bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic pyrolysis of pine needles: Role of zeolite structure and SiO2/Al2O3 ratio on bio‐oil yield and product distribution
Authors: Yadav Omvesh , Jindal Meenu , Bhatt Richa , Agarwal Akul , Thallada Bhaskar , Palla Venkata Chandra Sekhar
Published: August 2024

Renewable and sustainable energy production has gained significant attention to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs). Pine needles, an abundant typical forestry residue, can be used as a renewable biomass source for sustainable energy production. Pyrolysis is a well‐established and commercialized technique for the thermochemical valorization of lignocellulosic biomass. The present work focuses on improving the bio‐oil yield by introducing SiO2‐Al2O3‐based catalysts, including different zeolites and SiO2‐Al2O3 materials with varying SiO2‐Al2O3 ratios, during the pyrolysis. Bio‐oil yield increased from 45.2 wt.% to 47.2 wt.% with the introduction of SiO2‐Al2O3 catalysts and increased to 51.2 wt.% and 50.6 wt.% with HZSM‐5 and Y‐zeolite, respectively, and decreased to 40.0 wt.% with β‐zeolite catalyst. The pyrolysis experiments of physically mixed biomass and catalyst were carried out in a fixed‐bed down‐flow reactor. Various process parameters such as temperature, retention time, and catalyst‐to‐biomass ratio were examined to evaluate their effect on product yield. The catalyst's introduction slightly decreased phenolic compound content, enhancing carbonyl and hydrocarbon production. Maximum improvement in bio‐oil yield by 6 wt.% was achieved using an H‐ZSM‐5 catalyst at 450°C temperature and 30 min residence time with a catalyst‐to‐biomass ratio of 1:4.
Nuclear α‐actinin‐4 regulates breast cancer invasiveness and EMT
Authors: Saha Sumon Kumar , Sarkar Madhurima , Srivastava Mahima , Dutta Sarbajeet , Sen Shamik
Published: August 2024

Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process where cells lose their adhesion properties and augment their invasive properties. α‐Actinin4 (ACTN4) is an actin crosslinking protein that responds to mechanical stimuli and is found to be elevated in breast cancer patients. While ACTN4 has been implicated in regulating cancer invasiveness by modulating cytoskeletal organization, its nuclear functions remain much less explored. Here we address this question by first establishing a correlation between nuclear localization and invasiveness in breast cancer cells. Using cancer databases, we then establish a correlation between ACTN4 expression and EMT in breast cancer. Interestingly, TGFβ‐induced EMT induction in MCF10A normal mammary epithelial cells leads to increased ACTN4 expression and nuclear enrichment. We then show that ACTN4 knockdown in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells, which harbor sizeable fraction of nuclear ACTN4, leads to reduced invasiveness and loss of mesenchymal traits. Similar behavior was observed in knockdown cells expressing K255E ACTN4, which is primarily localized to the cytosol. Together, our findings establish a role for nuclear ACTN4 in regulating invasiveness via modulation of EMT.
Evaluation of Slope Position for Variable‐Rate Fertilization in Southern Alberta
Authors: Bremer Eric , McKenzie Ross , Pauly Doon
Published: August 2024

Soil properties and crop yield vary with slope position in hummocky landscapes. Slope position is also readily mapped and thus potentially useful for delineating management zones for variable‐rate fertilization (VRF). Slope position was evaluated as a basis for VRF in southern Alberta, Canada. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Ozone‐Assisted Cu‐Based Catalysts for the Efficient Electro‐Reforming Glycerol to Formic Acid
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhao Liang , Fei Jiawei , Zhou Jun , Li Hongdong , Lai Jianping , Wang Lei
Published: August 2024

Glycerol electrooxidation reaction (GOR) to produce value‐added chemicals, such as formic acid, could make more efficient use of abundant glycerol and meet future demand for formic acid as a fuel for direct or indirect formic acid fuel cells. Non‐noble metal Cu‐based catalysts have great potential in electro‐reforming glycerol to formic acid. However, the high activity, selectivity and stability of Cu based catalysts in GOR cannot be achieved simultaneously. Here, we used ozone‐assisted electrocatalyst to convert glycerol to formic acid under alkaline conditions, the onset potential was reduced by 60 mV, the Faraday efficiency (FE) reached 95 %. The catalyst has excellent stability within 300 h at the current density of 10 mA cm−2. The electron spin resonance proved that ozone produced superoxide anion during the GOR. In situ Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical studies showed that glycerol can be activated with ozone in GOR, and the C−C bond can be broken to reduce the polymerization of glycerol on the catalyst surface, so as to produce more formic acid at a lower voltage. Moreover, the removal of dissolved O3 from water can be up to 100 % after 30 minutes of GOR reaction at a solubility of 50 mg L−1 as measured by UV‐VIS spectrophotometry.
Mobility‐aware modeling and evaluation of IoT systems using stochastic reward nets
Authors: Sanahmadi Arman , Abdollahi Azgomi Mohammad , Goudarzi Shidrokh , Haji Hosseini Mohammad Amin
Published: August 2024

The frequent geographical changes of mobile nodes in Internet of Things (IoT) systems affect communication, activities, and behaviors. In such scenarios, it is crucial to establish a system model capable of evaluating quality of service (QoS) measures. However, the existing formal modeling techniques pose complexities in modeling mobility. To deal with these challenges, this study aims to propose a model that simplifies the process of modeling mobility within IoT systems. This paper presents a method for modeling mobility within IoT systems by leveraging a widely recognized extension of stochastic Petri nets known as stochastic reward nets (SRNs). The proposed method enhances the SRN model by incorporating the location concept, resulting in a novel extension called mobile SRN (MSRN). In this work, a case study utilizes the MSRN to evaluate the suggested features, examining various scenarios and investigating the impact of factors such as environmental conditions, sensor sampling rate, and the permissible distance of the node from the sink.
A compact circularly polarized (CP) substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity‐backed antenna with controlled axial ratio
Authors: Patil Shankaragouda M. , Venkatesan Rajeshkumar
Published: August 2024

A new circular cavity‐backed slot antenna, which produces unidirectional radiation patterns, has been developed for wireless communication systems. The antenna utilizes substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) technology to create a low‐profile cavity. The metal cladding on top of the cavity has an engraved circular ring slot for radiation, and a microstrip transition feeding mechanism is used to excite the perturbed circular slot antenna element located away from the centre of the cavity. Two rectangular cuts, including slots and a shorted via probe, improve radiation performance and bandwidth matching by nearly −40 dB over the working frequency range. An optimized spacing of 0.6 mm is established between the patch centre and the input microstrip transition feed, which produces a circularly polarized (CP) wave. The antenna uses CP SIW technology to operate within a wide impedance bandwidth of 12.18% (10.02–11.31 GHz) below −10 dB and an ARBW of 320 MHz (10.40–10.72 GHz). Both experimental and simulated results agree on s‐parameters, and the antenna's gain, axial ratio, and radiation patterns are consistent. With 7.45 dB CP gain and planar integration, the antenna radiates unidirectional, making it suitable for lightweight wireless broadband applications.
Unsatisfactory Pap Test Results: A Critical Patient Management Problem Pre‐Analytically Addressed by the Cytopathology Laboratory
Authors: Gafeer Mohamad M. , Alperstein Susan , Appleby Robert , Carniello Jose‐Scarpa , Heymann Jonas J. , Goyal Abha , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: August 2024

Background

The unsatisfactory rate of Pap tests (PT) is an important quality assurance (QA) metric for a cytopathology laboratory. At our institution, an unsatisfactory PT slide is followed by a second ThinPrep (TP) slide. The aim of this study is to evaluate this QA practice.

Methods

Our laboratory processes an unsatisfactory TP PT with a follow‐up second TP slide with or without glacial acetic acid. The correlation between the unsatisfactory rate and the second slide rate test was examined.

Results

A total of 2739 cases with a second TP slide were prepared for an unsatisfactory initial TP PT. After second slide preparation, 780 cases (28%) remained unsatisfactory. Using Spearman's rank correlation test, there was a notable negative correlation between the unsatisfactory rate and the second slide rate (rho = −0.42). Of those PTs recategorized as satisfactory TP, 1742 were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) (89%), 135 as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US) (7%), 37 as low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (1.9%), 11 as atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC‐H) (0.6%), 8 as high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (0.4%), and 20 as atypical glandular cells (AGC) (1%). The final Bethesda categorization for all cases and the human papilloma virus (HPV) data was tabulated.

Conclusions

A second slide preparation significantly reduced the unsatisfactory rate of the PT. This also had a significant impact by detecting clinically significant lesions. HPV testing can also be performed on slides reclassified from unsatisfactory to ASC‐US or higher.
Exploring mothers' metaphorical sensemaking of dyslexia
Authors: S. Abetz Jenna
Published: August 2024

Through a reflexive thematic analysis of a large online support group for dyslexia and a sensemaking lens, this study investigated how mothers made sense of their child's dyslexia through metaphors. Mothers used metaphors to characterise their feelings surrounding dyslexia, their school‐based interactions and their identity as advocates. The language mothers use offers a generative, textured way to understand the lived experiences of supporting a child with learning differences. Whilst mothers articulated much frustration and anger, they also voiced encouragement, advice‐giving, empathy and hope, illustrating how their sense of agency was both threatened and empowered by the experience of having a child with dyslexia. There is much mothers must process, understand and navigate surrounding their child's dyslexia and the findings underscore the need for early school‐based screening, support and intervention.
Syntheses, Structures and Magnetism of Trinuclear Bimetallic MnIILnIIIMnII Complexes (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy and Er) with 2,6‐Dipicolinoylbis(N,N‐Diethylthiourea)
Authors: Thang Pham Chien , Hung Pham Dang , Dinh Le Canh , Ha Nguyen Thu , Hai Nguyen Minh , Matsumoto Kenji , Huy Nguyen Hung
Published: August 2024

Self‐assembled reactions of 2,6‐dipicolinoylbis(N,N‐diethylthiourea) (H2L) with Mn(CH3COO)2 ⋅ 4H2O and LnCl3, where Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er in MeOH lead to formation of stable trinuclear complexes of the composition [LnMn2(L)2(μ1,3‐CH3COO)2X] (MnIILnIIIMnII), where X− can be κ2‐CH3COO− or κ1‐CH3COO−. Single crystal X‐ray studies reveal their symmetric structures comprising one central Ln(III) ion, two terminal Mn(II) ions sandwiched by two doubly deprotonated ligands {L2−}. The magnetic properties of MnIILaIIIMnII and MnIIGdIIIMnII complexes are successfully simulated using symmetrical magnetic interaction models, giving the best fitted parameters: JMn‐Mn=−0.120(1) cm−1, gMn=1.99(1), TIP=4.45(7) ⋅ 10−4 cm3 mol−1 K for MnIILaIIIMnII and JGd‐Mn=0.042(1) cm−1, JMn‐Mn=−0.076(1) cm−1, gMn=1.96(1), gGd=2.01(1) and TIP=3.59(14) ⋅ 10−4 cm3 mol−1 K for MnIIGdIIIMnII complex. The magnetic interactions between the Mn(II) and Ln(III) ions in the other MnIILnIIIMnII complexes are studied by comparing their χM values to the sum of χM values of the MnIILaIIIMnII and the analogous ZnIILnIIIZnII complexes. The MnIIErIIIMnII complex reveals a strong ferromagnetic interaction, while the Sm, Nd, Gd and Dy complexes show weak ferromagnetic interactions.
The transportation for cohesive bank‐collapsed materials in a straight channel with the prospect of climate change
Authors: Liu Haifei , Duan Guosheng , Cheng Li
Published: August 2024

The transportation of bank‐collapsed materials is a key issue among river evolution processes. In this study, a series of flume experiments were conducted to monitor riverbank collapse processes and to explore the regularity of transportation for cohesive collapsed materials in the straight channel adapting to climate change conditions. The collapsed materials, both the bed and suspended loads, that transformed from collapsed materials were intensively evaluated under experimental conditions. The results showed that the collapsed materials contributed to 12% ˜ 20% sedimentation in situ, 8% ˜ 14% suspended loads and 70% ˜ 80% bed loads. In addition, the bed load motion efficiency coefficient (eb), suspended load motion efficiency coefficient (es) and sediment carrying capacity factor (U3/gRω) were introduced to describe the transportation of collapsed materials in terms of energy dissipation. This research provides theoretical and practical benefits for predicting channel evolution processes.
Mass flash reduction strategies in friction stir processing of aluminum alloys: A review
Authors: Marazani Tawanda , Jeje Samson Olaitan , Shongwe Mxolisi Brendon , Malatji Nicholus
Published: August 2024

Friction Stir Processing (FSP) has become a famous solid‐state technology for the fabrication of a wide range of aluminum alloy‐based composites that today find multiple applications across the various metal industries. Generation of revolving, ribbon, bulk, excessive or mass flash as it is generally termed has been a common problem in numerous FSP works. When confronted by this challenge, many researchers apply different experimental and numerical modeling approaches or strategies to reduce the mass flash to practically acceptable limits since it often leads to undesirable loss of material and is also an unwanted defect. This subject is deficiently reviewed, and it therefore becomes the thrust of this paper, to investigate the common trends in mass flash generation during FSP and its commonly employed reduction strategies. Mass flash is caused by high rotational speed at low travel speed and vice versa, flat shoulder, no and low tilt angles, high plunge depth, axial force, and travel force. Mass flash causes material loss, loss of volume fraction control target, material thinning, and leads to poor quality fabrications. Mass flash reduction strategies include the use of high tool tilt angles, concaved tool shoulder, proportional rotational speed and travel speed, and optimal plunge depth, axial force and travel speed as supported by both the experimental and numerical modeling studies.
Corrosion in laser powder bed fusion AlSi10Mg alloy
Authors: Laieghi Hossein , Kvvssn Varma , Butt Muhammad Muteeb , Ansari Peyman , Salamci Metin U. , Patterson Albert E. , Salamci Elmas
Published: August 2024

Aluminum alloy AlSi10Mg is a widely used engineering material that offers a very high strength‐to‐weight ratio and easy processing. It is common in the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries and has excellent machining and casting properties, as well as being easily made into fine powder. In recent years, it has become one of the most common light‐weight materials for additive manufacturing (AM). Its chemical composition and stability in powder form make it particularly ideal for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) applications. It is one of the few available aluminum alloys that can be reliably processed using AM. Numerous studies have been dedicated to mechanical properties and design strategies, but much less attention has been given to corrosion behavior. This article reviews the corrosion behavior and the correlation between the microstructure and corrosion for AlSi10Mg when fabricated using an LPBF process. Specific topics reviewed include corrosion performance, corrosion issues (pores, surface roughness, and residual stresses), and passive film formation mechanisms and compare these to conventionally‐manufactured counterparts. In addition, this review discusses available methods for mitigating and avoiding corrosion in LPBF‐processed AlSi10Mg parts, including relevant post‐processing methods.
Runoff–sediment dynamics and degradation patterns in an abandoned terraced landscape on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Fang Xuan , Peng Mingguo , Yan Yanzi , Xu Xia , Na Jiaming
Published: August 2024

Terracing is an important measure to conserve water and soil on the Loess Plateau. Previous studies have showed that due to extreme rainstorms and a lack of maintenance, loess terraces have experienced degradation predominantly as collapses and sinkholes. Investigating the hydrological processes associated with terrace degradation is vital to understand terrace degradation mechanisms and maintain terraced landscape sustainability. Using a high‐resolution digital elevation model (DEM) based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)remote sensing, as well as SIMulated Water Erosion (SIMWE) model, we explored the runoff–sediment dynamics on the terraced slopes on the Loess Plateau under rainstorm conditions and the terrace degradation patterns. The results showed that the dominant longitudinal water flow between terrace steps and converging lateral water flow along terrace surfaces indicate terrace ridge collapses and terrace surface sinkholes, respectively. Damaged areas exhibit high sediment flux and erosion potential. The water dynamics and degradation pattern were influenced by the original slope topography and terrace morphology. Specifically, most damages are distributed on concave slopes with concentrated water flow. In narrow terraces, under scattered longitudinal water flow, the dominant damages are ordinary collapses and the overall terraced topography tends to degrade into natural slopes. In wide terraces, concentrated longitudinal and well‐developed transverse water flows form a basic degradation pattern dominated by sinkhole‐induced collapses. This study verified the feasibility of SIMWE‐based hydrological simulation in assessing the degradation pattern of terraces on the Loess Plateau and demonstrated its potential for spatial scales and complex scenarios through compared with the soil moisture content (SMC)‐based method. The study concluded that the dominant runoff paths under the constraints of slope microtopography control the terrace degradation patterns. Our findings can serve as a theoretical basis for predicting hydrological hazards on terraces on the Loess Plateau and conducting a scientific design of terraces.
A hybrid interval‐valued time series prediction model incorporating intuitionistic fuzzy cognitive map and fuzzy neural network
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Tao Zhifu , Liu Jinpei , Liu Xi , Chen Huayou
Published: August 2024

The definition of interval‐valued time series is now a valid tool that can be used to model uncertainty with known numerical bounds. However, how to provide accurate predictions of interval‐valued time series remains an open problem. The goal of this paper is to develop a hybrid interval‐valued time series prediction model that incorporates an intuitionistic fuzzy cognitive map and a fuzzy neural network. The causal relationship and adjacency matrix among nodes of the intuitionistic fuzzy cognitive map are defined and quantified using mutual subsethhood, in which the hesitation weight is added to the connection weight among concept nodes. The approach directly constructs concept nodes and a weight matrix for automatic recognition of intuitionistic fuzzy cognitive maps from original sequence data and combines the particle swarm optimization algorithm and back propagation algorithm to run with less manual intervention. The confidence intervals of forecasted interval values are also discussed. The developed prediction model is applied to forecast interval‐valued financial time series (i.e., the Nasdaq‐100 stock index), which is composed of daily minimum price and maximum price. The feasibility and validity of the proposed developed prediction model are shown through comparisons with some existing prediction models on interval‐valued time series.
Astrocytic centrin‐2 expression in entorhinal cortex correlates with Alzheimer's disease severity
Authors: Degl'Innocenti Elisa , Poloni Tino Emanuele , Medici Valentina , Olimpico Francesco , Finamore Francesco , Profka Xhulja , Bascarane Karouna , Morrone Castrese , Pastore Aldo , Escartin Carole , McDonnell Liam A. , Dell'Anno Maria Teresa
Published: August 2024

Astrogliosis is a condition shared by acute and chronic neurological diseases and includes morphological, proteomic, and functional rearrangements of astroglia. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), reactive astrocytes frame amyloid deposits and exhibit structural changes associated with the overexpression of specific proteins, mostly belonging to intermediate filaments. At a functional level, amyloid beta triggers dysfunctional calcium signaling in astrocytes, which contributes to the maintenance of chronic neuroinflammation. Therefore, the identification of intracellular players that participate in astrocyte calcium signaling can help unveil the mechanisms underlying astrocyte reactivity and loss of function in AD. We have recently identified the calcium‐binding protein centrin‐2 (CETN2) as a novel astrocyte marker in the human brain and, in order to determine whether astrocytic CETN2 expression and distribution could be affected by neurodegenerative conditions, we examined its pattern in control and sporadic AD patients. By immunoblot, immunohistochemistry, and targeted‐mass spectrometry, we report a positive correlation between entorhinal CETN2 immunoreactivity and neurocognitive impairment, along with the abundance of amyloid depositions and neurofibrillary tangles, thus highlighting a linear relationship between CETN2 expression and AD progression. CETN2‐positive astrocytes were dispersed in the entorhinal cortex with a clustered pattern and colocalized with reactive glia markers STAT3, NFATc3, and YKL‐40, indicating a human‐specific role in AD‐induced astrogliosis. Collectively, our data provide the first evidence that CETN2 is part of the astrocytic calcium toolkit undergoing rearrangements in AD and adds CETN2 to the list of proteins that could play a role in disease evolution.
Biomolecule‐responsive polymers and their bio‐applications
Authors: Xiong Yuting , Li Minmin , Qing Guangyan
Published: August 2024

Precise recognition and specific interactions between biomolecules are key prerequisites for ensuring the performance of all actives within living organisms. The convergence of biomolecular recognition systems into synthetic materials could endow the materials with high specificity and biological sensitivity; this, in turn, enables precise drug release, monitoring or detection of important biomolecules, and cell manipulation through targeted capture or release of specific biomolecules. Meanwhile, from the perspective of materials science, the application of conventional polymers in practical biological systems poses several challenges, such as low responsiveness and sensitivity, inadequate targetability, insufficient anti‐interference capacities, and unsatisfactory biocompatibility. These problems could be partly attributed to the polymers' weak discrimination abilities toward target biomolecules in the presence of interfering substances with high abundance. In particular, the proposition of “precision medicine” project raises higher demands for the design of biomaterials in terms of their precision and targetability. Therefore, there is an urgent demand for the development of new‐generation biomaterials with precise recognition and sensitive responsiveness comparable to biomacromolecules. This promotes a new research direction of biomolecule‐responsive polymers and their diverse applications. This review focuses on the origin and construction of biomolecule‐responsive polymers, as well as their attractive applications in drug delivery systems, bio‐detection, bio‐sensing, separation, and enrichment, as well as regulating cell adhesion.
Nationwide registry‐based trial of risk‐stratified cervical screening
Authors: Arroyo Mühr Laila Sara , Wang Jiangrong , Hassan Sadaf S. , Yilmaz Emel , Elfström Miriam K. , Dillner Joakim
Published: August 2024

In well‐screened populations, most cervical cancers arise from small groups of women with inadequate screening. The present study aims to assess whether registry‐based cancer risk assessment could be used to increase screening intensity among high‐risk women. The National Cervical Screening Registry identified the 28,689 women residents in Sweden who had either no previous cervical screening or a screening history indicating high risk. We invited these women by SMS and/or physical letter to order a free human papillomavirus (HPV) self‐sampling kit. The Swedish national HPV reference laboratory performed extended HPV genotyping and referred high‐risk HPV‐positive women to their regional gynecologist. A total of 3691/28,689 (12.9%) women ordered a self‐sampling kit and 10.0% (2853/28,689) returned a sample for testing. Participation among women who had never attended screening was low, albeit improved. Up to 22.5% of women in other high‐risk groups attended. High‐risk HPV types were detected in 8.3% of samples. High‐risk HPV‐positive women (238/2853) were referred without further triaging and severe cervical precancer or cancer (HSIL+) in histopathology were detected in 36/158 (23%) of biopsied women. Repeat invitations gave modest additional participation. Nationwide contacting of women with high risk for cervical cancer with personal invitations to order HPV self‐sampling kits resulted in high yield of detected CIN2+. Further efforts to improve risk‐stratified screening strategies should be directed to improving (i) the precision of the risk‐stratification algorithm, (ii) the convenience for the women to participate and, (iii) ensuring that screen‐positive women are followed‐up.
ANOVA (Benova) correction in relative homogenization: Why it is indispensable
Authors: Domonkos Peter , Joelsson Lars Magnus Torvald
Published: August 2024

This paper reviews the role of ANOVA correction model in the homogenization of climatic time series. In the present context ANOVA has only weak connection to its original meaning (analysis of variance), so we propose the new name “Benova” to replace the confusing old name. In the linear model of Benova corrections (hereafter Benova) the information of statistically detected inhomogeneities and metadata are jointly considered for all time series of a given climatic region. Benova has indisputable advantages on the accuracy of homogenization results, and this has both theoretical and practical evidence. The study presents two principal versions of Benova: in simple Benova the climate signal is presumed to be spatially invariant, while in weighted Benova the spatial variation of climate is considered. In Benova models usually only breaks (i.e., sudden shifts of section mean) are considered, but this restriction has practical reasons, rather than theoretical limits, and the study shows an extended version of the method with which trend‐like inhomogeneity biases can also be removed. Benova can be used for a group of time series covering varied time periods, the operations can be performed in any time resolution, and statistical characteristics others than climatic means can also be homogenized by the method. Benova can be used together with any break detection method. The study discusses the likely reasons of the relatively slow spread in practical application. PRODIGE was the first homogenization method which used Benova corrections. Until now, all homogenization methods including Benova corrections include also the same kind break detection method, i.e., penalized maximum likelihood method with step function fitting. The brief descriptions of two modern methods of this method family, that is, ACMANT and Bart methods, are also provided.
Interdecadal change in the influence of the southern annular mode to the tropical cyclone frequency over the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Mbigi Dickson , Xiao Ziniu
Published: August 2024

The current study investigates the modulation of the tropical cyclone (TC) frequency (TCF) over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) by the southern annular mode (SAM). The analysis reveals that the SAM–TCF relationship during October–November–December has undergone interdecadal changes from significant during 1971–1994 to insignificant during 1995–2021. This contrasting influence of the SAM on the TCF occurrence is also echoed in the large‐scale environmental variables conducive to forming tropical cyclones (TCs). Based on the possible mechanism, we found that the SAM can imprint tripole sea surface temperature (SST) patterns in the southern Indian Ocean via altering surface wind speed from 1971 to 1994. The SAM‐related tripole SST pattern induces the surface‐level anticyclone anomaly, which enhances the south easterlies towards the western equatorial Indian Ocean. Such intensified anomalous wind crosses the equator and diverts towards the east to form the cyclone anomaly in the BoB. Meanwhile, at 200 hPa, the anomalous anticyclone over western Australia induces divergent wind flows over the study region. Consequently, the ascending motion in BoB promotes the tropical cyclone generation. During 1995–2021, however, the SAM is associated with the dipole SST pattern in the southern Indian Ocean. Correspondingly, the SAM‐related dipole SST yields anomalous atmospheric circulations confined to the Southern Hemisphere and eventually fails to impact the formation of TCs in the northern Indian Ocean, where the study region is located. The findings of this research can be useful in advancing our knowledge of the interannual variability of TCs activity in the BoB based on the remote climate signal.
Exploration of Hotel Reservation Through Mobile Online Travel Agencies
Authors: Sun Sunny , Law Rob , Hyun Sunghyup Sean
Published: August 2024

The number of tourists who use smartphones to make hotel reservation is continuously increasing. Nonetheless, only a few studies have investigated the attributes to make hotel reservation via mobile devices (e.g., smartphones). Hence, the present study comprehensively evaluates the attributes to make hotel reservation through mobile online travel agencies (OTAs) based on the web function design framework to identify the perceived important attributes to make hotel reservation via mobile OTAs from the perspective of tourists and to find out the possible factors with specific attributes to measure hotel reservation via mobile OTAs through an online questionnaire survey method. Findings reflect that the perceived important attributes of tourists have changed from those allowing them to meet their hierarchical needs to those supporting their nonhierarchical intertwined needs. In addition, four factors of hotel reservation via mobile OTAs are identified: hotel information provision, relationship and social media, design and layout, and consumer requests.
Artificial‐Intelligence‐Enhanced Mid‐infrared Lab‐on‐a‐Chip for Mixture Spectroscopy Analysis
Authors: Zhou Jingkai , Liu Xinmiao , Zhou Hong , Xu Siyu , Xie Junsheng , Xu Cheng , Liu Weixin , Zhang Zixuan , Lee Chengkuo
Published: August 2024

Bio/chemical mixture sensing in a water environment is of great importance in sensing applications. Relying on plentiful molecular fingerprints in mid‐infrared (MIR) and high integration potential, nanophotonic waveguide‐based MIR lab‐on‐a‐chip (LoC) provides a miniaturized and versatile solution for specific and label‐free bio/chemical detection. However, it is still challenging to implement an MIR LoC with on‐chip photodetection for chemical sensing in water, due to the strong MIR water absorption and limited MIR on‐chip photodetector scheme, let alone the spectral overlap issue in mixture analysis. Here, a MIR LoC integrating zero‐bias graphene photodetector is reported and the real‐time monitoring of three analytes in water leveraging the MIR LoC is demonstrated. Besides, using machine learning, the on‐chip collected spectra of the ternary mixture in water with 27 mixing ratios are successfully classified with an accuracy of 95.77%. Moreover, concentration prediction of individual analytes in a mixture is performed by developing a convolution regression network for mixture spectrum decomposition: 83.33% of the single‐component concentration predictions are within the 1 vol% error range, and an average root‐mean‐squared error of 1 vol% for mixture concentration predictions is achieved. The MIR LoC offers new opportunities for highly integrated intelligent sensing systems in various sensing scenarios in the Internet of Things era.
Repetition‐Rate and Wavelength Flexible Femtosecond Laser Pulse Generation
Authors: Cheng Zhi , Zhou Jiaqi , Cao Xinru , Cui Shuzhen , Jiang Huawei , Feng Yan
Published: August 2024

Compared to mode‐locked oscillators, gain‐switched diodes (GSD) have the key advantage of repetition‐rate agility. Yet, large pulse duration and poor coherence of the GSD pulses greatly limit their applications. Here, a GSD‐pumped Raman fiber amplifier is demonstrated, which can effectively generate femtosecond laser pulses with both repetition‐rate and wavelength agility. It is proved that both nonlinear optical gain and single‐frequency seed in the fiber amplifier play critical roles for improving the coherence of the generated laser pulses. In the experimental demonstration, pumped by 1065 nm GSD pulses, the nonlinear fiber amplifier can generate highly coherent 1121 nm femtosecond Raman pulses with up to 80.2% conversion efficiency. The Raman pulses can maintain high performance within the repetition‐rate tuning range from 1 to 150 MHz. The potential for generating 1178 nm femtosecond Raman pulses is also demonstrated with an optical conversion efficiency of 63.8%. This all‐fiber based femtosecond laser with both repetition‐rate and wavelength agility is a promising light source for applications such as nonlinear microscopy and micromachining.
Interlayer Charge Transition and Broadband Polarization Photodetection and Imaging Based on In2Se3/ReS2 van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Ahmad Waqas , Rehman Majeed Ur , Younis Umer , Abbas Aumber , Kazmi Jamal , Suwaidi Omar Husain Al , Samad Yarjan Abdul , Lei Wen , Channa Ali Imran , Liang Qijie , Wang Zhiming
Published: August 2024

2D van der Waal (vdWs) heterostructures present unique optoelectronic characteristics, making them favorable layer structures for constructing promising optoelectronic devices with multifunctional applications. Nevertheless, as a result of significant interface recombination of the photogenerated electron‐hole pairs and the presence of various absorption edges within constituent layers, they are prone to experiencing low carrier collection efficiency. In this work, a combined theoretical and experimental investigation are presented on the In2Se3/ReS2 vdWs heterostructure, aimed at developing high‐performance and broadband photodetector with multifunctionalities. In theoretical investigations, it is observed that, by adjusting the polarization states (+P to −P) in the In2Se3 layer, band alignment can be effectively tuned from type‐I to type‐II, providing a narrow bandgap of ≈0.65 eV, which is beyond that of their individual constituents. As a photodetector, the device shows broadband photoresponse ranging from 532 to 1550 nm with ultrahigh responsivity (99.36 AW−1), detectivity (3.5 × 1013 Jones), and external quantum efficiency (34195%). Additionally, competitive polarization sensitivity across the broad spectrum and imagining capability are observed with In2Se3/ReS2 vdWs heterostructure. This study demonstrates that In2Se3/ReS2 vdWs heterostructure device provides a promising technique for developing high‐performance 2D optoelectronic devices with multifunctionalities.
Should brand‐owners adopt blockchain to combat deceptive counterfeits when competing with copycats? Impact of consumers' anticipated regret
Authors: Guan Zhimin , Yu Tianyang , Dong Jingyang , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2024

Original products (sold by a brand‐owner) are exposed to the dual challenge of imitation products (sold by a copycat) and deceptive counterfeit products (provided by a counterfeiter). In such cases, consumers face higher shopping risks and are more likely to experience post‐purchase regret. Blockchain can prevent the infiltration of deceptive counterfeits and the occurrence of regret, but its adoption can also raise consumer privacy concern. Hence, considering the above factors, we focus on the brand‐owner's blockchain adoption strategy. First, we define two types of regret: counterfeit‐purchasing regret (CPR) and low‐cost‐effective regret (LCR). Second, we consider three scenarios: scenario NR: without blockchain and considering only CPR, scenario NT: without blockchain and considering only LCR, and Scenario B: with blockchain. Finally, we compare the equilibrium results under scenarios NR and NT with those under scenario B, respectively. We interestingly find that blockchain adoption benefits the brand‐owner when (1) privacy concern is low or (2) privacy concern is moderate and the sensitivity factor of CPR is large or the sensitivity factor of LCR is small. Therefore, we advise brand‐owners to intervene in consumers' sensitivity to regret in order to make blockchain adoption work in their favor.
Political Promotion Over Social Media and Voters' Voting Intention With Trust as a Moderator
Authors: Dash Ajitabh
Published: August 2024

This study examines the relationship between voters' attitudes towards social media promotion and their voting behaviour, along with the moderating effect of trust on this relationship. For this study, primary data was acquired from a sample of 441 respondents across Karnataka in India using a predesigned questionnaire. Convenience sampling was utilised to ensure that only interested and motivated respondents participated in the study and that the sample was representative of the target population. Significant findings of this study implied that political parties that aim to embrace social media advertising must inculcate trust among their target audience. Again, political parties that plan to use social media advertising must build a memorable and lasting impression on the minds of their target audience in every interaction by developing a reliable and authentic discourse. This study adds to the understanding of the moderating role of trust in voters' attitudes towards social media advertising and can be used to formulate an appropriate political promotion strategy.
Bi‐functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles induced cooperation of fluorine‐silicone heterogeneous rubbers with designable low‐temperature resistance
Authors: Ma Yucong , Fu Yu , Xing Lei , Wu Aimin , Wang Tianjiao , Xu Yi , Wan Fangjie , Dong Xufeng , Huang Hao
Published: August 2024

Fluorine‐silicone heterogeneous rubbers have been developed to address the issue of poor low‐temperature resistance in fluorine rubber. Bi‐functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles have been prepared as a nano‐compatibilizer to enhance the cooperation of fluorine‐silicon heterogeneous rubbers and improve their compatibility. Research has demonstrated that the nano‐compatibilizer can reduce the interfacial energy between the two phases and facilitate void‐free dispersion of the phases. Fluorine‐silicone heterogeneous rubbers with varying ratios have been synthesized to achieve a broad low‐temperature range, from −34 to −58°C. Additionally, the use of the nano‐compatibilizer enhances the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the rubbers. This study presents a novel approach utilizing bi‐functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles to promote the cooperation of fluorine‐silicone heterogeneous rubbers, resulting in customizable low‐temperature resistance for applications in sealing and hose materials.
Enhanced thermal conductivity of polypropylene/polyamide 6 composites via optimizing the selective distribution of h‐BN and NH2‐CNTs hybrid fillers within the co‐continuous structure
Authors: Jing Xinyi , Meng Linggong , Liu Tong , Ye Xinming , Yang Shuai , He Zhichao , Wang Wensheng , Li Jie , Li Yingchun
Published: August 2024

Achieving high thermal conductivity in composites with low filler content is a major challenge in current research. In this paper, polypropylene (PP) and polyamide 6 (PA6) were used as polymer matrix, and the hybrid thermal conductive filler, formed by hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) and aminated carbon nanotubes (NH2‐CNTs), was integrated into matrix for the fabrication of thermal conductive composites (PP/PA6/h‐BN and PP/PA6/h‐BN@CNTs) via two‐step melt blending technology. The thermal conductive fillers were selectively distributed in a phase of the polymer matrix with a co‐continuous structure, forming a thermal conductive path with a three‐dimensional network structure. The results show that when the content of h‐BN reaches 25 wt%, the thermal conductivity of the PP/PA6/h‐BN and PP/PA6/h‐BN@CNTs composites was 199% and 300% higher than that of PP/PA6, respectively. Through testing the volume resistivity of the composites, it was confirmed that PP/PA6/h‐BN@CNTs composites maintain good electrical insulation. Both composites demonstrated remarkable thermal conductivity and outstanding electrical insulation. This research provides a facile way to prepare highly thermal conductivity polymer composites with excellent processing performances and electrical insulation.

Highlights

h‐BN@CNTs hybrid fillers with sandwich structure were prepared.

A two‐step blending method was used to control the selective distribution of hybrid fillers in a phase of the polymer matrix with a co‐continuous structure.

The hybrid filler formed a thermal conductive path with a three‐dimensional network structure in the collective.

PP/PA6/h‐BN@CNTs composites demonstrated remarkable thermal conductivity, outstanding electrical insulation and favorable processing performances.
Enhanced interface electrical insulation of aramid‐reinforced resin composites via iron phthalocyanine self‐assembled structures on the surface of aramid
Authors: Xie Jun , Zhang Youzhi , Xia Guowei , Xu Bobin , Qiao Longyin , Hu Chengming , Xie Qing
Published: August 2024

Aramid fiber‐reinforced epoxy resin composites (AFRP) are the main components of electrical equipment such as GIS insulated tie rods, but the poor interfacial bonding between aramid fibers (AF) and epoxy resin (EP) results in a degradation of the material's insulating properties. In this paper, iron phthalocyanine (FePc) molecules are introduced on the AF surface, and the π‐π interaction effect between the metal phthalocyanine rings is used as a driving force to guide the spontaneous assembly of FePc into a three‐dimensional microstructure, and the effect of microstructures with different FePc contents on the insulating properties of AFRP interfaces is investigated. Combining a series of test simulation methods such as surface potential attenuation test, electric tree test, interlayer shear test, and molecular dynamics simulation, reveals the enhancement mechanism of the electrical insulation performance of the interface. The results show that FePc at four contents has an enhancement effect on the flashover voltage along the AF and the breakdown voltage at the AFRP interface, with a maximum enhancement of 25.63% for the flashover voltage and 232.23% for the breakdown voltage.

Highlights

Self‐assembled three‐dimensional structures on aramid surfaces were constructed via iron phthalocyanine molecules.

The effects of self‐assembled structures on physicochemical properties are compared.

Modifications substantially increase the breakdown voltage and flashover voltage.

The mechanism of microstructure on interface breakdown voltage enhancement is revealed.

The overall effect of multiple factors on insulation properties is analyzed.
Plasma‐assisted incorporation of flame‐retardant chemicals for improved flame retardancy of polyester fabrics
Authors: Nandy Shreyasi , Sreekumar T. V. , Palaskar Shital , Mehra Neha
Published: August 2024

The polyester fabric was subjected to atmospheric plasma and impregnated with commercially available 3‐hydroxyphenyl phosphinyl‐propanoic acid (3HPP) as flame retarding agent by high‐temperature high pressure (HTHP) dyeing method. Various concentrations of 3HPP in water, up to 4% w/v, were applied using the HTHP method. It was observed that the plasma treatment not only enhanced wettability and wicking but also facilitated increased pickup of 3HPP onto the polyester. The treatment exhibited a noteworthy enhancement in the limiting oxygen index (LOI), rising from 20.8% for the untreated control fabric to 30% for the fabric treated with plasma and a 4% 3HPP solution. Additionally, the application of 3HPP without plasma treatment did not yield significant improvements in flame‐retardant (FR) properties. The combined treatment of plasma and 3HPP resulted in an LOI of 29% with a 2% 3HPP treatment, while at the same concentration without plasma treatment, the LOI value was 26.8%. The heightened LOI was primarily attributed to the presence of phosphorus, as confirmed by high‐performance liquid chromatography and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Additionally, the wash durability assessment of plasma‐processed and 3HPP‐treated samples demonstrated sustained flame retardancy, with an LOI of approximately 28% even after undergoing 20 wash cycles. Vertical flammability and cone calorimetry also confirm improved FR properties after treatment. Remarkably, the mechanical properties and surface morphology of the fabric remained unaltered following both plasma and chemical treatments.

Highlights

Easy and cost‐effective technique for the downstream process for FR polyester fabric.

FR agent during polymerization has the disadvantage of lower molecular weight.

Potential for producing FR industrial polyester fabric.

Post‐plasma treatment improves the washing fastness.

The mechanical and comfort properties remain intact during the process.
MAPT mutations associated with familial tauopathies lead to formation of conformationally distinct oligomers that have cross‐seeding ability
Authors: Bhopatkar Anukool A. , Bhatt Nemil , Haque Md Anzarul , Xavier Rhea , Fung Leiana , Jerez Cynthia , Kayed Rakez
Published: August 2024

The microtubule associated protein, tau, is implicated in a multitude of neurodegenerative disorders that are collectively termed as tauopathies. These disorders are characterized by the presence of tau aggregates within the brain of afflicted individuals. Mutations within the MAPT gene that encodes the tau protein form the genetic backdrop for familial forms of tauopathies, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), but the molecular consequences of such alterations and their pathological effects are unclear. We sought to investigate the conformational properties of the aggregates of three tau mutants: A152T, P301L, and R406W, all implicated within FTD, and compare them to those of the native form (WT‐Tau 2N4R). Our immunochemical analysis reveals that mutants and WT tau oligomers exhibit similar affinity for conformation‐specific antibodies but have distinct morphology and secondary structure. Additionally, these oligomers possess different dye‐binding properties and varying sensitivity to proteolytic processing. These results point to conformational variety among them. We then tested the ability of the mutant oligomers to cross‐seed the aggregation of WT tau monomer. Using similar array of experiments, we found that cross‐seeding with mutant aggregates leads to the formation of conformationally unique WT oligomers. The results discussed in this paper provide a novel perspective on the structural properties of oligomeric forms of WT tau 2N4R and its mutant, along with shedding some light on their cross‐seeding behavior.