bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition Metal‐Based High‐Entropy Materials for Catalysis
Authors: Lee Jiwoo , Seo Jin Ho , Gao Bo , Jang Ho Won
Published: January 2025

High‐entropy materials (HEMs) have emerged as a pioneering paradigm in recent years, drawing substantial interest due to their unique combination of diverse elemental constituents and homogeneous solid‐solution structure. This novel material class not only opens up extensive potential for materials discovery through a broad spectrum of elemental combinations but also facilitates fine‐tuning of properties thanks to its distinctive microstructural characteristics. HEMs have garnered considerable attention across various applications, particularly in catalysis. The virtually infinite variations in elemental and compositional combinations within these multi‐elemental systems enable meticulous optimization of the catalytic performance. Additionally, the high‐entropy solid‐solution structure potentially enhances structural, thermal, and chemical stability, which is vital for ensuring functionality under harsh conditions. Herein, we thoroughly explore the exceptional attributes of HEMs, designing strategies for transition metal‐based catalysis, and three major catalytic fields of HEMs: electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and thermocatalysis. This discussion aspires to provide valuable perspectives into the advancements and innovations in catalyst design and development.
Comparison of water exchange measurements between filter‐exchange imaging and diffusion time‐dependent kurtosis imaging in the human brain
Authors: Li Zhaoqing , Liang Chunjing , He Qingping , Feiweier Thorsten , Hsu Yi‐Cheng , Li Jianhua , Bai Ruiliang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Filter‐exchange imaging (FEXI) and diffusion time (t)‐dependent kurtosis imaging (DKI(t)) are two diffusion‐based methods that have been proposed for in vivo measurements of water exchange rates. Few studies have directly compared these methods. We aimed to investigate whether FEXI and DKI(t) yield comparable water exchange measurements in the human brain in vivo.

Methods

Eight healthy volunteers underwent multiple‐direction FEXI and DKI(t) acquisitions on a 3T scanner. We performed region of interest (ROI) analysis to determine correlations between FEXI‐derived apparent exchange rate (AXR) and DKI(t)‐derived reciprocal of exchange time ().

Results

In both white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM), DKI(t) revealed substantial diffusion‐time dependence of diffusivity and kurtosis. However, at t ≥ 100 ms, the diffusivity showed weak time dependence. In WM, this time dependence may be due to water exchange between myelin water and “free” water with different T1 values, although other factors, such as remaining restrictive effects from microstructural barriers, cannot be excluded. We found a significant correlation between DKI(t)‐derived and FEXI‐derived AXR in the axial direction within WM. No such correlation was present in GM, although both values showed similar ranges.

Conclusion

These results suggest that FEXI and DKI(t) could be sensitive to the same water exchange process only when the diffusion time in DKI(t) is sufficiently long, and only in WM. In both GM and WM, the restrictive effect of microstructure is non‐negligible, especially at short diffusion times (<100 ms).
Auxiliary Model‐Based Maximum Likelihood Multi‐Innovation Forgetting Gradient Identification for a Class of Multivariable Systems
Authors: Wang Huihui , Liu Ximei
Published: January 2025

Through dividing a multivariable system into several subsystems, this paper derives the sub‐identification model. Utilizing the obtained sub‐identification model, an auxiliary model‐based maximum likelihood forgetting gradient algorithm is derived. Considering enhancing the parameter estimation accuracy, the auxiliary model‐based maximum likelihood multi‐innovation forgetting gradient (AM‐ML‐MIFG) algorithm is proposed taking advantage of the multi‐innovation identification theory. Simulation results test the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms, and confirm that the proposed AM‐ML‐MIFG algorithm has satisfactory performance in capturing the dynamic properties of the system.
Does not‐for‐profit corporatization of local public services improve performance?
Authors: Alonso José M. , Andrews Rhys
Published: January 2025

The corporatization of local public services is an increasingly common public management reform worldwide. This study investigates whether a shift from in‐house to not‐for‐profit corporatized service provision can result in improvements across multiple dimensions of performance. To do so, we examine the staggered adoption of Arms‐Length Management Organizations (ALMOs) to provide social housing by a third of English local governments during the period 2000 to 2008. Utilizing a Differences‐in‐Differences (DiD) with Multiple Time Periods (MTP) approach, we find that corporatized social housing outperformed in‐house provision on service quality, citizen satisfaction, and environmental sustainability, with little evidence of worse achievements on other performance dimensions. Event history analysis suggests performance benefits emerged around 2 years after corporatization occurred. Our study therefore implies that not‐for‐profit corporatization is potentially an effective strategy for improving local public service performance.
Degradation of Methylene Blue by Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Coupled With Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Fe3O4 Composite Nanofibers Having a Rough Surface
Authors: Li Longwei , Sun Xiaoyan , Sun Xiaoyue , Kang Jiahui , Liu Fan
Published: January 2025

A comb shaped surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) reactor coupled with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/Fe3O4 composite nanofibers was investigated to degrade methylene blue (MB) in water. The PVDF/Fe3O4 nanofibers with a rough surface were prepared when the proportion of Fe3O4 NPs in a 14 wt% PVDF spinning solution was 7 wt%. Compared to SDBD plasma alone, the addition of PVDF/Fe3O4 nanofibers significantly increased the degradation rate, degradation amount, kinetic constant, energy efficiency, and chemical oxygen demand removal rate of the MB solution. Active species trapping test revealed that •OH played the most important role during MB degradation, •O2−, H2O2, electrons, and holes were also crucial. After five repeated uses, the PVDF/Fe3O4 nanofibers maintained high catalytic activity, chemical stability, and mechanical strength.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of Van der Waals Layered Metal Phosphorous Trichalcogenides
Authors: Peng Jin , Tong Xin
Published: January 2025

Metal phosphorous trichalcogenides (MPX3) exhibit a range of intriguing properties that position them as promising materials for various applications. They display moderate‐to‐wide‐bandgap (1.2–3.5 eV) semiconductivity and ionic conductivity, making them suitable for optoelectronic and catalysis applications. These layered materials also exhibit a rich correlated phenomena originate from the interaction of d‐orbitals. Their 2D nature facilitates easy exfoliation, enabling the exploration of magnetism, ferroelectricity, and superconductivity at reduced dimensions. This review comprehensively summarizes the structural, and magnetic properties of MPX3, delving into the interplay between crystal symmetry and magnetic ordering. We highlight how the magnetic interactions and anisotropic effects shape the complex magnetic landscapes of these materials. By synthesizing current knowledge, this review aims to offer insights into the fundamental physics governing the magnetic properties of MPX3 and their potential in spintronic applications, ultimately paving the way for innovative designs in future magnetic devices.
Ab Initio Study of Structural, Elastic, Dynamical and Optoelectronic Properties of Half‐Heusler BaCaZ (Z = Si, Ge, Sn) Alloys
Authors: Sediki Hayat , Belkharroubi Fadila , Al‐Douri Yarub , Djezzar Nor El Houda , Khelfaoui Friha , Benmoussa Amar , Slamani Amel , Rahmani Rabea , Boudia Keltouma , Adel Abdellah El Hadj , Bouhemadou Abdelmajid
Published: January 2025

Half‐Heusler BaCaZ (Z = Si, Ge, Sn) alloys are investigated to determine their structural, elastic, dynamical, electronic, and optical characteristics. It is achieved using Wien2k of full‐potential linearized augmented plane wave based on density functional theory. The exchange and correlation potential are treated by the generalized gradient approximation and Trans‐Blaha‐modified Becke–Johnson. The structural property calculations present three materials that are stable in the cubic type I structure. The mentioned alloys are good chemical stability, as evidenced by the fact that all of computed formation energies are negative. The calculation of elastic constants demonstrates BaCaSi to be ductile in nature, BaCaGe and BaCaSn are brittle. According to electronic properties, the three materials exhibit semiconducting behavior with a direct‐bandgap X‐X. BaCaSi, BaCaGe, and BaCaSn alloys have high absorption and reflectivity in ultraviolet and visible spectra that make them attractive candidates for optical electronic applications.
Electrical Properties of Fe‐Contaminated Oxidation‐Induced Stacking Fault in n‐Type Czochralski Silicon
Authors: Wu Ruokai , Hu Zechen , Yang Lei , Huang Jie , Yu Xuegong , Yang Deren
Published: January 2025

Oxidation‐induced stacking fault (OISF) is one of the important detrimental defects in n‐type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) structure silicon solar cells due to its boron diffusion process at elevated temperature. Herein, the electrical properties of Fe‐contaminated OISFs in n‐type silicon are studied by combining electron beam‐induced current (EBIC) and deep‐level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) techniques. The EBIC results confirm that both Frank partial loops and fault planes are effective gettering sites for iron impurities. The DLTS reveals two energy levels of E1 (EC – 0.43 eV) and E2 (EC – 0.20 eV). The origin of E1 is attributed to Fe clusters bounded to the Frank partial dislocations, and E2 might be related to intermediate Fe complexes gettered on the fault planes of OISFs. E1 exhibits the donor state by confirming Poole–Frenkel field enhanced emission effect while this effect is not observed for E2. In addition, hydrogenation is proved to be able to partly passivate the electrical activity of the Fe‐contaminated OISFs. The results are instructive for bulk defect engineering toward high‐efficiency n‐type TOPCon solar cells.
Reliability Modeling and Analysis of Competing Failure Systems With Damage Evolution Effect
Authors: Kang Fengming , Qiu Qingan , Zhou Yu , Jia Xujie , Gao Hongda
Published: January 2025

In practical industrial engineering, systems with dependent and competing failure modes, such as aerospace systems and civil engineering structures, are ubiquitous. These systems usually simultaneously experience two failure modes: gradual internal degradation and external shock. The ultimate failure of the system results from the competition between the soft failure processes and the hard failure processes. With the wide application of intelligent management and artificial intelligence systems, this paper particularly focuses on the damage evolution processes of a system with intelligent characteristics, such as the damage self‐healing processes. By combining the cumulative shock model with the shock model to create a mixed shock model, we analyze the evolution processes of internal performance degradation and external shock damage induced by the self‐healing mechanism. We propose a novel system reliability model with dependent and competing failure processes that has practical significance for improving the accuracy of competing failure systems reliability assessments. Finally, to verify the practicability and validity of the model, empirical studies were conducted using examples of the corrosion process and prestressed strength of concrete degradation of reinforcement concrete (RC) pillar pier of sea bridges with pre‐mixed self‐healing capsules.
Examining Adolescent Reading Engagement: Design and Validation of the Teacher‐Reported Reading Engagement Survey (TRRES)
Authors: Cubillos Montserrat , Zegers Mónica , Inciarte Himilcon
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to design and validate the Teacher‐Reported Reading Engagement Survey (TRRES) to complement self‐reported measures and comprehensively assess reading engagement among adolescents. Drawing insights from literature and expert feedback, a new 10‐item Likert scale instrument was created, capturing three facets of reading engagement: behavioral, social, and cognitive (Lee et al., 2021). A sample of 534 low‐income 8th and 9th graders from Santiago, Chile, was used to assess TRRES's reliability for educational settings. Face validity was confirmed through expert reviews and exit interviews. Internal validity was rigorously assessed with Item Response Theory (IRT). Specifically, a polytomous Rasch model confirmed a unidimensional construct. For reliability measures, Expected A Posteriori (EAP) and Cronbach's alpha were used, resulting in very high reliability (EAP = 0.83; alpha = 0.96). To increase TRRES' practical use among teachers, a 3‐item version (TRRES‐A) was evaluated following criteria of being short and easy to use, yielding high reliability (EAP = 0.79; alpha = 0.87). Results highlight TRRES‐A as a short, practical, and highly reliable screener for measuring reading engagement through adolescence. The initial 10‐item version, suitable for qualitative purposes, complements the shorter version's practicality. Limitations include the TRRES's constrained sensitivity in distinguishing students with low levels of engagement, emphasizing the need for fine‐grained analyses that yield this type of finding and inform stakeholders' decisions when choosing an instrument. Findings suggest valuable applications for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking nuanced insights into reading engagement among adolescents.
Crossover of Frenkel and Wannier–Mott Excitons Through Halide Composition Tuning in Mixed Halide Perovskites
Authors: Kaur Jagjit , Chakraborty Sudip
Published: January 2025

Using first‐principles G0W0 (G0 is one‐electron Green’s function and W0 is the dynamical screening Coloumb potential) coupled Bethe–Salpeter equation (BSE) calculations with spin‐orbit coupling, exceptionally strong excitonic effects are identified in several bismuth‐based vacancy‐ordered mixed halide double perovskites. These perovskites are thermodynamically stable with negative formation energy. For Cs3Bi2X9 (X = Cl,Br,I) double perovskites, both the bandgap and excitonic binding energy decrease as the size of the halogen atom increases. The excitonic effects can be tuned in mixed halide perovskites such as Cs3Bi2I6Cl3, Cs3Bi2I6Br3, Cs3Bi2Br6I3, Cs3Bi2Cl6Br3, Cs3Bi2Br6Cl3, and Cs3Bi2Cl6I3. This study reports the exciton radiative lifetimes of the vacancy‐ordered perovskites, revealing that these excitons exhibit long radiative lifetimes, particularly for Cs3Bi2Br6I3 with 11141 at 300 K and 24 at 5 K. The long radiative lifetimes are linked to the delocalization of the exciton (Wannier–Mott type) in real space, whereas the more localized exciton (Frenkel type) in Cs3Bi2Cl6Br3 results in shorter radiative lifetimes of 155 at 300 K and 334 ns at 5 K. Due to their long exciton lifetime, these materials present interesting opportunities for photovoltaic applications.
High‐Efficiency Y6 Homojunction Organic Solar Cells Enabled by a Secondary Hole Transport Layer
Authors: McAnally Shaun , Brooks Eucalyptus , Lindsay Oliver , Burn Paul L. , Gentle Ian R. , Shaw Paul E.
Published: January 2025

Y6 homojunction solar cells are prepared using the exciton/electron‐blocking material poly[9,9‐di‐n‐octylfluorene‐alt‐N‐(4‐sec‐butylphenyl)diphenylamine] (TFB) as a secondary hole transport layer material in conjunction with PEDOT:PSS. Using this device architecture, a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.57% is achieved, which is the highest reported thus far for a solution‐processed small molecule homojunction organic photovoltaic (OPV) device. The devices display an unexpectedly low thickness dependence, with the average PCE only decreasing by ≈17% when the Y6 active layer thickness is increased from 80 to 300 nm. Time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements show that the TFB does not contribute to charge generation through photoinduced hole or electron transfer. However, transient absorption spectroscopy on thin films of neat Y6 and a 1:1 blend of Y6:TFB shows that the TFB enhances the formation of the long‐lived Y6 intermolecular charge‐transfer state in the blend film. It is found that careful selection of the electron transport layer (ETL) is required to avoid unintended charge generation at the interface with Y6 so as to ensure that the device is a true homojunction. The improved efficiency of this architecture is attributed to the electron‐blocking and hole‐extraction effects of the TFB layer.
Color Tuning and Efficiency Enhancement of Transparent c‐Si Solar Cells with Ag/TiO2 Double Layer
Authors: Lee Kangmin , Yeop Jiwoo , Park Jeonghwan , Son Jung Geon , Kim Jin Young , Seo Kwanyong
Published: January 2025

Transparent solar cells maximize installation space by being applicable to glass areas such as building windows and sunroofs, necessitating high power conversion efficiency (PCE), long‐term stability, and aesthetic appeal. This study demonstrates the development of transparent crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells that exhibit vivid colors, enhanced PCE, and long‐term stability. To achieve vivid coloration, a metal‐oxide‐based color filter with a single metal layer and TiO2 thin films, which show high transmittance, is integrated into the neutral‐colored transparent c‐Si solar cells. As a result, the proposed all‐inorganic‐based transparent solar cells exhibited red, green, and blue colors, achieved a high PCE of 15.3%, and demonstrated long‐term stability for up to 1000 h by leveraging c‐Si solar cells in conjunction with all inorganic color filters.
Sustainable Practices for Diminishing Nitrate Leaching
Authors: Gharahi Nasrin , Zamani‐Ahmadmahmoodi Rasool
Published: January 2025

Investigating the factors affecting water and salt movement in the soil and utilizing new amendments, such as mineral nanoparticles and biochar, can significantly contribute to proper land management and reduce nitrate (NO3–) leaching, thus preventing groundwater pollution. This study aimed to investigate the effects of mineral nanoparticles and biochar derived from wheat residues on NO3– leaching from the soil and soil particle stability. The treatments used in this study included three treatments: nanozeolite, nanoclosite, and biochar, each at two levels (10 and 50 g/kg of soil, 1% and 5% w/w) and a control treatment. The duration of the experiment and the amount of fertilizer added to the soil columns matched the corn cultivation period. Nitrate fertilizer containing 46% pure nitrogen was used to introduce NO3– into the soil columns. The irrigation of the soil columns was performed by weighing the lost water from the control soil column. Compared with those in the control sample, the amount of NO3– leached from the soil columns in the 10‐g biochar, 10‐g nanozeolite, and 10‐g nanoclosite treatments significantly decreased. Additionally, the amount of NO3– leached from the soil columns in the 50 g biochar, 50 g nanozeolite, and 50 g nanoclosite treatments significantly decreased compared to that in the control sample. Throughout all weeks of the experiment, the 50 g biochar treatment had the lowest NO3– leaching compared to the 50 g nanozeolite and 50 g nanoclosite treatments. Additionally, increasing the use of nanozeolite and nanoclosite enhances the stability of soil particles and decreases NO3– leaching from the soil columns, resulting in reduced groundwater contamination with NO3–.
One-day dual-tracer examination in neuroendocrine neoplasms: a real advantage of low activity LAFOV PET imaging
Authors: Calderón Eduardo , Kiefer Lena S. , Schmidt Fabian P. , Lan Wenhong , Brendlin Andreas S. , Reinert Christian P. , Singer Stephan , Reischl Gerald , Hinterleitner Martina , Dittmann Helmut , la Fougère Christian , Trautwein Nils F.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-PET is crucial for effective treatment stratification of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). In highly proliferating or poorly differentiated NENs, dual-tracer approaches using additional [18F]FDG PET can effectively identify SSTR-negative disease, usually requiring separate imaging sessions. We evaluated the feasibility of a one-day dual-tracer imaging protocol with a low activity [18F]FDG PET followed by an SSTR-PET using the recently introduced [18F]SiFAlin-TATE tracer in a long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT scanner and its implications in patient management.

Methods

Twenty NEN patients were included in this study. Initially, a low activity [18F]FDG PET was performed (0.5 ± 0.01 MBq/kg; PET scan 60 min p.i.). After 4.2 ± 0.09 h after completion of the [18F]FDG PET, a standard activity of [18F]SiFAlin-TATE was administered (3.0 MBq/kg; PET scan 90 min p.i.). To ensure the quantification accuracy of the second scan, we evaluated the potential impact of residual [18F]FDG activity by segmenting organs with minimal physiological SSTR-tracer uptake, such as the brain and myocardium, and assessing the activity concentrations (ACTs) of tumor lesions. Residual tumor lesion ACTs of [18F]FDG were calculated by factoring fluorine-18 decay, identifying a maximum residual ACT of 15% (R15%). To account for increased [18F]FDG trapping over time, higher residual ACTs of 20% (R20%) were considered. These simulated [18F]FDG ACTs were compared with those measured in the second PET scan with [18F]SiFAlin-TATE. The influence of the dual-tracer PET/CT results on therapeutic strategies was evaluated.

Results

[18F]FDG cerebral uptake significantly decreased in the subsequent SSTR-PET (mean uptake [18F]FDG: SUVmean 6.0 ± 0.4; mean uptake in [18F]SiFAlin-TATE PET: SUVmean 0.2 ± 0.01; p < 0.0001); with similar results recorded for the myocardium. Simulated residual [18F]FDG ACTs represented only a minimal percentage of ACTs measured in the tumor lesions from the second PET scan (R15%: mean 5.2 ± 0.9% and R20%: mean 6.8 ± 1.2%), indicating only minimal residual activity of [18F]FDG that might interfere with the second PET scan using [18F]SiFAlin-TATE and preserved semi-quantification of the latter. Dual-tracer PET/CT findings directly influenced changes in therapy plans in eleven (55%) of the examined patients.

Conclusion

LAFOV PET scanners enable a one-day dual-tracer protocol, providing diagnostic image quality while preserving the semi-quantification of two 18F-labeled radiotracers, potentially simplifying the assessment of tumor biology and improving the clinical patient management while reducing logistical challenges. Additionally, low-activity PET imaging facilitates one-day dual-tracer PET examinations.
Evaluation of standards for sex estimation using measurements obtained from reconstructed computed tomography images of the femur of contemporary Black South Africans
Authors: Ujaddughe Oriasotie M. , Haberfeld Jenny , Bidmos Mubarak Ariyo , Olateju Oladiran I.
Published: January 2025

Dimensions of the pelvic and skull bones are known to be sexually dimorphic in various population groups. The recovery of these bones is potentially beneficial in estimating the sex in forensic cases. Since both bones are not always available for forensic analysis, standards for sex estimation must be established for other bones of the postcranial skeleton. Previous studies have reported that postcranial skeletal elements (e.g. femur) perform like the pelvis and better than the cranium in sex estimation. Thus, this study explored the potential of CT-derived femoral measurements in sex estimation in a South African population. The sample consisted of 280 contemporary Black South Africans (50% sex ratio) whose scan reports are stored in the Radiology Department of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa. The Xiris and IntelliSpace software was used to reconstruct the images into 3D formats from which measurements were taken. Previously derived sex estimation equations of the femur were tested using data from the current study and these equations presented low average classification accuracies. Using discriminant function and logistic regression analyses, new sex estimation equations were formulated, and these new equations yielded average sex estimation classification accuracies of between 82.5 and 91.4% (by multivariable logistic regression) and 79.3–84.3% (by multivariable discriminant function). The results indicate that population-specific femoral measurements obtained by CT are more reliable than those obtained by direct osteometry and that the femur has a high sexual dimorphism with relevant forensic applications.
An Eco-friendly Approach for the Separation and Reusage of Pre-consumer Polycotton Textile Waste
Authors: de Lima Fábio Pedroso , Alves Cátia , Gomes-Dias Rita , Fernandes Marta , Vieira Bárbara , Rodrigues Rui , Padrão Jorge , Zille Andrea
Published: January 2025

One of the most challenging features of textile recycling is the widespread use of mixed fibre blends, which hardens the task of effective separation. A mixture of aqueous sodium hydroxide and a cosolvent was applied to a polycotton pre-consumer fabric to promote the chemical separation of polyester (PES) and cotton (CO). The feasibility of reusing the hydrolytic solutions was tested, where dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 2-propanol allowed the reusage of the hydrolytic solution for up to 3 consecutive cycles when applied to pristine material. The recovery of pure terephthalic acid (TPA), after treatment at 50 °C followed by vacuum filtration, achieved yields ranging from 65 to 69%. No further purification was required in 75% of the tested conditions. Through this environmentally sustainable procedure, a method was proposed that could facilitate the development of a scalable process for the TPA recovery from polycotton textiles. This approach aims to reduce both textile waste production and the need for the de novo synthesis of TPA.
Adaptation of the Short Version of Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire in Türkiye
Authors: Bahcecioglu Turan Gülcan , Özer Zülfünaz , Yavuzer Bayrak Nisa
Published: January 2025

The present study was conducted to adapt the short version of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire into Turkish and to examine the validity and reliability of the scale. This methodological study was conducted between January and May 2024 with 283 individuals aged 18 and older in Turkey. Data were collected online by using “Personal Information Form” and the “Short Version of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire”. It was found that all participants believed in God. According to the study results, item-based content validity index (I-CVI) was between 0.87 and 1.00, and the scale-based content validity index (S-CVI) was found to be 0.98. Factor loadings of the scale items vary between 0.570 and 0.840. Fit indices of the scale were calculated as follows: X
2 = 9.64, df = 4 (p < 0.05), X
2/df = 2.41, RMSEA = 0.071, CFI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.021, TLI = 0.98, RMR = 0.012, AIC = 31.64. The overall Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was 0.860, and the Omega reliability value was 0.866. Short Version of the 5-item Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire was validated without any changes to the original form. The Turkish version of the Short Version of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring individuals’ strength of religious faith.
Crypto ecosystem: navigating the past, present, and future of decentralized finance
Authors: Bongini Paola Agnese , Mattassoglio Francesca , Pedrazzoli Alessia , Vismara Silvio
Published: January 2025

From Nakamoto’s genesis block, 15 years of technological advancements, new financial instruments, regulations, and emerging participants have defined the Crypto Ecosystem. This paper chronicles its development from the creation of Bitcoin to the present-day landscape of cryptocurrencies, tokens, and decentralized finance applications. It explores the foundational technologies, financial instruments, key players, and regulatory frameworks in Europe and the US. By critically assessing the current state of the crypto market, the paper identifies both the promises fulfilled and the challenges that remain. It contributes to the existing literature by providing a synthesized understanding of the crypto ecosystem, highlighting the interplay between technological advancements and financial market dynamics.
Inequalities between Dirichlet and Neumann eigenvalues of the magnetic Laplacian
Authors: Lotoreichik Vladimir
Published: January 2025

We consider the magnetic Laplacian with the homogeneous magnetic field in two and three dimensions. We prove that the

$$(k+1)$$

(
k
+
1
)

-th magnetic Neumann eigenvalue of a bounded convex planar domain is not larger than its k-th magnetic Dirichlet eigenvalue for all

$$k\in {{\mathbb {N}}}$$

k
∈
N

. In three dimensions, we restrict our attention to convex domains, which are invariant under rotation by an angle of

$$\pi $$

π

around an axis parallel to the magnetic field. For such domains, we prove that the

$$(k+2)$$

(
k
+
2
)

-th magnetic Neumann eigenvalue is not larger than the k-th magnetic Dirichlet eigenvalue provided that this Dirichlet eigenvalue is simple. The proofs rely on a modification of the strategy suggested by Payne and developed further by Levine and Weinberger.
Growth hormone-releasing hormone signaling and manifestations within the cardiovascular system
Authors: Dulce Raul A. , Hatzistergos Konstantinos E. , Kanashiro-Takeuchi Rosemeire M. , Takeuchi Lauro M. , Balkan Wayne , Hare Joshua M.
Published: January 2025

Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH), a hypothalamic peptide initially characterized for its role in GH regulation, has gained increasing attention due to its GH-independent action on peripheral physiology, including that of the cardiovascular system. While its effects on the peripheral vasculature are still under investigation, GHRH and synthetic agonists have exhibited remarkable receptor-mediated cardioprotective properties in preclinical models. GHRH and its analogs enhance myocardial function by improving contractility, reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and offsetting pathological remodeling. Studies performed in small and large animal models have demonstrated the efficacy of these compounds in diverse cardiomyopathies, suggesting their potential as promising therapeutic agents. However, the clinical translation of GHRH synthetic analogs still faces challenges related to the route of administration and potential side effects mainly associated with activation of the GH/IGF-I axis. Despite these hurdles, the compelling evidence supporting their role in cardiac repair makes GHRH analogs attractive candidates for clinical testing in the treatment of various cardiac diseases.
School bullying and cyberbullying – associations of student’s roles with social-cognitive and affective reactions
Authors: Knauf Rhea-Katharina , Eschenbeck Heike
Published: January 2025

Bullying is a widespread phenomenon at schools and in digital media. Many adolescents come into contact with bullying and must react to it. Social-cognitive and affective reactions to bullying incidents (SCARB) might determine which roles classmates adopt. The current study investigates school bullying and cyberbullying within the class community on the basis of peer nominations and associates pupils’ roles with self-reported SCARB. Roles were assigned in a sample of 1506 pupils. It was hypothesized that defenders stand out in terms of high levels of empathy, feelings of responsibility and defending self-efficacy as well as low levels of moral disengagement and low apprehensions of negative outcomes of defending. Multilevel analyses controlling for gender and grade showed that defenders especially differed from bullies and reinforcer-bullies in terms of empathy, responsibility, defending self-efficacy and moral disengagement for both forms of bullying. Only moral disengagement differed between defenders and other bystander roles (outsiders, reinforcers) and only for cyberbullying. Regarding apprehensions, only victims of school bullying reported significantly higher levels than defenders. The results suggest that strengthening empathy, feelings of responsibility and defending self-efficacy might be pertinent for reducing bullying behavior and fostering defending behavior. Moreover, counteracting moral disengagement may be relevant to prevent undesirable bystander behaviors such as passivity and reinforcing.
Comparative phenotyping of C57BL/6J substrains reveals distinctive patterns of cardiac aging
Authors: Walter Sophia , Baumgarten Patricia , Hegemann Niklas , Häseli Steffen P. , Deubel Stefanie , Jelleschitz Julia , Höhn Annika , Berndt Nikolaus , Kuebler Wolfgang M. , Grune Jana , Ott Christiane
Published: January 2025

Research in aging often refers to animal models, particularly C57BL/6J (B6J) mice, considered gold standard. However, B6J mice are distributed by different suppliers, which results in divers substrains exhibiting notable phenotypic differences. To ensure a suitable phenotype of cardiac aging, we performed heart analyses of young (5 months) and old B6J mice (24 months) from two substrains: B6JRj (Janvier) and B6JCrl mice (Charles River). In hearts of both substrains, myocardial fibrosis increased with age; however, only in old B6JRj mice cardiac hypertrophy associated with a decreased ejection fraction was observed. Gene set enrichment analysis in heart tissue using proteomic data revealed different age-associated pathway changes between the substrains, especially in oxidative phosphorylation. Functional assessment of isolated cardiomyocytes verified cardiac impairment during aging in B6JRj mice. Overall, results demonstrate that cardiac aging manifests as a moderate systolic dysfunction in B6JRj mice, while B6JCrl mice display no functional changes with age.
Expectancy-disconfirmation and consumer satisfaction: A meta-analysis
Authors: Schiebler Tom , Lee Nick , Brodbeck Felix C.
Published: January 2025

Expectancy-disconfirmation has been the dominant paradigm to explain the formation of consumer satisfaction for over 40 years. Within this paradigm, it is possible for expectations to have opposing effects on consumer satisfaction depending on the underlying psychological processes presupposed. In general, assimilation processes predict positive effects, while contrast processes predict negative effects. A comprehensive assessment of the empirical evidence for these positions is missing. Hence, we provide a meta-analysis of expectancy-disconfirmation research, using 150 records (N = 58,597), to test the direct effects of perceived performance and performance expectations on consumer satisfaction, while also including disconfirmation as a mediator in each path (using meta-analytical path analysis). We found evidence for an overall positive relationship between expectations and consumer satisfaction (r = .29 [0.24, 0.34]) and no evidence supporting contrast effects. Moderator analyses revealed that the positive correlation between performance expectations and consumer satisfaction was significantly stronger for predictive (vs. normative) expectations, for services (vs. goods), and for cross-sectional (vs. longitudinal and experimental) studies. Furthermore, we found an unexpected downward publication bias, which suggests that the true correlation between disconfirmation and consumer satisfaction is higher than the (already high) estimate we found. We discuss how future research can empirically scrutinize popular practitioner views and promote the development of causal explanations, account for non-linear effects, and elucidate the anomalous publication bias found here.
Investigating the Role of DNA Ploidy and Proliferation Index in Distinguishing Ameloblastoma from Ameloblastic Carcinoma
Authors: Robinson Liam , Smit Chané , van Heerden Marlene B. , Ambele Melvin A. , van Heerden Willie F. P.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the role of DNA ploidy and proliferation index in distinguishing ameloblastoma (AB) from ameloblastic carcinoma (AC).

Methods

The study included 29 ACs, 6 conventional ABs that transformed into ACs, and a control cohort of 20 conventional ABs. The demographics and clinicopathologic details of the included cases were summarised and compared. The Ki-67 proliferation index was scored using the QuPath open-source software platform. DNA ploidy analysis was performed using high-resolution flow cytometry.

Results

The cohort of ABs presented at an overall younger age compared to both primary and secondary ACs. There was a statistically significant difference between the median duration of the tumour when comparing primary and secondary ACs, with ACs presenting with longer durations than the AB cohort. All cases of AC showed a relatively high median proliferation index of 41.7%, with statistically significant higher scores compared to ABs. DNA ploidy analysis showed that all cases in the AB cohort were diploid. Two diploid cases of AB that transformed into ACs were aneuploid when the corresponding secondary AC was analysed. Fourteen cases of AC were diploid and 12 were aneuploid, with no statistically significant association found between DNA ploidy status of primary and secondary ACs. A statistically significant difference was noted when the DNA ploidy status of ABs was compared to that of ACs. When comparing the Ki-67 proliferation score of ACs to their DNA ploidy status, no statistically significant association was noted.

Conclusion

DNA ploidy analysis and proliferation index via Ki-67 IHC are useful ancillary tests that may be used to support a diagnosis of AC and may assist in distinguishing between challenging cases of AB and AC.
Genetic diversity and selection signatures in sheep breeds
Authors: Rodrigues Julia Lisboa , Braga Larissa Graciano , Watanabe Rafael Nakamura , Schenkel Flávio Schramm , Berry Donagh Pearse , Buzanskas Marcos Eli , Munari Danísio Prado
Published: January 2025

Natural and artificial selection in domesticated animals can cause specific changes in genomic regions known as selection signatures. Our study used the integrated haplotype score (iHS) and Tajima’s D tests within non-overlapping windows of 100 kb to identify selection signatures, in addition to genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium estimates in 9498 sheep from breeds in Ireland (Belclare, Charollais, Suffolk, Texel, and Vendeen). The mean observed and expected heterozygosity for all the sheep breeds were 0.353 and 0.355, respectively. Suffolk had the least genetic variation and, along with Texel, had slower linkage disequilibrium decay. iHS and Tajima’s D detected selection signatures for all breeds, with some regions overlapping, thus forming longer segments of selection signatures. Common selection signatures were identified across iHS and Tajima’s D methods for all breeds, with Belclare and Texel having several common regions under positive selection. Several genes were detected within the selection signature regions, including ITGA4, TLR3, and TGFB2 related to the immune system against endoparasites; DLG1, ROBO2, MXI1, MTMR2, CEP57, and FAM78B related to reproductive traits; WDR70 related to milk traits; SCHM1 and MYH15 related to meat traits; and TAS2R4, TAS2R39, and TAS2R40 related to adaptive traits. In conclusion, our results demonstrated moderate genetic diversity in the sheep breeds and detected and characterized selection signatures harboring genes associated with reproductive traits, milk production, meat production, and adaptive traits such as endoparasite resistance.
Fast estimation of the Renshaw-Haberman model and its variants
Authors: Guo Yiping , Li Johnny Siu-Hang
Published: January 2025

In mortality modelling, cohort effects are often taken into consideration as they add insights about variations in mortality across different generations. Statistically speaking, models such as the Renshaw-Haberman model may provide a better fit to historical data compared to their counterparts that incorporate no cohort effects. However, when such models are estimated using an iterative maximum likelihood method in which parameters are updated one at a time, convergence is typically slow and may not even be reached within a reasonably established maximum number of iterations. Among others, the slow convergence problem hinders the study of parameter uncertainty through bootstrapping methods. In this paper, we propose an intuitive estimation method that minimizes the sum of squared errors between actual and fitted log central death rates. The complications arising from the incorporation of cohort effects are overcome by formulating part of the optimization as a principal component analysis with missing values. Using mortality data from various populations, we demonstrate that our proposed method produces satisfactory estimation results and is significantly more efficient compared to the traditional likelihood-based approach.
Plant Oil Nano-Emulsions as a Potential Solution for Pest Control in Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Abd-Elnabi Amany D. , El-sawy Elham Abdel Fattah , Badawy Mohamed E. I.
Published: January 2025

The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly pest control methods has led to a growing interest in the development of novel, plant-based pesticides. In this study, we investigated the potential of nano-emulsions containing plant oils (Portulaca oleracea, Raphanus sativus, and Rosmarinus officinalis) as a new approach for controlling three major pests: Aphis gossypii, Spodoptera littoralis, and Tetranychus urticae. Using ultrasonication, we prepared stable and uniform nano-emulsions characterized by thermodynamic properties, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the nano-emulsions were effective in controlling the three pests, with the most potent activity observed against Aphis gossypii. Our findings suggest that plant oil nano-emulsions have the potential to be used as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional pesticides. The use of these nano-emulsions could provide a new approach to manage pest populations, reducing the environmental impact of pesticide use, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Incidence and resistance rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections in Switzerland: a nationwide surveillance study (2010–2022)
Authors: Renggli Luzia , Burri Andrea , Ehrhard Simone , Gasser Michael , Kronenberg Andreas ,   The Swiss Centre for Antibiotic Resistance
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important microorganism in BSIs. The aim of this study was to analyze recent trends in the incidence and resistance rates of P. aeruginosa BSIs in Switzerland and its different linguistic regions.

Methods

This retrospective, nationwide observational study analyzed the incidence (using Poisson regression models) and antimicrobial resistance (using logistic regression models) of P. aeruginosa BSIs in Switzerland from 2010 to 2022.

Results

The annual incidence of P. aeruginosa BSIs in Switzerland increased from 5.5 BSIs per 100,000 inhabitants in 2010 to 7.6 BSIs per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 (p < 0.001). The incidence was higher in the French-speaking region than in the German-speaking region. The resistance rates increased significantly for cefepime (2.4% in 2010, 8.8% in 2022; p < 0.001), ceftazidime (5.6% in 2010, 9.4% in 2022; p = 0.014), ciprofloxacin (3.3% in 2010, 6.5% in 2022; p = 0.014), and piperacillin-tazobactam (6.4% in 2010, 11.2% in 2022; p = 0.002). No significant trends were observed for carbapenem-, aminoglycoside-, or multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa. A high incidence was observed in patients ≥ 80 years, whereas resistance rates were high in young patients.

Conclusion

The increase in the incidence of P. aeruginosa BSIs emphasizes the importance of monitoring resistant and susceptible P. aeruginosa BSIs. Compared to the population-weighted mean resistance rates in Europe in 2022, those in Switzerland were lower, but an increase was observed for most antibiotics. The high resistance rates in young patients require further investigation.
Hypergeometric L-functions in average polynomial time, II
Authors: Costa Edgar , Kedlaya Kiran S. , Roe David
Published: January 2025

We describe an algorithm for computing, for all primes

$$p \le X$$

p
≤
X

, the trace of Frobenius at p of a hypergeometric motive over

$$\mathbb {Q}$$

Q

in time quasilinear in X. This involves computing the trace modulo

$$p^e$$

p
e

for suitable e; as in our previous work treating the case

$$e=1$$

e
=
1

, we combine the Beukers–Cohen–Mellit trace formula with average polynomial time techniques of Harvey and Harvey–Sutherland. The key new ingredient for

$$e>1$$

e
>
1

is an expanded version of Harvey’s “generic prime” construction, making it possible to incorporate certain p-adic transcendental functions into the computation; one of these is the p-adic Gamma function, whose average polynomial time computation is an intermediate step which may be of independent interest. We also provide an implementation in Sage and discuss the remaining computational issues around tabulating hypergeometric L-series.
Challenges and Applications of Intrinsic Image Decomposition: A Short Review
Authors: Ulucan Diclehan , Ulucan Oguzhan , Ebner Marc
Published: January 2025

Intrinsic image decomposition has become an immensely studied problem over the last decades. It holds many challenges but also provides large benefits if it can be solved. In this study, we provide a short review of intrinsic image decomposition algorithms, datasets, and applications, while also addressing the challenges of the field. Aside from creating an algorithm for this under-constrained problem, another challenge is to evaluate the performance of the developed methods since there are certain limitations in existing evaluation strategies. Thereupon, we introduce two new error metrics, namely the ensemble of metrics and the imperceptible weighted score. The ensemble of metrics integrates different perceptual quality metrics in scale-space, while the imperceptible weighted score is the modified version of the well-known

$$\Delta E$$

Δ
E

metric. We present the usability of our metrics on two datasets by utilizing various intrinsic image decomposition algorithms.
Solid-state welding of UFG copper rods with conical face by means of friction heat impulse
Authors: Morawiński Łukasz , Jasiński Cezary , Goliński Jacek , Chmielewski Tomasz M.
Published: January 2025

Solid-state friction welding of ultra-fine grained materials (UFG) is a complex process to implement. Exceeding the recrystallization temperature during the process causes degradation of the material’s properties. The process temperature can be reduced by limiting the heat power. Using standard friction welding machines and parameters, it is difficult to achieve an appropriately low heat power. The welding tests of Cu-ETP copper with an UFG structure were carried out on a prototype rotary friction welding machine. It enables welding materials with extremely short friction times and high pressure forces. A given set of non-standard/sharp parameters influences the generated heat power. Its characteristic course is called the friction heat impulse (FHI). The use of FHI allows the energy to be reduced to the minimum necessary to obtain a joint. In order to obtain better joint conditions in a short welding time, a conical surface was used on one of the welded samples. The friction welding tests carried out using the FHI method and a prototype machine showed that the average hardness value of the joints increased slightly from 129 HV0.2 to 130 HV0.2. Additionally, the tensile strength remained at the same level as the UFG base material. The results proved that it is possible to weld UFG copper rods with conical face under recrystallization temperature without any signs of degradation of the UFG structure.