bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient heavy metal ion removal by fluorographene nanochannel templated molecular sieve: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Ou Youguan , Gu Zonglin , Luo Yuqi
Published: March 2024

Environmental water contamination, particularly by heavy metal ions, has emerged as a worldwide concern due to their non-biodegradable nature and propensity to accumulate in soil and living organisms, posing a significant risk to human health. Therefore, the effective removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater is of utmost importance for both public health and environmental sustainability. In this study, we propose and design a membrane consisting of fluorographene (F-GRA) nanochannels to investigate its heavy metal ion removal capacity through molecular dynamics simulation. Although many previous studies have revealed the good performance of lamellar graphene membranes for desalination, how the zero-charged graphene functionalized by fluorine atoms (fully covered by negative charges) affects the heavy metal ion removal capacity is still unknown. Our F-GRA membrane exhibits an exceptional water permeability accompanied by an ideal heavy metal ion rejection rate. The superior performance of F-GRA membrane in removing heavy metal ions can be attributed to the negative charge of the F-GRA surface, which results in electrostatic attraction to positively charged ions that facilitates the optimal ion capture. Our analysis of the potential of mean force further reveals that water molecule exhibits the lowest free energy barrier relative to ions when passing through the F-GRA channel, indicating that water transport is energetically more favorable than ion. Additional simulations of lamellar graphene membranes show that graphene membranes have higher water permeabilities compared with F-GRA membranes, while robustly compromising the heavy meal ion rejection rates, and thus F-GRA membranes show better performances. Overall, our theoretical research offers a potential design approach of F-GRA membrane for heavy metal ions removal in future industrial wastewater treatment.
A comprehensive DNA barcoding reference database for Plecoptera of Switzerland
Authors: Vuataz Laurent , Reding Jean-Paul , Reding Alexis , Roesti Christian , Stoffel Céline , Vinçon Gilles , Gattolliat Jean-Luc
Published: March 2024

DNA barcoding is an essential tool in modern biodiversity sciences. Despite considerable work to barcode the tree of life, many groups, including insects, remain partially or totally unreferenced, preventing barcoding from reaching its full potential. Aquatic insects, especially the three orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT), are key freshwater quality indicators worldwide. Among them, Plecoptera (stoneflies), which are among the most sensitive aquatic insects to habitat modification, play a central role in river monitoring surveys. Here, we present an update of the Plecoptera reference database for (meta)barcoding in Switzerland, now covering all 118 species known from this country. Fresh specimens, mostly from rare or localized species, were collected, and 151 new CO1 barcodes were generated. These were merged with the 422 previously published sequences, resulting in a dataset of 573 barcoded specimens. Our CO1 dataset was delimited in 115 CO1 clusters based on a priori morphological identifications, of which 17% are newly reported for Switzerland, and 4% are newly reported globally. Among the 115 CO1 clusters, 85% showed complete congruence with morphology. Distance-based analysis indicated local barcoding gaps in 97% of the CO1 clusters. This study significantly improves the Swiss reference database for stoneflies, enhancing future species identification accuracy and biodiversity monitoring. Additionally, this work reveals cryptic diversity and incongruence between morphology and barcodes, both presenting valuable opportunities for future integrative taxonomic studies. Voucher specimens, DNA extractions and reference barcodes are available for future developments, including metabarcoding and environmental DNA surveys.
Lipid levels and risk of acute pancreatitis using bidirectional Mendelian randomization
Authors: Wang Biqi , Dron Jacqueline S. , Wang Yuxuan , Choi Seung Hoan , Huffman Jennifer E. , Cho Kelly , Wilson Peter W. F. , Natarajan Pradeep , Peloso Gina M.
Published: March 2024

Previous studies found lipid levels, especially triglycerides (TG), are associated with acute pancreatitis, but their causalities and bi-directions were not fully examined. We determined whether abnormal levels of TG, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are precursors and/or consequences of acute pancreatitis using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) with two non-overlapping genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for lipid levels and acute pancreatitis. We found phenotypic associations that both higher TG levels and lower HDL-C levels contributed to increased risk of acute pancreatitis. Our GWAS meta-analysis of acute pancreatitis identified seven independent signals. Genetically predicted TG was positively associated with acute pancreatitis when using the variants specifically associated with TG using univariable MR [Odds ratio (OR), 95% CI 2.02, 1.22–3.31], but the reversed direction from acute pancreatitis to TG was not observed (mean difference = 0.003, SE = 0.002, P-value = 0.138). However, a bidirectional relationship of HDL-C and acute pancreatitis was observed: A 1-SD increment of genetically predicted HDL-C was associated with lower risk of acute pancreatitis (OR, 95% CI 0.84, 0.76–0.92) and genetically predisposed individuals with acute pancreatitis have, on average, 0.005 SD lower HDL-C (mean difference = − 0.005, SE = 0.002, P-value = 0.004). Our MR analysis confirms the evidence of TG as a risk factor of acute pancreatitis but not a consequence. A potential bidirectional relationship of HDL-C and acute pancreatitis occurs and raises the prospect of HDL-C modulation in the acute pancreatitis prevention and treatment.
Anterior cingulate cross-hemispheric inhibition via the claustrum resolves painful sensory conflict
Authors: Koga Keisuke , Kobayashi Kenta , Tsuda Makoto , Pickering Anthony E. , Furue Hidemasa
Published: March 2024

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) responds to noxious and innocuous sensory inputs, and integrates them to coordinate appropriate behavioral reactions. However, the role of the projections of ACC neurons to subcortical areas and their influence on sensory processing are not fully investigated. Here, we identified that ACC neurons projecting to the contralateral claustrum (ACC→contraCLA) preferentially respond to contralateral mechanical sensory stimulation. These sensory responses were enhanced during attending behavior. Optogenetic activation of ACC→contraCLA neurons silenced pyramidal neurons in the contralateral ACC by recruiting local circuit fast-spiking interneuron activation via an excitatory relay in the CLA. This circuit activation suppressed withdrawal behavior to mechanical stimuli ipsilateral to the ACC→contraCLA neurons. Chemogenetic silencing showed that the cross-hemispheric circuit has an important role in the suppression of contralateral nociceptive behavior during sensory-driven attending behavior. Our findings identify a cross-hemispheric cortical-subcortical-cortical arc allowing the brain to give attentional priority to competing innocuous and noxious inputs.
Geometric renormalization of weighted networks
Authors: Zheng Muhua , García-Pérez Guillermo , Boguñá Marián , Serrano M. Ángeles
Published: March 2024

The geometric renormalization technique for complex networks has successfully revealed the multiscale self-similarity of real network topologies and can be applied to generate replicas at different length scales. Here, we extend the geometric renormalization framework to weighted networks, where the intensities of the interactions play a crucial role in their structural organization and function. Our findings demonstrate that the weighted organization of real networks exhibits multiscale self-similarity under a renormalization protocol that selects the connections with the maximum weight across increasingly longer length scales. We present a theory that elucidates this symmetry, and that sustains the selection of the maximum weight as a meaningful procedure. Based on our results, scaled-down replicas of weighted networks can be straightforwardly derived, facilitating the investigation of various size-dependent phenomena in downstream applications.
Diversified evolutionary patterns of surface urban heat island in new expansion areas of 31 Chinese cities
Authors: Peng Jian , Qiao Ruilin , Wang Qi , Yu Shuying , Dong Jianquan , Yang Zhiwei
Published: March 2024

As a hot area of population inflow in the process of urbanization, the urban expansion area faces rapid growth of surface urban heat island (SUHI). However, the multi-dimensional evolutionary characteristics of SUHI in urban expansion areas are still unclear. Through analyzing the evolution of SUHI range ratio, mean intensity and maximum intensity, in this study we identified the comprehensive evolutionary pattern of summer SUHI in urban expansion areas of 31 major cities in China during 2000–2018, and further investigated the corresponding dominant influencing factors. The results showed that the SUHI range and intensity in urban expansion areas exhibited a significant increasing trend in 81% and 71% of the cities respectively during the summer daytime. The cities with declining SUHI range and intensity were distributed in northwestern high-altitude areas with low economic level, while the cities with dominant increases in the SUHI range were distributed in eastern low-altitude areas with high economic level. Climate conditions and population distribution were the dominant influencing factors of intensity-dominated increasing and balanced increasing types, respectively. The intensity and range two-dimensional increasing type had experienced the most severe SUHI growth, with large proportion of secondary industry as the main influencing factor. This study highlighted the importance of multi-dimensional characteristics of SUHI evolution, which provided a new insight to understand SUHI change in urban expansion areas and associated mitigation measures.
Observation of nonvolatile magneto-thermal switching in superconductors
Authors: Arima Hiroto , Kasem Md. Riad , Sepehri-Amin Hossein , Ando Fuyuki , Uchida Ken-ichi , Kinoshita Yuto , Tokunaga Masashi , Mizuguchi Yoshikazu
Published: March 2024

Applying a magnetic field to a solid changes its thermal-transport properties. Although such magneto-thermal-transport phenomena are usually small effects, giant magneto-thermal resistance has recently been observed in spintronic materials and superconductors, opening up new possibilities in thermal management technologies. However, the thermal conductivity conventionally changes only when a magnetic field is applied due to the absence of nonvolatility, which limits potential applications of thermal switching devices. Here, we report the observation of nonvolatile thermal switching that changes the electron thermal conductivity when a magnetic field is applied and retains the value even when the field is turned off. This unconventional magneto-thermal switching arises in commercial Sn-Pb solders and is realized by phase-separated superconducting states and resultant nonuniform magnetic flux distributions. This result confirms the versatility of the observed phenomenon and aids the development of active solid-state thermal management devices.
Photosynthetically-powered phototactic active nematic liquid crystal fluids and gels
Authors: Repula Andrii , Gates Colin , Cameron Jeffrey C. , Smalyukh Ivan I.
Published: March 2024

One of the most ancient forms of life dating to ~3.5 billion years ago, cyanobacteria are highly abundant organisms that convert light into energy and motion, often within conjoined filaments and larger colonies that attract a great deal of interest but their active nematic behavior remained unexplored. Here we demonstrate how light causes a spontaneous self-assembly of two- and three-dimensional active nematic states of cyanobacterial filaments, with a plethora of topological defects. We quantify light-controlled evolutions of orientational and velocity order parameters during the transition between disordered and orientationally ordered states of photosynthetic active matter, as well as the subsequent active nematic’s fluid-gel transformation. Patterned illumination and foreign inclusions with different shapes interact with cyanobacterial active nematics in nontrivial ways while inducing interfacial boundary conditions and fractional boojum defects. Our phototactic model system promises opportunities to systematically explore fundamental properties and technological utility of the liquid crystalline active matter.
Northern Hemisphere winter atmospheric teleconnections are intensified by extratropical ocean-atmosphere coupling
Authors: Mori Masato , Kosaka Yu , Taguchi Bunmei , Tokinaga Hiroki , Tatebe Hiroaki , Nakamura Hisashi
Published: March 2024

The role of extratropical atmosphere-ocean coupling in generating and maintaining large-scale atmospheric low-frequency variability remains an open question owing to vigorous atmospheric internal fluctuations. Here, we use coupled and uncoupled large-ensemble global model simulations to clarify how the coupling intensifies atmospheric teleconnection patterns in the Northern Hemisphere winter. We show that the extratropical coupling selectively enhances the variance of three principal modes of variability, explaining 13%, 11%, and 10% of the total variance of Pacific/North American, North Atlantic Oscillation, and Warm-Arctic Cold-Eurasian patterns, respectively. Atmosphere-ocean coupling reduces damping to lower-tropospheric available potential energy, which in turn increases kinetic energy by changing energy transfer within the mode. The extratropical ocean is overall passive (adjustable) to large-scale atmospheric variation, thus contributing to the prominence of these modes. The geographical dependence of available potential energy damping suggests the existence of mode-specific sweet spots where the influence of coupling operates efficiently, providing a clue to improving the model biases in variance and signal-to-noise ratio of these modes.
Intelligent assessment of building damage of 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake by multiple remote sensing approaches
Authors: Yu Xiao , Hu Xie , Song Yuqi , Xu Susu , Li Xuechun , Song Xiaodong , Fan Xuanmei , Wang Fang
Published: March 2024

A catastrophic Mw7.8 earthquake hit southeast Turkey and northwest Syria on February 6th, 2023, leading to more than 44 k deaths and 160 k building collapses. The interpretation of earthquake-triggered building damage is usually subjective, labor intensive, and limited by accessibility to the sites and the availability of instant, high-resolution images. Here we propose a multi-class damage detection (MCDD) model enlightened by artificial intelligence to synergize four variables, i.e., amplitude dispersion index (ADI) and damage proxy (DP) map derived from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images, the change of the normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) derived from optical remote sensing images, as well as peak ground acceleration (PGA). This approach allows us to characterize damage on a large, tectonic scale and a small, individual-building scale. The integration of multiple variables in classifying damage levels into no damage, slight damage, and serious damage (including partial or complete collapses) excels the traditional practice of solely use of DP by 11.25% in performance. Our proposed approach can quantitatively and automatically sort out different building damage levels from publicly available satellite observations, which helps prioritize the rescue mission in response to emergent disasters.
The development of an approach for the precision determination of thermal strain tensor elements for single crystals using the example of t-Ag0.8Li0.2InSe2
Authors: Serebrennikova Polina S. , Lobanov Sergey I. , Sukhikh Alexander S. , Isaenko Lyudmila I. , Gromilov Sergey A.
Published: March 2024

A new approach to the precision determination of single-crystal unit cell parameters is proposed and demonstrated using tetragonal Ag0.8Li0.2InSe2.
Liquid-templated graphene aerogel electromagnetic traps
Authors: Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Ghaffarkhah Ahmadreza , Ahmadijokani Farhad , Yousefian Hatef , Mhatre Sameer E. , Sinelshchikova Anna , Banvillet Gabriel , Kamkar Milad , Rojas Orlando J. , Wuttke Stefan , Arjmand Mohammad
Published: March 2024

This study coined a practical strategy entitled “Aerogel Electromagnetic Traps” toward blocking the scattered electromagnetic waves from metallic substrates through aerogel engineering, leading to absorption dominant shielding constructs.
An aza-cyclophane supported macrocyclic α-diimine nickel catalyst for ethylene polymerization
Authors: Yang Jingshuang , Chi Yue , Zhang Yuxing , Jian Zhongbao
Published: March 2024

A novel aza-cyclophane-based macrocyclic α-diimine nickel(ii) catalyst prepared via a simplified synthesis route shows all-round improvements in ethylene polymerization compared to the acyclic analogue.
Quinoline–sulfonamides as a multi-targeting neurotherapeutic for cognitive decline:in vitro,in silicostudies and ADME evaluation of monoamine oxidases and cholinesterases inhibitors
Authors: Jalil Saquib , Hussain Zahid , Abid Syed Mobashir Ali , Hameed Abdul , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial irreversible neurological disorder with multiple enzymes involved.
Preparation and characterization of sulphur and zinc oxide Co-doped graphitic carbon nitride for photo-assisted removal of Safranin-O dye
Authors: Khan Azmat Ali , Khan Abbas , Khan Sumayya , Shah Nasrullah , Khan Ajmal , Nawaz Faheem , Khalid Asaad , Jan Afnan , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Recently, there has been significant interest in photocatalytic reactions involving graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) due to its sp2-hybridized carbon and nitrogen content and it is an ideal candidate for blending with other materials to enhance performance.
Preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of a PVDF/cellulose membrane modified with nano Fe3O4 for removal of methylene blue using RSM under visible light
Authors: Mohammadpour Shaghayegh , Moghadam Peyman Najafi , Gharbani Parvin
Published: March 2024

In this work, a polymeric membrane-based polyvinylidene fluoride coated with cellulose and loaded with iron oxide nanoparticles (PVDF/cellulose/Fe3O4) was synthesized and was characterized using FESEM, XRD, AFM, and contact angle measurements.
Synergistic action of highly-active porous carbon-based bifunctional electrocatalysts and neutral electrolyte: endowing zinc–air batteries with ultra-long cycle stability
Authors: Zhao Juanjuan , Ma Xiaohang , Liu Lingyun , Fang Weiguang , Zi Zhenfa , Wu Mingzai
Published: March 2024

A honeycomb N/S co-doped Co9S8 nanoparticle material loaded with porous carbon skeleton (N/SdCF-OIM/Co9S8) as cathode catalyst was designed by using Co-MOF and SiO2 spheres. The ZABs based on N/SdCF-OIM/Co9S8 in neutral electrolyte have longer cycle stability than in alkaline electrolytes.
Securing cation vacancies to enable reversible Mg insertion/extraction in rocksalt oxides
Authors: Kawaguchi Tomoya , Yasuda Masaya , Nemoto Natsumi , Shimokawa Kohei , Li Hongyi , Okamoto Norihiko L. , Ichitsubo Tetsu
Published: March 2024

Introducing and securing cation vacancies in a crystalline structure activates the disordered rocksalt oxide cathodes for rechargeable magnesium batteries. This strategy provides a new opportunity for novel cathode materials.
Lasing in perovskite crystallites grown via silver-nanowire-induced nucleation
Authors: Bin Liu  , Guo Junhan , Tang Yang , Qin Liang , Lou Zhidong , Hu Yufeng , Teng Feng , Hou Yanbing
Published: March 2024

Silver nanowires are used to induce the crystallization of perovskite crystallites and achieve an efficient laser. The concentration of the perovskite precursor solution is adjusted to achieve the resonance modes of different laser microcavities.
CuO–Ni(OH)2 heterostructure nanosheets: a high-performance electrocatalyst for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation
Authors: Wang Wenke , Xu Hui , Sang Ting , Ji Dongfang , Hao Jingcheng , Li Zhonghao
Published: March 2024

CuO–Ni(OH)2 heterostructure nanosheets were designed for electrocatalytic oxidation of HMF to FDCA, achieving impressive performance for HMF conversion.
A simple aptamer-dye fluorescence sensor for detecting Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its metabolite in urban sewage
Authors: Wei Yingnan , Yang Lin , Ye Yi , Liao Linchuan , Dai Hao , Wei Zeliang , Lin Yao , Zheng Chengbin
Published: March 2024

A label-free ratiometric fluorescence sensor for rapid analysis of THC and its metabolite in sewage samples.
Functionalized polyoxometalates enable fast ion transport in solid-state batteries at room temperature
Authors: Liu Fangcheng , Han Shicheng , Dong Liwei , Fang Xikui
Published: March 2024

Coupling functionalized polyoxometalates with polymer electrolytes leads to considerably enhanced mechanical properties and fast ion transport in solid-state lithium-ion batteries.
Unrivaled accuracy in measuring rotational transitions of greenhouse gases: THz CRDS of CF4
Authors: Simon Fabien , Cuisset Arnaud , Elmaleh Coralie , Hindle Francis , Mouret Gaël , Rey Michaël , Richard Cyril , Boudon Vincent
Published: March 2024

A novel high finesse cavity allowing THz CRDS has enabled accurate quantification of CF4. Yielding spectral parameters with unprecedented precision, these finding are critical to monitor and understand CF4's contribution to global radiative forcing.
Breaking the activity and stability bottlenecks for acid hydrogen evolution by strong metal–support interaction between Pt nanoparticles and amorphous MoOx
Authors: Ning Bo , Huang Zhen-Feng , Shi Chengxiang , Pan Lun , Gao Ruijie , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji-Jun
Published: March 2024

An acid hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst with ultralow overpotential and 100 h stability was synthesized via simple impregnation-annealing method.
The acupuncture effect of carbon nanotubes induced by the volume expansion of silicon-based anodes
Authors: He Ziying , Zhang Chenxi , Zhu Yukang , Wei Fei
Published: March 2024

The acupuncture effect of CNTs induced by the volume expansion of silicon-based anodes: neither the SEI nor the carbon coating can withstand the GPa-level compressive stress on CNTs.
Speciation of the proton in water-in-salt electrolytes
Authors: Goloviznina Kateryna , Serva Alessandra , Salanne Mathieu
Published: March 2024

In 21 m LiTFSI water-in-salt electrolyte, the proton forms species existing in bulk water (H3O+, H5O2+, etc.) as well as the HTFSI acid, known to be a superacid in water.
Microscopy aided detection of the self-intercalation mechanism and in situ electronic properties in chromium selenide
Authors: Zhang Jinding , Xiao Yulong , Li Kaihui , Chen Ying , Liu Songlong , Luo Wenjie , Liu Xueying , Liu Shiying , Wang Yiliu , Li Si-Yu , Pan Anlian
Published: March 2024

Atomic microscopy detection directly reveals the coexistence of multiple stoichiometric ratios in self-intercalated chromium selenide and clearly shows the intercalation mechanism of Cr atoms according to the periodicity of the cross section and surface.
Flash nanoprecipitation assisted self-assembly of ionizable lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery
Authors: Misra Bishal , Hughes Krystal A. , Pentz William H. , Samart Parinya , Geldenhuys Werner J. , Bobbala Sharan
Published: March 2024

Flash nanoprecipitation utilizing the confined impinging jet mixer allows the self-assembly of ionizable lipid nanoparticles that can effectively deliver nucleic acids both in vitro and in vivo.
Regulating the frontier orbital of iron phthalocyanine with nitrogen doped carbon nanosheets for improving oxygen reduction activity
Authors: Zhang Xilin , Zheng Rui , Chang Qingfang , Ma Zhongjun , Yang Zongxian
Published: March 2024

N-CNSs facilitate the redistribution of electrons in FePc. The localized electrons near the Fermi level of an Fe atom play a key role in enhancing the interaction between the catalyst and intermediates, contributing to an enhanced activity.
Construction of WS2/NC@C nanoflake composites as performance-enhanced anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Yuan Chun , Liu Baolin , Zhang Hongyu , Ma Huan , Lu Zhenjiang , Xie Jing , Hu Jindou , Cao Yali
Published: March 2024

WS2 nanoflakes were immobilized on N-doped carbon with abundant active sites, which showed a capacity of 219.6 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 1000 cycles in SIBs, and a capacity retention of 82.9% at 1 A g−1 after 2000 cycles in SIHCs.
PDEGMA-b-PDMAEMA-b-PLMA triblock terpolymers and their cationic analogues: synthesis, stimuli responsive self-assembly and micelleplex formation
Authors: Giaouzi Despoina , Pispas Stergios
Published: March 2024

Temperature and pH-responsive triblock terpolymers of the type PDEGMA-b-PDMAEMA-b-PLMA and their quaternized analogs are synthesized and utilized for micelleplex formation with linear DNA.
Efficient electrochemical water oxidation catalyzed by N4-coordinated nickel complexes under neutral conditions
Authors: Ruan Zhijun , Dong Jinfeng , Wang Jieying , Qi Zhichao , Chen Xiaoli , Liang Xiangming , Lin Junqi
Published: March 2024

Two novel nickel complexes are reported for the first time. Both complexes can catalyze water oxidation under neutral conditions with low onset overpotential. Combined experiments confirm that they are genuine molecular water oxidation catalysts.
A critical revelation of lithium ferromanganese phosphate (LMFP) performance in a Mn-rich cathode for Li-ion batteries using Fe equivalents to occupy a Mn site
Authors: Yang Ruifen , Chang Longjiao , Luo Shaohua , Bi Xiaolong , Yang Wei , Cai Kedi , Wei Anlu , Hou Zenglei
Published: March 2024

The modification of a polyanionic positive electrode material LiMnPO4 by transition metal doping was experimentally studied on the basis of carbon coating in order to address the drawbacks of low electronic conductivity and charge–discharge performance.
A Note of the Interpolating Sequence in Qp∩H∞
Authors: ZHOU Jizhen , SUN Hejie
Published: March 2024

In this paper, [see formula in PDF] acts as an interpolating sequence for [see formula in PDF]. An analytic function f is constructed, and [see formula in PDF] for any [see formula in PDF], where f and [see formula in PDF] belong to [see formula in PDF]. As a result, the study achieves a comparable outcome for [see formula in PDF].
Common Fixed Points for Multiplicative Contractions in Multiplicative Metric Spaces
Authors: SONG Jiping , LUO Tianqi , LEI Lei
Published: March 2024

The study delves into multiplicative contractions, exploring the existence and uniqueness of common fixed points for a weakly compatible pair of mappings. Those mappings adhere to specific multiplicative contraction conditions characterized by exponents expressed as fraction multiplicative metric spaces. It is noted that a metric can induce a multiplicative metric, and conversely, a multiplicative metric can give a rise to a metric on a nonempty set. As an application, another proof of the existence and uniqueness of the solution of a multiplicative initial problem is given.
Three New Classes of Subsystem Codes
Authors: LI Hui , LIU Xiusheng , HU Peng
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we construct three classes of Clifford subsystem maximum distance separable (MDS) codes based on Reed-Solomon codes and extended generalized Reed-Solomon codes over finite fields [see formula in PDF] for specific code lengths. Moreover, our Clifford subsystem MDS codes are new because their parameters differ from the previously known ones.
Variational Data Assimilation Method Using Parallel Dual Populations Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: WU Zhongjian , LI Junyan
Published: March 2024

In recent years, numerical weather forecasting has been increasingly emphasized. Variational data assimilation furnishes precise initial values for numerical forecasting models, constituting an inherently nonlinear optimization challenge. The enormity of the dataset under consideration gives rise to substantial computational burdens, complex modeling, and high hardware requirements. This paper employs the Dual-Population Particle Swarm Optimization (DPSO) algorithm in variational data assimilation to enhance assimilation accuracy. By harnessing parallel computing principles, the paper introduces the Parallel Dual-Population Particle Swarm Optimization (PDPSO) Algorithm to reduce the algorithm processing time. Simulations were carried out using partial differential equations, and comparisons in terms of time and accuracy were made against DPSO, the Dynamic Weight Particle Swarm Algorithm (PSOCIWAC), and the Time-Varying Double Compression Factor Particle Swarm Algorithm (PSOTVCF). Experimental results indicate that the proposed PDPSO outperforms PSOCIWAC and PSOTVCF in convergence accuracy and is comparable to DPSO. Regarding processing time, PDPSO is 40% faster than PSOCIWAC and PSOTVCF and 70% faster than DPSO.
Beeinflusst musikalische Erziehung die Lebens- und Versorgungsqualität von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 1?
Authors: Kettnaker Franz , Marmulla Lena , Zamani Elham , Vollhase Jasim , de Sousa Gideon , Jenetzky Ekkehart , Berger Bettina , Hilgard Dörte , Martin David
Published: March 2024

In der kindlichen Entwicklungsphase bringen chronische Erkrankungen wie Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 (T1D) besondere Herausforderungen mit sich. Betroffene Kinder und Jugendliche sind mit zusätzlicher Musikerziehung möglicherweise besser in der Lage, sich diesen Herausforderungen zu stellen. Über den Zeitraum von 4 Jahren (2017–2020) wurden in einer multizentrischen Querschnittsstudie 219 Probandenpaare (je ein Kind und eine erziehungsberechtigte Person) im Alter von 6–17 Jahren befragt. Zur Datenerhebung wurden zum einen der Hauptfragebogen und das Ergänzungsmodul Diabetes der Kindl-Reihe zur gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität eingesetzt. Dieser Fragenkatalog wurde mit Fragen zur Demografie und HbA1c ergänzt. Von den 219 Proband*innen praktizierten 106 (48,4 %) außerschulisch Musik- oder Instrumentalunterricht. Bei der Selbsteinschätzung der Probanden bezüglich der subjektiven seelischen Zufriedenheit sowie der Einschätzung zur eigenen Person konnte kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen Proband*innen mit und ohne Musikerziehung festgestellt werden. Allerdings zeigte die Querschnittsuntersuchung einen möglichen Zusammenhang des Musizierens mit der Stoffwechsellage. Der aktuelle HbA1c-Wert, als Maß der langfristigen Stoffwechselsituation, lag im musikalischen Zweig mit 7,6 % unterhalb des medianen Wertes derjenigen ohne musikalische Erziehung mit 8,3 % (p = 0,002). Die Bluttestergebnisse der vorangegangenen 9 Monate wiesen diesbezüglich ebenfalls Vorteile für die Studiengruppe von 7,8 % zu 8,3 % auf (p = 0,010).
Musikgeragogik: Musik bis ins hohe Alter
Authors: Tüpker Rosemarie
Published: March 2024

Sich musikalisch zu betätigen, fördert Lebensqualität, Gesundheit, Wohlbefinden von älteren Menschen und ist zudem häufig mit dem Knüpfen sozialer Kontakte verbunden. Musikgeragogik erhält und fördert die musikalischen Ressourcen älterer Menschen und ermöglicht dadurch ihre kulturelle Teilhabe am gesamten Bereich des Musiklebens. Singen in Chören, das Spielen eines Musikinstruments oder das Hören von Musik zählen dazu. Orientiert wird sich dabei immer an der individuellen Lebenssituation des Patienten oder der Patientin.
Entlassmanagement im Kontext eines Palliativdienstes im Krankenhaus – Entwicklung und Anwendung von Qualitätskriterien
Authors: Muszynski Theresa , Dasch Burkhard , Bernhardt Florian , Lenz Philipp
Published: March 2024

Ziel der Studie Die Entwicklung und Testung von Qualitätskriterien im Entlassprozess von durch den Palliativdienst mitbetreuten Patient:innen im Krankenhaus.

Methodik Die Exploration der Bedeutung von Qualitätskriterien im Entlassmanagement wurde durch Expert:inneninterviews überprüft, relevante Kriterien abgeleitet, ein Fragebogen zur Qualitätsbeurteilung aus Sicht der Nachversorgenden entwickelt und dessen Ergebnisse mit einer internen Prozessbewertung verglichen.

Ergebnisse Es wurden vier Qualitätskriterien definiert: (I) palliativmedizinische Informationsweitergabe, (II) Entlassbrief, (III) Information von Patient:innen und Zugehörigen und (IV) lückenlose Versorgung mit Arznei-, Heil- und Hilfsmitteln. Die interne Auswertung der Kriterien im klinischen Alltag zeigte, dass diese Informationen jedoch häufig in den Entlassdokumenten fehlten.

Schlussfolgerung Es konnten Qualitätsdefizite im Entlassmanagement von Patient:innen in palliativer Mitbetreuung aufgezeigt werden. Die Studie konkretisiert relevante Informationen und macht deutlich, dass diese in den Patient:innenakten größtenteils vollständig auffindbar wären. Es muss daher ein Verständnis für die Wichtigkeit dieser Informationen geschaffen werden, z.B. durch eine strukturierte und automatisierte Weitergabe.
Student ultrasound education – current views and controversies
Authors: Dietrich Christoph F. , Sirli Roxana Lucia , Barth Gregor , Blaivas Michael , Daum Nils , Dong Yi , Essig Manfred , Gschmack Anna Maria , Goudie Adrian , Hofmann Tino , Hoffmann Beatrice , Jenssen Christian , Kallenbach Michael , Karlas Thomas , Krutz Alexander , Löwe Axel , Lucius Claudia , Möller Kathleen , Neubauer Ricarda , Nurnberg Dieter , Prats Michael , Prosch Helmut , Recker Florian , Ruppert Johannes P. , Sänger Sophie-Luise , Wangenheim Friederike , Weimer Johannes M. , Westerway Susan Campbell , Zervides Constantinos
Published: March 2024

As an extension of the clinical examination and as a diagnostic and problem-solving tool, ultrasound has become an established technique for clinicians. A prerequisite for high-quality clinical ultrasound practice is adequate student ultrasound training. In light of the considerable heterogeneity of ultrasound curricula in medical studies worldwide, this review presents basic principles of modern medical student ultrasound education and advocates for the establishment of an ultrasound core curriculum embedded both horizontally and vertically in medical studies.
TIPS and Interventional Radiology Management of Portal Hypertensive Complications in Pediatric Population
Authors: Spogis Dr. med. Jakob , Tsiflikas PD Dr. med. Ilias , Schäfer Prof. Dr. med. Jürgen F. , Hartleif Dr. med. Steffen , Warmann Prof. Dr. med. Steven W. , Grözinger Prof. Dr. med. Gerd
Published: March 2024

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement is a well-established procedure for treating the sequelae of portal hypertension in adults. In pediatric patients also, TIPS is a good alternative to surgical shunt procedures because it is less invasive. However, similar or even more than in adults, TIPS creation is one of the technically more challenging procedures in children requiring special considerations regarding portal venous access and stent placement. Although data are limited to retrospective single-center experiences and meta-analysis, current findings suggest that TIPS is safe and effective in pediatric patients. If monitored and revised carefully, TIPS stents can last for a long time and may be able to serve for more than a short-term bridge to liver transplantation. This review shall provide information about the authors' procedural technique and give a short overview about the recent literature.
Cartilage-Sparing Otoplasty: An Overview of the Mustardé and Furnas Suture Techniques
Authors: Levin Marc , Ziai Hedyeh , Gantous Andres , Adamson Peter A.
Published: March 2024

Otoplasty is commonly used to treat prominauris. Cartilage-sparing techniques for otoplasty are well popularized. The most common cartilage-sparing otoplasty techniques include the Mustardé and Furnas techniques. This article discusses the preparation, surgical steps, postoperative care, and associated complications for Mustardé and Furnas otoplasty in detail.
Shaping the future of AI in healthcare through ethics and governance
Authors: Bouderhem Rabaï
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this research is to identify and evaluate the technical, ethical and regulatory challenges related to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. The potential applications of AI in healthcare seem limitless and vary in their nature and scope, ranging from privacy, research, informed consent, patient autonomy, accountability, health equity, fairness, AI-based diagnostic algorithms to care management through automation for specific manual activities to reduce paperwork and human error. The main challenges faced by states in regulating the use of AI in healthcare were identified, especially the legal voids and complexities for adequate regulation and better transparency. A few recommendations were made to protect health data, mitigate risks and regulate more efficiently the use of AI in healthcare through international cooperation and the adoption of harmonized standards under the World Health Organization (WHO) in line with its constitutional mandate to regulate digital and public health. European Union (EU) law can serve as a model and guidance for the WHO for a reform of the International Health Regulations (IHR).
A corpus-based approach to the reception of Chinese television dramas streamed overseas
Authors: Chen Lin , Chang Kexin
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the state government of China has vigorously supported the export of cultural projects. As the carrier of cultural output, television dramas carry important missions of cultural communication. In the age of convergence when the practice of watching television involves more viewer engagement, audience reception investigates how audiences may engage in a broad range of interactive experiences and activities. This paper focuses on the reception of Chinese television dramas streamed overseas on two prominent video streaming sites, YouTube and Rakuten Viki. Adopting a corpus-based approach, it first identifies the top ten most popular Chinese television dramas on the two sites. Subsequently, user-generated reviews and comments for the selected dramas are collected, and a corpus analysis is conducted on the data derived from the two platforms. The findings reveal that a) viewers exhibit a notable preference for Chinese contemporary dramas, and in particular, modern romance dramas; b) the predominant concerns underlying the reception of Chinese television dramas revolve around storylines, actors/characters and subtitles; c) reviews and comments related to subtitling can be categorized into distinct themes, which reveal the major concerns of international viewership. Through the investigation, this paper attempts to promote the translation and reception of Chinese television dramas and expand the export market of Chinese productions.
Academic stress and cyberloafing among university students: the mediating role of fatigue and self-control
Authors: Nweke Gabriel E. , Jarrar Yosra , Horoub Ibrahim
Published: March 2024

This study aims to fill a gap in existing literature by investigating the relationship between academic stress and cyberloafing behavior among university students. By examining 415 final-year undergraduate students from various faculties at Girne American University, the research utilizes a correlational design to analyze the impact of academic stress on cyberloafing, considering the mediating effect of fatigue and the moderating influence of self-control. The findings reveal a significant positive association between academic stress and cyberloafing, with fatigue partially mediating this relationship and self-control moderating the influence. This research offers a novel perspective on understanding and addressing cyberloafing in educational settings, thereby contributing to the existing body of knowledge on this topic. The study’s methodology and findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay of academic stress, fatigue, self-control, and cyberloafing, offering implications for educational institutions in addressing and mitigating cyberloafing behaviors among students.
Undoing band anticrossing in highly mismatched alloys by atom arrangement
Authors: Meng Qian , Bank Seth R. , Wistey Mark A.
Published: March 2024

The electronic structures of three highly mismatched alloys (HMAs)—GeC(Sn), Ga(In)NAs, and BGa(In)As—were studied using density functional theory with HSE06 hybrid functionals, with an emphasis on the local environment near the mismatched, highly electronegative atom (B, C, and N). These alloys are known for their counterintuitive reduction in the bandgap when adding the smaller atom, due to a band anticrossing (BAC) or splitting of the conduction band. Surprisingly, the existence of band splitting was found to be completely unrelated to the local displacement of the lattice ions near the mismatched atom. Furthermore, in BGaAs, the reduction in the bandgap due to BAC was weaker than the increase due to the lattice constant, which has not been observed among other HMAs but may explain differences among experimental reports. While local distortion in GeC and GaNAs was not the cause for BAC, it was found to enhance the bandgap reduction due to BAC. This work also found that mere contrast in electronegativity between neighboring atoms does not induce BAC. In fact, surrounding the electronegative atom with elements of even smaller electronegativity than the host (e.g., Sn or In) consistently decreased or even eliminated BAC. For a fixed composition, moving Sn toward C and In toward either N or B was always energetically favorable and increased the bandgap, consistent with experimental annealing results. Such rearrangement also delocalized the conduction band wavefunctions near the mismatched atom to resemble the original host states in unperturbed Ge or GaAs, causing the BAC to progressively weaken. These collective results were consistent whether the mismatched atom was a cation (N), anion (B), or fully covalent (C), varying only with the magnitude of its electronegativity, with B having the least effect. The effects can be explained by charge screening of the mismatched atom's deep electrostatic potential. Together, these results help explain differences in the bandgap and other properties reported for HMAs from different groups and provide insight into the creation of materials with designer properties.
Photovoltaic effect on silicon–alumina–ferromagnet tunnel junction providing insights about spin-dependent molecular spintronics solar cells
Authors: Suh Pius , Tyagi Pawan
Published: March 2024

The study focuses on the observation of the photovoltaic (PV) effect on Si/AlOx/FM semiconductor–insulator–ferromagnetic metal (SIFM) structure. Utilization of ∼10 nm NiFe film as the top ferromagnet (FM) layer was permeable for sufficient light radiation necessary for reaching the silicon substrate for the generation of electron–hole pairs upon photoexcitation. The effect of light intensity and magnetic field was studied on the SIFM’s PV response. We also investigated the role of silicon doping and the AlOx tunnel barrier between Si and FM in exploring suitable band bending necessary for separating the electron–hole pairs. Increasing the dopant density in Si and a damaged AlOx tunnel barrier quenched the PV effect. Ferromagnet/Insulator/Ferromagnet (FMIFM) was also studied to gain deeper mechanistic insights into the spin-dependent photovoltaic effect observed on FM/AlOx/FM tunnel junction-based molecular spintronics devices. Bridging of magnetic molecules between the Si and FM electrodes of SIFM increased the overall device current by establishing additional parallel conduction channels along with the AlOx tunnel barrier. However, SIFM with molecular conduction channels did not produce a PV effect. This study reported the PV effect on well-designed SIFM and opened possibilities for exploring new systems. More importantly, this paper provided insights into the role of molecule-induced exchange coupling in transforming an ordinary, cheap, and widely available ferromagnet into a semiconductor-like material capable of showing PV.
Growth optimization, optical, and dielectric properties of heteroepitaxially grown ultrawide-bandgap ZnGa2O4 (111) thin film
Authors: Karmakar Subrata , Emu Injamamul Hoque , Halim Md Abdul , Sarkar Pallab Kumar , Sultana Maria , Tasnim Ayesha , Hamid Md Abdul , Shiam Istiaq Firoz , Droopad Ravi , Haque Ariful
Published: March 2024

Ultrawide bandgap ZnGa2O4 (ZGO) thin films were grown on sapphire (0001) substrates at various growth temperatures with a perspective to investigate the electrical and optical characteristics required for high-power electronic applications. Due to the variation in the vapor pressure of Zn and Ga, severe loss of Zn was observed during pulsed laser deposition, which was solved by using a zinc-rich Zn0.98Ga0.02O target. A pure phase single-crystalline ZGO thin film was obtained at a deposition temperature of 750 °C and an oxygen pressure of 1 × 10−2 Torr. The out-of-plane epitaxial relationship between the sapphire and ZGO thin film was obtained from φ-scan. The x-ray rocking curve of the ZGO thin film grown at 750 °C exhibits a full width at half maximum of ∼0.098°, which indicates a good crystalline phase and quality of the thin film. Core-level x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of ZGO grown at 750 °C indicated that Zn and Ga were in the 2+ and 3+ oxidation states, respectively, and the atomic ratio of Zn/Ga was estimated to be ∼0.48 from the fitted values of Zn-2p3/2 and Ga-2p3/2. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images revealed a sharp interface with the thickness of the ZGO film of ∼265 nm, and the signature of minor secondary phases was observed. The bandgap of the ZGO film at different growth temperatures was calculated from the ultraviolet-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy spectra, and its value was obtained to be ∼5.08 eV for the 750 °C grown sample. The refractive index (n) and the extinction coefficient (k) were determined to be ∼1.94 and 0.023 from the ellipsometric data, respectively, and the real dielectric function (ɛr) was estimated to be ∼6.8 at energy 5 eV. The ultrawide bandgap and dielectric function of ZGO recommend its possible potential applications in deep-ultraviolet optoelectronic devices and high-power electronics.
Improving magnetic-field resilience of NbTiN planar resonators using a hard-mask fabrication technique
Authors: Bahr A. , Boselli M. , Huard B. , Bienfait A.
Published: March 2024

High-quality factor microwave resonators operating in a magnetic field are a necessity for some quantum sensing applications and hybrid platforms. Losses in microwave superconducting resonators can have several origins, including microscopic defects, usually known as two-level-systems. Here, we characterize the magnetic field response of NbTiN resonators patterned on sapphire and observe clear absorption lines occurring at specific magnetic fields. We identify the spin systems responsible for these features, including a yet unreported spin with g = 1.85 that we attribute to defects in the NbTiN thin film. We develop mitigation strategies involving, namely, an aluminum etch mask, resulting in maintaining quality factors above Q>2×105 in the range of 0–0.3 T.