bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of compressive strength of nano silica and micro silica from rice husk ash using multivariate regression models
Authors: Raji Mustapha A. , Falola Boluwatife M. , Enikuomehin Jesse T. , Oyelade Akintoye O. , Abiodun Yetunde O. , Olaniyi Yusuf A. , Olagunju Olusola G. , Anyaegbuna Kosisochukwu L. , Abdulkareem Musa O. , Fapohunda Christopher A.
Published: December 2024

The use of agricultural by-products, such as Rice Husk Ash (RHA), in concrete production has gained significant attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of Nano-Rice Husk Ash (NRHA) and Micro-Rice Husk Ash (MRHA) on the compressive strength of concrete. Concrete samples were prepared with varying replacement levels of NRHA (0% to 3%) and MRHA (0% to 14%) and underwent thorough examination through both slump and compressive strength tests conducted at 7, 21, 28, and 56 days. The results showed that NRHA achieved maximum compressive strength at a 1% replacement level, while MRHA reached its peak at a 0.5% replacement level. However, a comparison of the compressive strength of NRHA at 1% (22 N/mm2) against MRHA at 0.5% (21.5 N/mm2) revealed that the marginal difference in strength made MRHA a more cost-effective option due to the lower expenses involved in its preparation. Thus, MRHA presents a more economical solution for achieving comparable compressive strength. Furthermore, the study applied linear, non-linear, and mixed regression analyses to model the properties of NRHA and MRHA concrete based on a comprehensive set of variables. The analysis found that the blended ordinary and logarithmic models provided the best fit, offering superior accuracy compared to linear and non-linear models.
The Music of the Gothic 1789–1820
Authors: McEvoy Emma
Published: December 2024

Music plays an essential role in Gothic in the years 1789–1820, but it signifies very differently at the end of the period compared with the beginning. In the 1790s, the music of Gothic novels and plays is not Gothic music; it is celebratory, calming or transcendent rather than scary. By 1820, the music of Gothic is more likely to provoke shock, discomfort and unease. Melodrama brings about this change. Its ascendancy had long-lasting effects on the music of the Gothic more generally – in fiction and poetry, on the stage and the screen. The book considers work by writers including Ann Radcliffe, Matthew Lewis, Eliza Fenwick, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and James Boaden in conjunction with music by composers such as Michael Kelly, Stephen Storace and Samuel Arnold. Audio files of the music accompany the book.
The Phonetics of Taiwanese
Authors: Fon Janice , Khoo Hui-lu
Published: December 2024

Taiwanese, formerly the lingua franca of Taiwan and currently the second largest language on the island, is genealogically related to Min from the Sino-Tibetan family. Throughout history, it has been influenced by many languages, but only Mandarin has exerted heavy influences on its phonological system. This Element provides an overview of the sound inventory in mainstream Taiwanese, and details its major dialectal differences. In addition, the Element introduces speech materials that could be used for studying the phonetics of Taiwanese, including datasets from both read and spontaneous speech. Based on the data, this Element provides an analysis of Taiwanese phonetics, covering phenomena in consonants, vowels, tones, syllables, and prosody. Some of the results are in line with previous studies, while others imply potential new directions in which the language might be analyzed and might evolve. The Element ends with suggestions for future research lines for the phonetics of the language.
The Dilemma of Cross-Border Data Flow and the Construction of Mutual Trust Platform in Asia
Authors: Zhao Zerui
Published: December 2024

The current unilateral and bilateral governance agreement cannot solve problems such as the large strength gap, loose organisation, and cultural diversity in cross-border data flow in Asia. Therefore, we are in urgent need of structuring a multilateral governance mechanism, that is, to build a mutual trust platform for cross-border data flow in Asia. From a digital technology perspective, the Asian Cross-Border Data Flow Trust Platform is a blockchain-based digital technology architecture. From the perspective of the organisational model, the Asian cross-border data flow governance based on the mutual trust platform can be understood as a cooperative network in which multiple Asian countries cooperate to make cross-border data decisions. As a necessary medium to eliminate the complexity of the cooperation network, legal procedures will transform the chaos on the Asian Cross-Border Data Flow Mutual Trust Platform into order by simplifying the communication between multiple agents.
Understanding Monkeypox in Pakistan: Epidemiology, Challenges, and Prevention Short Communication
Authors: Shaikh Somina , Khatri Govinda
Published: December 2024

Monkeypox, a viral zoonotic disease, is currently spreading in Pakistan, raising serious public health concerns. Despite its rarity, the disease has the potential to spread rapidly, especially in areas with a limited health care infrastructure. This short communication overviews the current epidemiology of monkeypox in Pakistan, addressing diagnostic, surveillance, and control challenges, and aims to inform evidence-based prevention. We emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance, improved diagnostic capacity, and targeted public health interventions to prevent outbreaks and minimize the impact of the disease on public health.
Plateau–Rayleigh instability in a capillary: assessing the importance of inertia
Authors: Rykner Matthieu , Saikali Elie , Bruneton Adrien , Mathieu Benoît , Nikolayev Vadim S.
Published: December 2024

Liquid plug formation in thin channels due to the Plateau–Rayleigh instability of a liquid film is observed in a variety of fields. In this paper, complementarity between theoretical solutions and direct numerical simulations (DNS) based on a front-tracking algorithm is explored to evaluate the importance of inertia for the case of a cylindrical capillary. A linear stability analysis is first performed and DNS results are then used to investigate the spatial distributions of inertial, convective and viscous terms of the Navier–Stokes equation. The existence of both viscous and inertial regimes is evidenced with a threshold given by the film thickness. The presence of the core fluid slows down the instability. In the viscous regime, predictions of the lubrication theory are verified. An example of liquid water as the outer fluid film and water vapour as the inner core fluid is simulated with application to the fuel cells.
Wine ratings and commercial reality
Authors: De Nicoló Gianni
Published: December 2024

Is the quality of a 91-point wine significantly different from that of an 89-point wine? Which wines are underpriced relative to their evaluation of quality? This paper addresses these questions by constructing a novel wine rating system based on scores assigned by a panel of wine experts to a set of wines. Wines are classified in ranked disjoint quality equivalence classes using measures of statistically significant and commercially relevant score differences. The rating system is applied to the “Judgment of Paris” wine competition, to data of Bordeaux en-primeur expert scores and prices, and to expert scores and price categories of a large database of Italian wines. The proposed wine rating system provides an informative assessment of wine quality for producers and consumers and a flexible rating methodology for commercial applications.
Fractional time differential equations as a singular limit of the Kobayashi–Warren–Carter system
Authors: Giga Yoshikazu , Kubo Ayato , Kuroda Hirotoshi , Okamoto Jun , Sakakibara Koya , Uesaka Masaaki
Published: December 2024

This paper is concerned with a singular limit of the Kobayashi–Warren–Carter system, a phase field system modelling the evolutions of structures of grains. Under a suitable scaling, the limit system is formally derived when the interface thickness parameter tends to zero. Different from many other problems, it turns out that the limit system is a system involving fractional time derivatives, although the original system is a simple gradient flow. A rigorous derivation is given when the problem is reduced to a gradient flow of a single-well Modica–Mortola functional in a one-dimensional setting.
On knots that divide ribbon knotted surfaces
Authors: BODEN HANS U. , ELMACIOGLU CEYHUN , GUHA ANSHUL , KARIMI HOMAYUN , RUSHWORTH WILLIAM , TANG YUN-CHI , WANG PENG JUN BRYAN
Published: December 2024

We define a knot to be half ribbon if it is the cross-section of a ribbon 2-knot, and observe that ribbon implies half ribbon implies slice. We introduce the half ribbon genus of a knot K, the minimum genus of a ribbon knotted surface of which K is a cross-section. We compute this genus for all prime knots up to 12 crossings, and many 13-crossing knots. The same approach yields new computations of the double slice genus. We also introduce the half fusion number of a knot K, that measures the complexity of ribbon 2-knots of which K is a cross-section. We show that it is bounded below by the Levine–Tristram signatures, and differs from the standard fusion number by an arbitrarily large amount.
Development of a nomogram for high antibody titre of COVID-19 convalescent plasma
Authors: Wang Shichun , Yan Jie , Song Min , Xue Zhenrui , Wang Zerong , Diao Ronghua , Liu Qi , Ruan Qianying , Yao Chunyan
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to develop a predictive tool for identifying individuals with high antibody titers crucial for recruiting COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) donors and to assess the quality and storage changes of CCP. A convenience sample of 110 plasma donors was recruited, of which 75 met the study criteria. Using univariate logistic regression and random forest, 6 significant factors were identified, leading to the development of a nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) evaluated the nomogram’s discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. The nomogram indicated that females aged 18 to 26, blood type O, receiving 1 to 2 COVID-19 vaccine doses, experiencing 2 symptoms during infection, and donating plasma 41 to 150 days after symptom onset had higher likelihoods of high antibody titres. Nomogram’s AUC was 0.853 with good calibration. DCA showed clinical benefit within 9% ~ 90% thresholds. CCP quality was qualified, with stable antibody titres over 6 months (P > 0.05). These findings highlight developing predictive tools to identify suitable CCP donors and emphasize the stability of CCP quality over time, suggesting its potential for long-term storage.
An example of goal-directed, calculational proof
Authors: BACKHOUSE ROLAND CARL , GUTTMANN WALTER , WINTER MICHAEL
Published: December 2024

An equivalence relation can be constructed from a given (homogeneous, binary) relation in two steps: first, construct the smallest reflexive and transitive relation containing the given relation (the “star” of the relation) and, second, construct the largest symmetric relation that is included in the result of the first step. The fact that the final result is also reflexive and transitive (as well as symmetric), and thus an equivalence relation, is not immediately obvious, although straightforward to prove. Rather than prove that the defining properties of reflexivity and transitivity are satisfied, we establish reflexivity and transitivity constructively by exhibiting a starth root—in a way that emphasises the creative process in its construction. The resulting construction is fundamental to algorithms that determine the strongly connected components of a graph as well as the decomposition of a graph into its strongly connected components together with an acyclic graph connecting such components.
ChatGPT in foreign language lesson plan creation: Trends, variability, and historical biases
Authors: Dornburg Alex , Davin Kristin J.
Published: December 2024

The advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models holds potential for aiding teachers in the generation of pedagogical materials. However, numerous knowledge gaps concerning the behavior of these models obfuscate the generation of research-informed guidance for their effective usage. Here, we assess trends in prompt specificity, variability, and weaknesses in foreign language teacher lesson plans generated by zero-shot prompting in ChatGPT. Iterating a series of prompts that increased in complexity, we found that output lesson plans were generally high quality, though additional context and specificity to a prompt did not guarantee a concomitant increase in quality. Additionally, we observed extreme cases of variability in outputs generated by the same prompt. In many cases, this variability reflected a conflict between outdated (e.g. reciting scripted dialogues) and more current research-based pedagogical practices (e.g. a focus on communication). These results suggest that the training of generative AI models on classic texts concerning pedagogical practices may bias generated content toward teaching practices that have been long refuted by research. Collectively, our results offer immediate translational implications for practicing and training foreign language teachers on the use of AI tools. More broadly, these findings highlight trends in generative AI output that have implications for the development of pedagogical materials across a diversity of content areas.
Twin-width of sparse random graphs
Authors: Hendrey Kevin , Norin Sergey , Steiner Raphael , Turcotte Jérémie
Published: December 2024

We show that the twin-width of every

$n$

-vertex

$d$

-regular graph is at most

$n^{\frac{d-2}{2d-2}+o(1)}$

for any fixed integer

$d \geq 2$

and that almost all

$d$

-regular graphs attain this bound. More generally, we obtain bounds on the twin-width of sparse Erdős–Renyi and regular random graphs, complementing the bounds in the denser regime due to Ahn, Chakraborti, Hendrey, Kim, and Oum.
Snowmelt Sends Caribou Packing
Authors: Callaway K.
Published: December 2024

Researchers compared caribou tracking data with satellite observations to learn whether snowpack conditions trigger the animals’ arduous annual migration.
Cover Cropping May Not Be Cash Crop Panacea
Authors: Pragathi Ravi
Published: December 2024

Intended to improve soil health, these crops are also associated with moisture depletion at shallow depths, which significantly impacts cash crop yields in arid regions.
Spectral Differencing of Glories Reflects Cloud Droplet Size Distribution
Authors: Koren Ilan , Kostinski Alex , Wollner Uri
Published: December 2024

The glory, a striking optical phenomenon seen from space in unpolarized satellite images can be mapped onto the cloud's droplet sizes with a characteristic scale of 10. Such a mapping allows us to infer the mean and variance of the cloud droplets' radius, an important property that has remained elusive and inaccessible to passive unpolarized satellite sensing. Here, we propose a simple and robust polarization‐like differential approach to map the glory's spectral properties to the desired moments of the droplet size distribution. By taking the differences between two spectrally close channels, we reduce multiple scattering contributions and amplify the single‐scattering signal, thus allowing for a simple and rapidly converging map from glory to droplet size distribution. Moreover, the droplet information reflects the upper part of the cloud, adding another sample to the traditional multiple scattering‐based retrievals that reflect droplet properties deeper in the cloud.
A Multi‐Platform Statistical Analysis of the Azimuthal Spatial Extent of the Microburst Precipitation Region
Authors: Elliott S. S. , Colpitts C. , Breneman A. W. , Pettit J. M. , Cantwell K. A. , Cattell C. A. , Halford A. J. , Shumko M. , Sample J. , Johnson A. , Miyoshi Y. , Kasahara Y. , Troyer R. N. , Millan R. , Hori T. , Shinohara I. , Matsuda S. , Matsuoka A.
Published: December 2024

Microbursts are impulsive injections of energetic (few keV to >MeV) electrons into the atmosphere, primarily caused by nonlinear scattering driven by whistler mode chorus waves. While the relative importance of microburst precipitation as a loss process has not been fully quantified, many studies have shown microbursts may play a significant role in the loss of outer radiation belt electrons. We present a multi‐platform statistical analysis of chorus and energetic electron precipitation in an attempt to constrain the azimuthal spatial extent (MLT) of the microburst precipitation region and determine how this extent varies with geomagnetic activity. Statistical upper bounds of this azimuthal extent are determined with observations of general energetic electron precipitation that can include direct microburst detections, while statistical lower bounds determination requires direct microburst detections. The resulting distributions of both upper and lower bounds azimuthal extent suggest that microbursts may frequently constitute an important source of electron loss from the outer radiation belt. We find that 36% of upper bound events in the dawn sector span more than 5 hr in MLT. This azimuthal extent increases with geomagnetic activity, particularly in the dawn and noon MLT sectors.
Interannual Time‐Scale Dynamics of Deep Cross‐Equatorial Overturning in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Hong Weiqi , Chen Gengxin
Published: December 2024

The Deep Cross‐Equatorial Cell (DCEC) is the primary branch of Indian Ocean Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) in the tropical Indian Ocean, essential for energy redistribution, water exchange, and diapycnal mixing. However, the mechanisms behind its interannual variability remain limited. This study utilized two reanalysis data sets and a series of ocean model experiments with a Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model and a Linear Ocean Model to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Model experiments highlight the critical role of direct local wind forcing and eastern boundary waves induced by remote equatorial wind forcing in influencing the DCEC variability. Specifically, through the first mode of baroclinic dynamics, direct wind forcing initiates reverse meridional flow at the DCEC core (around 8°S) in both surface and deep ocean layers, leading to interannual variations of the DCEC. During transitions of climate modes like ENSO and Indian Ocean Dipole from positive to negative phases, both positive and negative DCEC anomalies intensify. In addition to direct local wind forcing, the delayed‐time Rossby waves reflected from the eastern boundary excited by the equatorial easterly wind in the previous year make substantial contributions (37.8%). The interplay of faster baroclinic Rossby waves at lower latitudes and slower baroclinic Rossby waves at higher latitudes alters the basin‐wide pressure gradient, ultimately amplifying interannual DCEC anomalies in the subsequent year.
Artificial fingerprints engraved through block-copolymers as nanoscale physical unclonable functions for authentication and identification
Authors: Murataj Irdi , Magosso Chiara , Carignano Stefano , Fretto Matteo , Ferrarese Lupi Federico , Milano Gianluca
Published: December 2024

Besides causing financial losses and damage to the brand’s reputation, counterfeiting can threaten the health system and global security. In this context, physical unclonable functions (PUFs) have been proposed to overcome limitations of current anti-counterfeiting technologies. Here, we report on artificial fingerprints that can be directly engraved on a wide range of substrates through self-assembled block-copolymer templating as nanoscale PUFs for secure authentication and identification. Results show that morphological features can be exploited to encode fingerprint-like nanopatterns in binary code matrices representing a unique bit stream of information characterized by high uniqueness and entropy. A strategy based on computer vision concepts for authentication/identification in real-world scenarios is reported. Long-term reliable operation and robust authentication/identification against thermal treatment at cryogenic and high temperatures of the PUF have been demonstrated. These results pave the way for the realization of PUFs embracing the inherent stochasticity of self-assembled materials at the nanoscale.
PICNIC accurately predicts condensate-forming proteins regardless of their structural disorder across organisms
Authors: Hadarovich Anna , Singh Hari Raj , Ghosh Soumyadeep , Scheremetjew Maxim , Rostam Nadia , Hyman Anthony A. , Toth-Petroczy Agnes
Published: December 2024

Biomolecular condensates are membraneless organelles that can concentrate hundreds of different proteins in cells to operate essential biological functions. However, accurate identification of their components remains challenging and biased towards proteins with high structural disorder content with focus on self-phase separating (driver) proteins. Here, we present a machine learning algorithm, PICNIC (Proteins Involved in CoNdensates In Cells) to classify proteins that localize to biomolecular condensates regardless of their role in condensate formation. PICNIC successfully predicts condensate members by learning amino acid patterns in the protein sequence and structure in addition to the intrinsic disorder. Extensive experimental validation of 24 positive predictions in cellulo shows an overall ~82% accuracy regardless of the structural disorder content of the tested proteins. While increasing disorder content is associated with organismal complexity, our analysis of 26 species reveals no correlation between predicted condensate proteome content and disorder content across organisms. Overall, we present a machine learning classifier to interrogate condensate components at whole-proteome levels across the tree of life.
Thermodynamically inconsistent extreme precipitation sensitivities across continents driven by cloud-radiative effects
Authors: Ghausi Sarosh Alam , Zehe Erwin , Ghosh Subimal , Tian Yinglin , Kleidon Axel
Published: December 2024

Extreme precipitation events are projected to intensify with global warming, threatening ecosystems and amplifying flood risks. However, observation-based estimates of extreme precipitation-temperature (EP-T) sensitivities show systematic spatio-temporal variability, with predominantly negative sensitivities across warmer regions. Here, we attribute this variability to confounding cloud radiative effects, which cool surfaces during rainfall, introducing covariation between rainfall and temperature beyond temperature’s effect on atmospheric moisture-holding capacity. We remove this effect using a thermodynamically constrained surface-energy balance, and find positive EP-T sensitivities across continents, consistent with theoretical arguments. Median EP-T sensitivities across observations shift from −4.9%/°C to 6.1%/°C in the tropics and −0.5%/°C to 2.8%/°C in mid-latitudes. Regional variability in estimated sensitivities is reduced by more than 40% in tropics and about 30% in mid and high latitudes. Our findings imply that projected intensification of extreme rainfall with temperature is consistent with observations across continents, after confounding radiative effect of clouds is accounted for.
Strong-field quantum control in the extreme ultraviolet domain using pulse shaping
Authors: Richter Fabian , Saalmann Ulf , Allaria Enrico , Wollenhaupt Matthias , Ardini Benedetto , Brynes Alexander , Callegari Carlo , Cerullo Giulio , Danailov Miltcho , Demidovich Alexander , Dulitz Katrin , Feifel Raimund , Fraia Michele Di , Ganeshamandiram Sarang Dev , Giannessi Luca , Gölz Nicolai , Hartweg Sebastian , von Issendorff Bernd , Laarmann Tim , Landmesser Friedemann , Li Yilin , Manfredda Michele , Manzoni Cristian , Michelbach Moritz , Morlok Arne , Mudrich Marcel , Ngai Aaron , Nikolov Ivaylo , Pal Nitish , Pannek Fabian , Penco Giuseppe , Plekan Oksana , Prince Kevin C. , Sansone Giuseppe , Simoncig Alberto , Stienkemeier Frank , Squibb Richard James , Susnjar Peter , Trovo Mauro , Uhl Daniel , Wouterlood Brendan , Zangrando Marco , Bruder Lukas
Published: December 2024

Tailored light–matter interactions in the strong coupling regime enable the manipulation and control of quantum systems with up to unit efficiency1,2, with applications ranging from quantum information to photochemistry3–7. Although strong light–matter interactions are readily induced at the valence electron level using long-wavelength radiation8, comparable phenomena have been only recently observed with short wavelengths, accessing highly excited multi-electron and inner-shell electron states9,10. However, the quantum control of strong-field processes at short wavelengths has not been possible, so far, because of the lack of pulse-shaping technologies in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and X-ray domain. Here, exploiting pulse shaping of the seeded free-electron laser (FEL) FERMI, we demonstrate the strong-field quantum control of ultrafast Rabi dynamics in helium atoms with high fidelity. Our approach reveals a strong dressing of the ionization continuum, otherwise elusive to experimental observables. The latter is exploited to achieve control of the total ionization rate, with prospective applications in many XUV and soft X-ray experiments. Leveraging recent advances in intense few-femtosecond to attosecond XUV to soft X-ray light sources, our results open an avenue to the efficient manipulation and selective control of core electron processes and electron correlation phenomena in real time.
Formation of a low-mass galaxy from star clusters in a 600-million-year-old Universe
Authors: Mowla Lamiya , Iyer Kartheik , Asada Yoshihisa , Desprez Guillaume , Tan Vivian Yun Yan , Martis Nicholas , Sarrouh Ghassan , Strait Victoria , Abraham Roberto , Bradač Maruša , Brammer Gabriel , Muzzin Adam , Pacifici Camilla , Ravindranath Swara , Sawicki Marcin , Willott Chris , Estrada-Carpenter Vince , Jahan Nusrath , Noirot Gaël , Matharu Jasleen , Rihtaršič Gregor , Zabl Johannes
Published: December 2024

The most distant galaxies detected were seen when the Universe was a scant 5% of its current age. At these times, progenitors of galaxies such as the Milky Way were about 10,000 times less massive. Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) combined with magnification from gravitational lensing, these low-mass galaxies can not only be detected but also be studied in detail. Here we present JWST observations of a strongly lensed galaxy at zspec = 8.296 ± 0.001, showing massive star clusters (the Firefly Sparkle) cocooned in a diffuse arc in the Canadian Unbiased Cluster Survey (CANUCS)1. The Firefly Sparkle exhibits traits of a young, gas-rich galaxy in its early formation stage. The mass of the galaxy is concentrated in 10 star clusters (49–57% of total mass), with individual masses ranging from 105M⊙ to 106M⊙. These unresolved clusters have high surface densities (>103M⊙ pc−2), exceeding those of Milky Way globular clusters and young star clusters in nearby galaxies. The central cluster shows a nebular-dominated spectrum, low metallicity, high gas density and high electron temperature, hinting at a top-heavy initial mass function. These observations provide our first spectrophotometric view of a typical galaxy in its early stages, in a 600-million-year-old Universe.
Colorimetric Paper-based Sensors for Low-cost Clinical Diagnostics
Authors: Kuswandi Bambang , Hidayat M. Amrun
Published: December 2024

The detection of biomarkers is crucial for screening, early diagnosis, and proper treatment of diseases. In countries with limited resources, clinical diagnosis often involves expensive devices. Therefore, the development of sensor devices using low-cost substrates is critically required. The recent progress in colorimetric paper-based sensors has increased substantially, as they could be implemented as point-of-care (POC) testing. Paper and other cellulose-based materials have been used as low-cost substrates for colorimetric sensors, using various designs, including spot tests, dipsticks or strip tests, lateral-flow assays (LFAs), and microfluidic paper-based devices (μPADs), offering low-cost, portable, and disposable tests. However, the drawbacks of these sensors mostly include low sensitivity and limited efficiency in conducting quantitative analysis. This chapter provides an overview of colorimetric paper-based sensors and their applications for low-cost detection of biomarkers in clinical diagnostics. Current research on the progress of colorimetric paper-based sensor development for clinical diagnosis is highlighted. Finally, the advantages and limitations of these devices are discussed.
Fluorescent Probes Developed for Low-cost Small-molecule Diagnostics
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhu Yidan , Qin Yuling , Wu Li
Published: December 2024

The adoption of small-molecule biomarker-driven approaches in clinical decision-making has substantially enhanced the safety and effectiveness of specific therapeutic interventions. Fluorescent probes have gained significant recognition as essential chemical tools for detecting small molecules. Small-molecule fluorescent probes offer numerous benefits, including cost-effectiveness, ease of synthesis and storage, and considerable flexibility in probe design. Importantly, they typically induce minimal disturbance to the native target within complex environments. To date, hundreds of targeted small molecules are in surveillance pipelines. This chapter provides a brief overview of the recently discovered four categories and ten types of low-cost small molecules and their corresponding indicators in diagnosing cancers, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, depressive disorder, etc.
Low-cost Electrochemiluminescence Sensors Empower Point-of-care Diagnostics
Authors: Firoozbakhtian Ali , Hosseini Morteza
Published: December 2024

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) is a highly efficient and cost-effective technique for detecting analytes in bioanalysis. ECL offers high sensitivity, precise control over light generation, and compatibility with various electrochemical setups. When combined with paper-based and microfluidic systems, ECL becomes an even more versatile and accessible platform for diagnostic testing. Paper-based ECL sensors are particularly promising due to their low cost, portability, and ease of use, making them an ideal tool for point-of-care testing. In this chapter, we explore the fundamentals of ECL and microfluidic systems and review recent advancements in paper-based and microfluidic ECL sensors, with a specific focus on their applications in bioanalysis.
Advancement and Application of Nanomaterials Towards Cost-effective Immunosensing Platforms for Food Allergens
Authors: Hong Shyang Pei , Zakaria Siti Nurul Azian , Ahmed Minhaz Uddin
Published: December 2024

Food allergies are a significant public health concern worldwide, affecting 5 to 10% of the population in developed nations. To increase customer confidence and provide more food options, it is crucial to enforce accurate labelling of food allergens. One efficient approach to achieve this is by detecting or confirming the presence of micro-, pico-, or even femtogram-level traces of food allergens in processed food products through the limit of detection (LOD). Nanomaterials (NMs) can enhance detection sensitivity and efficiency via electrical signal transduction by interfacing with bioreceptor molecules for biorecognition events, functioning as signalling molecules, and promoting signal amplification. This chapter focuses on prevalent food allergens and the importance of quick, inexpensive, and accurate analytical techniques for screening particular allergen levels in food products. NMs are characterised based on their various dimensions and qualities, with a particular emphasis on their costs. The chapter also explores the applications, limitations, and future prospects of low-cost platforms for NM-based detection of food allergy.
Towards Nanozyme-based Biosensors for Internet of Things and Related Applications: A Cost-effective Approach to Healthcare Monitoring
Authors: Arshad Fareeha , Ahmed Minhaz Uddin
Published: December 2024

Nanozyme-based biosensors are an attractive option for developing highly sensitive, selective, and robust biosensors due to the unique properties of the nanozymes, including their high catalytic activity, large surface area, and ability to detect multiple analytes with high specificity. With advancements in technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), nanozymes can be used to develop smart analytical devices that are portable and user-friendly. This chapter discusses the scope of nanozyme-based biosensors for IoT and related applications in the healthcare sector. First, we briefly introduce the topic, followed by an overview of emerging smart biosensors based on AI and related technologies. Next, we discuss the application of IoT and AI in developing nanozyme-based biosensors. In the subsequent section, we highlight the challenges in developing these promising biosensors and their possible solutions. Finally, we conclude the chapter by discussing the future perspectives of this promising field. We believe this chapter will help bridge the gap between nanotechnology and AI, providing an extensive overview for the research community in developing novel nanozyme-based biosensors.
Nanocellulose-based Low-cost Chemical Sensors for Healthcare Monitoring
Authors: Kareem Faheem , Kurup Chitra Padmakumari , Ahmed Minhaz Uddin
Published: December 2024

Chemical sensors are a rapidly evolving technology that has attracted significant interest across various sectors, including renewable energy, healthcare monitoring, electronics, environmental monitoring, and food and agriculture. The development and mass production of cost-effective components for chemical sensors are key factors for advancements across these sectors. Therefore, scientists are continuously striving to obtain the most effective, economically feasible, and environmentally friendly materials to meet the increasing demands. Rapid advancements in nanotechnology have stimulated the exploration of nanocelluloses (NCs), leading to their emergence as promising biomaterials for chemical sensors. With the tremendous potential for the application of NCs in sensor design, it is important to evaluate their cost-effective and emerging production methods and assess their impact on sensing performance. Traditional methods have several drawbacks, including lengthy processing times, high energy consumption, and low recovery rates. To address these issues, researchers have investigated the possibility of preparing nanocellulose using cost-effective, cutting-edge, and environmentally friendly processing techniques, including the use of deep eutectic solvents, ionic liquids (ILs), and plasma technology. This chapter addresses the classification of nanocellulose, along with recent developments in environmentally friendly extraction methods. Additionally, this chapter provides a thorough discussion of the latest developments in chemical sensing applications of NCs.
Recent Advances in COVID-19 Diagnostics
Authors: Hanif Saima , Xu Guobao , Saleem Muhammad Talha
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant global impact, affecting societies and economies worldwide. As the virus continues to spread rapidly, the need for rapid and accurate detection has become crucial. This necessity highlights the importance of diagnostic methods that are rapid, efficient, cost-effective, and universally available. This chapter initially provides a brief overview of the structure, mode of infection, and potential biomarkers of COVID-19. Current diagnostics for COVID-19 are elaborated, focusing on their principles, materials used, cost, and technical limitations. Next, we explore strategies to overcome the limitations of present diagnostic approaches. Finally, we discuss potential low-cost diagnostics for COVID-19, focusing on their principles of detection, sensing schemes, materials used, and limits of detection.
Anisotropic conductive scaffolds for post-infarction cardiac repair
Authors: Li Shimin , Yin Wenming , Liu Yali , Yang Chang , Zhai Zitong , Xie Mingxiang , Ye Ziyi , Song Xiaoping
Published: December 2024

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains one of the most common and lethal cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), leading to the deterioration of cardiac function due to myocardial cell necrosis and fibrous scar tissue formation.
Overcoming drug delivery challenges with lipid-based nanofibers for enhanced wound repair
Authors: Javaid Aaqib , Sharma Krishana Kumar , Varshney Prakhar , Verma Anurag , Mudavath Shyam Lal
Published: December 2024

Wound healing is a dynamic, multi-phase process that includes haemostasis, tissue regeneration, cellular proliferation, and matrix modification.
Correction: Photochemical upcycling of polymers via visible light-driven C–H bond activation
Authors: Wei Yi , Liu Jing , Hu Xiao-Qiang
Published: December 2024

Correction for ‘Photochemical upcycling of polymers via visible light-driven C–H bond activation’ by Yi Wei et al., Chem. Commun., 2025, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC05866F.
Correction: Revealing the supramolecular features of two Zn(ii) complexes derived from a new hydrazone ligand: a combined crystallographic, theoretical and antibacterial study
Authors: Pramanik Samit , Hossain Anowar , Pathak Sudipta , Chowdhury Sougata Ghosh , Karmakar Parimal , Frontera Antonio , Mukhopadhyay Subrata
Published: December 2024

Correction for ‘Revealing the supramolecular features of two Zn(ii) complexes derived from a new hydrazone ligand: a combined crystallographic, theoretical and antibacterial study’ by Samit Pramanik et al., CrystEngComm, 2023, 25, 866–876, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CE01445A.
Sulfur-doping effects on oxygen vacancy formation in LaBO3 (B = Fe, Co, and Ni) perovskites
Authors: Jia Ting , Hao Yinuo , Hao Hua
Published: December 2024

Sulfur doping reduces oxygen vacancy formation energy by decreasing the relaxation energy of the lattice after oxygen vacancy formation.
Selective binding and fluorescence sensing of Zn(ii)/Cd(ii) using macrocyclic tetra-amines with different fluorophores: insights into the design of selective chemosensors for transition metals
Authors: Romano Giammarco Maria , Simonini Steiner Yschtar Tecla , Bartoli Francesco , Conti Luca , Macedi Eleonora , Bazzicalupi Carla , Rossi Patrizia , Paoli Paola , Innocenti Massimo , Bencini Andrea , Savastano Matteo
Published: December 2024

Among a series of polyamine-based fluorescent ligands with quinoline of 8-hydroxyquinoline, receptors with lower ability in Zn(ii) or Cd(ii) binding display the highest performance in their optical sensing.
Efficient, simultaneous, quantitative and qualitative detection of multiple phenols using highly water-stable Co2+-doped Cu–BTC as an electrocatalyst
Authors: Li Yuanfang , Lv Xiaoshu , Liu Yan , Yin Jie , Fang Ruimei , Jiang Guangming , Yang Zhehan
Published: December 2024

A rational design of water-stable and high-efficiency MOF-based electrocatalysts for achieving durable sensitive electrochemical sensors for pollution detection remains a great challenge.
In situ carbon isotope analysis of diamonds using LA-MC-ICP-MS inspired by the distribution of ions and isotope ratios in ICP
Authors: Huo Yi-Ming , Zhu Zhi-Yong , Fan Chang-Fu , She Yu-Wei , Hao Jia-Long , Zhu Xiang-Kun
Published: December 2024

Best point for C isotope analysis is found to be ahead of the highest C signal point in inductively coupled plasma.
Adhesive-less bonding of incompatible thermosetting materials
Authors: Khairkkar Shhyam , Pansare Amol V. , Pansare Shubham V. , Chhatre Shraddha Y. , Sakamoto Junji , Barbezat Michel , Terrasi Giovanni P. , Patil Vishwanath R. , Nagarkar Amit A. , Naito Masanobu
Published: December 2024

Thermosetting materials with differing properties bond without adhesives via dynamic covalent exchange forming interfacial zone. This enables hydrophobic polymers to bond polar materials and fabricate layered composites with distinct failure modes.
Microwave-assisted green synthesis of fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) using Azadirachta indica leaves: enhanced synergistic action of antioxidant and antimicrobial effects and unveiling computational insights
Authors: Kadyan Pooja , Kumar Manish , Tufail Aisha , Ragusa Andrea , Kataria Sudhir Kumar , Dubey Amit
Published: December 2024

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) synthesized from Azadirachta indica leaves exhibit exceptional antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, with molecular insights highlighting their potential to address antibiotic resistance.
An estrogen receptor β-targeted near-infrared probe for theranostic imaging of prostate cancer
Authors: Dai Junhong , Wu Yihe , Deng Xiaofei , Zhou Hai-Bing , Dong Chune
Published: December 2024

A novel estrogen receptor β targeted near-infrared probe for theranostic imaging of prostate cancer has been developed.
Sulphonyl thiourea compounds containing pyrimidine as dual inhibitors of I, II, IX, and XII carbonic anhydrases and cancer cell lines: synthesis, characterization and in silico studies
Authors: Dinh Thanh Nguyen , Ngoc Toan Vu , Minh Trang Vu
Published: December 2024

Novel sulphonyl thiourea derivatives (7a–m) containing a 4,6-diarylpyrimidine moiety exhibited remarkable dual inhibitory activity against human carbonic anhydrase hCA I, II, IX and XII isoenzymes and cancer cell lines HepG2, HeLa, and A549.
Combined hydrothermal and mechanochemical control of structural modifications of zirconium dioxide for catalytic applications
Authors: Sydorchuk V. , Levytska S. , Kiziun O. , Vasylechko L. , Simkovicova K. , Valtera S. , Billinghurts B. E. , Vajda S. , Olszowka J. E.
Published: December 2024

The influence of hydrothermal treatment (HTT) and subsequent mechanochemical treatment (MChT, milling) on the porous and crystalline structure of precipitated zirconium dioxide was studied.
Green synthesis of nano-Ag2O using Moringa oleifera leaves for efficient photocatalytic and antimicrobial applications
Authors: Tabassum Sumaya , Sahadat Hossain Md. , Sachchu Md. Mazedul Haque , Uddin Md. Najem , Ahmed Samina
Published: December 2024

Silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O) were green-synthesized using Moringa oleifera leaf extract, which showed both photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity.
Highly selective photocatalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol facilitated by photo-sensitive molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles and TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Deng Guangyu , Xia Chunmiao , Nie Xiangyu , Xu Sheng , Zhang Cuige , Fang Yinsheng , Zhang Rongli
Published: December 2024

Based on the synergistic effect of the MIP NPs, TiO2 NPs and FGC, this strategy realizes the highly selective enrichment and highly efficient catalytic degradation of PNP in a facile and recyclable way.
A novel Cys-activated NIR-II fluorescent probe for rheumatoid arthritis fluorescence imaging in vivo
Authors: Wang Xin , Xu Lizhen , Tan Dan , Lin Weiying
Published: December 2024

A novel Cys-activated NIR-II fluorescent probe for real-time fluorescent in vivo imaging of rheumatoid arthritis model was developed.
Nitrogen doped In2S3 nanostructures integrated with In2O3 nanorods for photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Sarkar Shashanka , Mandal Pranay Chandra , Ali Osman , Takagi Kai , Kubota Naoaki , Sherpa Ningma Dorzi , Ghosh Narendra Nath , Bhunia Asamanjay , Fujishima Akira , Terashima Chiaki , Roy Nitish
Published: December 2024

Graphical representation of NIS@IO nanostructures showing photocatalytic CO2 reduction to produce CO and CH4 as reduction products.
Platelet membrane-camouflaged nanovesicle targeted delivery of MLN4924 for antitumor therapy
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Zhang Hui , Bai Ping , Shi Jinjin , Li Qiaoyun , Liu Wei
Published: December 2024

Inhibition of the protein neddylation pathway has emerged as an attractive anticancer strategy in pre-clinical studies.
Nickel-oxide embedded laser-induced graphene for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Porat Hani , Lal Aneena , Dutta Asmita , Yadav Manish Kumar , Sesu Divya Catherin , Minnes Refael , Borenstein Arie
Published: December 2024

This study explores the fabrication of nickel-oxide-embedded laser-induced graphene and its application in high-performance supercapacitors.
Expression of concern: Near-infrared light activatable hydrogels for metformin delivery
Authors: Chengnan Li , Pagneux Quentin , Voronova Anna , Barras Alexandre , Abderrahmani Amar , Plaisance Valérie , Pawlowski Valerie , Hennuyer Nathalie , Staels Bart , Rosselle Lea , Skandrani Nadia , Li Musen , Boukherroub Rabah , Szunerits Sabine
Published: December 2024

Expression of concern for ‘Near-infrared light activatable hydrogels for metformin delivery’ by Li Chengnan et al., Nanoscale, 2019, 11, 15810–15820, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR02707F.
Releasing trapped excitons in 2D perovskites via pressure annealing: a cooperative interplay between lattice strain and the electronic structure
Authors: Freitas Andre L. M. , Caturello Naidel A. M. S. , Tofanello Aryane , Kaneko Ulisses F. , Correa Lucas E. , dos Reis Ricardo D. , Ferreira Fabio F. , Dalpian Gustavo M. , Souza Jose A.
Published: December 2024

Intrinsic lattice distortions in hybrid perovskites enable tunable exciton dynamics, shifting emissions from low-energy self-trapped excitons (STEs) to high-energy free excitons (FEs) under hydrostatic pressure annealing.
Adsorption mechanism of aqueous Cr(vi) by Vietnamese corncob biochar: a spectroscopic study
Authors: Nguyen Duy-Khoi , Ly-Tran Quoc-Bao , Dinh Van-Phuc , Duong Bich-Ngoc , Nguyen Thi-Phuong-Tu , Nguyen Kim Tuyen Pham
Published: December 2024

Removal of Cr(vi) from aqueous solution onto CCBC.
Chemistry and properties of fluorescent pyrazole derivatives: an approach to bioimaging applications
Authors: Melo-Hernández Santiago , Ríos María-Camila , Portilla Jaime
Published: December 2024

This review considers the latest advancements (2020 to 2024, five articles per year) in the development of fluorescent probes, focusing on the synthesis, chemistry, and properties of pyrazole derivatives for bioimaging applications.
Theoretical exploration of electronic, optical, and photocatalytic properties of CdS(Se)/graphene oxide heterostructures
Authors: Khaoula Chaoui , Zaari Halima , Benyoussef Abdelilah , El Kenz Abdellah , Loulidi Mohammed , Moatassim Hajar , Boujnah Mourad , Espinosa-Faller Francisco Javier , Caballero-Briones Felipe
Published: December 2024

Charge transfer and band edge before and after contact between CdS and GO.
Retraction: Cefotaxime incorporated bimetallic silver-selenium nanoparticles: promising antimicrobial synergism, antibiofilm activity, and bacterial membrane leakage reaction mechanism
Authors: Elakraa Abdelrahman A. , Salem Salem S. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S. , Attia Mohamed S.
Published: December 2024

Retraction of ‘Cefotaxime incorporated bimetallic silver-selenium nanoparticles: promising antimicrobial synergism, antibiofilm activity, and bacterial membrane leakage reaction mechanism’ by Abdelrahman A. Elakraa et al., RSC Adv., 2022, 12, 26603–26619, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA04717A.
Unraveling aryl peroxide chemistry to enrich optical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Taborowska Patrycja , Dzienia Andrzej , Janas Dawid
Published: December 2024

Harnessing the unique optical properties of chirality-enriched single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is the key to unlocking the application of SWCNTs in photonics.
The challenges and strategies towards high-performance anode-free post-lithium metal batteries
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Zhou Yaosong , Zhuo Yanyi , Fang Kun , Wang Sicong , Zhao Bin , Zhou Jing , Wang Hua
Published: December 2024

In this work, the critical challenges, strategies and advances towards high-performance anode-free metal batteries, including Na, K and Zn batteries, are reviewed, and the prospects for this field are also provided.
Low field electrocaloric effect at isotropic–ferroelectric nematic phase transition
Authors: Adaka A. , Guragain P. , Perera K. , Nepal P. , Twieg R. J. , Jákli A.
Published: December 2024

Electric fields with E < 1.2 V μm−1 amplitude and f < 100 Hz reduce entropy to induce isotropic–ferroelectric nematic (I–NF) phase transition corresponding to an electrocaloric effect (ECE) with an EC responsivity of ∼ 1.7 × 10−6 km V−1.