bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Unpredictability of a Cobalt‐Free Layered Cathode and Its Mitigation for Producing Reliable, Sustainable Batteries
Authors: Park Geon‐Tae , Kim Myoung‐Chan , Kim Min‐Su , Noh Tae‐Chong , Ryu Ji‐Hyun , Park Nam‐Yung , Sun Yang‐Kook
Published: December 2024

To advance the sustainable development of Li‐ion batteries, reducing the Co content in Li[NixCoy(Mn or Al)(1–x–y)]O2 has become essential, prompting the exploration of Co‐free Li[NixMn(1–x)]O2 alternatives. Among the promising solutions are Co‐free layered cathodes with compositional concentration gradients, which offer significant potential. However, their unique microstructure and compositional partitioning, key to their performance, are highly sensitive to synthesis temperatures. Over‐sintering can lead to the structural unpredictability of Co‐free cathode materials and detrimental effects on electrochemical properties. In this study, a highly stable Co‐free layered oxide cathode is developed by doping a concentration gradient Li[Ni0.9Mn0.1]O2, with high‐valence ions. This innovative strategy significantly reduces sensitivity to calcination temperatures, minimizing nano‐ and microstructural changes across a broad temperature range (750–810 °C). The particle‐level compositional gradation and grain‐level heteroelement encapsulation contribute to the cathode material's exceptional electrochemical performance. Mo doping, in trace amounts, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the stability of Co‐free cathodes, enabling the development of high‐potential (4.3 V vs graphite) Co‐free cathodes suitable for practical and sustainable Li‐ion battery applications.
Fluorine Passivated Perovskite SrNbO2N Photocatalyst for Robust Sunlight‐Driven Water Splitting
Authors: Yu Jinxing , Huang Jie , Wang Ran , Konysheva Elena Yu , Liu Gang , Xu Xiaoxiang
Published: December 2024

SrNbO2N is a promising narrow‐bandgap semiconductor for sunlight‐driven water splitting but is generally subject to insufficient photocarrier separation and severe photocorrosion. Here, the targeted single‐crystalline SrNbO2N nanobelts are passivated by consecutive annealing in O2 and N2/NH4F to approach the right N/O ratio (1/2) and anion content (O + N = 60 at%). The passivation measures lead to both a low concentration (≈2.2 × 1015 cm−3) of defects including VO, Nb3+, Nb4+ for efficient photocarrier separation and unique fluorine‐rich, nitrogen‐poor surface with low surface energy for high stability against photocorrosion. Notably, the passivated SrNbO2N nanobelts deliver the highest values of photocurrent density of 4.5 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus RHE and stable photocatalytic (PC) Z‐scheme overall water splitting activity of ≈10 µmol h−1 H2 evolution under AM 1.5G illumination when used as photoanode materials for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation and the photocatalytic O2‐evolution moiety, respectively. These findings provide not only an effective guideline to upgrade the activity and stability of SrNbO2N but also fresh mechanistic insights into the role of passivation measures.
The velar chord and dynamic integration of the gular valve in crocodylians
Authors: Young Bruce A. , Cramberg Michael , Young Olivia G.
Published: December 2024

Crocodylians evolved a unique gular valve that is capable of creating a water‐tight seal between the oral and pharyngeal cavities, allowing the animal to safely submerge with an open mouth. The gular valve has traditionally been described as consisting of two separate parts: an active mobile ventral portion (consisting of the tongue and portions of the hyolingual apparatus) and a dorsal portion, which is a static fold on the hard palate (often termed the palatal velum). The results of the present study argue that the two portions of the gular valve are functionally integrated, not separate, and that the dorsal portion (herein the dorsal gular fold) is a dynamic element the shape and tension of which are influenced by active and passive forces. Using gross dissection, histology, and DiceCT, the present study documents a previously underscribed component of the gular valve, the velar chord, which links the hyolingual apparatus to the dorsal gular fold, functionally integrating the two halves of the gular valve. Through endoscopic videography and a variety of manipulations on living crocodylians, this study demonstrates that changes in the tension on the velar chord directly alter the shape and tension of the dorsal gular fold. The shape changes observed in the dorsal gular fold could be accommodated by a shallow depression in the ventral surface of the palatine bones, herein termed the velar fossa. The velar fossa is a prominent feature of Alligator mississippiensis and was observed in other crocodilians; however, a survey of living and fossil crocodylians demonstrated that the velar fossa is not a universal feature in this clade. Understanding the functional linkage between the dorsal and ventral portions of the gular valve has implications beyond the dive reflex of crocodylians, since active manipulation of the dorsal gular fold likely plays a role in a variety of behavioral and physiological processes such as deglutition and vocalization.
Left–right difference in acetabular articular cartilage surface area and the quantification of acetabular fractures
Authors: Brueton Richard N. , Hughes Stephen W.
Published: December 2024

X‐ray computer tomography scans were carried out on 11 female and 9 male dry bony pelvises. A 512 x 512 image matrix was used with a slice thickness and separation of 2 mm. Images were transferred onto a computer and the articular cartilage marked on each relevant image. The points were connected to form a triangle mesh and the total articular cartilage area calculated by summing the area of each triangle. There was a highly significant difference (p < 0.001) between the male and female acetabular areas, 25.4 ± 2.7 cm2 and 19.5 ± 2.0 cm2, respectively. The mean left–right difference was 0.2 ± 0.9 cm2 for males and—0.2 ± 0.47 cm2 for females. When the sign of the differences are removed, the mean and standard deviations of the differences is 0.5 ± 0.46 cm2 (2.3% ± 1.8%) for males and females, 0.66 ± 0.61 cm2 for males and 0.4 ± 0.27 cm2 for females. Each articular surface was outlined twice in order to assess the repeatability of the technique. The left–right variation in articular surface area was found to be similar to the variation in repeatability, suggesting that if any left–right difference does exist it is too small to be reliably detected by this technique. This enables the area of articular cartilage of the fragments of a fractured acetabulum to be compared directly with surface area of the contralateral intact acetabulum. Acetabular fractures can therefore be quantified by measurement of the articular surface area of the fracture components. Comparison with the clinical results will enable surface area to be developed as a prognostic factor in the management of acetabular fractures.
Increasing Soil Water Drought in Response to Altered Precipitation Timing Across the Western United States
Authors: Zhang Fangyue , Biederman Joel A. , Schlaepfer Daniel R. , Bradford John B. , Reed Sasha C. , Smith William K.
Published: December 2024

Recent trends of rising temperatures and longer droughts between precipitation events are impacting water‐limited dryland ecosystems in the western United States. Although ecosystem drought response depends directly on soil moisture, trends in soil moisture (e.g., edaphic drought) remain more poorly explored than precipitation (e.g., meteorological drought), representing an important knowledge gap. Here, we applied the SOILWAT2 ecosystem water balance model to quantify long‐term trends of soil moisture and edaphic drought using observed daily weather from 1976 to 2019 at 337 stations across the western United States. We assessed edaphic drought for different plant community types (grass dominated vs. shrub dominated), and explored variations with soil depth and texture. The duration of the longest edaphic drought in a given year increased by 1.5 ± 0.2 days/decade for grassy and 1.7 ± 0.2 days/decade for woody vegetation. Importantly, these trends in edaphic drought were consistent with but greater in magnitude compared with meteorological drought indicating more severe water stress for both plants and ecosystems. The correlation between meteorological drought and edaphic drought was greater under woody vegetation (0.45) compared with grass (0.34) and greater at surface soil depths (0–20 cm; 0.46) compared with the deeper soil (20–100 cm; 0.34). Among soil textures, the correlation between meteorological and edaphic drought was highest on sandy soils and lowest on finer textured silty soils. Using the biogeographic domains (eight western NEON domains), we found that the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Southwest, and Desert Southwest exhibited the strongest increases in edaphic drought through time, but lower correlation between meteorological and edaphic droughts. These findings characterize strong but variable connections between edaphic drought and meteorological drought across the western United States and demonstrate the critical influences of vegetation type, soil depth, and soil properties in mediating the magnitude and spatial distribution of edaphic drought.
Implementation of guideline‐recommended medical therapy for patients with heart failure in Europe
Authors: Volterrani Maurizio , Seferovic Petar , Savarese Gianluigi , Spoletini Ilaria , Imbalzano Egidio , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Jankowska Ewa , Senni Michele , Metra Marco , Chioncel Ovidiu , Coats Andrew J. S. , Rosano Giuseppe M. C.
Published: December 2024

Physicians' adherence to guideline‐recommended heart failure (HF) treatment remains suboptimal, especially regarding the target doses. In particular, there is evidence that non‐cardiologists are less compliant with HF guideline recommendations. This is likely to have a detrimental impact on patients' survival, readmissions and quality of life. Thus, the present document aims to address the reasons underlying low implementation and under‐dosing of guideline‐directed medical therapy in HF and to update a guidance for the initiation and rapid titration of HF drugs. In particular, aim of this document is to provide practical indications for drug implementation, to be applied not only by cardiologists but also by GPs and internal medicine doctors.
The predictive value of emotion regulation difficulties and negative mood on short and long‐term treatment outcomes in an online guided self‐help programme for adults with binge‐eating disorder
Authors: Forrer Felicitas , Rubo Marius , Wyssen Andrea , Meyer Andrea H. , Munsch Simone
Published: December 2024

Objective

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) online guided self‐help programs represent efficacious and accessible treatment options for adults with binge‐eating disorder (BED), but research on predictors of treatment outcome is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of emotion regulation difficulties relative to that of negative mood on short‐ and longer‐term treatment outcomes in an online guided self‐help programme for BED above and beyond other predictors (age, sex, baseline BED severity).

Methods

Participants were 63 adults (87% female, mean age 37.2 years) with BED. Data was analysed using a hierarchical model approach.

Results

Emotion regulation difficulties better predicted both weekly binge‐eating frequency and eating disorder (ED) pathology at posttreatment than negative mood, after controlling for the effect of age, sex and baseline BED severity. At 6‐month follow‐up, neither emotion regulation difficulties nor negative mood further added to the prediction of weekly binge‐eating frequency, whereas negative mood, but not emotion regulation difficulties, did so for ED pathology.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that emotion regulation difficulties at treatment begin might be a relevant predictor of immediate treatment outcome in online guided self‐help for adults with BED but might have lower impact on longer‐term treatment outcome than negative mood.

Clinical trial register number

The clinical trial register number is not given in this version of the manuscript due to anonymisation.
Determinants of FinTech Equity Funding Flows: Evidence From a Global Perspective
Authors: Golder Uttam , Barua Suborna , Abedin Mohammad Zoynul , Adu Douglas Akwasi , Ren Boru
Published: December 2024

This study explores the factors affecting FinTech (Financial technology startups) equity financing and deals. Traditional and alternative financing are currently progressing together; however, alternative financing remains underexplored. Using panel data from 57 countries in 2010 to 2020 and one‐step difference generalised method of moments (Diff‐GMM) regressions, we show that, at the global level, gross domestic product (GDP), domestic credit to the private sector, regulations, innovations, globalisation, stock market return, information technology (ICT) goods export and internet users influence FinTech equity funding. With respect to FinTech deals, except GDP, regulations and globalisation, all other factors aforementioned have a substantial effect. Nevertheless, our category‐specific findings slightly differ from the global context. Our study emphasises the need for the rapid development of communication technology and increased accessibility to mobile internet services for users. Moreover, authorities should strike a balance between imposing regulations and facilitating FinTech equity funding growth. Innovations should prioritise user‐friendliness, affordability and commercial viability.
Transformation in the vernacular landscape of the Chatan weir irrigation area, China
Authors: Zhang Xukun , San Changjian , He Li
Published: December 2024

One of the most fascinating aspects of irrigation is the close connection between settlement networks and agricultural activities, with water infrastructure serving as the conduit. In particular, irrigation engineering serves as a testament to the evolution and development of local vernacular landscapes, exerting a profound influence on their formation. However, the contribution of irrigation to the development of the vernacular landscape and its internal interactions are poorly understood. This study aims to highlight the relationship between historical hydraulic systems and local landscapes, with a focus on the Chatan Weir Water Conservancy Project, an ancient irrigation engineering system in China. On the basis of archival records, historical materials and observations, this study constructed an analytical framework to analyse how the local landscape changed from 943 to the present. Specifically, this study delved into the evolution of water conservancy, farmland, settlement landscapes and their interactions in the Chatan weir irrigation area. The findings revealed that the local landscape of the Chatan weir irrigation area consists of a collection of landscapes created by residents through a bottom‐up approach. Furthermore, the water conservancy system has provided a stable water supply for both agricultural production and residential livelihoods, which has also shaped the spatial patterns of farmland and settlement landscapes. Finally, clan relations and rural management have played a vital role in the sustainability of the analysed irrigation system. The results of this study can provide insights into the sustainable coexistence of political and local landscapes.
Deconstructing imposter syndrome among BIPOC genetic counseling students: Insights from a longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: Carmichael Nikkola , Zayhowski Kimberly , Saenz Diaz Joselyn
Published: December 2024

“Imposter syndrome” is a term used to describe feelings of pervasive self‐doubt despite evident success. It is the lay version of “imposter phenomenon,” a concept that was proposed as an explanation for why highly accomplished (mostly white and middle‐ to upper‐class) women persisted in believing that their success was due to luck or a mistake despite evidence to the contrary. However, the experience of imposter syndrome in genetic counseling, particularly among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, remains underexplored. This study investigates the etiologies and impacts of imposter syndrome among BIPOC genetic counseling students with the aim of elucidating how the term is used and identifying potential interventions. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 26 participants who were part of a longitudinal constructivist grounded theory study investigating the training experiences of BIPOC genetic counseling students. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we constructed themes related to self‐doubt, classroom and clinical performance, identity, and disclosing imposter syndrome feelings to others. Participants described imposter syndrome as arising from concerns that they were unprepared for their training program, less qualified than their peers, or admitted by accident or due to their BIPOC identity. Some participants attributed imposter syndrome to being a BIPOC student in a predominantly white profession. Comparisons to classmates and practicing genetic counselors, academic struggles, and anxiety about clinical rotations exacerbated imposter syndrome. Our findings underscore the multifaceted nature of imposter syndrome among BIPOC genetic counseling students and the need for a multipronged approach to mitigate its harmful effects. For BIPOC students, training programs should recognize that imposter syndrome is intertwined with racial inequities within the field that position them as imposters. We propose that supportive relationships with classmates, BIPOC mentors, and other BIPOC students can reduce imposter syndrome and enhance student well‐being and academic success.
Fabrication of nutritional edible bowls with wheat bran, multigrain powder, refined flour, flax seed powder, fenugreek essential oil, and jaggery
Authors: Subbuvel Mohan , Mohan Ramesh , Dubey Umang , Gopalaswamy Pillai Unnikrishnan Thekkeparambil , Kavan Panneerselvam
Published: December 2024

Background

The recycling or decomposition of plastic waste poses challenges due to its non‐organic nature. As a consequence of the unregulated production of plastic goods, a substantial quantity of plastic garbage has been generated. There is an increasing demand for sustainable substitutes for synthetic petrochemical‐derived plastic products. The utilization of cake molds made from plastic materials has become increasingly prevalent and they have become widely employed household items. Bio‐based bowls have the potential to serve as viable alternatives to their plastic counterparts. This study involved the fabrication of a bio‐based healthy edible bowl mold using natural ingredients, including multigrain flour, refined flour (maida), jaggery, flaxseed, and fenugreek essential oil. A nutrient‐rich edible bowl was developed by using different weight percentages (ranging from 0% to 10%) of wheat bran (WB).

Result

The addition of WB to the nutritious bowl resulted in the lowest levels of water absorption and oil absorption compared with the control group. The enhanced nutritional bowl demonstrated notable antioxidant activity. The inclusion of wheat bran resulted in a further enhancement of antioxidant action, with an approximate increase of 28% observed. The protein value of the nutritious bowl came to be 13.17 g/0.1 kg of protein. It was also revealed from an early soil degradation test that the bowl that was created exhibited biodegradability.

Conclusion

The findings of this study offer a potentially viable method for developing a more sustainable substitute for cake molds/bowls made from plastic materials. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Perioperative Venous Thromboembolism Chemoprophylaxis Does Not Increase Risk of Complications in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Graziano Francis D. , Amakiri Uchechukwu O. , Levy Jacob , Shammas Ronnie L. , Rubin Jonathan , Boe Lillian , Matros Evan , Mehrara Babak J. , Allen Robert J. , Nelson Jonas A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Patients undergoing abdominal‐based free flap breast reconstruction are at risk for perioperative venous thromboembolism (VTE), but the optimal anticoagulation protocol remains unknown. We hypothesized that a standardized chemoprophylaxis protocol would minimize VTE events without increasing hematoma, flap loss, or reoperation.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent abdominal‐based free flap breast reconstruction from 2010 to 2023. In 2015, we implemented an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol including preoperative enoxaparin. Patients with a BMI < 30 and > 30 received enoxaparin for 7 and 30 days postoperatively, respectively. 2010–2015 patients were pre‐ERAS and 2015–2023 patients were the ERAS cohort. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were analyzed. The primary outcomes were VTE, hematoma, flap loss, and reoperation.

Results

2317 patients were included: 679 were pre‐ERAS and 1638 were in the ERAS cohort. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (0.7%) and pulmonary embolism (pre‐ERAS 0.6% vs. ERAS 0.5%) was low in both cohorts with no significant differences. Hematoma (pre‐ERAS 7.2% vs. ERAS 5.5%) and reoperation (pre‐ERAS 7.8% vs. ERAS 9.7%) were similar, but the ERAS cohort had significantly lower flap failure (0.7% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

A standardized perioperative anticoagulation protocol for abdominal‐based breast reconstruction maintained low VTE rates without increasing hematoma, flap failure, or reoperation.
Defects in Ligand‐Exchange‐Passivated Mixed‐Halide Double Perovskite Nanocrystals for X‐ray Imaging
Authors: Xing Gaoyuan , Cui Endian , Yuan Xiangyang , Wang Bing , Zhao Yanan , Tang Jianfeng , Chen Jiucun , Liu Jing
Published: December 2024

Nanostructured scintillators, renowned for their exceptional miniaturization and portability, are typically designed with homogeneous dopant ion concentration profiles. While these profiles facilitate consistent optical properties, they may pose challenges in terms of compromising light emission intensity and overall scintillation efficiency. A pressing issue in the field of X‐ray flat‐panel minidetectors is the lack of specific and innovative strategies to significantly enhance radioluminescence capabilities, which has hindered further advancements. This research showcases an efficacious strategy for synthesizing ligand‐exchange‐passivated mixed‐halide double perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) tailored for their remarkable scintillation capabilities. The mixed‐halide composition is fine‐tuned via anion exchange between Bi3+ and Tb3+‐doped Cs2AgInCl6 NCs and potassium bromide (KBr). Additionally, the initial oleic acid ligands are substituted with 1‐dodecanethiol (1‐DT), effectively compensating for inherent halogen vacancies and mitigating halide ion migration. The underlying passivation mechanism is elucidated through a comprehensive approach that combined spectroscopic experiments and theoretical calculations. Consequently, the fabricated transparent scintillator films, incorporating synthesized mixed‐halide double perovskite NCs, exhibit a high light yield of ≈20 952 photons MeV−1, a sensitive detection limit of 207.5 nGyair s−1, exceptional spatial resolution of 8.1 lp mm−1, and unparalleled stability under prolonged X‐ray irradiation.
Synergistic effect of MXene‐CNT as effective nanofillers for enhancing the vibration properties of honeycomb cored sandwich composite plates: An experimental and numerical study
Authors: Bodduru Kamesh , Palanippan Sathish Kumar , Siengchin Suchart , Kassa Mesfin Kebede , Singh Lavish Kumar
Published: December 2024

In the present work, the vibration behavior of honeycomb cored multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and Ti3C2Tx‐MXene reinforced sandwich composite plate has been investigated. The elastic properties of two‐phase (Ti3C2Tx‐MXene‐MWCNT)/epoxy sandwich composite were evaluated by utilizing the Halpin‐Tsai method. Then, glass fiber was incorporated as reinforcement, and the elastic characteristics of the hybridized three phase composite were obtained using the Chamis analytical model. The vibration behavior of sandwich panels was investigated with the help of finite element formulation by obtaining the strain fields using high‐order shear deformation theory. The developed numerical model was experimentally validated, demonstrating its efficacy in predicting the natural frequencies of sandwich composite panels under varying conditions. Nano‐filler reinforcement consistently increased natural frequencies across all vibration modes, regardless of boundary conditions. A parametric study revealed that natural frequency monotonically increased with higher aspect ratio and weight fraction of MWCNTs and Ti3C2Tx‐MXene. However, the thickness ratio had a significantly greater effect on natural frequency than other parameters. Clamping conditions also affected vibration behavior, with natural frequencies following the order: CFFF < SSSS < SFSF < CFCF < CSCS < CCCC. Regarding the transverse response, the root mean square velocity decreased with increasing MXene/CNT concentration and aspect ratio, attributed to enhanced stiffness and load‐bearing capacity of the hybrid sandwich composite. This study offers valuable insights for effective utilization of different types of nanoparticles in conjunction and design and development of nanoparticle‐reinforced sandwich composites, aiding in the prediction of the vibration behavior of these nanostructures.

Highlights

Synergetic effect of MWCNT and MXene on the natural frequency are revealed

Numerical and experimental techniques are applied to measure the natural frequency

Effect of nano‐filler concentration, aspect ratio and boundary conditions are studied

CNT exerted more pronounced impact on vibration behavior than the MXene

RMA velocity decreased with increase in the concentration and aspect ratio of nano‐fillers
Additive manufacturing of a polyamide 12 and silica nanocomposite: A route for the reusability of a thermoplastic selective laser sintering powder
Authors: Kaba Onur , Shah Asma Tufail , Dudaško Dominik , Jain Nishant , Bertz Tobias , Görke Oliver , Gurlo Aleksander
Published: December 2024

A route for the synthesis and additive manufacturing of a polymer‐silica nanocomposite with polyamide 12 (PA12) polymer as the matrix material and silica nanoparticles as the reinforcing filler, has been presented in this work to enable the reusability of PA12 powder waste. PA12 powder formerly has been used in selective laser sintering to manufacture customized implants and lightweight structural components in the medical, automotive, and aerospace industries. Nano‐sized silica particles with varying dispersibility have been used as a filler with different weight contents (1% and 3%) in PA12 composites. These nanoparticles were coated with polyvinyl alcohol to achieve uniform dispersion. The nanocomposite filaments have been extruded and the final manufactured part has been printed by fused filament fabrication. SEM, EDX, and PSD showed that nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed, and the fabricated structures were crack‐free for adapted processing parameters. DSC, FTIR, and mechanical testing at different processing stages of the material showed enhanced mechanical and thermal properties compared to waste PA12. All manufactured composite structures showed an increase in tensile modulus and tensile strengths up to 30%. This approach can be used to improve the properties of PA12 waste and its further utilization for various applications.

Highlights

Organic solvent—free method for the reinforcement of waste polyamide 12 material.

Comprehensive insight into the dispersity of nano‐silica in polymer matrix.

Increase of up to 30% tensile strength for 3 wt% nano‐silica loading.
Enhanced flexural and vibration behavior of interleaved CFRP composite joints with modified multiwalled carbon nanotube adhesives for aerospace and aircraft applications
Authors: Karthikeyan N. , Naveen Jesuarockiam
Published: December 2024

Cocured bonding and geometric modification are prominent techniques for fusing structural components in aerospace and aircraft applications. This research involved the fabrication of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymeric (CFRP) adhesive‐bonded joints utilizing novel cocuring with interleaved lamination (IL‐CC) joining techniques with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified epoxy adhesive. Additionally, the study examined the flexural and vibration characteristics of IL‐CC CFRP composite joints. The result findings 1.0 wt% MWCNTs in epoxy adhesive had the best flexural strength and modulus, 78% and 32% higher than the pure epoxy adhesive. Additionally, the IL‐CC CFRP composite joints exhibit a 285% higher flexural strength and a 47% higher modulus than the neat CC CFRP composite joints. Nevertheless, the nanofiller with a wt% of 0.25 demonstrated the highest natural frequency across three different vibration modes, which are 14%, 21%, and 25% higher than pure epoxy adhesive. An ANOVA showed that MWCNT concentrations significantly influenced performance. Using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm, an artificial neural network predicted results. The overall coefficient (R) mean square error of 0.99627 is satisfactory, indicating that both outcomes are dependable and in good agreement. The results imply that IL‐CC CFRP composite joints could be used in aerospace and aircraft parts.

Highlights

The IL‐CC CFRP SLJs were fabricated with MWCNT‐modified adhesive.

Attained the maximum flexural strength is 1.0 wt% MWCNT.

Attained the maximum natural frequency is 0.25 wt% MWCNT.

Statistics were analyzed using a one‐way ANOVA technique.

An ANN predicts the flexural and dynamic behavior of IL‐CC CFRP SLJs.
Fish Behaviour in a Vertical Slot Fishway: Multi‐Species Upstream Passage Success, Size Selectivity and Diel Passage Patterns in a Large Italian River
Authors: Eggers Florian , Schiavon Alfredo , Calles Olle , Watz Johan , Comoglio Claudio , Candiotto Alessandro , Nyqvist Daniel
Published: December 2024

Hydropower dams come with high ecological and social costs, not least concerning longitudinal connectivity in rivers, which causes declines and sometimes local extinctions of fish species. Fishways are widely used to allow fish to pass dams, but their efficiency is highly variable between species and sites. Many species, and at places entire fish communities, remain understudied, likely hindering the implementation of effective remedial measures. Here, we studied fish passage behaviour in a vertical slot fishway in the Po River, Italy. Almost 1000 individual fish of nine species, representing the local fish community, were tagged and released within and downstream of the fishway. The only species passing the fishway at relatively high numbers were potamodromous barbel and Italian chub, and for these species passage success was positively related to fish size. Passage was more likely to occur at night than during the day for barbel, but not for chub. In relation to the dispersal of invasive species, it is noteworthy that a few individuals of wels catfish and common carp passed the fishway.
Sustainable Culinary Conservation: Pioneering Efforts to Minimize Food Waste in Ghana's Fast‐Food Industry
Authors: Adams Faizal , Mensah Amos , Ullah Ayat , Quaye Jonathan , Essel Bernard Kwamena Cobbina , Etuah Seth
Published: December 2024

Food waste presents a significant challenge to sustainable development, with fast‐food enterprises playing a major role in this issue. This study explores the complexities of food waste management among fast‐food vendors in Ghana's Ashanti region, providing insights into the quantity, determinants, mitigation strategies, and economic impacts of food waste. Using a mixed‐method approach that includes food waste audits and surveys, we estimated the annual food waste at approximately 464 MT. Key factors influencing waste generation include education, experience, and waste management training. Demand forecasting and inventory management emerged as crucial strategies for mitigating waste, underscoring the importance of proactive planning in reducing food waste. Despite these efforts, waste disposal remains a prevalent issue, highlighting the need for more comprehensive recycling or anaerobic digestion solutions to address environmental and societal costs. Our findings indicate that enterprises with minimal food waste achieve higher profitability and larger employee sizes, demonstrating the economic advantages of effective waste reduction. Based on this evidence, we recommend five practical policies to tackle food waste challenges: implementing education and training programs, providing financial incentives, launching public awareness campaigns, enforcing regulatory measures, and fostering partnerships. By adopting these policies, policymakers and stakeholders can support fast‐food vendors in adopting sustainable practices, advancing broader sustainability goals, and building a more resilient and equitable food system.
Toward Precise Fabrication of Finite‐Sized DNA Origami Superstructures
Authors: Li Dongsheng , Dong Jinyi , Zhou Yihao , Wang Qiangbin
Published: December 2024

DNA origami enables the precise construction of 2D and 3D nanostructures with customizable shapes and the high‐resolution organization of functional materials. However, the size of a single DNA origami is constrained by the length of the scaffold strand, and since its inception, scaling up the size and complexity has been a persistent pursuit. Hierarchical self‐assembly of DNA origami units offers a feasible approach to overcome the limitation. Unlike periodic arrays, finite‐sized DNA origami superstructures feature well‐defined structural boundaries and uniform dimensions. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward precise control over the hierarchical self‐assembly of DNA origami structures and their applications in fields such as nanophotonics, biophysics, and material science. This review summarizes the strategies for fabricating finite‐sized DNA origami superstructures, including heterogeneous self‐assembly, self‐limited self‐assembly, and templated self‐assembly, along with a comparative analysis of the advantages and limitations of each approach. Subsequently, recent advancements in the application of these structures are discussed from a structure design perspective. Finally, an outlook on the current challenges and potential future directions is provided, highlighting opportunities for further research and development in this rapidly evolving field.
Effect of Solid Solution Process on Dissolving Behavior of Precipitates in FB2 Steel
Authors: Gu Dapeng , Gao Siyuan , Yan Wenlong , Shen Guoqu , Liu Xingang , Xu Mingren
Published: December 2024

The dissolution behaviors of the precipitates in FB2 steel after solid solution treatment at 900, 1000, and 1100 °C for 8 h and at 1100 °C for 2, 5, and 10 h are studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and electrolytic extraction experiments. In the experimental results, it is shown that with the increase of solid solution temperature, the precipitates dissolve obviously, and the martensite lath bundle size and grain size increase. After solid solution treatment at 1000 °C, M23C6 dissolves completely. After solid solution treatment at 1100 °C, BN is generated. With the extension of solid solution time, the precipitates dissolve significantly, the grain size increases, and the number density and volume fraction decrease. From the perspective of microstructure, precipitates evolution, and energy saving, the best solid solution process for FB2 steel is 1100 °C for 8 h.
Introduction to Information Resilience in the Context of National Preparedness
Authors: Uusikylä Petri , Jalonen Harri , Kallunki Valdemar , Keinänen Anssi , Sommarberg Silvia
Published: December 2024

Changes in the global environment, the intricacies of decision-making, and the evolving role of social media have challenged traditional crisis preparedness and the security of supply frameworks. Securing the continuous flow of information and communication across various platforms has become a substantial challenge. The importance of information resilience in this context cannot be overstated.
Forest Planning and Continuous Cover Forestry
Authors: Mehtätalo Lauri , Kangas Annika , Eggers Jeannette , Eid Tron , Eyvindson Kyle , Lundström Johanna , Siipilehto Jouni , Öhman Karin
Published: December 2024

Forest planning requires unbiased and sufficient information on current forest resources, their anticipated dynamics under different management scenarios, and the objectives of the decision maker.

Forest planning systems need to be adapted to improve their potential to deal with continuous cover forestry (CCF).

The current forest planning systems and associated models can be adapted to group systems by treating each group as a separate calculation unit.

In the selection system, currently available growth models may not realistically describe the growth reaction of trees, which causes additional uncertainty in forest-planning calculations. Furthermore, field-data collection based on airborne laser scanning alone is not sufficient for planning of CCF, and additional field measurements are needed.

Tree-level measurements by drones open interesting opportunities for forest planning, which might be especially useful under CCF.
Harvesting of Continuous Cover Forests
Authors: Korpunen Heikki , Nuutinen Yrjö , Jylhä Paula , Eliasson Lars , Granhus Aksel , Laitila Juha , Hoffmann Stephan , Muhonen Timo
Published: December 2024

Overall forest management objectives and stand properties set the requirements and possibilities for harvesting in continuous cover forestry (CCF).

Harvester and forwarder operators play a key role in successful CCF harvesting, as both productivity and quality of work are essential factors in harvesting operations.

Optimal stand conditions improve work productivity on selection harvesting sites; harvested stem volume correlates well with work productivity in cutting, and density of remaining trees does not significantly reduce work productivity in forwarding.

Carefully executed group cutting and shelterwood harvesting can reduce the number of damaged remaining trees, which is beneficial for future tree generations.

Research-based information is needed about work productivity in harvesting, damage caused by harvesting, and optimisation of strip road and forest road networks for CCF.
Returns to women’s education within marriage: evidence from a regression discontinuity design study in China
Authors: Wang Zitong , Ou Dongshu
Published: December 2024

Applying a fuzzy regression discontinuity design, we examine the causal impact of education on marriage outcomes by exploiting the establishment of compulsory education law (CEL) in China. Based on China’s 2005 One Percent Population Sample Survey, we find that while the CEL did not affect the probability of getting married, the increase in female educational attainment led to a significant increase in their husbands’ income and years of schooling, particularly for women living in better-educated provinces. We show that their husbands’ socioeconomic status was not directly improved by the CEL. The effect was likely driven by women’s increased competitiveness in the marriage market, enlarged social circles through work, and increased household bargaining power. Our study highlights how socio-cultural and economic contexts shape the impact of educational reforms, offering valuable insights into non-market returns to education and the dynamics of assortative mating in diverse cultural settings.
Biodesign: a means to preserving indigenous craft practices
Authors: Das Debarati
Published: December 2024

Biodesign, an innovative multidisciplinary approach to design, addresses anthropocentric challenges by minimizing ecological footprints in product and system creation. It incorporates living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, plants and algae into products and manufacturing processes. This approach harnesses the organisms’ potential, including their metabolic activities, growth, stimuli responses, reproductive capabilities, and relationships with other life forms, to create living-like design outcomes. Indigenous communities have a historical connection to living systems in agriculture, wine making and traditional crafts, offering valuable insights.

This paper presents a real-life case study of the Kotpad craft community in Odisha, India, highlighting their challenges. As indigenous communities like the Mirigan craftsmen face pressure to integrate into the mainstream economy, there is a risk of losing their connection with nature, traditional knowledge, and unique identity. The paper envisions the possibility of Biodesign applications in indigenous craft practices and explores hypothetical approaches to problem-solving by application of Synthetic Biology to indigenous crafts preservation. It critically analyzes the advantages, disadvantages, ethical considerations and socio-economic-cultural implications for the community.
Informative and non-informative decomposition of turbulent flow fields
Authors: Arranz Gonzalo , Lozano-Durán Adrián
Published: December 2024

Not all the information in a turbulent field is relevant for understanding particular regions or variables in the flow. Here, we present a method for decomposing a source field into its informative

$\boldsymbol {\varPhi }_{I}(\boldsymbol {x},t)$

and residual

$\boldsymbol {\varPhi }_{R}(\boldsymbol {x},t)$

components relative to another target field. The method is referred to as informative and non-informative decomposition (IND). All the necessary information for physical understanding, reduced-order modelling and control of the target variable is contained in

$\boldsymbol {\varPhi }_{I}(\boldsymbol {x},t)$

, whereas

$\boldsymbol {\varPhi }_{R}(\boldsymbol {x},t)$

offers no substantial utility in these contexts. The decomposition is formulated as an optimisation problem that seeks to maximise the time-lagged mutual information of the informative component with the target variable while minimising the mutual information with the residual component. The method is applied to extract the informative and residual components of the velocity field in a turbulent channel flow, using the wall shear stress as the target variable. We demonstrate the utility of IND in three scenarios: (i) physical insight into the effect of the velocity fluctuations on the wall shear stress; (ii) prediction of the wall shear stress using velocities far from the wall; and (iii) development of control strategies for drag reduction in a turbulent channel flow using opposition control. In case (i), IND reveals that the informative velocity related to wall shear stress consists of wall-attached high- and low-velocity streaks, collocated with regions of vertical motions and weak spanwise velocity. This informative structure is embedded within a larger-scale streak–roll structure of residual velocity, which bears no information about the wall shear stress. In case (ii), the best-performing model for predicting wall shear stress is a convolutional neural network that uses the informative component of the velocity as input, while the residual velocity component provides no predictive capabilities. Finally, in case (iii), we demonstrate that the informative component of the wall-normal velocity is closely linked to the observability of the target variable and holds the essential information needed to develop successful control strategies.
Analysis and lattice Boltzmann simulation of thermoacoustic instability in a Rijke tube
Authors: Chen Xuan , Yang Kun , Yang Dong , Shan Xiaowen
Published: December 2024

The combined effects of heater position, mean flow parameters and flame models on thermoacoustic instability in a one-dimensional Rijke tube are studied systematically by classic linear stability analysis (LSA) and lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) simulation. In the former, the stability range of the linear flame model under low Mach number assumption is solved analytically, while in the more general case, it is obtained by numerically solving the dispersion relation. Both the linear and nonlinear flame model cases are studied using the LBM with a spectral multiple-relaxation-time collision model and a newly developed heat source term. With the linear flame model, the LBM is in good agreement with LSA in predicting the transition point and growth rates, while with the nonlinear flame model, LBM simulations are consistent with solutions of limit cycle theory in the fully developed state. These results demonstrate the applicability of the LBM in solving complex thermoacoustic problems.
Imbibition dynamics in a flattened triangular channel including corner film flow
Authors: Kankolongo Christian , Lasseux Didier , Zaouter Tony , Ledrappier Florent , Prat Marc
Published: December 2024

A model of imbibition dynamics in a channel of flattened triangular cross-section is presented, taking into account the liquid film flow in the corners of the channel. The quasi-analytical solutions are derived on the basis of a lubrication approximation. The analysis encompasses two imbibition scenarios corresponding to a constant flow rate or constant pressure imposed in the wetting fluid at the inlet of the channel. In the former case, the process starts with a liquid film flow regime in the corners that is followed by a bulk and corner film flow regime characterised by a triple point advancing (far) ahead of the bulk meniscus after its entrance in the channel. In the latter case, the occurrence of the bulk and corner film flow regime is conditioned by an imposed pressure yielding a capillary pressure at the inlet smaller than a threshold capillary pressure. Above this threshold, the liquid film regime remains. For both imbibition scenarios under concern, important features are highlighted, including (i) the time scalings of the dynamics of both the triple point and apex of the bulk meniscus (when it exists), (ii) the contrast in the positions of these two points showing that the classical Washburn approach, which neglects the effect of the corner films, overpredicts the dynamics of the bulk meniscus. The important consequence is an early wetting fluid breakthrough at the channel outlet much before the bulk meniscus arrival. Comparisons with experimental data available in the literature are provided, validating the approach proposed in this work.