which a gender gap within the subfield of security studies, identified in the international literature, also is present in Canada. Research on gender representation and gendered experiences mostly centers on the academic workforce in the United States. However, in this article, we share the results of a multi-method investigation into the state of gender diversity in Canadian security studies—a national context in which the university sector has signaled a strong commitment to diversity and the government has actively promoted gender equality in official policy. By analyzing data collected from an online survey of security studies scholars in Canada and a document analysis of Canadian security-related journals and selected security studies syllabi, this contribution provides evidence that women are underrepresented in Canadian security studies and experience the subfield in less positive ways. We discuss the implications of these findings for the security studies subfield and suggest paths for future research and key recommendations.