bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sub‐Nanometer Depth Profiling of Native Metal Oxide Layers Within Single Fixed‐Angle X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectra
Authors: Wortmann Martin , Viertel Klaus , Westphal Michael , Graulich Dominik , Yang Yang , Gärner Maik , Schmalhorst Jan , Frese Natalie , Kuschel Timo
Published: November 2023

Many metals form nanometer‐thin self‐passivating oxide layers upon exposure to the atmosphere, which affects a wide range of interfacial properties and shapes the way how metals interact with their environment. Such native oxide layers are commonly analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which provides a depth‐resolved chemical state and compositional analysis either by ion etching or modeling of the electron escape depths. The latter is commonly used to calculate the average thickness of a native oxide layer. However, the measurement of concentration profiles at the oxide‐metal interface remains challenging. Here, a simple and accessible approach for the depth profiling of ultrathin oxide layers within single fixed‐angle XPS spectra is proposed. Instead of using only one peak in the spectrum, as is usually the case, all peaks within the energy range of a standard lab device are utilized, thus resembling energy‐resolved XPS without the need for a synchrotron. New models that allow the calculation of depth‐resolved concentration profiles at the oxide‐metal interface are derived and tested, which are also valid for angular‐ and energy‐resolved XPS. The proposed method not only improves the accuracy of earlier approaches but also paves the way for a more holistic understanding of the XPS spectrum.
Preparation and Application of Single‐Atom Cobalt Catalysts in Organic Synthesis and Environmental Remediation
Authors: Wang Zihao , Zeng Yuxi , Deng Jie , Wang Ziwei , Guo Zicong , Yang Yang , Xu Xing , Song Biao , Zeng Guangming , Zhou Chengyun
Published: November 2023

The development of high‐performance catalysts plays a crucial role in facilitating chemical production and reducing environmental contamination. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs), a class of catalysts that bridge the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, have garnered increasing attention because of their unique activity, selectivity, and stability in many pivotal reactions. Meanwhile, the scarcity of precious metal SACs calls for the arrival of cost‐effective SACs. Cobalt, as a common non‐noble metal, possesses tremendous potential in the field of single‐atom catalysis. Despite their potential, reviews about single‐atom Co catalysts (Co‐SACs) are lacking. Accordingly, this review thoroughly summarized various preparation methodologies of Co‐SACs, particularly pyrolysis; its application in the specific domain of organic synthesis and environmental remediation is discussed as well. The structure–activity relationship and potential catalytic mechanism of Co‐SACs are elucidated through some representative reactions. The imminent challenges and development prospects of Co‐SACs are discussed in detail. The findings and insights provided herein can guide further exploration and development in this charming area of catalyst design, leading to the realization of efficient and sustainable catalytic processes.
Omphalocele and gastroschisis: An analysis of prenatal diagnosis and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Doğru Şükran , Akkuş Fatih , Ezveci Huriye , Metin Ülfet Sena , Gezginç Kazım
Published: November 2023

Background

Omphalocele and gastroschisis are the most frequent congenital developmental abdominal wall defects. Prenatal diagnosis of omphalocele and gastroschisis is critical in the management of the pregnancy, affording patients the option of termination. This study aims to evaluate the prenatal diagnosis and postnatal outcomes of omphalocele and gastroschisis cases.

Materials and Methods

The cases of gastroschisis and omphalocele diagnosed prenatally and followed up at our university were evaluated retrospectively between January 2019 and January 2022. Maternal demographic and clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes were compared between the cases.

Results

This study evaluated 42 omphalocele and nine gastroschisis cases. All gastroschisis cases were isolated (p = .001). Additional anomalies were present in 61.9% of omphalocele cases. While two patients with gastroschisis refused the invasive procedure, the genetic results of the others were normal. The karyotype was abnormal in 42.9% of omphalocele cases (p = .008). Half of the omphalocele cases were terminated, and 38.1% (n = 8) of the terminated omphalocele cases were trisomy 18. The coexistence of multiple system anomalies and cystic hygroma was high in the terminated cases. In all cases of gastroschisis, only the intestines protruded from the abdominal wall into the amniotic fluid. The number of survivors of omphalocele was 23.8%. The median hospital stay was 25 and 14 days for gastroschisis and omphalocele, respectively.

Conclusion

Prenatal diagnosis of omphalocele and gastroschisis is critical in pregnancy management. The presence of associated anomalies determines the prognosis of omphalocele and gastroschisis.
A Proportional–Integral Feedback Controlled Automatic Flow Chemistry System to Produce On‐Demand AgAu Alloy Nanoboxes
Authors: Bui Hoang Khang , Nguyen Thi Thuy Huong , Dao Tung Duy , Seo Tae Seok
Published: November 2023

Mixed‐metal nanoparticles present a challenging task for synthesis with high precision and reproducibility due to the complex interplay of compositional and reaction condition factors. The present study demonstrates a highly precise and automated flow chemistry technique for synthesizing AgAu alloy nanoboxes with tailored optical properties. The synthesis process involves a proportional–integral (PI) feedback control mechanism that enables accurate regulation of reaction parameters, such as the flow rate, to achieve the target AgAu nanoboxes having a desired UV–vis absorbance wavelength. The PI control algorithm is built on the first‐order plus dead‐time model, which correlates the flow rate of the precursors with the maximum absorbance peaks of the resultant nanoalloy products. Based on the difference between the real‐time measured UV–vis absorbance wavelength and the target wavelength, the flow rate of the precursor (i.e., reagent concentration) is tuned via an iterative process until the real‐time absorbance wavelength of the AgAu alloy nanoboxes is matched with the target setpoint. The implementation of a PI feedback control mechanism in a flow chemistry system can offer a highly versatile and universal strategy for generating on‐demand complex nanomaterials with significantly enhanced consistency and reliability by mitigating concentration variations and minimizing the need for human intervention.
Analytical Model of Air‐Gap Magnetic Field for Eccentric Harmonic Magnetic Gear with Halbach Array
Authors: Liu Ronghui , Liu Jinkun , Zhang Junda , Sun Gaiping , Lin Shunfu
Published: November 2023

The eccentric harmonic magnetic gear (EHMG) has the characteristics of high torque density, high transmission ratio and high efficiency. The EHMG with Halbach array has better performance than the EHMG with traditional radial magnetization. Accurate calculation of its air‐gap magnetic field is of great significance for design and optimization. Based on the boundary perturbation method, a 2D analytical model of the air‐gap magnetic field of EHMG with Halbach array is established in this paper. The eccentric air‐gap magnetic field is calculated due to the permanent magnets of the eccentric rotor and the stator acting alone, and then the air‐gap magnetic field of the EHMG is obtained according to the superposition principle. The results of the air‐gap magnetic field are compared and evaluated by the regression evaluation indexes. The analytical results are consistent with the finite element results, which verifies the validity and accuracy of the analytical model. Comparing the EHMG with Halbach array and radial magnetization, the maximum static and dynamic electromagnetic torques of EHMG with Halbach array are increased by 59.1% and 55.6% compared with the EHMG with radial magnetization, which verifies the superior performance of EHMG with Halbach array. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Influence of water‐methanol injection and turbocharging on the performance of a hydrogen‐fueled spark ignition engine
Authors: Chitragar P. R. , Shivaprasad K. V. , Ichchangi Manjunath , Ravi Rajesh , Yadav M. S. , Kumar G. N.
Published: November 2023

This article presents a study that compares the performance and emission characteristics of a four‐stroke, four‐cylinder spark ignition (SI) engine fueled by gasoline and neat hydrogen. The engine was equipped with turbocharging to optimize ignition timing for power boosting and vaporized water–methanol injection to reduce emissions. Engine tests were conducted at speeds ranging from 2000 to 6000 rpm, with a fixed intake pressure and varying quantities of hydrogen and spark advance timings. The study compared the results of non‐turbocharged and turbocharged engines with water–methanol injection in terms of combustion, performance, and emissions. The findings showed that the turbocharged water–methanol hydrogen operation had a higher brake thermal efficiency (BTE) than its counterpart, while the brake power of the hydrogen engine operation increased with turbocharging but slightly decreased with water–methanol injection. Additionally, volumetric efficiency improved by 7% for turbocharged and 4% for water‐injected hydrogen engine operation compared to the counterpart. The cylinder pressure for turbocharging with water–methanol operation yielded 16.32% higher compared with counterpart gasoline engine operation. Finally, nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions were reduced with turbocharging and water–methanol injection compared to the counterpart non‐turbocharged hydrogen engine operation.
Management of endotracheal tube breakage during extubation in a lion (Panthera leo)
Authors: Wong Adrian M. , Le Souef Anna , Haitjema Hildegriet , Vaughan‐Higgins Rebecca
Published: November 2023

Endotracheal tube breakage during extubation is a rare complication previously reported in domestic animals, but not in zoo animals. A 9‐year‐old, male lion was anaesthetised to investigate lethargy and inappetence. Following anaesthesia, the lion was transported to its night quarter, a dedicated enclosed area for recovery. The lion was secured within the night quarter, with all personnel separated from the lion by a metal mesh fence. The lion was positioned adjacent to the fence, allowing distant monitoring and access for extubation through the fence. The silicone endotracheal tube broke during extubation. No immediate signs of airway obstruction were observed. The lion was re‐anaesthetised within the night quarter with intramuscular medetomidine and tiletamine/zolazepam administered using a pole syringe. Radiographs confirmed the presence of the broken distal endotracheal tube in the oesophagus, which was then manually retrieved with a mouth gag in place. The lion subsequently recovered with no complications.
A drift‐diffusion based electrothermal model for organic thin‐film devices including electrical and thermal environment
Authors: Glitzky Annegret , Liero Matthias
Published: November 2023

We derive and investigate a stationary model for the electrothermal behavior of organic thin‐film devices including their electrical and thermal environment. Whereas the electrodes are modeled by Ohm's law, the electronics of the organic device itself is described by a generalized van Roosbroeck system with temperature‐dependent mobilities and using Gauss–Fermi integrals for the statistical relation. The currents give rise to Joule heat which together with the heat generated by the generation/recombination of electrons and holes in the organic device occur as source terms in the heat flow equation  that has to be considered on the whole domain. The crucial task is to establish that the quantities in the transfer conditions at the interfaces between electrodes and the organic semiconductor device have sufficient regularity. Therefore, we restrict the analytical treatment of the system to two spatial dimensions. We consider layered organic structures, where the physical parameters (total densities of transport states, reference energy levels , disorder parameter, basic mobilities, activation energies, relative dielectric permittivity, heat conductivity) are piecewise constant, and we work in a setting for some . We prove the existence of weak solutions using Schauder's fixed point theorem and a regularity result for strongly coupled systems with nonsmooth data and mixed boundary conditions that is verified by Caccioppoli estimates and a Gehring‐type lemma.
Holographic 6d co-dimension 2 defect solutions in M-theory
Authors: Gutperle Michael , Klein Nicholas , Rathore Dikshant
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We consider the uplift of co-dimension two defect solutions of seven dimensional gauged supergravity to eleven dimensions, previously found by two of the authors. The uplifted solutions are expressed as Lin-Lunin-Maldacena solutions and an infinite family of regular solutions describing holographic defects is found using the electrostatic formulation of LLM solutions.
Fox control and fire influence the occurrence of invasive predators and threatened native prey
Authors: Rees Matthew W. , Wintle Brendan A. , Robley Alan , Pascoe Jack H. , Pla Mark Le , Birnbaum Emma K. , Hradsky Bronwyn A.
Published: November 2023

It can be challenging to distinguish management impacts from other population drivers, including ‘natural’ processes and co-occurring threats. However, disentangling processes is important, particularly when management may have unintended consequences, such as mesopredator release. We explored the effects of long-term, broadscale poison-baiting programs on the distribution of red foxesVulpes vulpes(targeted invasive predator), feral catsFelis catus(unmanaged invasive competitor) and two of their threatened native prey in two fire-affected regions of south-eastern Australia. We synthesised data from 3667 camera-trap deployments at 1232 sites (172,052 trap-nights), combining experimental manipulation of foxes and fire with space-for-time approaches. Fox control effectiveness—in terms of decreased probability of fox occurrence and increased probability of prey occurrence—depended on the duration and intensity of the poison-baiting program. The effects of fox control on prey occurrence also varied between the two native prey species: fox control was strongly beneficial to the long-nosed potorooPotorous tridactylusbut had no measurable effect on southern brown bandicootIsoodon obesulusoccurrence. Feral cat occupancy tended to be higher in landscapes with long-term fox control, although we found no effect of fox-bait density on fine-scale cat occurrence. Time since fire (0–80 years) was associated with the occurrence of each study species, but its association with invasive predators also differed among vegetation types. Invasive predators and altered fire regimes are key, often overlapping, biodiversity threats. Our work highlights the importance of fine-scale monitoring and consideration of multiple drivers in distribution models to develop effective, tailored conservation strategies.
The Euler–Bernoulli Limit of Thin Brittle Linearized Elastic Beams
Authors: Ginster Janusz , Gladbach Peter
Published: November 2023

We show that the linear brittle Griffith energy on a thin rectangle $\varGamma $
Γ
-converges after rescaling to the linear one-dimensional brittle Euler–Bernoulli beam energy.

In contrast to the existing literature, we prove a corresponding sharp compactness result, namely a suitable weak convergence after subtraction of piecewise rigid motions with the number of jumps bounded by the energy.
Relationship Quality in Customer-service Robot Interactions in Industry 5.0: An Analysis of Value Recipes
Authors: Roy Sanjit K. , Singh Gaganpreet , Gruner Richard L. , Dey Bidit L. , Shabnam Saadia , Muhammad Syed Sardar , Quaddus Mohammed
Published: November 2023

The paper studies the interactions between customers and robots within the framework of Industry 5.0-driven services. Prior studies have explored several factors contributing to the quality of these interactions, with perceived value being a crucial aspect. This study uses value recipes, which refer to specific configurations of how different benefits and costs are weighed up/evaluated, as a theoretical framework to investigate the quality of relationships between customers and service robots. The study aims to shed light on the complex interplay between different value dimensions that shape customers' relationships with robots. To achieve this goal, the authors analyze what value configurations facilitate or impede high-quality relationships between customers and service robots. Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used to analyze data from 326 consumers. The data reveal that value recipes comprising positive values (such as relational benefit, novelty, control, personalization, excellence, and convenience) and negative values (about privacy and effort) prove highly effective in augmenting relationship quality. Results also underscore those negative values either in isolation or in conjunction with positive values, do not impede relationship quality. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in presenting new insights into relationship dynamics between customers and service robots in an Industry 5.0 value-driven context. From a practical standpoint, the findings suggest guidelines for successfully infusing the retail landscape with more intelligent service robots.
Identifying outlier scores and outlier jurors to reduce manipulation in classical music competitions
Authors: Kontek Krzysztof , Kenner Kevin
Published: November 2023

Manipulations in classical music competitions are a proven problem that has as yet not been eradicated from the competition practice. Several examples are provided. We aim to compare and analyze different methods of reducing manipulation in classical music competitions, focusing on outlier scores and on outlier jurors. First, we investigate the typical approach of correcting or discarding individual jurors' scores that significantly deviate from the mean or median of scores received by a given candidate. We then introduce a new method that involves the exclusion of outlier jurors (EOJ). This approach implies that all scores of jurors with ratings that substantially differ from those of other jurors are removed and not taken into account when determining the ranking of candidates. The properties of both approaches are discussed in hypothetical voting scenarios, where one or more jurors assign scores that deviate markedly from those awarded by other jurors. Finally, we present examples of applying various methods to real-world data from classical music competitions, demonstrating the potential effectiveness and implications of each approach in reducing manipulation within these events. Two examples are taken from the International Karol Szymanowski Music Competition, which took place in September 2023 in Katowice, Poland, where EOJ was adopted for the first time as the official scoring system in four competition categories: piano, violin, vocal, and string quartet.
Quantum jet bundles
Authors: Majid Shahn , Simão Francisco
Published: November 2023

We formulate a notion of jet bundles over a possibly noncommutative algebra A equipped with a torsion-free connection. Among the conditions needed for third-order jets and above is that the connection also be flat and its ‘generalised braiding tensor’ $$\sigma :\Omega ^1\mathop {{\otimes }}_A\Omega ^1\rightarrow \Omega ^1\mathop {{\otimes }}_A \Omega ^1$$

σ
:

Ω
1

⊗
A

Ω
1

→

Ω
1

⊗
A

Ω
1

obey the Yang–Baxter equation or braid relations. We also cover the case of jet bundles of a given ‘vector bundle’ over A in the form of a bimodule E with a flat bimodule connection with its braiding $$\sigma _E$$

σ
E

obeying the coloured braid relations. Examples include the permutation group $$S_3$$

S
3

with its 2-cycles calculus, $$M_2(\mathbb {C})$$

M
2

(
C
)

, the bicrossproduct model quantum spacetime in two dimensions and $$\mathbb {C}_q[SL_2]$$

C
q

[
S

L
2

]

with its 3-dimentional left covariant calculus and q a 4th root of unity.
Identifying decision support needs for emergency response to multiple natural hazards: an activity theory approach
Authors: Sköld Gustafsson Viktor , Andersson Granberg Tobias , Pilemalm Sofie , Waldemarsson Martin
Published: November 2023

Planning and decision making in emergency response systems face new challenges due to climate changes and the increased risk of multiple or compound natural hazards. This is especially the case in areas with inexperience of such events. The aim of this paper is to identify important activities concerning planning and decision-making during responses to natural hazards, and their potential need for decision support. The knowledge base of the study consists of interviews with 12 representatives from the Swedish emergency response system, supplemented by documents covering policies, operations, and responsibility. Thematic coding was applied to the interview data for identification of important planning and decision activities. Needs of decision support were identified by applying activity theory to the identified activities. We found needs of decision support connected to eight identified key activities concerning consequence analysis, national reinforcements, and resource management. The results illuminate a lack of technology to support response activities during both single and multiple natural hazards. The findings can inform policy makers of emergency response of where to concentrate the development of tools for collaborative preparedness and response work to cope with future challenges from natural hazards.
Propagation of light wave around planets in cosmic space
Authors: Berceli Tibor
Published: November 2023

The propagation of light wave around planets is studied in this paper. There are planets having an atmosphere with permittivity which is high close to the planet surface and gradually decreases with elevation. Based on the results of our investigations when the light beam propagates parallel to the layers of atmosphere, its propagation direction is gradually deviating from the straight line toward higher permittivity layers. This way the light wave follows a curved route. The aim of the paper is to provide a qualitative picture for the phenomenon of light wave propagation bending around cosmic planets.

Some planets have no atmosphere. Their surface is not smooth, in addition to plains there are hills and mountains with varying heights. Therefore, dielectric layers parallel to the planet surface can be considered by an equivalent average permittivity which is high at the planet surface and gradually decreases with the elevation. As its consequence the light beam tangentially incident to the planet surface deviates from the straight line and follows a curved route.

Based on the results of present investigations, it is not necessary to assume that the cosmic space is curved close to a planet containing a huge mass.
Survival and longevity of European rulers: geographical influences and exploring potential factors, including the Mediterranean diet — a historical analysis from 1354 to the twentieth century
Authors: Madarász Bálint , Fazekas-Pongor Vince , Szarvas Zsófia , Fekete Mónika , Varga János Tamás , Tarantini Stefano , Csiszar Anna , Lionetti Vincenzo , Tabák Adam G. , Ungvari Zoltan , Forrai Judit
Published: November 2023

Significant regional variability in lifespan in Europe is influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle behaviors, including diet. This study investigates the impact of geographical region on the lifespan of European rulers spanning from the fourteenth century to the present day. By analyzing historical records and literature, we aim to identify region-specific dietary patterns and lifestyle factors that may have contributed to longer lifespans among rulers. The hypothesis to be tested is that rulers from Southern European countries, where the traditional Mediterranean diet is consumed by the local people, may exhibit longer lifespans compared to rulers from other regions, due to the well-documented health benefits associated with this dietary pattern. We extracted comprehensive information for each ruler, encompassing their sex, birth and death dates, age, age of enthronement, duration of rulership, country, and cause of death (natural vs. non-natural). To determine their nationality, we coded rulers based on their hypothetical present-day residence (2023). Utilizing the EuroVoc Geographical classification, we categorized the countries into four regions: Northern, Western, Southern, Central and Eastern Europe. While Cox regression models did not find significant differences in survival rates among regions, further analysis stratified by time periods revealed intriguing trends. Contrary to our initial predictions, the Northern region displayed better survival rates compared to the Southern region between 1354 and 1499, whereas survival rates were similar across regions from 1500 to 1749. However, after 1750, all regions, except the Southern region, exhibited significantly improved survival rates, suggesting advancements in healthcare and lifestyle factors. These findings underscore the dynamic influence of both region and time period on health and longevity. Interestingly, despite the prevalence of the Mediterranean diet in the Southern region of Europe, rulers from this region did not demonstrate longer lifespans compared to their counterparts in other regions. This suggests that additional lifestyle factors may have played a more prominent role in their longevity. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the intricate relationship between region, time period, and lifespan among European rulers. Although the Mediterranean diet is often associated with health benefits, our findings indicate that it alone may not account for differences in ruler longevity across regions. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of other lifestyle factors on the health and lifespan of European rulers throughout history.
Advance and Application of Single-cell Transcriptomics in Auditory Research
Authors: Ma Xiangyu , Guo Jiamin , Tian Mengyao , Fu Yaoyang , Jiang Pei , Zhang Yuan , Chai Renjie
Published: November 2023

Hearing loss and deafness, as a worldwide disability disease, have been troubling human beings. However, the auditory organ of the inner ear is highly heterogeneous and has a very limited number of cells, which are largely uncharacterized in depth. Recently, with the development and utilization of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), researchers have been able to unveil the complex and sophisticated biological mechanisms of various types of cells in the auditory organ at the single-cell level and address the challenges of cellular heterogeneity that are not resolved through by conventional bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA-seq). Herein, we reviewed the application of scRNA-seq technology in auditory research, with the aim of providing a reference for the development of auditory organs, the pathogenesis of hearing loss, and regenerative therapy. Prospects about spatial transcriptomic scRNA-seq, single-cell based genome, and Live-seq technology will also be discussed.
Current Evidence on the Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on Bone Growth and Health
Authors: Shulhai Anna-Mariia , Palanza Paola , Street Maria Elisabeth
Published: November 2023

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a heterogeneous group of natural and man-made chemicals from environmental sources that mimic natural hormones. They can have adverse effects on the morphology, physiology, growth, and development of different organs and systems, among these bone health can be affected too. EDCs work as agonists or antagonists on hormonal receptors in hormone-sensitive cells, influence gene expression by epigenetic mechanisms, stimulate or inhibit cell maturation, and affect the synthesis and metabolism of hormones. This review aims to summarize current evidence on the effects of exposure to EDCs on bone from early gestational to birth and long-term adverse effects. Single and mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals can disrupt bone structure by modifying differentiation, increasing osteoclast activity, inhibiting pre-osteoblasts differentiation into mature osteoblasts and osteocytes, inducing changes in signaling pathways downstream of receptors, and ultimately remodeling and modifying the equilibrium between bone resorption and formation leading to increased bone resorption, morphological, and functional changes in bone maturation. EDCs can affect the IGF system, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin gene expression. Findings are relative to both in vitro and in vivo studies. Studies have shown that prenatal exposure to EDCs leads to growth retardation, delayed ossification, and changes in bone length and size and in bone geometry with a lowering of bone mineral density and area-adjusted bone mineral content. Current knowledge on bone health, growth, mineral content, and development from molecular to clinical findings highlights how endocrine-disrupting chemicals can negatively affect these processes. Mechanisms, however, are not fully understood and need further investigation.
The Effect of Pt-type Catalysts on Self-adhesive Properties of Silicone Pressure-sensitive Adhesives
Authors: Antosik Adrian Krzysztof , Gziut Konrad , Weisbrodt Mateusz , Bartkowiak Marcin , Kowalczyk Agnieszka
Published: November 2023

Useful silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) have been prepared from a high solid silicone resin. Platinum catalysts and crosslinking compounds were used to obtain new self-adhesive tapes. The influence of catalysts and crosslinking compounds on the basic properties of self-adhesive tapes was tested, taking into account the compatibility of silicone composition. The obtained systems showed good self-adhesive properties, and high thermal resistance over 225 °C. The low viscosity of the compositions obtained relatively increases the application potential of self-adhesive tapes based on it. Moreover, the prepared compositions show the potential for further modifications, especially physical ones e.g. silicon powder. The obtained new tapes showed good self-adhesive properties and kept high thermal resistance over 225 °C. It is well known that silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives are a group of silicone adhesives for special applications. Due to their unique resistance to environmental conditions, temperature and chemical resistance, they are difficult to modify.
Making Mindfulness Meditation a Healthy Habit
Authors: Miles Eleanor , Matcham Faith , Strauss Clara , Cavanagh Kate
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The benefits of mindfulness meditation can only be achieved if it is practiced, but health behavior research tells us that initiating and maintaining long-term behavior change is difficult. We propose that mindfulness meditation can be usefully viewed as a health behavior and that this perspective generates insights into how individuals can be supported to develop a healthy habit of mindfulness practice.

Method

We synthesize health behavior models with research on mindfulness practice and with mindfulness curricula to develop the Sussex Mindfulness MEDitation (SuMMed) model. This new theoretical model of mindfulness meditation as a health behavior outlines the stages individuals progress through as they develop a sustained habit of meditation and the processes that facilitate transition between these stages. We contextualize these processes within existing curricula and outline how they could be further supported.

Results

Our model generates a roadmap for future research as well as practical suggestions tailored to individuals at different stages of behavior change. In particular, our model highlights the need to support individuals to continue practice beyond formal instruction, and suggests how maintenance of a meditation habit could be facilitated.

Conclusions

Mindfulness meditation can be viewed as a health behavior, and understanding mindfulness practice through this lens can help bridge the challenges associated with developing and sustaining mindfulness practice.
Conditional cooperation and group size: experimental evidence from a public good game
Authors: Li Tianyi , Noussair Charles N.
Published: November 2023

Conditional cooperation is the tendency to cooperate if and only if others do so as well. It is the most common behavior in social dilemmas. We study how the incidence of conditional cooperation in the public goods game, the most widely studied social dilemma in experimental economics, varies with group size. In a laboratory experiment, we apply the strategy method to elicit how participants’ willingness to contribute to a public good depends on other group members’ decisions. A within-subject design allows us to evaluate and compare an individual participant's contribution behavior in different-sized groups. Two main findings emerge. First, the share of players who are conditional cooperators is consistent across group sizes. Second, the strategies chosen imply that conditional cooperators hold a (correct) belief that others are more cooperative in a larger than in a smaller group.
Field surveys in heterogeneous rock masses aimed at hydraulic conductivity assessment
Authors: Chicco Jessica Maria , Comina Cesare , Mandrone Giuseppe , Vacha Damiano , Vagnon Federico
Published: November 2023

In heterogeneous and fractured rock masses, joints are the most important elements controlling the hydraulic conductivity. Joints parameters are therefore crucial for estimating transport of mass and energy in many technical problems (e.g., slope stability, tunnels, geothermal and oil and gas studies). Hydraulic conductivity conceptual models follow well understood generalizations, but their quantitative estimation is not simple. Both laboratory and field tests have many limitations due to representativeness and scale effects. This study proposes a methodology for a preliminary hydraulic conductivity estimation in fractured and/or heterogeneous rock masses through a combination of in-situ geomechanical and geophysical measurements. Contact and no-contact geomechanical surveys were coupled with electric resistivity topographies in two selected test sites within a Mexican geothermal area in the framework of the Ge-Mex H2020 project. The test sites are representative of two different geological settings: a faulted rock mass with expected high hydraulic conductivity in proximity of the faulted areas and an abandoned marble quarry, with very good mechanical characteristics and negligible degree of fracturing. Moreover, both of them are located in remote areas with limited accessibility, in which rapid, time and cost-effective procedures are welcomed and recommended. The preliminary findings of this study were promising: estimated hydraulic conductivities were compared with independent laboratory measurements performed by other researchers showing a good correspondence and reliability. The proposed methodology demonstrated its reliability in decision making, in the technical support and its economical applicability also in similar difficult logistic situations.

Article Highlights

A combination of in-situ geomechanical and geophysical measurements was adopted for a preliminary hydraulic conductivity estimation;

Obtained field data were compared with independent laboratory estimations to assess the reliability of the proposed approach and compare representativeness and scale effects;

Even given the difficult logistic conditions and the limitations of the available comparisons the proposed methodology demonstrated its reliability in decision making.
Three-stage pyrolysis–steam reforming–water gas shift processing of household, commercial and industrial waste plastics for hydrogen production
Authors: Alshareef Rayed , Sait-Stewart Robert , Nahil Mohamad A. , Williams Paul T.
Published: November 2023

Five common single plastics and nine different household, commercial and industrial waste plastics were processed using a three-stage (i) pyrolysis, (ii) catalytic steam reforming and (iii) water gas shift reaction system to produce hydrogen. Pyrolysis of plastics produces a range of different hydrocarbon species which are subsequently catalytically steam reformed to produce H2 and CO and then undergo water gas shift reaction to produce further H2. The process mimics the commercial process for hydrogen production from natural gas. Processing of the single polyalkene plastics (high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP)) produced similar H2 yields between 115 mmol and 120 mmol per gram plastic. Even though PS produced an aromatic product slate from the pyrolysis stage, further stages of reforming and water gas shift reaction produced a gas yield and composition similar to that of the polyalkene plastics (115 mmol H2 per gram plastic). PET gave significantly lower H2 yield (41 mmol per gram plastic) due to the formation of mainly CO, CO2 and organic acids from the pyrolysis stage which were not conducive to further reforming and water gas shift reaction. A mixture of the single plastics typical of that found in municipal solid waste produced a H2 yield of 102 mmol per gram plastic. Knowing the gas yields and composition from the single plastics enabled an estimation of the yields from a simulated waste plastic mixture and a ‘real-world’ waste plastic mixture to be determined. The different household, commercial and industrial waste plastic mixtures produced H2 yields between 70 mmol and 107 mmol per gram plastic. The H2 yield and gas composition from the single waste plastics gave an indication of the type of plastics in the mixed waste plastic samples.

Graphical abstract
Revisioning and reinvigorating a hydrogeology distinguished lecture tour through learner-engaged workshops
Authors: Springer Abraham E. , Heimel Sierra , Riddell Jill L. , Dwyer Trevor , Fichera Marissa , Jones Michael , Kutsienyo Eusebius J. , Lilley Sara , Baude David
Published: November 2023

As geoscience and water related enrollment and degrees continue to decline, new methods are needed to recruit and engage students in these interesting and challenging interdisciplinary fields. An existing water-themed distinguished lecture tour was reinvented and reinvigorated to include a workshop to (1) promote interdisciplinary collaboration and (2) increase student engagement in earth sciences. The Geological Society of America has dedicated foundation support for a domestic and international lecture tour to promote the scientific discipline of hydrogeology. In addition to the lecture tour with a standard presentation and meetings with faculty, staff, and students, a half-day, interactive field demonstration of the inventory and assessment techniques for springs ecosystems was conducted at a spring near the lecture site. Local faculty hosts were encouraged to engage students in the planning and implementation of the demonstration workshop. The students were provided additional training to enter the interdisciplinary ecosystem data into a cloud-sourced database and to be actively engaged in producing a publication related to the springs ecosystems inventories and assessments. Of the participants of the demonstration workshops, students at eight of the host institutions became co-authors of the resulting manuscript. With the significant investment of time, resources, and logistics to implement a lecture tour, an additional interactive, hands-on, demonstration workshop is a cost-effective way to increase student engagement and provide interdisciplinary collaboration.
Changes in river systems and relevant hydrological responses in the Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Lin Zhixin , Xu Youpeng , Luo Shuang , Wang Qiang , Yu Zhihui
Published: November 2023

River systems play an important role in the development of human society. However, they have been significantly affected by human activities, reducing the capacity for water supply, flood regulation, and aquatic ecosystem services. Identifying changes in river systems and hydrological responses to these changes is crucial for regional water management. In this study, based on the data derived from topographic maps of the 1960s, 1980s, and 2010s, we comprehensively quantified changes in river systems of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), China. The results show that the density of rivers and the proportion of water surface decreased over the past several decades, while changes in the evolutionary coefficient of rivers and the ratio of area to length of rivers exhibited clear spatial differences. Low-grade rivers in urbanized areas have declined severely, leading to a simplification of river structure. Furthermore, the hydrological response to changes in the river system was revealed in the Taihu Lake Plain, an area of the YRD with a plain river network. A longitudinal functional connectivity index (LFCI) was adopted to assess the hydrological dynamics in water level, and it was found to have an increasing trend. In addition, the specific storage capacity (SSC) and the specific regulation capacity (SRC) were established to reveal the impact of changes in the structure and connectivity of the river system on the regulation and storage capacity, and both indicators exhibited a downward trend. Simulations based on the MIKE 11 model show that the reduction of tributaries across the region can result in an earlier peak timing and higher peak water level. Our results can support the development of river system protection and flood adaptation strategies in the delta plains.
Closing the domain gap: blended synthetic imagery for climate object detection
Authors: Kornfein Caleb , Willard Frank , Tang Caroline , Long Yuxi , Jain Saksham , Malof Jordan , Ren Simiao , Bradbury Kyle
Published: November 2023

Accurate geospatial information about the causes and consequences of climate change, including energy systems infrastructure, is critical to planning climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. When up-to-date spatial data on infrastructure is lacking, one approach to fill this gap is to learn from overhead imagery using deep-learning-based object detection algorithms. However, the performance of these algorithms can suffer when applied to diverse geographies, which is a common case. We propose a technique to generate realistic synthetic overhead images of an object (e.g., a generator) to enhance the ability of these techniques to transfer across diverse geographic domains. Our technique blends example objects into unlabeled images from the target domain using generative adversarial networks. This requires minimal labeled examples of the target object and is computationally efficient such that it can be used to generate a large corpus of synthetic imagery. We show that including these synthetic images in the training of an object detection model improves its ability to generalize to new domains (measured in terms of average precision) when compared to a baseline model and other relevant domain adaptation techniques.
Effect of two-way coupling on clustering and settling of heavy particles in homogeneous turbulence
Authors: Hassaini Roumaissa , Petersen Alec J. , Coletti Filippo
Published: November 2023

When inertial particles are dispersed in a turbulent flow at sufficiently high concentrations, the continuous and dispersed phases are two-way coupled. Here, we show via laboratory measurements how, as the suspended particles modify the turbulence, their behaviour is also profoundly changed. In particular, we investigate the spatial distribution and motion of sub-Kolmogorov particles falling in homogeneous air turbulence. We focus on the regime considered in Hassaini & Coletti (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 949, 2022, A30), where the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate were found to increase as the particle volume fraction increases from

$10^{-6}$

to

$5\times 10^{-5}$

. This leads to strong intensification of the clustering, encompassing a larger fraction of the particles and over a wider range of scales. The settling rate is approximately doubled over the considered range of concentrations, with particles in large clusters falling even faster. The settling enhancement is due in comparable measure to the predominantly downward fluid velocity at the particle location (attributed to the collective drag effect) and to the larger slip velocity between the particles and the fluid. With increasing loading, the particles become less able to respond to the fluid fluctuations, and the random uncorrelated component of their motion grows. Taken together, the results indicate that the concentrated particles possess an effectively higher Stokes number, which is a consequence of the amplified dissipation induced by two-way coupling. The larger relative velocities and accelerations due to the increased fall speed may have far-reaching consequences for the inter-particle collision probability.
Scaling relations in quasi-static magnetoconvection with a strong vertical magnetic field
Authors: Bader Shujaut H. , Zhu Xiaojue
Published: November 2023

The scaling law for the horizontal length scale$\ell$relative to the domain height$L$, originating from the linear theory of quasi-static magnetoconvection,$\ell /L \sim Q^{-1/6}$, has been verified through two-dimensional (2-D) direct numerical simulation (DNS), particularly at high values of the Chandrasekhar number ($Q$). This relationship remains valid within a specific flow regime characterized by columnar structures aligned with the magnetic field. Expanding upon the$Q$-dependence of the horizontal length scale, we have derived scaling laws for the Nusselt number ($Nu$) and the Reynolds number ($Re$) as functions of the driving forces (Rayleigh number ($Ra$) and$Q$) in quasi-static magnetoconvection influenced by a strong magnetic field. These scaling relations,$Nu \sim Ra/Q$and$Re \sim Ra Q^{-5/6}$, have been successfully validated using 2-D DNS data spanning a wide range of five decades in$Q$, ranging from$10^5$to$10^9$. The successful validation of the relations at large$Q$values, combined with our theoretical analysis of dissipation rates and the incorporation of the horizontal length scale's influence on scaling behaviour, presents a valid approach for deriving scaling laws under various conditions.
A Preliminary Study Connecting School Improvement and MTSS With Student Outcomes
Authors: Bohanon Hank S. , Wu Meng-Jia , Kushki Ali , LeVesseur Cheyne
Published: November 2023

Schools have an increased focus on implementing schoolwide initiatives (e.g., multi-tiered systems of support; MTSS) to address risk factors related to dropping out. These interventions can involve multiple domains, including academic, behavioural, and social and emotional supports. Although researchers suggest that schoolwide interventions are effective, school staff may need help implementing various content (e.g., academic, behaviour) domains into a cohesive plan. This preliminary study focused on nine schools in the Midwestern United States that implemented schoolwide interventions as part of a statewide technical assistance approach. The research included using survey and extant data for all students to determine the connections between schoolwide interventions, school improvement, and student outcomes. Schools in this study that were higher on both school improvement and MTSS implementation had, in general, better student outcomes associated with predictors of dropping out of school. These findings indicate that school improvement and MTSS may be mutually beneficial enterprises that help school staff address factors related to dropping out.