bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Brief Review of MoO3 and MoO3-Based Materials and Recent Technological Applications in Gas Sensors, Lithium-Ion Batteries, Adsorption, and Photocatalysis
Authors: da Silva Júnior Mário Gomes , Arzuza Luis Carlos Costa , Sales Herbet Bezerra , Farias Rosiane Maria da Costa , Neves Gelmires de Araújo , Lira Hélio de Lucena , Menezes Romualdo Rodrigues
Published: December 2023

Molybdenum trioxide is an abundant natural, low-cost, and environmentally friendly material that has gained considerable attention from many researchers in a variety of high-impact applications. It is an attractive inorganic oxide that has been widely studied because of its layered structure, which results in intercalation ability through tetrahedral/octahedral holes and extension channels and leads to superior charge transfer. Shape-related properties such as high specific capacities, the presence of exposed active sites on the oxygen-rich structure, and its natural tendency to oxygen vacancy that leads to a high ionic conductivity are also attractive to technological applications. Due to its chemistry with multiple valence states, high thermal and chemical stability, high reduction potential, and electrochemical activity, many studies have focused on the development of molybdenum oxide-based systems in the last few years. Thus, this article aims to briefly review the latest advances in technological applications of MoO3 and MoO3-based materials in gas sensors, lithium-ion batteries, and water pollution treatment using adsorption and photocatalysis techniques, presenting the most relevant and new information on heterostructures, metal doping, and non-stoichiometric MoO3−x.
A Review on Carrier Mobilities of Epitaxial Graphene on Silicon Carbide
Authors: Norimatsu Wataru
Published: December 2023

Graphene growth by thermal decomposition of silicon carbide (SiC) is a technique that produces wafer-scale, single-orientation graphene on an insulating substrate. It is often referred to as epigraphene, and has been thought to be suitable for electronics applications. In particular, high-frequency devices for communication technology or large quantum Hall plateau for metrology applications using epigraphene are expected, which require high carrier mobility. However, the carrier mobility of as-grown epigraphene exhibit the relatively low values of about 1000 cm2/Vs. Fortunately, we can hope to improve this situation by controlling the electronic state of epigraphene by modifying the surface and interface structures. In this paper, the mobility of epigraphene and the factors that govern it will be described, followed by a discussion of attempts that have been made to improve mobility in this field. These understandings are of great importance for next-generation high-speed electronics using graphene.
Theoretical Investigation on Indirect Tensile Strength of Concrete with Rectangular Cross-Section under Locally Distributed Load
Authors: Wang Ziran , Xu Jialin , Sun Linhao , Yue Jinchao , Zang Quansheng
Published: December 2023

The indirect tensile test plays a crucial role in experimental investigations of brittle material properties. In this study, a mechanical analysis model of the rectangular test block is established based on the theory of elastic mechanics for the characteristics of the indirect tensile test. The theoretical solution of the triangular series is derived for the rectangular test block under the locally distributed load. The finite element simulation results and splitting test results were compared with the theoretical results. The results of the study verify the accuracy of the theoretical solutions. Based on the proposed analytical solution, the effects of loading width and length-to-height ratio (h/l) of local loading on the measured tensile strength of test block are discussed. The results demonstrate that the tensile strength of the test block increases as the loading width expands, and the rate of growth in the recorded tensile strength gradually stabilizes. The variation in loading width affects the location of crack initiation points during the concrete test block splitting tests. When the loading width exceeds 6% of the side length of test block, the cracking point is positioned at the center of test block, ensuring the effectiveness of the splitting test. As the length-to-height ratio of the test block increases, there is a general upward trend in the measured tensile strength. When h/l < 0.6, the measured tensile strength initially increases before decreasing. However, when h/l > 0.6, the measured tensile strength consistently increases, with the rate of increase gradually diminishing until it stabilizes. The length-to-height ratio also significantly influences the location of the cracking point in the test block. As the length-to-height ratio increases, the cracking point initially shifts from around the center to the central point and then further from the center toward the edge. To ensure that the location of the crack initiation point is in the center of the specimen and that the tensile strength is close to the measured result, the length to height ratio can be chosen at around 0.85.
Trust in Artificial Intelligence: Modeling the Decision Making of Human Operators in Highly Dangerous Situations
Authors: Venger Alexander L. , Dozortsev Victor M.
Published: December 2023

A prescriptive simulation model of a process operator’s decision making assisted with an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm in a technical system control loop is proposed. Situations fraught with a catastrophic threat that may cause unacceptable damage were analyzed. The operators’ decision making was interpreted in terms of a subjectively admissible probability of disaster and subjectively necessary reliability of its assessment, which reflect the individual psychological aspect of operator’s trust in AI. Four extreme decision-making strategies corresponding to different ratios between the above variables were distinguished. An experiment simulating a process facility, an AI algorithm and operator’s decision making strategy was held. It showed that depending on the properties of a controlled process (its dynamics and the hazard onset’s speed) and the AI algorithm characteristics (Type I and II error rate), each of such strategies or some intermediate strategy may prove to be more beneficial than others. The same approach is applicable to the identification and analysis of sustainability of strategies applied in real-life operating conditions, as well as to the development of a computer simulator to train operators to control hazardous technological processes using AI-generated advice.
The Cold-Brittleness Regularities of Low-Activation Ferritic-Martensitic Steel EK-181
Authors: Polekhina Nadezhda , Osipova Valeria , Litovchenko Igor , Spiridonova Kseniya , Akkuzin Sergey , Chernov Vyacheslav , Leontyeva-Smirnova Mariya , Degtyarev Nikolay , Moroz Kirill , Kardashev Boris
Published: December 2023

The behavior of the EK-181 low-activation ferritic-martensitic reactor steel (Fe–12Cr–2W–V–Ta–B) in the states with different levels of strength and plastic properties after traditional heat treatment (THT) and after high-temperature thermomechanical treatment (HTMT) in the temperature range from −196 to 25 °C, including the range of its cold brittleness (ductile–brittle transition temperature, DBTT) is studied. The investigations are carried out using non-destructive acoustic methods (internal friction, elasticity) and transmission and scanning electron microscopy methods. It is found that the curves of temperature dependence of internal friction (the vibration decrement) of EK-181 steel after THT and HTMT are similar to those of its impact strength. Below the ductile–brittle transition temperature, it is characterized by a low level of dislocation internal friction. The temperature dependence curves of the steel elastic modulus increase monotonically with the decreasing temperature. In this case, the value of Young’s modulus is structure-sensitive. A modification of the microstructure of EK-181 steel as a result of HTMT causes its elastic modulus to increase, compared to that after THT, over the entire temperature range under study. The electron microscopic studies of the steel microstructure evolution near the fracture surface of the impact samples (in the region of dynamic crack propagation) in the temperature range from −196 to 100 °C reveal the traces of plastic deformation (increased dislocation density, fragmentation of the martensitic structure) at all of the temperatures under study, including those below the cold brittleness threshold of EK-181 steel.
A Novel Chalcopyrite Depressant for Selective Separation of Molybdenite from Cu-Mo Sulfide Ores and Its Interaction Mechanisms
Authors: Lin Yuemeng , Xu Wentao , Jiang Lishuai , Han Baisui , Yang Mengyue
Published: December 2023

In this study, GX2 was applied as a new high-efficiency chalcopyrite depressant to selectively separate molybdenite from Cu-Mo sulfide ores. The flotation performance and its interaction mechanisms with chalcopyrite and molybdenite were investigated using single-mineral and artificial-mixed-ore flotation, contact angle measurements, zeta-potential measurements, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray optoelectronic spectrum analysis. The results indicated that molybdenite could be selectively separated from chalcopyrite under the optimal flotation conditions of pH 9.0, 80 mg/L GX2, 20 mg/L kerosene, 10 mg/L MIBC, and a flotation time of 3 min, while the molybdenite and chalcopyrite recoveries were around 90% and 5%, respectively. It was confirmed that GX2 could save ten times the depressant dosage compared to that of the Na2S baseline to achieve a similar separation efficiency. The contact angle test, zeta potential, infrared spectrum, and XPS results show that GX2 may be adsorbed on the surface of chalcopyrite via chemical adsorption, and the hydrophilic substances formed change its hydrophobicity, whereas the effect on the floatability of molybdenite is small, resulting in the excellent separation efficiency of chalcopyrite and molybdenite via flotation.
Enhanced Flotation of Dolomite Particles by Grinding with Short Cylindrical Media
Authors: Ren Shuai , Wang Cong , Gao Zhiyong , Xu Shihong
Published: December 2023

In the field of mineral processing, the successful flotation of target minerals requires sufficient liberation through grinding. The aim of this paper is to compare and evaluate the performance of ball versus short cylindrical media for comminution of dolomite by point and line contact, respectively. The results of the grinding experiments indicate that short cylinders generate more angular particles with intermediate sizes and exhibit a higher grinding efficiency compared to balls. The Population Balance Model demonstrates the distribution of broken fragment sizes during the breaking stage for each size range. The results of the DEM (discrete element method) grinding simulation are consistent with the experimental findings in terms of the distribution of particle sizes, the shape of the particles, and the distribution of broken fragment sizes. Furthermore, short cylinders selectively produce more active {104} crystal surface of dolomite, which possess a higher adsorption capacity with collectors and are preferentially floated as the concentrate. In reverse flotation for removal of dolomite, tests confirm that the products obtained from grinding with short cylinders exhibit a higher flotation recovery of dolomite compared to those obtained from ball grinding. This study provides a reference scheme for optimizing the grinding and flotation processes of valuable minerals.
Effect of Drying Methods on Chemical and Sensory Properties of Cannabis sativa Leaves
Authors: Kwaśnica Andrzej , Pachura Natalia , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel A. , Issa-Issa Hanán , Szumny Dorota , Figiel Adam , Masztalerz Klaudia , Klemens Marta , Szumny Antoni
Published: December 2023

Hemp is used as a source of fiber, oil and bioactive substances including volatile and cannabinoid-containing substances. This paper presents, for the first time, results on the evaluation of drying methods (convective, vacuum–microwave and combined convective pre-drying and vacuum–microwave finishing drying) of hemp leaves on the qualitative and quantitative changes in secondary metabolites, including essential oils, cannabinoids and sterols. A ranking and descriptive test of hemp leaves was also performed. Drying kinetics was presented using three models, including logarithmic, Midilli and modified Page. The SPME-Arrow technique was used to determine 41 volatile compounds, of which caryophyllene, β-myrcene and α-humulene were dominant in dried and fresh leaves. Regarding the essential oils obtained, 64 were identified, with caryophyllene, humulene epoxide II and limonene being the dominant ones. For preserving the highest amount of oils, the best method was the convective pre-drying followed by vacuum–microwave finishing drying (CD60-VMD) combined method, where the retention of volatile compounds was 36.08%, whereas the CD70 and 240-VMD methods resulted in the highest loss of 83%. The predominant cannabinoids in fresh hemp leaves were CBDA 6.05 and CBD 2.19 mg g−1. Drying caused no change in the cannabinoid profile of the plant material. β-Sitosterol, campesterol and lupeol were dominant in the phytosterol and triterpene fractions. No changes in either quality or quantity were observed in any of the variants found.
Unveiling the Potential of B3O3 Nanoflake as Effective Transporter for the Antiviral Drug Favipiravir: Density Functional Theory Analysis
Authors: Zahid Muhammad Nauman , Kosar Naveen , Sajid Hasnain , Ibrahim Khalid Elfaki , Gatasheh Mansour K. , Mahmood Tariq
Published: December 2023

In this study, for the first time, boron oxide nanoflake is analyzed as drug carrier for favipiravir using computational studies. The thermodynamic stability of the boron oxide and favipiravir justifies the strong interaction between both species. Four orientations are investigated for the interaction between the favipiravir and the B3O3 nanoflake. The Eint of the most stable orientation is −26.98 kcal/mol, whereas the counterpoise-corrected energy is −22.59 kcal/mol. Noncovalent interaction index (NCI) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analyses are performed to obtain insights about the behavior and the types of interactions that occur between B3O3 nanoflake and favipiravir. The results indicate the presence of hydrogen bonding between the hydrogen in the favipiravir and the oxygen in the B3O3 nanoflake in the most stable complex (FAV@B3O3-C1). The electronic properties are investigated through frontier molecular orbital analysis, dipole moments and chemical reactivity descriptors. These parameters showed the significant activity of B3O3 for favipiravir. NBO charge analysis transfer illustrated the charge transfer between the two species, and UV-VIS analysis confirmed the electronic excitation. Our work suggested a suitable drug carrier system for the antiviral drug favipiravir, which can be considered by the experimentalist for better drug delivery systems.
Gas Phase Conformation of Trisaccharides and Core Pentasaccharide: A Three-Step Tree-Based Sampling and Quantum Mechanical Computational Approach
Authors: Chen Dong , Gao Jianming , Zheng Danting , Guo Zhiheng , Zhao Zuncheng
Published: December 2023

As an important component of N-linked glycoproteins, the core pentasaccharide is highly crucial to the potential application prospect of glycoprotein. However, the gas phase conformation study is a challenging one due to the size and complexity of the molecule, together with the necessity to rely on quantum chemistry modeling for relevant energetics and structures. In this paper, the structures of the trisaccharides and core pentasaccharides in N-linked glycans in the gas phase were constructed by a three-step tree-based (TSTB) sampling. Since single point energies of all the conformers are calculated at the temperature of zero, it is necessary to evaluate the stability at a high temperature. We calculate the Gibbs free energies using the standard thermochemistry model (T = 298.15 K). For trimannose, the energetic ordering at 298.15 K can be strongly changed compared to 0 K. Moreover, two structures of trimannose with high energies at 0 K are considered to provide a much better match of IR vibration signatures with the low Gibbs free energies. On this basis, the core pentasaccharide was constructed in three ways. The building configurations of core pentasaccharide were optimized to obtain reasonable low-energy stable conformers. Fortunately, the lowest-energy structure of core pentasaccharide is eventually the minimum at 0 K and 298.15 K. Furthermore, spectrum analysis of core pentasaccharide was carried out. Although poorly resolved, its contour from the experiment was in qualitative correspondence with the computed IR spectrum associated with its minimum free energy structure. A large number of strongly and weakly hydrogen-bonded hydroxyl and acetylamino groups contribute to a highly congested set of overlapping bands. Compared with traditional conformation generators, the TSTB sampling is employed to efficiently and comprehensively obtain preferred conformers of larger saccharides with lower energy.
Synthesis and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Nitrovinylanthracenes and Related Compounds in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) and Burkitt’s Lymphoma (BL)
Authors: Byrne Andrew J. , Bright Sandra A. , McKeown James. P. , Bergin Adam , Twamley Brendan , McElligott Anthony M. , Noorani Sara , Kandwal Shubhangi , Fayne Darren , O’Boyle Niamh M. , Williams D. Clive , Meegan Mary J.
Published: December 2023

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a malignancy of the immune B lymphocyte cells and is the most common leukaemia diagnosed in developed countries. In this paper, we report the synthesis and antiproliferative effects of a series of (E)-9-(2-nitrovinyl)anthracenes and related nitrostyrene compounds in CLL cell lines and also in Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) cell lines, a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s immune B-cell lymphoma. The nitrostyrene scaffold was identified as a lead structure for the development of effective compounds targeting BL and CLL. The series of structurally diverse nitrostyrenes was synthesised via Henry–Knoevenagel condensation reactions. Single-crystal X-ray analysis confirmed the structure of (E)-9-chloro-10-(2-nitrobut-1-en-1-yl)anthracene (19f) and the related 4-(anthracen-9-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole (30a). The (E)-9-(2-nitrovinyl)anthracenes 19a, 19g and 19i–19m were found to elicit potent antiproliferative effects in both BL cell lines EBV−MUTU-1 (chemosensitive) and EBV+ DG-75 (chemoresistant) with >90% inhibition at 10 μM. Selected (E)-9-(2-nitrovinyl)anthracenes demonstrated potent antiproliferative activity in CLL cell lines, with IC50 values of 0.17 μM (HG-3) and 1.3 μM (PGA-1) for compound 19g. The pro-apoptotic effects of the most potent compounds 19a, 19g, 19i, 19l and 19m were demonstrated in both CLL cell lines HG-3 and PGA-1. The (E)-nitrostyrene and (E)-9-(2-nitrovinyl)anthracene series of compounds offer potential for further development as novel chemotherapeutics for CLL.
A Robust and Efficient FRET-Based Assay for Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands Discovery
Authors: Navarro Gemma , Sotelo Eddy , Raïch Iu , Loza María Isabel , Brea Jose , Majellaro Maria
Published: December 2023

The identification of new modulators for Cannabinoid Receptors (CBRs) has garnered significant attention in drug discovery over recent years, owing to their manifold pathophysiological implications. In the context of hit identification, the availability of robust and sensitive high-throughput screening assays is essential to enhance the likelihood of success. In this study, we present the development and validation of a Tag-lite® binding assay designed for screening hCB1/hCB2 binding, employing a dual fluorescent ligand, CELT-335. Representative ligands for CBRs, exhibiting diverse affinity and functional profiles, were utilized as reference compounds to validate the robustness and efficiency of the newly developed Tag-lite® binding assay protocol. The homogeneous format, coupled with the sensitivity and optimal performance of the fluorescent ligand CELT-335, establishes this assay as a viable and reliable method for screening in hit and lead identification campaigns.
Composition and Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Properties of the Essential Oil of the Ecuadorian Endemic Species Eugenia valvata McVaugh
Authors: Calva James , Silva Maricarmen , Morocho Vladimir
Published: December 2023

Alzheimer’s disease is a global health problem due to the scarcity of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, the basis for symptomatic treatment of this disease; this requires new approaches to drug discovery. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition and anticholinesterase activity of Eugenia valvata McVaugt (Myrtaceae) collected in southern Ecuador, which was obtained as an essential oil (EO) with a yield of 0.124 ± 0.03% (w/w); as a result of the chemical composition analysis, a total of 58 organic compounds were identified—representing 95.91% of the total volatile compounds—using a stationary phase based on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane, as analyzed via gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The main groups were hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (37.43%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (31.08%), hydrocarbon monoterpenes (24.14%), oxygenated monoterpenes (0.20%), and other compounds (3.058%). Samples were characterized by the following compounds: α-pinene (22.70%), α-humulene (17.20%), (E)-caryophyllene (6.02%), citronellyl pentanoate (5.76%), 7-epi-α-eudesmol (4.34%) and 5-iso-cedranol (3.64%); this research was complemented with an enantioselective analysis carried out using 2,3-diethyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin as a stationary phase chiral selector. As a result, α-pinene, limonene, and α-cadinene enantiomers were identified; finally, in the search for new active principles, the EO reported strong anticholinesterase activity with an IC50 of 53.08 ± 1.13 µg/mL, making it a promising candidate for future studies of Alzheimer’s disease.
Simple ePDF: A Pair Distribution Function Method Based on Electron Diffraction Patterns to Reveal the Local Structure of Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Materials
Authors: Lábár János L. , Hajagos-Nagy Klára , Das Partha P. , Gomez-Perez Alejandro , Radnóczi György
Published: December 2023

Amorphous, glassy or disordered materials play important roles in developing structural materials from metals or ceramics, devices from semiconductors or medicines from organic compounds. Their local structure is frequently similar to crystalline ones. A computer program is presented here that runs under the Windows operating system on a PC to extract pair distribution function (PDF) from electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). A polynomial correction reduces small systematic deviations from the expected average Q-dependence of scattering. Neighbor distance and coordination number measurements are supplemented by either measurement or enforcement of number density. Quantification of similarity is supported by calculation of Pearson’s correlation coefficient and fingerprinting. A rough estimate of fractions in a mixture is computed by multiple least-square fitting using the PDFs from components of the mixture. PDF is also simulated from crystalline structural models (in addition to measured ones) to be used in libraries for fingerprinting or fraction estimation. Crystalline structure models for simulations are obtained from CIF files or str files of ProcessDiffraction. Data from inorganic samples exemplify usage. In contrast to previous free ePDF programs, our stand-alone program does not need a special software environment, which is a novelty. The program is available from the author upon request.
An In Situ Chemotherapy Drug Combined with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor for Chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Yuan Xinyuan , Wang Xiupeng
Published: December 2023

Clinically, cancer chemotherapy still faces unsatisfactory efficacy due to drug resistance and severe side effects, including tiredness, hair loss, feeling sick, etc. The clinical benefits of checkpoint inhibitors have revived hope for cancer immunotherapy, but the objective response rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors remains around 10–40%. Herein, two types of copper-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MS-Cu–1 with a diameter of about 30 nm and MS-Cu–2 with a diameter of about 200 nm) were synthesized using a one-pot method. Both MS-Cu–1 and MS-Cu–2 nanoparticles showed excellent tumor microenvironment regulation properties with elevated extracellular and intracellular ROS generation, extracellular and intracellular oxygenation, and intracellular GSH depletion. In particular, MS-Cu–2 nanoparticles demonstrated a better microenvironment modulation effect than MS-Cu–1 nanoparticles. The DSF/MS-Cu composites with disulfiram (DSF) and copper co-delivery characteristics were prepared by a straightforward method using chloroform as the solvent. Cell survival rate and live/dead staining results showed that DSF and MS-Cu alone were not toxic to LLC cells, while a low dose of DSF/MS-Cu (1–10 μg/mL) showed a strong cell-killing effect. In addition, MS-Cu–2 nanoparticles released more Cu2+ in a weakly acidic environment (pH = 5) than in a physiological environment (pH = 7.4), and the Cu2+ released was 41.72 ± 0.96 mg/L in 1 h under weakly acidic conditions. UV–visible absorption spectrometry confirmed the production of tumor-killing drugs (CuETs). The intratumoral injection of DSF/MS-Cu significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo by converting nontoxic DSF/MS-Cu into toxic CuETs. The combination of DSF/MS-Cu and anti-CTLA–4 antibody further inhibited tumor growth, showing the synergistic effect of DSF/MS-Cu and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Inhaled Medicines for Targeting Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Al Khatib Arwa Omar , El-Tanani Mohamed , Al-Obaidi Hisham
Published: December 2023

Throughout the years, considerable progress has been made in methods for delivering drugs directly to the lungs, which offers enhanced precision in targeting specific lung regions. Currently, for treatment of lung cancer, the prevalent routes for drug administration are oral and parenteral. These methods, while effective, often come with side effects including hair loss, nausea, vomiting, susceptibility to infections, and bleeding. Direct drug delivery to the lungs presents a range of advantages. Notably, it can significantly reduce or even eliminate these side effects and provide more accurate targeting of malignancies. This approach is especially beneficial for treating conditions like lung cancer and various respiratory diseases. However, the journey towards perfecting inhaled drug delivery systems has not been without its challenges, primarily due to the complex structure and functions of the respiratory tract. This comprehensive review will investigate delivery strategies that target lung cancer, specifically focusing on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)—a predominant variant of lung cancer. Within the scope of this review, active and passive targeting techniques are covered which highlight the roles of advanced tools like nanoparticles and lipid carriers. Furthermore, this review will shed light on the potential synergies of combining inhalation therapy with other treatment approaches, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The goal is to determine how these combinations might amplify therapeutic results, optimizing patient outcomes and overall well-being.
Propagation Properties of Generalized Schell-Model Pulse Sources in Dispersive Media
Authors: Liu Xiayin , Cai Zhiyu , Wang Xiaogang , Xu Bijun
Published: December 2023

A model of a generalized pulse source, whose complex degree of temporal coherence is described by a function of the nth power difference of two instants, was constructed. As examples, we consider the generalized Gaussian and multi-Gaussian Schell-model pulse sources and study their propagation in dispersive media. It is indicated that such pulse beams present unique self-focusing, off-axis self-shifting and asymmetric self-splitting characteristics by adjusting the power exponent and phase parameters. Further, we explicitly discuss how the coherence time, summation factor as well as the dispersive coefficient significantly affect the self-focusing and self-shifting behaviors of the pulse beam. The results will benefit some applications involving pulse shaping, optical trapping and remote sensing.
RETRACTED: Liu et al. The Effect of Intrinsic Mechanical Properties on Reducing the Friction-Induced Ripples of Hard-Filler-Modified HDPE. Polymers 2023, 15, 268
Authors: Liu Chuanbo , Yuan Chengqing , Liu Shutian
Published: December 2023

The Polymers Editorial Office retracts the article “The Effect of Intrinsic Mechanical Properties on Reducing the Friction-Induced Ripples of Hard-Filler-Modified HDPE” [...]
Influence of Compounding Parameters on Color Space and Properties of Thermoplastics with Ultramarine Blue Pigment
Authors: Neo Puay Keong , Kitada Yuki , Deeying Jakawat , Thumsorn Supaphorn , Soon Moi Fuai , Goh Qing Sheng , Leong Yew Wei , Ito Hiroshi
Published: December 2023

The incorporation of thermoplastics with pigments imparts diverse aesthetic qualities and properties to colored thermoplastic products. The selection of pigment type and content, along with specific processing conditions, plays a pivotal role in influencing color properties and overall product performance. This study focuses on optimizing these parameters to ensure the desired color quality and product functionality. Two types of polypropylene copolymer (PPCP) with different melt flow rates (MFRs) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) were compounded with ultramarine blue pigment masterbatch (MB) in concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 wt.% using a twin-screw extruder. The compounding process was conducted at a constant screw speed of 200 rpm and a die temperature of 210 °C. The effects of screw speed and die temperature were investigated at a constant MB of 3 wt.%. Colored samples were fabricated by injection molding. Microscopic analysis revealed a well-dispersed pigment within the PPCP matrix when using the MB. Rheological properties, assessed through the power law index, confirmed effective pigment dispersion, facilitated by shear thinning behavior and controlled shear rate via the manipulation of screw speed and die temperature. The effects of masterbatch contents and processing conditions on color spaces were evaluated using CIELAB and CIELCH, with one-way ANOVA employed to identify statistical significance. Higher opacity in high-MFR PPCP and ABS resulted in increased lightness and color strength, surpassing low-MFR PPCP by 15–40% at equivalent MB contents. Masterbatch content emerged as a significant factor influencing the color spaces of all colored thermoplastics. Further analysis, including Fisher pairwise comparisons of one-way ANOVA, revealed that screw speed influenced the redness and hue of low-MFR PPCP, whereas die temperature affected the lightness and hue of high-MFR PPCP and ABS. Interestingly, the blueness and chroma of colored thermoplastics were minimally affected by both screw speed and die temperature. Notably, regardless of processing conditions, the flexural properties of colored thermoplastics remained comparable to the neat polymer when incorporated with ultramarine blue pigment masterbatch.
Depolymerization of Pine Wood Organosolv Lignin in Ethanol Medium over NiCu/SiO2 and NiCuMo/SiO2 Catalysts: Impact of Temperature and Catalyst Composition
Authors: Miroshnikova Angelina V. , Baryshnikov Sergey V. , Malyar Yuriy N. , Li Xiaomin , Alekseeva Maria V. , Kuznetsov Boris N. , Taran Oxana P.
Published: December 2023

The process of thermocatalytic conversion of pine ethanol lignin in supercritical ethanol was studied over NiCu/SiO2 and NiCuMo/SiO2 catalysts bearing 8.8 and 11.7 wt.% of Mo. The structure and composition of ethanol lignin and the products of its thermocatalytic conversion were characterized via 2D-HSQC NMR spectroscopy, GC-MC. The main aromatic monomers among the liquid products of ethanol lignin conversion were alkyl derivatives of guaiacol (propyl guaiacol, ethyl guaiacol and methyl guaiacol). The total of the monomers yield in this case was 12.1 wt.%. The temperature elevation up to 350 °C led to a slight decrease in the yield (to 11.8 wt.%) and a change in the composition of monomeric compounds. Alkyl derivatives of pyrocatechol, phenol and benzene were observed to form due to deoxygenation processes. The ratio of the yields of these compounds depended on the catalyst, namely, on the content of Mo in the catalyst composition. Thus, the distribution of monomeric compounds used in various industries can be controlled by varying the catalyst composition and the process conditions.
The Concept of God in Shaping the Use of Maqasid by Historicist Thought in Turkey: The Case of İlhami Güler and Mustafa Öztürk
Authors: Ozdemir Kardas Meryem
Published: December 2023

In the modern era, the importance of Fazlur Rahman’s method of interpreting the Qur’an, which considers the historical dimension of revelation, is significant. Fazlur Rahman advocated renewal, emphasizing the maqasid in response to the new conditions and circumstances introduced by the modern era. Many theologians and thinkers in Turkey have taken note of and reinterpreted this method. In this study, I examine the perspectives of İlhami Güler and Mustafa Öztürk, who adopt a historicist approach to understanding and interpreting the Qur’an. I explore the particular conceptions of God and humans, on which they base their historicist perspective, according to the maqasid concept. I determine that their views on God’s attribute of speech (Kalam) and God’s relationship with time/history significantly shape their conception of God. I attempt to identify the relationship between their drawing of a distinction between word and meaning in the revelation of the Qur’an (lafdh and ma’na), and their efforts to renew Sharia law. Although both thinkers adopt a historicist approach, I highlight how they differ on some issues, especially on the word–meaning issue. Nevertheless, they converge on the idea that revelations are influenced by the human conditions prevailing at their time of emergence. Moving from that proposition, they argue that, today, while preserving the fixed structure of religion, Sharia should be updated in the light of current conditions. I demonstrate how they believe in the idea, especially in the case of Güler, that while God previously changed Sharia, humans should now initiate this change. In this updating activity, maqasid serves as a link binding religion and Sharia together. I suggest that they treat maqasid as a reference point representing the essence of religion (ad-Din) for the renewal of Islamic thought today.
Impact of Livelihood Capital on the Adoption Behaviour of Integrated Agricultural Services among Farmers
Authors: Sun Tiange , Zhou Jing
Published: December 2023

Based on the sustainable livelihoods framework (DFID) and the theory of farmer behaviour, this study uses data points from 505 field-based household surveys conducted by the group in Liaoning Province in 2021–2022 to investigate the impact of livelihood capital on farmers’ adoption of integrated agricultural services (IASs). Using the entropy method and the intermediary effect model, this paper tests the mediating effect of value perceptions on the path of influence. The findings of this study show that the adoption rate of IASs is low and that farmers lack sufficient knowledge of these services. Moreover, natural, human, and social capital significantly and positively effect farmers’ IAS application behaviour. Farmers’ perceptions of economic value and ecological value also have a mediating effect on their IAS adoption. Accordingly, this paper proposes the following recommendations: attention should be given to the cultivation and publicity of IASs, policy support for IASs should be strengthened, the level of farmers’ livelihood capital should be improved, farmers should be guided to break through the constraints of their current livelihood capital, and farmers’ value perceptions should be improved enough to encourage them to take the initiative to participate in these services.
Factors Associated with Candidiasis in Pemphigus Vulgaris Patients: Results from a Retrospective Study in Two Second-Care Level Hospitals in Mexico
Authors: Tirado-Sánchez Andrés , Bonifaz Alexandro , Frías De León María Guadalupe
Published: December 2023

Background: Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV). One of the most common infections in these patients is candidiasis. This is probably due to the use of systemic immunosuppressants, including oral and intravenous corticosteroids, mainly in megadoses (pulse therapy), although it is unknown if there are other associated factors, in addition to immunosuppressive treatment. We determine the factors associated with candidiasis in PV patients in two second-care level hospitals in Mexico. Methods: We reviewed 100 cases with PV. Cases were randomly selected from the databases of two second-care level hospitals between January 2010 and December 2019 (10 years). The primary endpoint was the incidence of candidiasis in patients with PV. Results: One hundred patients with PV were enrolled in this retrospective study. Candidiasis was observed in 79 patients (79%). A maximum corticosteroid dose of 55 mg/day during the last year (p = 0.001) and a higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were associated with candidiasis in patients with PV (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Risk factors favoring candidiasis in patients with PV are not only related to the use of corticosteroids, but also to demographic factors, the activity of the disease, and the systemic inflammation associated with autoimmunity.
New approaches to generating information about intangible assets in financial statements
Authors:   Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod”, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Druzhilovskaya T.Y.
Published: December 2023

The article presents the results of a study of methodological approaches to the formation of information about intangible assets in the financial statements of organizations. The program for the development of federal accounting standards involves the adoption of a new standard dedicated to accounting reporting, which will replace the current PBU 4/99 “Accounting reporting of an organization” and will also contain rules for drawing up explanations for reporting, including additional information about accounting objects, in particular about intangible assets. In order to implement this Program, Project FSBU 4/2023 “Accounting (financial) reporting” has been developed. This article presents the results of a study of new approaches to the generation of reporting information on intangible assets contained in this Project. The results of a comparison of the rules for the formation of reporting information on intangible assets set out in the FSBU 4/2023 Project with the regulations for reflecting such information in PBU 4/99 “Accounting statements of an organization”, in Order of the Ministry of Finance of Russia No. 66n dated July 2, 2010 “On forms of financial statements of organizations” and in FAS 14/2022 “Intangible assets”. Both expedient and controversial aspects of methodological approaches to the formation of reporting information on intangible assets are substantiated. Recommendations for resolving controversial aspects are presented.
Comparative analysis of regulatory regulation of financial and non-financial corporate reporting on environmental activities of companies
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Plekhanov Russian University of Economics”, Moscow, Russia, Plaskova N.S.
Published: December 2023

The article presents a set of issues related to the formation of data on the environmental activities of enterprises, taking into account the current Russian and international regulations. A review and comparison of the practice of using environmental information to assess the performance of companies and investment attractiveness showed the need to improve methodological approaches to disclosure of financial and non-financial information in corporate reporting, as well as the development of uniform rules and regulations for reporting containing indicators of environmental and environmental activities of economic entities. A comparative analysis of the provisions of Russian and foreign standards is given and directions for improving the regulatory framework governing the procedure for the formation of environmental financial and non-financial corporate reporting are identified.
A Resident-Driven Quality Initiative for Reducing Opioid Prescribing in Patients Undergoing Elective General Surgery Procedures, With Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Lamm Ryan , Lundgren Megan , Christopher Adrienne , Woodroof Jacob , Edwards Lindsay , Kustera Christopher , Yeo Charles J. , Noonan Kristin M. , Lavu Harish , Costanzo Caitlyn , Cowan Scott
Published: December 2023

Background

The opioid epidemic has been declared a public health emergency in the United States—and major news outlets have labeled operating rooms as “unintended gateways.” In response to this emergency, our academic institution sought to decrease our contribution to the potential diversion pool—the opioids surgeons prescribe to patients which go unused.

Methods

Patients undergoing common surgical procedures between August 2017 and March 2018 were identified. Patients were contacted by phone and consented, and opioid use data was collected. The potential diversion pool was calculated as pills prescribed minus pills consumed for each patient and procedure, and subgroup analysis was performed to correlate the number of opioid pills taken within 24 hours before hospital discharge to the number taken after discharge.

Results

Surveys were completed for 357 patients. Overall, 6,831 of the 12,061 tablets prescribed were unused (57%). Patients who took 7 or more doses of oral opioids in the last 24 hours before discharge had significantly fewer (30%) pills remaining compared to patients who took 0–6 doses (68% remaining). Ninety-nine of 111 patients (89%) who took 0 tablets 24 hours prior to discharge left with an opioid prescription, creating a diversion pool of 2,419 pills remaining out of 3,353 prescribed (72%). Based on a 95% confidence interval of procedural opioid consumption, prescribing guidelines were created within a toolkit designed to set preoperative expectations, promote use of nonopioid analgesics, and provide opioid disposal information. We have continued to track our data, with low opioid prescribing patterns.

Conclusion

Surgical departments can develop opioid reduction toolkits aimed at reducing the potential diversion pool of opioids in our communities. Such toolkits have a sustained positive impact.
STUDY OF THE FOAMING PROCESS OF BITUMEN IN THE MIXER
Authors: Savichev A. , Sharapov R. , Agarkov A.
Published: December 2023

The article discusses the main ways to save material, labor and financial resources in the production of asphalt concrete mixtures. It has been shown that a promising way to save energy and reduce harmful effects on the environment is to reduce the temperature of the bitumen. A foam generator design has been proposed that allows efficient mixing of bitumen with the generated steam. To describe rheology, the article uses the Ostwald-de Waele power-law fluid model. An expression for the current function is obtained, which allows to find the characteristics of the flow of the carrier phase in the mixer, taking into account the geometric parameters of the mixer, such as the diameter and length of the pipe, the radius of the screw, and the flow parameters at the inlet to the mixer. It is shown that under the same flow conditions, in order to obtain the same flow rate in the case of a pseudoplastic fluid, it is necessary to apply a greater pressure gradient compared to a Newtonian fluid. Experimental studies are carried out on the developed laboratory installation, which make it possible to determine the rational design and technical parameters of the foamed bitumen installation, the parameters of which are changed during the experiment. A regression equation is obtained in coded form, expressing the dependence of the quality of adhesion of foamed bitumen to inert material depending on the design and technological parameters of the developed bitumen foaming device
DEVELOPMENT, RESEARCH AND PILOT INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF CARBON BLACK AGGLOMIRATION TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Shamgulov R.
Published: December 2023

The article examines the issues of agglomeration of polydisperse technogenic materials with low bulk density, in particular carbon black (CB). Patent-protected technical solutions and technology for processing organic solid technogenic materials obtained by processing MSW by low-temperature thermolysis (T≤500 C) are presented. Distinctive features of the developed technical means are: sealing loading and unloading units without access to air oxygen, geometric profile and configuration of internal working parts, a system for aspiration and condensation of a vapor-gas mixture, etc. A patent-protected design of a drum-screw unit for agglomeration of technical specifications of low-temperature thermolysis technology has been presented. Specification studies have been carried out, obtained by processing organic solid municipal waste using low-temperature thermolysis. A mechano-rheological model of the agglomeration process of the material under study has been developed. Theoretical studies of the mechano-rheological model of stage-by-stage agglomeration of polydisperse materials have been carried out. The fundamental principles of organizing technological processes of granule formation at each stage of material processing and granulate classification have been established. The necessity of using elements (Hooke, Newton, Saint-Venant, etc.) and mechano-rheological models of volumetric-spatial orientation of CB particles and agglomerated granulate constructed on their basis at various stages is substantiated. The combination of elements used in the models of Maxwell, Bingman, Shvedov, etc., at each stage of the agglomeration process is theoretically justified. On the basis of theoretical studies and modeling of stage-by-stage agglomeration processes, special devices have been developed, implemented in the patent-protected design of a combined-action drum-screw unit (DSU CA). Design documentation has been developed and a pilot industrial sample of BVA CD has been manufactured for agglomeration of technogenic polydisperse materials