bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Prediction for Nonlinear Thermal History of Mg Alloy Subjected to Multiple Electropulses
Authors: Yu Jinyeong , Cheon Seho , Lee Seong Ho , Lee Taekyung
Published: September 2024

The repeated rapid heating and nonlinear cooling associated with electropulsing treatment (EPT) hinder the accurate modeling of temperature variations based on a constitutive approach using physical models. This objective is not attainable through conventional machine learning (ML) approaches as well, such as artificial neural network (ANN) and long short‐term memory (LSTM). The present study investigates the intricate nonlinear thermal history of Mg alloys induced by EPT to improve a predictive model under multipulse conditions. Furthermore, it enhances the predictivity and generalizability of a given problem using an ML model called i‐LSTM by specifically tailoring a dataset. The i‐LSTM model performance surpasses that of the constitutive approaches and conventional ML models when predicting the complicated thermal history of EPT specimens in a wide variety of processing parameters. The mechanisms underlying this improvement are discussed based on several experimental datasets. This study not only addresses challenges in existing models but also offers a promising avenue for understanding and predicting the thermal dynamics of Mg alloys subjected to the multipulse EPT process.
Low‐Defect‐Density Monolayer MoS2 Wafer by Oxygen‐Assisted Growth‐Repair Strategy
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Xu Jiahan , Zhi Aomiao , Wang Jian , Wang Yue , Zhu Wenkai , Han Xingjie , Tian Xuezeng , Bai Xuedong , Sun Baoquan , Wei Zhongming , Zhang Jing , Wang Kaiyou
Published: September 2024

Atomic chalcogen vacancy is the most commonly observed defect category in two dimensional (2D) transition‐metal dichalcogenides, which can be detrimental to the intrinsic properties and device performance. Here a low‐defect density, high‐uniform, wafer‐scale single crystal epitaxial technology by in situ oxygen‐incorporated “growth‐repair” strategy is reported. For the first time, the oxygen‐repairing efficiency on MoS2 monolayers at atomic scale is quantitatively evaluated. The sulfur defect density is greatly reduced from (2.71 ± 0.65) × 1013 down to (4.28 ± 0.27) × 1012 cm−2, which is one order of magnitude lower than reported as‐grown MoS2. Such prominent defect deduction is owing to the kinetically more favorable configuration of oxygen substitution and an increase in sulfur vacancy formation energy around oxygen‐incorporated sites by the first‐principle calculations. Furthermore, the sulfur vacancies induced donor defect states is largely eliminated confirmed by quenched defect‐related emission. The devices exhibit improved carrier mobility by more than three times up to 65.2 cm2 V−1 s−1 and lower Schottky barrier height reduced by half (less than 20 meV), originating from the suppressed Fermi‐level pinning effect from disorder‐induced gap state. The work provides an effective route toward engineering the intrinsic defect density and electronic states through modulating synthesis kinetics of 2D materials.
Solubilizer of bacterial origin surfactin increases the biological activity of C60 fullerene
Authors: Emelyantsev Sergey , Prazdnova Evgeniya , Chistyakov Vladimir
Published: September 2024

Currently, there exists conflicting data regarding the biological activity of unmodified fullerene C60. Various sources report its toxicity, geroprotective activity, and potential interaction with DNA. Contradictory findings regarding the toxicity of C60 may arise from the use of toxic solvents, as well as the influence of bioavailability and bioactivity on the preparation conditions of C60 suspensions. Furthermore, the microbiota of experimental animals can impact geroprotective activity results by releasing surfactants that facilitate substance penetration through the cell membrane. In this study, we selected conditions for solubilizing fullerene C60 in a solution of surfactin, a surfactant of bacterial origin, as well as in a 2% aqueous solution of TWEEN 80, employing ultrasound. Through bioluminescent analysis using lux biosensors in Escherichia coli MG1655, we observed that C60 in surfactin reduced induced genotoxic and oxidative stress. Given that surfactin enhances membrane permeability to fullerene C60, suspensions of fullerene in designated concentrations of surfactin can be regarded as a DNA protector and antioxidant, warranting further investigation as a promising component of novel drugs.
Curcumin Prevents Renal Damage of l‐NAME Induced Hypertension in by Reducing MMP‐2 and MMP‐9
Authors: Pereira Bruna Pinheiro , Silva Alessandra Oliveira , Awata Wanessa Mayumi Carvalho , Pimenta Gustavo Félix , Ribeiro Jéssyca Milene , de Faria Almeida Carolina Aparecida , Antonietto Carla Renata Kitanishi , dos Reis Luis Felipe Cunha , Esteves Alessandra , Torres Larissa Helena Lobo , de Araújo Paula Fernanda Borges , Ruginsk Sílvia Graciela , Tirapelli Carlos Renato , Rizzi Ellen , Ceron Carla Speroni
Published: September 2024

In the present study, we investigated whether curcumin administration would interfere with the main renal features of l‐NAME‐induced hypertension model. For this purpose, we conducted both in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate renal indicators of inflammation, oxidative stress, and metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression/activity. Hypertension was induced by l‐NAME (70 mg/kg/day), and Wistar rats from both control and hypertensive groups were treated with curcumin (50 or 100 mg/kg/day; gavage) or vehicle for 14 days. Blood and kidneys were collected to determine serum creatinine levels, histological alterations, oxidative stress, MMPs expression and activity, and ED1 expression. l‐NAME increased blood pressure, but both doses of curcumin treatment reduced these values. l‐NAME treatment increased creatinine levels, glomeruli area, Bowman's space, kidney MMP‐2 activity, as well as MMP‐9 and ED1 expression, and reduced the number of glomeruli. Curcumin treatment prevented the increase in creatinine levels, MMP‐2 activity, and reduced MMP‐2, MMP‐9, ED1, and superoxide levels, as well as increased superoxide dismutase activity and partially prevented glomeruli alterations. Moreover, curcumin directly inhibited MMP‐2 activity in vitro. Thus, our main findings demonstrate that curcumin reduced l‐NAME‐induced hypertension and renal glomerular alterations, inhibited MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expression/activity, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory processes, which may indirectly impact hypertension‐induced renal outcomes.
Risiko manuelle Kalibrierung
Authors: Georgy Knut
Published: September 2024

Kalibrierung und Verifikation von pH Sensoren in der Biopharmaproduktion erfolgen vor bzw. nach jedem Batch. Die Kalibrierung wird dabei meist manuell ausgeführt, was durch den Aus‐ und Einbau der Sensoren, Kalibrierung und Dokumentation einen erheblichen Zeit‐ und Personalaufwand mit entsprechend langem Anlagenstillstand bewirkt. Eine Automatisierung scheiterte bisher vor allem an den hygienischen Anforderungen. Die bewährte Sensorwartungslösung cCare pHarma, wurde nun für Upstream‐ und Downstream‐Prozesse weiterentwickelt.
Impacts of Adding Porous Media and Phase Change Material on Performance of Solar Water Distiller System Under Iraq Climatic Condition: An Experimental Study
Authors: Basim Mohammed A. , Alomar Omar Rafae
Published: September 2024

This current investigation involves an experimental inspection of adding porous medium and phase change material (PCM) above the absorber surface to enhance the performance of a single slope and single basin solar water distiller system. To demonstrate the effectiveness of adding porous medium and PCM, the performance of the modified system and conventional system is compared under similar operating conditions. The system that uses porous medium and PCM is called MSS‐FPP, whereas the conventional system is called MSS‐F. Rectangular fins are fixed above the absorber plate for both models. For MSS‐FPP model, three different types of porous medium (stones, nuts, and black glass balls) are used in addition to paraffin wax filled inside circular tubes as a PCM. The data are collected in November and December 2023 in Mosul City, Iraq. The experiments are carried out under different water depths. The findings confirm that the performance of MSS‐FPP model is better than MSS‐F model by 41.32% (for water depth 3 cm) and 30.61% (for water depth 5 cm). The results also indicated that the water productivity of MSS‐FPP model is higher than MSS‐F model by 41.67% (for water depth 3 cm) and 30.65% (for water depth 5 cm). For MSS‐FPP model, the maximum water productivity and efficiency are obtained when using black glass balls as compared to nuts and stones types, where the highest water temperature and water productivity values are found equal 54°C and 1.01 kg/m2 for water depth 3 cm. The enhancement in the performance of modified solar water distiller system (MSS‐FPP) shows that using a porous medium and PCM has considerable impacts on the evaporation rate, heat exchange, and rate of heat transfer.
FHL2 expression by cancer‐associated fibroblasts promotes metastasis and angiogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kanzaki Ryu , Reid Steven , Bolivar Paulina , Sjölund Jonas , Staaf Johan , Larsson Sara , Shintani Yasushi , Pietras Kristian
Published: September 2024

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to the progression of lung cancer. Four and a half LIM domain protein‐2 (FHL2) is a component of focal adhesion structures. We analyzed the function of FHL2 expressed by CAFs in lung adenocarcinoma. Expression of FHL2 in fibroblast subtypes was investigated using database of single‐cell RNA‐sequencing of lung cancer tissue. The role of FHL2 in the proliferation and migration of CAFs was assessed. The effects of FHL2 knockout on the migration and invasion of human lung adenocarcinoma cells and tube formation of endothelial cells induced by CAF‐conditioned medium (CM) were evaluated. The effect of FHL2 knockout in CAFs on metastasis was determined using a murine orthotopic lung cancer model. The prognostic significance of stromal FHL2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in human adenocarcinoma specimens. FHL2 is highly expressed in myofibroblasts in cancer tissue. TGF‐β1 upregulated FHL2 expression in CAFs and FHL2 knockdown attenuated CAF proliferation. FHL2 knockout reduced CAF induced migration of A110L and H23 human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, and the induction of tube formation of endothelial cells. FHL2 knockout reduced CAF‐induced metastasis of lung adenocarcinomas in an orthotopic model in vivo. The concentration of Osteopontin (OPN) in CM from CAF was downregulated by FHL2 knockout. siRNA silencing and antibody blocking of OPN reduced the pro‐migratory effect of CM from CAF on lung cancer cells. In resected lung adenocarcinoma specimens, positive stromal FHL2 expression was significantly associated with higher microvascular density and worse prognosis. In conclusion, FHL2 expression by CAFs enhances the progression of lung adenocarcinoma by promoting angiogenesis and metastasis.
HPV 16/18 E7 oncoprotein detection as a promising triage strategy for HPV 16/18‐positive patients: A prospective multicenter study with a 2‐year follow up
Authors: Cao Yang , Xiao Xiaoping , Liang Dandan , Lu Ye , Liu Chongdong , Li Hua , Wang Wei , Yang Junjun , Wang Jinhui , Li Yan , Li Caijuan , Guan Ruoli , Zhang Dai , Bi Hui , Zhang Lei , Qu Hong , Xu Tao , Zhang Ying , Wang Jin , Song Shuhui , Shi Honghui
Published: September 2024

Objective

To explore the effectiveness of HPV 16/18 E7 oncoprotein in detecting high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and predicting disease outcomes in HPV 16/18‐positive patients.

Methods

The present study was a cross‐sectional study with a 2‐year follow up. We collected 915 cervical exfoliated cell samples from patients who tested positive for HPV 16/18 in gynecologic clinics of three tertiary hospitals in Beijing from March 2021 to October 2022 for HPV 16/18 E7 oncoprotein testing. Subsequently, 2‐year follow up of 408 patients with baseline histologic CIN1 or below were used to investigate the predictive role of HPV 16/18 E7 oncoprotein in determining HPV persistent infection and disease progression.

Results

The positivity rate of the HPV 16/18 E7 oncoprotein assay was 42.06% (249/592) in the inflammation/CIN 1 group and 85.45% (277/324) in the CIN2+ group. For CIN2+ detection, using the HPV 16/18 E7 oncoprotein assay combined with HPV 16/18 testing, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 85.45%, 57.94%, 52.57%, and 87.95%, respectively. During the 2‐year follow up, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for predicting persistent HPV infection were 48.44%, 58.21%, 34.64%, and 71.18% in the baseline inflammation and CIN1 group.

Conclusions

As a triage method for high‐grade CIN screening in HPV 16/18‐positive patients, HPV 16/18 E7 oncoprotein demonstrated a relatively high NPV, making it suitable for clinical use in triaging HPV 16/18‐positive cases and potentially reducing the colposcopic referral rate. HPV 16/18 E7 oncoprotein exhibited a preferably predictive value in determining HPV infection outcomes and disease progression.
Novelty Seeking Differences in Temporal Dynamics for Novelty and Appropriateness Processing of Creative Information: An ERP Investigation
Authors: Lyu Yuanjing , Xiang Shuoqi , Jiang Zexuan , Bai Huizhi , Huang Junjie , Yang Weixing , Wang Xing , Qi Senqing , Hu Weiping
Published: September 2024

Novelty seeking has been found to affect creative performance, but its impact on the temporal dynamics of creative information processing remains unclear. Creative information is identified by two key indicators—novelty and appropriateness. To explore the effect of novelty seeking on the temporal processing of novelty and appropriateness, a revised alternative uses task (AUT) was conducted with 29 high novelty‐seeking (HNS) and 31 low novelty‐seeking (LNS) individuals. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) and spontaneous blink rate (EBR) were used to measure temporal dynamics and infer physiological mechanisms. (1) For novelty processing, HNS individuals performed quicker information processing (shorter N1/P2 latency) and had a greater capacity to recognize semantic distance (higher P600 peak amplitude). (2) For appropriate processing, HNS individuals also had a faster information processing rate (shorter N1/P2 latency). (3) HNS individuals had higher baseline EBR and showed enhancements in cognitive speed based on real‐time EBR. In contrast, the LNS group did not show the same improvement even with increased attention allocation. These findings expand the application of the Novelty Seeking Model (NGM) in creative information processing. Additionally, the results of EBR suggest that dopamine might be the critical physiological mechanism through which novelty‐seeking influences creative information processing.
Statistics of Visceral Sarcoma in Japan: Report From the Population‐Based National Cancer Registry (NCR) in Japan
Authors: Muramatsu Shudai , Ogura Koichi , Morizane Chigusa , Satake Tomoyuki , Toda Yu , Iwata Shintaro , Kobayashi Eisuke , Higashi Takahiro , Ikeuchi Masahiko , Kawai Akira
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives

Sarcomas developing in the visceral organs are extremely rare, with no previous reports to describe their national epidemiology. We analyzed Japanese domestic statistics for visceral sarcoma, using the National Cancer Registry (NCR) in Japan, a population‐based database launched in 2016.

Methods

We identified 3245 cases of visceral sarcomas in the NCR dated 2016–2019 to analyze demographic and disease information, initial diagnostic process, volume and type of the hospitals, treatment, and prognosis.

Results

Visceral sarcoma shows a higher prevalence in the older generation (60+ years), with a significant male predominance (p = 0.006). Leiomyosarcomas occurred frequently in the gastrointestinal tract (N = 240; 39.5%), and angiosarcomas in the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and spleen (N = 244; 43.9%). Visceral sarcomas were often treated in facilities of lower volume without specific adjuvant treatments (p < 0.001). The cumulative 3‐year overall survival was 44.8%, and several factors such as surgery or absence of chemotherapy positively affected survival.

Conclusions

This is the first nationwide study in Japan to analyze the inclusive epidemiology of visceral sarcomas. Visceral sarcomas are characterized by senior and male predominance with relatively poor prognosis, often managed in nonspecialized facilities and rarely with adjuvant therapies. Several histologic subtypes had the propensity to develop in specific organs.
Straw Returning With No‐Tillage Alleviates Microbial Metabolic Carbon Limitation and Improves Soil Multifunctionality in the Northeast Plain
Authors: Chu Juncong , Wang Lihong , Jia Rong , Zhou Jie , Zang Huadong , Wang Junhe , Yang Yadong , Jiang Ying , Wang Yuxian , Peixoto Leanne , Zeng Zhaohai
Published: September 2024

Straw returning has been broadly recognized as an agronomic strategy to manage soil quality and has great potential to enhance soil fertility. However, soil microbial metabolism and ecosystem multifunctionality in response to various straw returning strategies in the black soil remain poorly understood. Here, a 5‐year field trial was conducted to discover the effects of four straw management strategies (SIDP, straw incorporation by deep ploughing; SIRT, straw incorporation by rotary tillage; SM, straw mulching with no‐tillage; SR, straw removal with no‐tillage) on the soil biochemical properties in the topsoil (0–20 cm) and subsoil (20–40 cm). SM maintained soil fertility, as evidenced by increases in soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon, and nitrogen, compared with SIDP and SR. Additionally, this strategy promoted microbial biomass. It also stimulated nutrient cycling through increased enzyme activity. Meanwhile, SM alleviated microbial carbon limitation and promoted the shift of soil microbial metabolism from P limitation to N limitation compared to other treatments, especially in the subsoil. This shift was directly influenced by soil available nutrients and microbial properties, as revealed by the partial least‐squares path modeling analysis. Besides, SM promoted soil ecosystem multifunctionality by 29%–37% in both soil layers compared to SIDP and SR. Random forest analysis indicated that soil microbial biomass and activity were the main drivers of this increase in multifunctionality. In conclusion, straw returning with no‐tillage is an optimal straw management strategy for improving the soil biochemical properties, stimulating enzyme activities, alleviating microbial carbon limitation, and increasing ecosystem multifunctionality in the Northeast Plain.
Power Distribution Within Government–Nonprofit Partnerships and Individual Charitable Decisions
Authors: Zhang Youlang , Tian Yuan , Hung ChiaKo
Published: September 2024

This paper postulates that the power distribution within a government–nonprofit partnership (GNP) shapes individual charitable decisions (e.g., giving or volunteering) by influencing the perceived effectiveness of a GNP and the perceived needs of the involved nonprofit. Empirically, we designed three vignettes (i.e., government‐led GNP, co‐led GNP, and nonprofit‐led GNP) and randomly distributed them among 907 American respondents recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) in a recent experiment. Analyses provide consistent evidence to support the inhibitive effect of nonprofit domination in the decision‐making of a GNP on voluntary contributions.
The effect of carbon fiber length on the thermal expansion of fiber‐reinforced particulate hybrid composites
Authors: Lu‐yan Ju , Xing‐kai Li , Xue‐ni Zhang , Zhao‐yuan Zhang , Yao‐wu Zhang , Kang Ai
Published: September 2024

Thermal expansion of materials is a critical factor influencing their dimensional stability. This study explores the regulation of thermal expansion in composite materials through the incorporation of carbon fibers and zirconium tungstate particles. The influence of fiber length on the thermal expansion behavior of these composites was investigated. The investigation reveal that the variation in the relative elongation ratio (dl/L0) of the carbon fiber‐reinforced zirconium tungstate composites is nonlinear, characterized by an initial increase, subsequent decrease, and a final resurgence. Notably, an increase in fiber length results in a mitigated rate of increase in the (dl/L0) ratio. Furthermore, composites fabricated with shorter fibers exhibit a higher coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Upon elevating the temperature to 250°C, the CTE for composites reinforced with 100 and 500 mesh carbon fibers escalate to 24.5 × 10−6/K and 74.6 × 10−6/K, respectively. These values represent an 8% and 116% enhancement relative to those measured at 50°C.

Highlights

The thermal expansion properties are improved by adding carbon fiber and ZrW2O8 nanoparticles.

Utilizing fiber lengths ranging from 100 to 500 mesh effectively diminishes the CTE.

The Cf‐ZrW2O8/9621 composite exhibits non‐linear behavior in its dl/L0 ratio.

Within the range, longer fibers are more beneficial for reducing the CTE.
Regeneration and Surface Hardening of Titanium Components Using the Example of Titanium Alloy Ti6Al4V
Authors: Carstensen J. Torben , Hassel Thomas , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: September 2024

In this chapter, two different methods for repairing titanium components are presented. These include patch repair and additive repair using metal inert gas welding and wire-and-arc additive manufacturing. The use of inoculant and flux to affect the weld zone is discussed for both repair methods. Using the titanium alloy Ti6Al4V, it is shown that both flux and inoculant can be used to improve the mechanical properties of the overall joint. In addition, local atmospheric nitriding is presented, which is a method to locally harden the surface of titanium components. Surface hardness of more than 800 HV1 were achieved.
Influence of Regeneration-Induced Mistuning on the Aeroelasticity of Multistage Axial Compressors
Authors: Schwerdt Lukas , Maroldt Niklas , Panning-von Scheidt Lars , Wallaschek Joerg , Seume Joerg R.
Published: September 2024

Current developments in turbomachinery favor blade designs which are characterized by low damping. The associated reduction of structural damping, however, creates new problems such as higher vibration amplitudes. Therefore, accurate predictions of these vibration amplitudes and of the fatigue life become increasingly important. Analyzing multistage machinery by only simulating isolated stages can be insufficient. This is particularly the case during repair processes when mistuning, such as that created by wear and repair, magnifies said amplitudes. In this chapter selected current results of the subproject C6 of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 871 are presented, building on the earlier research in the subprojects C3 and C6 focussing on mistuning and aeroelasticity, respectively. First, a simulation approach which accounts for structural and aeroelastic interstage coupling under conditions of mistuning is described, followed by an approach for incorporating large mistuning effects into a reduced order model of a single rotor stage. The former model is used to study the effect of intentional mistuning to decrease the sensitivity to additional mistuning due to wear and repair and to allow for smaller safety margins. The aeroelastic models are validated for a 11/2-stage axial compressor.
Multiscale Measurement of Blade Geometries with Robot-Supported, Laser-Positioned Multi-sensor-Techniques
Authors: Sliti Tim , Kästner Markus , Reithmeier Eduard
Published: September 2024

The regeneration of aircraft engine components requires a thorough assessment of the current condition. Based on this, a suitable repair strategy can be selected. To provide a measurement system, which can be used for the inspection of worn components, various optical measurement methods were combined to create a multi-sensor system. To completely reconstruct complex geometries a 6-axis industrial robot and an additional rotational axis are applied. This robot-assisted multi-sensor system is used to digitise and characterise turbine blades of aircraft engines. The inspection process is non-destructive and different features are measured to acquire a holistic model. The sensors are used to reconstruct the 3-D geometry in different scale ranges and characterise the surface based on reflection properties. Afterwards, the data of each individual sensor are transferred into a uniform coordinate system. To ensure high sensitivity to wear and damage, a model-based system calibration and a data interface for subsequent diagnostics and simulations are essential to provide a reliable assessment of the performance and durability of the inspected components.
Adaptable and Component-Protecting Disassembly in the Regeneration Path
Authors: Blümel Richard , Raatz Annika
Published: September 2024

The disassembly initiates a product’s maintenance and regeneration. In order not to cause any additional damage to the components during disassembly, which would lead to higher repair costs or, in the worst case, to destruction and loss of the components, disassembly must be as gentle as possible on the components. Due to ambiguous causes, such as thermal or mechanical product loads during operation, the unknown product condition is a characteristic uncertainty factor in disassembly. This paper presents approaches and methods on how the disassembly of complex capital goods, which is usually carried out manually, can be automated while still being protective on components and adaptable to varying product conditions. Manual disassembly procedures are substituted using micro impacts induced by a piezo actuator. A learning model predicts optimized process parameters based on varying operational usage scenarios.
Crisis Management
Authors: Okamoto Masakatsu
Published: September 2024

Throughout the half-century after World War II, natural disasters occurred frequently in Japan, but major crises were not faced either domestically or externally. In the 1990s, however, Japan experienced unprecedented large-scale natural disasters domestically, while internationally, North Korea and China increased their military power and threats to Japan materialized.

Japan’s crisis management objectives include major natural disasters, security and new infectious disease outbreaks.

Previously, national crisis management had not been an important issue for Japanese politics and public administration, and organizational and legal readiness were not sufficient. However, serious crises have been directly faced, and organizations and the legal system have been successively enhanced. There has also been a shift from the principle of ministries sharing the affairs to that of the Prime Minister’s initiative, whereby information is centralized in the Prime Minister’s hands, and he takes command of it.
Constitutional State and Public Administration
Authors: Harada Hisashi
Published: September 2024

This chapter examines the impact of the constitutional reforms of the 1990s on the Japanese administrative state. We describe the development of the Japanese administrative state in terms of the roles and functions of the executive branch and the administrative resources to fulfil them. Considering the total number of administrative affairs under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet Office and ministries, the roles and functions of the Japanese executive branch are quite extensive. However, there are fewer financial and human resources available to fulfil these roles and functions than in other industrialised countries. We then demonstrate the characteristics of the Japanese executive government as a parliamentary cabinet system. The prime minister’s leadership was strengthened by the electoral and cabinet system reforms in the 1990s. Although these reforms did not involve constitutional amendments, they are comparable to constitutional reforms in a substantial sense. Finally, we investigated the impact of the strengthened leadership of the prime minister on the Japanese administrative state with its extensive jurisdiction and few administrative resources. We concluded that even the prime minister’s enhanced leadership through the abovementioned reforms could not significantly change the Japanese administrative state.
Structure of Trust in Government and Public Administration in Japan
Authors: Oyama Kosuke
Published: September 2024

This chapter examines the structure of government trust and administrative trust in Japan. First, the level of trust in government and public administration in Japan will be located based on an international comparison. Second, the independent variables that determine the level of trust in government and public administration will be examined. The relationship between factors such as perceptions of policy performance, trust-building factors (professional ethics, sense of fairness, etc.), and citizen factors (social participation, media contact, life satisfaction, etc.) and trust will be explored. Third, the varying degrees of trust in the state and local governments and the factors that contribute to this will be reviewed. In addition, the recent shift in the performance goals of government and public administration (from economic growth to distribution, and emphasis on life satisfaction, etc.) and the possible impacts of such shift on trust in government and public administration will be explored.
Central and Local Government Relations
Authors: Ito Masatsugu
Published: September 2024

In this chapter, the historical development of the relationship between the central and local governments in Japan will be analyzed in terms of three aspects – administration, finance, and politics – and the characteristics of the relationship between the central and local governments in Japan will be clarified by setting a framework of interfusion and separation. When modernizing, Japan studied the local government systems in place throughout the European continent and chose to adopt the interfusion model of the relationship between central and local governments, whereby the central government delegates its policies to local governments to ensure their implementation. The relationship between the central and local governments in Japan has undergone changes through functional centralization during the wartime regime, decentralization through reforms implemented during the Occupation, and decentralization reforms that have been taking place since the 1990s. However, the characteristics of interfusion have been maintained and reinforced through municipal mergers and the development of a system of fiscal adjustments. While Japan has a high ratio of local government to total government activities relative to other countries, this characteristic of Japan is supported by an interfusion-type relationship between the central and local governments.
Structure and Functions of the Central Government
Authors: Makihara Izuru
Published: September 2024

Japan’s central government, traditionally dominated by the bureaucracy in policy-making, has seen a shift toward a more politically led decision-making process following the change of government in 2009 and 2012. This transformation is supported by key organizational changes, including a departure from the previous ministry-dominant system to one that bolsters the auxiliary functions of the Cabinet. The 2001 reorganization of ministries and agencies played a pivotal role in firmly establishing this new direction. In this chapter, we will explore these shifts within the Cabinet, the Cabinet Secretariat, the ministries, and independent bodies.
Aristotelian Diagrams as Logic Diagrams
Authors: Frijters Stef , Erbas Atahan
Published: September 2024

Recently, diagrams are more seen as logical systems. Curiously, Aristotelian diagrams, such as the square of opposition, have mostly been excluded from this. In this paper we challenge this prejudice and show that Aristotelian diagrams can be considered as proper logic diagrams that can be used to draw inferences. We do so by describing a logical system of Aristotelian diagrams: we provide a diagrammatic vocabulary and syntax, a set of axioms and (transformation) rules, and a formal semantics. We show how this diagrammatic logic system can be used to make inferences and argue that the crucial step here is to not only consider finished diagrams, but also unfinished diagrams; it is in the process of (re)constructing the diagram that the reasoning steps are made. We finish the paper by commenting on the soundness and completeness of the system.
Elevated atmospheric CO2 alters the multi-element stoichiometry of pollen-bearing oak flowers, with possible negative effects on bees
Authors: Filipiak Zuzanna M. , Mayoral Carolina , Mills Sophie A. , Hayward Scott A. L. , Ullah Sami
Published: September 2024

Increasing atmospheric CO2 levels change the elemental composition in plants, altering their nutritional quality and affecting consumers and ecosystems. Ecological stoichiometry provides a framework for investigating how CO2-driven nutrient dilution in pollen affects bees by linking changes in pollen chemical element proportions to the nutritional needs of bees. We investigated the consequences of five years of Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) in a mature oak-dominated temperate forest on the elemental composition of English oak (Quercus robur) pollen. We measured the concentrations and proportions of 12 elements (C, N, P, S, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) in Q. robur pollen-bearing flowers collected from the Birmingham Institute for Forest Research (BIFoR) FACE facility. An elevated CO2 (eCO2) level of 150 ppm above ambient significantly reduced the S, K, and Fe levels and altered the multi-element ratio, with different elements behaving differently. This shift in pollen multi-element composition may have subsequent cascading effects on higher trophic levels. To assess the impact on bees, we calculated the stoichiometric mismatch (a measure of the discrepancy between consumer needs and food quality) for two bee species, Osmia bicornis (red mason bee) and Apis mellifera (honey bee), that consume oak pollen in nature. We observed stoichiometric mismatches for P and S, in pollen under eCO2, which could negatively affect bees. We highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of the changes in pollen multi-element stoichiometry under eCO2, which leads to nutrient limitations under climate change with consequences for bees.
A Lost Opportunity? Environmental Investment Tax Incentive and Energy Efficient Technologies
Authors: Tchorzewska Kinga B.
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the impact of the Spanish Environmental Investment (EI) tax credit on adoption of green technologies by employing data from 2567 industrial firms for 6 years. It makes use of the sudden re-introduction of the tax incentive in March 2011, that aimed at favouring energy efficient over solely pollution abating technologies. I exploit this unexpected change and perform a difference-in-differences analysis to study its effect on green investments and as an extention on green employment outcomes. The policy change, aimed at switching financing to energy efficient technologies, is assessed as semi-effective. Admittedly, it decreased investment in end-of-pipe technologies, but the investment in superior cleaner production technologies increased only for the small firms (below 50 employees), which are especially vulnerable to the capital market failure. Unfortunately, the policy change had also a few unexpected indirect effects, firms in response to the tax incentive regime modification reduced the number of their green employees and their associated salaries. In stark contrast to the decision of the Spanish government on this EI tax credit, the results of this analysis seem to be quite encouraging for the continued use of this green fiscal policy and show that the modifications in the precision of the existing fiscal policies can be successful.
Reduction of the acquisition time needed to obtain somatosensory evoked potentials by estimation of the required averaging sweep count by an algorithm
Authors: Bothe Clemens , Winterling Charlotte , Berndt Kai , Ahmeti Hajrullah , Balandin Alina , Steinfath Markus , Helmers Ann-Kristin , Fudickar Axel
Published: September 2024

Somatosensory evoked potentials are frequently acquired by stimulation of the median or tibial nerves (mSEPs and tSEPs) for intraoperative monitoring of sensory pathways. Due to their low amplitudes it is common practice to average 200 or more sweeps to discern the evoked potentials from the background EEG. The aim of this study was to investigate if an algorithm designed to determine the lowest sweep count needed to obtain reproducible evoked potentials in each patient significantly reduces the median necessary sweep count to under 200. 30 patients undergoing spinal surgery at the Department of Neurosurgery were included in the study. Beginning with a sweep count of 200 an algorithm was designed to determine the lowest sweep count that yielded reproducible evoked potentials in each patient. By this algorithm the minimal sweep count was determined in 15 patients for mSEPs and in 15 patients for tSEPs. The required sweep count was below 200 in 14 of 15 patients for mSEPs (93.3%) with a mean sweep count of 56 ± 51. For tSEPs the sweep count was below 200 in 11 of 15 patients (73.3%) with a mean sweep count of 106 ± 70 (mean ± SD). The calculated mean time to average the potentials could thereby be reduced from 48.8s to 13.7s for mSEPs and from 48.8s to 25.9s for tSEPs. The proposed algorithm allowed sweep count and acquisition time reduction in roughly 90% of all patients for mSEPs and in 70% of all patients for tSEPs.
Highly stable wavelength converting composite based on sol–gel derived siloxane-encapsulated luminescent nanocrystals
Authors: Shin Yongmin , Park Somin , Um Byung Jo , Kim Seungwan , Jang Junho , Bae Byeong-Soo
Published: September 2024

Luminescent nanocrystals (NCs) have emerged as the high-performance wavelength converting materials in next-generation displays and energy conversion devices due to their unique optophysical properties, such as large Stokes or anti-Stokes shifts, narrow emission bandwidth, and tunable bandgap depending on size or composition. However, poor long-term stability in high temperature and humidity remains a critical issue for device applications. This instability is primarily due to irreversible changes in surface ligands or chemical structures/compositions when exposed to various severe environments. Various strategies have been reported to address these issues, such as the formation of inorganic shell layers and the fabrication of polymer-based nanocomposites. Although these strategies have improved stability, they exhibit degraded properties during long-term aging. Recently, sol–gel derived siloxane hybrid materials have been introduced to achieve stability for various NCs under actual operating conditions of displays and optoelectronic devices. This review will address recent progress in developing siloxane-encapsulated NCs with high stability in high temperature/humidity and under continuous light exposure. It will also introduce results on enhancing the environmental stability of various NCs, including lanthanide-doped transition metal-based NCs, semiconducting NCs, and metal halide perovskite NCs, as well as demonstrations of reliable devices.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring Potential Human Health Risks Linked to Heavy Metal(Loid)s in Dietary Fishes: Utilizing Data-Driven and Computational Modelling Approaches
Authors: Akash Pritom Bhowmik , Kumar Sazal , Jahan Md. Saikoth , Rahman Muhammad Shafiqur , Seddiky Md. Assraf , Sorker Anti , Islam Rafiquel
Published: September 2024

There are significant concerns about the risks to human health posed by metal(loid) contamination in dietary fishes in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate heavy metal(loid) contamination in fish and their associated health risks using published data from 2000 to 2022. Additionally, the safe limit of fish consumption was estimated using the target hazard quotient (THQ) followed by computational modelling and artificial neural networks (ANN). Results showed that freshwater and herbivorous fishes pose the least non-cancer risks, whereas saltwater and carnivorous fishes pose the highest non-cancer risks to Bangladeshi consumers. However, freshwater and omnivorous fish consumption pose the highest cancer risks compared to all studied metal(loid)s. In particular, among the heavy metal(loid)s, As, Cr, Hg, and Ni pose significant cancer and non-cancer risks to Bangladeshi consumers. On the contrary, the ANN and Decision tree regression (DTR) characterized the dataset, simulation model, or data testing condition, reaching 94.7% accuracy and allowing us to measure the safest fish consumption limit. The herbivorous fishes are less contaminated and allow greater consumption (175.09 g day−1). Contrarily, the allowable intake rates of carnivorous and omnivorous fishes are 153.05 and 168.63 g day−1, respectively. Besides, the safe consumption rate of saltwater fishes was 156.51 g day−1, which was lower than freshwater (180.59 g day−1) and euryhaline fishes (182.17 g day−1). Therefore, this study will assist fish consumers in selecting less contaminated fish, ensuring safe consumption levels, and ultimately reducing health risks associated with metal(loid) contamination in fish.
Generic diversity and septal complexity in Cretaceous ammonoids. Effects of oceanic anoxic events on the ammonoid evolutionary dynamic
Authors: Pérez-Claros Juan Antonio
Published: September 2024

This paper analyzes the relationship between the number of genera of Cretaceous planiespiral ammonoids and their sutural complexity estimated by their fractal dimension. It is confirmed that the dynamics of generic diversity is associated with the appearance/disappearance of simple suture genera, which are not ascribed to a particular family. The maximum oscillations of generic diversity occur in the Aptian and Albian which are associated with large variations in the number of genera with simple sutures. From the Middle Campanian there is a continued loss of diversity until the end of the Maastrichtian linked to a net reduction of single suture genera. The direct relationship between the number of genera and the range of septal complexity in each substage indicates that different degrees of septal complexity are different ecomorphological strategies of adaptation to different niches. This result confirms that the specialist forms are those with simple sutures while the genera with complex septa are either generalist forms or are adapted to environments that do not undergo major fluctuations over geological time. The ammonoid generic diversity recorded dynamics is different from that of other marine invertebrates, reflecting paleobiological and/or taphonomic differences. The symmetrical distribution of septal complexity values points to the relative fidelity of the fossil record of Cretaceous ammonoids. The effect of seven oceanic anoxic events of the Cretaceous on the number of genera and septal complexity is analyzed, obtaining no statistically distinguishable effects of the oscillations of these variables with respect to those occurring in other intervals where such events are not recorded.
Harvesting low grade waste heat through environment friendly n-Ag2Se/p-MgAgSb based thermoelectric module
Authors: Patra Soumyabrata , Patro Pankaj , Gupta Pankaj , Singh Surjeet , Singh Ajay
Published: September 2024

The majority of the primary energy in any process is wasted as low-grade heat (< 373 K). Thermoelectric power generators are ideally suited for conversion of such low-grade waste heat into electricity. So far Bi2Te3-based alloys based thermoelectric generators are commercially ruling such energy conversion applications. From long term commercial sustainability point of view the scarcity of elemental Te in earth crest and the presence of heavy element Bi are issues of concern. Here we report environment friendly and Te free n-Ag2Se and p-MgAgSb combination as an alternative to the Bi2Te3-based alloys. The mechanically strong and low specific contact resistivity electrical contacts based on Ni and Ag were directly bonded on Ag2Se and MgAgSb respectively using deformation bonding method. For a temperature difference (∆T) of ~ 82 K, the uni-leg device displayed a conversion efficiency of ~ 1.9% that is comparable to the state-of-the-art Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric module for a similar ∆T. Finally, a thermoelectric power generator module comprising of 18 p-n legs was coupled with a DC-DC boost converter for demonstration an application by harvesting low grade waste heat.

Graphical Abstract
Shallow Waters Make the Best Carbon Sinks
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: September 2024

Oxygen content and microbial prevalence may not be as influential on carbon sedimentation as previously thought.
Unraveling the Extensive Impact of Subthermocline Eddies on the Western Pacific Undercurrent System
Authors: Azminuddin Fuad , Jang Chan Joo , Susanto Raden Dwi , Mubarrok Saat
Published: September 2024

Subthermocline eddies (SEs) influencing ocean circulation are progressively known, yet their extensive impact on the western Pacific undercurrent system remains largely unexplored and, in some regions, often underestimated. Okubo‐Weiss parameter analysis reveals a distinctive meridional pattern of cyclonic and anticyclonic SE distribution in the interior western Pacific basin that aligns with zonally elongated mean flows. These westward‐propagating SEs play a pivotal role in regulating the formation of zonal undercurrents, particularly off‐equatorial regions, through the convergence of eddy potential vorticity flux. Along the Pacific western boundary region, anticyclonic SEs typically enhance (reverse) the velocity of boundary currents flowing northward (southward), primarily through barotropic energy conversion, while cyclonic SEs do the opposite. To summarize, we provide a schematic map of the circulation system in the western Pacific and emphasize the interconnected framework of undercurrents, particularly in relation to SEs.
Global Maps of Plasmaspheric Erosion and Refilling for Varying Geomagnetic Conditions
Authors: Bishop Tyler B. , Blum Lauren W.
Published: September 2024

The plasmasphere accounts for the majority of the mass of Earth's magnetosphere and contains most of the cold ion (1 eV) population. The plasmasphere is extremely dynamic, undergoing a constant cycle of erosion and refilling. In this paper we perform a statistical study of erosion and refilling rates using 6 years of data from the Van Allen Probes from the beginning of 2013 through the end of 2018. Using in‐situ density measurements derived from the upper hybrid resonance line, we create global maps of the erosion and refilling rates over a wide range of L shells and local times. Sorting the data by L shell, magnetic local time, and distance to the plasmapause, we characterize the absolute and relative rates of erosion and refilling during a variety of geomagnetic conditions. We also examine three case studies of geomagnetic storms and compare their density evolutions during the recovery period. Our results are in agreement with refilling rates found by previous statistical studies using different methods, but somewhat lower than many of the case studies reported. We find median erosion rates of 164, 83, and 43 cm−3/day and refilling rates of 87, 42, and 27 cm−3/day at L = 3, 4 and 5, respectively when Kp 3. We also find little local time dependence for both erosion and refilling rates.