bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Beyond Li-ion technology’—a status review
Authors: Banerjee Arghya Narayan , Joo Sang Woo
Published: July 2024

Li-ion battery is currently considered to be the most proven technology for energy storage systems when it comes to the overall combination of energy, power, cyclability and cost. However, there are continuous expectations for cost reduction in large-scale applications, especially in electric vehicles and grids, alongside growing concerns over safety, availability of natural resources for lithium, and environmental remediation. Therefore, industry and academia have consequently shifted their focus towards ‘beyond Li-ion technologies’. In this respect, other non-Li-based alkali-ion/polyvalent-ion batteries, non-Li-based all solid-state batteries, fluoride-ion/ammonium-ion batteries, redox-flow batteries, sand batteries and hydrogen fuel cells etc. are becoming potential cost-effective alternatives. While there has been notable swift advancement across various materials, chemistries, architectures, and applications in this field, a comprehensive overview encompassing high-energy ‘beyond Li-ion’ technologies, along with considerations of commercial viability, is currently lacking. Therefore, in this review article, a rationalized approach is adopted to identify notable ‘post-Li’ candidates. Their pros and cons are comprehensively presented by discussing the fundamental principles in terms of material characteristics, relevant chemistries, and architectural developments that make a good high-energy ‘beyond Li’ storage system. Furthermore, a concise summary outlining the primary challenges of each system is provided, alongside the potential strategies being implemented to mitigate these issues. Additionally, the extent to which these strategies have positively influenced the performance of these ‘post-Li’ technologies is discussed.
Synergizing teacher collaboration to foster active learning strategies, student engagement and achievement in physics: a unified analysis across nine countries
Authors: Pongsophon Pongprapan
Published: July 2024

This investigation explores the nexus between professional teacher collaboration, active learning methodologies, teaching promoting student engagement in physics classes and physics achievement. Leveraging Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study Advanced 2015 data from 1729 physics instructors across nine countries, it probes the extent to which collaborative practices among teachers influence their teaching to enhance active learning and engagement. Analytical techniques include Spearman correlations, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Results reveal a robust model, confirmed by a Comparative Fit Index of 0.989 and Tucker–Lewis Index of 0.988, suggesting a good fit with the empirical data, alongside a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation of 0.053. The analysis demonstrates that teacher collaboration (‘Collab’) significantly predicts active learning (‘Active’) with a notable effect (β = 0.344, p < 0.001), which in turn significantly enhances student engagement (‘Engage’) (β = 0.438, p < 0.001). Additionally, ‘Engage’ is also directly influenced by ‘Collab’ (β = 0.174, p < 0.001). Although the relationship between ‘Collab’ and physics achievement (‘Physics’) is weaker, it remains significant (β = 0.063, p = 0.019). These findings support the enhancement of teacher collaboration as a catalyst for active learning and student engagement, which could indirectly foster improvements in physics achievement globally.
Physics card games to support knowledge organization: design considerations and teachers’ attitudes
Authors: Levy Smadar , Perl-Nussbaum David , Yerushalmi Edit
Published: July 2024

Despite the positive effects of gamification on student motivation and learning outcomes, there are still widespread concerns that ‘playing games is merely fun’ and have no added value, thus making teachers hesitate about incorporating games into their teaching. This paper describes Phys-Cards games, designed as a summative hands-on activity that highlights physics concepts through a ‘contrast and compare’ task in a game context. The Phys-Cards games were presented in a national network of professional learning communities (PLCs) for high school physics teachers. The teachers first played the games and then reflected on their experiences after they implemented them in their classrooms. Surveys and an analysis of the teachers’ reflections indicated that they valued the Phys-Cards games and reported that the games contributed to students’ conceptual understanding and knowledge organization. However, teachers faced challenges such as team size and composition, how to best monitor different groups, and timing in the instructional sequence. In their discussions during the PLC meetings, the teachers identified the features of the games that best promotedmeaningful collaborative learning and suggested productive ways to incorporate the games into their teaching.
Male bias in science and ways to counter it: gender imbalance of images in a science textbook in Irish secondary education
Authors: Politis Yurgos
Published: July 2024

There has been a steady decline of student take-up of physics as a Leaving Certificate subject, from 19% in 1991 to 13.6% in 2021. This comes in the backdrop of a projected increase in the international demand for STEM workers, which makes STEM education the bedrock for securing Ireland’s economic future. The gender bias in science textbooks is well documented and enduring. The lack of female representation in science textbooks’ images is exacerbated by the scarcity of female figures that would be broadly accepted as role models. This paper examines the gender balance of a science textbook used widely in the Irish junior cycle. For this purpose, the Gender Bias 14 Tool was chosen as the data collection instrument, which was developed by Parkin and Mackenzie. A clear majority of the 38 chapters of the book contain more images/illustrations with male than female figures, more images/illustrations that improve the image of men and more images/illustrations of male role models. Potential interventions are outlined including working closely with publishers to include more women in the textbook’s images, especially important and influential female figures, and working with teachers to help them enhance teaching with supplementary material that include more female representation through images.
Robust optimization and assessment of dynamic trajectory and mixed-beam arc radiotherapy: a preliminary study
Authors: Bertholet Jenny , Guyer Gian , Mueller Silvan , Loebner Hannes A , Volken Werner , Aebersold Daniel M , Manser Peter , Fix Michael K
Published: July 2024

Objective. Dynamic trajectory radiotherapy (DTRT) and dynamic mixed-beam arc therapy (DYMBARC) exploit non-coplanarity and, for DYMBARC, simultaneously optimized photon and electron beams. Margin concepts to account for set-up uncertainties during delivery are ill-defined for electron fields. We develop robust optimization for DTRT&DYMBARC and compare dosimetric plan quality and robustness for both techniques and both optimization strategies for four cases. Approach. Cases for different treatment sites and clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margins,

m

, were investigated. Dynamic gantry-table-collimator photon paths were optimized to minimize PTV/organ-at-risk (OAR) overlap in beam’s-eye-view and minimize potential photon multileaf collimator (MLC) travel. For DYMBARC plans, non-isocentric partial electron arcs or static fields with shortened source-to-surface distance (80 cm) were added. Direct aperture optimization (DAO) was used to simultaneously optimize MLC-based intensity modulation for both photon and electron beams yielding deliverable PTV-based DTRT&DYMBARC plans. Robust-optimized plans used the same paths/arcs/fields. DAO with stochastic programming was used for set-up uncertainties with equal weights in all translational directions and magnitude

δ

such that

m
=

 

0.7
δ

. Robust analysis considered random errors in all directions with or without an additional systematic error in the worst 3D direction for the adjacent OARs. Main results. Electron contribution was 7%–41% of target dose depending on the case and optimization strategy for DYMBARC. All techniques achieved similar CTV coverage in the nominal (no error) scenario. OAR sparing was overall better in the DYMBARC plans than in the DTRT plans and DYMBARC plans were generally more robust to the considered uncertainties. OAR sparing was better in the PTV-based than in robust-optimized plans for OARs abutting or overlapping with the target volume, but more affected by uncertainties. Significance. Better plan robustness can be achieved with robust optimization than with margins. Combining electron arcs/fields with non-coplanar photon trajectories further improves robustness and OAR sparing.
Experimental investigations into 3D printed hybrid auxetic structures for load-bearing and energy absorption applications
Authors: Bankar Shailesh Ravindra , Das Soumyadip , Sharma Varun
Published: July 2024

Auxetic structures possess negative Poisson’s ratio due to their unique geometrical configuration. It also offers enhanced indentation resistance, superior energy absorption capacity, excellent impact resistance, higher compressive strength, and other exceptional mechanical properties. In this study, multiple hybrid auxetic structures of three novel geometries have been designed by considering different sets of geometric parameters to numerically investigate the mechanical behaviors of the structures. The energy absorption properties and Poisson’s ratio of the developed hybrid auxetic structures have been measured under quasi-static compressive and bending loads. The numerically optimized structures from each of the three different geometries have been fabricated of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene using fused deposition modeling. Additionally, the simulated results have been experimentally validated. The validation studies have shown close agreement of their performances with the simulated results. Finally, comparative analyses of energy absorption performances have also been performed to select the most suitable structure for impact-resistant applications. Moreover, it has been observed that structure-2 exhibits superior performance in terms of maximum load-bearing capacity of 3395 N. On the other hand, structure-3 has the maximum energy absorption capacity of 51902 N.mm which is 4.85% higher than structure-1 and structure-2. Similarly, three-point bending test results have revealed that structure-2 performs better in terms of energy absorption capacity (10864 N.mm). Besides this, the effects of loading direction on deformation patterns and mechanical responses of the structures have been observed due to the changes in deformation mechanism. The high-velocity (8 m.s−1) impact test results have also confirmed the suitability of structure-2 for crashworthiness applications. The comparative findings derived from this study contribute significantly in developing lightweight, energy-absorbent, and impact-resistant auxetic core-sandwiched structures for civil, defense, and automobile sectors.
Mid-spatial frequency error restraint based on variable optimal angle-step trajectory strategy for the removal attenuation effect of magnetorheological finishing
Authors: Cai Lisheng , Hai Kuo , Li Zisheng , Fan Wei , Su Xing , Li Liangwei , Yan Ming , Li Jinbo , Huang Wen
Published: July 2024

In the field of ultra-precision manufacturing, such as lithography lenses, achieving nanometer-level errors across the entire frequency range is crucial. Magnetorheological finishing (MRF) technology, a high-precision processing method with high efficiency and low subsurface damage, often introduces mid-spatial frequency (MSF) error due to the removal attenuation effect and regular polishing trajectory in the long continuous polishing process. It causes various imaging and light transmission defects that limit the performance of precision optical instruments. The attenuation of material removal capacity of MRF is characterized by the attenuation of the tool influence function, which is obtained by an equal time interval point removal experiment. The variable optimal angle-step trajectory strategy is proposed to mitigate the removal attenuation effect of MRF and suppress MSF error. To validate the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method, a uniform polishing experiment is performed on fused silica components. The experimental results show that the 90° grating trajectory introduces significant MSF error on surface shape with PV = 0.008 λ, and the variable optimal angle-step trajectory strategy does not introduce MSF error, which confirms the variable optimal angle-step trajectory strategy effectively eliminates the removal attenuation effect of MRF and suppresses MSF error. The study presents a general approach for ultra-precision optical processing and improves the manufacturing accuracy of optical components.
An investigation of the electrical dynamics in electroactive polymer transducers with resistive electrodes
Authors: Vignotto Davide , Cherubini Antonello , Sîrbu Ion-Dan , Fontana Marco , Moretti Giacomo
Published: July 2024

To pursue a variable-capacitance working principle, transducers based on soft electroactive polymers (EAPs) need deformable electrodes that match the compliance and stretchability of the EAP polymeric substrates. A variety of manufacturing procedures are available to create conductive materials that can achieve this, including solutions that can provide remarkably low resistivity. However, the simplest and most feasible options often involve the use of particle-filled (e.g. carbon-filled) polymer composites, which, while easy to produce, tend to exhibit relatively high resistivity. This high level of resistivity, combined with the inherent capacitance of EAP transducers, introduces dynamic effects in the devices electrical activation, which may affect performance. This paper investigates the impact of electrode resistivity on the electrical dynamics of EAP devices, combining continuum models and experimental validations. We use a continuum generalisation of known resistive-capacitive (RC) transmission line models to accurately predict voltage gradients on the surfaces of electrostatic transducers subject to rapidly varying voltages. We then present an experimental validation by measuring the spatial voltage distributions over carbon-based polymeric electrodes of dielectric elastomer (DE) transducers, and find a good agreement with our model predictions. We use our validated model to provide general estimates of the typical charging time and limit working frequency ranges of DE devices as a function of their dimensional scale and electrode sheet resistance. Our model provides useful indications for designing compliant electrodes in EAP transducers given target performance, or to understand the working limits of devices with given geometry and dielectric-electrode properties.
Development of a pump-jet piezoelectric swimmer with acoustic radiation actuation
Authors: Zheng Xiuli , Liu Junming , Wang Le , Chen Si , Liu Zhiling
Published: July 2024

The acoustofluidic actuation produced by piezoelectric transducer is capable of propelling micro underwater robots forward, yet the motion pattern is relatively simplistic. To solve this problem, a pump-jet swimmer with a combination of the underwater acoustic radiation effect is proposed in this work. The absorption and discharge of internal piezoelectric pump provide the linear forward power, and turning is achieved under the acoustic propulsive force of the external dual piezoelectric actuators. The working mode and optimal driving frequency of the piezoelectric actuators are determined through finite element simulation and mechanical vibration characteristic tests. And the key dimensional parameters of the piezoelectric pump are optimized in the light of the output flow measurements. Finally, a prototype with the size of Ф3.1 cm × 12 cm is fabricated for underwater driving performance experiments, which demonstrated well functions in straight swimming, turning, and loading. The swimmer with 20 g of additional load achieves a maximum speed of 105 mm s−1at the voltage of 180 Vp-p, it also completes the obstacle avoidance in water along a certain path. The rationality of this conceived actuation mechanism is preliminarily verified, which shows a potential for fixed-point transportation in the complex underwater situations.
Thermally-assisted magnetization of magnetic composites for enhanced micro actuator performance: a low-cost approach using permanent magnets
Authors: Wu Pucheng , Wang Langkun , He Hu
Published: July 2024

A micro actuator based on magnetic composite materials can control its deformation and movement through varying magnetic fields, showcasing significant applications in fields such as soft robotics and biomedicine. However, existing magnetic composite materials still require complex magnetization processes involving sophisticated equipment and demanding external magnetic fields. This paper proposed a low-cost, thermally-assisted magnetization process based on permanent magnets. It was observed that the maximum magnetic induction intensity on the surface of magnetic composites is linearly correlated with the heating temperature. Additionally, magnetically treated materials at elevated temperatures can achieve traditional high-field magnetization effects at lower field strengths. Specifically, we synthesized a magnetic composite with 50%wt NdFeB@PDMS and investigated the conditions of the thermally-assisted magnetization process based on permanent magnets, along with mechanical and magnetic performance characterization methods. Experimental results indicate that below 200 °C, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the base material increase with rising temperatures, demonstrating a trend of high-temperature hardening. However, when the temperature exceeds 200 °C, the elevated temperature leads to the decomposition of the base material, resulting in a rapid decrease in the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the magnetic composite. Furthermore, high temperatures can disrupt the magnetic domains of the magnetic material, reducing its coercive force and making it more susceptible to external magnetic fields and heat, thereby compromising the stability of the magnetic material. These findings provide new insights into the development of more stable and controllable magnetic composite materials.
Influence of GO content on the optical, magnetic and dielectric properties of the BaFe12O19/GO nanocomposites
Authors: Mehrabani Mona , Ghazi M E , Izadifard Morteza
Published: July 2024

In this research, BaFe12O19/GO (GO:10, 20, 40, and 50 wt%) nanocomposites were synthesized by sol–gel auto combustion method and their structural, optical, magnetic and dielectric properties were investigated. The x-ray diffraction results for all nanocomposites validate the formation of a hexagonal phase of Ba hexaferrite. The crystallite size decreased with incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) in the hexaferrite phase and making the nanocomposites. In the FESEM analysis, a change in the surface morphology was observed with an increase in the percentage of GO for samples BFO-40GO and BFO-50GO. The band gap energy of the nanocomposites decreased with increasing the amount of the graphene oxide. Measurements of the magnetic hysteresis loop for all nanocomposites were conducted using a vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. By increasing the percentage of GO, a decrease in the saturation magnetization was observed for the samples. A decrease in dielectric constant and loss function were also detected at low frequencies when the GO continent goes up. The nanocomposite sample of BFO-40GO exhibited the highest observed value for real part of the Modulus.
Deep learning of plausible bandgaps in dispersion curves of phononic crystals
Authors: Farajollahi Amirhossein , Seyyed Fakhrabadi Mir Masoud
Published: July 2024

Phononic crystals represent an interesting class of metamaterials that can be utilized to regulate or manipulate vibration, sound propagation, and thermal transport. Their useful features mainly arise from the bandgaps in their dispersion curves, preventing the passage of waves within specific frequency ranges. However, it is often costly and time-consuming to obtain the dispersion curves, and the reverse engineering of phononic crystals to have pre-defined bandgaps possesses even greater challenges. In this research, we address this issue by employing a deep artificial neural network to predict the bandgap ratio and the characteristics of plausible bandgaps, focusing on the localized resonance in columnar phononic crystals. We utilized two geometric parameters, i. e. the ratio of diameter and height of the cylindrical resonators relative to the lattice constant, achieving a determination coefficient of 0.9993 for predicting the characteristics of the bandgaps and 0.9827 for predicting the bandgap ratio. To verify the model and better understand its behavior, we introduce Shapley values. These values provide a comprehensive insight into how each geometric parameter influences the predicted bandgap ratios.
Generalised conditions for rapid-turn inflation
Authors: Wolters Raúl , Iarygina Oksana , Achúcarro Ana
Published: July 2024

Rapid-turn slow-roll inflationary trajectories have been shown to be an attractor in two-field models, provided the turn rate is near constant and larger than the slow-roll parameters. These trajectories can produce primordial spectra consistent with current observations on CMB scales. We present the generalized consistency condition for sustained rapid-turn inflationary trajectory with two fields, arbitrary field-space metric and potential valid for any value of the turn rate. This has to be supplemented by a second condition to ensure slow roll evolution. Both conditions together constitute a tool to identify inflationary trajectories with arbitrary values of the turning rate without having to solve the equations of motion. We present a Python package for the numerical identification of regions in field-space and parameter space that allow for rapid-turn trajectories.
A diffused background from axion-like particles in the microwave sky
Authors: Mehta Harsh , Mukherjee Suvodip
Published: July 2024

The nature of dark matter is an unsolved cosmological problem and axions are one of the weakly interacting cold dark matter candidates. Axions or ALPs (Axion-like particles) are pseudo-scalar bosons predicted by beyond-standard model theories. The weak coupling of ALPs with photons leads to the conversion of CMB photons to ALPs in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. If they have the same mass as the effective mass of a photon in a plasma, the resonant conversion would cause a polarized spectral distortion leading to temperature fluctuations with the distortion spectrum. The probability of resonant conversion depends on the properties of the cluster such as the magnetic field, electron density, and its redshift. We show that this kind of conversion can happen in numerous unresolved galaxy clusters up to high redshifts, which will lead to a diffused polarised anisotropy signal in the microwave sky. The spectrum of the signal and its shape in the angular scale will be different from the lensed CMB polarization signal. This new polarised distortion spectrum will be correlated with the distribution of clusters in the universe and hence, with the large-scale structure. The spectrum can then be probed using its spectral and spatial variation with respect to the CMB and various foregrounds. An SNR of ~ 4.36 and ~ 93.87 are possible in the CMB-S4 145 GHz band and CMB-HD 150 GHz band respectively for a photon-ALPs coupling strength ofgaγ= 10-12GeV-1using galaxy clusters beyond redshiftz= 1. The same signal would lead to additional RMS fluctuations of ~7.5 × 10-2μK at 145 GHz. In the absence of any signal, future CMB experiments such as Simons Observatory (SO), CMB-S4, and CMB-HD can put constraints on the coupling strength better than current bounds from particle physics experiment CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST).
Comparing online wrist and forearm EMG-based control using a rhythm game-inspired evaluation environment
Authors: Meredith Robyn , Eddy Ethan , Bateman Scott , Scheme Erik
Published: July 2024

Objective. The use of electromyogram (EMG) signals recorded from the wrist is emerging as a desirable input modality for human–machine interaction (HMI). Although forearm-based EMG has been used for decades in prosthetics, there has been comparatively little prior work evaluating the performance of wrist-based control, especially in online, user-in-the-loop studies. Furthermore, despite different motivating use cases for wrist-based control, research has mostly adopted legacy prosthesis control evaluation frameworks. Approach. Gaining inspiration from rhythm games and the Schmidt’s law speed-accuracy tradeoff, this work proposes a new temporally constrained evaluation environment with a linearly increasing difficulty to compare the online usability of wrist and forearm EMG. Compared to the more commonly used Fitts’ Law-style testing, the proposed environment may offer different insights for emerging use cases of EMG as it decouples the machine learning algorithm’s performance from proportional control, is easily generalizable to different gesture sets, and enables the extraction of a wide set of usability metrics that describe a users ability to successfully accomplish a task at a certain time with different levels of induced stress. Main results. The results suggest that wrist EMG-based control is comparable to that of forearm EMG when using traditional prosthesis control gestures and can even be better when using fine finger gestures. Additionally, the results suggest that as the difficulty of the environment increased, the online metrics and their correlation to the offline metrics decreased, highlighting the importance of evaluating myoelectric control in real-time evaluations over a range of difficulties. Significance. This work provides valuable insights into the future design and evaluation of myoelectric control systems for emerging HMI applications.
Reduced graphene oxide-modified electrodes via fused deposition modeling 3D printing for hydrogen peroxide sensor
Authors: Dou Yan , Dai Rui , Sun Haofan , Bi Kun , Zhao Xin , Nian Qiong
Published: July 2024

Fused deposition modeling 3D printing provides a cost-effective and streamlined method for producing electrochemical sensors, overcoming the challenges associated with material selection, complex fabrication processes, and reproducibility issues. This study introduces an innovative approach utilizing a dual-printer setup to simplify the manufacturing of sensor electrodes. A critical enhancement in this process is the surface modification with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which not only improves the electrochemical characteristics but also induces a wrinkled structure on the 3D printed surface. These wrinkles significantly increase the surface area, directly boosting the electrode’s electrochemical performance. Comprehensive characterization of the electrode surfaces, both before and after rGO modification, demonstrates a substantial increase in sensitivity, with a fortyfold improvement observed in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) amperometric measurements. This breakthrough paves the way for advanced applications in 3D printed electrochemical sensors.
Perspectives on 2D materials for hybrid and beyond-Si image sensor applications
Authors: Wan Haochuan , Xu Zhihao , Zhang Yiheng , Zhao Junyi , Wang Chuan
Published: July 2024

The complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor has become essential and ubiquitous in our daily lives as it is present in almost every pocket. As demand for compact, multifunction, and high-efficiency Internet of Things applications continues to rise, novel configuration designs and manufacturing methods, such as neural network integration and 3D stacking have been implemented to enhance the CMOS image sensor’s (CIS) performance. However, the progress of image sensors based on silicon CMOS technology would eventually be limited by the intrinsic optical, electrical, and mechanical properties of silicon material. This has led to the exploration of two-dimensional materials (2DMs) and the emergence of 2DMs as promising candidates for the next generation of optoelectronic devices. In this article, we discuss the current advancements and challenges associated with silicon CISs and the potential benefits of incorporating 2DMs in the image sensor. We highlight three critical opportunities for 2DMs, including Si CMOS/2DMs hybrid structure and direct growth techniques of 2DMs on Si for back-end-of-line integration, 2DMs-based neuromorphic photodetectors (PDs) and optical neural networks for in-image-sensor-processing, and curved image sensor based on 2DMs PDs for bionic detection. With the growing maturity of 2DM technologies, we anticipate that the device scaling and the increase of integration density of 2DM electronics in the image sensor will continue, leading to the development of highly efficient, compact, intelligent, and versatile 2DM image sensors in the near future.
Study on the properties and mechanisms of the glazed hollow bead thermal insulation mortar
Authors: Zhan Wangxing , Li Xiaohua , Zeng Zhi , Yang Hao , Feng Zhao , Huang Fan , Su Liubin
Published: July 2024

With increasing concerns for energy conservation and environmental protection, research on glazed hollow bead thermal insulation mortar is of utmost importance. This type of mortar offers superior thermal insulation, leading to reduced energy consumption and emissions, in line with the current green building trends. This article aims to investigate the impact of varying component proportions on the parameters of thermal insulation mortar through an orthogonal experiment with four factors and three levels: glazed hollow bead, sepiolite, air-entraining agent, and cellulose ether. Additionally, a single-factor experiment is conducted to analyze the influence degree of water-solid ratio and these four factors. The experimental results are then verified through SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) observation. The research findings indicate that glazed hollow beads have the most significant impact on thermal conductivity and compressive strength, while the air-entraining agent exerts the greatest influence on flexural strength. Specifically, when the content of glazed hollow bead is 2%, sepiolite 1%, air-entraining agent 0.6%, and cellulose ether 0.6%, the thermal conductivity can reach a minimum value of 0.0533W/(m·K). On the other hand, when the content of glazed hollow bead is 1%, sepiolite 2%, air-entraining agent 0.4%, and cellulose ether 0.6%, the compressive strength can achieve a maximum value of 2.4 MPa. These findings provide a solid foundation for further exploration into improving the performance of thermal insulation mortar.
Revealing the journey of molecules and particles in heterogeneous, porous materials for cigarette filters
Authors: Lei Sheng , Zhang Ling , Wang Kai , Liu Chunbo , Li Xianyi , Tang Zhongqiu , Jiang Lingxiang
Published: July 2024

Molecular dynamics and mass transportation in porous structures provide a basis for us to understand catalysis, energy storage and generation, and biological processes in porous confinements. While conventional methods extract macroscopic information in an ensemble-averaged manner, we intend to follow the journey of individual particles and molecules in porous structures relevant to cigarette filters by tracking the single-object dynamics in real space and real time. Nanoparticles of various sizes are embedded in fibrous frameworks of agarose where small particles (50 nm) can explore pores and their connections, locally mapping out the porous structure, middle-sized particles (100 nm) are trapped in single pores to fluctuate within, and large particles (500 nm) are fully immobilized by surrounding fibers. This model system is relevant to the retention and filtration of tar particles or other kinds of particulate matters by fibrous cellulose frequently used in cigarette filters. A molecular tracer is loaded to zeolite-based porous structures, where the majority are fixated in space by adsorption or micropore trapping, exhibiting localized trajectories within a 10-nm radius, and the minority are mobile to scout macropores. This molecular system may elucidate on how aromatic molecules like PAHs are adsorbed and transported in a matrix of mixed micro-, meso-, and macropores.
Groups with 𝖠_{ℓ}-commutator relations
Authors: Voronetsky E.
Published: July 2024

If

A
A

is a unital associative ring and

ℓ
≥
2

\ell \geq 2

, then the general linear group

GL
⁡
(
ℓ
,
A
)

\operatorname {GL}(\ell , A)

has root subgroups

U
α

U_\alpha

and Weyl elements

n
α

n_\alpha

for

α
\alpha

from the root system of type

A

ℓ
−
1

\mathsf A_{\ell - 1}

. Conversely, if an arbitrary group has such root subgroups and Weyl elements for

ℓ
≥
4

\ell \geq 4

satisfying natural conditions, then there is a way to recover the ring

A
A

. A generalization of this result not involving the Weyl elements is proved, so instead of the matrix ring

M
⁡
(
ℓ
,
A
)
,

\operatorname {M}(\ell , A),

a nonunital associative ring with a well-behaved Peirce decomposition is provided.
On the vanishing of Green’s function, desingularization and Carleman’s method
Authors: Gibara R. , Kinzebulatov D.
Published: July 2024

The subject of the present paper is the phenomenon of vanishing for the Green function of the operator

−
Δ
+
V

-\Delta + V

on

R

3

\mathbb {R}^3

at the points where the potential

V
V

has positive critical singularities. More precisely, under minimal assumptions on

V
V

(i.e., the form-boundedness), an upper bound on the order of vanishing of the Green function is obtained. As a byproduct, the existing results on the strong unique continuation for eigenfunctions of 

−
Δ
+
V

-\Delta +V

in dimension

d
=
3

d=3

are improved.
Threshold approximations for the exponential of a factorized operator family with correctors taken into account
Authors: Suslina T.
Published: July 2024

In a Hilbert space

H

\mathfrak H

, consider a family of selfadjoint operators (a quadratic operator pencil)

A
(
t
)

A(t)

,

t
∈

R

t\in \mathbb {R}

, of the form

A
(
t
)
=
X
(
t

)
∗

X
(
t
)

A(t) = X(t)^* X(t)

, where

X
(
t
)
=

X
0

+
t

X
1

X(t) = X_0 + t X_1

. It is assumed that the point

λ
0

=
0

\lambda _0=0

is an isolated eigenvalue of finite multiplicity for the operator

A
(
0
)

A(0)

. Let

F
(
t
)

F(t)

be the spectral projection of the operator

A
(
t
)

A(t)

for the interval

[
0
,
δ
]

[0,\delta ]

. Approximations for

F
(
t
)

F(t)

and

A
(
t
)
F
(
t
)

A(t)F(t)

for

|

t

|

≤

t
0

|t| \leq t_0

(the so-called threshold approximations) are used to obtain approximations in the operator norm on

H

\mathfrak H

for the operator exponential

exp
⁡
(
−
i
τ
A
(
t
)
)

\exp (-i \tau A(t))

,

τ
∈

R

\tau \in \mathbb {R}

. The numbers

δ
\delta

and

t
0

t_0

are controlled explicitly. Next, the behavior for small

ε
>
0

\varepsilon >0

of the operator

exp
⁡
(
−
i

ε

−
2

τ
A
(
t
)
)

\exp (-i \varepsilon ^{-2} \tau A(t))

multiplied by the “smoothing factor”

ε
s

(

t
2

+

ε
2

)

−
s

/

2

\varepsilon ^s (t^2 + \varepsilon ^2)^{-s/2}

with a suitable

s
>
0

s>0

is studied. The obtained approximations are given in terms of the spectral characteristics of the operator

A
(
t
)

A(t)

near the lower edge of the spectrum. The results are aimed at application to homogenization of the Schrödinger-type equations with periodic rapidly oscillating coefficients.
The Viability of Rationalism
Authors: Laurence Stephen , Margolis Eric
Published: July 2024

In contemporary philosophy and cognitive science, there is a great deal of scepticism not only about the rationalism-empiricism debate but also about rationalist accounts of the origins of psychological traits in particular. This chapter explores a wide range of objections to rationalism which in different ways hold that rationalism in general is inherently flawed independently of the details of particular rationalist accounts. We argue that none of these arguments provide any grounds for rejecting rationalist accounts. Seeing how these arguments fail sheds much further light on the rationalism-empiricism debate and on what is—and isn’t—implied by rationalist accounts.
Conclusion to Part II
Authors: Laurence Stephen , Margolis Eric
Published: July 2024

This chapter provides a brief conclusion to Part II, which presents the bulk of our positive case for our concept nativism. This case takes the form of an argument to the best explanation that draws upon a wealth of data and theoretical argumentation. To clarify the logic of the reasoning involved, we have distinguished seven subsidiary arguments: The argument from early development (Chapters 8 and 9), the argument from animals (Chapter 10), the argument from universality (Chapter 11), the argument from initial representational access (Chapter 12), the argument from neural wiring (Chapter 13), the argument from prepared learning (Chapter 14), and the argument from cognitive and behavioural quirks (Chapter 15). These arguments should be seen as working together to form a single larger argument which we will continue to develop with other case studies and further elaboration in Parts III and IV.
The Evolution of Fodor’s Case against Concept Learning
Authors: Laurence Stephen , Margolis Eric
Published: July 2024

The concept nativism that we defend in this book stands in opposition to empiricist approaches to the origins of concepts, but it equally stands in opposition to Jerry Fodor’s radical concept nativism—the view that virtually all lexical concepts are innate—and his notorious claim that concept learning is impossible. In Part IV, we turn to Fodor’s views about concept acquisition, show where they go wrong, and explain how our concept nativism, in contrast with Fodor’s radical concept nativism, embraces the fact that most concepts are learned. In this chapter, we examine what Fodor has had to say about these issues in publications spanning more than thirty years and the important changes to his views over this time, culminating in his most thorough case against concept learning in his book LOT2: The Language of Thought Revisited.
Fodor’s Biological Account of Concept Acquisition—and the Importance of Cultural Learning
Authors: Laurence Stephen , Margolis Eric
Published: July 2024

In LOT2, Fodor provides a new account of the origins of concepts that is based on the assumption that they can’t be learned (since he argues that concept learning is impossible) but that they also aren’t innate (unlike his own earlier radical concept nativism). This takes the form of a biological theory of concept acquisition, in which their acquisition isn’t explained in psychological terms. In this chapter, we show why a biological account is unworkable and why the only viable type of account is one that fully embraces the idea that most concepts are learned. In doing so, we highlight the central role of culture and cultural learning in explaining the origins of human concepts in their enormous variety, and how, contrary to common empiricist assumptions, the centrality of culture to concept learning favours precisely the sort of concept nativism that we defend in this book.
Coda
Authors: Laurence Stephen , Margolis Eric
Published: July 2024

This chapter provides a brief conclusion to the book, highlighting some of its major themes. The Building Blocks of Thought comprehensively rethinks the rationalism-empiricism debate about the origins of concepts by revisiting and updating the theoretical foundations of the debate and defending a form of concept nativism according to which many concepts across many conceptual domains are either innate or acquired via rationalist learning mechanisms. Our concept nativism stands in stark contrast with empiricist approaches in philosophy and cognitive science, with Fodor’s scepticism about concepts being learned, and with views that refer to core knowledge systems in only a handful of content domains. We conclude that the best account of the origins of concepts is one that posits a rich innate entry point into many different conceptual domains—one in which characteristically rationalist learning mechanisms are critical to explaining how the human mind acquires its vast stock of concepts.
The Black Church
Authors: Delgado Melvin
Published: July 2024

Few, if any, racial or ethnic groups in the United States are more identified with religion and churches than Blacks. The Black church occupies a unique perch in the religious landscape and history of the United States. Blacks historically had to set up their own cultural institutions because of society’s racist policies and practices. The historical and current-day significance of Black churches in urban America is undisputable. The future of Black churches, however, is open to debate and represents a cause of alarm for these institutions and the communities where they are situated due to a series of significant cross-currents.
The Latino Church
Authors: Delgado Melvin
Published: July 2024

Like the Black church, the Latino church is not monolithic. Although the two churches share broad similarities, each presents unique challenges and rewards in terms of church closures and repurposing. They both have a significant urban presence, but differ in terms of demographics, history, culture, language, and immigration status. Due to its growth, the Latino community will undoubtedly be a significant presence in the future of the United States, with their presence felt throughout the country, and that applies to their churches as well. Despite this population increase, the Latino community still faces a religious crisis, with church closures as indicators of this situation.
Experiences of healthcare staff caring for hospitalised people with delirium: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Siostrom Kristy , Snowdon David , Sriamareswaran Rumes Kanna , Law Yu Mei , Jolliffe Laura , Moran Chris
Published: July 2024

Background

Inpatient delirium is common and associated with poor outcomes. Although most organisations have evidence-based guidelines to improve delirium prevention and management, delirium rates and outcomes have remained relatively unchanged over time. A lack of understanding of healthcare providers’ experience of caring for people with delirium and its integration into existing guidance may explain some of the slow progress in improving delirium care.

Objective

To review and synthesise existing qualitative evidence on healthcare providers’ experience of caring for inpatients with delirium within and across disciplines.

Methods

We systematically searched OVID Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, PsychINFO, AMED and Web of Science databases for articles published between January 1990 and November 2022. Article inclusion and study quality were assessed by two independent reviewers. Both thematic synthesis and content analysis were then conducted to synthesise findings from included studies.

Results

Within the 25 included studies, the experience of nurses was the most commonly studied perspective, followed by medical and allied health. Nursing, medical and allied health staff all reported that their experience of caring for people with delirium was challenging, highlighting difficulties in delirium recognition and that they felt unsupported at organisational and local levels. Attitudes towards older people and the importance of delirium influenced identification and prioritisation.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers often find caring for hospitalised patients with delirium challenging and complex. Although good communication within multidisciplinary teams was deemed helpful, more work is required to understand how to achieve this, recognising the unique perspectives of individual disciplines.
A survey analysis of the adoption of large language models among pathologists
Authors: Laohawetwanit Thiyaphat , Pinto Daniel Gomes , Bychkov Andrey
Published: July 2024

Objectives

We sought to investigate the adoption and perception of large language model (LLM) applications among pathologists.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted, gathering data from pathologists on their usage and views concerning LLM tools. The survey, distributed globally through various digital platforms, included quantitative and qualitative questions. Patterns in the respondents’ adoption and perspectives on these artificial intelligence tools were analyzed.

Results

Of 215 respondents, 100 (46.5%) reported using LLMs, particularly ChatGPT (OpenAI), for professional purposes, predominantly for information retrieval, proofreading, academic writing, and drafting pathology reports, highlighting a significant time-saving benefit. Academic pathologists demonstrated a better level of understanding of LLMs than their peers. Although chatbots sometimes provided incorrect general domain information, they were considered moderately proficient concerning pathology-specific knowledge. The technology was mainly used for drafting educational materials and programming tasks. The most sought-after feature in LLMs was their image analysis capabilities. Participants expressed concerns about information accuracy, privacy, and the need for regulatory approval.

Conclusions

Large language model applications are gaining notable acceptance among pathologists, with nearly half of respondents indicating adoption less than a year after the tools’ introduction to the market. They see the benefits but are also worried about these tools’ reliability, ethical implications, and security.
Current laboratory testing practices for mismatch repair deficiency and microsatellite instability testing: A survey-based review of current laboratory practices
Authors: Austin Amy L , Broaddus Russell R , Souers Rhona J , Kane Megan E , Kolhe Ravindra , Miller Dylan V , Moncur Joel T , Ramkissoon Shakti , Tafe Laura J , Trembath Dimitri G , Graham Rondell P
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To describe mismatch repair (MMR) and microsatellite instability (MSI) testing practices in laboratories using the College of American Pathologists (CAP) MSI/MMR proficiency testing programs prior to the 2022 publication of the MSI/MMR practice guidelines copublished by CAP and the Association of Molecular Pathology (AMP).

Methods

Data from supplemental questionnaires provided with the 2020-B MSI/MMR programs to 542 laboratories across different practice settings were reviewed. Questionnaires contained 21 questions regarding the type of testing performed, specimen/tumor types used for testing, and clinical practices for checkpoint blockade therapy.

Results

Domestic laboratories test for MSI/MMR more often than international laboratories (P = .04) and academic hospitals/medical centers test more frequently than nonhospital sites/clinics (P = .03). The most commonly used testing modality is immunohistochemistry, followed by polymerase chain reaction, then next-generation sequencing. Most laboratories (72.6%; 347/478) reported awareness of the use of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for patients with high MSI or MMR-deficient results.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the state of MMR and MSI testing in laboratories prior to the publication of the CAP/AMP best practice guidelines, highlighting differences between various laboratory types. The findings indicate the importance of consensus guidelines and provide a baseline for comparison after their implementation.
Alcohol hangover recognized as a separate medical condition in ICD-11: could effective treatments be counterproductive?
Authors: Išerić Emina , Scholey Andrew , Verster Joris C , Karadayian Analia G
Published: July 2024

Recently, the alcohol hangover has been accepted by the International Classification of Diseases – 11th revision as a separate ‘child entity’ to alcohol intoxication, a disease. Currently there are no marketed hangover treatments with support for clinical efficacy. Furthermore, diverse perspectives exist among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and alcohol consumers regarding the necessity and desirability of developing such treatments.