bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional electrospun PP/PVDF‐HFP/MIL‐53(Fe) composite nanofiber membrane for air filtration and dye degradation
Authors: Ma Wenlong , Hao Tianxu , Wang Xinya , Zhang Wei , Li Yonggui , Chen Mingxing
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a high‐performance composite nanofiber membrane with excellent air filtration and dye degradation properties was prepared by incorporating MIL‐53(Fe) nanoparticles into the electrospinning solution. The results showed that the filtration efficiency for PM2.5 of the PP/PVDF‐HFP/MIL‐53(Fe) composite nanofiber membrane reached up to 99.3% with the addition of 2 wt% MIL‐53(Fe). Moreover, the composite nanofiber membrane exhibited steady filtration efficiency across different parameters, including air velocity, PM2.5 concentration, and extended testing time. Furthermore, the incorporation of MIL‐53(Fe) significantly enhanced the removal efficiency of the composite nanofiber membrane toward Rh B, resulting in a remarkable 91% removal rate. The polymer/MOF composite nanofiber membranes prepared by simple and cheap electrospinning technology have a wide range of practical applications in the field of environmental protection.

Highlights

PPM composite nanofiber membrane was prepared via electrospinning method.

MIL‐53(Fe) nanoparticles were introduced to PPM composite nanofiber membrane.

PPM composite nanofiber membrane showed excellent removal efficiency for PM2.5.

PPM composite nanofiber showed a good removal performance for RhB in solution.
Study on the modification of HMX/TPU composites with metal‐phenolic network
Authors: Xu Wenzheng , Wang Junyi , Chang Xiaolong , Yang Yulong , Zhao Leyang , Lan Shuying , Ma Ningxin , Xing Jiangtao
Published: February 2024

Rapid and facile self‐assembly coatings play a crucial role in surface functionalization of materials. In this study, a safe, fast, and environmentally friendly method is proposed to form a metal‐phenolic network (MPN) through the assembly of gallic acid (GA) and iron ions (Fe3+), which is used for the in situ polymerization coating of 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5‐7‐tetrazacyclooctane (HMX). The surface of the modified HMX crystals become visibly roughened. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was coated on the surface of modified HMX by water suspension method to form HMX@MPN@TPU double‐layer core‐shell energetic composite material. Compared with the raw material HMX, the β‐δ phase transition temperature of the double‐layer core‐shell structure composite increased by 12.36°C, the impact sensitivity and friction sensitivity decreased, and the compressive strength increased by 38%, which effectively improved its mechanical properties.

Highlights

It has been demonstrated that metal‐phenolic networks can self‐assemble on the surface of crystals.

A water suspension method was employed to prepare energetic material powder into a polymer‐bonded explosive (PBX).

The modified PBX showed significant improvements in various properties, indicating that metal‐phenolic networks can serve as excellent modifying materials.
Registration of four pest‐resistant long bean germplasm lines
Authors: Huynh Bao‐Lam , Dahlquist‐Willard Ruth M. , Ploeg Antoon T. , Yang Michael , Thaoxaochay Lilian , Kanter Jessica , Brar Sukhmony , Paz Jose , Qaderi Sara , Singh Hardeep , Duong Tra , Dinh Hoang , Kang Hyun Park , Matthews William C. , De Souza Amancio , Bhatia Anil , Ke Haiyan , Ehlers Jeffrey D. , Roberts Philip A.
Published: February 2024

Long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis, asparagus bean, Asian yardlong bean), the vegetable type of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp], is a climate‐resilient and nutritious food legume grown by Southeast Asian farmers in the Central Valley of California and marketed to Asian immigrant communities across the United States. Insect pests are major threats, reducing yield and quality of all current lines. Modern plant breeding protocols and extension activities were implemented to develop resistant lines using sources of natural resistance found in African cowpea germplasm. Three aphid‐resistant long bean lines, Dark Green 1994 (Reg no. GP‐320, PI 702995), Light Green 2055 (Reg. no. GP‐321, PI 702996), and Purple 2056 (Reg. no. GP‐322, PI 702997), were developed by introgression of two known quantitative trait loci (QTL) for aphid resistance into three local elite lines through marker‐assisted backcrossing (MABC). One bush‐type long bean line, Bush 2074 (Reg. no. GP‐319, PI 702994), carrying two known QTL for root‐knot nematode resistance, was also developed to enable scaling up production and to improve nematode management in large‐scale commercial farming. These improved lines were evaluated in controlled experiments which also served in outreach activities to enable adoption. Each of these advanced lines, when forming a near‐isogenic pair with its recurrent parent, can provide useful genetic materials for resistance gene discovery.
Dynamic probability control limits for the adaptive multivariate EWMA chart
Authors: Haq Abdul
Published: February 2024

Effective monitoring of the control charts requires the establishment of appropriate control limits. Various methods have been proposed to determine the fixed control limits (FCLs) based on a specified in‐control average run‐length value, such as Markov chains, integral equations, and Monte Carlo simulations.With the FCLs, the conditional false alarm rate (CFAR) of a control chart varies over time in an unexpected and undesirable way, where the CFAR refers to the probability of a false alarm at a particular time given no previous false alarm. To address this issue, dynamic probability control limits (DPCLs) can be employed to keep the CFAR constant over time. In this study, we determine the DPCLs using fixed and time‐varying sample sizes for the adaptive multivariate EWMA chart when the underlying process is assumed to follow a multivariate normal distribution. The DPCLs are designed to automatically adjust to changes in the probability distribution of the sample size, while maintaining a consistent CFAR. This results in a closely matched run‐length performance for an in‐control process compared to that of the geometric distribution.
Fractional Quantum Anomalous Hall Phase for Raman Superarray of Rydberg Atoms
Authors: Poon Ting Fung Jeffrey , Zhou Xin‐Chi , Wang Bao‐Zong , Yang Tian‐Hua , Liu Xiong‐Jun
Published: February 2024

Rydberg atom arrays offer promising platforms for quantum simulation of correlated quantum matter and raise great interests. This work proposes a novel stripe‐lattice model with “Raman superarray of Rydberg atoms” to realize bosonic fractional quantum anomalous Hall (FQAH) phase. Two types of Rydberg states, arranged in a supperarray configuration and with Raman‐assisted dipole‐exchange couplings, are implemented to realize a minimal QAH model for hard‐core bosons populated into a topological flat band with large bulk gap under proper tunable experimental condition. With this the bosonic FQAH phase can be further achieved and probed feasibly. In particular, a novel quench protocol is proposed to probe the fractionalized excitations by measuring the correlated quench dynamics featured by fractional charge tunneling between bulk and chiral edge modes in the open boundary.
Optimal ensemble construction for multistudy prediction with applications to mortality estimation
Authors: Loewinger Gabriel , Nunez Rolando Acosta , Mazumder Rahul , Parmigiani Giovanni
Published: February 2024

It is increasingly common to encounter prediction tasks in the biomedical sciences for which multiple datasets are available for model training. Common approaches such as pooling datasets before model fitting can produce poor out‐of‐study prediction performance when datasets are heterogeneous. Theoretical and applied work has shown multistudy ensembling to be a viable alternative that leverages the variability across datasets in a manner that promotes model generalizability. Multistudy ensembling uses a two‐stage stacking strategy which fits study‐specific models and estimates ensemble weights separately. This approach ignores, however, the ensemble properties at the model‐fitting stage, potentially resulting in performance losses. Motivated by challenges in the estimation of COVID‐attributable mortality, we propose optimal ensemble construction, an approach to multistudy stacking whereby we jointly estimate ensemble weights and parameters associated with study‐specific models. We prove that limiting cases of our approach yield existing methods such as multistudy stacking and pooling datasets before model fitting. We propose an efficient block coordinate descent algorithm to optimize the loss function. We use our method to perform multicountry COVID‐19 baseline mortality prediction. We show that when little data is available for a country before the onset of the pandemic, leveraging data from other countries can substantially improve prediction accuracy. We further compare and characterize the method's performance in data‐driven simulations and other numerical experiments. Our method remains competitive with or outperforms multistudy stacking and other earlier methods in the COVID‐19 data application and in a range of simulation settings.
Excellent Room Temperature Thermoelectric Performance in Mg3Sb2‐Based Alloys via Multi‐Functional Doping of Nb
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Sun Congli , Yang Kangkang , Liang Dong , Ye Xianfeng , Song Wei , Xu Wenjie , Zhao Wenyu , Zhang Qingjie
Published: February 2024

Mg3Sb2‐based alloys are attracting increasing attention due to the excellent room temperature thermoelectric properties. However, due to the presence and easy segregation of charged Mg vacancies, the carrier mobility in Mg3Sb2‐based alloys is always severely compromised that significantly restricts the room temperature performance. General vacancy compensation strategies cannot synergistically optimize the complicated Mg3Sb2 structures involving both interior and boundary scattering. Herein, due to the multi‐functional doping effect of Nb, the electron scattering inside and across grains is significantly suppressed by inhibiting the accumulation of Mg vacancies, and leading to a smooth transmission channel of electrons. The increased Mg vacancies migration barrier and optimized interface potential are also confirmed theoretically and experimentally, respectively. As a result, a leading room temperature zT of 1.02 is achieved. This work reveals the multi‐functional doping effect as an efficient approach in improving room temperature thermoelectric performance in complicated defect/interface associated Mg3Sb2‐based alloys.
Unlocking the Potential of High Entropy Alloys in Electrochemical Water Splitting: A Review
Authors: Ahmad Abrar , Nairan Adeela , Feng Zhuo , Zheng Ruiming , Bai Yelin , Khan Usman , Gao Junkuo
Published: February 2024

The global pursuit of sustainable energy is focused on producing hydrogen through electrocatalysis driven by renewable energy. Recently, High entropy alloys (HEAs) have taken the spotlight in electrolysis due to their intriguing cocktail effect, broad design space, customizable electronic structure, and entropy stabilization effect. The tunability and complexity of HEAs allow a diverse range of active sites, optimizing adsorption strength and activity for electrochemical water splitting. This review comprehensively covers contemporary advancements in synthesis technique, design framework, and physio‐chemical evaluation approaches for HEA‐based electrocatalysts. Additionally, it explores design principles and strategies aimed at optimizing the catalytic activity, stability, and effectiveness of HEAs in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and overall water splitting. Through an in‐depth investigation of these aspects, the complexity inherent in constituent element interactions, reaction processes, and active sites associated with HEAs is aimed to unravel. Eventually, an outlook regarding challenges and impending difficulties and an outline of the future direction of HEA in electrocatalysis is provided. The thorough knowledge offered in this review will assist in formulating and designing catalysts based on HEAs for the next generation of electrochemistry‐related applications.
Electrospun fiber‐based immune engineering in regenerative medicine
Authors: Xu Yiru , Saiding Qimanguli , Zhou Xue , Wang Juan , Cui Wenguo , Chen Xinliang
Published: February 2024

Immune engineering, a burgeoning field within regenerative medicine, involves a spectrum of strategies to optimize the intricate interplay between tissue regenerative biomaterials and the host tissue. These strategies are applied across different types of biomaterials and various disease models, which encompasses finely modulating the immune response at the levels of immune cells and factors, aiming to mitigate adverse effects like fibrosis and persistent inflammation that may arise at the injury site and consequently promote tissue regeneration. With the continuous progress in electrospinning technology, the immunoregulatory capabilities of electrospun fibers have gained substantial attention over the years. Electrospun fibers, with their extracellular matrix‐like characteristics, high surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio, and reliable pharmaceutical compound capacity, have emerged as key players among tissue engineering materials. This review specifically focuses on the role of electrospun fiber‐based immune engineering, emphasizing their unique design strategies. Notably, electrospinning actively engages in immune engineering by modulating immune responses through four essential strategies: (i) surface modification, (ii) drug loading, (iii) physicochemical parameters, and (iv) biological grafting. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the intricate mechanisms of the immune system in injured tissues while unveiling the key strategies adopted by electrospun fibers to orchestrate immune regulation. Furthermore, the review explores the current developmental trends and limitations concerning the immunoregulatory function of electrospun fibers, aiming to drive the advancements in electrospun fiber‐based immune engineering to its full potential.
Advances in Organic Photovoltaic Cells: Fine‐Tuning of the Photovoltaic Processes
Authors: Ramoroka Morongwa E. , Yussuf Sodiq T. , Nwambaekwe Kelechi C. , Modibane Kwena D. , John‐Denk Vivian S. , Douman Samantha F. , Iwuoha Emmanuel I.
Published: February 2024

This work highlights recent advancements in how the structures and chemical makeups of the active layer materials affect photovoltaic processes and performance in terms of power conversion efficiency and stability. It further sheds light on the performance optimization of organic photovoltaic cell (OPV) and the relationship between these optimization conditions and OPVs performance. The use of different substituents on the same donor or acceptor material has different optimal conditions. Furthermore, it is shown that the addition of different third components in the active layer has different optimal concentration points. This review also highlights and suggests a possible way to improve the stability of OPV through modification of the active layer. To date, some studies showed that incorporation of the third component in the active layer leads to over 97% stability after more than 1000 h.
Behavior and modeling of FRP grid‐reinforced ultra‐high‐performance concrete under uniaxial tension
Authors: Zeng Jun‐Jie , Zeng Wei‐Bin , Zhuge Yan , Zhou Jie‐Kai , Quach Wai‐Meng , Feng Ran
Published: February 2024

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced ultra‐high‐performance concrete (UHPC) structural elements have become increasing popular in research and industry communities. In this paper, uniaxial tension tests were conducted to study the effects of fiber type, fiber length, and fiber content on tensile behavior of FRP grid reinforced UHPC plates (FGRUPs). Additionally, the microstructure analysis of specimens was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. Test results reveal that carbon FRP (CFRP) grid can substantially enhance the tensile performance of UHPC under tension: (1) the FGRUPs exhibit a post‐crack strain‐hardening behavior while the UHPC plates exhibit a post‐crack strain‐softening behavior; (2) the FRP grid enhances the cracking stress of UHPC specimens (except for plates with 1% basalt fibers) and the stiffness of the second segment of the stress–strain curve, and substantially enhances the ultimate tensile stress UHPC specimens. Also, the cost‐effectiveness analysis indicates that plates containing 1% of 12 mm length PE fibers have a highest cost efficiency index. Finally, a modified tensile stress–strain model for FGRUPs is proposed and verified.
Seismic performance and parametric study of precast reinforced concrete Shear Wall structure with indirect‐lapping joints
Authors: Wang Qingmin , Zhao Weijian , Li Yongquan , Yang Yuanzhang
Published: February 2024

Precast reinforced concrete (RC) shear wall structures (PRCSWS) are widely adopted by high‐rise buildings owing to their attractive advantages such as high construction quality and seismic resistance. A novel vertical joint for PRCSWS was proposed, featured by the indirect lap between connection cages and vertical distributed bars of the wall panel. The feasibility of this joint was verified by pseudo‐static experiments on precast shear wall specimens with different joint designs and a referential cast‐in‐place (CIP) specimen. To gain more insights into the failure mechanism of the PRCSWS with different joint designs, non‐linear finite element (FE) models were established and analyzed for the numerical study. The simulation showed good agreement with the experimental result regarding the load‐drift curves, cracking patterns, and failure modes, exhibiting a flexural‐shear failure with corner concrete crushing. The investigation into the failure patterns of four specimens indicated that anchorage deterioration of interfaces inside the joints was induced by cyclic tension, leading to both reductions in ductility and energy dissipation. This effect was more obvious when the connection cages (a design parameter) were less and more concentrated. The parametric study revealed that increasing the anchorage length of connection cage in wall panel and additional confinement reinforcements surrounding the reserved ducts could reduce the relative slip on the interfaces and enhance the anchorage of connection cages, which could further improve the seismic performance of PRCSWS.
Safety assessment of existing prestressed reinforced concrete bridge decks through different approaches
Authors: Ferrara Mario , Gino Diego , Miceli Elena , Giordano Luca , Malavisi Marzia , Bertagnoli Gabriele
Published: February 2024

The assessment of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures, especially, bridges and viaducts, nowadays is one of the most relevant aspects for infrastructural engineers. Due to the old age of a large part of the railways and roadways assets, their safety, especially, with respect to the Ultimate Limit States (ULS) may result compromised. Safety assessment can be performed following different approaches as well as the most sophisticated methodologies based on the application of safety formats for non‐linear finite element (FE) analyses. This study presents the safety assessment at the ULS of existing prestressed RC bridge decks regarding bending moment and axial force failure mechanism adopting different methodologies. Specifically, the safety assessment will be performed through five different approaches (i.e., Courbon theory, elastic FE analysis, and NLFEAs according to the three global safety formats). The decks are modeled using, first, Courbon theory and then, girder FE model composed only of beam elements. The safety assessment is performed by comparing the design resisting moment and design acting moment in the section of interest, therefore, through a local approach. Within the local approach, design values are calculated using the partial safety factors. Afterwards, the decks are modeled with a 3D non‐linear FE model. Three different global safety formats are implemented within a global approach. The application of the different approaches leads to significantly different conclusions about the safety assessment. The two local approaches are the most conservative, therefore, lead to a lower safety margin. The application of global approaches based on global safety formats leads to a safety margin gain compared to local approaches, with significant variability in terms of safety margin gain depending on the specific global safety format.
RETRACTED: Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)‐encapsulated Endostar‐loaded calcium phosphate cement as anti‐tumor bone cement for the treatment of bone metastasis in lung cancer
Authors: Tian QingHua , Tian Cong , Lu YingYing , Yan BiCong , Zhang Kaixian , Wu ChunGen
Published: February 2024

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. In approximately 30%–40% of lung cancer patients, bone metastases ensues with osteolytic destruction. Worse still, intractable pain, pathological fracture, and nerve compression caused by bone metastases are currently the bottleneck of research, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. Therefore, the present study aims at investigating the effectiveness of a new composite material made of calcium phosphate cement (CPC) and Endostar on repairing bone defects in vitro and in vivo. As indicated in results, the mechanical properties of CPC+Endostar and CPC+PLGA+Endostar do not differ from those of pure CPC. The PLGA‐embedded Endostar slow‐release microspheres were designed and prepared, and were combined with CPC. Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) is a biodegradable polymer material in vivo, so the effect on its mechanical properties is negligible. CPC+Endostar and CPC+PLGA+Endostar have been proved to inhibit cell proliferation, promote apoptosis and block cell cycle in G2 phase; the expression levels of osteoclast‐related genes CXCL2, TGF‐β1, IGF‐1, IL‐6, and RANKL were significantly decreased while osteogenic ability and alkaline phosphatase activity observably enhanced. In vivo studies have revealed that the expression levels of TRAP, RANKL, and Caspase3 in CPC+PLGA+ENDO‐treated tumor tissues after 3 weeks were higher than those in other groups with the prolongation of animal treatment time, while the expression levels of OPN and BCL2 were lower than those in other groups. In hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, 3 weeks of CPC+PLGA+ENDO‐treatment yielded higher tissue necrosis and apoptosis than other groups; computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging results showed the posterior edge bone damage reduced as a result of the CPC+PLGA+ENDO grafting in vertebral pedicle. Overall, the feasibility and reliability of CPC‐loaded Endostar in the treatment of bone metastasis in lung cancer were investigated in this study, so as to promote the basic research and treatment of bone metastasis in lung cancer and other malignant tumors.
Computer‐aided diagnosis in real‐time endoscopy for all stages of gastric carcinogenesis: Development and validation study
Authors: Gong Eun Jeong , Bang Chang Seok , Lee Jae Jun
Published: February 2024

Objective

Using endoscopic images, we have previously developed computer‐aided diagnosis models to predict the histopathology of gastric neoplasms. However, no model that categorizes every stage of gastric carcinogenesis has been published. In this study, a deep‐learning‐based diagnosis model was developed and validated to automatically classify all stages of gastric carcinogenesis, including atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, in endoscopy images.

Design

A total of 18,701 endoscopic images were collected retrospectively and randomly divided into train, validation, and internal‐test datasets in an 8:1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was lesion‐classification accuracy in six categories: normal/atrophy/intestinal metaplasia/dysplasia/early /advanced gastric cancer. External‐validation of performance in the established model used 1427 novel images from other institutions that were not used in training, validation, or internal‐tests.

Results

The internal‐test lesion‐classification accuracy was 91.2% (95% confidence interval: 89.9%–92.5%). For performance validation, the established model achieved an accuracy of 82.3% (80.3%–84.3%). The external‐test per‐class receiver operating characteristic in the diagnosis of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia was 93.4 ± 0% and 91.3 ± 0%, respectively.

Conclusions

The established model demonstrated high performance in the diagnosis of preneoplastic lesions (atrophy and intestinal metaplasia) as well as gastric neoplasms.
Development of cross‐linked polyvinyl alcohol/sodium caseinate/silver nanoparticle electrospun mats for antibacterial wound dressing
Authors: Samatya Yılmaz Sema , Aytac Ayse
Published: February 2024

In this study, nanofibers were produced by the electrospinning method by adding 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) into the polyvinyl alcohol/sodium caseinate (60/40, w/w) mixture. Electrospun materials were cross‐linked by immersion in a glutaraldehyde bath. Thus, antibacterial wound dressings that could be used on exuding wounds were developed. According to the scanning electron microscopy images of nanofibers, the cross‐linking process by immersion method did not cause negative effects such as breakage or adhesion on the surface of fibers. The cross‐linking of nanofibers was demonstrated by the presence of acetal linkages by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The cross‐linking process significantly improved the thermal properties of the nanofibers. The lowest crystallinity calculated in the differential scanning calorimeter was observed in the 3% Ag NP‐added nanofiber with a value of 1.83%. It exhibited the lowest total soluble matter content with a value of 11.98% owing to its high cross‐linking density. In addition, the 3% Ag NP‐added nanofiber, which had the highest toughness and ductility, displayed the highest tensile stress with 3.5 MPa and the highest tensile strain with 7.53%. Moreover, it showed 78.11% cell viability on the L929 fibroblast cell line at the end of the 24th hour. It was indicated that although the electrospun mats maintained 100% antibacterial effectiveness, they could not be used as a wound dressing for 48 h. It was reported that only 3% Ag NP‐added nanofiber could be used as a 100% effective antibacterial wound dressing for both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus provided that it was renewed every 24 h. Consequently, it was notified that cross‐linking by the immersion method can be used in biomedical applications.

Highlights

The antibacterial effects of Ag NP‐doped PVA/NaCAS electrospun mats were significant.

The cross‐linking process did not induce toxic effects some of the nanofibers.

High cross‐linking density was observed in the nanofibers.

The swelling property of nanofibers is a good feature required in an ideal wound dressing.
Heat transfer analysis of MHD oscillatory SWCNT/MWCNT‐H2O hybrid nanofluid flow in a channel
Authors: Malviya Kirti , Bannihalli Naganagowda Hanumagowda , Kalluhole Matada Pavithra , Varma Sibbyala Vijay Kumar , Raju Chakravarthula S K , Sharma Rohit
Published: February 2024

Regulating the thermal conductivity of the fluid in various heat exchange systems plays an important role. In this regard, the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with their higher thermal conductivity, can enhance the heat transfer potential. The main objective of the present study is to explore the impact of suction and injection on the oscillatory flow of CNT‐based hybrid nanofluid through a channel under the influence of the magnetic field for analysing heat transfer perspectives. While developing a mathematical model of the problem, we also considered other relevant elements, such as thermal radiation for optically thin fluids and porous mediums. The behaviour of a water‐SWCNT + MWCNT hybrid nanofluid is studied concerning the volume fraction of CNTs. The governing flow equations have been solved to obtain the correct solutions for the distribution of velocities and temperatures. Graphs and tables are used to assess the impact of relevant parameters on the flow and derived quantities. Adding CNTs to a fluid reduces its temperature and velocity, making it ideal for cooling systems. However, plates exhibit a maximum heat transfer of 35.35% and 25.35%, respectively, for and . The magnetic and constant pressure parameters greatly diminish the fluid's velocity, while the thermal buoyancy forces strengthen the flow. The effectiveness of the current study is confirmed by comparing its results to those from previous investigations.
“Man, Secluded from the Company of Women, Is… a Dangerous Animal to Society”: The History of Women in Scotland’s Enlightenment
Authors: Sebastiani Silvia
Published: February 2024

This chapter focuses on a new genre of history-writing that began to take shape in eighteenth-century Europe: the history of women. By concentrating on Scotland’s Enlightenment, it examines how women’s history emerged as an important but ambiguous chapter of the history of civilisation, while also being embedded in natural history. The relationship between natural history and the history of civilisation is central to understanding the new focus on women, both as bearers of the species and as agents of culture. Female reproductive labour, enabling population growth, was considered indispensable to the development of human societies, while the improvement of women’s status was deemed a key barometer of social progress. Scottish historians sketched a differentiated and unequal geography of civilisation on a global scale and within Europe, measured by the condition of women: according to this logic, they placed Spain on the margins of European development. Yet the most “civilised” regions were also regarded as unstable and insecure—largely due to women’s influence. Natural feminine characteristics which had allowed the whole of humanity to progress could also lead to the collapse of advanced societies. The revaluation of women had its downside in the Scottish Enlightenment, ultimately setting the limits of civilisation.
Language, Gender and Authority in the Letters of Isabelle de Charrière
Authors: Jaques Amélie , Vanacker Beatrijs
Published: February 2024

During the eighteenth century, more women than before succeeded in finding a voice of their own and in exercising intellectual or literary authority. Letters proved an ideal environment for them to explore, shape and justify their intellectual and authorial self. Women’s letters gave, moreover, clear evidence of their interest in multilingualism, because early modern women found themselves at the crossroads of languages due to their active participation in transcultural intellectual networks and their contribution to cultural transfers. In this essay we examine to what extent multilingualism served a strategic purpose in the letters of eighteenth-century women writers: how did multilingualism inform their intellectual and authorial identity formation and representation? To that end, we will explore the dynamic interplay between language, gender and intellectual authority, in the letters of Isabelle de Charrière (1740–1805), a Dutch and Swiss woman writer who was raised and educated in the so-called lingua franca of the Republic of Letters. Our analysis sheds new light upon the way in which Enlightenment women writers, such as Charrière, actively (re)shaped their intellectual and authorial identity. It also contributes a fresh perspective to the growing scholarly interest in the transcultural and multilingual dimensions of early modern women’s lives and works.
Ein neues Forschungsfeld? Zum Stand der wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung des Politikfelds Kultur und von Immateriellem Kulturerbe in Deutschland
Authors: Hanke Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Um die Ziele dieser Arbeit zu erreichen und Antworten auf die Forschungsfragen zu finden, genügt es nicht, sich mit konkreten Fallbeispielen von als Immaterielles Kulturerbe anerkannten Kulturformen in Deutschland zu beschäftigen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird daher der Ansatz einer systematischen Bearbeitung der Thematik mit den Methoden der Politikfeldanalyse, eine analytische Befassung mit der Kulturpolitik in Deutschland und eine wissenschaftliche Aufarbeitung der UNESCO-Konvention im internationalen und insbesondere im nationalen Rahmen, verfolgt. Ein Blick in den Stand der Forschung zu diesen Themen ergibt zunächst, dass zur Umsetzung der UNESCO-Konvention kaum Arbeiten aus einer rein politikwissenschaftlichen Betrachtung bzw. Analyse vorliegen. Zur deutschen Umsetzung gibt es nach aktuellem Kenntnisstand bisher keine Untersuchung.
Kulturpolitik und ihre Spezifika in Deutschland
Authors: Hanke Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Eine allgemeinverbindliche Definition des Begriffs Kulturpolitik gibt es nicht. Samt seinen Gegenständen und gesellschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen befindet sich der Begriff in permanenter Veränderung (vgl. Schwencke 2009: 11). Im internationalen Vergleich weitgehend gebräuchlich ist es – geradezu verblüffend pragmatisch – all das als Kulturpolitik zu bezeichnen, was im Rahmen der jeweiligen Staatstätigkeit unter Kulturpolitik verstanden wird (vgl. Mulcahy 2017: vii, xiii sowie Wolf-Csanady 1996: 60 f.).
Immaterielles Kulturerbe. Vom Konzept zur Konvention
Authors: Hanke Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Immaterielles Kulturerbe ist von Mensch zu Mensch, von Generation zu Generation, von „Könnenden“ zu „Lernenden“, weitergegebenes Wissen und Können. In eben diesem Sinne handelt es sich um eine kulturelle Ausdrucksform im Geiste der Definition der Abschlusserklärung der MONDIACULT-Konferenz von Mexiko-Stadt im Jahre 1982. Charakteristisch ist, dass Immaterielles Kulturerbe an den Menschen, häufig an Gruppen bzw. Gemeinschaften von Menschen, gebunden und damit deutlich weniger „fassbar“ als materielles Kulturgut ist.
Gender, Islam and Sexuality in Contemporary Indonesia: An Overview
Authors: Arnez Monika
Published: February 2024

This chapter introduces the aim of this book, which is to explore how gender, Islam, and sexuality are navigated in contemporary Indonesia. Taking the regulatory zeal that has manifested in legal interventions since the era reformasi (era of reforms) as the point of departure, it proceeds to present the book’s three main thematic parts: Sexuality and Violence, Halal lifestyle, and Shame and Self-determination. Moreover, it provides the theoretical framework for the contributions to this book in three domains: Criminalisation and Care, Modestyand Commodification, and the Janda and Shame. It introduces the chapters of this volume that mainly draw on various cultural productions, narratives, films, online apps, commercials, and YouTube videos as research material.
Advocating for Change: Cultural and Institutional Factors of Sexual Violence in Indonesia
Authors: Arnez Monika , Nisa Eva
Published: February 2024

Recent years have seen a disturbing surge in media reports of sexual violence in Indonesia. Notably, in June 2021, news emerged of Herry Wirawan, a teacher and owner of the Madani religious boarding school in Bandung, West Java, who had perpetrated heinous acts of sexual violence. This chapter examines how cultural and institutional factors in Indonesia have reinforced sexual violence from the perspective of advocates and supporters of the Sexual Violence Bill (UU TPKS) and how they advocate for change. The activists and ulama we zoom in on are from Komnas Perempuan (Komisi Nasional Anti Kekerasan terhadap Perempuan) National Commission on Violence against Women), KPAI (Komisi Perlindungan Anak Indonesia; Indonesian Child Protection Commission), the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet), KPI (Koalisi PerempuanIndonesia, Indonesian Women’s Coalition) and KUPI (Kongres Ulama Perempuan Indonesia, Congress of Indonesian Gender-Just Ulama). Within the broader global discourse on this issue, we introduce the concept of ‘the opacity of secluded spaces’ to capture the tendency of some institutions to facilitate and sustain spatially and ideologically closed systems to which the outside world has minimal access. This concept encapsulates the lack of transparency and the tangible nature of events within physically segregated spaces, particularly in religious schools, where unequal gender and asymmetrical power relations can fuel sexual violence. We argue that the interplay of violence and gender, the opacity of secluded spaces, unequal gender dynamics, asymmetrical power relations, and a lack of oversight all significantly contribute to the perpetuation of sexual violence in such institutions. Methodologically, our analysis draws from discussions with ten activists andulama, as well as an examination of documents coded using the qualitative data analysis software MAXQDA, including legal documents, news articles, and reports.
Criminalisation and Care: Indonesian Muslim Mass Organisations’ Perspectives on LGBT People
Authors: Kholid Anwar
Published: February 2024

This chapter examines the attitudes of Muhammadiyahand Nahdlatul Ulamatoward LGBT people who have been facing growing hostility from the country’s predominantly Muslim society since 2016. My analysis draws on insights from the discourse of criminalisationand care that has characterized the debate over sexual and gender minorities in Indonesia. This chapter, drawing on interviews and desktop research, demonstrates that the Muslim mass organisations Muhammadiyahand Nahdlatul Ulama display ambivalent attitudes between criminalisationand caretowards LGBT people. Focusing on Muhammadiyah and their autonomous women’s organisation Aisyiyah it argues that the organisations` leaders at the national level are more inclined to criminalise sexual and gender minorities, while at the regional level they are more likely to practice care for minorities, through equal cooperation and interpersonal relations. One reason for this difference is the distance or proximity to the people concerned. Those in charge at the national level are far away from the grassroots, while those at the regional level work more closely with the people.
Can Kartini Be Lesbian? Identity, Gender, and Sexual Orientation in a Post-Suharto Pop Novel
Authors: Wieringa Edwin
Published: February 2024

The British author Martin Amis once remarked that “the way a writer names his characters provides a good index to the way he sees the world—to his reality-level, his responsiveness to the accidental humour and freakish poetry of life” (Amis Amis, The moronic inferno and other visits to America, Penguin, London, 1987, p. 13). If this is so, what, then, does the choice of the name Kartini for the protagonist in the 2007 pop novel Kembang Kertas (Paper Flowers) by the Indonesian woman writer Eni Martini with the provocative subtitle Ijinkan aku menjadi lesbian (Allow me to be lesbian) tell us about the way she appropriates the iconic feministfigure of Kartini who lived from 1879 to 1904? This essay explores how the Kartini image as a model of the ideal Indonesian woman is creatively refigured in this 21st-century expression of Indonesian popular culture and how the new post-colonial avatar is deployed to address problematics of gender, shame, and sexual orientation. The question arises as to the analogy between the emblematic Kartini, revered in Indonesia as the epitome of perfect heterosexual femininity, and the new-fangled Kartini figure in fictional form.
Torsional constitutive relations at finite temperature
Authors: Valle Manuel , Vázquez-Mozo Miguel Á.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The general form of the linear torsional constitutive relations at finite temperature of the chiral current, energy-momentum tensor, and spin energy potential are computed for a chiral fermion fluid minimally coupled to geometric torsion and with nonzero chiral chemical potential. The corresponding transport coefficients are explicitly calculated in terms of the energy and number densities evaluated at vanishing torsion. A microscopic calculation of these constitutive relations in some particular backgrounds is also presented, confirming the general structure found.
Development and validation of a multiplex real-time PCR method for screening genetically modified plants
Authors: Weidner Christopher , Köppel René , Freyer Regina , Richl Petra , Lieske Kathrin , Mankertz Joachim , Waiblinger Hans-Ulrich
Published: February 2024

The diversity of genetically modified plants used for food and feed is increasing worldwide. For the detection and control of these products, efficient and reliable analytical tools are a prerequisite. This can be done by screening for specific DNA-elements and constructs characteristic of transgenic plants. In the past, numerous methods have already been published. However, several genetically modified plants are not covered by common screening methods. Here, a new qualitative triplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is presented, detecting two transgene flanking sequences and the transition between the Cassava Vein Mosaic Virus Promotor (P-CsVMV) and the phosphinothricin-N-acetyltransferase (pat) gene. These sequences are present in several transgenic plants and therefore, the described triplex method can be used as a screening tool to guide further analysis and increase the efficiency of the analysis strategy for GMO detection. The method is characterized by high specificity, sensitivity and robustness and is provided as a ring-trial validated method in the Official Collection of Methods according to the German Food and Feed Act.
Plane Polynomials and Hamiltonian Vector Fields Determined by Their Singular Points
Authors: Arredondo John A. , Muciño-Raymundo Jesús
Published: February 2024

Let $$\Sigma (f)$$

Σ
(
f
)

be the singular points of a polynomial $$f \in \mathbb {K}[x,y]$$

f
∈
K
[
x
,
y
]

in the plane $$\mathbb {K}^2$$

K

2

, where $$\mathbb {K}$$
K
is $$\mathbb {R}$$
R
or $$\mathbb {C}$$
C
. Our goal is to study the singular point map $$\mathfrak {S}_d$$

S
d

, it sends polynomials f of degree d to their singular points $$\Sigma (f)$$

Σ
(
f
)

. Very roughly speaking, a polynomial f is essentially determined when any other g sharing the singular points of f satisfies that $$f = \lambda g$$

f
=
λ
g

; here both are polynomials of degree d, $$\lambda \in \mathbb {K}^* $$

λ
∈

K

∗

. In order to describe the degree d essentially determined polynomials, a computation of the required number of isolated singular points $$\delta (d)$$

δ
(
d
)

is provided. A dichotomy appears for the values of $$\delta (d)$$

δ
(
d
)

; depending on a certain parity, the space of essentially determined polynomials is an open or closed Zariski set. We compute the map $$\mathfrak {S}_{3}$$

S
3

, describing under what conditions a configuration of 4 points leads to a degree 3 essentially determined polynomial. Furthermore, we describe explicitly configurations supporting degree 3 non essential determined polynomials. The quotient space of essentially determined polynomials of degree 3 up to the action of the affine group $$\hbox { Aff}\hspace{1.42271pt}(\mathbb {K}^2)$$

Aff

(

K

2

)

determines a singular $$\mathbb {K}$$
K
-analytic surface.
Management of patients with proximal femur fractures under DOACs
Authors: Maegele Marc
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In the past, preinjury direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) intake has led to delays in time to surgery (TTS) in patients with proximal femur fractures and delays in surgery have been associated with impaired outcomes. Although healthcare institutions/federal committees have set rules for treatment within 24 h of injury, comprehensive guidelines for the perioperative management of these patients, in particular when on preinjury DOACs, are still lacking. This contribution aims to summarize the current evidence on the safe time window for surgery in patients with proximal femur fractures on preinjury DOACs and to outline therapeutic options if emergency DOAC reversal becomes necessary.

Methods

Narrative review based upon selective review of the pertinent literature.

Results

For the majority of patients with proximal femur fractures and on preinjury DOACs, early surgery appears safe as soon as medical clearance has been obtained. There may be an increase in the need for blood products but with data not yet conclusive. Work-up including assessment of remaining anticoagulant activity and potential reversal should be restricted to patients at risk for bleeding complications, in particular in the presence of renal/hepatic impairment. Methodology for rapid assessment of DOACs including quantitative/qualitative concentration levels is work in progress. In the case of bleeding, rapidly acting reversal agents are available.

Conclusion

Preinjury DOAC use should not routinely delay surgery in patients with proximal femur fractures.
Comparative life cycle assessment of aluminium and CFRP composites: the case of aerospace manufacturing
Authors: Atescan-Yuksek Yagmur , Mills Andrew , Ayre David , Koziol Krzysztof , Salonitis Konstantinos
Published: February 2024

As climate change intensifies and existing resources are depleted, the need for sustainable industries becomes more important. The aviation industry is actively addressing environmental concerns by enhancing fuel efficiency and adopting lighter materials, especially carbon fibre composites. Research has proven that the use of carbon fibre composites provides cumulative benefits in reducing fuel consumption over the entire life cycle of an aircraft. However, existing studies are lack of a comprehensive exploration of the diverse impacts associated with composite manufacturing processes and recycling methods. To address this gap, a comparative life cycle assessment analysis covering the materials’ manufacturing, operation, and end-of-life phases is conducted. This analysis includes aluminium alloy and five different carbon fibre composite materials produced with varied constituents and manufacturing methods. Composite manufacturing processes, encompassing carbon fibre production, resin selection, and composite manufacturing methods, are considered. Weight savings based on the mechanical properties of utilised composite type are also taken into account. Results highlight the potential to mitigate the environmental impact of composite materials through strategic choices in constituent types, manufacturing processes, and disposal scenarios. Moreover, break-even distances indicate that aluminium becomes more environmentally detrimental than the analysed composite structures beyond a flight distance of 300,000 km.
CaMKIIa+ neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulate pace of natural reward seeking depending on internal state
Authors: Huijgens Patty T. , Heijkoop Roy , Vanderschuren Louk J.M.J. , Lesscher Heidi M.B. , Snoeren Eelke M.S.
Published: February 2024

This study aims to investigate the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that regulate natural reward seeking behaviors, specifically in the context of sexual behavior and sucrose self-administration. The role of CaMKIIa+ neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) was explored using chemogenetic silencing and -stimulation. Additionally, the study examined how these effects interacted with the internal state of the animals. Through detailed behavioral analysis, it was demonstrated that CaMKIIa+ neurons in the BNST play a significant role in the regulation of both sexual behavior and sucrose self-administration. Although the behavioral outcome measures differed between the two behaviors, the regulatory role of the CaMKIIa+ neurons in the BNST was found to converge on the modulation of the pacing of engagement in these behaviors in male rats. Moreover, our study confirmed that the internal physiological state of the animal affects how the BNST modulates these behaviors. These findings suggest that different types of natural rewards may recruit a similar brain circuitry to regulate the display of motivated behaviors. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying natural reward seeking and sheds light on the interconnected nature of reward-related behaviors in male rats.