bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wear and friction properties of pineapple leaf fibers‐reinforced natural rubber composites with the influence of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Xuan Yeo Yi , Ridzuan M. J. M. , Abdul Majid M. S. , Syayuthi A. R. A. , Mat Fauziah , Sapuan S. M.
Published: October 2024

This study advances the creation of biocomposite materials and serves to reduce and utilize agricultural waste such as pineapple leaf fibers (PALF). In this study, PALF‐reinforced natural rubber (NR) composites with included multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were analyzed and characterized at various fiber loadings. The PALF content was ranged from 0, 10, 20 to 30 parts per hundred rubber (phr) while the MWCNT content was maintained at 10 phr. A two‐roll mill mixing process followed by molding was employed to fabricate the NR composites. Based on the curing behavior, tribological properties, and morphological analysis, it was confirmed that the hybrid reinforcement of the MWCNT and PALF improved the curing behavior, wear resistance, and morphology of the composites. The wear and friction properties of the composites namely coefficient of friction (COF), frictional force and specific wear rate (SWR) are significantly influenced by the applied loads. The COF of NR/30PALF and NR/30PALF/MWCNT composites is reduced to 0.80 and 0.72 respectively under 15 N of load. Physical properties namely the cross‐link density and swelling behavior of the composites ranged from 3.70 × 10−4 to 5.71 × 10−4 mol/cm3 and 207.81 to 386.17%, respectively. According to the results obtained, the best cure and wear behavior followed by the morphological analysis are observed in NR/30PALF/MWCNT composite. Among the samples tested, NR/30PALF composite exhibited the best performance in both cross‐link density and swelling behavior. It is anticipated that the findings of this study are expected to provide theoretical data for the design and optimisation of high‐performance automotive and footwear applications.

Highlights

NR/30PALF/MWCNT hybrid composite exhibited the shortest

The addition of MWCNT improved the wear resistance of the composites

The reinforcement of PALF at 30 phr possessed the lowest swelling ratio and the highest cross‐link density of the composites

The addition of MWCNT decreased cross‐link density of the composites
White matter correlates of impulsive behavior in healthy individuals: A diffusion magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Rashidi Fatemeh , Parsaei Mohammadamin , Kiani Iman , Sadri Arash , Aarabi Mohammad Hadi , Darijani Seyed Reza , Lee Yune Sang , Moghaddam Hossein Sanjari
Published: October 2024

Aim

To explore white matter (WM) tracts linked to impulsivity using the diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (DMRI) connectometry method.

Methods

We analyzed 218 healthy participants from the Leipzig Study for Mind‐Body‐Emotion Interactions database. Impulsivity correlations with DMRI‐derived WM changes were assessed using Urgency‐Premeditation‐Perseverance‐Sensation (UPPS) Impulsive Behavior Scale subscales: lack of perseverance (PE), lack of premeditation (PM), sensation seeking (SS), and negative urgency. DMRI data were processed using connectometry, adjusting for sex and age, to examine WM tract integrity via quantitative anisotropy (QA). Also, two additional interaction analyses were conducted to separately examine the interaction effect between WM QA, and sex and age in predicting impulsive behavior scores. The significance level in our statistical analyses was set at a false discovery rate (FDR) below 0.05.

Results

QA in the bilateral cerebellum and middle cerebellar peduncle showed a negative association with PE and PM severity (FDR = 0.0004). QA in the middle cerebellar peduncle, corpus callosum body, and forceps major demonstrated a positive association with SS (FDR = 0.0001). Conversely, QA in forceps minor had a positive association with PM (FDR = 0.004), and QA in forceps minor and bilateral cingulum showed a positive association with SS (FDR = 0.0005). Age and sex had no significant effects on the association between WM QA and UPPS subscale scores.

Conclusion

Impulsivity is linked to distinct WM integrity changes in various tracts, including the corpus callosum, cerebellum, and cingulum, offering insights into the pathophysiology of impulsivity and guiding future research.
Identifying Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Cirrhosis Using Administrative Data in a National Cohort
Authors: John Binu V. , Bastaich Dustin , Dahman Bassam ,   For the Veterans Analysis of Liver Disease (VALID) Group of Investigators
Published: October 2024

Background

The accuracy of administrative codes to capture patients with both primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and cirrhosis could be challenging because of the potential for incorrect coding due to the old nomenclature “Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.” Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the positive predictive value (PPV) of International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for PBC and cirrhosis.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse. Eligibility criteria included adult patients diagnosed to have PBC and cirrhosis based on one inpatient or two outpatient ICD 9 or 10 codes, and were validated against chart review of each participant.

Results

We identified 1408 patients who were found to have ICD codes for both cirrhosis and PBC. The ICD 9/10 codes for PBC and cirrhosis had a PPV of 0.75 (95% CI 0.73–0.75) for cirrhosis, 0.75 for PBC (95% CI 0.73–0.78), and 0.52 (0.50–0.55) for PBC and cirrhosis. When portal hypertension was combined with ICD 9/10 codes, the PPV of cirrhosis improved to 0.92 (0.90–0.94), and that of PBC cirrhosis improved to 0.64 (0.60–0.67). By combining ICD 9/10 codes for portal hypertension and receipt of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), the PPV for cirrhosis improved to 0.91 (0.88–0.94), PBC increased to 0.78 (0.74–0.82), and that for PBC cirrhosis to 0.69 (0.65–0.74).

Conclusions

In a large national cohort, the use of ICD 9/10 codes had modest reliability for identifying participants with PBC and cirrhosis. The PPV for cirrhosis can be improved by incorporating ICD 9/10 codes for portal hypertension with receipt of UDCA.
Mental Health and Medicine Use for Headache: A Nationally Representative Study of Adolescents in Denmark
Authors: Holstein Bjørn Evald , Toftager Mette , Román Julie Ellegaard Ibáñez , Madsen Katrine Rich
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study examined the prevalence of headache medicine use among Danish adolescents and explores the link between mental health, frequent headaches, and medicine use for headache. We hypothesized that poor mental health increases headache occurrence, leading to greater medicine use.

Methods

The 2022 Danish Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC) study surveyed 5292 students aged 11, 13, and 15. Self‐reported data included headache frequency, medicine use for headache, and five mental health indicators: life satisfaction, emotional symptoms, loneliness, self‐efficacy, and self‐esteem. Multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed the association between mental health indicators and headache medicine use, adjusting for headache frequency.

Results

Weekly headaches were reported by 33.1%, and 43.6% used headache medicine in the past month. Poor mental health correlated with higher headache and medicine use rates. Analyses adjusted for sex, age group, and occupational social class found significantly increased odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for medicine use for headache among students with low life satisfaction (2.27; 1.88–2.75), among students with 2+ emotional symptoms (2.28; 1.92–2.69), students who often felt lonely (2.08; 1.69–2.55), students with low self‐efficacy (1.37; 1.16–1.61) and students with low self‐esteem (1.59; 1.36–1.85). When accounting for headache frequency, the association between poor mental health and medicine use diminished and became nonsignificant.

Conclusions

Poor mental health was linked to increased medicine use for headache. The findings suggest that frequent headaches may explain the association between poor mental health and the use of headache medicine. Promoting rational medicine use and enhancing mental health among adolescents is essential.
Context effects on repair of 5′‐overhang DNA double‐strand breaks induced by Cas12a in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lageix Sébastien , Hernandez Miguel , Gallego Maria E. , Verbeke Jérémy , Bidet Yannick , Viala Sandrine , White Charles I.
Published: October 2024

Sequence‐specific endonucleases have been key to the study of the mechanisms and control of DNA double‐strand break (DSB) repair and recombination, and the availability of CRISPR‐Cas nucleases over the last decade has driven rapid progress in the understanding and application of targeted recombination in many organisms, including plants. We present here an analysis of recombination at targeted chromosomal 5′ overhang DSB generated by the FnCas12a endonuclease in the plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. The much‐studied Cas9 nuclease cleaves DNA to generate blunt‐ended DSBs, but relatively less is known about the repair of other types of breaks, such as those with 5′‐overhanging ends. Sequencing the repaired breaks clearly shows that the majority of repaired DSB carry small deletions and are thus repaired locally by end‐joining recombination, confirmed by Nanopore sequencing of larger amplicons. Paired DSBs generate deletions at one or both cut‐sites, as well as deletions and reinsertions of the deleted segment between the two cuts, visible as inversions. While differences are seen in the details, overall the deletion patterns are similar between repair at single‐cut and double‐cut events, notwithstanding the fact that only the former involve cohesive DNA overhangs. A strikingly different repair pattern is however observed at breaks flanked by direct repeats. This change in sequence context results in the presence of a major alternative class of repair events, corresponding to highly efficient repair by single‐strand annealing recombination.
Agro‐waste areca nut husk and bagasse fiber reinforced epoxy‐based hybrid composite for thermal insulated false ceiling application
Authors: Mahmud Rois Uddin , Islam Mir Shahidul , Hossain Shahin , Nasrin Jannatul , Khan Ayub Nabi
Published: October 2024

In recent years, there has been a significant push toward using environment‐friendly composite materials derived from renewable resources. Areca nut husk and bagasse fibers are excellent examples of agricultural by‐products that possess valuable properties for various applications. In this work, three samples containing 23.06%, 28.54%, and 33.33% of areca nut husk and bagasse fibers‐reinforced epoxy matrix (ABFR) hybrid composites were prepared to assess their suitability for use as thermally insulated false ceilings in affordable housing, civil structures, and the automotive industry. The novel hybrid composites were characterized by tensile strength, flexural strength, morphology, thermal conductivity, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and percentage of water absorption. The composite containing 23.06% fiber exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity at 0.1631 W/m K and demonstrated excellent thermal insulating properties at 0.03629%. It achieved a maximum tensile strength of 30.05 MPa and a flexural strength of 19.72 MPa. The thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the composites undergo multiple degradation steps; however, they remain stable within the temperature range of 280–328°C. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations revealed effective interfacial bonding between the fibers and the epoxy matrix. These characteristics suggest that this hybrid composite could be a suitable option for thermally insulated false ceilings when compared to existing synthetic fiber alternatives.

Highlights

The study aims to create eco‐friendly composites from areca nut husk and bagasse fiber.

The hybrid composite containing 23.06% fiber showed the lowest thermal conductivity and best insulation, ideal for ceilings.

More fiber in composites increased water absorption, balancing insulation with resistance.

SEM micrographs clarify the proper bonding between resin and reinforcing material.

Mechanical tests demonstrate superior strength and durability.
Diagnosis of pulmonary lophomoniasis infection in patient with systemic lupus erythematosus; A case report and literature review
Authors: Jalayeri Mohammad Hadi Tajik , Aghaei Mehrdad , Mazandarani Mahdi , Lashkarbolouk Narges , Sharifpour Ali
Published: October 2024

Over the past 30 years, there has been an increasing number of documented human infections associated with the protozoan Lophomonas, specifically Lophomonas blattarum, which is considered a relatively rare infection. These infections are primarily associated with states of immune suppression, including those resulting from corticosteroid therapy. We report a 61‐year‐old female patient with a 20‐year medical history of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who was admitted due to persistent respiratory symptoms that were unresponsive to treatment. The patient was receiving immunosuppressive therapy for SLE. Upon hospitalization, computed tomography of the lungs revealed the presence of centrilobular nodules exhibiting tree‐in‐bud patterns, as well as bronchiectasis, predominantly in the middle and lower lobes. Subsequently, the patient underwent bronchoscopy, during which a BAL sample was obtained. Microscopic analysis of the sample indicated the presence of L. blattarum. Clinicians often focus on the primary symptoms of SLE, but they must also consider the risk of severe respiratory complications like lophomoniasis. This condition is critical to address in the management of SLE patients, who are immunosuppressed due to the disease's nature and its treatment.
Sonochemically Synthesised Nano‐Stone Structured Vanadium Tungstate for Electrochemical Monitoring of Antibiotic Drug Nitrofurantoin in Real Samples
Authors: Mohanty Jubate , Manikanta P. , Mounesh  , Rangnath Nikam Rohit , Nagarajappa Hareesha , Sandeep S. , Nagaraja Mallanna Bhari
Published: October 2024

The development of simple, accurate, responsive, and selective antimicrobial drug analysis platforms is extremely important for biomedical research. Developing a novel electrode material that possesses low detection limit, high sensitivity, and stability continues to be a difficult undertaking. Here, vanadium tungstate nanostones (VWNs) were synthesized by utilizing facile sonochemical method with the aid of urea and ethylene glycol for application in electrochemical sensing of antibiotic drug nitrofurantoin (NFT). Using a distinct analytical methods, the structural and morphological characteristics of the as‐prepared transducer material were described. Further, electrochemical behaviour of modified electrode were analysed using cyclic voltammetry and liner sweep voltammetry. Under the optimal conditions VWNs/GCE electrode exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity towards NFT with linear range (20–160 μM), limit of detection (0.019 μM) with better sensitivity (0.69 μM−1 cm−2). The modified electrode demonstrated remarkable repeatability, reproducibility, and excellent stability, indicating its potential as an electrocatalyst. Ultimately, the suggested electrode was used to measure FLT in real samples like tap water and NFT capsule.
ESG as a nonmarket strategy to cope with geopolitical tension: Empirical evidence from multinationals' ESG performance
Authors: Kim Jin Hyung , Kwak Jooyoung , Park Hyung‐Kun
Published: October 2024

Research Summary

Although rising geopolitical tension is critically affecting multinational enterprises (MNEs), our understanding of geopolitics and its effects on corporate strategy is surprisingly limited. This study sheds light on this underexplored topic by examining the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy of foreign MNEs amid tension between their home and host countries. We argue that the media plays a critical role in shaping host‐country public perceptions of such tension. As media‐reported tension increases, foreign MNEs enhance their subsidiaries' ESG performance to alleviate potential institutional pressure from the host‐country public. We further show that historical conflicts positively moderate this relationship, whereas ongoing conflicts serve as a scope condition that diminishes this relationship. This manifests that MNEs attempt to maximize ESG's insurance‐like benefits in coping with geopolitics.

Managerial Summary

Rising geopolitical tension leading to a less stable global business environment highlights the growing importance of geopolitics and strategic responses of firms. This study explores how host‐country media coverage of geopolitical tension affects foreign MNEs. If host‐country news media reports more tense interactions between MNE's home and host countries, the MNE ex ante is likely to experience heightened pressure from the host‐country public. Thus, we argue and show that MNEs subject to pressure from the host‐country public intensify their ESG efforts to enjoy the insurance‐like benefits of ESG's prosocial initiatives. Our study also shows that both past and ongoing conflicts between home and host countries differentially influence MNE's ESG efforts because the anticipated effectiveness of their strategy is heterogeneous.
The paradox of transfers: Distribution and the Dutch disease
Authors: Behzadan Nazanin , Chisik Richard
Published: October 2024

We develop a new model of international trade with nonhomothetic preferences whereby within‐country income distribution affects the pattern of trade and economic growth. Alternative forms of foreign transfers, such as foreign aid and remittances, interact with the income distribution in dissimilar manners, which in turn generates differences in spending patterns, production patterns, and the pattern of international trade. In a three sector model with international trade and production we show that while remittances foster economic growth, foreign aid can cause economic stagnation. A production shift to the sector with less long‐run growth potential is known as the Dutch disease and in our model the disease is triggered by within‐country income differences and the form of the foreign transfer. We empirically verify these hypotheses with data from a panel covering the years 1991–2009 while controlling for the issues of omitted variable bias and the possible endogeneity of foreign aid and remittances.
Hydrogen Embrittlement of a Prerolled High‐Mn Steel with Different Cut‐Edge Characteristics
Authors: Sheng Zhendong , Zheng Qihong , Wang Mengya , Wang Yinghu , Prahl Ulrich
Published: October 2024

The hydrogen embrittlement behavior of a prerolled Fe–15Mn–0.65C–2Al–2Si high‐Mn steel with various cut‐edge properties is studied via hydrogen precharging and slow strain rate test. In the presence of hydrogen, samples prepared by laser cutting under atmosphere of N2 exhibit the best total elongation at about 39%. Press blanking produces severe shear deformation, tensile residual stresses, and strain‐induced martensite, resulting in a high risk to hydrogen‐induced cracking. With compressive residual stresses produced from waterjet, corresponding samples exhibit the lowest elongation loss against hydrogen. Despite hydrogen charging, the fracture surfaces show transgranular quasi‐cleavage features, for which mechanical twinning from prerolling plays a critical role. The hydrogen‐enhanced decohesion mechanism accounts for cleavage fracture since hydrogen segregation reduces cohesive stress at twin boundaries.
Grounding System Design for Wind Power Generation System Considering the Effective Length of Grounding Conductor
Authors: Sekioka Shozo , Funabashi Toshihisa , Lorentzou Maria I. , Hatziargyriou Nikos D.
Published: October 2024

Human safety is the most important factor to determine any grounding system, therefore low‐frequency grounding resistance (LFGR) of wind power generation systems should be very low. Lightning protection is another factor for the grounding system design. Grounding conductors (GCs) are used to reduce the LFGR. A long GC however, does not reduce peak voltages for lightning currents with steep‐front waveshapes. Thus, the GC length is an important factor for an effective grounding system. This paper proposes a method for determining the effective length of GC based on traveling wave theory in time domain. Based on this calculation, it describes a grounding system design for wind power generation systems that considers both, the LFGR and the lightning protection. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
H3K27 Acetylation‐Activated GLDC Accelerated the Advancement of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Suppressing the p53 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Chen , Xu Qingfeng , Yang Haibing
Published: October 2024

Glycine decarboxylase (GLDC) has been identified to be dysregulated and plays pivotal roles in various cancers. Besides, studies have suggested that GLDC expression is elevated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and associated with a worse prognosis, but the precise role and molecular mechanism of GLDC in OSCC remain unexplored. The current study first confirmed the high expression of GLDC in OSCC and its correlation with worse survival in patients with OSCC. By knocking down GLDC, it was discovered that the growth and colony formation of OSCC cells, as well as the development of xenograft tumors, were effectively suppressed. In addition, GLDC deficiency inhibited the migration and invasion of OSCC cells in vitro through regulating EMT markers and attenuated lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, GLDC was found to affect the activity of the p53 signaling pathway. GLDC depletion retarded the progression of OSCC by activating the p53 signaling pathway. Moreover, p300 co‐functioned with TFAP2A to induce acetylation of GLDC, which resulted in the upregulation of GLDC in OSCC. To conclude, acetylation‐induced GLDC upregulation facilitated the tumorigenesis and metastasis of OSCC by its inhibition of the activity of the p53 signaling pathway.
Assessment of Physical and Combustion Properties of Fecal Sludge‐Derived Char Briquettes Bonded by Waste Papers, Cassava, and Banana Peels
Authors: Chacha Nyangi
Published: October 2024

Innovative approaches using biomass and waste for briquette production are needed to address energy deficiencies in household cooking and heating. Fecal sludge (FS) can serve as a feedstock for briquette production. However, the physical and chemical qualities of the briquettes produced using FS and different binding materials are still inadequate. This article examines the physical and combustion properties of carbonized FS bio‐briquettes made using five different binders, namely, waste paper (WP), cooked banana peels (CB), non‐cooked banana peels (NB), cooked cassava peels (CC), and non‐cooked cassava peels (NC). Bio‐briquettes were made at various binder ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%) using a locally fabricated manual pressing machine. Overall, the study discovered that all bio‐briquettes fabricated can be utilized for heating and cooking; however, the type and quantity of binders employed influence their quality. The study concluded that FS bio‐briquettes blended with 75% WP binder were the best, outperforming others in many tests including drying rates (6 days), physical tests (passed shattering [95%], water boiling [240 s], and tumbling tests [100%]), and burning/thermal efficiency (19.23 MJ/kg). The study suggests further research to be conducted on combining FS with other biomass feedstocks to decrease volatile matter and emissions in bio‐briquettes made with FS and non‐carbonized binders.
Philosophy of Military Sciences
Authors: Sookermany Anders McDonald
Published: October 2024

This chapter systematically explores the philosophical underpinnings of Military Sciences, integrating ontology, epistemology, teleology, and methodology as philosophical concepts to enrich the theoretical and practical understanding of the field. The search begins by looking into the essence and existence of that which we take to be military entities, actions, or ideas (the ontological perspective). Then it goes on to explore the nature of military knowledge, how it is justified, what are its sources, and its scope (the epistemological perspective). The exploration then progresses to address the deeper purposes and ends of military endeavors so as to better recognize and contemplate the influence of the military’s continuous evolving roles and objectives on its research (the teleological perspective). Thereafter, the chapter probes the pursuit of military knowledge as a constantly ongoing dialogue between the researcher, the phenomenon, and the theoretical frameworks (the methodological perspective). The exploration ends with a reflection on some of the implications these examinations call for in the field of Military Sciences. In sum, the presentation brings visibility to the study of the Military as a complex and ever-evolving enterprise, honoring its multidisciplinary mode.
The Politics of Crisis and Contemporary Forms of Government
Authors: Jalušič Vlasta
Published: October 2024

What form of government and what kind of political action correspond to an era in which crisis has become a constant rather than an ‘abnormal’ state of affairs or a situation implying a revolution and thus a change in the social order? Through a reading of Koselleck, Arendt, Ricoeur, and some other authors (Roitman, Gilbert, Fassin, etc.), the chapter analyses the genealogy of the notion of crisis and its classical and modern understanding as a way of thinking, governing, and acting through the perspective of temporality, critique, and its mobilisation capacity. It provides contemporary examples (the pandemic, migrations, the welfare state, the financial meltdown) to outline how the multitude of crisis narratives and eschatological narratives serve various purposes and groups. Crisis implies a reorganisation of values that is justified within the anti-crisis politics of the return to ‘normality’. However, crisis itself is becoming the ‘new normality’. In this way, the concept of crisis is losing its specific meaning as a rupture in time and is increasingly becoming one of the main elements of the form of government corresponding to bureaucratic epistocracy. In perpetuating accumulated and ‘permanent’ crises coupled with anti-crisis management, this mode of governing is replacing the vision of politics as joint action taking place in democratic and legal frameworks.
Introduction to Atoms and Light
Authors: Raven Will
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, we explore the nature of light and atoms, focusing on their dual nature as both particles and waves. We examine why atoms have discrete energy levels and how only certain frequencies of light can excite electrons within these atoms. Through this exploration, we will understand the relationship between light’s frequency, wavelength, and photon energy. We also explore key concepts such as wave interference and the historical experiments that shaped our understanding of quantum mechanics. Most importantly, this chapter emphasizes the scientific method, encouraging continual questioning of ideas, understanding, theories, and results to uncover the fundamental nature of the universe.
“Natural Light”
Authors: Raven Will
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, we explore how light from sources such as the sun or a lamp can be dispersed into its spectral components. We discuss various dispersive elements, including gratings and prisms, and the phenomena of refraction and diffraction that allow these elements to spatially separate light. The chapter explores blackbody radiation and the historical significance of the ultraviolet catastrophe. Additionally, we introduce the concepts of absorption and emission lines, which provide insights into atomic and molecular energy levels.
Angular Momentum
Authors: Raven Will
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, we explore angular momentum, a key concept in quantum mechanics and atomic physics. We cover the quantization of angular momentum, the role of quantum numbers, and their impact on atomic states. We will learn about the different types of angular momentum, the states representing these types of angular momentum, and how angular momenta are added together in quantum mechanics. The chapter also examines the compatibility of different observables, such as the magnitude and components of angular momentum, and the impact of measurements on quantum states.
Electronic Structure and Atomic Notation
Authors: Raven Will
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, we explore the fundamental principles governing the electronic structure of atoms and the notation used to describe it. We begin by examining energy level spacings across various elements, highlighting how the number of electrons influences the complexity of these levels. The Coulomb interaction and electron shell filling patterns are introduced as key factors determining atomic state energies. Through detailed discussions on electronic configurations and term symbols, we illustrate how angular momentum, both in individual electrons and in atoms as a whole, impacts energy states. We also discuss fine structure splitting and hyperfine structure splitting. By the end of this chapter, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of the labels used by atomic physicists for electronic levels in atoms. Additionally, we differentiate between fermions and bosons, emphasizing their roles and significance in atomic and nuclear physics.
Introduction to Single-Event Effects
Authors: Aguiar Ygor Quadros de , Wrobel Frédéric , Autran Jean-Luc , García Alía Rubén
Published: October 2024

Radiation effects in state-of-the-art electronics has become a critical concern that goes beyond the traditional systems operating in harsh environments such as in aviation and space missions. Therefore, there is an increased interest in studying these effects as well as in investigating on how to design reliable and fault-tolerant systems that are hardened against radiation. In this chapter, the main stochastic events, known as single-event effects, are presented. Furthermore, the fundamental concepts necessary to understand the problem of radiation effects in electronics are introduced.
Analysis of Layout-Based RHBD Techniques
Authors: Aguiar Ygor Quadros de , Wrobel Frédéric , Autran Jean-Luc , García Alía Rubén
Published: October 2024

Radiation hardening techniques play a pivotal role in enhancing the resilience of VLSI circuits employed in radiation environments, most notably in critical applications such as in space technologies. Building upon the preceding chapter, some Radiation Hardening by Design (RHBD) techniques have been devised to effectively counteract the detrimental impact of radiation on electronic circuits, addressing diverse levels of abstraction ranging from circuit layout to system and software design. This chapter delves into an insightful analysis of the efficacy achieved through layout design techniques, namely Gate Sizing (GS), Transistor Stacking (TS), and Transistor Folding (TF). Moreover, it explores the utilization of asymmetric designs and the innovative Diffusion Splitting (DS) technique as means to augment the hardening efficiency while mitigating the associated area overhead.
Synthesis of 6-dialkylaminopyrimidine carboxamide analogues and their anti-tubercular properties
Authors: Tshinavhe Ronewa , Peton Nashied , Simelane Sandile B. , Moshapo Paseka T.
Published: October 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a threat to global health stability. Pyrimidine carboxamides have demonstrated potent anti-tubercular properties against clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Herein, we report a follow-up study on the synthesis of pyrimidine carboxamide molecular analogues and their anti-TB evaluation. In total, a library consisting of 37 new compounds is reported. Seven compounds (7b, 7d, 7m, 7p, 7q, 7aa, and 7ah) demonstrated excellent in vitro activities with MIC90 values below 1.00 µM. Apart from compound 7ah, compounds with improved aqueous solubility properties had lower anti-TB potency. Preliminary mode of action studies using bioluminescence assays indicate that the active compounds do not affect the integrity of mycobacterial DNA or the cell wall. The active compounds were also found to be bactericidal against replicating H37Rv Mtb strain.
The contribution of fish to the diet of loggerhead sea turtles in the western Mediterranean revisited
Authors: Cardona Luis , Aznar F. Javier , Bas Maria , Tomás Jesús
Published: October 2024

Early juvenile loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) rely on gelatinous zooplankton, whereas individuals larger than 40 cm curved carapace length are adapted to crush hard-shelled invertebrates. Nevertheless, fish were reported to be the staple food of loggerhead turtles in the western Mediterranean 30 years ago. Here, the temporal consistency of such a fish-based diet of loggerhead turtles is assessed through gut content analysis and stable isotope analysis of samples from the Mediterranean coast of Spain spanning three decades. The gut contents of 134 juvenile loggerhead turtles (curved carapace length range: 27–71 cm) from three different periods (1991, 1999–2008 and 2010–2017) were analyzed, as well as a subsample of the same turtles (n = 10 in each period) for both bulk and compound-specific stable isotope ratios (CSIA-AA). Gut content analysis revealed a decline in the frequency of occurrence and numerical abundance of fish and an increasing contribution of gastropods and bivalves throughout time, although pelagic tunicates were always the most frequently observed prey. The δ15Nbulk of turtle bone also dropped throughout the study period, but the values of the stable isotope ratio of N in phenylalanine (δ15NPhe) indicated that 52.5% of that variability was due to a baseline shift over time. Accordingly, the trophic position estimated from CSIA-AA did not follow the decreasing pattern of δ15Nbulk, but fluctuated throughout time. The overall evidence indicates that fish consumption by loggerhead turtles in the study region declined through time, but the trophic position of loggerhead turtles did not change simultaneously. This is probably because low trophic prey such pelagic tunicates and filter-feeding bivalves and suspension-feeding gastropods were the bulk of the diet during the whole study period and fish played a minor role, even when their frequency of occurrence peaked. Past levels of high fish consumption might be due to high levels of fishery discards, currently declining because of the recent reduction of the fishing fleet.
Einstein–Perrin dilemma on the Brownian motion (Avogadro’s number) resolved?
Authors: Škvarla Jiří
Published: October 2024

The general recognition of the existence of atoms and molecules occurred only at the beginning of the twentieth century. Many researchers contributed to this, but the ultimate proof of the molecular nature of matter that convinced even the last sceptics was the confirmation of Albert Einstein’s statistical-fluctuation theory of Brownian motion, a part of his comprehension of interdisciplinary atomism, by Jean Perrin’s experiments on colloidal gamboge particles. Einstein noticed a difference between the values of Avogadro’s constant derived from Perrin’s experiments and Planck’s calculation from black-body radiation. Einstein assumed the incorrectly evaluated size of the gamboge spherules to be a culprit of the difference and asked Perrin to check the assumption with additional experiments and using the viscosity formula introduced in his own dissertation. The result was a discrepancy that neither Einstein nor Perrin settled any further. In this communication, based on the survey of developments in colloid and polymer science and their comparison with relevant experiments, an explanation of the dilemma is given that now, after more than a century, proves Einstein correct. The comparison was de facto possible during his lifetime.
Microbiome-mediated plant disease resistance: recent advances and future directions
Authors: Du Yulin , Han Xiaowei , Tsuda Kenichi
Published: October 2024

Plant pathogens cause plant diseases that significantly decrease crop yields, posing a serious threat to global food security. While plant disease resistance has traditionally been understood as the trait determined by the plant innate immune system and the pathogen virulence system, recent research underscores the pivotal role of the plant microbiome in disease resistance. Plant-associated microbiomes confer protection against pathogens through direct pathogen inhibition, resource competition, and activation of plant immune responses. Agricultural practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, disease-resistant breeding, biocontrol, and organic farming modulate plant microbiomes, thereby influencing disease resistance. This review synthesizes the latest advancements in understanding the intricate interactions among plants, pathogens, and microbiomes. We emphasize the need for in-depth mechanistic studies linking agricultural practices to microbiome dynamics and propose future research directions to leverage microbiomes for sustainable agriculture.
Signal-to-noise trade-offs between magnet diameter and shield-to-coil distance for cylindrical Halbach-based portable MRI systems for neuroimaging
Authors: Parsa Javad , Webb Andrew
Published: October 2024

Objective

To investigate the trade-off between magnet bore diameter and the distance between the conductive Faraday shield and RF head coil for low-field point-of-care neuroimaging systems.

Methods

Electromagnetic simulations were performed for three different Faraday shield geometries and two commonly used RF coil designs (spiral and solenoid) to assess the effects of a close-fitting shield on the RF coil's transmit and receive efficiencies. Experimental measurements were performed to confirm the accuracy of the simulations. Parallel simulations were performed to assess the static magnet (

$${B}_{0}$$

B
0

) field as a function of the magnet bore diameter. The obtainable SNR was then calculated as a function of these two related variables.

Results

Simulations of the RF coil characteristics and

$${B}_{1}^{+}$$

B

1

+

transmit efficiencies agreed well with corresponding experimentally determined parameters. Overall, the RF coil transmit efficiency was, as expected, higher when the gap between the shield and coil increased. The calculated intrinsic SNR showed that maximum SNR would be obtained for a cylindrical shield of diameter 310 mm with an inner diameter of the magnet of 320 mm (assuming 10 mm for the gradient coils).

Conclusion

This work presents an overview of the trade-offs in transmit efficiencies for RF coils used for POC MRI neuroimaging as a function of coil-to-shield distance and inner diameter of the Halbach magnet. Results show that there is a relatively shallow optimum between a magnet diameter of 290 and 330 mm, with values falling more than 10% if either smaller or larger magnets are used.
Automated classification of remote sensing satellite images using deep learning based vision transformer
Authors: Adegun Adekanmi , Viriri Serestina , Tapamo Jules-Raymond
Published: October 2024

Automatic classification of remote sensing images using machine learning techniques is challenging due to the complex features of the images. The images are characterized by features such as multi-resolution, heterogeneous appearance and multi-spectral channels. Deep learning methods have achieved promising results in the analysis of remote sensing satellite images in the recent past. However, deep learning methods based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) experience difficulties in the analysis of intrinsic objects from satellite images. These techniques have not achieved optimum performance in the analysis of remote sensing satellite images due to their complex features, such as coarse resolution, cloud masking, varied sizes of embedded objects and appearance. The receptive fields in convolutional operations are not able to establish long-range dependencies and lack global contextual connectivity for effective feature extraction. To address this problem, we propose an improved deep learning-based vision transformer model for the efficient analysis of remote sensing images. The proposed model incorporates a multi-head local self-attention mechanism with patch shifting procedure to provide both local and global context for effective extraction of multi-scale and multi-resolution spatial features of remote sensing images. The proposed model is also enhanced by fine-tuning the hyper-parameters by introducing dropout modules and a decay linear learning rate scheduler. This approach leverages local self-attention for learning and extraction of the complex features in satellite images. Four distinct remote sensing image datasets, namely RSSCN, EuroSat, UC Merced (UCM) and SIRI-WHU, were subjected to experiments and analysis. The results show some improvement in the proposed vision transformer on the CNN-based methods.
Wind Tunnel Experiment on the Footprint of a Block-Arrayed Urban Model in a Neutrally Stratified Boundary Layer
Authors: Jia Hongyuan , Lin Chao , Wang Xiang , Kikumoto Hideki
Published: October 2024

This study addresses the need to investigate footprint function features in urban areas and establish a validation database for numerical methods. Concentration and its flux footprints of a block-arrayed urban model were measured in a wind tunnel with a neutrally stratified boundary layer. The velocity and concentration were simultaneously measured by an X-probe hot wire anemometer and a fast-response flame ionization detector to evaluate the vertical flux. Experimental results highlighted the influence of the measurement heights on footprint distributions. Because the sensors were immersed in the roughness sublayer, their footprints showed strong heterogeneity across horizontal positions caused by building configurations. It was found that turbulent flux contributes up to 70% of total flux footprints, emphasizing the importance of accurate turbulent dispersion estimation in numerical methods. Furthermore, measured footprints were compared to those modeled by a widely used analytical method (Kormann and Meixner in Boundary-Layer Meteorol 99:207–224, 2001, https://doi.org/10.1023/ A:1018991015119). The measured footprints extended further along the streamwise direction and their spanwise dispersions were constrained by the rows of blocks, which failed to be reproduced in the analytical method. This indicates the significant effects of building configurations on footprint functions in urban areas.
A Systematic Review of Parents’ Experiences during their Child’s Transition to School
Authors: Morawska Alina , Mitchell Amy E. , Etel Evren , Armstrong Rebecca , McAuliffe Tomomi , Ma Tianyi , McBryde Cathy , Johnston Leanne M.
Published: October 2024

The transition to school is an important developmental milestone for children and their families and sets the foundation for further educational experiences. There is a paucity of evidence-based interventions to support families during their child’s transition to school. To meet the needs of families during their child’s transition to school, better understanding of parents’ experiences is necessary. This systematic review identified 61 studies which reported on parent experiences of their child’s transition to school, although only a minority of studies explicitly focused on this outcome. Most studies were cross sectional, qualitative and focused on typically developing children. Six themes were identified in a narrative synthesis of the included studies: (1) Parent emotions about the transition to school; (2) Child’s school readiness and adjustment; (3) Parent factors; (4) Positive aspects of transition to school; (5) Practical transition issues; and (6) School partnership and communication. Overarching parent experiences focused on the ecological system within which the transition to school takes place, and we consider the implications for practice based on this framework.
Size-dependency and lattice-discreetness effect on fracture toughness in 2D crystals under antiplanar loading
Authors: Nguyen Thuy , Bonamy Daniel
Published: October 2024

Fracture toughness is the material property characterizing resistance to failure. Predicting its value from the solid structure at the atomistic scale remains elusive, even in the simplest situations of brittle fracture. We report here numerical simulations of crack propagation in two-dimensional fuse networks of different periodic geometries, which are electrical analogs of bidimensional brittle crystals under antiplanar loading. Fracture energy is determined from Griffith’s analysis of energy balance during crack propagation, and fracture toughness is determined from fits of the displacement fields with Williams’ asymptotic solutions. Significant size dependencies are evidenced in small lattices, with fracture energy and fracture toughness both converging algebraically with system size toward well-defined material-constant values in the limit of infinite system size. The convergence speed depends on the loading conditions and is faster when the symmetry of the considered lattice increases. The material constants at infinity obey Irwin’s relation and properly define the material resistance to failure. Their values are approached up to $$\sim 15\%$$

∼
15
%

using the recent analytical method proposed in Nguyen and Bonamy (Phys Rev Lett 123:205503, 2019). Nevertheless, the deviation remains finite and does not vanish when the system size goes to infinity. We finally show that this deviation is a consequence of the lattice discreetness and decreases when the super-singular terms of Williams’ solutions (absent in a continuum medium but present here due to lattice discreetness) are taken into account.
The cartographic styles of Danube Delta
Authors: Constantinescu Ștefan
Published: October 2024

This study conducts an in-depth analysis of 820 maps with a focus on the western coast of the Black Sea, from Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi to Cape Kaliakra, and gives special attention to the Danube Delta. The research highlights Pietro Vesconte’s critical role in the accurate depiction of the area and examines the stylistic developments over time and their effects on the mapping of the region. It also delves into the relationship between navigational practices and cartographic representation, noting the limited influence of Ottoman conquests on local mapping techniques. The study draws attention to a resurgence in the use of Ptolemaic principles, occurring simultaneously with the adoption of modern surveying techniques, such as triangulation. By concentrating on the Danube Delta and the adjacent coast of the Black Sea, the study provides a detailed understanding of the cartographic history of the area, highlighting the mix of precision and creative interpretation in maps.
When Ethics Becomes Unethical: An Autoethnographic Account of Gaining Ethics Approval to Conduct Ethnography in a Healthcare Setting
Authors: Schneidman Jillian
Published: October 2024

Many ethnographic researchers have raised concerns over the potential impacts that the institutionalization of ethics review boards can have on social science research, especially within healthcare settings. However, few articles to-date have documented how these norms and practices play out in actuality. This paper, therefore, uses autoethnography to provide an account of three ethical challenges that arose during my process of seeking ethics approval through institutional review boards to conduct ethnographic fieldwork in a healthcare setting. In doing so, I demonstrate how bureaucratic accountability took precedence over my research expertise, making the research that I initially set out to do inaccessible, questionable, and ‘unethical’, despite being carried out in accordance with the current standards governing research involving human participants and their data. I conclude with ways to move beyond this existing ethics structure towards a more collaborative approach between ethics boards, researchers, and research participants grounded within the realities of the field.