bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversifying computer science: An examination of the potential influences of women‐in‐computing groups
Authors: Wu Jue , Uttal David H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe gender imbalance in computer science (CS) is one of the most challenging issues in American education. CS is the only science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field in which women's representation has steadily declined in recent decades. In this study, we explored one potential approach that could be effective in increasing college women's participation in CS: participation in Women‐in‐Computing (WiC) groups. Through participant observation and individual interviews in a WiC group at a major research university, we investigated how students engage in WiC, the impacts of the WiC on identity and belonging, and the challenge of sustainability. The results were coded using a hybrid of grounded and deductive coding and indicate that WiC groups offer various programs and events that enable women in CS to fully participate, learn, and grow. WiC represents an identity, a community, a safe space, and a journey. The results also suggest that the WiC has had positive impacts on students' identity and belonging, as evidenced by increased self‐efficacy, reduced imposter syndrome, and enhanced sense of belonging and community. Furthermore, we outline three strategies employed by the WiC to ensure the group's sustainability. Our study sheds light on how WiC can encourage women to enter and persist in CS, and on some of the characteristics of a successful WiC. We demonstrate that WiC may be potentially effective in diversifying CS through identity‐based participation. Moreover, student leaders design both the structure of the group and the leadership continuity process to ensure sustainability.
SEM Electron‐Beam‐Induced Ultrathin Carbon Deposition Layer on Cu Substrate: Improved Dry Oxidation Protection Performance than CVD Single Layer Graphene
Authors: Feng Panpan , Zhang Dan , Zhang Guoxu , Li Chenwei , Wang You , Chen Guanying , Gan Yang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAn amorphous carbon deposition layer (CDL) with nanoscale thickness induced by scanning electron microscope (SEM) electron beam is studied as a carbon‐based protective layer on copper (Cu). CDL is prepared by inducing the deposition of pollutants or hydrocarbons in the cavity of SEM through electron beam irradiation (EBI). Wrinkles and cracks will not form and the interfacial spacing of CDL/Cu is smaller than Graphene/Cu (Gr/Cu). The thickness and coverage of the interfacial oxide layer of CDL/Cu are all smaller than that of the Gr/Cu after the same oxidation conditions. Characterization of Raman mapping also demonstrates that CDL shows better oxidation inhibition effects than graphene. The structure of CDL is determined to be C = C and C = O, CH3‐ and C‐O can be loaded vertically on CDL. Density functional theory (DFT) is employed for demonstrating the smaller interfacial gap of CDL/Cu, less wrinkles and cracks and larger adsorbing energy of water/oxygen compared with Gr/Cu. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation also indicates that the diffusion of water or oxygen into CDL/Cu is more difficult and the oxidation of Cu covered by CDL is well suppressed. This work provides a new approach for the study of carbon‐based antioxidant materials on Cu.
Self‐Assembly of Silicon Nanotubes Driven by a Biphasic Transition from the Natural Mineral Montmorillonite in Molten Salt Electrolysis
Authors: Wang Fan , Liu Wei , Li Peng , Guan Ziheng , Li Wei , Wang Dihua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSilicon nanotubes (SNTs) have been considered as promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the reported strategies for preparing SNTs generally have special requirements for either expensive templates or complex catalysts. It is necessary to explore a cost‐effective and efficient approach for the preparation of high‐performance SNTs. In this work, a biphasic transformation strategy involving “solid‐state reduction” and “dissolution‐deposition” in molten salts is developed to prepare SNTs using montmorillonite as a precursor. The rod‐like intermediate of silicon‐aluminum‐calcium is initially reduced in solid state, which then triggers the continuous dissolution and deposition of calcium silicate in the inner space of the intermediate to form a hollow structure during the subsequent reduction process. The transition from solid to liquid is crucial for improving the kinetics of deoxygenation and induces the self‐assembly of SNTs during electrolysis. When the obtained SNTs is used as anode materials for LIBs, they exhibit a high capacity of 2791 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, excellent rate capability of 1427 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1, and stable cycling performance with a capacity of 2045 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. This work provides a self‐assembling, controllable, and cost‐effective approach for fabricating SNTs.
Efficient and Stable All‐Polymer Solar Cells Enabled by Dual Working Mechanism
Authors: Hu Zunyuan , Wang Jianxiao , Cui Chuanlong , Liu Tong , Li Yonghai , Song Liang , Wen Shuguang , Bao Xichang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTernary strategy with integration characteristics and adaptability is a simple and effective method for blooming of the performance of photovoltaic devices. Herein, a novel wideband gap polymer donor PBB2‐Hs is synthesized as the guest component to optimize all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). High‐energy photon absorption and long exciton lifetime of PBB2‐Hs constitute efficient energy transfer. Good miscibility and cascade energy levels promote the formation of alloy‐like structure between PBB2‐Hs and host system. The dual working mechanisms greatly improve photon capture and charge transfer in active layers. Additionally, the introduction of PBB2‐Hs also optimizes the ordered molecular stacking of acceptors and suppresses molecular peristalsis. Upon adding 15 wt% PBB2‐Hs, the ternary all‐PSC achieved a champion efficiency of 17.66%, and can still maintain 82% photostability (24 h) and 91% storage stability (1000 h) of the original PCE. Moreover, the strong molecular stacking and entanglement between PBB2‐Hs and the host material increased the elongation at break of ternary blend film by 1.6 times (16.2%), allowing the flexible device to maintain 83% of the original efficiency after 800 bends (R = 5 mm). This work highlights the effectiveness of guest polymer on simultaneously improving photovoltaic performance, photostability and mechanical stability in all‐PSCs.
Local Heating Induced Single‐Crystalline Phase Control in Electrochemical Synthesis of Nanomaterials
Authors: Lee Myoung Won , Park Joon Ho , Cho Sung‐Eun , Ahn Hyun S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDevelopment of synthetic strategies selectively yielding single crystals is desired owing to the facet‐dependent chemical reactivities. Recent advances in electrochemical materials synthesis yielded nanomaterials that are surfactant‐free, however, typically in polycrystalline forms. In this work, an electrochemical synthetic strategy selectively yielding single‐crystalline nanoparticles by implementation of surface‐selective heating of the working electrode is developed. Single crystals of copper, silver, gold, and platinum are afforded, and the crystallinity verified by electron diffraction and chemical reactivity studies. Notably, Cu (100) surface prepared by electrochemical synthesis yielded high single product selectivity when applied to electrochemical CO2 reduction catalysis.
“Multi‐in‐One” Yolk‐Shell Structured Nanoplatform Inducing Pyroptosis and Antitumor Immune Response Through Cascade Reactions
Authors: Wang Yu‐Ying , Li Shu‐Lan , Zhang Xiao‐Yang , Jiang Feng‐Lei , Guo Qing‐Lian , Jiang Peng , Liu Yi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPyroptosis, a new mode of regulatory cell death, holds a promising prospect in tumor therapy. The occurrence of pyroptosis can trigger the release of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and activate the antitumor immune response. Moreover, enhancing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation can effectively induce pyroptosis. Herein, an integrated nanoplatform (hCZAG) based on zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) with Cu2+ and Zn2+ as active nodes and glucose oxidase (GOx) loading is constructed to evoke pyroptosis. GOx can effectively elevate intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels to regulate the unfavorable tumor microenvironment (TME). Cu2+ can be reduced to Cu+ by endogenous overexpressed GSH and both Cu2+ and Cu+ can exert Fenton‐like activity to promote ROS generation and amplify oxidative stress. In addition, the accumulation of Cu2+ leads to the aggregation of lipoylated dihydrolipoamide S‐acetyltransferase (DLAT), thus resulting in cuproptosis. Notably, the outburst of ROS induced by hCZAG activates Caspase‐1 proteins, leads to the cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD), and induces pyroptosis. Pyroptosis further elicits an adaptive immune response, leading to immunogenic cell death (ICD). This study provides effective strategies for triggering pyroptosis‐mediated immunotherapy and achieving improved therapeutic effects.
Polymorphs of Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide: Optoelectronic Properties and Detection Using Raman
Authors: Yaghoubi Alireza , Hao Xiaojing 
Published: February 2024

Despite its growing popularity as a solar material, there is no comprehensive reference to aid with determining various polymorphs of copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) in the lab. Understanding the diverse electronic, optical and vibrational properties of these polymorphs is crucial to further enhance the conversion efficiency of CZTS solar cells. Here, findings are presented that suggest the effective hole mass in a monoclinic polymorph, that is likely to form along with the more commonly reported tetragonal variations, is about 10 times heavier than that of its tetragonal counterparts, thereby affecting key attributes such as carrier transport and concentration. Among tetragonal polymorphs, the so‐called primitive mixed CuAu (PMCA) arrangement is likely to undergo a direct‐indirect gap transition due to internal strains. Optical absorption between different polymorphs could also vary by up to 90% in the visible spectrum. Finally, accurate Raman footprint of each polymorph is predicted to help establish a definitive method for their detection. From a modeling perspective, Becke‐Lee‐Yang‐Parr with spin‐orbit coupling is shown to be a superior yet 100X faster alternative to hybrid functionals when applied to studying electronic structure of CZTS.
A semi‐empirical approach for determining the number density and void fraction of acoustic cavitation bubbles in sono‐reactors
Authors: Dehane Aissa , Merouani Slimane 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA new semi‐empirical technic has been established relying on the linkage between the chemistry in the bulk liquid and that taking place in the acoustic cavitation bubble. The open‐source COPASI software has been used for the optimization of number density according to the total yield of a single bubble and the fitting of the experimental yield of hydrogen peroxide in the sonicated solution. It was observed that the number density is increased with the rise of ultrasound frequency from 200 to 1140 kHz, independently of the saturating gas nature (O2, Ar or air). Within this range of wave frequencies, i.e. from 200 to 1140 kHz, the number of active bubbles goes up from 9.35 × 107 to 3.65 × 1015 L−1 s−1. On the other side, it has been demonstrated that the number density obtained under air atmosphere is greater than that resulting either under argon or oxygen‐saturating gas. Interestingly, with respect to the saturating gas nature (O2, Ar, air) and the range of ultrasound frequency (200–1140 kHz), it was observed that the increase of number density was not necessarily accompanied by a proportional increase of void fraction (total volume of bubbles).
Characterizing large‐scale preferential flow across Continental United States
Authors: Kocian Leah , Mohanty Binayak P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUnderstanding preferential flow (PF) at large scales is critical for improving land management and groundwater (GW) quality. However, limited knowledge of this process, due to soil surface heterogeneity and observational constraints, hampers progress. In this study, we propose estimating effective PF at remote sensing footprint scale (4–9 km) by examining its impact on soil moisture (SM) distribution and shallow groundwater (SGW) table fluctuations (depth 5 m). Effective PF encompasses macropore, funnel, and finger flow pathways influencing SGW table fluctuations. We compiled daily SGW observations (2019–2021) from 19 Continental United States (CONUS) sites through United States Geological Survey. Using inverse modeling in HYDRUS‐1D, SGW data, and climate hazards group infrared precipitation with station data precipitation, we inversely estimated soil hydraulic parameters of the dual‐porosity model (DPM) simulating vertical flow from soil surface to subsurface. Effective PF presence was inferred using three criteria: (1) daily precipitation equal to or exceeding the site‐specific average across multiple (calibration) years, (2) daily observed SGW table increase, and (3) daily difference between observed and DPM simulated SGW tables 50% of the site‐specific root mean square error. Leveraging optimized DPM parameters and associated soil texture, classified PF events, and soil moisture active passive (SMAP L3E) satellite‐based SM, a random forest algorithm with 10‐fold cross validation predicted large‐scale effective PF events. Results indicate seasonal dependence, with spring having the highest occurrence of PF events. The random forest model achieved 98% accuracy in predicting large‐scale PF events, with SMAP SM and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) among the four most impactful variables. Our approach provides a soil hydraulic property, site characteristic, soil texture, and remote sensing‐based generalized tool to analyze large‐scale effective PF.
The rise of single‐cell transcriptomics in yeast
Authors: Nadal‐Ribelles Mariona , Solé Carme , de Nadal Eulalia , Posas Francesc 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe field of single‐cell omics has transformed our understanding of biological processes and is constantly advancing both experimentally and computationally. One of the most significant developments is the ability to measure the transcriptome of individual cells by single‐cell RNA‐seq (scRNA‐seq), which was pioneered in higher eukaryotes. While yeast has served as a powerful model organism in which to test and develop transcriptomic technologies, the implementation of scRNA‐seq has been significantly delayed in this organism, mainly because of technical constraints associated with its intrinsic characteristics, namely the presence of a cell wall, a small cell size and little amounts of RNA. In this review, we examine the current technologies for scRNA‐seq in yeast and highlight their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, we explore opportunities for developing novel technologies and the potential outcomes of implementing single‐cell transcriptomics and extension to other modalities. Undoubtedly, scRNA‐seq will be invaluable for both basic and applied yeast research, providing unique insights into fundamental biological processes.
Contest Political Ritualism
Authors: Braithwaite John 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRelentless civil society activism is a remedy to the ritualism of states promising big and delivering poorly on crisis amelioration. Regulation must be a human, relational craft. Centralized bureaucracies that over-prioritize desk audits and risk measurement that dates quickly as it feeds into algorithmic regulation are a risk. Detective skills and relational skills of street-level inspectors must be re-prioritized.
In His Own Words: Epilogue and Reflexions
Authors: Schopper Herwig , Gillies James 
Published: February 2024

AbstractYou may ask me whether, when looking back, I consider my long life of 100 years to be a happy one, and am I satisfied with the outcome? Despite many up and downs, and a very difficult period during and after the Second World War, the answer is yes. I have been privileged to have had a joyful youth, a long and happy marriage, and a wonderful family (Chap. 1). Through a mixture of good fortune and good health, I have frequently found myself in a position to make decisions regarding areas of science and other fields that I have always felt passionately about. Science, of course, has always been at the centre of my life. In this final chapter, I would like to reflect on the essential points, and share some conclusions drawn from my long experience of a changing world.
Controlling Induction: Practices and Reflections in David Brewster’s Optical Studies
Authors: Steinle Friedrich 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis chapter focuses on the process of learning from experiments or observation by induction, broadly understood. It examines how this process has been both conceived and practiced as more or less rigorous and more or less strictly controlled in its various steps. Rigor and control might appear on many levels, such as conceiving and performing the experiment or drawing conclusions from its outcomes. They secure or enhance the reliability of the inductive process and its results. The chapter begins with a specific example of eighteenth-century optical research. The historical case serves as illustration of three theses. First, experimental control in the physical sciences has different dimensions, which are connected to different experimental traditions. Second, the ways experimental control was practiced and reflected in historical cases are related to specific epistemic goals. Third, in nineteenth-century experimental optics, at least two different traditions of experimental control and rigor were intertwined, which gave rise to most remarkable optical achievements.
A “Careful Examination of All Kind of Phenomena”: Methodology and Psychical Research at the End of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Cristalli Claudia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWhat does psychical research teach us about the development of control strategies, not only in terms of improved experimental settings but also as criteria for data collection and interpretation? In this paper, I explore this question with the help of three historical cases: (1) Michael Faraday’s 1853, experiments on table turning, (2) Robert Hare’s Experimental Investigations on Spiritual Manifestations (1855), and (3) the later attempts at analysing telepathic phenomena statistically, as it was theorized by Edmund Gurney (1884, 1886) and criticized by Charles S. Peirce (1887). These cases do not aim to exhaust the topic of psychical research and of its methodological issues, but rather to point at methodological ideas as they emerge from the actors’ strategies and practices. Eventually, psychical research allows to investigate such methodologies all while acknowledging that their framing happens on the backdrop of religious, social and institutional concerns.
From the Determination of the Ohm to the Discovery of Argon: Lord Rayleigh’s Strategies of Experimental Control
Authors: Christopoulou Vasiliki , Arabatzis Theodore 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTheory and experiment went hand in hand in the work of Lord Rayleigh, in which the quest for rigor was a ubiquitous theme. To Rayleigh’s mind, though, and in contrast to mathematicians, physicists could proceed in their investigations without seeking absolute rigor. In his experimental practice, pursuing rigor involved the application of control strategies, which pervaded his work at various levels. Moreover, experimental control had various aims, such as standardizing measurement units in determining the ohm and validating experimental results in the discovery of argon. In the former case, Rayleigh and his team varied the design of their apparatus to control the experimental conditions. Dealing with errors was the main aim of their control practices and lay at the heart of their methodology. In the latter case, control was present in every step of the discovery process: the detection of discrepancies between the densities of atmospheric and “chemical” nitrogen, the identification of argon as a constituent of the atmosphere, and the subsequent exploration of its properties. The aim of this paper is to investigate and contrast the strategies of control employed in those two cases and to clarify their various purposes.
Public perceptions of the use of artificial intelligence in Defence: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Hadlington Lee , Karanika-Murray Maria , Slater Jane , Binder Jens , Gardner Sarah , Knight Sarah 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThere are a wide variety of potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in Defence settings, ranging from the use of autonomous drones to logistical support. However, limited research exists exploring how the public view these, especially in view of the value of public attitudes for influencing policy-making. An accurate understanding of the public’s perceptions is essential for crafting informed policy, developing responsible governance, and building responsive assurance relating to the development and use of AI in military settings. This study is the first to explore public perceptions of and attitudes towards AI in Defence. A series of four focus groups were conducted with 20 members of the UK public, aged between 18 and 70, to explore their perceptions and attitudes towards AI use in general contexts and, more specifically, applications of AI in Defence settings. Thematic analysis revealed four themes and eleven sub-themes, spanning the role of humans in the system, the ethics of AI use in Defence, trust in AI versus trust in the organisation, and gathering information about AI in Defence. Participants demonstrated a variety of misconceptions about the applications of AI in Defence, with many assuming that a variety of different technologies involving AI are already being used. This highlighted a confluence between information from reputable sources combined with narratives from the mass media and conspiracy theories. The study demonstrates gaps in knowledge and misunderstandings that need to be addressed, and offers practical insights for keeping the public reliably, accurately, and adequately informed about the capabilities, limitations, benefits, and risks of AI in Defence.