bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Moderating Roles of Economic Complexity in the Entrepreneurship‐Sustainable Environment Nexus for the Gulf Cooperation Council Economies
Authors: Dada James Temitope , Ajide Folorunsho Monsur , Arnaut Marina , Al‐Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh
Published: November 2024

There are conflicting views on the effect of business and entrepreneurial activities on environmental degradation in developing economies. However, none of this study examines whether economic complexity can serve as a policy tool for mitigating the effect of entrepreneurial business activities on a sustainable environment. Economic complexity consists of the structural and economic transformation process from a simple production system to a more complex and innovation‐based one. It predicts the variations in income level and its impact on the choice of goods being produced in an economy. This study examines the moderating effect of economic complexity on the link between entrepreneurship and sustainable environment in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 2006 to 2020. It further examines the validity of the Entrepreneurial Environmental Kuznets Curve (EEKC). The study uses the Driscoll‐Kraay standard error fixed effect, Panels Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE), method of moment quantile regression and Dumitrescu–Hurlin causality that are robust to heteroscedasticity, cross‐sectional dependency and other pitfalls of least square estimating technique. The results validate the inverted U‐shaped EEKC hypothesis across all the quantiles. Economic complexity increases ecological degradation at the lower quantile levels, while it decreases environmental footprint at the upper quantiles. Furthermore, economic complexity moderates the detrimental impact of entrepreneurial activity on the environment at the higher quantiles. A two‐way relationship is established between entrepreneurial activity and the environment, while one one‐way connection from economic complexity to the environment was found. The study recommends that policymakers should encourage innovative rather than necessity entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs should be encouraged to engage in business activities that are friendly toward preserving the ecological environment, and green innovative activities should be prioritised in their entrepreneurial activities.
Proposal for a new classification of intrauterine adhesions by sites
Authors: Lasmar Ricardo Bassil , Lasmar Bernardo Portugal , Haimovich Sergio , Pacheco Luis Alonso , Moawad Nash S.
Published: November 2024

The authors propose a new classification of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) to facilitate understanding for both the gynecologist and the patient, documenting the location and characteristics of the adhesions in a single image. This tool significantly improves surgical planning and patient outcomes in the treatment of intrauterine adhesions. In addition, having a simple and consistent method of describing IUAs will facilitate longitudinal studies tracking the outcomes of various surgical techniques, adhesion barriers and the impact of hormonal treatment. The proposed new classification system may represent a significant advancement in the field of gynecology. Its adoption may facilitate and simplify the representation of intrauterine adhesion sites, allowing for better communication between doctors and more effective management of intrauterine adhesions.
Reducing Makespan and Enhancing Resource Usage in Cloud Computing With ESJFP Method: A New Dynamic Approach
Authors: Laha Jasobanta , Pattnaik Sabyasachi , Chaudhury Kumar Surjeet , Palai Gopinath
Published: November 2024

A well‐designed web‐based tool or application allows consumers to access on‐demand services on a pay‐per‐use basis via the internet in the cloud computing service paradigm. Cloud computing continues to be a leading technology trend, with a primary focus on optimizing and enhancing end‐user applications. The increasing challenge of meeting the diverse needs of clints for service providers is propelling the development of load scheduling algorithms. Some of the current scheduling algorithms used in cloud computing include First Come First Serve (FCFS), Shortest Job First (SJF) and Round Robin (RR). The response time and makespan—the interval between the start and end times of consecutive tasks on the same machine—are the two most crucial load balancing elements. Response time refers to the duration a server takes to respond to a client's request. Measured in milliseconds, this timer starts when a client sends a request and stops when the server sends its initial response. This study examines many load balancing methods and suggests improvements for cloud computing's Shortest Job First (SJF) methodology. To minimize makespan and maximize resource usage, we provide a solution that is Enhanced Shortest Job First with Priority (ESJFP) load scheduling algorithms. Under the ESJFP method, computers with more processing power are assigned the longest tasks with higher MIPS (million instructions per second) needs, while machines with lesser processing capacity are assigned the shortest jobs with lower MIPS requirements. By giving equal priority to all activities, this technique makes sure that neither high‐MIPS nor low‐MIPS jobs have to wait an extended period of time for resource allocation.
Training the Next Generation of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacologists: Insights and Trainee Perspectives Over 10 Years
Authors: Randell Rachel L. , Gelineau‐Morel Rose , Thomas Sydney , Gonzalez Daniel , Leeder J. Steven , Hornik Christoph P.
Published: November 2024

The limited number of researchers with expertise necessary toaddress treatment gaps for children presents an ongoing challenge. The NationalInstitutes of Health established a national Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology T32Training Program in 2012 to train a multidisciplinary, collaborative pediatricclinical pharmacology workforce. We surveyed all current T32 trainees andgraduates since inception to identify strengths and opportunities to enhanceworkforce development. A total of 85 out of 155 (55%) responded, with themajority of respondents being female gender (61%), white race (75%), andworking in academia (75%). Nearly all (97%) reported using clinicalpharmacology in their current position, with 88% planning to remain in clinicalpharmacology in the long term, reinforcing current training efforts. Lifestylefactors and student debt appeared to influence career decisions. Mentors werecritical for introduction and future success in the field. Time and fundinglimitations were perceived as barriers to successful training. There was also apressing need to improve diversity. For workforce development, we suggestsupporting: (1) trainees' lifestyle, by offsetting financial pressures ofresearch training and expanding the geographic footprint of pediatric clinicalpharmacology training; (2) mentorship, by identifying mentors in the field andproviding dedicated support for mentorship; (3) efficiency, by evaluatingcurrent training activities and focusing on activities that maximizeopportunities for future funding; and (4) diversity, by examining barriers todiversity in the workforce in general and expanding early enrichmentopportunities.
Bioengineered lubricin alters the lubrication modes of cartilage in a dose‐dependent manner
Authors: Vishwanath Karan , Su Jin , Colville Marshall J. , Paszek Matthew , Reesink Heidi L. , Bonassar Lawrence J.
Published: November 2024

The low friction nature of articular cartilage has been attributed to the synergistic interaction between lubricin and hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid (SF). Lubricin is a mucinous glycoprotein that lowers the boundary mode coefficient of friction of articular cartilage in a dose‐dependent manner. While there have been multiple attempts to produce recombinant lubricin and lubricin mimetic cartilage lubricants over the last two decades, these materials have not found clinical use due to challenges associated with large scale production, manufacturing, and purification. Recently, a novel method using codon scrambling was developed to produce a stable, full‐length bioengineered equine lubricin (eLub) in large reproducible quantities. While preliminary frictional analysis of eLub and other recombinantly produced forms revealed they can lubricate cartilage, a complete tribological characterization is lacking, with previous studies evaluating the friction coefficient only at a single dose or a single speed. The objective of this study was to analyze the dose‐dependent tribological properties of eLub using the Stribeck framework of tribological analysis. Recombinantly produced eLub at doses greater than 1.5 mg/mL exhibits friction coefficients on par with healthy bovine SF, and a maximal 5 mg/mL dose exhibits a nearly 50% lower friction coefficient than healthy SF. eLub also modulates the shift in lubrication mode of the cartilage from the high friction boundary mode to the low friction minimum mode at high concentrations.
Image quality characterization of near‐eye displays
Authors: Beams Ryan , Zhao Chumin , Badano Aldo
Published: November 2024

We review the literature and relevant standards related to image quality characterization of medical devices using near‐eye displays (NEDs). First, we discuss the experimental considerations for NED measurements and the methods for aligning the light measuring device (LMD) to the NED. Second, we discuss measurement methods for several critical image quality characteristics, namely luminance, contrast, spatial resolution, geometrical distortion, and spatiotemporal properties including the methods' limitations. These characteristics were selected due to the importance of medical device NED applications. Finally, modeling methods for image quality of NEDs are discussed. Accurate and reproducible evaluation methods for image quality are essential for the safe and effective adoption of augmented and virtual reality NEDs into medical applications.
Alginate/Chitosan Complex Fibers Reinforcement and Their Mechanical Transition Continuum With Water Uptake Increasing
Authors: Huang Hao , Liu Zexin , Jian Hanxin , Yao Yuan , Tan Wenjuan , Yang Shuguang
Published: November 2024

Living tissues span a remarkable spectrum of modulus ranging from the level of Pa to GPa in a water‐rich environment. Constructing soft and hard materials that match the mechanics of tissues and researching mechanical transition in water, are beneficial for their biological applications. Here, using polyelectrolyte complex fiber as a model system and reinforcing the fiber by stepwisely introducing additional coordination and covalent bonds, this investigated that the water effect on mechanical transition behaviors. Alginate/chitosan fiber (AC fiber) has a single electrostatic bond and shows continuous mechanical transition containing a glassy state, rubbery state, and terminal relaxation (initial modulus lower than 10 MPa) in aqueous solution. Alginate/chitosan/calcium fiber (ACC fiber) has both electrostatic and coordination bonds, which shows the behavior of hard rubber (initial modulus 100 MPa) when water reaches equilibrium. Alginate/chitosan/calcium/polydopamine fiber (ACCP fiber) with triple bonds, including electrostatic, coordination, and covalent bonds, exhibits the behavior like ductile plastics in aqueous solution (initial modulus 1000 MPa). This work not only provides important insight into the toughening mechanism of polyelectrolyte complexes in water but also contributes to the preparation of tissue adaptive implantations.
Circulating tumor DNA methylation detection as biomarker and its application in tumor liquid biopsy: advances and challenges
Authors: Li Lingyu , Sun Yingli
Published: November 2024

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) methylation, an innovative liquid biopsy biomarker, has emerged as a promising tool in early cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis prediction. As a noninvasive approach, liquid biopsy overcomes the limitations of traditional tissue biopsy. Among various biomarkers, ctDNA methylation has garnered significant attention due to its high specificity and early detection capability across diverse cancer types. Despite its immense potential, the clinical application of ctDNA methylation faces substantial challenges pertaining to sensitivity, specificity, and standardization. In this review, we begin by introducing the basic biology and common detection techniques of ctDNA methylation. We then explore recent advancements and the challenges faced in the clinical application of ctDNA methylation in liquid biopsies. This includes progress in early screening and diagnosis, identification of clinical molecular subtypes, monitoring of recurrence and minimal residual disease (MRD), prediction of treatment response and prognosis, assessment of tumor burden, and determination of tissue origin. Finally, we discuss the future perspectives and challenges of ctDNA methylation detection in clinical applications. This comprehensive overview underscores the vital role of ctDNA methylation in enhancing cancer diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatments, and effectively monitoring disease progression, providing valuable insights for future research and clinical practice.
Synergistic Antiemetic Effects of Nerolidol on Domperidone, Hyoscine, and Ondansetron: In Vivo and in Silico Investigations on Receptor Binding Affinity
Authors: Ghosh Situ Sharmita , Bhuia Md. Shimul , Chowdhury Raihan , Al Hasan Sakib , Akber Ansari Siddique , Aamer Ansari Irfan , Ali Arman , Torequl Islam Muhammad
Published: November 2024

The present study was designed to measure the potential antiemetic properties of nerolidol (NDL) via in vivo and in silico studies. To induce emesis copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg (orally) to 2‐day‐old chicks. The test sample (NDL) was given at two doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. b.w. orally. Additionally, aprepitant (16 mg/kg), domperidone (6 mg/kg), hyoscine (21 mg/kg), ondansetron (5 mg/kg), and diphenhydramine (10 mg/kg) were given also orally as positive controls. To observe the modulatory effects of the test sample, combination therapies with reference drugs were also administered to three different groups of animals. Molecular docking and visualization of ligand‐receptor interaction were performed against several emesis‐inducing receptors (5HT3, D2, D3, H1, and M1‐M5) using diverse computational tools. Pharmacokinetics and drug‐likeness of the selected ligands were also calculated. Findings demonstrated that NDL significantly (p <0.05) dose‐dependently lessens the mean number of retches and delays the emetic onset in the chicks. The combined drug therapy with ondansetron exposed better antiemetic activity. In addition, in silico analysis, NDL has greater binding affinity (−7.3 kcal/mol) against M2 and M3 receptors. In conclusion, NDL exerted mild antiemetic activity with synergistic properties through muscarinic receptors.
High entropy alloy reinforcement for superior electromagnetic interference shielding performance in carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Küçükelyas Burak , Kaykılarlı Cantekin , Eken Taha Yasin , Erbaş Uğur , Tabakcıoğlu Mehmet Barış
Published: November 2024

This study explores the enhancement of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) in carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites through the integration of equatomic CoCuFeNi high entropy alloy (HEA) particles. Employing mechanical alloying (MA), CoCuFeNi HEA powders were synthesized, revealing a face‐centered cubic structure with crystallite and particle sizes of 14.7 nm and 11.62 μm, respectively. The integration of these HEA particles at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight into epoxy resin, followed by the fabrication of composites using the hand lay‐up technique. Detailed structural analysis of HEA particles confirmed the successful synthesis of equatomic HEAs via MA. Structural analysis of the HEA integrated composites revealed vacancy regions at 5% concentration, a uniform distribution at 10%, and particle agglomeration causing inhomogeneity and vacancies at 15%. The composites demonstrated significant improvements in EMI SE, with the 10% HEA sample showing superior performance compared to the other samples. Specifically, the 10% HEA composite achieved a peak SE of 73.09 dB at 4.72 GHz, attributed to the optimized distribution of HEA particles that enhanced electrical conductivity and reflective properties.

Highlights

CoCuFeNi HEA particles were successfully synthesized via MA.

HEA particles were added to epoxy at 5, 10, and 15 wt% for composite fabrication.

Voids were observed in HEA5, uniformity in HEA10, and clustering in HEA15.

EMI shielding was assessed using VNA, SE, dielectric permittivity, and magnetic permeability.

The HEA10 composite achieved peak EMI shielding, 73.09 dB at 4.72 GHz.
Development of Novel Frontsheets With Protective Coatings to Increase the Durability and Reliability of Glass‐Free Lightweight PV Modules
Authors: Voronko Yuliya , Eder Gabriele C. , Reiser Elisabeth , Babin Markus , Oreski Gernot
Published: November 2024

In this work, novel PET‐based frontsheet materials with UV‐cured coatings were developed and investigated. UV‐curing urethane acrylates were selected as innovative, fluorine‐free coating systems. Polyurethane coatings exhibit excellent UV resistance, chemical and moisture resistance and, thus, high durability in outdoor applications. A homogeneous application without coating defects such as bubbles, voids or detachments was achieved. Material tests with cross‐cut tests showed no separation from the PET substrate. The water vapor transmission rates and the physical (optical and thermal) and chemical properties of the novel polymeric frontsheets were measured and compared with uncoated reference systems and products already on the market. The aging‐related changes after irradiation and humid heat storage were investigated and described in detail. Based on this comprehensive study, the newly developed frontsheets can be considered a suitable alternative to polymeric frontsheets with fluorine‐containing top layers.
Machine Learning‐Guided Design of 10 nm Junctionless Gate‐All‐Around Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors for Nanoscaled Digital Circuits
Authors: Ouchen Rabia , Berghout Tarek , Djeffal Faycal , Ferhati Hichem
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we introduce an innovative design approach based on combined numerical simulations and machine learning (ML) analysis to investigate the design key parameters of ultra‐low scale junctionless gate‐all‐around (JLGAA) field‐effect transistor (FET) devices. To this end, precise 3D numerical models that incorporate quantum effects and ballistic transport are employed to simulate the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of 10 nm‐scale JLGAA FET devices. The influence of design parameter variations and high‐k dielectric material on the subthreshold characteristics is thoroughly examined. Various ML algorithms were employed to analyze and classify the key design parameters influencing the subthreshold figures‐of‐merit (FoMs), the subthreshold swing (SS) factor and ION/IOFF ratio. The obtained results highlight that channel radius and channel doping design parameters are particularly important for affecting swing factor behavior. Similarly, these features also play a significant role in predicting and affecting ION/IOFF current ratio values. Additionally, machine learning is used to determine the optimal design parameters for each figure of merit (FoM) output value. In this context, the models effectively predicted both ION/IOFF current ratios and SS classification, with Naive Bayes achieving an accuracy of 90.8% for ION/IOFF and 92.6% for SS, showcasing the model's robustness in these classification tasks.
Novel Poly(N‐(1‐cyclohexylethyl)Acrylamide‐co‐Styrene‐co‐Ethyleneglycol Dimethacrylate) Synthesis for Efficient Methylene Blue Adsorption from Aqueous Solutions Synthesis
Authors: Sayar Mahmut , Canpolat Mutlu
Published: November 2024

Synthesis and evaluation of a new polymeric adsorbent for adsorbing methylene blue (MB) from these economical aqueous solutions were investigated. In the first step of the study, N‐(1‐cyclohexylethyl)acrylamide (CEA) monomer was synthesized using S‐(+)‐1‐cyclohexylethylamine and acryloyl and the obtained CEA was analyzed by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR. Then, a poly(CEA‐co‐Styrene‐co‐EGDMA) copolymer was obtained by cross‐linking CEA monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and styrene monomers by subsequent radical polymerization episodes. FTIR, solid‐NMR, and elemental analysis methods were used for the characterization of this copolymer. In the last step of the study, the obtained poly(CEA‐co‐Styrene‐co‐EGDMA) copolymer was used as an adsorbent to adsorb MB from aqueous solutions. In the study, various factors such as adsorption properties, adsorbent dose, contact time, initial concentration, and solution pH were investigated. In the study, the most suitable adsorbent dose was determined as 0.1 g, initial solution concentration as 500 mg/L, contact time as 70 min, and pH as 7. Adsorption capacity was determined as 256.4 mg/g at 25 °C. As a result of the analysis of kinetic data, it was found that the model with the highest regression coefficient and the best fit with the experimental data was the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model.
Cobalt‐Promoted Para C─H Amination of 3‐Acetyl Substituted Nitroarenes with Arylhydrazines
Authors: Nguyen Duyen K. , Tran Giang T. H. , Nguyen Tung T.
Published: November 2024

We report a method to furnish substituted 1H‐indazoles via a coupling of 3‐acetyl substituted nitroarenes and arylhydrazines. Reactions progressed in the presence of cobalt(II) acetylacetonate catalyst, TEMPO oxidant, and Cs2CO3 base. Functional groups including bromo, chloro, nitro, and trifluoromethoxy groups were compatible with reaction conditions. The proposed mechanism was based on a nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen para to nitro group. Our method feature a convenient pathway to directly obtain substituted 1H‐indazoles which avoid the use of pre‐functionalized starting materials. Indazole could play a role as the directing group for a palladium‐catalyzed C(sp2)─H arylation with iodobenzene.
Improved Carboxylate Density in Functionalized Biochar for Methylene Blue Adsorption
Authors: Rani Archana , Tiwari Sagar , Sharma Gracy , Bhardwaj Akanksha , Dahiya Amarjeet , Arora Meenu , Babu J. Nagendra
Published: November 2024

Carboxylate appended biochar BCKA was synthesized by a two‐step functionalization of leached rice straw biochar using ethyl 2‐bromoacetate/K2CO3/DMF and hydrolysis to furnish the modfied biochar. The modified biochar was characterized using proximate analysis, CHNS, SS CPMAS 13C NMR, FESEM, FTIR, XPS, BET, and zeta potential. Biochar BCKA was optimized for pH and dose, respectively, as 7 and 0.2 g/L for methylene blue (MB) adsorption with a contact time of 6 h at 298 K. MB removal up to 98% from 20 mg/L dye solution, using BCKA as adsorbent pH 7, 298 K. The nonlinear fit to Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, SIPS, and D‐R adsorption isotherm showed a good fit with correlation coefficients (R2) 0.970, 0.969, 0.988, 0.984, and 0.983, respectively, and maximum MB adsorption (qm) of 261 mg/g. Thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption of MB using BCKA were 38.72 kJ/mol (∆H°), 225.42 J/mole K (∆S°), and negative ∆G° confirming the spontaneity driven by entropy. Kinetic studies showed good nonlinear fit to pseudo‐second order (R2 0.967), intraparticle diffusion (R2 0.977), and Elovich equation (R2 0.958) with chemisorption‐based interaction between BCKA and MB. Chemisorption, particularly ion exchange on the surface of BCKA with MB, is inferred from the D‐R isotherm and kinetic analysis. Column breakthrough studies showed Thomas model fit with qt 267.09 mg/g, and efficiency >80% was retained for two cycles of MB adsorption.
Tunable TiO2‐Heterophase Junctions for Studying and Enhancing Photocatalytic H2 Production Under Visible Light
Authors: Guebli Zakaria , Djediai Houria , Benrabaa Rafik , Meddour‐Boukhobza Laâldja , François Blach Jean , Rubbens Annick , Löfberg Axel , Roussel Pascal
Published: November 2024

Photocatalytic performance of titanium dioxide under visible light was optimized by preparing heterophase compounds (containing two or more phases) by hydrolysis method using TiCl4 as a precursor with different concentrations (0.5, 0.7, 1, and 2) to adjust condensation modes of Ti4+. The structural and textural properties of the synthesized TiO2 multiphase were fully characterized by XRD, Raman scattering, FTIR, BET, MEB‐EDX, XPS, diffuse UV–vis, and EIS spectroscopy. The increase of TiCl4 amount precursor has a significant effect on the heterophase junctions of TiO2 structure and more especially on textural and structural properties. The best specific surface area (131 m2/g) is observed for the sample at high Ti‐content (2 in Ti4+). The anatase phase (79%) is detected only for 0.5 in Ti4+ sample. However, both rutile (R) and brookite (B) phases are present in 0.7, 1, and 2 Ti‐contents. On the one hand, the band gap of 2.9 eV allows titanium dioxide to be active under visible light. In addition, the presence of rutile/brookite heterophase junction contributes significantly to the improvement of active sites for photocatalytic reaction. The separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes contributes to photocatalytic evolution performance under visible light for hydrogen production. The optimal sample (0.7 content in Ti+4 species) which presents in its structure 52% of rutile and 46% of brookite phases presented the highest photocatalytic activity with a 230 µmol/h of hydrogen generation, attributed to the heterophase junctions R52/B46, highly pore size 20.60 nm, and relatively small bandgap energy 2.974 eV. This work opens new horizons on the creation and study of a multiphase TiO2 that works under visible light in the fields of renewable energies and various other fields.
Through a Controlled Quenching to Achieve a Good Combination of Mechanical Properties in Low‐Yield Ratio 900 MPa High‐Strength Low‐Alloy Steels
Authors: Guo Chengyu , Gong Li , Xue Feng , Dai Chunduo , Zhang Zhe , Hou Huaxing
Published: November 2024

Two distinct heat treatments, that is, intercritical quenching combined with low‐temperature tempering (QT) to control the initial quenching temperature, and salt‐bath quenching combined with partitioning (Q&P) to regulate the final quenching temperature, were employed on high‐strength low‐alloy (HSLA) steels to achieve multiphase microstructures characterized by high strength, low yield ratio, and good impact toughness. Comprehensive experiments involving tension test, low‐temperature impact, microstructural observation, and in situ tension have been conducted to compare the microstructures and mechanical properties. It is found that both kinds of specimens can achieve a good match between high strength‐toughness and low yield ratio. The microstructures are composed of lath martensite with ferrite for QT specimen and tempered martensite with bainite for the Q&P specimen, a combination of “soft” and “hard” phases thus resulting in a yield ratio lower than 0.85 for 900 MPa low‐alloy steels. Notably, the Q&P specimen exhibited a markedly superior uniform elongation of 6.1% compared to the QT counterpart of 3.2%, a phenomenon attributed to the work hardening rate during deformation. A combination of strong and weak lath structures in tempered martensite and bainite can induce dislocation propagation and the carbides can act as obstacles to dislocation motion, jointly enhancing work hardening.
A Multimodal conceptual framework to achieve automated software evolution for context-rich intelligent applications
Authors: Yue Songhui
Published: November 2024

While AI is extensively transforming Software Engineering (SE) fields, SE is still in need of a framework to consider overall all phases to facilitate Automated Software Evolution (ASEv), particularly for intelligent applications that are context-rich instead of conquering each division independently. Its complexity comes from the intricacy of the intelligent applications, the heterogeneity of the data sources, and the constant changes in the context. This study proposes a conceptual framework for achieving automated software evolution, emphasizing the importance of multimodality learning. A Selective Sequential Scope Model (3 S) model is developed based on the conceptual framework, and it can be used to categorize existing and future research when it covers different SE phases and multimodal learning tasks. This research is a preliminary step toward the blueprint of a higher-level ASEv. The proposed conceptual framework can act as a practical guideline for practitioners to prepare themselves for diving into this area. Although the study is about intelligent applications, the framework and analysis methods may be adapted for other types of software as AI brings more intelligence into their life cycles.
Solid–Liquid Diffusion Stresses Leading to Voiding
Authors: Kuziora Stephane Leonard , Aasmundtveit Knut Eilif
Published: November 2024

This paper discusses cavitation within a two-phase solid–liquid enclosed system due to interdiffusion. This mechanism is discussed within the context of solid–liquid interdiffusion bonding for metal systems and the voids which are caused by this mechanism. A case study composed of liquid (Sn), Ni3Sn4, and (Ni) phases was used. The mechanical tension and bubble volume resulting from the mechanically enclosed system during isothermal solidification at 250 °C were calculated using a fitted 1D growth model coupled with thermodynamics. Thermodynamic energy calculations showed that it becomes favorable for cavitation after 6 seconds for a starting liquid pocket of 5 µm3. The critical pressure for this cavitation was  − 0.029 GPa. The volumetric change for the reaction was determined to be  − 12.3 vol pct by a partial molar volume balance. While the volumetric change determined by the thermodynamics found  − 7.2 vol pct. The likely presence of unwettable inclusions in non-pure liquids would circumvent this cavitation mechanism, even though cavitation conditions are present. Meaning cavitation for these systems can only be expected when the liquid metal purity is sufficient. Lastly, the bubble growth is attributed to a combination of thermodynamic bubble growth and Kirkendall vacancies.
The paradox of product scarcity: Catalyzing the speed of innovation diffusion
Authors: Pathak Surya , Balakrishnan P. V. Sundar
Published: November 2024

Product shortages are known to slow down the diffusion process. However, we counterintuitively theorize and empirically demonstrate that under specific conditions of social influence, the diffusion process may be accelerated by early product scarcity. Using an Agent-Based framework and Genetic Algorithm-based estimation, we analyzed 20 product categories to identify the critical trade-off influencing diffusion: the interplay of the social influence ratio of waiting customers to adopters, the external influence, and level of product scarcity. Strategic managerial actions can accelerate the adoption of products. For example, in the case of fitness trackers, we were able to simulate speed-up by up to two years compared to the standard Bass model. Importantly, we introduce a novel framework to study competition dynamics, analyzing how the timing of market entry and the production capacity of competitors, along with the initial installed capacity of the pioneering firm affect diffusion speed. This acceleration, whether due to managerial foresight or serendipity, necessitates careful orchestration to harness the enthusiasm of waiting customers and strategically allocate marketing spending on social media platforms, thereby differentially amplifying the influence of adopters and potential customers.
(Jewish) Rock Stars in a Jewish Museum: Testing the Grounds for a More Inclusive Exhibition at Beit Hatfusot, Tel Aviv
Authors: Rotem Stephanie Shosh
Published: November 2024

This article discusses three exhibitions that took place between 2016 and the present at Beit Hatfusot – The Museum of the Jewish Diaspora (renamed Anu – Museum of the Jewish People in 2021) in Tel Aviv, Israel, and that portrayed three internationally acclaimed (Jewish) rock stars: Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. What motivated the museum to curate these exhibitions that clearly deviate from the museum’s traditional narrative of Jewish history, diasporic communities and the establishment of the State of Israel? The article will claim that this can be answered in light of the museum’s recent renovation and new conceptual approach to the portrayal of Jewish culture and identity. The story told in the original exhibition was that Jewish diaspora emerged as a result of destruction and was redeemed with the re-gathering of the dispersed communities in Israel and the formation of the Jewish State; however, the new permanent exhibition, seeks to represent a more contemporary portrayal of Jewish identity. By showcasing internationally renowned and popular Jewish rock stars, the museum moves away from its former traditional, old-fashioned and stagnated mould to suggest a more inclusive and diverse portrayal of Judaism.
After the Exodus
Authors: Afrin Rahman Farhana
Published: November 2024

After the Exodus examines how forced migration of the Rohingya from Myanmar to Bangladesh has affected the gendered subjectivities and lived experiences of Rohingya refugee women, and transformed gender relations and roles in displacement. Based on 14 months of feminist ethnographic fieldwork in Bangladesh's Kutupalong-Balukhali refugee camp in 2017 and 2018, the book uncovers the everyday strategies employed by refugee women to create a sense of belonging and to make a life for themselves after forced migration. Rohingya women adapt to camp life by negotiating marriage and intimate experiences, adjusting to changing gender divisions of labour, and navigating encounters with humanitarian aid agencies and male camp leaders. These women strategically bargain shifting power relations to reconstruct their lives in displacement, thereby reclaiming agency and asserting their identity through the spaces they create, inhabit, and reshape; the coping mechanisms they employ; and the bonds of kinship and community they forge.
The Book of the Desert
Authors: Warscheid Ismail
Published: November 2024

This article proposes an analysis of the Book of the Desert (Kitāb al-Bādiya), a nineteenth-century legal treatise composed by Muḥammad al-Māmī (d. 1282/1865), a Muslim scholar from the Tiris desert in present-day Mauritania. Al-Māmī’s text reflects on the adaptation of sharia—the religious law of Islam—to the needs of pastoral populations in the Saharan West. How to embrace a normative system seemingly incompatible with nomadic life, given that it presupposes a state governed by an Islamic ruler (imām) and considers the city the natural environment of legal institutions? Challenging the narratives of center-periphery and the so-called post-classical “decline” that continue to structure the field of Islamic intellectual history, the article explores the different contextual layers of al-Māmī’s reasoning. He was a religious notable deeply involved in power struggles between nomadic groups and a fervent supporter of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century jihad movements in West Africa. But he was also a jurist of the Maliki school, who approached his society from the perspective of Islamic legal thought, and a Bedouin preoccupied with the legal and religious implications of the cultural gulf between his world and that of the towns.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Decolonizing Criminal Law or Colonial Continuities?
Authors: Ali S. M. Aamir , Mukhopadhyay Pritha
Published: November 2024

A change is more often than not faced with resistance from thinking minds before it is welcomed. This paper emphasizes the urgent need to scrutinize the proposed changes to the age-old Indian Penal Code to be brought about by the enactment of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). It critically evaluates every such new change to resolve all doubts and apprehensions, in delving particularly into the inspection of the BNS, in a theoretical study comparing with the Indian Penal Code. The paper discusses the “legislative intent and colonial continuities”, “anti-democratic tendencies” and “general critiques” addressing the debates over “patriarchal biases, problems laden within a false promise to marriage in the BNS, linguistic imperialist connotations, and the ambiguities over punishments”. This paper aims to evaluate the premise for an overhaul of the existing penal code and to identify and correspond substantial changes suggested in the new act in light of a promised wave of decolonization.
The impact of skill mismatch on unemployment, informality, and labour turnover
Authors: Flórez Luz Adriana , Gómez Leidy
Published: November 2024

The objective of this paper is to analyse the impact of skill mismatch on labour turnover, unemployment, and informality, in the case of Colombia. We study Colombia because it is a developing country with one of the highest levels of unemployment and informality in Latin America, along with very restrictive institutions, such as the minimum wage. We found that skill mismatch can explain the high turnover of workers in the Colombian labour market, evident in the increase in hirings and also in separations. Additionally, we find a positive significant effect of skill mismatch on the levels of informality, but no significant effect on unemployment. This evidence remains even once we consider the role of labour market institutions such as minimum wage and non-wage labour costs.
Finite data rigidity for one-dimensional expanding maps
Authors: O’HARE THOMAS ALOYSIUS
Published: November 2024

Let

$f,g$

be

$C^2$

expanding maps on the circle which are topologically conjugate. We assume that the derivatives of f and g at corresponding periodic points coincide for some large period N. We show that f and g are ‘approximately smoothly conjugate.’ Namely, we construct a

$C^2$

conjugacy

$h_N$

such that

$h_N$

is exponentially close to h in the

$C^0$

topology, and

$f_N:=h_N^{-1}gh_N$

is exponentially close to f in the

$C^1$

topology. Our main tool is a uniform effective version of Bowen’s equidistribution of weighted periodic orbits to the equilibrium state.
Spatially averaged, vegetated, oscillatory boundary and shear layers
Authors: Jacobsen Niels Gjøl
Published: November 2024

Oscillatory boundary layers over flat and rippled seabeds are well described in the literature. However, the presence of protruding vegetation stems has received no theoretical or experimental attention. The present work establishes an analytical constant viscosity model akin to the Stokes oscillatory boundary layer solution and a nonlinear varying-viscosity numerical model with a turbulence closure. The two models are used to describe the importance of vegetation and free stream velocity characteristics on spatially averaged oscillatory boundary layers: their friction factors, thickness and phase leads over the free-stream velocity. The models are periodic in time and resolve boundary and shear layers over the vertical, contrary to past efforts applying two-layer models. The models are extended to investigate the importance of finite wavelengths with steady streaming stresses and their associated mean velocity profile. Steady streaming is quantified both for the near-bottom streaming within the canopy and for the streaming in the shear layer above the canopy. Finally, akin to theoretical and experimental works on mean flows over unvegetated and flat seabeds due to oscillatory and nonlinear free-stream velocities, the numerical model investigates varying degree of nonlinearity for velocity- and acceleration-skewed velocity signals, and it is identified that the presence of vegetation stems gives rise to an additional contribution to the horizontal momentum balance which is not present for unvegetated conditions. Finally, it is discussed how the presence of a free surface, contrary to purely oscillatory conditions, alters the horizontal momentum balance within and above the canopy.
The reflection of a planar impulsive shock wave at a liquid–gas interface
Authors: Smith Tom A. , Bempedelis Nikos
Published: November 2024

The reflection of a shock pulse at a liquid–gas interface occurs in many applications, from lithotripsy to underwater explosions and additive manufacturing. In linear theory, reflection and transmission at an interface depend only on the impedance difference, but this does not hold for a nonlinear pulse. This work develops an analytical framework for computing the reflection and transmission coefficients for an impulsive shock wave at a liquid–gas interface. The problem is treated analytically by considering idealised pulses and solving a series of consecutive Riemann problems. These correspond to the initial interaction with the interface and important subsequent wave interactions that enable a complete description of the process to be obtained. Comparisons with numerical and existing analytical approaches are made for the case of a water–air interface. In the acoustic limit, the method produces results identical to those of linear acoustic theory. As the pulse strength increases, the proposed method agrees well with numerical simulation results, whereas existing analytical methods that consider only the interface fail. We detail how a reflecting pulse can put water into tension without any incident negative pressure. It is further shown that the magnitude of the reflection coefficient decreases with increasing incident shock pressure, and the reflected pulse widens. Reflections of pulses with positive and negative pressures temporarily create negative pressure regions with greater magnitude than the incident pulse. Finally, we consider non-idealised waves. Comparisons with simulations show that the reflection characteristics can be explained qualitatively using the analytical method, and the reflection coefficients are predicted accurately.
“How Our Heritage is Looted”: Legal Meaning-Making, Cultural Property, and Customs Enforcement in Nigeria, 1938–79
Authors: Bos Colin
Published: November 2024

This article sets out to explain why Nigeria was unable to prevent the loss of heritage objects in the 1960s and 1970s. Obvious answers to this question would include the limited enforcement capacity of the African state and the complacency of European and North American art dealers. “How Our Heritage Is Looted” argues, however, that a colonial legal category, namely “antiquity,” played a key role in creating an ineffective enforcement regime for cultural property theft. The mismatch between the ordinary meaning of the term “antiquity,” denoting a remnant of an ancient civilization, and the kinds of modern crafts that the state wanted to protect ultimately resulted in the inability of Nigeria’s colonial preservation statute to convey clear rules to customs officers and museum curators about what exporters could take out of the country. Nigeria’s heritage law thus constituted a project of legal meaning-making whose failure facilitated illicit commerce.
Comparison of four upscaling methods to drive instantaneous evapotranspiration to daily values for maize in two climatic regions in China
Authors: Wang Xuanxuan , Wang Biyu , Yan Haofang , Zhang Chuan , Zheng Hexiang , Wang Guoqing , Zhang Jianyun , Bao Rongxuan , Xue Run , Zhou Yudong , Li Jun , Zhou Rui , He Bin , Hao Beibei , Han Yujing
Published: November 2024

Accurately converting satellite instantaneous evapotranspiration (λETi) over time to daily evapotranspiration (λETd) is crucial for estimating regional evapotranspiration from remote sensing satellites, which plays an important role in effective water resource management. In this study, four upscaling methods based on the principle of energy balance, including the evaporative fraction method (Eva-f method), revised evaporative fraction method (R-Eva-f method), crop coefficient method (Kc-ET0 method) and direct canopy resistance method (Direct-rc method), were validated based on the measured data of the Bowen ratio energy balance system (BREB) in maize fields in northwestern (NW) and northeastern (NE) China (semi-arid and semi-humid continental climate regions) from 2021 to 2023. Results indicated that Eva-f and R-Eva-f methods were superior to Kc-ET0 and Direct-rc methods in both climatic regions and performed better between 10:00 and 11:00, with mean absolute errors (MAE) and coefficient of efficiency (ɛ) reaching <10 W/m2 and > 0.91, respectively. Comprehensive evaluation of the optimal upscaling time using global performance indicators (GPI) showed that the Eva-f method had the highest GPI of 0.59 at 12:00 for the NW, while the R-Eva-f method had the highest GPI of 1.18 at 11:00 for the NE. As a result, the Eva-f approach is recommended as the best way for upscaling evapotranspiration in NW, with 12:00 being the ideal upscaling time. The R-Eva-f method is the optimum upscaling method for the Northeast area, with an ideal upscaling time of 11:00. The comprehensive results of this study could be useful for converting λETi to λETd.
Human–African buffalo conflict: perceptions of damage, and mitigation strategies, in villages bordering Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Authors: Hariohay Kwaslema Malle , Marandu Ebenezer B. , Lyimo Emmanuel H. , Bajuta Elibariki S.
Published: November 2024

Human–wildlife conflict is a critical and complex challenge in wildlife conservation. It arises when humans and wildlife interact and one or both parties suffer negative consequences from the interaction. This research assessed the extent of damage resulting from human–African buffalo Syncerus caffer conflict and explored mitigation strategies. We used a semi-structured questionnaire-based survey of 131 households randomly selected in Kambi ya Simba, Oldeani and Tloma villages surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Our results revealed that resource competition was the main factor inducing human–African buffalo conflict. The impacts reported most frequently were crop damage (especially during the wet seasons) and human casualties. Crops that were most often damaged included maize, beans, wheat, peas and coffee. To minimize buffalo crop depredation, farmers currently use traditional mitigation approaches such as guarding farms, lighting fires, using torchlight and vocal and other auditory deterrents. In addition, a local coffee estate installed electrified fencing around its plantation. Our findings demonstrate the impacts of human–African buffalo conflict on local communities and the importance of continuing human–African buffalo conflict monitoring to improve conservation action and increase the participation of the local community in conservation activities. To minimize human–African buffalo conflict, we recommend conservation strategies that improve the natural habitat of the African buffalo. Most importantly, providing communities affected by human–African buffalo conflict with modern and more effective mitigation methods, paired with increased community awareness of the use of these methods, could result in significant reductions in the human cost of human–African buffalo conflict.