bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A synergistic approach to synthesize nitrogen-doped nanobiochars with high adsorptive performance
Authors: Hoa Le Thi Thanh , Van Thanh Dang , Khai Nguyen Manh , Nguyen Manh Dung , Hao Pham Van , Nguyen Duc Dung , Tan Cher Ming , Mai Nguyen Thi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Developing versatile and energy-efficient processes to synthesize functional nanomaterials is of significant in response to economic concerns, enviroment, and technological challenges. This study presents a synergistic route for the facile, green, and low-cost synthesis of nitrogen-doped nanobiochars (NNBs) from an agriculture waste without any chemical supplements, promoting environmental sustainability. Specifically, rice husk is treated at 800 °C for 5 min in an enclosed reactor, followed by quenching in water and ultrasonic vibration in a water/ethanol mixed solvent. Surface morphology, specific surface area, crystalline structure, phase component, and chemical composition of the NNBs are characterized by electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, x-ray diffraction, Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, respectively. The results indicate that the NNBs possess porous structures with a high specific surface area of 303.4 m2/g and a large pore volume of 1.23 cm3 g−1. Moreover, the porous nature and functional groups, including C=NH (55.0%) and N-H (34.35%), in NNBs are harnessed for removing Ciprofloxacin, a common antibiotic pollutant in water, via hydrogen bonding and other interactions. As expected, NNBs demonstrate a high removal efficiency of 72.73% and and adsorption capacity of 7.27 mg g−1 at a pH of 5 and contact time of 150 min. These findings therefore opens new possibilities for scalable production of value-added materials from agriculture wastes for water treatment, enhancing public health and environmental protection.
Non-defective degeneracy in non-Hermitian bipartite system
Authors: Wu Chen-Huan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Starting from a Hermitian operator with two distinct eigenvalues, we construct a non-Hermitian bipartite system in Gaussian orthogonal ensemble according to random matrix theory, where we introduce the off-diagonal fluctuations through random eigenkets and realizing the bipartite configuration consisting of two D × D subsystems (with D being the Hilbert space dimension). As required by the global thermalization (chaos), one of the two subsystems is fully ranked, while the other is rank deficient. For the latter (rank-deficient) subsystem, there is a block with non-defective degeneracies that contains non-local symmetries, as well as the accumulation effect of the linear map in adjacent eigenvectors. The maximally mixed state formed by the eigenvectors of this special region does not exhibit thermal ensemble behavior (neither canonical or Gibbs), and displays similar characteristics to the corresponding reduced density, which can be verified through the Loschmidt echo and variance of the imaginary spectrum. This non-defective degeneracy region partially meets the Lemma in 10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.220603 and theorem in 10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.150603. The coexistence of strong entanglement and initial state fidelity in this region make it possible to achieve a maximally mixed density, which, however, does not correspond to a thermal canonical ensemble (with complete insensitivity to the environmental energy or temperature). Outside this region, the collection of eigenstates (reduced density) always exhibit restriction on the corresponding Hilbert space dimension (with, e.g., infinite number of bound states), and thus suppress the global thermalization. There are abundant physics for those densities in Hermitian and non-Hermitian bases, which we investigate separately in this work. For example, the disentangling effect originates from non-Hermitian skin effect where the coherence exists along the direction orthogonal to the entangled boundaries of the Loschmidt echo spectrum in the Hermitian basis, while it originates from the many-body localization with the coherence among echo boundaries in the non-Hermitian basis which is disorder-free.
Hypostomus plecostomus-inspired soft sucker to adsorb slippery tissues: a stabilizing post-valvular cavity and stiffness gradient materials provide excellent adsorption performance
Authors: Xiao Peng , Wang Ziwei , Zhou Kangpeng , Fan Xinwei , Zhang Yuhan , Sun Guangkai , Lianqing Zhu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The hard suckers commonly used in surgical operations often cause adsorption extrusion damage to the biological tissue. To tackle this problem, from the perspective of bionics, through in-depth observation and research on the special sucker adsorption process and adsorption mechanism of hypostomus plecostomus (HP), this paper proposes a bionic soft hypostomus plecostomus sucker (BSHPS) with a variable stiffness gradient structure with a good adsorption performance on soft moist irregular biological tissues. The BSHPS comprises a lip disc, a pre-valvular cavity, and a post-valvular cavity. Through the volume changes of the pre- and post-valvular cavities, a pressure difference is generated between the inside and outside of the sucker, enabling the lip disc to remain sealed. The experiments were carried out by an automatic tensile force measurement system equipped with a vacuum pump, and the results showed that in slippery environment, the adsorption performance of the BSHPS is improved by a maximum of 61.9% compared to that in dry environment. On a biological tissue surface, the adsorption force is as high as 13.7765 N. The most important advantage of the proposed BSHPS is that it can be firmly adsorbed the surface of soft moist irregular biological tissues, effectively slowing down or avoiding adsorption extrusion damage to the biological tissue. Therefore, the BSHPS is expected to have good application prospects in modern surgical medicine.
Energy models in service of aquifer specific groundwater irrigation expansion in India
Authors: Ray Sudatta , Benson Sally M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Pumping energy is a key component of the groundwater governance challenge, yet it is largely missing in the discourse on agricultural use of groundwater. A sub-category of the literature studying groundwater-energy nexus tends to focus on groundwater depletion hotspots where entrenched interests and long-standing histories restrict the range of feasible energy pricing options. Using an agent-based model, we estimate the expected impact of expanding groundwater irrigation under five different energy provision models in Odisha, an Indian state with among the lowest irrigation coverage, and, therefore, is free of path-dependent policies. We find that aquifer properties play a crucial role in mediating the groundwater-energy nexus. In this study region, on average, the maximum volume of water that can be pumped from a well of a specific depth in an alluvial aquifer is approximately 150 times the volume that can be pumped from a well in a hard-rock aquifer. Therefore, the risk of over-consumption and aquifer depletion is a far greater challenge in alluvial than hard-rock aquifers. Risks of groundwater consumption and depletion can be limited in hard-rock aquifers provided the number and depths of wells can be controlled. Capital subsidies for well construction could be an effective policy to increase irrigated areas as long as economic incentives for digging deeper are not distorted. Our results imply that solar pumps are a relatively safe option for hard-rock regions where deep drawdowns naturally limit the extent of over-extraction. Solar pumps are also estimated to be among the most economical for expanding irrigation. Using a novel data set comprising biophysical and socioeconomic data, we find hard-rock regions to have limited irrigation coverage, high availability of annually replenishable groundwater, and high concentrations of marginalized farmers. Therefore, groundwater irrigation expansion in hard-rock areas could have dual benefits of ensuring future food security and targeting poverty reduction.
Information scrambling and chaos induced by a Hermitian matrix
Authors: Gnutzmann Sven , Smilansky Uzy 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Given an arbitrary V × V Hermitian matrix H, considered as a finite discrete quantum Hamiltonian, we use methods from graph and ergodic theories to construct a quantum Poincaré map at energy E and a corresponding stochastic classical Poincaré–Markov map at the same energy on an appropriate discrete phase space. This phase space

D

consists of the directed edges of a graph with V vertices that are in one-to-one correspondence with the non-vanishing off-diagonal elements of H. The correspondence between quantum Poincaré map and classical Poincaré–Markov map is an alternative to the standard quantum–classical correspondence based on a classical limit

ℏ
→
0

. Most importantly it can be constructed where no such limit exists. Using standard methods from ergodic theory we then proceed to derive an expression for the Lyapunov exponent

Λ
(
E
)

of the classical map. It measures the rate of loss of classical information in the dynamics and relates it to the separation of stochastic classical trajectories in the phase space. We suggest that loss of information in the underlying classical dynamics is an indicator for quantum information scrambling.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions of the Koopman–von Neumann equation on bounded domains
Authors: Stengl Marian , Gelß Patrick , Klus Stefan , Pokutta Sebastian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The Koopman–von Neumann equation describes the evolution of a complex-valued wavefunction corresponding to the probability distribution given by an associated classical Liouville equation. Typically, it is defined on the whole Euclidean space. The investigation of bounded domains, particularly in practical scenarios involving quantum-based simulations of dynamical systems, has received little attention so far. We consider the Koopman–von Neumann equation associated with an ordinary differential equation on a bounded domain whose trajectories are contained in the set’s closure. Our main results are the construction of a strongly continuous semigroup together with the existence and uniqueness of solutions of the associated initial value problem. To this end, a functional-analytic framework connected to Sobolev spaces is proposed and analyzed. Moreover, the connection of the Koopman–von Neumann framework to transport equations is highlighted.
Multi-parameterised surface texture characterisation for ultra-precision machined surfaces
Authors: Guo Pan , Xiong Zhiwen , Dong Zengwen , Zhang Shaojian , Piano Samanta , Liu Mingyu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In surface metrology, the multi-parameterised characterisation of surface texture measurement is beneficial not only for surface quality evaluation but also for manufacturing process inspection. To bridge this gap for ultra-precision machined surfaces, a white light interferometer was firstly employed for measuring surface texture generated by orthogonal ultra-precision machining experiments. Next, surface texture was filtered by the zero-order Gaussian regression filter to the limited scale bandwidth. Then, twenty-one surface texture parameters were calculated based on seventy-five S-L surfaces according to the ISO 25178-2. Finally, the outlier effect of surface measurement was investigated by the 95%–99% rule and the Spearman correlation coefficient matrix was proposed to determine their statistical correlation. The results revealed that most of the height parameters (Sp, Sv, Sz, Ssk, and Sku), several function and related parameters (Vmp, Vvv, Spk, and Svk), and the spatial parameter (Str) and hybrid parameter (Sdr) presented a strong sensitivity to the outlier effect. The height parameters (Sa, Sq, Sp, Sv, and Sz), the function and related parameters (Vmp, Vmc, Vvv, Vvc, Spk, Svk, and Sk), and the spatial parameters (Sdq and Sdr) showed a strong correlation to each other, while the miscellaneous parameter Std had a weak correlation to the other parameters. This study provides a systematic multi-parameterised surface texture characterisation for ultra-precision machined surfaces to promote the advancement of nanotechnology and nanometrology.
Synergistic effects of steel fiber and rubberized aggregates on concrete properties
Authors: Tefera Belay Bayu , Tarekegn Abrham Gebre , Ejigu Tsagazeab Yimer 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The drive for more sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practices has resulted in revolutionary concrete production methods. One way is to include scrap rubber tires (contributing significantly to environmental pollution) into concrete mixtures to increase deformability. This study investigates the impact of surface-treated waste tire rubber (which partially replaces natural coarse aggregates with 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight) and industrial steel fiber (as reinforcement by including 0.5, 1, and 1.5% volume fractions) in concrete. Twelve concrete mixtures were prepared as test specimens. The replacement percentage was then determined using the compressive strength test results for additional surface treatment with three different alkaline solution (NaOH) concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) for 72 h. Thus, the hardened concrete properties were analyzed using compressive strength, flexural strength, and toughness; whereas the fresh qualities of equivalent concrete mixtures were evaluated using concrete slump. The findings revealed that, while partial replacement had a negative impact on the mechanical properties of the concrete, it was possible to produce rubberized concrete with better mechanical properties than conventional concrete when the partial replacement was less than 5%, treated with 10% alkaline solution, and reinforced with 1.5% steel fibers. The study’s findings illustrate the potential of these combinations for use in concrete pavement and slab applications.
Technology-enhanced environmental learning: a practical guide to educational areas for urban educators
Authors: Duda Ewa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Mobile applications are utilised by urban educators as a means to encourage environmentally friendly behaviours among city dwellers. To enhance their effectiveness, they should meet the needs of their potential users. This qualitative survey research studied urban population of the Tricity metropolitan area intended to identify the perspective of residents regarding the areas that require intervention. It focuses on the potential of mobile applications in promoting pro-environmental education, particularly in areas deemed sensitive by city residents and city users. The research framework is founded on action research. The data collection technique used a survey conducted through a research panel among 821 residents and users of the Tricity metropolitan area. The data was analysed by looking at the relevance of urban challenges and related areas of support. The results of the research were that 12 areas of city functioning perceived as needing improvement were identified and emotionally relevant among the 13 indicators analysed. In conclusion, 12 educational areas of city functioning were identified as relevant for the design of mobile applications related to environmental education. The results may also serve as a basis for developing instructional environmental education for urban educators to support local policies to address the climate crisis and encourage pro-environmental behaviour among urban residents.
Performance assessment of earth-abundant kesterite-based CZTSSe solar cell using graphene oxide as HTL and zinc oxysulfide as ETL
Authors: Yadav Shweta , Chauhan R K , Mishra Rajan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This research investigates the optimization of CZTSSe (copper zinc tin sulfide selenide) solar cells through the integration of graphene oxide (GO) in the role of HTL (hole transport layer) also zinc oxysulfide (Zn(O,S)) in the role of ETL (electron transport layer), replacing the conventional cadmium sulfide (CdS) buffer layer. CZTSSe, characterized by an impactful direct energy bandgap (1–1.5 eV) also a high absorption coefficient (>104 cm−1), exhibits prospects for efficient light absorption in the visible range. The study employs simulation characterization to comprehensively analyze the impact of the GO hole transparent layer and Zn (O,S) buffer layer on the optical and electrical attributes of the CZTSSe photovoltaic(PV) cell. Key parameters, such as power conversion efficiency (PCE), short-circuit current (JSC), fill factor (FF), and open-circuit voltage (VOC), are meticulously examined to substantiate the performance of the devices. These parameters include the energy bandgap, variations in thickness, doping concentration, defect density, parasitic resistance, temperature, and generation and recombination processes. The objective is to understand how these factors influence solar cell performances and to enhance light absorption, elevate charge mobility, and minimize carrier recombination losses. The culmination of these efforts results in the CZTSSe solar module achieving its maximum PCE of 28.23% when incorporating a Zn(O,S) ETL along with a GO hole transport layer and ZnO:Al as a window layer.
Long-range white matter fibres and post-stroke verbal and non-verbal cognition
Authors: Roth Rebecca W , Schwen Blackett Deena , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Wilmskoetter Janina , Rorden Chris , Newman-Norlund Roger , Sen Souvik , Fridriksson Julius , Busby Natalie , Bonilha Leonardo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Among stroke survivors, linguistic and non-linguistic impairments exhibit substantial inter-individual variability. Stroke lesion volume and location do not sufficiently explain outcomes, and the neural mechanisms underlying the severity of aphasia or non-verbal cognitive deficits remain inadequately understood. Converging evidence supports the idea that white matter is particularly susceptible to ischaemic injury, and long-range fibres are commonly associated with verbal and non-verbal function. Here, we investigated the relationship among post-stroke aphasia severity, cognition, and white matter integrity. Eighty-seven individuals in the chronic stage of stroke underwent diffusion MRI and behavioural testing, including language and cognitive measures. We used whole-brain structural connectomes from each participant to calculate the ratio of long-range fibres to short-range fibres. We found that a higher proportion of long-range fibres was associated with lower aphasia severity, more accurate picture naming, and increased performance on non-verbal semantic memory/processing and non-verbal reasoning while controlling for lesion volume, key damage areas, age, and years post stroke. Our findings corroborate the hypothesis that, after accounting for age and lesion anatomy, inter-individual differences in post-stroke aphasia severity, verbal, and non-verbal cognitive outcomes are related to the preservation of long-range white matter fibres beyond the lesion.
Dissociable effects of mild COVID-19 on short- and long-term memories
Authors: Atkinson Lauren Z , Thom Jude L , Nobre Anna Christina , Zokaei Nahid 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the presence of cognitive deficits following COVID-19 that persist beyond acute infection, regardless of the initial disease severity. Impairments in short- and long-term memory are among the core deficits reported by patients and observed in objective tests of memory performance. We aimed to extend previous studies by examining performance in a task that allows us to directly compare and contrast memories at different timescales. More specifically, we assessed both short- and long-term memories for contextual–spatial associations encoded during a common session and probed at different durations using an equivalent task in non-hospitalized individuals recovering from mild COVID-19 compared to healthy controls. The approach equated all aspects of memory materials and response demands, isolating performance changes resulting only from memory timescales and thus allowing us to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on cognition. In addition to providing measures of accuracy and response times, the task also provided a sensitive continuous readout of the precision of memory representations, specifically by examining the resolution with which spatial locations were retained in memory. The results demonstrated selective impairment of long-term memory performance in individuals recovering from mild COVID-19 infection. Short-term memory performance remained comparable to healthy controls. Specifically, poor precision of long-term memory representations was demonstrated, which improved with days since diagnosis. No such relationship was observed for short-term memory performance. Our findings reveal a specific impairment to the precision of spatial–contextual long-term memory representations in individuals recovering from mild COVID-19 and demonstrate evidence of recovery in long-term memory over time. Further, the experimental design provides a carefully controlled and sensitive framework to assess memory across different durations with the potential to provide more detailed phenotyping of memory deficits associated with COVID-19 in general.
Molecular profiling of a cohort with epidermolysis bullosa in India: a single centre experience
Authors: Kumar Anoop , Jamwal Manu , Gupta Smriti , Sharma Ritika , Singh Namrata , Kaushal Laveena , Kumar Sahil , Kumar Vinod , Behera Biswanath , De Dipankar , Handa Sanjeev , Nahar Uma , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Das Reena , Mahajan Rahul 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) encompasses rare hereditary skin conditions marked by skin fragility, nail dystrophy and minor trauma-induced skin blisters.

Objectives
To identify genetic variants in patients with EB in India and to examine the relationship between genotypic and phenotypic manifestations.

Methods
Patients with EB seen consecutively over a period of 5 years at an outpatient department of dermatology (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India) were included in the study. Baseline demographic data, birth history, family history, skin manifestations at birth, medical history, current cutaneous manifestations and the evolution of the disease were assessed and recorded. Genetic variants were identified using targeted gene panel sequencing for 23 EB-related genes and a genetic–phenotype analysis was performed.

Results
Our study included 65 patients with EB. Among these 65 patients with EB, 38 had dystrophic EB (DEB, 58%), 12 had junctional EB (JEB, 18%), 12 had EB simplex (EBS, 18%) and 3 had Kindler EB (KEB, 5%). Dominant and recessive forms of dystrophic EB accounted for 17% (n = 11) and 42% (n = 27), respectively, of the 65 individuals with EB. We identified 75 genetic variants, 59% (n = 44) newly discovered and 41% (n = 31) previously reported. Compound heterozygous variants were more frequent (56%; 15/27) than homozygous ones (44%; 12/27) in individuals with recessive DEB. Patients with JEB harboured LAMB3 mutations more frequently, whereas patients with EBS harboured KRT5 and KRT14 missense heterozygous mutations. Patients with KEB had homozygous mutations in FERTM1.

Conclusions
Our study has unveiled several novel genetic variants and severe phenotypes associated with nonsense genetic variants. These findings offer valuable insights for future clinical assessments and tailored management strategies.