bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling or growing agile? Proposing a manifesto for agile organization development
Authors: Bremer Constantin , Rylander Eklund Anna , Elmquist Maria
Published: February 2025

In the face of today’s world of uncertainty, many organizations aim for more flexible and less hierarchical forms of organizing. Relatedly, management scholars and consultants have increasingly taken stock of the agile concept, advocating a scaling of agile teams and their maverick practices to the organizational level. Considering four common challenges with organization-level agile in practice, we outline an alternative trajectory for agile in the context of organization design. This alternative trajectory builds on the notion of growing (rather than scaling) agile and is rooted in the Manifesto for Agile Software Development as the philosophical anchor of the agile movement. In this paper, we describe the journey of a Swedish software company along which we highlight the discrepancies in assumptions about uncertainty and people between manifesto agile and large-scale agile. Based on our case analysis, we propose a Manifesto for Agile Organization Development with four associated values, bringing the original Agile Manifesto and its mindset of trusting people to solve problems together locally to the organizational level. We further articulate five principles for agile organization development and illustrate through our case how bringing them to life can help address the common challenges of organization-level agile. Rather than a blueprint, our manifesto, and its associated values and principles are intended as an alternative basis for developing and discussing what manifesto agile means at an organizational level and how it can be turned into practice(s) in local contexts.
A stratigrapher’s reflecions on climate change and energy transition
Authors: Carpio Mariano Marzo
Published: February 2025

This article consists of two well-differentiated parts. The first, based on a bibliographic analysis, tries to position this current episode of global warming within the framework of the geological history of climate change. The conclusion is clear and in line with the scientific consensus. Greenhouse gas emissions linked to human actions are the main cause of global warming. Given this situation, we can speculate about the future climate evolution of the “Anthropocene”. Unfortunately, such projections in the scientific literature paint a bleak picture. Paradoxically, future predictions take us back millions of years in geological history, placing humanity in unknown territory. Accordingly, we must ask ourselves what we can do to adjust the global thermostat. A first optimistic reflection is that the very fact that humans are the cause of the problem opens a window of hope. If global warming were due to natural causes linked to astronomical phenomena, to the internal dynamics of the planet, or to its evolution, we could do little or nothing to remedy our current climate situation. However, if we are the main cause of the crisis, we have the capacity to resolve it. This consideration, in turn, leads us to the second part of this article which comprises a series of personal reflections on the nature of the so-called energy transition and its main lines of action.
Size and Illumination Matters: Local Magnetic Actuation and Fluorescence Imaging for Microrobotics
Authors: Huaroto Juan J. , Misra Sarthak
Published: February 2025

Combining local magnetic actuation with fluorescence imaging modalities promises to introduce significant advances in microrobotic-guided procedures. This review presents the advantages and challenges of this approach, emphasizing the need for careful design considerations to optimize performance and compatibility. Traditional microrobotic actuation systems rely on bulky electromagnets, which are unsuitable for clinical use due to high power requirements and limited operational workspace. In contrast, miniaturized electromagnets can be integrated into surgical instruments, offering low power consumption and high actuation forces at the target site. Fluorescence imaging modalities have been explored in microrobotics, showcasing spatiotemporal resolution and the capability to provide information from biological entities. However, limitations, such as shallow penetration depth and out-of-focus fluorescence, have motivated the development of advanced techniques such as two-photon microscopy. The potential of two-photon microscopy to overcome these limitations is highlighted, with supporting evidence from previous studies on rat tissue samples. Current challenges in optical penetration depth, temporal resolution, and field of view are also addressed in this review. While integrating miniaturized electromagnets with fluorescence imaging modalities holds the potential for microrobotic-guided procedures, ongoing research and technological advancements are essential to translating this approach into clinical practice.
Coastal management based on multi-hazard assessment in the very small islands of Karimunjawa, Indonesia
Authors: Alwi Mulyadi , Mutaqin Bachtiar W. , Marfai Muh Aris
Published: February 2025

Small islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change risks due to their geographical isolation from the mainland and limited resources. The development of coastal areas can efficiently address socio-economic and environmental objectives. An illustration of this is the coastal areas located on various small islands within the Karimunjawa Islands, which have attained considerable popularity among tourists. This study aims to analyze the distribution of multi-hazards arising from climate change and identify a suitable coastal environmental management strategy for implementation on the small islands of Karimunjawa. The variables encompass landform, wave exposure, tidal range, coastal ecosystems, sediment equilibrium, and storm climate. The findings reveal that the majority of coastal areas in Karimunjawa's small islands exhibit a moderate level of ecosystem disruption and coastal erosion, whereas the lower level includes gradual inundation, seawater intrusion, and coastal flooding. The elements of landform and sediment balance substantially influence the multi-hazard classification in this area. Coastal areas situated on steep landforms with a surplus of sediment typically exhibit a low multi-hazard classification, and vice versa. Possible management strategies to alleviate the impacts of ecosystem disruption encompass coastal zoning, ecosystem-based management, and inaction. Adopting a "do nothing" management strategy also effectively alleviates the effects of gradual inundation and coastal flooding. Also, using management strategies like growing Scaevola taccada and combining mangroves with structures that protect the coast can greatly lessen the effects of coastal erosion on areas that are more likely to be affected. If adequate resources are available, we can implement alternative management strategies such as the construction of seawalls, dikes, or revetments combined with breakwaters.
Can Chatbots Preserve Our Relationships with the Dead?
Authors: CAMPBELL STEPHEN M. , LIU PENGBO , NYHOLM SVEN
Published: February 2025

Imagine that you are given access to an AI chatbot that compellingly mimics the personality and speech of a deceased loved one. If you start having regular interactions with this “thanabot,” could this new relationship be a continuation of the relationship you had with your loved one? And could a relationship with a thanabot preserve or replicate the value of a close human relationship? To the first question, we argue that a relationship with a thanabot cannot be a true continuation of your relationship with a deceased loved one, though it might support one’s continuing bonds with the dead. To the second question, we argue that, in and of themselves, relationships with thanabots cannot benefit us as much as rewarding and healthy intimate relationships with other humans, though we explain why it is difficult to make reliable comparative generalizations about the instrumental value of these relationships.
A qualitative exploration of owner experiences following dog adoption
Authors: Moyer Bethany Joy , Zulch Helen , Ventura Beth Ann , Burman Oliver
Published: February 2025

The adjustment period — wherein adopted animals transition to their new home — is a critical time for animal welfare and owner satisfaction, yet literature varies in estimates of how long this period lasts in dogs. This study sought to better characterise the adjustment period in relation to owner experience and canine welfare and clarify its duration as perceived by owners. We used a qualitative approach to examine owner perceptions of duration and their experience of the adjustment period. Twenty-seven interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic content analysis. Six themes were described: adjustment period duration; behavioural indicators during adjustment; behaviours indicative of adjustment; factors influencing adjustment; owner change in routine; and adjustment concerns. Over half of participants perceived the adjustment period to last longer than four months. Behaviours used by owners to assess dog adjustment included: moderation of behavioural extremes (e.g. lethargy and restlessness); play; tail wagging; greeting; and learning their routine. Owners reported that prior experiences and medical needs impacted the adjustment duration, that they adjusted aspects of their lifestyle, and raised concerns about being the right fit for their dog. Future research should incorporate a longer time-frame to better understand how and when dogs adjust to a home, and as there is variation in dog behaviour during adjustment, it must also account for individual differences. As we develop a better understanding of how to characterise this period, adopters can be better prepared for the initial months of dog ownership, and interventions can be individualised to improve owner experience and dog welfare.
Emergency response in overturned pig transport vehicles: Description and discussion of Danish cases from a One Welfare perspective
Authors: Kobek-Kjeldager Cecilie , Dahl-Pedersen Kirstin , Herskin Mette S
Published: February 2025

Based on experiences from stakeholders, this paper describes and discusses Danish emergency procedures when animal transport vehicles overturn, from a One Welfare perspective. Twenty qualitative interviews were conducted with selected stakeholders involved in emergency responses and their co-ordination. Results from interviews were extracted and are presented as a description of the Danish emergency management procedures in situations where pig transport vehicles overturn in a traffic accident. The description is followed by a discussion of six identified themes related to animal welfare and One Welfare in such situations: (1) Standard operating procedures; (2) Balancing animal welfare and work safety; (3) Roles, education and experience; (4) Communication, time and access to animals; (5) Debriefing; and (6) Killing of animals. Overall, the analyses of the interviews showed that the emergency response at an overturned pig transport vehicle involves different professional groups, requires technical knowledge regarding animal transport vehicles as well as knowledge of the species involved and how to handle the animals. The results are discussed from a One Welfare perspective, suggesting that these emergency responses include an inherent societal prioritisation dilemma involving the balancing of, for example, training, preparation and debriefing of different professional groups. Further research is needed to address ethical considerations, share best practices, and enhance emergency protocols.
The Necessity of a Health and Safety Officer in a Public Health Emergency Operations Center
Authors: Villarroel Lisa , Kenney Alicia , Stegemeyer Joshua , Eller Brian
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic response made extraordinary demands on the public health workforce. In response to national studies and local observations about trauma in public health personnel, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) broadened the scope of their Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) Safety Officer position to include not only physical, but mental, emotional, and workplace health and safety. The new Health and Safety Officer (HSO) began in August 2022 and served through the end of the COVID-19 activation. The HSO advocated for staff, counseled HEOC leadership, and validated leadership’s prioritization of the health and wellness of HEOC staff. The impact of the HSO was felt within the HEOC and beyond, and this position should be considered a cost-effective, meaningful intervention in all jurisdictions to protect public health personnel. The HSO position is now a permanent part of the ADHS HEOC.
Digital twin of a large-aspect-ratio Rayleigh–Bénard experiment: role of thermal boundary conditions, measurement errors and uncertainties
Authors: Vieweg Philipp P. , Käufer Theo , Cierpka Christian , Schumacher Jörg
Published: February 2025

Albeit laboratory experiments and numerical simulations have proven themselves successful in enhancing our understanding of long-living large-scale flow structures in horizontally extended Rayleigh–Bénard convection, some discrepancies with respect to their size and induced heat transfer remain. This study traces these discrepancies back to their origins. We start by generating a digital twin of one standard experimental set-up. This twin is subsequently simplified in steps to understand the effect of non-ideal thermal boundary conditions, and the experimental measurement procedure is mimicked using numerical data. Although this allows for explaining the increased observed size of the flow structures in the experiment relative to past numerical simulations, our data suggests that the vertical velocity magnitude has been underestimated in the experiments. A subsequent reassessment of the latter's original data reveals an incorrect calibration model. The reprocessed data show a relative increase in

$u_{z}$

of roughly

$24\,\%$

, resolving the previously observed discrepancies. This digital twin of a laboratory experiment for thermal convection at Rayleigh numbers

$Ra = \{ 2, 4, 7 \} \times 10^{5}$

, a Prandtl number

$Pr = 7.1$

and an aspect ratio

$\varGamma = 25$

highlights the role of different thermal boundary conditions as well as a reliable calibration and measurement procedure.
Higher Orbital Integrals, Cyclic Cocycles and Noncommutative Geometry
Authors: Song Yanli , Tang Xiang
Published: February 2025

Let G be a linear real reductive Lie group. Orbital integrals define traces on the group algebra of G. We introduce a construction of higher orbital integrals in the direction of higher cyclic cocycles on the Harish-Chandra Schwartz algebra of G. We analyze these higher orbital integrals via Fourier transform by expressing them as integrals on the tempered dual of G. We obtain explicit formulas for the pairing between the higher orbital integrals and the K-theory of the reduced group
$C^{*}$
-algebra, and we discuss their application to K-theory.
An efficient asymmetric removal lemma and its limitations
Authors: Gishboliner Lior , Shapira Asaf , Wigderson Yuval
Published: February 2025

The triangle removal states that if G contains
$\varepsilon n^2$
edge-disjoint triangles, then G contains
$\delta (\varepsilon )n^3$
triangles. Unfortunately, there are no sensible bounds on the order of growth of
$\delta (\varepsilon )$
, and at any rate, it is known that
$\delta (\varepsilon )$
is not polynomial in
$\varepsilon $
. Csaba recently obtained an asymmetric variant of the triangle removal, stating that if G contains
$\varepsilon n^2$
edge-disjoint triangles, then G contains
$2^{-\operatorname {\mathrm {poly}}(1/\varepsilon )}\cdot n^5$
copies of
$C_5$
. To this end, he devised a new variant of Szemerédi’s regularity lemma. We obtain the following results:

•

We first give a regularity-free proof of Csaba’s theorem, which improves the number of copies of
$C_5$
to the optimal number
$\operatorname {\mathrm {poly}}(\varepsilon )\cdot n^5$
.

•

We say that H is
$K_3$
-abundant if every graph containing
$\varepsilon n^2$
edge-disjoint triangles has
$\operatorname {\mathrm {poly}}(\varepsilon )\cdot n^{\lvert V(H)\rvert }$
copies of H. It is easy to see that a
$K_3$
-abundant graph must be triangle-free and tripartite. Given our first result, it is natural to ask if all triangle-free tripartite graphs are
$K_3$
-abundant. Our second result is that assuming a well-known conjecture of Ruzsa in additive number theory, the answer to this question is negative.

Our proofs use a mix of combinatorial, number-theoretic, probabilistic and Ramsey-type arguments.
Epistemic Deprivation
Authors: Newey Charlotte A. , Rennick Stephanie
Published: February 2025

It is often claimed that gender data gaps (GDGs) are unjust, but the nature of the injustice has not been interrogated. We argue that injustices arising from such data gaps are not merely socio-political but also epistemic: they arbitrarily skew the epistemic landscape in favour of one group over another. GDGs place a greater epistemic burden on women and gender minorities; they have to do more to avoid error and the pay-off is worse: they have a smaller pool of true beliefs on which to act. We suggest that there are both pragmatic and conceptual reasons to differentiate the injustice arising from GDGs from other more familiar varieties (such as testimonial and hermeneutical injustice), and so we introduce the new concept of epistemic deprivation to capture this injustice.
Ontogenetic morphology changes in a crab assemblage (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Dakoticancroida) from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) of the Mississippi Embayment, USA
Authors: Schweitzer Carrie E. , Feldmann Rodney M. , Findling Jillian
Published: February 2025

Differences in brachyuran morphology among and between juveniles and adults as well as sexual dimorphism are not well studied among extinct brachyuran crabs. Carapace dimorphism and morphological changes during growth have received little attention in fossil crabs. Tetracarcinus subquadratus Weller, 1905, Dakoticancer australis Rathbun, 1935, and Seorsus wadei Bishop, 1988 are herein synonymized on the basis of examination of dozens to hundreds of specimens of each from the same locality. Synoriacarcinus new genus is named to embrace two species previously referred to Seorsus Bishop, 1988, Synoriacarcinus millerae (Bishop, 1992), new combination, and Synoriacarcinus kauffmani (Feldmann et al., 2013), new combination. Both Dakoticancridae and Ibericancridae were well established on coastal North America during the Late Cretaceous but became extinct in the end-Cretaceous event.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/2eab7247-6235-435d-8eb1-b40d5a633e2b
“The Melancholy of Women’s Pages”: Readers, Features, and the Rise of Ad-Sponsored Media
Authors: Guarneri Julia
Published: February 2025

Around the turn of the twentieth century, U.S. newspapers began to address women specifically in separate sections, hoping to gather a female audience for advertisers. Scholarship on early twentieth-century women consumers tends to emphasize possibility and self-expression. Women’s reactions to the first women’s pages, by contrast, indicate that they could feel constrained and condescended to when welcomed into the public sphere on the basis of being consumers. Readers and journalists aired their grievances about the women’s page in its first decades, and sometimes found ways to use the page to their own ends. But publishers carried on designing women’s features with advertisers in mind. By the 1920s, the women’s page had become visually seductive, didactic, domestic, and relentlessly consumerist. This article uses the women’s page to investigate the rise of ad-subsidized media in the twentieth century and to weigh up the opportunities and costs of this media system.
How Does Shaming Human Rights Violators Abroad Shape Attitudes at Home?
Authors: Bassan-Nygate Lotem
Published: February 2025

Does shaming human rights violators shape attitudes at home? A growing literature studies the effect of shaming on public attitudes in the target state, but far less is known about its effect in countries initiating the criticism – that is the shamers. In this article, I theorize that when governments shame human rights violators they shape both government approval and human rights attitudes at home. Utilizing two US-based survey experiments, I demonstrate that by shaming foreign countries, governments can improve their image at home and virtue signal their dedication to human rights. At the same time, shaming can modestly shape tolerance towards certain domestic human rights violations. I consider the generalizability of my results through comprehensive supplementary analyses, where experimental insights are corroborated with cross-national observational data. Overall, my findings can provide valuable insight into governments’ incentives to engage in foreign criticism.
Mean values of multiplicative functions and applications to residue-class distribution
Authors: Pollack Paul , Singha Roy Akash
Published: February 2025

We provide a uniform bound on the partial sums of multiplicative functions under very general hypotheses. As an application, we give a nearly optimal estimate for the count of

$n \le x$

for which the Alladi–Erdős function

$A(n) = \sum_{p^k \parallel n} k p$

takes values in a given residue class modulo q, where q varies uniformly up to a fixed power of

$\log x$

. We establish a similar result for the equidistribution of the Euler totient function

$\phi(n)$

among the coprime residues to the ‘correct’ moduli q that vary uniformly in a similar range and also quantify the failure of equidistribution of the values of

$\phi(n)$

among the coprime residue classes to the ‘incorrect’ moduli.
A wideband biconic shape metasurface for polarization conversion and radar cross-section reduction
Authors: Kanwal Haseeba , Kamal Babar , Ullah Sadiq , Shihzad Waleed , Ali Usman , Aziz Amjad , Faraz Zakriya
Published: February 2025

A single-layer polarization converting metasurface (PCMS) with wideband is presented for polarization conversion and radar cross-section (RCS) reduction. The proposed PCMS is composed of metallic biconic shape resonator imprinted on a metal-backed F4BM dielectric substrate of relative permittivity 2.2 and loss tangent 0.001. The unit cell has a compact size of 0.16

$\lambda_\mathrm{o} \times 0.16\lambda_\mathrm{o}$

. A comprehensive parametric analysis, angular sensitivity study, bistatic and monostatic RCS analysis are conducted by illuminating the proposed PCMS using linearly polarized (LP) plane waves. The PCMS converts LP electromagnetic waves to their orthogonal polarization state in the frequency band of 8.7–24.8 GHz resulting in polarization conversion ratio over 90% with a fractional bandwidth of 96%. Additionally, the developed structure is applied in chessboard configuration, using phase cancellation techniques for RCS reduction, that achieve 10 dB RCS reduction across a wideband of 7.9–23.4 GHz. The unit cell and its rotated version has a cross-polarization reflection phase difference of (

${180}\pm {37}{^\circ}$

) in the operating band, which fulfill the criteria for RCS reduction. The chessboard configuration exhibits a scattering pattern with four strong lobes that deviates from the normal incident path because of the phase cancellation in normal direction. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulated result. Applications for the developed structure include antenna design (gain enhancement and beam steering), target hiding, imaging, and microwave communications.
Drink-Driving and its Associations with Sociodemographic Characteristics and Alcohol Consumption in Germany
Authors: Kale Dimitra , Buss Vera Helen , Garnett Claire , Kastaun Sabrina , Kotz Daniel
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Aims: To assess the prevalence of drink-driving among adults in Germany and subgroups, and potential associations with sociodemographic or drinking characteristics. Methodology: Cross-sectional population survey of 5,153 respondents aged 18+ years in Germany (June–November 2021). We assessed self-reported drink-driving, defined as, in the past month, driving a motorised vehicle within 1 hour of consuming 2 or more alcoholic beverages. Regression models were used to examine sociodemographic and drinking characteristics associations with self-reported drink-driving among adults in Germany who drank alcohol and reported driving a motorised vehicle in the past month. Results: The prevalence of self-reported drink-driving was 4.1 % (95 % CI 3.6–4.7) among adults in Germany, and 5.7 % (95 % CI 5.0–6.5) among adults who were alcohol users and reported driving a motorised vehicle in the past month. Lower odds of drink-driving were found for women vs men (adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) = 0.63, 95 % CI 0.45–0.88), people with low vs middle income (ORadj = 0.82, 95 % CI 0.72–0.94), people living in rural vs urban areas (ORadj = 0.38, 95 % CI 0.27–0.54), and people consuming low vs medium alcohol levels (ORadj = 0.28, 95 % CI 0.18–0.44). There was no clear association with age or education level. Conclusions: Roughly 4 in 100 adults drank and drove in the past month in Germany. This is a public health issue requiring further study and potentially more targeted interventions.
Influence of Early Responder Interactions on Support-Seeking Behaviors of Suicide Loss Survivors
Authors: Duval Brianna , Peterson Emma , McCauley Jim , Berkowitz Larry
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Background: Suicide bereavement is associated with complex emotional challenges, stigma, and elevated risk of subsequent suicide. Early responders are often the first to interact with or inform survivors of the death. Thus, these interactions hold the potential to shape their loss experience, pursuit of support services, and healing process. Yet, a few studies explore these interactions in depth. Aim: This study investigates the interactions between suicide loss survivors and early responders within 72 h of loss and their impact on the pursuit of mental health and support services. Method: The study employs a cross-sectional survey of 120 suicide loss survivors. Results: Survivors who sought mental health support reported higher levels of compassionate communication, personal disclosures, follow-up interactions, information sharing, and referrals. Limitations: A demographically homogenous sample primarily consisting of white females limits generalizability. The small sample size and reliance on survey data constrained statistical analyses. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of early responder interactions in suicide postvention and support the potential effectiveness of active postvention models.
A cosmogenic 10Be anomaly during the late Miocene as independent time marker for marine archives
Authors: Koll Dominik , Lachner Johannes , Beutner Sabrina , Fichter Sebastian , Merchel Silke , Rugel Georg , Slavkovská Zuzana , Vivo-Vilches Carlos , Winkler Stella , Wallner Anton
Published: February 2025

Cosmogenic nuclide dating relies on the constancy of production and incorporation of radionuclides in geological archives. Anomalous deviations from constancy during the Holocene or Pleistocene are frequently used as global benchmarks to harmonize different data sets. A similar dating anchor on the million year timescale was so far not presented. In this work, we report on a prolonged cosmogenic 10Be anomaly during the late Miocene recorded in several Central and Northern Pacific deep-ocean ferromanganese crusts in the time period 9–11.5 Myr ago peaking at 10.1 Myr. Potential origins of this anomaly are discussed in the light of geological, climatic, solar and astrophysical events. This anomaly has the potential to be an independent time marker for marine archives.
Optimal low-depth quantum signal-processing phase estimation
Authors: Dong Yulong , Gross Jonathan A. , Niu Murphy Yuezhen
Published: February 2025

Quantum effects like entanglement and coherent amplification can be used to drastically enhance the accuracy of quantum parameter estimation beyond classical limits. However, challenges such as decoherence and time-dependent errors hinder Heisenberg-limited amplification. We introduce Quantum Signal-Processing Phase Estimation algorithms that are robust against these challenges and achieve optimal performance as dictated by the Cramér-Rao bound. These algorithms use quantum signal transformation to decouple interdependent phase parameters into largely orthogonal ones, ensuring that time-dependent errors in one do not compromise the accuracy of learning the other. Combining provably optimal classical estimation with near-optimal quantum circuit design, our approach achieves a standard deviation accuracy of 10−4 radians for estimating unwanted swap angles in superconducting two-qubit experiments, using low-depth ( < 10) circuits. This represents up to two orders of magnitude improvement over existing methods. Theoretically and numerically, we demonstrate the optimality of our algorithm against time-dependent phase errors, observing that the variance of the time-sensitive parameter φ scales faster than the asymptotic Heisenberg scaling in the small-depth regime. Our results are rigorously validated against the quantum Fisher information, confirming our protocol’s ability to achieve unmatched precision for two-qubit gate learning.
A year above 1.5 °C signals that Earth is most probably within the 20-year period that will reach the Paris Agreement limit
Authors: Bevacqua Emanuele , Schleussner Carl-Friedrich , Zscheischler Jakob
Published: February 2025

The temperature goals of the Paris Agreement are measured as 20-year averages exceeding a pre-industrial baseline. The calendar year of 2024 was announced as the first above 1.5 °C relative to pre-industrial levels, but the implications for the corresponding temperature goal are unclear. Here we show that, without very stringent climate mitigation, the first year above 1.5 °C occurs within the first 20-year period with an average warming of 1.5 °C.
Spin–valley protected Kramers pair in bilayer graphene
Authors: Denisov Artem O. , Reckova Veronika , Cances Solenn , Ruckriegel Max J. , Masseroni Michele , Adam Christoph , Tong Chuyao , Gerber Jonas D. , Huang Wei Wister , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Ihn Thomas , Ensslin Klaus , Duprez Hadrien
Published: February 2025

The intrinsic valley degree of freedom makes bilayer graphene (BLG) a unique platform for semiconductor qubits. The single-carrier quantum dot (QD) ground state exhibits a twofold degeneracy, where the two states that constitute a Kramers pair have opposite spin and valley quantum numbers. Because of the valley-dependent Berry curvature, an out-of-plane magnetic field breaks the time-reversal symmetry of this ground state and a qubit can be encoded in the spin–valley subspace. The Kramers states are protected against known spin- and valley-mixing mechanisms because mixing requires a simultaneous change of the two quantum numbers. Here, we fabricate a tunable QD device in Bernal BLG and measure a spin–valley relaxation time for the Kramers states of 38 s at 30 mK, which is two orders of magnitude longer than the 0.4 s measured for purely spin-blocked states. We also show that the intrinsic Kane–Mele spin–orbit splitting enables a Kramers doublet single-shot readout even at zero magnetic field with a fidelity above 99%. If these long-lived Kramers states also possess long coherence times and can be effectively manipulated, electrostatically defined QDs in BLG may serve as long-lived semiconductor qubits, extending beyond the spin qubit paradigm.
A thalamic hub-and-spoke network enables visual perception during action by coordinating visuomotor dynamics
Authors: Vega-Zuniga Tomas , Sumser Anton , Symonova Olga , Koppensteiner Peter , Schmidt Florian H. , Joesch Maximilian
Published: February 2025

For accurate perception and motor control, an animal must distinguish between sensory experiences elicited by external stimuli and those elicited by its own actions. The diversity of behaviors and their complex influences on the senses make this distinction challenging. Here, we uncover an action–cue hub that coordinates motor commands with visual processing in the brain’s first visual relay. We show that the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) acts as a corollary discharge center, integrating visual translational optic flow signals with motor copies from saccades, locomotion and pupil dynamics. The vLGN relays these signals to correct action-specific visual distortions and to refine perception, as shown for the superior colliculus and in a depth-estimation task. Simultaneously, brain-wide vLGN projections drive corrective actions necessary for accurate visuomotor control. Our results reveal an extended corollary discharge architecture that refines early visual transformations and coordinates actions via a distributed hub-and-spoke network to enable visual perception during action.
Anti-colorectal cancer activity of constructed oleogels based on encapsulated bioactive canola extract in lecithin for edible semisolid applications
Authors: Akl Engy M. , Abd-Rabou Ahmed A. , Hashim Ayat F.
Published: February 2025

Globally, colorectal cancer ranks second in women and third in men. Hydrophilic anticancer agents have limited use in lipid systems due to their weak solubility. Therefore, this study aimed to develop oleogels based on pumpkin seed oil (R1) and hydrophilic bioactive canola extract (BCE or R2) that were extracted from canola meal by-products. BCE was effectively dispersed in oleogels through the encapsulation of BCE with various concentrations (0.08, 0.2, and 0.4%) in soy lecithin to form BCE gelling agents. Four formulations (F1 as plain, F2-F4 with different concentrations of BCE) were produced using two gelators (BCE gelling agent and beeswax). The oxidative stability, microstructure, FTIR, antioxidant activity, and time-dependent experiment were investigated. The cytotoxicity against colorectal HCT116 and Caco-2 cancer cell lines in vitro was evaluated. The anti-apoptotic PI3k and COX-2 protein expressions were also assessed. The peroxide, p-anisidine, and total oxidation values of F4 were 7.85, 26.66, and 42.35, respectively, during 60 days at 60 ± 2 °C. The antioxidant activity values of F4 were 74.40% for DPPH, 54.28% for ABTS, and 5.77 mg/g for FRAP. F4 demonstrated the highest significant cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells, particularly in the Caco-2 cells with 1.40- and 1.41-fold increases compared to R2 and the positive control doxorubicin, respectively. PI3k and COX-2 expression levels were down-regulated while iNOS activity was up-regulated in both cells, with very high down-regulation recorded for F4 in Caco-2 cells. This study developed a method for producing stable lipid products loaded with hydrophilic antioxidants that may be used as an anti-colorectal platform.
Associations between depression and nature-based recreation: A cross-sectional study of adults in the United States, Spain, and Brazil
Authors: Rosa Claudio D. , Larson Lincoln R. , Collado Silvia , Geiger Sandra J. , Profice Christiana C. , Menuchi Marcos R. T. P.
Published: February 2025

Cumulating evidence suggests that nature-based interventions may alleviate depression, but the association between engagement in nature-based activities and specific depressive symptoms remains unknown. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate how Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) symptom criteria relate to engagement in nature-based recreation (any nature-based activities, forest-based activities, gardening, nature-based adventure activities) among American (n = 606), Spanish (n = 438), and Brazilian (n = 448) adults (≥ 18 years old). People who reported engaging in any nature-based activities at least once per month reported experiencing all nine symptom criteria for MDD (e.g., anhedonia, feeling depressed or hopeless, sleep problems, trouble concentrating, and suicidal ideation) at lower rates than those who did not participate in nature-based recreation as frequently. Results were relatively consistent across countries and types of nature-based activities, suggesting that many forms of nature-based recreation are negatively correlated with the nine symptom criteria for MDD. The associations tended to be weaker overall among Spanish respondents. Nature-based recreation appeared to have a stronger inverse relationship with suicidal ideation than with other depressive symptoms. The cross-sectional design of this study limits the causal interpretation of the observed associations. If future experimental studies confirm our findings, practitioners across different countries can consider recommending participation in nature-based recreation to alleviate their clients’ MDD symptoms.
Multi-hydrophilic groups synergistic assembly ionic HOFs with multiple-water clusters and superprotonic single-crystal conductivity
Authors: Li Shu-Hui , Cao Li-Hui , Zhang Wenmin , Bai Xiang-Tian , Chen Xu-Yong
Published: February 2025

In this paper, iHOF-43 and iHOF-44, which contain multiple water clusters, were prepared by introducing ligands that contain three hydrophilic functional groups. The proton conductivity (a-axis) of iHOF-43 at 90 °C and 98% RH was 1.66 × 10−1 S cm−1.
Partial and complete hydrolysis of metal complexes based on monoiminoacenaphthene-1-ones
Authors: Lukoyanov Anton N. , Zvereva Yulia V. , Cherkasov Anton V. , Zhigulin Grigory Yu. , Kharitonov Nikita P. , Ketkov Sergey Yu.
Published: February 2025

During the hydrolysis of metal complexes based on the dianion of (E)-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)acenaphthylene-1(2H)-one, various ligand protonation products are obtained depending on the reaction conditions.
Structural effect of bipyrazole derivatives on corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in 1 M HCl: weight loss, electrochemical measurements, XPS/SEM surface analysis, DFT and MC simulations
Authors: Setti N. , Barrahi A. , Maatallah M. , Kaddouri Y. , Touzani R. , Dikici B. , Karrouchi K. , Abuelizz Hatem A. , Zarrouk A. , Dafali A.
Published: February 2025

2PzH and 2PzMe inhibit the corrosion of CS in 1 M HCl, as demonstrated by electrochemical methods, DFT and MC/MD simulations and XPS analysis.
Exploring the physical properties of the new MoX6 (X = Cl or Br) materials
Authors: Jabar A. , Maaouni N. , Benyoussef S. , Bahmad L.
Published: February 2025

A comprehensive study of mechanical, electronic, optical, and thermodynamic properties of MoX6 (X = Cl or Br), has been presented, within the Wien2k framework, based on the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FPLAPW) method.
In situ Raman investigation of Dy complexation in Cl-bearing aqueous solutions at 20–300 °C
Authors: Smith-Schmitz Sarah E. , Hurtig Nicole C. , Gysi Alexander P.
Published: February 2025

The first in situ Raman spectroscopic measurements of Dy speciation in hydrothermal fluids to 300 °C indicate that the Dy3+ aqua ion (v1,Dy–O) is stable in acidic DyCl3 solutions up to 200 °C above which Dy chloride complexes (vDy–Cl) predominate.
Simulated gastrointestinal risk from recreational exposure to Southern California stormwater and relationship to human-associated Bacteroidales marker HF183
Authors: Lowry Sarah A. , Steele Joshua A. , Griffith John F. , Schiff Kenneth C. , Boehm Alexandria B.
Published: February 2025

This study uses site-specific measured pathogen concentrations in stormwater to simulate risk of gastrointestinal illness from recreational exposure to stormwater using quantitative microbial risk assessment.
Exploiting π and hydrogen bonding interactions of a strain-free pyridinium tetrafluoroborate salt for stereoselective synthesis of O-aryl glycosides
Authors: Aghi Anjali , Sau Sankar , Kumar Amit
Published: February 2025

A highly diastereoselective synthesis of valuable and challenging O-aryl glycosides is achieved by activating glycosylimidate donors through hydrogen bonding-based non-covalent interactions using pyridinium tetrafluoroborate salt as catalyst.
l-Proline catalysed synthesis and in silico studies of novel α-cyano bis(indolyl)chalcones as potential anti-cancer agents
Authors: Malik Monika , Roy Nandini , Sakkarai Mohamed Asha Parveen , Lotana Humphrey , Shah Kavita , Kumar Dalip
Published: February 2025

Various α-cyano bis(indolyl)chalcones synthesized in excellent yields (up to 95%) were found to display good cytotoxicity (IC50 = 0.9–5.8 μM) and caused apoptosis in C4-2 cells.
Synthesis of mesoporous carbon from banana peels with silica gel 60 as the hard templates
Authors: Nahda Dinda P. N. , Sanjaya Afiten R. , Rahmawati Fitria , Zulfia Anne , Sumbodja Afriyanti , Pramadewandaru Respati K. , Krisnandi Yuni K. , Akbar Zico A. , Ivandini Tribidasari A.
Published: February 2025

The synthesis of mesoporous carbon was successfully performed through solid–solid phase reaction employing banana peel powder as the carbon source and silica gel 60 (SG-60) as the hard template.
Ratiometric discrimination of Th4+ ions by a fluorogenic quinoline appended phenanthridine sensor and its applications
Authors: Manoj Kumar Selin , Munusamy Sathishkumar , Enbanathan Saravanan , Ranganadin Sivaranjani , Kulathu Iyer Sathiyanarayanan
Published: February 2025

A new phenanthridine appended quinoline-based chemoreceptor 5-(5-(quinolin-8-yl)thiophen-2-yl)-tetrahydrodibenzo[a,i]phenanthridine (PHQBA) was successfully synthesized and characterized by 1H, 13C, and HRMS spectral analyses.
Studying CeO2-modified defective carbon as an electrocatalyst for electrochemical reduction of CO2
Authors: Wu Yihan , Chang Ying , Jia Jingchun
Published: February 2025

In this study, high temperature pyrolytic carbon materials were used to introduce defect sites. At the same time, the oxygen vacancies on the surface of cerium enhance the adsorption of CO2 and enhance the electrocatalytic activity.
Crash testing machine learning force fields for molecules, materials, and interfaces: model analysis in the TEA Challenge 2023
Authors: Poltavsky Igor , Charkin-Gorbulin Anton , Puleva Mirela , Fonseca Grégory , Batatia Ilyes , Browning Nicholas J. , Chmiela Stefan , Cui Mengnan , Frank J. Thorben , Heinen Stefan , Huang Bing , Käser Silvan , Kabylda Adil , Khan Danish , Müller Carolin , Price Alastair J. A. , Riedmiller Kai , Töpfer Kai , Ko Tsz Wai , Meuwly Markus , Rupp Matthias , Csányi Gábor , von Lilienfeld O. Anatole , Margraf Johannes T. , Müller Klaus-Robert , Tkatchenko Alexandre
Published: February 2025

Assessing the performance of modern machine learning force fields across diverse chemical systems to identify their strengths and limitations within the TEA Challenge 2023.
Radical-induced single-molecule conductance tuning in 9,9′-bifluorenylidene derivatives
Authors: Zhang Hanjun , Chen Lichuan , Huang Yunzhu , Liu Xiaodong , Moles Quintero Sergio , Hong Wenjing , Wang Dongsheng , Casado Juan , Zheng Yonghao
Published: February 2025

A series of 9,9′-bifluorenylidene derivatives demonstrate orthogonalization of non-conducting (between radical sites) and conducting (between thiomethyl groups) paths. Precise radical injections significantly reduce single-molecule conductance.
Supramolecular self-assembly of metal complex surfactants (MeCS) into micellar nanoscale reactors in aqueous solution
Authors: Chen Ying , Matatyaho Ya'akobi Asia , Nguyen Thao Vy , Kao Shih-Chieh , West Julian G. , Biswal Sibani Lisa , Talmon Yeshayahu , Martí Angel A.
Published: February 2025

Photoactive surfactants form micelles in aqueous solutions capable of catalyzing the hydroxytrifluoromethylation of aromatic olefins.
Temperature- and creep-resistant Diels–Alder salogels for shape stabilization of salt hydrate phase change materials
Authors: Rajagopalan Kartik Kumar , Sukhishvili Svetlana A.
Published: February 2025

Superior temperature resistance (120 °C) and creep-resistance (>80% up to 95 °C) of Diels–Alder (DA) salogels imparts shape stabilization and leakage prevention to salt hydrate phase change materials (PCMs) with wide-ranging melting temperatures.
Carbazole derivatives as electron transport and n-type acceptor materials for efficient organic light-emitting devices
Authors: Hu Shiying , Zhang Yaotian , Wang Jingsheng , Wu Yuying , Tao Yeting , Yuan Wenbo , Tao Youtian
Published: February 2025

Carbazole-containing A–D–A′ type electron transport materials show dramatically enhanced electron injection/transport properties compared to the commercial A3-π structured TPBI.
High-performance visible-to-near infrared phototransistor based on SnSe/SnS2 van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Fan Gaoning , Duan Weishuai , Dong Mengjiao , Luo Xueting , Zhou Pengyu , Sun Chun , Zhang Yonghui , Wang Mengjun , Fan Chao
Published: February 2025

As a member of two-dimensional materials, tin disulfide (SnS2) holds great potential for highly sensitive detectors used in high-resolution, low-power imaging.
Introducing an inert-salt into a solvent-reduced catholyte for improving the electrochemical performance
Authors: Chen Mao , Xie Yangjun , Chen Hongning
Published: February 2025

A TEMPO-based solvent-reduced catholyte is demonstrated in Li-based flow batteries, which achieves a energy density of 196 W h L−1 by adding a small amount of inert-salt TBAPF6. This work provides a direction for improving the energy density of RFBs.
Effect of radio frequency combined with nisin on the physicochemical properties and volatile compounds of stir-fried sliced pork with Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Huang Mengqi , Zhang Guoqiang , Li Wuyue , Xu Jicheng
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to comprehensively compare the effects of radio frequency combined with nisin (RF-nisin) and conventional high-pressure steam (HPS) sterilization on multiple aspects of stir-fried sliced pork with Agaricus bisporus (A. bisporus).
Syntheses and electrochemical properties of (Nb1−yTiy)4C3Tx solid solution MXenes
Authors: Guo Si , Deng Chao , Shi Gang , Wang Dawei , Wang Likui
Published: February 2025

A series of solid solution MXenes (Nb1−yTiy)4C3Tx were synthesized with the maximum y value determined, and their supercapacitor performances were investigated.
‘Where is my gap’: mechanisms underpinning PARP inhibitor sensitivity in cancer
Authors: Buckley-Benbow Lauryn , Agnarelli Alessandro , Bellelli Roberto
Published: February 2025

The introduction of poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi) has completely changed the treatment landscape of breast cancer susceptibility 1–2 (BRCA1–BRCA2)-mutant cancers and generated a new avenue of research in the fields of DNA damage response and cancer therapy. Despite this, primary and secondary resistances to PARPi have become a challenge in the clinic, and novel therapies are urgently needed to address this problem. After two decades of research, a unifying model explaining sensitivity of cancer cells to PARPi is still missing. Here, we review the current knowledge in the field and the increasing evidence pointing to a crucial role for replicative gaps in mediating sensitization to PARPi in BRCA-mutant and ‘wild-type’ cancer cells. Finally, we discuss the challenges to be addressed to further improve the utilization of PARPi and tackle the emergence of resistance in the clinical context.