bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colloidal nanocrystals: Viable model systems for electronic quantum materials?
Authors: Vliem Jara F. , Moes Jesper R. , Swart Ingmar , Vanmaekelbergh Daniel
Published: November 2024

The field of colloidal nanocrystals has witnessed enormous progress in the last three decades. For many families of nanocrystals, wet-chemical syntheses have been developed that allow control over the crystal shape and dimensions, from the three-dimensional down to the zero-dimensional case. Additionally, careful control of surface chemistry has enabled the prevention of non-radiative recombination, thus allowing the detailed study of confined charge carriers and excitons. This has led to a vast amount of applications of nanocrystals in displays, labels, and lighting. Here, we discuss how this expertise could benefit the rapidly advancing field of quantum materials, where the coherence of electronic wave functions is key. We demonstrate that colloidal two-dimensional nanocrystals can serve as excellent model systems for studying topological phase transitions, particularly in the case of quantum spin Hall and topological crystalline insulators. We aim to inspire researchers with strong chemical expertise to explore the exciting field of quantum materials.
Drag measurements of fluttering fabrics and their application for sportswear
Authors: Fuss Franz Konstantin
Published: November 2024

Loose and baggy clothing is required by the rules of ski cross and snowboard cross. However, it is known from the literature that fluttering garments increase the aerodynamic drag. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of flexural rigidity and fabric weight on the coefficient of drag CD. Eleven fabrics (550 mm long, 320 mm wide) with different flexural rigidity (0.016–99 µNm) and fabric weight (0.1–2.4 N/m2) were tested in a wind tunnel on a cylinder (width 325 mm, diameter 125 mm) at speeds of 25 to 120 kph (Reynolds numbers Re 60 k-280 k). The general trend showed that fluttering fabrics that are heavier and stiffer create more drag force. All but one fabric had a smaller CD than the bare cylinder in the subcritical flow regime (CD ≈ 1.1), at least within a Re window of 80 k. One fabric had a consistently higher CD (average: 1.27) than the bare cylinder. The mean CD value of the other ten fabrics ranged from 0.87 to 1.07, with minimum CD values between 0.76 and 1. The CD advantage of the ten fabrics ended at the beginning of the critical flow regime of the bare cylinder between Re 200 k and 220 k. A regression analysis showed that the magnitude of the CD is more influenced by the flexural rigidity of a fabric, normalised to its weight, than by the weight itself, at least at Re < 250 k. The results of this study suggest that ski and snowboard cross athletes’ suits should be made from light and flexible fabrics to reduce aerodynamic drag.
Revisiting fertility transition in China
Authors: Zheng Zhenzhen
Published: November 2024

By reviewing the fertility transition in China, this paper discusses multiple drivers of fertility decline in the 1970s and 1990s, including the role of family planning policies at different stages of the transition. The improved status of women played a key role in the fertility transition of the 20th century, but work-family conflict and traditional gender roles have increased the cost of childbearing for women. These factors have contributed to both low fertility and postponement of childbearing in the 21st century. By learning from past experiences and understanding the more complex causes of low fertility today, response strategies should aim to benefit different groups across all stages of the life cycle and in all aspects of life.
Assessing the relationship between broad gender inequality and the gender unemployment gap: insights from an extensive global macroeconometric panel analysis
Authors: Algül Yahya
Published: November 2024

Various labor market policies have been implemented globally to create a more inclusive work environment for women. However, institutional and structural barriers rooted in the socioeconomic and cultural frameworks of countries often impede progress towards this goal, as outlined in Gender Equality Goal Five of the United Nations Development Goals. Gender inequality in employment is a multifaceted issue influenced by socioeconomic and sociocultural factors, which are affected by households, societies, institutions, and states. Consequently, even with a strong legal framework, desired outcomes may not be achieved if the social structure is not supportive. Therefore, institutional and structural factors often manifest as broader gender disparities within societies, leading to a parallel between gender inequality in society and in the workplace. In this context, this study, as far as is known, is the first to estimate the potential relationship between broader societal gender inequality, measured through a composite index including health, education, economic and political empowerment, and the gender unemployment gap. Additionally, in this context, it has been considered as a second model in the relationship between broader societal gender inequality and women's unemployment rate. Using data from 73 countries with varying sociocultural and economic development levels from 1990 to 2022, two models are estimated using the Panel Mean Group Estimator methodology. The findings indicate that as broader gender inequality increases, both female unemployment rates and the gender unemployment gap rise. Therefore, in addition to conventional policies, it is recommended to implement strategies that promote structural changes within society, enhance women's roles and status, and integrate gender equality principles through education.
Federated Learning-Assisted Coati Deep Learning-Based Model for Intrusion Detection in MANET
Authors: Hussain S. Faizal Mukthar , Fathima S. M. H. Sithi Shameem
Published: November 2024

MANET is a set of self-arranged, wirelessly connected nodes. Each mobile ad hoc network node acts as a router to send the packet from the source node to the destination node. MANET nodes’ random movements and decentralized architecture pose security challenges, making them vulnerable to various attacks like node selfishness, network partition, black hole, and DoS due to limited hardware resources. In this paper, a novel Hybrid Intrusion DEtection for MANet (HIDE-MAN) technique has been proposed to detect intrusion like DDoS and MitM attacks in MANET. The proposed HIDE-MAN framework initiates by preprocessing malicious data packets through data cleaning and data transformation resulting in the creation of high-dimensional vectors. The intrusion detection system then makes use of the CO-BiLSTM model, which is based on the actions of Coati and BiLSTM. It categorizes outputs into DDoS attacks, MitM attacks, or the absence of any attacks. Federated learning with GAN networks allows for the aggregation of updates from multiple local models distributed across MANET. Assessment metrics such as accuracy, precision, F1 score, detection rate, recall, and security rate have been utilized to assess the efficacy of the proposed HIDE-MAN method. The comparative analysis shows that the detection rate of the proposed HIDE-MAN is greater by 18.9%, 18.07%, and 4.03% than that of the current KBIDS, WOA-DNN, and MSA-GCNN techniques, respectively.
Impact of climate change and human actions on the turbidity of water from wetlands in Rukiga district in Uganda: implications for health and community involvement
Authors: Sahani Mateus Kambale
Published: November 2024

Climate change has been a serious issue in many countries, including Uganda, and has led to water contamination, pollution, and even water scarcity. Wetlands have shown their capacity to maintain water quality and safety for the population’s health through their filtering function, but they are highly susceptible to agricultural activities and destruction. This study aimed to determine the status of fifteen wetlands in the Rukiga district and the impact of climate hazards and human activities on water quality in the area where a conservation project was implemented by three organisations. Eighteen-month records were obtained, and readings were taken to determine the turbidity level of the water from the different wetlands. The reading mean of each wetland was used to determine three water source categories: clear or non-turbid (read > 80), less turbid (read 50–80), and very turbid (read 0–50). Analysis was performed with SPSS V28.0, which included univariate and bivariate analyses. Observation and conversation notes with project staff and community members were taken. The study showed that 93.33% of the water sources from wetlands were turbid, and for some, the turbidity did not oscillate stably from one category to another. Only one water source (6.67%) was still clear (non-turbid) for 18 months. These communities mostly contain wetlands as the main sources of water, which is collected from streams. Wetlands are more susceptible to agricultural activities, and hills are deforested exposing to soil erosion leading to water contamination. In conclusion, most wetlands are destroyed and have lost their filtering capacity and exposing people to consumption of unsafe water. Climate hazards and agricultural activities contributed the most to this issue. Interactions between NGOs and communities are helpful in responding to this threat.
Group-level signatures in bonobo sociality
Authors: van Leeuwen Edwin J. C. , Staes Nicky , Eens Marcel , Stevens Jeroen M. G.
Published: November 2024

Humans show remarkable differences in social behaviour between families, groups, communities and cultures, whereas such group-level within-species variation in socio-behavioural propensities is typically overlooked in other species. Studies on intraspecific variation in animal social structures are needed to inform an evolutionary account of human sociality. Here, we study multiple independent bonobo populations (n = 6) in zoological settings to investigate if and how bonobos (n = 70) show group-specific signatures in sociality. By applying tailored Bayesian statistical methods, we find that beyond individual and dyadic variation, the groups substantially differ from each other in core dimensions of great ape sociality: social proximity, grooming and play. Moreover, the groups’ network structures are distinct regarding cohesiveness and clustering, with some groups forming cohesive wholes, while others showcasing high levels of sub-grouping. Overall, while there is consistent evidence of differences in sociality between the groups, the patterns of cohesiveness and clustering are not consistent across the networks. This suggests that rather than groups having different levels of sociality, different patterns of sociality exist in each group. These findings warrant caution with characterising bonobos’ behavioural phenotype at the species level, and identify an essential source of variation that needs to be integrated in phylogenetic analyses.
Europe’s unheeded vocation: from reconstructive vision to counterfactual critique
Authors: Frerichs Sabine
Published: November 2024

This review essay forms a contribution to the Dialogue & Debate symposium on Christian Joerges’s volume Conflict and Transformation (Hart 2022). The specific angle of this article is an interdisciplinary one that conceives of Joerges’s work as a boundary-crossing exercise between law and the social sciences. Aspects highlighted are the inspiration that his work finds in responding to Europe’s vocation, or realising the latter’s normative potential; the law-in-context quality of the approach, which combines inside and outside perspectives on what the law is and does, how it motivates and what it means; and the two-pronged ambition to take the law seriously as a legitimating force and to question, at the same time, the power of economic ‘facts’ and arguments, which sometimes overrule what seems legitimate. Moreover, this article considers the relevance and implications of two intellectual influences on Joerges’s work, one a more formative one (Habermas) and one resonating with recent experiences of crisis (Polanyi), and it follows the journey of Joerges’s reconstructive approach within European studies: between integration theory, governance approaches, and rethinking democracy in postnational constellations. As Joerges himself concedes, the normative vision that this yielded for European law and politics was overtaken by actual developments in the context of the monetary union, and conflicts-law constitutionalism became more of a counterfactual appeal. This article outlines how the critical edge of this approach could be enhanced by taking perspectives from critical political economy on board, which would also facilitate countering economic arguments.
Classifications and scaling of generic shaped, steady and unsteady water bells formed by a jet impinging onto a vial
Authors: Mohd Javed , Yadav Amar , Das Debopam
Published: November 2024

We present the results of a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of different fluid sheet structures formed during the impingement of a laminar liquid jet on a vial, with a slightly larger diameter than the jet and filled with the same liquid. The present set-up produces all diverse fluid sheet structures, unlike previous experiments that required a deflector disk resulting in no-slip and no-penetration boundary conditions. The water sheet structures are classified into four regimes; regime I: pre-sheet; regime II: puffing, characterized by the periodic formation and destruction of the upward-rising water sheet, an interesting observation not reported earlier; regime III, steady upward, inverted umbrella-like sheet structures; and regime IV, the formation of downward, umbrella-like sheet structures, which can be either open or closed, classically referred to as ‘water bells’. The water sheet structures observed are governed by the non-dimensional parameters: the ratio of vial diameter to the jet diameter at impact (

$X$

), the capillary number (

$Ca$

), the Weber number (

$We$

) and the Froude number (

$Fr$

). The parametric spaces

$X-Ca$

,

$X-We$

and

$X-Fr$

exhibit the demarcation of the four regimes. A semi-empirical expression for the ejection angle of the liquid sheet, primarily responsible for different shapes, is derived in a control volume that provides a theoretical basis for the identified regime diagrams. The puffing water bells in regime II are found to be quasi-steady as the experimental trajectories are in good agreement with the steady-state theory. The rise time of puffing water bells that determines the puffing frequency has been modelled.
Sparse space–time resolvent analysis for statistically stationary and time-varying flows
Authors: Lopez-Doriga Barbara , Ballouz Eric , Bae H. Jane , Dawson Scott T.M.
Published: November 2024

Resolvent analysis provides a framework to predict coherent spatio-temporal structures of the largest linear energy amplification, through a singular value decomposition (SVD) of the resolvent operator, obtained by linearising the Navier–Stokes equations about a known turbulent mean velocity profile. Resolvent analysis utilizes a Fourier decomposition in time, which has thus far limited its application to statistically stationary or time-periodic flows. This work develops a variant of resolvent analysis applicable to time-evolving flows, and proposes a variant that identifies spatio-temporally sparse structures, applicable to either stationary or time-varying mean velocity profiles. Spatio-temporal resolvent analysis is formulated through the incorporation of the temporal dimension to the numerical domain via a discrete time-differentiation operator. Sparsity (which manifests in localisation) is achieved through the addition of an

$l_1$

-norm penalisation term to the optimisation associated with the SVD. This modified optimisation problem can be formulated as a nonlinear eigenproblem and solved via an inverse power method. We first showcase the implementation of the sparse analysis on a statistically stationary turbulent channel flow, and demonstrate that the sparse variant can identify aspects of the physics not directly evident from standard resolvent analysis. This is followed by applying the sparse space–time formulation on systems that are time varying: a time-periodic turbulent Stokes boundary layer and then a turbulent channel flow with a sudden imposition of a lateral pressure gradient, with the original streamwise pressure gradient unchanged. We present results demonstrating how the sparsity-promoting variant can either change the quantitative structure of the leading space–time modes to increase their sparsity, or identify entirely different linear amplification mechanisms compared with non-sparse resolvent analysis.
Direct numerical simulations of three-component Rayleigh–Taylor mixing and an improved model for multicomponent reacting mixtures
Authors: Ferguson Kevin , Morgan Brandon E.
Published: November 2024

We present direct numerical simulations of a three-layer Rayleigh–Taylor instability (RTI) problem with a configuration based on the experiments of Suchandra & Ranjan (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 974, 2023, A35) and Jacobs & Dalziel (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 542, 2005, pp. 251–279). The problem consists of a layer of light fluid between two layers of heavy fluid with an Atwood number of 0.3. These simulations are first validated through comparison with available experimental data. The validated simulations are then utilized to analyse statistics in this three-component flow. First, length scales are examined utilizing spectra and two-point spatial correlations of velocity and species concentration fluctuations. Next, joint probability density functions (p.d.f.s) of species concentration are compared against several model p.d.f.s representing generalizations of the bivariate beta distribution. Notably, the joint p.d.f.s do not appear to be accurately described by a Dirichlet distribution, indicating the marginal distributions do not conform to a beta distribution. Finally, similarity of the present configuration to three-component mixing found in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) applications is exploited to develop and validate an improved model for the impact of multicomponent mixing on thermonuclear (TN) reaction rates. A single time instant from the present simulations is chosen for a TN burn calculation under the hypothetical assumption of ICF materials and temperatures. Total TN output from this second calculation is then compared against the prediction of the improved model. The new model is found to accurately predict TN reaction rates in both premixed and non-premixed configurations.
As Eidolon Lay Dying
Authors: Zuckerberg Donna
Published: November 2024

I ran the online classics publication Eidolon from 2015 to 2020. Eidolon sought to make Classics “personal and political, feminist and fun,” publishing more than 500 articles and receiving 3 million total views in its five years of active existence. Because our editors (and many of our writers) were scholars who grew up consuming and producing digital content, we were able to bring a measure of academic rigor and methodology to inform urgent personal and timely essays. Eidolon’s position as both insiders and outsiders to the discipline of Classics made it uniquely suited to address some of the most challenging and necessary conversations facing the field, from white supremacist classical appropriation online to sexual harassment and racial discrimination within the discipline. But the lack of institutional support that allowed total freedom also made the publication vulnerable and contributed to its closure in late 2020. It’s wonderful to have fans, but a publication also needs champions. I argue that, for an online publication to be exciting and fresh but also resilient, it must maintain a delicate balance between fearlessly commenting on the most pressing issues of the day (without, perhaps, waiting for the temporal distance and perspective that academics usually prefer!) while still cultivating the institutional support necessary to weather inevitable challenges. And, most importantly, you need to have fun while doing it.
Right-to-Development Governance: An Alternative Development Model for Africa
Authors: Ngang Carol Chi
Published: November 2024

In this article, I carry out an in-depth conceptualization of right-to-development governance to illustrate how, as a rights-based model suited to redressing the challenges that have held Africa back over the decades, it can leverage and accelerate the processes for development on the continent. I do so to provide clarity on the deficits in the understanding of the right to development and the dilemma of its implementation in Africa. Through a theoretical and qualitative socio-legal analysis, I frame the argument that Africa's development setbacks are largely generated and sustained by the lack of an operational model that can drive transformation on the continent. Besides having evolved as a claimable human right, the right to development is equally conceived as a model or paradigm for development which is yet to be fully explored to inform development thinking and practice on the continent, and thus enable shared prosperity and improved quality of life and standards of living for the peoples of Africa. The proposed right-to-development governance model is appropriately theorized in this article to provide the basis for its operationalization, which, as explained, entails a nuanced blend of nominal capitalism, communitarian socialism and contemporary culturalism.
Sacred book, profane print: Print-as-commodity and patronage in colonial western India
Authors: Damle Madhura
Published: November 2024

The first printing press landed on the western coast of India in the mid-sixteenth century. The introduction of printing technology did not immediately lead to a flourishing print culture, and the oral and scribal traditions continued to thrive for at least three more centuries. This article examines the emergence of print culture in nineteenth-century western India by surveying the literary sources in the Marathi language. It argues that the book was regarded as a sacred object in the pre-print era and reading was considered a ritualistic activity. Print, on the other hand, was seen as defiling and therefore orthodox Brahmins hesitated to embrace the technology of printing. They were also threatened by the democratizing potential of printing. As the print culture bourgeoned, the sacredness of the book declined and it turned into a profane commodity. A market for vernacular books and periodicals started emerging gradually. However, pre-modern notions of literary patronage did not wither away as authors and publishers continued to bank on state patronage.
Which behavioral regulations predict physical activity and sedentary behavior in people with mental illness?
Authors: Chapman Justin , Korman Nicole , Malacova Eva , Robertson Caroline , Arnautovska Urska , Siskind Dan , Suetani Shuichi , Stubbs Brendon , Vancampfort Davy
Published: November 2024

Background

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is beneficial for health, and reducing sedentary behavior (SB) is recommended in international guidelines. People with mental illnesses are at higher risk of preventable diseases than the general population, partly attributable to lower MVPA and higher SB. Self-determination theory provides a framework for understanding how motivation regulates behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of different forms of motivation for physical activity (amotivation, controlled, autonomous) to MVPA and SB in people with mental illnesses.

Methods

Cross-sectional self-reported and accelerometer-derived MVPA and SB in people with a range of mental illnesses across four countries were pooled for analysis (Australia, Belgium, England, Uganda). Motivation for physical activity was measured using the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ). Regression analyses were used to investigate the association of MVPA and SB with amotivation, controlled, autonomous motivations, controlling for mental health and demographic variables.

Results

Autonomous motivation was associated with 31% higher self-reported MVPA, and amotivation and controlled motivation were associated with 18% and 11% lower self-reported MVPA, respectively (n = 654). In contrast, controlled motivation was positively associated with SB (n = 189). Having physical comorbidities or an alcohol use disorder was associated with lower MVPA (n = 318). Sub-analyses with accelerometer-derived MVPA and SB (n = 139 and n = 145) did not reveal any associations with motivational forms.

Conclusions

Findings with an international sample support the universal relevance of motivation in promoting health-related behavior. Strategies for facilitating autonomous motivation should be utilized by health professionals seeking to support people with mental illnesses to become physically active.
Health technology assessment framework for artificial intelligence-based technologies
Authors: Di Bidino Rossella , Daugbjerg Signe , Papavero Sara C. , Haraldsen Ira H. , Cicchetti Americo , Sacchini Dario
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based health technologies (AIHTs) have already been applied in clinical practice. However, there is currently no standardized framework for evaluating them based on the principles of health technology assessment (HTA).

Methods

A two-round Delphi survey was distributed to a panel of experts to determine the significance of incorporating topics outlined in the EUnetHTA Core Model and twenty additional ones identified through literature reviews. Each panelist assigned scores to each topic. Topics were categorized as critical to include (scores 7–9), important but not critical (scores 4–6), and not important (scores 1–3). A 70 percent cutoff was used to determine high agreement.

Results

Our panel of 46 experts indicated that 48 out of the 65 proposed topics are critical and should be included in an HTA framework for AIHTs. Among the ten most crucial topics, the following emerged: accuracy of the AI model (97.78 percent), patient safety (95.65 percent), benefit–harm balance evaluated from an ethical standpoint (95.56 percent), and bias in data (91.30 percent). Importantly, our findings highlight that the Core Model is insufficient in capturing all relevant topics for AI-based technologies, as 14 out of the additional 20 topics were identified as crucial.

Conclusion

It is imperative to determine the level of agreement on AI-relevant HTA topics to establish a robust assessment framework. This framework will play a foundational role in evaluating AI tools for the early diagnosis of dementia, which is the focus of the European project AI-Mind currently being developed.
Leveling Down Legal Resources: Why Epistemic Arguments Fail
Authors: Ebrahimi Afrouzi Amin
Published: November 2024

The rich evade conviction more often in criminal trials than the poor. They also win more often in civil cases against the poor. Given that money buys better lawyers and better lawyers are instrumental in winning in adversarial trials, the rich have a structural advantage in laissez-faire trial systems. Such inequality is concerning. In a landmark article, Alan Wertheimer argues that we should level down legal resources in civil cases on the basis that doing so increases the adversarial system’s accuracy—that is, its chance of reaching correct decisions. In a more recent article, along similar lines, Shai Agmon also advocates that, given some constraints of adequacy, legal resources should be leveled down in both civil and criminal cases. This article aims to show that such arguments fail because leveling down legal resources could decrease a trial system’s accuracy, making it worse by Wertheimer’s or Agmon’s own criteria.
The association between exposure to a radio campaign on nutrition and mothers’ nutrition- and health-related attitudes and minimal acceptable diet of children 6–36 months old: a quasi-experimental trial
Authors: Appiah Bernard , Saaka Mahama , Appiah George , Asamoah-Akuoko Lucy , Samman Elfreda , Forastiere Laura , Abu Brenda AZ , Yeboah-Banin Abena A , Kretchy Irene A , Ntiful Freda D , Nsiah-Asamoah Christiana NA , Ahmed Md Koushik , France Christopher R
Published: November 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of a radio campaign involving serial 10-minute drama episodes, 10-minute on air discussion of each episode by trained community health workers and 30-minute phone-ins from listeners in improving mothers’ nutrition- and health-related attitudes (HNRAs) and children’s minimum acceptable diet (MAD).

Design:

A two-arm quasi-experimental trial with a pre-post design was used to quantify the effect of a radio campaign on nutrition before and immediately after the 6-month intervention. Difference-in-difference (DID) analysis was performed to assess the intervention’s effect.

Setting:

Saboba district (intervention) and Central Gonja (comparison district) of northern region of Ghana.

Participants:

At baseline, a total of 598 mothers with children aged 6–22 months were randomly selected from the intervention (n 298) and control (n 300) districts. At endline (6 months post-intervention), 252 mother–child dyads in the intervention district and 275 mother–child dyads in the control district were followed up.

Results:

The radio campaign was significantly and positively associated with a change in health- and nutrition-related attitudes (HNRA) over time, with DID in mean attitudes significantly improving more over time in the intervention district than the control (DID = 1·398, P < 0·001). Also, the prevalence of MAD over time in the intervention district was significantly higher than the control district (DID = 16·1 percentage points, P = 0·02) in the presence of food insecurity.

Conclusions:

The study indicates that a radio campaign on nutrition is associated with improved mothers’ HNRA and children’s MAD. Communication interventions on child nutrition targeting low-resource settings should consider this innovative approach.
Naivety, Liberalism, and Isaiah Berlin's Musical Thinking
Authors: Collins Sarah
Published: November 2024

This article aims to contribute to recent discussions about the status of the “aesthetic” in the history of liberalism, by considering the ways in which ideas about music—specifically a “love of music [that is] both aesthetic and ethical”—has shaped liberal thought. Focusing on the work of the prominent twentieth-century liberal Isaiah Berlin (1909–97), and drawing from unpublished correspondence and neglected published writings, it introduces music as a form through which Berlin approached thinking about the tension between sensation and idea, or feeling and thinking, thereby shaping his approach to intellectual history.
A Factor Two Difference in 21st‐Century Greenland Ice Sheet Surface Mass Balance Projections From Three Regional Climate Models Under a Strong Warming Scenario (SSP5‐8.5)
Authors: Glaude Q. , Noel B. , Olesen M. , Van den Broeke M. , van de Berg W. J. , Mottram R. , Hansen N. , Delhasse A. , Amory C. , Kittel C. , Goelzer H. , Fettweis X.
Published: November 2024

The Arctic is warming rapidly, significantly reducing the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) surface mass balance (SMB) and raising its contribution to global sea‐level rise. Since these trends are expected to continue, it is essential to explore the GrIS SMB response to projected climate warming. We compare projections from three polar regional climate models, RACMO, MAR, and HIRHAM, forced by the Community Earth System Model CESM2 under a high‐end warming scenario (SSP5‐8.5, 1970–2099). We reveal different modeled SMB by 2100, including a twofold larger annual surface mass loss in MAR (−1735 Gt/yr) and HIRHAM (−1698 Gt/yr) relative to RACMO (−964 Gt/yr). Discrepancies primarily stem from differences in projected runoff, triggering melt‐albedo positive feedback and subsequent modeled ablation zone expansion. In addition, we find different responses of modeled meltwater production to similar atmospheric warming. Our analysis suggests clear avenues for model developments to further improve SMB projections and contribution to sea‐level rise.
Enablement or Suppression of Collisionless Magnetic Reconnection by the Background Plasma Beta and Guide Field
Authors: Yoon Young Dae , Moore Thomas Earle , Wendel Deirdre E. , Laishram Modhuchandra , Yun Gunsu S.
Published: November 2024

How magnetic reconnection is triggered or suppressed is an important outstanding problem. By considering pinching of a current sheet that has formed at non‐equilibrium, we show that the background plasma beta is a major controlling factor in the onset and nature of magnetic reconnection. A high plasma beta inhibits a current sheet from pinching down to kinetic scales required for collisionless reconnection, while a low beta facilitates it. A simple adiabatic model provides a good prediction for the reconnection‐enabled regions in thickness versus peak plasma beta space, which are confirmed by a series of particle‐in‐cell simulations with varying initial parameters. A strong dependency of the peak reconnection rate on the plasma beta is clearly predicted with reconnection being favored in low beta conditions. A finite guide field is an additional source of reconnection suppression, consistent with previous observations that reconnection requires a large enough magnetic shear angle for high‐beta situations.
Tau filaments are tethered within brain extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Fowler Stephanie L. , Behr Tiana S. , Turkes Emir , O’Brien Darragh P. , Cauhy Paula Maglio , Rawlinson Isadora , Edmonds Marisa , Foiani Martha S. , Schaler Ari , Crowley Gerard , Bez Sumi , Ficulle Elena , Tsefou Eliona , Fischer Roman , Geary Beth , Gaur Pallavi , Miller Chelsea , D’Acunzo Pasquale , Levy Efrat , Duff Karen E. , Ryskeldi-Falcon Benjamin
Published: November 2024

The abnormal assembly of tau protein in neurons is a pathological hallmark of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Assembled tau associates with extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the central nervous system of individuals with AD, which is linked to its clearance and prion-like propagation. However, the identities of the assembled tau species and EVs, as well as how they associate, are not known. Here, we combined quantitative mass spectrometry, cryo-electron tomography and single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to study brain EVs from individuals with AD. We found tau filaments composed mainly of truncated tau that were enclosed within EVs enriched in endo-lysosomal proteins. We observed multiple filament interactions, including with molecules that tethered filaments to the EV limiting membrane, suggesting selective packaging. Our findings will guide studies into the molecular mechanisms of EV-mediated secretion of assembled tau and inform the targeting of EV-associated tau as potential therapeutic and biomarker strategies for AD.
Performance prediction of sintered NdFeB magnet using multi-head attention regression models
Authors: Liang Qichao , Ma Qiang , Wu Hao , Lai Rongshun , Zhang Yangyang , Liu Ping , Qi Tao
Published: November 2024

The preparation of sintered NdFeB magnets is complex, time-consuming, and costly. Data-driven machine learning methods can enhance the efficiency of material synthesis and performance optimization. Traditional machine learning models based on mathematical and statistical principles are effective for structured data and offer high interpretability. However, as the scale and dimensionality of the data increase, the computational complexity of models rises dramatically, making hyperparameter tuning more challenging. By contrast, neural network models possess strong nonlinear modeling capabilities for handling large-scale data, but their decision-making and inferential processes remain opaque. To enhance interpretability of neural network, we collected 1,200 high-quality experimental data points and developed a multi-head attention regression model by integrating an attention mechanism into the neural network. The model enables parallel data processing, accelerates both training and inference speed, and reduces reliance on feature engineering and hyperparameter tuning. The coefficients of determination for remanence and coercivity are 0.97 and 0.84, respectively. This study offers new insights into machine learning-based modeling of structure-property relationships in materials and has potential to advance the research of multimodal NdFeB magnet models.
Plasmonic enhanced OLED efficiency upon silver-polyoxometalate core-shell nanoparticle integration into the hole injection/transport layer
Authors: Georgiopoulou Zoi , Verykios Apostolis , Soultati Anastasia , Chroneos Alexander , Hiskia Anastasia , Aidinis Konstantinos , Skandamis Panagiotis N. , Gounadaki Antonia S. , Karatasios Ioannis , Triantis Theodoros M. , Argitis Panagiotis , Palilis Leonidas C. , Vasilopoulou Maria
Published: November 2024

Although organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are considered a mature technology, further enhancements in their efficiency are of paramount importance for advancing their incorporation in high-quality displays and flexible, wearable, electronic devices. In this regard, we propose an innovative approach, focusing on strategic modifications to the hole transport layer (HTL) through the integration of core-shell nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) encapsulated in a tungsten polyoxometalate compound (POM) are embedded within the prototype poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulphonate) (PEDOT:PSS) to form the modified HTL. Our work reveals the pivotal plasmonic role of Ag-NPs in enhancing OLED device performance based on commercially available conjugated polymers. Comprehensive analyses, including UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and electrical measurements, confirm the influence of the POM encapsulated Ag-NPs on improving the device efficiency. This is attributed to the synergistic influence of enhanced hole injection and conductivity and beneficial optical effects (i.e. the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) and, likely, light scattering of the POM-Ag NPs in the core-shell configuration, depending on their diameter), contributing to enhanced carrier balance and exciton recombination rate. Comparison with POM gold NPs (POM-Au NPs) highlights the distinct advantages of POM-Ag NPs. Our work reveals the potential of this innovative approach to contribute to the evolution of high-performance OLEDs, ensuring a visually compelling and efficient future.
Association between 25-hydroxy vitamin D, interleukin-4, and interferon-γ levels and asthma in children with Mycoplasma pneumonia infection
Authors: Shen Tao , Liu Tingting , Kong Luke , Li Yanfang
Published: November 2024

To explore the association between 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25-(OH)-D], interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection-related asthma. Logistic analysis was conducted to compare general data in MP asthma and MP non-asthma groups. The level of 25-(OH)-D, IL-4, and IFN-γ were detected and compared between groups. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was applied to test the predictive value of each variable. The results of logistic regression analysis demonstrated that recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and collective living are related to the incidence of MP infection whether with asthma or without asthma. IL-4 and IFN-γ in MP asthma group were significantly higher than those in MP non-asthma group and control group (p < 0. 05), whilst 25-(OH)-D and IFN-γ/IL-4 in MP asthma group were significantly lower than those in MP non-asthma group and control group (p < 0. 05). ROC curves indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) of 25-(OH)-D, IL-4, IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-4, and joint detection are 0.765, 0.780, 0.853, 0.638, and 0.912 in diagnosis of MP infection-related asthma, and sensitivity and specificity of joint detection are both greater than 95%. For children with MP infection-related asthma, the level of IL-4 and IFN-γ is upregulated, while 25-(OH)-D is downregulated. The joint detection of 25-(OH)-D, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IFN-γ/IL-4 may improve diagnostic capabilities of MP infection-related asthma.
An EpCAM/Trop2 mechanostat differentially regulates collective behaviour of human carcinoma cells
Authors: Aslemarz Azam , Fagotto-Kaufmann Marie , Ruppel Artur , Fagotto-Kaufmann Christine , Balland Martial , Lasko Paul , Fagotto François
Published: November 2024

EpCAM and its close relative Trop2 are well-known cell surface markers of carcinoma, but their potential role in cancer metastasis remains unclear. They are known, however, to downregulate myosin-dependent contractility, a key parameter involved in adhesion and migration. We investigate here the morphogenetic impact of the high EpCAM and Trop2 levels typically found in epithelial breast cancer cells, using spheroids of MCF7 cells as an in vitro model. Intriguingly, EpCAM depletion stimulated spheroid cohesive spreading, while Trop2 depletion had the opposite effect. Combining cell biological and biophysical approaches, we demonstrate that while EpCAM and Trop2 both contribute to moderate cell contractility, their depletions differentially impact on the process of “wetting” a substrate, here both matrix and neighboring cells, by affecting the balance of cortical tension at cell and tissue interfaces. These distinct phenotypes can be explained by partial enrichment at specific interfaces. Our data are consistent with the EpCAM-Trop2 pair acting as a mechanostat that tunes adhesive and migratory behaviours.
Artificial intelligence bias in the prediction and detection of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Mihan Ariana , Pandey Ambarish , Van Spall Harriette G. C.
Published: November 2024

AI algorithms can identify those at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), allowing for early intervention to change the trajectory of disease. However, AI bias can arise from any step in the development, validation, and evaluation of algorithms. Biased algorithms can perform poorly in historically marginalized groups, amplifying healthcare inequities on the basis of age, sex or gender, race or ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. In this perspective, we discuss the sources and consequences of AI bias in CVD prediction or detection. We present an AI health equity framework and review bias mitigation strategies that can be adopted during the AI lifecycle.
Effect of Pd/Cu(Co) ratio on catalytic performance of PdCu(Co)/NC bimetallic catalysts for furfural selective hydrogenation
Authors: Duan Xin , Fang Yu , Cao Ziwei , Zhang Jingbao , Zhu Lihua
Published: November 2024

PdxCuy/NC and PdxCoy/NC catalysts with different metal mass ratios of Pd to Cu (or Co) are obtained. Pd3Cu7/NC and Pd3Co7/NC show the most excellent catalytic activity and selectivity to FA (or THFA) under mild conditions due to synergistic effect.
Giant molecule acceptors prepared by metal-free catalyzed reactions towards efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Li Siyuan , He Zhilong , Hao Zhe , Fei Zhuping , Zhong Hongliang
Published: November 2024

Three giant molecule acceptors prepared by metal-free catalyzed reactions are developed for highly efficient and stable organic solar cells.
Acid-responsive liposomal nanodrug with promoted tumor penetration for photoacoustic imaging-guided sonodynamic therapy
Authors: Li Xiangli , Tang Wen-Jing , Wang Wei , Yue Shuzhen , Yao Huiqin , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: November 2024

An acid-responsive liposomal nanodrug with the capacity of enhanced penetration depth, O2-independent cytotoxicity and activatable photoacoustic imaging is developed for efficient sonodynamic therapy and treatment monitoring.
One-pot synthesis of lactones from ketoacids involving microwave heating and sodium borohydride: application in biomass conversion
Authors: Sharma Raina , Solanki Arun Kumar , Jayamurugan Govindasamy
Published: November 2024

A sustainable, metal-free method using NaBH4 and microwave heating enables synthesis of a wide range of lactones, including green solvent GVL, via ketoacid reduction, cyclization, and dehydration in water.
Optimization of carbon transport and growth rates in top-seeded solution growth of Al-doped SiC
Authors: Tong Zhouyu , Han Xuefeng , Huang Yuanchao , Xu Binjie , Yang Yanwei , Yang Deren , Pi Xiaodong
Published: November 2024

The optimal growth conditions for p-type SiC by the TSSG method were explored using machine learning and genetic algorithms. Al evaporation under the optimized conditions was significantly inhibited without compromising the growth rate.
Positional isomers of (E)-2-(anthracen-9-ylmethylene)-N-(aryl)hydrazinecarbothioamide, zinc complexes and polymorphic solvates
Authors: Nath Jitendra , Baruah Jubaraj B.
Published: November 2024

A series of zinc complexes, (E)-2-(anthracen-9-ylmethylene)-N-(aryl)hydrazinecarbothioamide (aryl = 3-OCH3- or 4-OCH3, 2,3 or 3,4-dichloro phenyl) and a polymorphic solvate of one of the zinc complexes, are presented.
Ultra-wide band near-infrared (NIR) optical thermometry (12–673 K) performance enhanced by Stark sublevel splitting in Er3+ ions near the first biological window in the PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphor
Authors: Sukul Prasenjit Prasad , Singh Yadvendra , Swart Hendrik
Published: November 2024

NIR optical thermometry across a broad temperature range (12–673 K) was explored using FWHM and FIR as sensing parameters. Stark splitting in Er3+ ions was analyzed through parametric modelling and Gaussian distribution to deconvolute NIR emissions.
Formation of complex organics by covalent and non-covalent interactions of the sequential reactions of 1–4 acrylonitrile molecules with the benzonitrile radical cation
Authors: Sutton Paige , Saunier John , Mason Kyle A. , Pearcy Adam C. , Lao Ka Un , Samy El-Shall M.
Published: November 2024

N-acrylonitrile-benzonitrile radical cation (C10N2H8+•) can act as a core ion for the clustering of multiple acrylonitrile molecules thus generating nitrogen-rich complex organics in the cold environments of space.
Distinguishing between aquo and hydroxo coordination in molecular copper complexes by 1H and 17O ENDOR spectroscopy
Authors: Haak Julia , Cutsail George E.
Published: November 2024

EPR and ENDOR spectroscopy of 17O labelled copper complexes yields insights into Cu–O bond strengths depending on HxO speciation and coordination positions.
High valence MnO2 as an aqueous zinc ion battery cathode prepared using a secondary hydrothermal method
Authors: Lv Xiaoxia , Wang Yun , Zhang Wenjing , Wang Tengfei
Published: November 2024

A high valence MnO2 (H-MnO2) material was prepared via a simple secondary hydrothermal method and Zn/H-MnO2 aqueous batteries using H-MnO2 as the cathode exhibited excellent capacity and cycling stability.
Correction: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 attenuates cognitive impairment and progression of Alzheimer's disease and related bowel symptoms in SAMP8 mice by modulating microbiota-gut-inflammasome-brain axis
Authors: Di Salvo C. , D'Antongiovanni V. , Benvenuti L. , d'Amati A. , Ippolito C. , Segnani C. , Pierucci C. , Bellini G. , Annese T. , Virgintino D. , Colucci R. , Antonioli L. , Fornai M. , Errede M. , Bernardini N. , Pellegrini C.
Published: November 2024

Correction for ‘Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 attenuates cognitive impairment and progression of Alzheimer's disease and related bowel symptoms in SAMP8 mice by modulating microbiota-gut-inflammasome-brain axis’ by C. Di Salvo et al., Food Funct., 2024, 15, 10323–10338, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4FO02075H.
An enhanced heat transfer method based on the electrocapillary effect of gallium-based liquid metal
Authors: Dai Liyu , Wu Xiaomin , Guo Yiqing , Hou Huimin , Hu Zhifeng , Lin Yukai , Yuan Zhiping
Published: November 2024

An enhanced heat transfer method based on the electrocapillary effect of eutectic gallium–indium alloy droplets for microfluidics is proposed.
Correction: A perspective on contact-electro-catalysis based on frontier molecular orbitals
Authors: Wang Ziming , Dong Xuanli , Lv Fu-Jie , Tang Wei
Published: November 2024

Correction for ‘A perspective on contact-electro-catalysis based on frontier molecular orbitals’ by Ziming Wang et al., Mater. Adv., 2024, 5, 6373–6377, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00514G.