bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐efficiency design of multifunctional radar absorbing honeycomb structures for enhanced ultrathin, broadband, and load‐bearing performance
Authors: Li Yuexuan , Han Yiwei , Ji Zhengjiang , Cheng Linhao , Li Maoyuan , Wang Xi , Zhu Youxin , Yan Leilei , Zheng Xitao
Published: February 2025

With the rapid advancements in anti‐stealth technology and electronic reliability, radar absorbing structures urgently need to achieve electromagnetic‐mechanical enhancement. However, the drawback of the current frequency selective surface (FSS) film still affects the interfacial strength of the structures, limiting the improvement of the mechanical performance. This work proposed an ultrathin, broadband, and load‐bearing integrated radar absorbing honeycomb structure (RAHS), fabricated via a high‐efficiency multi‐manufacturing approach, replacing the traditional FSS film. The result reveals that optimizing the structural geometry and resistance of the interlocked functional honeycomb (F‐HC), FSS‐laminate, and polylactic acid honeycomb lattice cores, the optimal RAHS can achieve an excellent absorption bandwidth of 35.30 GHz (absorptivity>87%) under TE polarization at a thickness of only 9 mm with a density of 0.55 kg m−3 as well as possess outstanding compressive strength of 21.9 MPa and energy absorption of 6.43 MJ m−3, increasing of 200% compared with RASH (without lattice cores). Notably, the proposed electromagnetic mechanism demonstrates that the electromagnetic synergistic effects originate from the electromagnetic loss capabilities of F‐HC and the L‐C resonance and resistance between the square loop and square patch, and the gradient impedance matching between FSS‐laminate and F‐HC with lattice cores. The multi‐stage effect between the interlocked square F‐HC structure and the hexagonal honeycomb lattice cores significantly enhances the energy absorption performance. This work provides a high‐efficiency pathway for achieving high‐performance electromagnetic functional structures.

Highlights

RAHS is designed for ultrathin, broadband, and load‐bearing integration.

The multi‐manufacturing approach of RAHS effectively resolved the drawbacks of the current FSS film.

Filling lattice cores enhanced compressive strength by 200%, and energy absorption by 793%.

The multi‐stage effect between the F‐HC and lattice cores enhanced the mechanical performance of RAHS.

Electromagnetic synergy improved broadband of RAHS via FSS‐laminate and lattice cores.
Operate for the Harmony: The Relationship Between Emerging Technologies and Legal System
Authors: Fan Zhuohao
Published: February 2025

The innovation of emerging technologies has raised more demands on the law. In order to explore the relationship between emerging technologies and the legal system, this paper is based on Luhmann's systems theory, considering emerging technologies as products of scientific system. It constructs a static structural relationship between ‘scientific systems–social environment–legal systems.’ Additionally, it incorporates Prigogine's dissipative structure theory, supplementing the dynamic interaction process of energy among the three by redefining fluctuations and entropy values. There are actually two types of relationships between emerging technologies and the legal system: direct and indirect. The direct relationship involves the social environment as an intermediary. Emerging technologies participate in the operation of the legal system through social response, being outputted to the social environment. It forms the total energy of the environmental input system together with social expectations and then participates in the operation after being filtered by the screening diaphragm within the legal system. The indirect relationship operates through the structural coupling between the two systems. Emerging technologies themselves, as self‐referential entities within the legal system, participate in the operation. They indirectly influence the operation of the legal system through the entropy of their own operation in the scientific system.
Assessing the clinical meaningfulness of slowing CDR‐SB progression with disease‐modifying therapies for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hartz Sarah M. , Schindler Suzanne E. , Streitz Marissa L. , Moulder Krista L. , Mozersky Jessica , Wang Guoqiao , Xiong Chengjie , Morris John C.
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION

For many patients and caregivers, a major goal of disease‐modifying treatments (DMTs) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia is to extend independence in instrumental and basic activities of daily living (IADLs and BADLs). The goal of this study was to estimate the effect of treatments on the time remaining independent in IADLs and BADLs.

METHODS

Participants at the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center (Knight ADRC) who met eligibility criteria for recent DMT trials were studied: age ≥60 years at baseline, clinical diagnosis of very mild or mild AD dementia (global Clinical Dementia Rating [CDR] score 0.5 or 1), biomarker confirmation of amyloid pathology, and at least one follow‐up CDR assessment within 5 years. For IADLs, a subset of the Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ) was examined that rated the degree of independence in the following: paying bills, driving, remembering medications and appointments, and preparing meals. For BADLs, the Personal Care domain of the CDR was used. Mixed‐effects logistic and ordinal regression models were used to examine the relationship between CDR Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB) and the individual functional outcomes and their components. The change in CDR‐SB over time was estimated with linear mixed‐effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 282 participants were followed for an average of 2.9 years (standard deviation [SD] 1.3 years). For 50% of individuals, loss of independence in IADLs occurred at CDR‐SB >4.5 and in BADLs at CDR‐SB >11.5. For individuals with a baseline CDR‐SB = 2, treatment with lecanemab would extend independence in IADLs for 10 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 4–18 months) and treatment with donanemab in the low/medium tau group would extend independence in IADLs by 13 months (95% CI 6–24 months).

DISCUSSION

Independence in ADLs can be related to CDR‐SB and used to demonstrate the effect of AD treatments in extending the time of independent function, a meaningful outcome for patients and their families.

Highlights

We estimated time to loss of independence for people with AD dementia

Estimating time to loss of independence can help with clinical decision‐making

Disease‐modifying treatments for AD dementia can extend independence
Video Killed the Radio Star—A Meta‐Analysis on Video‐Based Coaching to Improve Surgical Skill
Authors: Anderson Steven Mark , Gillanders Sarahlouise , Hickey Anne , Offiah Gozie , Davis Niall
Published: February 2025

Background

The surgical trainee of today completes their postgraduate training with significantly less exposure than their mentors. The enforced reduced working hours, along with other factors, have created a gap in surgical training. Video‐based coaching (VBC) provides an opportunity to improve the surgical technical skill without needing to increase surgical volume. The aim on this study is to investigate the effect of VBC on the surgical technical skill.

Methods

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Bias was assessed for using The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. The study was prospectively registered in the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/sp8rb). Multiple subgroup analyses and meta‐analyses were carried out, with results reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) in performance scores and presented as forest plots.

Results

A total of 15 studies comprising 382 participants were included in the final analysis. From these 15 studies, 201 participants received VBC following a range of surgical procedures. On meta‐analyses, the average performance scores for VBC were significantly higher than the controls (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.37, 1.04, Z = 4.15, and p < 0.0001) as were the average change scores from baseline to final performance (SMD 0.98 [95% CI 0.61, 1.35, Z = 5.19, and p < 0.0001]). Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of VBC participants across the studies found VBC to a be useful training tool.

Conclusions

This review represents the most comprehensive assessment of the impact of VBC in surgery and demonstrates it to be an effective training tool in improving surgical technical skill acquisition. Training bodies around the world should now look at how best to formally integrate VBC into conventional surgical training.
1/N corrections in QCD2: small mass limit and threshold states
Authors: Kochergin Ilia V.
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In this paper we investigate 1/N corrections to mesonic spectrum in 1 + 1-dimensional Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD2) with fundamental quarks using effective Hamiltonian method. We express the corrections in terms of ’t Hooft equation solutions. First, we consider 2-flavor model with a heavy and a light quark. We show that, in contrast to some claims in earlier literature, the 1/N correction to the mass of the heavy-light meson remains finite when the light quark mass is taken to zero. Nevertheless, the corrections become significantly larger in this limit; we attribute this to the presence of massless modes in the spectrum. We also study the corrections to the lightest meson mass in 1-flavor model and show that they are consistent with recent numerical data, but not with the prediction coming from bosonization. Then we study low energy effective theory for 2 flavors. We show that the 3-meson interaction vertex correctly reproduces Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) coupling when both quarks become massless. This coupling does not change even if one of the quarks is massive. We employ Discretized Light Cone Quatization (DLCQ) to check the continuum results and show that the improved version can be used for small quark mass. Finally, we study the states associated with 1 → 2 meson thresholds. Using degenerate perturbation theory, we show that when the decay is allowed by parity, the infinite N theory has near-threshold bound states that mix one- and two-meson parts. They are 1/3 two-meson and 2/3 one-meson and the corrections to their masses have unusual scaling ∼ 1/N
2/3.
1/2 BPS Wilson loops in non-conformal $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 gauge theories and localization: a three-loop analysis
Authors: Billò M. , Griguolo L. , Testa A.
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We study the 1/2 BPS circular Wilson loop in four-dimensional SU(N)

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 SYM theories with massless hypermultiplets and non-vanishing β-function. Using supersymmetric localization on 𝕊4, we map the path-integral associated with this observable onto an interacting matrix model. Despite the breaking of conformal symmetry at the quantum level, we show that, within a specific regime, the matrix model predictions remain consistent with the perturbative results in flat space up to order g
6. At this order, our analysis reveals that the reorganization of Feynman diagrams based on the matrix model interaction potential, widely tested in (super)conformal models, also applies to these non-conformal set-ups and is realized by interference mechanisms.
Local Decay Estimates
Authors: Soffer Avy , Wu Xiaoxu
Published: February 2025

We give a proof of local decay estimates for Schrödinger-type equations, which is based on the knowledge of Asymptotic Completeness. This approach extends to time dependent potential perturbations, as it does not rely on Resolvent Estimates or related methods. Global in time Strichartz estimates follow for quasi-periodic time-dependent potentials from our results.
HS-SPME–GC–MS analysis and consumer acceptance of blackcurrant juices made with innovative and conventional dejuicing systems
Authors: Wagner Annette , Zimmermann Lisa , Nagypál Jelena , Kiene Florian , Schuessler Christoph , Tarasov Andrii , Jung Rainer , Will Frank , Schweiggert Ralf , Steingass Christof Björn
Published: February 2025

Due to their importance for sensory perception, volatiles of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) juices obtained using three pressing systems in two subsequent years were assessed by HS-SPME–GC–MS. The 35 volatiles assigned comprised 15 terpenes, 10 terpenoids, six esters, two aldehydes and each one alcohol and norterpenoid. The aroma impact compound 4-methoxy-2-methyl-2-butanethiol (4MMB) was additionally quantitated by GC–SIM-MS after derivatization and solid phase extraction. Spiral filter press processing under exclusion of oxygen resulted in higher total concentrations of volatiles in the juices (3022 and 4865 μg/100 mL in 2019 and 2020, respectively) compared to those obtained using the conventional systems horizontal filter press and decanter (860–2122 μg/100 mL). Multivariate statistics permitted the clustering of the samples according to both, the pressing systems and year of processing and to deduce tentative marker compounds mostly contributing to their differentiation. Spiral filter pressed juices stood out for elevated levels of especially oxidation-sensitive terpenes. Levels of 4MMB ranged between 3.6 and 4.8 ng/100 mL among all samples. However, descriptive sensory analyses (n = 15 trained panelists) found only insignificant differences among the descriptor intensities comparing blackcurrant juices and nectars produced thereof for sensory analyses, each produced with the aforementioned three technologies. By contrast, consumer acceptance and preference tests (n = 51 consumers) showed a significant preference of the decanter made juice and the nectar derived thereof, accompanied by low ratings for the spiral filter pressed juices.
Assessment of chemical composition and in vitro and in silico anticarcinogenic activity of bee bread samples from Eastern Anatolia (Kars)
Authors: Gülbaz Güven , Akbaba Giray Buğra , Öztürkkan Füreya Elif
Published: February 2025

In this study, aqueous extracts of bee bread samples collected from five different regions in Eastern Anatolia (Kars, Turkey) were obtained by ultrasonic wave-assisted extraction method. Moisture, ash, acidity and pH values of bee bread samples were measured. Phenolic components of aqueous extracts were determined by LC-HRMS method. The cytotoxicity of these extracts on colon (DLD-1), breast (MCF-7), cervix (HeLa) and prostate cancer (PC-3) cells was determined by the MTT method. The interactions of genistein, naringenin and vitamin C, which are major components of the extracts, with important cancer targets such as human thymidylate synthase, c-MYC transcription factor, cyclin-dependent kinase and androgen receptor prostate cancer targets were investigated by Molecular Docking method. According to the findings, all extracts caused higher cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cancer cells compared to other cell lines, while they caused low cytotoxicity on PC-3 cells. Molecular Docking results show that the naringenin compound, whose anticarcinogenic effects have been supported by previous studies, may be a successful agent in inhibiting the active sites of selected cancer cell targets. When all these results are evaluated, it is recommended that the antitumoral effect of bee bread for the treatment of cancer disease be supported by further studies.
Convergence of the Stochastic Navier–Stokes-$$\alpha $$ Solutions Toward the Stochastic Navier–Stokes Solutions
Authors: Doghman Jad , Goudenège Ludovic
Published: February 2025

Loosely speaking, the Navier–Stokes-

$$\alpha $$

α

model and the Navier–Stokes equations differ by a spatial filtration parametrized by a scale denoted

$$\alpha $$

α

. Starting from a strong two-dimensional solution to the Navier–Stokes-

$$\alpha $$

α

model driven by a multiplicative noise, we demonstrate that it generates a strong solution to the stochastic Navier–Stokes equations under the condition

$$\alpha \rightarrow 0$$

α
→
0

. The initially introduced probability space and the Wiener process are maintained throughout the investigation, thanks to a local monotonicity property that abolishes the use of Skorokhod’s theorem. High spatial regularity a priori estimates for the fluid velocity vector field are carried out within periodic boundary conditions.
Associations between female sex hormones, estrous cycle, ischemic preconditioning and myocardial infarct size after ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Pylova Tetiana , Elmahdy Ahmed , Krasnikova Maryna , Jha Abhishek , Andersson Erik Axel , Kakaei Yalda , Shekka Espinosa Aaron , Al-Awar Amin , Zulfaj Ermir , Nejat Amirali , Sevastianova Valentyna , Kalani Mana , Ryberg Henrik , Tivesten Åsa , Omerovic Elmir , Redfors Björn
Published: February 2025

Studies on sex differences in myocardial infarction (MI) typically focus on males versus females, the exploration of hormonal physiologic variations and their impact on the infarct size remains limited. The objective of this study was to examine whether infarct size after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in female rats differs in different phases of the estrous cycle, and according to the levels of sex hormones; and to assess whether the effect of ischemic preconditioning on infarct size varies in different phases of the estrous cycle and between sexes. Female rats were divided into three groups based on the estrous cycle: proestrus, estrus, and diestrus. A fourth group consisted of ovariectomized female rats. Male rats were included as a fifth group, and orchiectomized males as a sixth group. Each group underwent ischemia/reperfusion injury, with or without prior ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Plasma sex hormone levels were measured with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Females in the proestrus showed significantly smaller infarct size compared to all other groups. Multivariable analyses identified proestrus, IPC, and estradiol as independent predictors of smaller infarct size while male sex and gonadectomy as independent predictors of larger infarct size. There was a statistical interaction between IPC and both sex and hormonal status, with a greater protective effect of IPC on infarct size in males and gonadectomized rats. After ischemia–reperfusion, proestrus female rats developed the smallest while male and gonadectomized rats the largest infarct size. Conversely, IPC conferred greater cardioprotection in male and gonadectomized rats than females in proestrus.
Isolated Kalman filtering: theory and decoupled estimator design
Authors: Jung Roland , Luft Lukas , Weiss Stephan
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we propose a state decoupling strategy for Kalman filtering problems, when the dynamics of individual estimates are decoupled and their outputs are sparsely coupled. The algorithm is termed Isolated Kalman Filtering (IsoKF) and exploits the sparsity in the output coupling by applying approximations that mitigate the need for non-involved estimates. We prove that the approximations made during the isolated coupling of estimates are based on an implicit maximum determinant completion of the incomplete a priori covariance matrix. The steady state behavior is studied on eleven different observation graphs and a buffering scheme to support delayed (i.e. out-of-order) measurements is proposed. We discussed handling of delayed measurements in both, an optimal or a suboptimal way. The credibility of the isolated estimates are evaluated on a linear and nonlinear toy example in Monte Carlo simulations. The presented paradigm is made available online to the community within a generic C++ estimation framework supporting both, modular sensor fusion and collaborative state estimation.
Dynamics of pesticide residues in soils during the growing season: a case study in peach orchards, east-central Portugal
Authors: Veloso Abel , Silva Vera , Osman Rima , Simões Maria Paula , do Carmo Horta Maria , Geissen Violette
Published: February 2025

Permanent crops rely heavily on pesticides. Their short-term behaviour has already been characterised under laboratory conditions. However, their degradation in the field is still poorly understood. Furthermore, studies that relate pesticide residues in soil with their application history are still scarce, despite their relevance for inferring the historical and diffuse dimensions of pollution. This work explores the spatial and temporal dynamics of pesticide residues in soil under the light of their application records and the accuracy of the predicted environmental concentrations (PEC). To achieve these purposes, 270 soil samples were collected at 5 sampling times over the 2022 growing season, in 18 peach orchards from east-central Portugal. Moreover, the data extracted from the application records was used to obtain predicted levels which were compared with the measured results. A total of 37 residues were analysed. Overall, 32 of these were detected back in, at least, one sample. Glyphosate and AMPA were the most frequently found and had the highest median concentrations. The comparison between predicted and measured environmental concentrations (MEC) suggests that pesticide decay was generally slower than expected. Glyphosate, AMPA, fluopyram and tebuconazole showed a high potential for resulting in background concentrations in soil. Our results highlight the need for regular and comprehensive monitoring, being recommended long-term assessments of the persistence and fate of pesticides under realistic conditions. Furthermore, our results also stress the necessity of more studies on reasons for PEC-MEC mismatch, a factor of concern considering the regulatory relevance of PEC values.
Influence of feeding time on daily rhythms of locomotor activity, clock genes, and epigenetic mechanisms in the liver and hypothalamus of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Samorì Elisa , Rodríguez Inmaculada , Oliver José Antonio , Sánchez-Vázquez Francisco Javier , López-Olmeda José Fernando
Published: February 2025

The circadian system plays a crucial role in most physiological processes. The molecular clock is linked to epigenetic mechanisms, both of which are influenced by nutrient status and, consequently, to feeding. This research investigated how feeding times (mid-light, ML, vs. mid-dark, MD) synchronize daily rhythms of behavior, clock genes, and epigenetic mechanisms in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), focusing on hypothalamus and liver to assess the impact on central and peripheral pacemakers. Feeding at MD influenced the molecular clock of the hypothalamus, causing shifts in acrophases (peaks) for genes of the negative loop (per1b, per2, cry1a). In the liver, the ML fed group showed rhythmic expression for all clock genes, whereas only per2 maintained the rhythms in the MD group. Epigenetic genes related to methylation (dnmt1, dnmt3a) and demethylation (tet2, gadd45aa, mbd4) in the liver displayed rhythmic expression in the ML group, but only dnmt3a maintained the rhythm in the MD group. Nutrient-related factors (SAM and SAH) showed differences between day and night, suggesting a different utilization based on feeding times. Finally, sirt1, a gene involved in deacetylation, displayed a clear daily rhythm in the ML group. All epigenetic genes peaked during the night (resting phase). Overall, these findings indicated feeding time serves as a potent zeitgeber, synchronizing circadian clock and epigenetic rhythms in the liver, with peaks during the resting phase, suggesting this phase represents the adequate time for epigenetic modifications.
Tricuspid regurgitation after heart transplantation: where innovation and intervention are in hibernation
Authors: Alyaydin Emyal , Gotschy Alexander , Parianos Danaë , Nägele Matthias P. , Tudorache Igor , Flammer Andreas J. , Stehli Julia
Published: February 2025

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common valvular dysfunction following heart transplantation (HT), with reported prevalence rates ranging from 19 to 84%, primarily depending on the duration of follow-up. Its etiology is multifactorial and includes surgical technique, ischemic time, primary graft dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, pacemaker leads, and endomyocardial biopsies. Severe TR can significantly impair graft function, exercise capacity, and patient survival. This mini-review explores current management strategies, including surgical techniques such as annuloplasty and tricuspid valve replacement. HT patients are often high-risk surgical candidates due to factors such as immunosuppressive therapy, prior surgeries, and various comorbidities. Therefore, we primarily focus on the evidence regarding emerging interventional methods, such as transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. Although these interventions show promising early results, they remain relatively novel in HT recipients, and the current evidence is based on case reports and small studies. Further research is essential to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of these management strategies to enhance outcomes for HT recipients with TR.

Graphical Abstract
Cloud-based semi-quantum money
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Jin Siyuan , Huang Yuhan , Zeng Bei , Shao Qiming
Published: February 2025

In the 1970s, Wiesner introduced the concept of quantum money, where quantum states serve as currency, offering physical-level unforgeability through quantum mechanics. Yet, traditional proposals often unrealistically assume personal quantum computing access for each user. To address these issues, we propose a cloud-based semi-quantum money (CSQM) scheme. This approach only requires semi-honest third-party quantum clouds, while the rest of the system, including transactions and banks, remains fully classical. We also estimate the computational power required by the quantum cloud and provide a thorough security analysis. Our approach significantly reduces the quantum resource demands on local users and facilitates seamless integration with current classical systems.
Reading subtyping of Arabic-speaking university students: a contribution to the accuracy vs. rate model of dyslexia
Authors: Tarabya Bahaa Madi , Andria Samer , Khateb Asaid
Published: February 2025

The current study sought to examine the existence of reading subtypes based on specific accuracy and rate criteria in dyslexia among a non-clinical sample of 120 Arabic-speaking University students and to characterize their reading-related and linguistic skills. For this aim, we relied on a conventional practice in reading disability literature based on a 25th percentile low achievement cut-offs. All students were examined using a battery of reading, linguistic, and cognitive tasks. The analysis conducted here provided partial support for the validity of the subtyping approach based on the accuracy and rate achievements and showed that ~ 12.5% of the sample could be defined as low accuracy (LA), ~ 10.8% as low rate (LR), and ~ 10.8% as a combined doubly low subtype (DL). The results showed that the combined DL group exhibited the lowest scores in all reading-related and linguistic tasks. Also, specific response patterns were found for LA and LR subtypes in reading-related pseudowords’ decoding and phonological awareness measures. These findings, the first to provide insights into the question of adult dyslexia through analysis of reading subtypes among Arabic-speaking students, are discussed in relation to previous findings in the literature among speakers of other languages. The data presented here provide new support for the adequacy of the accuracy vs. rate model of dyslexia among adults and stress the need for developing different interventions for the different reading subtypes.
Artificial neural network for performance modelling of shape memory alloy
Authors: Sivaraos  , Phanden Rakesh Kumar , Lee K. Y. Sara , Abdullah E. J. , Kumaran K. , Al-Obaidi A. S. M. , Devarajan R.
Published: February 2025

In recent years, significant strides in technological advancement have revolutionized our lifestyles, driving a surge in demand for multifunctional and intelligent materials. Among these materials, Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) stands out for its unique ability to memorize and revert to its original shape through phase transformation. Despite its remarkable properties, SMAs exhibit a minor limitation in accurately retaining their original shape or length. Furthermore, there is a notable dearth of information regarding the modelling of SMA behaviour with high precision. This study endeavors to address these challenges by integrating experimental data with neural network modelling to comprehensively examine SMA behaviour for mechanical applications. Leveraging an experimental dataset, this research employs feedforward backpropagation neural network (BPNN) modelling to forecast the strain recovery of SMA Nitinol alloy. The model aims to predict the recovery strain of SMA by utilizing three input parameters: temperature conditional, number of coils, and initial length. Remarkably, the achieved error rates of 0.29%, 0.80%, and 9.20% for various strain measurements significantly undercut the commonly accepted error threshold of 10% for nonlinear data predictions in SMA behaviour. The final results underscore the high prediction accuracy of the Artificial Neural Network (ANN), offering promising prospects for SMA applications involving temperature-strain interactions and enhancing engineering design.
Single-use versus reusable ureterorenoscoop: afwegingen voor keuze in de dagelijkse praktijk met het oog op uitkomsten, kosten en duurzaamheid
Authors: Zhu Xiaoye , Altobelli Emanuela , Kamphuis Guido M.
Published: February 2025

Samenvatting

Onderzoeken tonen geen verschil in uitkomsten en complicaties bij de vergelijking van single-use en reusable ureterorenoscopen. Qua kosten is het afhankelijk van de aanschaf, de reparatie, het sterilisatieproces en het aantal procedures hoe lang een reusable scoop gemiddeld meegaat. Hoewel de carbon footprint voor een reusable scoop gevoelsmatig lager is, is deze afhankelijk van de CO2-uitstoot bij dezelfde stappen: productie, vervoer, en zo nodig sterilisatie en opnieuw verpakken. Life cycle assessments zijn niet voorhanden of van beperkte kwaliteit en voor zover bekend vergelijkbaar tussen de twee scopen. Voor nu lijkt het advies voor een gemiddeld- tot grootvolumecentrum om naast reusable ureterorenoscopen bij procedures waarbij de kans op schade verhoogd is single-use ureterorenoscopen te gebruiken.
Reconciling Product Flexibility with Cost, Delivery, and Quality: The Importance of Bundling Mass Customization Practices
Authors: Trentin Alessio , Sandrin Enrico , Suzic Svetlana , Grosso Chiara , Forza Cipriano
Published: February 2025

Reconciling product flexibility with cost, delivery, and quality is an ambidextrous organizational capability known as mass customization capability. This study focuses on how this capability is affected by the joint implementation of three organizational practices––knowledge absorption from customers, product modularity, and online sales configurator use––that directly correspond to the three fundamental building blocks of mass customization identified by prior, influential research. By drawing upon a central tenet of resource orchestration theory, the fit-as-covariation perspective, and prior mass customization research, we conceptually develop the hypothesis that the fit-as-covariation of these practices has a stronger positive association with mass customization capability than the same practices implemented in isolation. This hypothesis was tested using covariance-based structural equation modeling and survey data from 213 manufacturing plants in three industries across 16 countries. Our results support the hypothesis, showing that the joint effect of these practices explains substantially more mass customization capability variation (41.9%) than their isolated effects (13.9%). This amount of variation indicates an effect size that is greater than that reported by most previous survey-based studies on the antecedents of this capability. Theoretically, this paper adds to the relatively limited body of knowledge on the relationships among the enablers of mass customization by highlighting the benefits of a holistic approach in the implementation of the three practices under investigation. Pragmatically, this study helps companies create flexible systems that are able to provide customized products without compromising cost, delivery, or quality.
Investigation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar joints of PBF-LB/IN718 to AISI 316L by laser welding
Authors: Chozaki Saeid Parchegani , Piili Heidi , Afkhami Shahriar , Amraei Mohsen , Salminen Antti
Published: February 2025

In this study, nickel-based superalloy, Alloy 718 (IN718), processed by powder bed fusion, was welded to wrought AISI 316L using laser welding. The effect of building direction, pre-weld heat treatment, and laser linear energy density on the weld strength of the dissimilar joints was examined. It was shown that employing a lower energy density improved the mechanical performance of the joints, resulting in the highest ultimate tensile strength. The joints in the as-built condition resulted in superior mechanical properties than the joints in heat treated condition. The hardness values of the joints were dependent on whether the PBF-LB/IN718 specimens were in heat-treated (HT) or as-built (AB) condition. The average hardness value at the fusion zone (FZ) of the HT joints was lower than that of the AB joints. Furthermore, the ductility of the HT joints was substantially reduced at higher energy densities while the AB joints showed relatively similar ductility at various energy densities. The loss of ductility was attributed to more pores formation at the FZ of the HT joints as a result of higher degree of oxide contamination following the heat treatment process. In this regard, these porosities can be deemed more detrimental to the joint than the solidification cracks (micro-cracks) following the secondary phases precipitations of Laves and carbides. Finally, the mechanical properties of the joints were unaffected by the build orientation of their additively manufactured base metal.
Thin and Flexible Breeze-Sense Generators for Non-Contact Haptic Feedback in Virtual Reality
Authors: Zhang Kaijun , Liu Zhe , Zhou Yexi , Li Zhaoyang , Zhao Dazhe , Guan Xiao , Lan Tianjun , Gong Yanting , Zhou Bingpu , Zhong Junwen
Published: February 2025

In the realm of virtual reality (VR), haptic feedback is integral to enhance the immersive experience; yet, existing wearable devices predominantly rely on skin contact feedback, lacking options for compact and non-contact breeze-sense feedback. Herein, we propose a compact and non-contact working model piezoelectret actuator for providing a gentle and safe breeze sensation. This easy-fabricated and flexible breeze-sense generator with thickness around 1 mm generates air flow pressure up to ~ 163 Pa, which is significantly sensed by human skin. In a typical demonstration, the breeze-sense generators array showcases its versatility by employing multiple coded modes for non-contact information transmitting. The thin thinness and good flexibility facilitate seamless integration with wearable VR setups, and the wearable arrays empower volunteers to precisely perceive the continuous and sudden breeze senses in the virtual environments. This work is expected to inspire developing new haptic feedback devices that play pivotal roles in human–machine interfaces for VR applications.
Cardiac Safety Using a Swine Surrogate Model for a New Concept Conducted Electrical Weapon—The TASER® T10
Authors: Dawes D. M. , Ho J. D. , Kunz S. N. , Halperin H. R. , Knack S. K.
Published: February 2025

Axon Enterprise, Inc. has developed a new concept Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW). Instead of the traditional electrically paired two- or four-probe design, the new CEW uses variable probe polarity with ten independently targeted probes. With this design, electrical connections can occur between any connected probes. With ten probes independently targeted, the manufacturer is expecting field efficacy to be higher than the traditional CEW designs. With the capability of up to ten probes on target (the current firmware limits the total connections between probes to 4), the possibility of anterior–posterior transthoracic connections, probes potentially rapidly alternating polarity (which has never been studied), and a new waveform that varies with the load, this new CEW presents new areas for cardiac safety study. The authors used their previously published swine cardiac safety surrogate testing model using hypotensive cardiac capture and ventricular fibrillation as the clinical endpoints to compare the new CEW to two prior generation CEW models, the TASER 7™ and the TASER X26E™, specifically examining multiple probes, anterior–posterior connections, and rapid alternating probe polarities. The drop in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) during exposures or ventricular fibrillation was the primary end point of interest. The exposure groups were two probes, two probes anterior–posterior, three probes, and four probes. There were a total of 265 thoracic (≥ one probe on the chest) exposures over five swine. A Kruskal–Wallis test assessing for differences in MAP change by weapon did not show any difference (p = 0.35). There were no instances of ventricular fibrillation. Based on this study, there was not a statistical difference between the CEWs in the clinical endpoints of interest. There was an increase in MAP drop with anterior–posterior connections compared to matched anterior-only connections with the TASER 10. This connection was not studied with the other weapons.
Promoting Physical (Ecological) Literacy through Physical Education: Everyone’s Response-ability in a World Gasping for Air
Authors: Peters Jacqui
Published: February 2025

Braidotti describes the world as gasping for air as collectively we face a range of socioecological challenges. Young people are important actors in these challenges, making schools a critical space for this work. Physical education (PE) can contribute through promoting relevant embodied encounters that develop students’ physical literacies (PL). Noting the recent moves to extend the notion of a physically literate individual to include the ecological, alongside the Australian Curriculum that requires teachers to attend to their learning area, cross-curriculum priorities and general capabilities including sustainability and ethical capabilities, there are exciting possibilities for developing students’ PL to confront these challenges. Despite these opportunities, for PE to contribute meaningfully, teachers must progress from PE represented by sport techniques, linear pedagogies and driven by competition to PE that engages students to think and act differently in the world, ethically, ontologically and epistemologically. Using autoethnography, this paper presents vignettes to outline current issues and possibilities for PE. Through a posthuman lens, positioning teachers and students as learners who are always becoming, with the capacity to affect and be affected, it is possible to achieve the intended curriculum and develop young people’s capacities to make a meaningful contribution to the socioecological challenges we face.
Do the Lights Stay on? Deployment and Withdrawal of Peacekeepers and Their Effect on Local Economic Development
Authors: Cil Deniz , Fjelde Hanne , Hultman Lisa , Metternich Nils W. , Nilsson Desirée
Published: February 2025

How does the deployment and withdrawal of UN peacekeepers affect local economic development in civil war countries? This study provides a large-N subnational analysis across UN peacekeeping operations that assesses their impact on the local economy both during deployment and after their withdrawal. We expect a positive association between UN peacekeeping and economic development. Besides providing a sizeable cash injection into the economy, peacekeepers can safeguard both the resumption of everyday economic exchanges at the grassroots level and the influx of aid and development projects. To test this, we combine subnational data on peacekeeping deployments with high-resolution data on nightlight emissions. Results from two-way fixed effects models, using matching, show that a more sizable peacekeeping presence can help boost economic activity in their area of operation. Importantly, we identify a slow but positive economic development in areas of deployment after peacekeepers withdraw, which is confirmed in a DiD estimation approach.
Conflict Abroad and Political Trust at Home: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Klymak Margaryta , Vlandas Tim
Published: February 2025

Do conflicts abroad affect trust at home? While we know that conflicts impact trust in warring countries, we lack evidence on whether people in neighbouring, but non-involved, countries are also affected. We address this question in the case of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which represented a large shock to the security and economy of European countries. Our identification strategy uses the overlap between the timing of the Russian invasion and the European Social Survey fieldwork in eleven European countries. We find that the invasion increased respondents’ trust in their country’s politicians, political parties, and national parliament, as well as satisfaction with the government. Further analyses using other surveys and previous conflicts suggest this effect depends on proximity to the conflict and the political regimes of the attacked country. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex and indirect effects of conflicts on domestic political trust.
A Democracy of Authorities: Broken Windows Policing and the Neoconservative Political Theory of Law and Order
Authors: Ward Milo
Published: February 2025

Neoliberalism provides a compelling explanation for how city governments satisfy private capital interests by slashing social welfare spending and criminalizing the racialized poverty it unleashes. However, neoliberalism cannot account for why the politics of law and order also often find support from within overpoliced communities. This article claims that underlying broken windows policing is a neoconservative theory of democracy aimed not so much at directly reducing crime or enforcing disorder but at empowering organic community authorities. Specifically, I show how neoconservatives developed this theory of democracy in response to the urban crisis, which they argued was a crisis of authority and not of material deprivation, as welfare liberals believed. This article thus suggests that we understand the project of neoconservatism as aimed at making modern conservatism appealing within an increasingly diverse democracy by cultivating (authoritarian) political attachments between traditional authorities in the community and the police.
Estimation of Entrainment and Detrainment Rates in Cumulus Clouds Using Global Satellite Observations
Authors: Zhu Lei , Wang Yichuan , Zhu Yannian , He Xin , Li Junjun , Wang Yuan , Zhou Yue , Lu Chunsong
Published: February 2025

Parameterizations of entrainment and detrainment rates (ε and δ) are crucial for climate models. Although satellite‐derived estimates of ε are available in the literature, there has been a deficiency in satellite‐based retrievals of δ. To fill this gap, a recently developed approach is applied to satellite observations. The retrieved ε and δ are validated against the aircraft observations confirming the reliability of the satellite‐based ε and δ. Results show that the global ε and δ exhibit significant latitudinal variations and land‐ocean contrast, but no significant interhemispheric differences. Near the equator, ε and δ are relatively low, and they increase with latitude. Both ε and δ are notably higher over oceans (1.62 and 1.33 km−1, respectively) than over land (0.92 and 0.64 km−1, respectively). Furthermore, this global data set can further develop and validate parameterizations of ε and δ in climate models.
Limited Shallow Slip in the 1938 MS 8.3 Alaska Peninsula Earthquake Rupture
Authors: Bai Yefei , Zhi Honghuan , Lay Thorne , Liu Chengli , Ye Lingling , Cheung Kwok Fai
Published: February 2025

The 1938 MS 8.3 and 2021 MW 8.2 earthquakes both ruptured within the Semidi segment of the Aleutian‐Alaska subduction zone. The large‐slip distribution of the 2021 event is well constrained within the depth range 25–45 km, with seaward tsunami observations excluding significant shallower coseismic slip. The 1938 event slip distribution is more uncertain. Regional and far‐field tide gauge observations for the 1938 event are modeled to constrain the location of large coseismic slip. The largest slip (2.0 m) is located below the continental shelf on a 180‐km‐long portion of the rupture extending further northeast than the 2021 rupture, to near Sitkinak Island. Minor slip (1.0 m) extends seaward under the continental slope to 8 km deep, where large slip may have occurred in 1788. The megathrust shallower than 25 km depth to the southwest experienced many small aftershocks and aseismic slip following the 2021 event, and has limited slip deficit.
VLF Transmitter Signals Observed by the Cluster Spacecraft Over a Wide Range of Latitudes
Authors: Němec F. , Santolík O. , Albert J. M.
Published: February 2025

Very low frequency transmitter signals can penetrate through the ionosphere and propagate in the inner magnetosphere, being observed by spacecraft instruments with sufficient frequency resolution and range. We use 23 years of measurements performed by the Waves of High frequency and Sounder for Probing of Electron density by Relaxation instrument on board the four Cluster spacecraft at frequencies up to 80 kHz to investigate the observed wave intensities. The transmitter signals are about an order of magnitude more intense during the night than during the day, and they are apparently confined within the plasmasphere. The extensive latitudinal coverage of the measurements allows us to investigate frequency cut‐offs observed in the transmitter spectra. These are mostly in line with nonducted propagation, but occasional partial ducting seems to be necessary to explain signals spanning otherwise inaccessible regions. Finally, we compare the observed intensity patterns with the calculations of Starks et al. (2020), https://doi.org/10.1029/2019ja027029. Although overall agreement is obtained, the observed wave intensities tend to be a factor of about 2–3 lower than the calculated intensities.
Impact of Ocean, Sea Ice or Atmosphere Initialization on Seasonal Prediction of Regional Antarctic Sea Ice
Authors: Xiu Yongwu , Wang Yiguo , Luo Hao , Garcia‐Oliva Lilian , Yang Qinghua
Published: February 2025

Dynamical modeling is widely utilized for Antarctic sea ice prediction. However, the relative impact of initializing different model components remains unclear. We compare three sets of hindcasts of the Norwegian Climate Prediction Model (NorCPM), which are initialized by ocean, ocean/sea‐ice, or atmosphere data and referred to as the OCN, OCNICE, and ATM hindcasts hereafter. The seasonal cycle of sea ice extent (SIE) in the ATM reanalysis shows a slightly better agreement with observations than the OCN and OCNICE reanalyzes. The trends of sea ice concentration (SIC) in the OCN and OCNICE reanalyzes compare well to observations, but the ATM reanalysis is poor over the western Antarctic. The OCNICE reanalysis yields the most accurate estimation of sea ice variability, while the OCN and ATM reanalyzes are comparable. Evaluation of the hindcasts reveals the predictive skill varies with region and season. Austral winter SIE of the western Antarctic can be skillfully predicted 12 months ahead, while the predictive skill in the eastern Antarctic is low. Austral winter SIE predictability can be largely attributed to high sea surface temperature predictability, thanks to skillful initialization of ocean heat content. The ATM hindcast from July or October performs best due to the effective initialization of sea‐ice thickness, which enhances prediction skills until early austral summer via its long memory. Meanwhile, the stratosphere‐troposphere coupling contributes to the prediction of springtime. The comparable skill between the OCN and OCNICE hindcasts implies limited benefits from SIC data on prediction when using ocean data.