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Found 6374 publications

Investigating the effect of two-state approaches on students’ understanding of quantum measurement: A quasiexperimental field study

Publication Name: Physical Review Physics Education Research

Publication Date: 2025-07-01

Volume: 21

Issue: 2

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

With the rise of quantum computing, interest has grown in using two-state quantum systems (qubits) at the secondary level to foster students’ conceptual understanding. Quantum measurement, in particular, is central to quantum theory and its accurate conceptualization by students is crucial for grasping fundamental quantum principles. However, instructional methods typically make use of different contexts (i.e., different two-state systems), significantly affecting students’ conceptual development in quantum physics. In this paper, we report findings from a cluster-randomized field trial involving 181 students taught through three inquiry-based, two-state approaches: the which-path-encoded single-photon, the polarization, and the double-well potential approach. All three approaches supported students’ conceptual development, yet students taught using photon polarization and the double-well potential significantly outperformed those participating in a course following the which-path-encoded single-photon approach. Our findings indicate that students participating in the which-path-encoded single-photon approach often retain mixed-thinking frameworks, whereas those taught with photon polarization or the double-well potential approaches were more likely to develop toward quantum thinking. Thus, our findings underpin how influential the choice of (experimental) context is on students’ conceptual development (also) in quantum physics.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1103/15rm-rlnj

Molecular phylogeny of the operculated land snail family Pupinidae (Caenogastropoda, Cyclophoroidea) in mainland Southeast Asia

Publication Name: Zoologica Scripta

Publication Date: 2025-07-01

Volume: 54

Issue: 4

Page Range: 526-547

Description:

The operculated land snail family Pupinidae from mainland Southeast Asia has been systematically revised based on shell morphology. Despite previous morphological studies, the evolutionary relationships within this family remained unclear. This study represents the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of this snail group, utilising two mitochondrial (COI and 16S rRNA) and two nuclear (5.8S rRNA + ITS2 and 28S rRNA) genetic markers. Additionally, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of Pupina species from 1106 loci generated through double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq). It turned out that Southeast Asian Pollicaria emerged as a sister clade to Central American Aperostoma of the Megalomastomatidae, leading to the resurrection of the Pollicariidae. Among the remaining pupinid genera, Tortulosa was nested within the Coptocheilus clade, while Pupina and Pupinella were not monophyletic. The previously recognised Pupina arula species group was found to be monophyletic and was reclassified into Tylotoechus (formerly a Pupina subgenus), based on distinctive conchological characters such as an extending parietal tooth from a parietal callus and a wide, outward-curving posterior canal. However, some Pupina and Tylotoechus species were not retrieved as monophyletic, suggesting the presence of multiple ‘cryptic species’. Divergence time estimation indicated that the Pupinidae split could date back to the Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous, with the first diversification of pupinid genera occurring during the Middle Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. This successful reconstruction of a robust phylogeny using ddRADseq loci demonstrates the significant potential of RADseq techniques in elucidating the evolutionary relationships of deeply divergent taxa. Further studies incorporating the type species Tylotoechus destructus and Pupina keraudrenii are necessary to justify the usage of these genera.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12727

Crude oil Price forecasting: Leveraging machine learning for global economic stability

Publication Name: Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Publication Date: 2025-07-01

Volume: 216

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The volatility of the energy market, particularly crude oil, significantly impacts macroeconomic indices, such as inflation, economic growth, currency exchange rates, and trade balances. Accurate crude oil price forecasting is crucial to risk management and global economic stability. This study examines various models, including GARCH (1,1), Vanilla LSTM, GARCH (1,1) LSTM, and GARCH (1,1) GRU, to predict Brent crude oil prices using different time frequencies and sample periods. The LSTM and GARCH (1,1)-GRU hybrid models showed superior performance, with LSTM slightly better in predictive accuracy and GARCH (1,1)-GRU in minimizing squared errors. These findings emphasize the importance of precise crude oil price forecasting for the global energy market and manufacturing sectors that rely on crude oil prices. Accurate forecasting helps ensure economic sustainability and stability and prevents disruptions to production and distribution chains in both developed and emerging economies. Policymakers may choose to implement energy security measures in response to the significant impact of crude oil price volatility on the macroeconomic indicators. These measures could include maintaining strategic reserves, diversifying energy sources, and decreasing the dependence on volatile oil markets. By doing so, a country's ability to handle oil price fluctuations and ensure a stable energy supply can be enhanced.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124133

Investigation of Convective and Radiative Heat Transfer of 21700 Lithium-Ion Battery Cells

Publication Name: Batteries

Publication Date: 2025-07-01

Volume: 11

Issue: 7

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Due to their high energy density and power potential, 21700 lithium-ion battery cells are a widely used technology in hybrid and electric vehicles. Efficient thermal management is essential for maximizing the performance and capacity of Li-ion cells in both low- and high-temperature operating conditions. Optimizing thermal management systems remains critical, particularly for long-range and weight-sensitive applications. In these contexts, passive heat dissipation emerges as an ideal solution, offering effective thermal regulation with minimal additional system weight. This study aims to deepen the understanding of passive heat dissipation in 21700 battery cells and optimize their performance. Special emphasis is placed on analyzing heat transfer and the relative contributions of convective and radiative mechanisms under varying temperature and discharge conditions. Laboratory experiments were conducted under controlled environmental conditions at various discharge rates, ranging from 0.5×C to 5×C. A 3D-printed polymer casing was applied to the cell to enhance thermal dissipation, designed specifically to increase radiative heat transfer while minimizing system weight and reliance on active cooling solutions. Additionally, a numerical model was developed and optimized using experimental data. This model simulates convective and radiative heat transfer mechanisms with minimal computational demand. The optimized numerical model is intended to facilitate further investigation of the cell envelope strategy at the module and battery pack levels in future studies.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/batteries11070246

Investigation of the Effect of a New Type of Copper–Sucrose Complex Compound on the Yield and Quality Parameters of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Publication Name: Agronomy

Publication Date: 2025-07-01

Volume: 15

Issue: 7

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

We conducted experiments on winter wheat grown in copper-deficient soil, where soil tests revealed a more pronounced deficiency in the deeper layers. As climate change reduces precipitation, plants increasingly rely on nutrients from these deeper layers. A copper–sucrose complex—previously unused in agriculture—was applied as a foliar spray during the tillering and flowering stages. Across the three-year average, significant increases were observed starting from the 1 kg ha−1 copper dose in yield, from 0.3 kg ha−1 in crude protein content, and from 0.5 kg ha−1 in wet gluten content compared to the untreated control. For all three parameters, the highest values were achieved with the 2 kg ha−1 dose. Yield increased by 1.03 t ha−1, crude protein by 0.9%, and wet gluten by 2.3% relative to the control. In 2019, high humidity and favorable temperatures during flowering led to fungal infections in control plots, with DON toxin concentrations exceeding the regulatory safety threshold. Following copper–sucrose complex application, DON levels dropped below this threshold, demonstrating a measurable protective effect.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/agronomy15071506

Social capital as a driver of e-commerce development: Evidence from European panel data analysis

Publication Name: Equilibrium Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy

Publication Date: 2025-06-30

Volume: 20

Issue: 2

Page Range: 681-712

Description:

Research background:E-commerce is a key driver of global economic growth, influenced by technological, economic, and social factors. While prior research has focused on economic andtechnological determinants, the macroeconomic role of social capital—defined by trust, norms, and networks—remains underexplored. Social capital reduces transaction uncertainty, strengthens consumer trust, and facilitates business expansion, yet its cross-national impact on e-commerce adoption requires further investigation. Purpose of the article: This study examines how social capital influences e-commerce development in European countries, exploring whether higher levels of social capital contribute to greater e-commerce adoption and transaction intensity while accounting for economic factors such as GDP per capita and disposable income. Methods: The study analyses panel data from 28 European countries (2015–2023) using the Social Capital Index (SCI) to measure national trust and networks. E-commerce activity is assessed based on online purchase participation and business turnover from digital sales. Panel data models with fixed and random effects are applied to examine the relationship between social capital and e-commerce adoption. Findings & value added: The results confirm that social capital significantly influences e-commerce adoption. Countries with stronger trust networks and social cohesion see higher participation in digital commerce. Economic conditions, including GDP per capita and disposable income, moderate this effect, with wealthier nations benefiting more from trustdriven e-commerce expansion. The study underscores the importance of fostering social capital to enhance consumer confidence, lower transaction costs, and promote sustainable digital market growth, offering policy recommendations to strengthen trust mechanisms and support e-commerce ecosystems.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.24136/eq.3781

Fire simulation of different complex geometry tree objects using FDS

Publication Name: Pollack Periodica

Publication Date: 2025-06-27

Volume: 20

Issue: 2

Page Range: 67-72

Description:

Fire simulations are becoming more and more widely used in fire protection practices. In order to achieve more accurate results, it is inevitable that simulations are always developed. This study investigates the fire behavior of various complex wooden geometries. This research aims to enhance the understanding of fire propagation of different geometries made of wood. The simulations are performed using fire dynamics simulator, which incorporates heat transfer, combustion, and fluid dynamics principles. Key parameters like temperature and heat release rate are analyzed for each of tree geometries. The research contributes to the development of more accurate fire models. It also provides the basis for further development of simulations including more complex geometries.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/606.2024.01225

Sensitivity analysis and optimization of pier shape scour prediction using HEC-RAS

Publication Name: Pollack Periodica

Publication Date: 2025-06-27

Volume: 20

Issue: 2

Page Range: 8-15

Description:

Scour around bridge piers threatens bridge stability. This study uses the Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System to improve depth estimates for various pier shapes. The Colorado State University and Froehlich equations were tested with a one-dimensional model calibrated for circular, square, rectangular, oblong, oval, and cylindrical piers. Sensitivity analysis identified coefficients K2, K3, flow velocity, and depth as key factors, with K2 being most significant. The Colorado State University equation overestimated scour depths, especially for square piers. The Froehlich method provided more accurate predictions, confirming the system’s value in hydraulic modeling for bridge stability analysis.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/606.2024.01211

MANAGING SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR EX-COMBATANTS: EVALUATING EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH КРІ METHODOLOGY

Publication Name: Polish Journal of Management Studies

Publication Date: 2025-06-25

Volume: 31

Issue: 1

Page Range: 248-263

Description:

The management of the ex-combatants’ social protection is analysed using the KPI methodology. For this analysis, five blocks of indicators are adapted: “input” – funding allocated to ex-combatants’ social protection; “output” – ex-combatants’ participation in social programs; “activity” – funding per recipient and final performance of social protection; “mechanism” – administrative efforts required to achieve the intended outcomes; “control” – effectiveness of ex-combatants’ social protection compared to other population groups. The methodology has been tested in Ukraine using a system of 28 indicators available in 2020-2023. The lowest efficiency is typical for input indicators, mainly support programs funding (0.153 in 2022), the highest values were observed for activities indicators (ranging from 0,609 to 0.871). However, the essential distance from maximum level of 1.0 is obvious for all indicators. This approach allows for identifying existing gaps and opportunities to improve public management of ex-combatants’ social protection.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.17512/pjms.2025.31.1.14