bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tier‐based transformation in women's time management through electricity access: Insights from rural Cambodia
Authors: Seo Jung Nahyun
Published: October 2024

This research examines the impact of electricity access on women's time management in rural Cambodia using qualitative methods, including semi‐structured interviews and textual analysis. The study reviews crucial concepts, such as women's empowerment and time poverty and explores how electricity access influences these dynamics. Findings indicate that while previous studies suggest a uniform reduction in time poverty due to decreased drudgery across different levels of electricity access, this study reveals variations. It shows that reductions in time poverty are not only from decreased drudgery but also from increased disposable time, especially in off‐grid conditions where women may experience an increase in drudgery. Moreover, the extent of time poverty reduction varies with the level of electricity access, highlighting a nuanced pattern from off‐grid to national grid scenarios. This study contributes to understanding the gendered impacts of electricity access and its relation to women's autonomy in time management.
Catalytic Mechanism of Formate Dehydrogenase: Does Rotation of Formate Provide the Impetus for Surmounting the Activation Energy Barrier?
Authors: Yurenko Yevgen , Novotný Jan , Marek Radek , Kozelka Jiří
Published: October 2024

Formate oxidation by Candida boidinii formate dehydrogenase was recently subjected to QM/MM MD simulations (Q. Guo et al., Biochemistry 55, 2016, 2760–2771). Inspection of snapshots from the reported umbrella sampling of the reactants state region provided two interesting observations. Firstly, an ester bond between formate and nicotinamide spontaneously formed and subsequently dissociated. Such an ester adduct was previously predicted to form with negligible energy barrier in gas phase but was so far not reported in QM/MM MD simulations. Secondly, two snapshots were identified as possible near‐attack conformations (NACs) from which the transition state (TS) can be reached by unhindered rotation of formate about its O─O axis. The NACs differ from each other in the direction of rotation required to attain TS. Calculation of natural orbitals for chemical valence channels indicated genesis of the new C─H bond already at the NAC stage. Both NACs feature a nonlinear C(formate)–H(formate)–C(nicotinamide) angle, approaching linearity only in the TS. We believe that due to the particular conception of the active site which profits from the unique triangular shape of the substrate, the formate ion can reach the TS more easily through this rotational movement than through parallel shift along the C─H vector, as previously assumed.
Ni–Cu Bimetallic Oxides with Tailored Morphology for High‐Performance Alkaline Water Oxidation
Authors: Tabassum Anila , Ata Sadia , Ding Yulong , Mohsin Ijaz Ul , Leghari Sajjad Ahmed Khan , Al‐Kahtani Abdullah A. , Nafady Ayman , Sohail Manzar
Published: October 2024

Water oxidation, a crucial step in electrochemical water splitting, is often hindered by its complex kinetics. In our pursuit of designing efficient electrocatalysts, we have found that morphological modifications during synthesis are powerful tools. By manipulating various parameters, such as reaction time and temperature, we have tuned the morphology of the catalysts, leading to a significant enhancement in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) rate. Our thorough research involves using a simple hydrothermal method for synthesizing bimetallic Ni–Cu oxides, resulting in the emergence of different morphologies by varying reaction times from 4 to 24 h. The OER performance in an alkaline medium, using a 1 M KOH solution, has been meticulously investigated, and our results have unveiled the highest activity for Ni–Cu fabricated with a growth time of 24 h. Ni–Cu oxide 24 exhibits a remarkably low onset potential for OER at 222 mV with a Tafel slope of 373 mV/dec. The catalyst boasts the lowest Rct value of 2.788 ohm, ensuring faster charge transfer rates and stability up to 1000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles, thereby supporting its electrochemical applications for water splitting.
Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Activity through Bimetallic Phosphide Integration in ReS2/Re2O7 Heterostructure
Authors: Vijayan Aruna , Thomas Teena , Sandhyarani N.
Published: October 2024

Developing a nonprecious and sustainable electrocatalyst in clean energy generation is quite noteworthy. Transition metal chalcogenides, oxides, and phosphides have emerged as promising candidates to substitute Pt‐based catalysts. In this study, we explore the catalytic potential of ReS2, a promising member of the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) family, for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). The formation of rhenium oxide during the synthesis of ReS2 and further incorporation of a bimetallic phosphide NiCuP in a sequential hydrothermal synthesis reveals an excellent HER activity, as demonstrated by photoelectrochemical and electrochemical studies. Notably, the catalyst exhibits a significantly lower overpotential of −0.10 V (corresponding to −10 mA/cm2) and achieves a high current density of approx. −271 mA/cm2 at −0.79 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) under light irradiation. The catalyst demonstrates high stability. These findings underscore the potential of NiCuP‐integrated ReS2/Re2O7 as a highly efficient and sustainable catalyst for HER.
Local Strain‐Dependent Etching Patterns of Chemical Vapor Deposited Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Luo Birong , Wang Rongnan , Zhao Tianxiang , Li Linfeng , Chen Qi , Wang Pengcheng , Wang Junjia , Han Qing , Zhang Ying , Zhang Bo , Li Dejun
Published: October 2024

This study reveals a local strain‐dependent etching behavior that enables the formation of distinguished etching patterns in differently strained chemical vapor deposited (CVD) 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayers. It is demonstrated that when the local tensile strain of CVD 2D MoS2 is as uniformly low as ɛ ≈ 0.33% or less, the oxidative etching pattern possesses conventional triangular etching pits (TEPs), while when the local tensile strain is as uniformly high as ɛ ≈ 0.55% or larger, the oxidative etching pattern consist of uniformly oriented hexagonal etching channels (HECs). More interestingly, when the CVD 2D MoS2 monolayer has heterogenous strain distribution from ɛ ≈ 0.55% (center region) to ɛ ≈ 0.33% (perimeter region), the oxidative etching pattern comprise of non‐uniformly hexagonal‐mixed‐parallel etching channels (HPECs). The further characterization and analysis reveal the formation mechanism of such strain‐dependent etching patterns is built on the local strain‐related fractures propagation under oxidative etching, as well as the anisotropy fractures‐based oxidative etching kinetics. This study may enhance the understanding of the relationship between etching and growth features of 2D TMDs, and paves the way to etching‐nanostructured (or defect) engineering of 2D TMDs and other 2D materials for potential applications in electrocatalysis and optoelectronics.
Laser‐Sintered Silver Metallization for Silicon Heterojunction Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Mousumi Jannatul Ferdous , Bougdid Yahya , Kulkarni Gunjan , Li Tianyi , Kumar Ranganathan , Kar Aravinda , Davis Kristopher Olan
Published: October 2024

Herein, a novel metallization technique is reported for crystalline silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells in which silver (Ag) fingers are printed on the SHJ substrates by dispensing Ag nanoparticle‐based inks through a needle and then sintered with a continuous‐wave carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The impact of the Ag ink viscosity on the line quality and the line resistance is investigated on three Ag inks with different viscosities. Increasing ink viscosity yields higher Ag contact heights, larger aspect ratios, and lower line resistance values. The Ag line height increases from less than a micrometer to ≈18.62 ± 3.48 μm with the increasing viscosity. Photoluminescence imaging shows that the low‐resistance Ag metal contacts obtained do not result in any passivation damage of the SHJ substrate. This is because the wavelength of light emitted from the CO2 laser (i.e., 10.6 μm) leads to optical absorption in the Ag, but this light is effectively transparent to the transparent conductive oxide film, amorphous silicon films, and crystalline silicon substrate. Bulk resistivity values as low as 6.5 μΩ cm are obtained for the laser‐sintered Ag contact and printed using the Ag ink with the highest viscosity in this work.
BCIDS‐IoT: A Binary Classification Intrusion Detection Scheme for Internet of Things Communication
Authors: Agarwal Pralabh , Wazid Mohammad , Singh Vishal Kumar , Srivastava Anindya , Singh Arshal Raj , Mittal Saksham , Das Ashok Kumar
Published: October 2024

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices into daily life has exponentially increased the amount of data. In an IoT computing environment, like Smart Homes, Internet of Medical Things, Industrial Internet of things, Internet of Vehicles, and Smart Agriculture, there is a significant volume of data being exchanged between devices, servers, and users. This gives attackers a chance to launch malicious attacks on devices and associated resources. In this article, we have addressed this issue and proposed a machine learning‐based malware detection technique for the secure communication of IoT (BCIDS‐IoT). The proposed BCIDS‐IoT employs numerous algorithms for efficient detection. The benchmark UNSW‐NB15 dataset is utilized for the analysis. BCIDS‐IoT lowers false positives, maintains high detection rates, and allows for large‐scale network traffic without compromising performance. The various models, such as logistic regression, decision trees, random forests, extra trees, K‐nearest neighbors, and artificial neural network (ANNs), are utilized in the proposed BCIDS‐IoT. Metrics like precision, recall, and F1‐score are also calculated alongside accuracy. ANN surpassed all other models with an accuracy of . Finally, the proposed BCIDS‐IoT is also compared with different closely related schemes, indicating its outperformance among all.
The confinement conundrum: what next for farrowing crates?
Authors: Loeb Josh
Published: October 2024

What are farrowing crates and why are they controversial? Are memories of welfare improvements 25 years ago preventing UK farmers from moving away from the crating of sows for as long as five weeks at a time? Have farrowing crates, which were first introduced more than half a century ago, had their day? If so, what might replace them? Josh Loeb investigates.
Identifying Zoonotic Parasites in Domiciled and Non‐Domiciled Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) Within an Urban Zone of the Eastern State of Mexico
Authors: Salcedo‐Jiménez José , Alcala‐Canto Yazmín , Segura‐Tinoco Julio , Valadez‐Moctezuma Ernestina , Pérez‐Rivero Juan José
Published: October 2024

Background

There are over 42 million dogs in Mexico, with a significant population living on the streets, especially in the State of Mexico. These dogs can act as carriers of zoonotic pathogens, placing children and individuals with chronic diseases or immunodeficiencies at risk.

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of zoonotic parasites in feral and domestic dogs in the urban area of the eastern State of Mexico and assess their potential impact on public health.

Methods

The study was conducted from July 2022 to March 2023 in the urban area located in the eastern region of the State of Mexico. A total of 134 samples of dog faces were collected through convenience sampling, from both domiciled and non‐domiciled dogs.

Results

Fifty‐one dogs were identified with Ancylostomatidae family (38.1%, 95% CI: 27.0%–52.1%), 10 with Toxocara spp. (7.5%, 95% CI: 3.6%–13.3%), 7 with Dipylidium caninum (5.5%, 95% CI: 2.1%–10.5%), 8 with Cystoisospora spp. (6.0%, 95% CI: 2.6%–11.4%), 6 with Giardia spp. (4.5%, 95% CI: 1.7‐9.5%) and 2 positive cases for Hymenolepis spp. (1.5%, 95% CI: 0.2%–5.3%) were identified.

Conclusions

This study highlights a public health concern related to non‐domiciled dogs, which can serve as carriers of zoonotic parasites. Interactions among non‐domiciled dogs, domiciled dogs and humans heighten the risk of transmission. Implementing prevention, control and awareness strategies is crucial to reduce the spread of these parasites.
Metagenomic Detection of Multiple Viruses in Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) in Australia
Authors: Kanti Nath Babu , Gupta Suman Das , talukder Saranika , Tonu Nasrin Sultana , Raidal Shane R. , Forwood Jade K. , Sarker Subir
Published: October 2024

Background

Birds are known to harbour many pathogens, including circovirus, herpesviruses, adenoviruses and Chlamydia psittaci. Some of these pose zoonotic risks, while others, such as beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), have a significant impact on the conservation of endangered bird species.

Objectives

This study was aimed to determine the faecal virome of a group of apparently healthy Monk parakeet using high‐throughput sequencing.

Methods

Fresh faecal samples were collected from four Monk parakeets at a pet shop in Melbourne, Australia. Virus enrichment and nucleic acid extraction were performed on the faecal samples, followed by high‐throughput sequencing at the Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF).

Results

Utilising an established pipeline for high‐throughput sequencing data analysis, this study revealed the presence of three viruses of the families Circoviridae, Parvoviridae and Adenoviridae. Subsequent sequence comparison and phylogenetic analyses further confirmed that the detected viruses belong to the genera Chaphamaparvovirus (unassigned species), Circovirus (species Circovirus parrot) and Siadenovirus (species Siadenovirus viridis).

Conclusion

Despite non‐pathogenicity, the existence of multiple viruses within a bird species underscores the risk of these viruses spreading into the pet trade. Detection and a better understanding of avian viruses are crucial for the establishment of appropriate management and biosecurity measures in the domestic and international bird trade, which ultimately supports the conservation of vulnerable bird species.
Evidence evaluation and reporting for forensic handwriting examinations
Authors: Bird Carolyne , Ballantyne Kaye , Jones Kylie
Published: October 2024

Evaluation and reporting are two stages of a forensic examination process. Although evaluation procedures and reporting scales remain diverse across forensic science disciplines, movements are currently being made toward standardization of practices within an evaluative (or logical) framework. This overview considers evaluation and reporting in the context of forensic handwriting examination, and specifically, how opinions are formed regarding handwriting authorship and/or process. A guide is given to assist forensic handwriting examiners when expressing conclusions or opinions based upon a formal evaluation of the evidence. Touched upon is the way examiners may arrive at their assessment of the strength and weight of the evidence with respect to the propositions that are of interest. Conclusion scales are discussed, and we also consider how examination findings and results are expressed in reports. Minimum requirements and suggested inclusions for reports, whether verbal or written, are included.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Presentation and Evaluation of Forensic Science Output
Machining Methods
Authors: Ivanov Vitalii , Evtuhov Artem , Dehtiarov Ivan , Trojanowska Justyna
Published: October 2024

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental machining processes, including turning, drilling, counterboring, reaming, milling, grinding, and gear machining. Each technique is examined in detail, highlighting its principles, applications, and the specific conditions under which it is most effectively employed.
Automation Level Taxonomy for Time Series Forecasting Services: Guideline for Real-World Smart Grid Applications
Authors: Meisenbacher Stefan , Galenzowski Johannes , Förderer Kevin , Suess Wolfgang , Waczowicz Simon , Mikut Ralf , Hagenmeyer Veit
Published: October 2024

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions necessitates the major transformation of electrical grids into smart grids. In this context, urban districts play a crucial role in the flexible balancing of electricity demand and supply, which involves solving decentralized optimization problems. Such optimization problems rely on forecasts of local demand and supply, and require the systematic orchestration of data streams using cloud services. At the same time, it is necessary to automate both the design and operation of forecasting models in such services to keep pace with the increasing need for such locally adapted forecasts. Therefore, this paper proposes an automation level taxonomy to communicate the scope of automation in time series forecasting. Furthermore, we demonstrate a forecasting service that is used in a downstream demand-side management application and realized in the real-world project Smart East in Karlsruhe, Germany. Finally, we analyze existing forecasting services in the literature, categorize them according to the proposed automation level taxonomy, and compare them with our implementation.
Nanotechnology strategy for inhibition of PARP1 and IL-17A-associated with neurotoxicity in rats exposed to hospital wastewater
Authors: Sabry Hend A. , Ali Elham H. A. , Osman Amany A. , Zahra Mai M.
Published: October 2024

Hospital wastewater (HWW) poses a serious hazard to human health security concerning its high susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Water sources and ecosystems are exposed to a complicated pollution load from a variety of refractory organics and pharmaceutical active composites. This study evaluates the treated newly developed nanocomposite (NiFe2O4) HWW on the neural injury induced by HWW action in rats. Three groups of male Wistar rats were distributed, with eight rats in each: group I: tap water served as a control; group II: HWW; and group III: nano-HWW. Each group was intragastrical administrated with each type of water (2.5 ml/100 g b.wt/6 h) for 28 consecutive days. The open field test and Morris Water Maze assessed behavioral activity and spatial learning 2 days before the last day. The research demonstrated that HWW treated with nanocomposite (NiFe2O4) may exert decreased risks of the neural impairment effect of HWW. This improvement was achieved by reducing the neurotoxicity by lowering nitric oxide contents, lipid peroxidation, acetylcholinesterase, interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase1(PARP1) while restoring the antioxidant biomarkers and neurotransmitter levels (β-endorphin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) of the treated groups in the cortex and brainstem and enhancement of the histopathology of the cortex as well. In conclusion, this study introduced a newly developed nanotechnology application for treating HWW to protect from neural injury. The findings of this research have significant value for policymakers, Ministry of Health management, and environmental organizations in their selection of suitable techniques and procedures to optimize hospital wastewater treatment efficiency.
Automated AI-based coronary calcium scoring using retrospective CT data from SCAPIS is accurate and correlates with expert scoring
Authors: Henriksson Lilian , Sandstedt Mårten , Nowik Patrik , Persson Anders
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Evaluation of the correlation and agreement between AI and semi-automatic evaluations of calcium scoring CT (CSCT) examinations using extensive data from the Swedish CardioPulmonary bio-Image study (SCAPIS).

Materials and methods

In total, 5057 CSCT examinations were performed on one CT system at Linköping University Hospital between October 8, 2015, and June 12, 2018. AI evaluations were compared to semi-automatic CSCT results from expert reader evaluations rendered within SCAPIS. Pearson correlation, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland–Altman analysis were applied for Agatston (AS), volume (VS), mass scores (MS), number of lesions and lesion location. Agreement of Agatston score classifications into cardiovascular (CV) risk categories was evaluated with weighted kappa analysis.

Results

The evaluation included 4567 subjects, 2229 (48.8%) male, 2338 (51.2%) female, 50–64 years of age (mean 57.3 ± 4.4). The AS ranged from 0 to 2871 in the cohort, with 2846 subjects having an AS of 0. Mean and median AS were 51.4 and 0.0, respectively. Total AS, VS, MS and number of lesions ICCs were 0.994, 0.994, 0.994, 0.960 (p < 0.001), respectively. Bland–Altman analyses rendered mean differences ± 1.96 SD upper and lower limits of agreement for AS −0.04, −52.5 to 52.4, VS −0.44, −46.51 to 45.63, and MS −0.07, −9.62 to 9.48. Weighted kappa analysis for CV risk category classifications was 0.913, and overall accuracy was 91.2%.

Conclusion

There was excellent correlation and agreement between AI and semi-automatic evaluations for all calcium scores, number of lesions and lesion location. High degrees of agreement and accuracy were found for the CV risk categorization.

Key Points

QuestionCan AI function as a tool for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CACS) evaluations in clinical radiology practice?

FindingsThis study confirms the robustness of AI-derived CACS results across extensive datasets, though its generalizability is limited by data acquisition from a single CT system.

Clinical relevanceThis study suggests that AI holds significant promise as a tool for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of CACS evaluations, with implications for improving patient diagnostics and reducing radiologist workload in clinical practice.
Detection of seizure clustering using ultralong-term subcutaneous EEG monitoring
Authors: Novitskaya Yulia , Hirsch Martin , Schulze-Bonhage Andreas
Published: October 2024

Epileptic seizures usually occur unpredictably yet not necessarily at random times. Cyclical patterns of seizure recurrence have been broadly described. Long-term seizure documentation may reveal individual cyclical seizure patterns; however, seizure reporting by patients or their caregivers is often inaccurate. Modern technologies for at-home monitoring of epileptic seizures enable continuous EEG recording for objective seizure counts over long-term timescales. Here, we present the clinical case of a patient with temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis who underwent ultralong-term subcutaneous EEG recording over a 1-year period, which revealed the occurrence of seizure clusters at three- to four-weekly intervals. The case demonstrates the possibility of detection of subject-specific seizure timing using a minimally invasive subcutaneous EEG recorder for ultralong-term at-home seizure monitoring. Information about individual seizure timing may contribute to a more personalized chronotherapeutic treatment approach in which antiseizure medication can be maintained at low doses during the low-risk periods and increased briefly before the anticipated seizures.
The DTALE Model: Designing Digital and Physical Spaces for Integrated Learning Environments
Authors: Tondeur Jo , Howard Sarah , Carvalho Ana Amélia , Kral Marijke , Petko Dominik , Ganesh Lakshmi T. , Røkenes Fredrik Mørk , Starkey Louise , Bower Matt , Redmond Petrea , Andresen Bent B.
Published: October 2024

Despite the widely recognised impact of both digital and physical spaces as active contributors to teaching and learning processes, relatively little is known about the learning environment. Furthermore, it is time to explore the interplay between these two spaces. Therefore, we proposed employing a holistic approach to develop a new conceptual model for Designing Teaching and Learning Environments (DTALE). To do this, the paper presents first a critical review of the research literature underpinning learning environments, with a particular interest in the integration of the physical and digital spaces, to develop the DTALE model. In the second step, the DTALE model has been developed and validated by applying the model to existing cases from different contexts. Based on the study’s findings, we outline the implications for theory and practice. Limitations and suggestions for future research are also included.
Simple exact quantum search
Authors: Guţoiu Raj Alexandru , Tănăsescu Andrei , Popescu Pantelimon George
Published: October 2024

While Grover’s search algorithm is asymptotically optimal, it does not always result in a real solution. If the search fails, the algorithm must be ran again from the beginning, conditionally doubling the effective number of oracle calls. Previous research attempted to fix this issue by modifying the oracle or alternating between numerically optimized reflectors. In this paper, we present an optimal initial state and reflector that produce an exact search with Grover’s algorithm at the cost of at most one additional oracle call beyond the optimum, a cost which can be nullified if we know a non-solution. We do this without modifying the oracle, without changing the diffuser at each step and even without any numerical optimization procedure required.
Formation of Multiscale Porous Surfaces via Evaporation-Induced Aggregation of Imprinted Nanowires with Highly Viscous Photocurable Materials
Authors: Kim Myung Seo , Shin Seungwoo , Kim Woo Young , Lee Sang Hoon , Park Seo Rim , Kim Seok , Cho Young Tae
Published: October 2024

Numerous structures at the nano and microscale manifest distinctive properties with far-reaching implications across diverse fields, including electronics, electricity, medicine, and surface engineering. Established methods such as nanoimprint lithography, photolithography, and self-assembly play crucial roles in the fabrication of nano- and microstructures; however, they exhibit limitations in generating high-aspect-ratio structures when utilizing high-viscosity photocurable resins. In response to this inherent challenge, we propose a highly cost-effective approach facilitating the direct replication of high-aspect-ratio structures, specifically nanowires, through the utilization of anodized aluminum substrates. This study elucidates the streamlined fabrication process for multiscale porous surfaces achieved through the evaporation-induced integration of solid nanowires printed with high-viscosity photocurable resin.
Volumetric printing and non-destructive drug quantification of water-soluble supramolecular hydrogels
Authors: Ong Jun Jie , Jørgensen Anna Kirstine , Zhu Zilan , Telford Richard , Davies Philip J. , Gaisford Simon , Goyanes Alvaro , Basit Abdul W.
Published: October 2024

Vat photopolymerisation 3D printing is being actively explored for manufacturing personalised medicines due to its high dimensional accuracy and lack of heat application. However, several challenges have hindered its clinical translation, including the inadequate printing speeds, the lack of resins that give soluble matrices, and the need for non-destructive quality control measures. In this study, for the first time, a rapid approach to producing water-soluble vat photopolymerised matrices and a means of non-destructively verifying their drug content were investigated. Volumetric printing, a novel form of vat photopolymerisation, was used to fabricate personalised warfarin-loaded 3D-printed tablets (printlets). Eight different formulations containing varying amounts of warfarin (0.5–6.0% w/w) were used to print two different sized torus-shaped printlets within 6.5 to 11.1 s. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed the presence of only trace amounts of unreacted acrylate monomers, suggesting that the photopolymerisation reaction had occurred to near completion. All printlets completely solubilised and released their entire drug load within 2.5 to 7 h. NIR spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to non-destructively verify the dose of warfarin loaded into the vat photopolymerised printlets. The partial least square regression model built showed strong linearity (R2 = 0.980), and high accuracy in predicting the drug loading of the test sample (RMSEP = 0.205%). Therefore, this study advances pharmaceutical vat photopolymerisation by demonstrating the feasibility of producing water-soluble printlets via volumetric printing and quantifying the drug load of vat photopolymerised printlets with NIRS.

Graphical abstract
Integration of Electrical Properties and Polarization Loss Modulation on Atomic Fe–N-RGO for Boosting Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Zhang Kaili , Yan Yuefeng , Wang Zhen , Ma Guansheng , Jia Dechang , Huang Xiaoxiao , Zhou Yu
Published: October 2024

Developing effective strategies to regulate graphene's conduction loss and polarization has become a key to expanding its application in the electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA) field. Based on the unique energy band structure of graphene, regulating its bandgap and electrical properties by introducing heteroatoms is considered a feasible solution. Herein, metal-nitrogen doping reduced graphene oxide (M–N-RGO) was prepared by embedding a series of single metal atoms M–N4 sites (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Nb, Cd, and Sn) in RGO using an N-coordination atom-assisted strategy. These composites had adjustable conductivity and polarization to optimize dielectric loss and impedance matching for efficient EMWA performance. The results showed that the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of Fe–N-RGO reaches − 74.05 dB (2.0 mm) and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) is 7.05 GHz (1.89 mm) even with a low filler loading of only 1 wt%. Combined with X-ray absorption spectra (XAFS), atomic force microscopy, and density functional theory calculation analysis, the Fe–N4 can be used as the polarization center to increase dipole polarization, interface polarization and defect-induced polarization due to d-p orbital hybridization and structural distortion. Moreover, electron migration within the Fe further leads to conduction loss, thereby synergistically promoting energy attenuation. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of metal-nitrogen doping in regulating the graphene′s dielectric properties, which provides an important basis for further investigation of the loss mechanism.
Exploring soil pedogenesis through frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility in varied lithological environments
Authors: Ouallali Abdessalam , Bouhsane Naima , Bouhlassa Saidati , Spalevic Velibor , Kader Shuraik , Michael Ruby , Sestras Paul
Published: October 2024

The use of percent frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility (χfd%) is well-established for detecting superparamagnetic (SP) components in fine-grained soils and sediments. This study employs χfd% as a direct indicator of pedogenetic processes in soils from the Moroccan Rif region. Three soil transects (T1, T2, and T3), each comprising four soil cores with depths reaching 100 to 120 cm, were sampled from distinct lithological formations within an area subject to moderate to intense erosion. A total of 272 soil samples were collected and analyzed using MS2 Bartington Instruments, providing values to calculate χfd% and identify ultrafine ferrimagnetic minerals (SP, < 0.03 μm). In Quaternary fluvial terraces (T1) soils, approximately 60% of the samples indicate a mixture of SP, multidomain (MD), and Single Stable Domain (SSD) magnetic grains, while 30% contained coarser MD grains. Only 10% of the samples exhibit predominantly superparamagnetic (SP) grains. Soils on marly substrates (T2) showed 90% of samples with a combination of SP, MD, and SSD, and just 10% had SP grains. In contrast, soils from Villafranchian sandy deposits displayed χfd% values exceeding 10% in over 50% of samples, indicating that almost all iron components consist of SP grains. Physico-chemical analyses of the soils in profiles T1, T2, and T3 reveal distinct characteristics, including variations in clay content, organic matter, nutrient levels, and proportions of free and total iron. These results are important for understanding soil evolution and pedogenesis, with profiles T1 and T3 showing advanced development marked by high mineral iron, clay, and organic matter content. In contrast, profile T2 reflects a weak stage, influencing nutrient availability and contributing to overall soil dynamics in the respective profiles. The results of this study suggest that magnetic susceptibilities in these samples primarily originate from pedogenetic sources, revealing significantly advanced pedogenesis compared to T1 and T2 soils. The findings of this study align with previous research on soil erosion and degradation in the region, demonstrating that soils developed on terraces and marly substrates are more degraded and less stable than those on sandy substrates. This study underscores the utility of magnetic susceptibility as a rapid and effective indicator for initial soil assessment and gauging the degree of pedogenesis.
Konzepte für eine »Neue Generation«: Liebe und Liebesleben im Werk Helene Stöckers
Authors: Schuster Britt-Marie
Published: October 2024

Helene Stöcker war eine der bekanntesten Frauenrechtlerinnen des ersten Drittels des 20. Jahrhunderts. Sie begriff sich als Vertreterin einer »Neuen Generation«, die eine neue sexuelle Moral etablieren, Geschlechterverhältnisse umgestalten und modernisieren wollte. Im Beitrag wird ihr Liebesideal thematisiert und gezeigt, welche Konzepte von Liebe und Liebesleben sie entwickelt. Die entsprechenden Ausdrücke werden als Schlüsselwörter ihres gesamten Werks gewertet. Es lässt sich erkennen, dass Stöcker versucht, traditionelle, insbesondere ethische und moralische Begriffe neu zu definieren, umzudeuten und neue diskurssemantische Netze zu etablieren, die das zukünftige Sprechen und Schreiben über Geschlechteridentität, heterosexuelle Beziehungen sowie über Sexualität beeinflussen sollen. Der Beitrag verknüpft die diachrone Genderlinguistik mit Kultur‑, Sozio- und Diskurslinguistik und berücksichtigt die Tatsache, dass mit der Neudefinition von Liebe neue Identitäts- und Beziehungskonzepte verbunden werden, die ihrerseits eine Alternative zu den in tradierten Diskursen vermittelten Geschlechterordnungen darstellen und für das soziale Netzwerk von Sexual- und Lebensreformer*innen prägend sind. Mit dem lebensreformerischen Konzept von Liebe ist der Wunsch nach einer kulturellen Erneuerung verbunden, die über die Lebensgestaltung von Individuen herausreicht und Vorstellungen von der »Veredelung der Rasse« beinhaltet. Es wird dafür argumentiert, dass trotz der Verwendung solcher Bezeichnungen wie Auslese oder Höherzüchtung sich ihre Zugangsweise zu bevölkerungspolitischen Themen nicht völkisch-nationalistisch verstehen lässt.
Metal–organic frameworks as highly effective platforms for enzyme immobilization–current developments and future perspectives
Authors: Rogacka Justyna , Labus Karolina
Published: October 2024

This study presents a thorough overview of metal–organic frameworks’ (MOFs) utility as supports for enzyme immobilization. It details a bibliometric analysis of the field from 2014–2023, based on 911 Web of Science articles. Research outlines the functional properties of MOFs, the enzyme groups, and common immobilization techniques. It showcases diverse enzyme-MOF combinations for numerous applications, including industrial biocatalysis, medical diagnostics, drug development, biomass conversion, environmental protection, and biosensor creation. Current development trends and future directions are identified through literature analysis. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) modeling revealed key research themes over the years, highlighting shifts in focus towards advanced catalytic methods and adsorption techniques. Additionally, a word cloud generated for 2024 publications indicates an increasing emphasis on specialized applications involving ZIFs, nanoparticles, and magnetic structures. Key future perspectives include new MOF materials, such as biologically derived MOFs, core–shell magnetic hierarchical porous MOFs, nanoMOFs, and mesoporous MOFs. Novel materials inspired by MOF carriers, such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and metal–organic aerogels (MOAs), are also highlighted. Lastly, the study emphasizes the potential for multienzymatic systems and multifunctional MOF-enzyme composites, facilitating multiple functionalities within a single system.
The interconnectedness between Ubuntu principles and generative artificial intelligence in distance higher education institutions
Authors: Suliman Zuleika , Mohale Ntshimane Elphas , Maphoto Kgabo Bridget , Sevnarayan Kershnee
Published: October 2024

The interconnectedness of African philosophical principles of Ubuntu with generative artificial intelligence may provide an inclusive approach to distance higher education. This fusion may improve and provide customised learning, access quality education, collaboration, inclusivity, strengthens lecturer support and development, and a culturally relevant experience that acknowledges the communal interests of all stakeholders. Generative artificial intelligence promotes epistemological access for all students irrespective of their diverse social, financial, and linguistic backgrounds and redefines higher education experiences and practices while the principles of Ubuntu prioritise the well-being of stakeholders. The objective of this conceptual article was to explore the interconnectedness between Ubuntu principles and generative artificial intelligence perspectives in distance higher education institutions to reimagine methods of teaching and learning. This article is grounded in the theory of the Ubuntu principles and advocates for a paradigm shift in higher education practices. It contends that integrating African philosophical principles into the implementation of generative artificial intelligence’s learning provides a more inclusive and culturally relevant approach to education. The notable highlights confirm that Ubuntu principles dismantle oppressive systems, restore self-determination for all students and promote change and reconciliation through the use of generative artificial intelligence. This approach can be applied to distance higher education institutions to create inclusive learning experiences that gives precedence to a sense of belonging, mutual support, and ethical considerations.
Catching on: Work stress, employee wellbeing, and the moderating role of team-level emotional contagion
Authors: Hernandez Grande Aglae , Farr-Wharton Ben , Sharafizad Fleur , Darcy Simon , Gavin Mihajla
Published: October 2024

Work stress and employee wellbeing have gained heightened attention since the COVID-19 pandemic. Until now, organizations have primarily sought to conceptualize these variables as an individual-level phenomenon; thereby neglecting the potential influence of social dynamics within the workplace. Drawing on conservation of resources and emotional contagion theories, this study examines the extent to which team-level emotional contagion moderates the impact of stress on wellbeing, factoring in multilevel effects. Data from 237 professional services employees nested within 41 teams was analyzed. The results show support for emotional contagion as a team-level moderator between individual-level work stress and employee wellbeing. The role of organizational resources in shaping stress and wellbeing outcomes was also significant. This study underscores the significance of team dynamics and organizational resources in shaping employee wellbeing. Well-targeted, stress alleviation, and team-contagion enhancing initiatives will have a more positive impact on wellbeing, than individually targeted stress alleviation initiatives in isolation.
Srebrenica as a Marker of Memory in Bilateral Relations Between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Light of Ontological Security
Authors: Jagiełło-Szostak Anna
Published: October 2024

This article aims to analyze the impact of memory on security/foreign policy using the example of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s bilateral relations. The basis for these considerations is the concept of ontological security. It indicates the construction of the identity of the state and is implemented through political decisions and social practices (for example remembering important historical events). Here, memory is treated as a social construct. In addition, the article focuses on memory leading to the formation of state identity, also seen in the international sphere. Historical memory has a considerable impact on bilateral relations between countries that used to be in conflict, like Serbia and BiH. In the example analyzed, leaders use historical memory to create separate identities, commemorate chosen and appropriate victims/heroes or important dates, historical sites, monuments events and develop selective narratives. The most significant elements in the analysis of the historical memory of Serbia and BiH relations are (1) the goals of foreign and security policy of Serbia and BiH (2) the contemporary narrative of the Srebrenica genocide and its perception by governments of Serbia, BiH, and by Bosnian Serbs and Bosniaks, and (3) an official Srebrenica commemoration (memorials, Srebrenica Memorial Day).
Teleofunction in the Service of Computational Individuation
Authors: Fresco Nir , Artiga Marc , Wolf Marty J.
Published: October 2024

One type of computational indeterminacy arises from partitioning a system’s physical state space into state types that correspond to the abstract state types underlying the computation concerned. The mechanistic individuative strategy posits that computation can be uniquely identified through either narrow physical properties exclusively or wide, proximal properties. The semantic strategy posits that computation should be uniquely identified through semantic properties. We develop, and defend, an alternative functional individuative strategy that appeals—when needed—to wide, distal functions. We claim that there is no actual computation outside of a functional context. Desiderata for the underlying notion of teleofunction are discussed.
Value, knowledge and reputation: zoological exchange by Australian museums, 1870–1900
Authors: Reese Henry , Finney Vanessa , Ville Simon
Published: October 2024

The burgeoning nineteenth-century public-museum sector built a significant part of its natural-history specimen collections through extensive international trading. The early 2020s has seen an upsurge of scholarly interest in this largely overlooked trade. Exchange was a distinctive aspect of the natural-history trade that reveals much about the diverse practices and motives of the institutional collectors. Economic-geographic benefits included conserving the limited financial resources of museums and exploiting complementarities in the geographic distribution of specimens. Collection management, institutional reputation, social connection and international diplomacy were also part of a complex mix of value making that shaped this important international trade. We analyse the exchange practices of the three largest museums in the Australian colonies in the final three decades of the nineteenth century who exchanged Australia's ‘rare and curious’ fauna with collectors across the globe. By deploying and analysing extensive, comparative data on a particular form of natural history, zoology, and a particular kind of trade, exchange trading, among three Australian museums, this paper extends and enriches recent scholarship on the mobility of natural-history specimens and how they were traded.
Novel miRNA biomarkers for alveolar echinococcosis: sequencing and clinical validation
Authors: Ma Jideng , Li Zian , Liu Lanmin , Luo Xiaoqin , Ma Xiaoya , Zhang Yumei , Jiang Lei , A Xiangren
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to explore extracellular microRNA derived from Echinococcus multilocularis (EM) in the plasma of patients with alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and assess its potential as a diagnostic biomarker. EM-derived miRNAs were identified in plasma samples from 20 AE patients through miRNA sequencing. Three novel miRNA molecules (emu-miR-novel 1, 2 and 3) were predicted through bioinformatic analysis to elucidate their chromosomal locations, secondary structures and precursor forms. Subsequently, plasma samples from 30 AE patients and 30 controls were utilized to establish an assay via stem-loop reverse transcription PCR, optimizing primers, reaction systems, and conditions to assess cross-reactivity and sensitivity. Clinical validation revealed that emu-miR-novel 1 had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8994, a P value of less than 0.0001, a sensitivity of 83.3%, and a specificity of 86.7%. Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for emu-miR-novel 1 (P < 0.05), whereas emu-miR-novel 2 and 3 showed AUC values of 0.7922 and 0.6883, with P values of 0.0001 and 0.012, respectively, indicating no significant difference between groups (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the assay showed no cross-reactivity with samples from 18 common viruses, 4 parasitic infections, and miRNAs from AE sequenced from 8 species, confirming its high specificity. Emu-miR-novel 1 exhibited a sensitivity of 1 femtomolar. Emu-miR-novel 1 holds promise as a key diagnostic tool for AE, offering a novel perspective and approach for disease diagnosis.
Protonation constants of endo- and exogenous L-amino acids and their derivatives in aqueous and mixed solution: Unraveling molecular secrets
Authors: Pająk Marek , Fichna Jakub , Woźniczka Magdalena
Published: October 2024

The aim of this review is to summarize the progress made in the determination of the protonation constants of biologically active ligands: endo- and exogenous L-amino acids and their derivatives in aqueous and mixed solutions using different experimental techniques. The knowledge of the protonation constants of the aforementioned ligands is crucial for the determination of the equilibrium constants of complex formation and thus for the understanding of complex biological reactions such as transamination, racemization, and decarboxylation. Thus, the protonation constants of ligands are a measure of their ability to form complexes with metal ions. This knowledge not only helps to understand fundamental biochemical processes, but also has practical applications in areas such as drug design, where ligands are often targeted for therapeutic purposes. The activity of the ligands tends to increase after complexation and their order is consistent with the values of the stepwise dissociation constants of the complexes formed. Understanding the properties of ligands by determining their protonation constants in different environments and their interactions with surrounding molecules is crucial to unraveling the complexity of biological systems.
‘Pirates’, ports, politics: The Gulf (khalīj) & international society’s expansion
Authors: Al Youha Ali
Published: October 2024

This paper examines how Britain, through ‘gunboat diplomacy’ campaigns against so-called Arab pirates, overran the pre-existing Gulf suzerain system and became the predominant power in its waters. By filling a gap in the classical English School ‘international society’ expansion thesis, this article describes how and when political and ideational shifts in the Gulf allowed sovereignty to manifest into its present dynastic form. It argues British imposition of rules, norms, and institutions through a series of nineteenth-century Anglo-Arab treaties against Arab ‘pirates’ broke traditional conditions of divisible sheikhly authority to embed a new telos of sovereign indivisibility, facilitating indirect colonisation. Colonialism as an overlooked primary institution in the classical international society expansion story reinforced political inequality to create dynasticism to simplify colonial statecraft. The 1836 Restrictive Line was a central institution introduced by Britain to manage the transition from divisible to indivisible authority. Drawing from colonial archives, the paper argues that British control over cross-coastal movements through a Restrictive Line reinforced domestic sovereignty of British treaty signatories while weakening agency of maritime sheikhs outside the Anglo-Arab treaties framework. This unsettled traditional structures, transforming maritime tribal confederacies from participation to compliance and reconfiguring Gulf coastal security imperatives for treaty-signatory sheikhs from sea to desert.