bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Surface Modification Characteristics and Charge–Discharge Mechanism of Natural Serpentinite Ore Secondary Battery
Authors: Zhao Jun-Ren , Chen Kuan-Jen , Hung Fei-Yi , Tsai Yung-Yi , Wu Po-Ting
Published: December 2023

This study conducts low-vacuum sulfidation to form a sulfidation layer on the serpentinite-derived magnesium iron silicate, thereby enhancing its electrochemical properties. Results show (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 calcined at 900 °C has the best crystallinity, and the cubic FeS2 is synthesized on the surface of the orthorhombic magnesium iron silicate (MFS). Two distinct charge plateaus can be distinguished during the first charge process, and the discharge capacities increased significantly. This study confirms that the surface FeS2 layer provides extra ion pathways, allowing more lithium/magnesium ions to be extracted and inserted in the serpentinite-derived magnesium iron silicate. Accordingly, the serpentinite electrode boasts straightforward exploitation with low-cost advantages and potential.
A Phylogenetic Morphometric Investigation of Interspecific Relationships of Lyponia s. str. (Coleoptera, Lycidae) Based on Male Genitalia Shapes
Authors: Fang Chen , Yang Yuxia , Yang Xingke , Liu Haoyu
Published: December 2023

The nominate subgenus Lyponia Waterhouse, 1878 from China is reviewed, with two new species described and named L. (s. str.) ruficeps sp. n. (China, Yunnan) and L. (s. str.) zayuana sp. n. (China, Xizang). A distribution map and a key to all species of Lyponia s. str. are provided. Moreover, the phenotypic relationships among the species of Lyponia s. str. are investigated based on phallus shapes using geometric morphometric and phylogenetic morphometric analyses. The topologies demonstrate that the species are divided into two clades. One clade is composed of six species (L. ruficeps sp. n., L. zayuana sp. n., L. kuatunensis, L. shaanxiensis, L. hainanensis, and L. tamdaoensis) and is supported by a stout phallus (less than 3.6 times longer than wide). The other clade includes the remaining species (L. nepalensis, L. debilis, L. cangshanica, L. delicatula, and L. oswai) and is supported by a slender phallus (at least 4.1 times longer than wide). These results provide better understanding of the species diversity and evolution of Lyponia s. str. Nonetheless, more samples and loci are required in the future to verify the present results.
Predation Risk Effects of Lady Beetle Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius) on the Melon Aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover
Authors: Lin Xingming , Cui Xiangxin , Tang Jihong , Zhu Jiawei , Li Jinhua
Published: December 2023

Predation risk posed by natural enemies can alter pest performance. In our previous study, we found Menochilus sexmaculatus provides risk cues to melon aphids, resulting in increased numbers of winged aphids. However, the effects of predation risk on multiple traits including behavior, physiology, growth rate, and reproductive capacity of pests are not clear. This study examined the effects of predation risk on host preference, the activities of two important defense enzymes (CAT and SOD), longevity, and offspring production. The Y-tube trial results showed that the risk of M. sexmaculatus significantly altered the host preference of the aphids, leading to avoidance behavior. When exposed to M. sexmaculatus for a long period (24 h), the reproductive period and offspring production were significantly decreased, and adult longevity was significantly shortened. The defense enzyme activities of SOD and CAT, as well as the MDA content (which is considered a marker of oxidative stress and cellular damage) in the aphids, significantly increased under M. sexmaculatus risk. The compounds of M. sexmaculatus extracted with n-hexane and volatile compounds collected with HS-SPME were analyzed by GC-MS, and when combined with the behavior response experiment, the results showed that the alkane compounds n-henicosane, n-docosane, n-tricosane, n-pentacosane, and n-hentriacontane may contribute to the impact of predation risk. The results will be helpful in the comprehensive evaluation of the ability of lady beetles to affect the aphid population, and provide new ideas for using these compounds in aphid control.
Machine Learning Analysis of Gaze Data for Enhanced Precision in Diagnosing Oral Mucosal Diseases
Authors: Uchida Shuji , Hiraoka Shin-ichiro , Kawamura Kohei , Sakamoto Katsuya , Akiyama Ryo , Tanaka Susumu
Published: December 2023

The diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases is a significant challenge due to their diverse differential characteristics. Risk assessment of lesions by visual examination is a complex process due to the lack of definitive guidelines. This study aimed to improve this process by creating a diagnostic algorithm using gaze data acquired during oral mucosal disease examinations. A total of 78 dentists were included in this study. Tobii Pro Nano® (Tobii Technology) was used to acquire gaze data during clinical photographic visual examinations. Advanced analysis tools such as support vector machines and heatmaps were used to visualize the gazing tendencies of a group of skilled oral surgeons, focusing on the number of gazes per region and the gazing time ratios. The preliminary findings showed the possibility of visualizing gazing tendencies and identifying areas of importance for diagnosis. The classification of intraoral photographs based on gross features revealed the existence of an optimal examination method for each category and diagnostically significant areas. This novel approach to analyzing gaze data has the potential to refine diagnostic techniques and increase both accuracy and efficiency.
Red Blood Cell Distribution Width, Erythrocyte Indices, and Elongation Index at Baseline in a Group of Trained Subjects
Authors: Caimi Gregorio , Carlisi Melania , Presti Rosalia Lo
Published: December 2023

Background: Regular exercise elicits adaptive changes in several organs and physiological processes, including erythrocyte properties. Methods: In a group of 79 subjects (62 men and 17 women; mean age 31.37 ± 10.19 years) who trained several times a week as they practiced amateur sports, we evaluated the elongation index, markers of erythrocyte deformability, red blood cell distribution width (RDW), indicators of erythrocyte anisocytosis, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and the main erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC) in basal conditions. Results: In comparison with a group of healthy, but not training, volunteers, the values of the elongation index, and not the RDW, are increased, and this datum is accompanied by an increase in MCV and MCHC, likely related to an increased presence of circulating young erythrocytes in training subjects. We also divided the same group according to the median of the VO2max, observing that the subgroup above the median shows both an increase in the elongation index values and a decrease in MCH and MCHC. Conclusions: In trained subjects, there is no correlation between the values of the elongation index and the RDW, while the interrelations among the elongation index, RDW, and main erythrocyte indices appear to be of particular interest and of a certain complexity.
Examining the Impact of Intermediate Cooling on Mechanical Properties of 22MnB5 in a Tailored Tempering Process
Authors: Reihani Alborz , Heibel Sebastian , Schweiker Thomas , Merklein Marion
Published: December 2023

Tailoring the properties of hot-stamped components offers the potential to enhance crash performance while simultaneously improving downstream joining processes. In recent years, an innovative technology suited for achieving tailored properties involving the utilization of a specialized furnace chamber, known as the TemperBox®, has been introduced. Within this chamber, a cooled aluminum mask shields specific areas of the blank from incoming heat radiation and concurrently absorbs the blank’s own radiation. The duration of the heat radiation exchange can influence the diffusion-dependent phase transformation and, consequently, the resulting mechanical properties. Hence, the intermediate cooling duration assumes a pivotal role as a parameter, as is investigated in this study. To examine the effects, specimens of the steel 22MnB5 AS150 are subjected to intermediate cooling of varying durations, followed by forming and partial quenching. The temperature profile of the blank during intermediate cooling prior to forming and quenching is analyzed. Subsequently, the tailored hot-stamped components are assessed for hardness, strength, ductility, and thickness strain. The study reveals that with increasing duration of partial intermediate cooling and targeted radiation exchange, a homogeneous ferritic–pearlitic structure is formed from an austenitic structure. This uniform structure of ferrite and pearlite is reflected in lower hardness and strength values, along with improved ductility. Additionally, this paper introduces a simulation methodology designed to calculate the dynamics of thermal radiation and the kinetics of phase transformation.
Discovery of Prevalent Ciliophora, Discoba, and Copepoda Protists in Deep Sea Water by In Situ Nucleotide Extraction
Authors: Xu Peikuan , Yang Ming , He Lisheng , Zhang Hongxi , Gao Zhaoming , Jiang Yuelu , Wang Yong
Published: December 2023

Deep-sea eukaryotic microorganisms play a vital role in degrading organic matter and geochemically cycling elements in the deep ocean. However, the impact of sampling methods on detection of these microorganisms under high hydrostatic pressure remains uncertain. In this study, we compared a traditional water sampling method using a Niskin bottle, an in situ microbial filtration and fixation method (ISMIFF), and a multiple in situ nucleic acid collection (MISNAC) method to exhibit differences in the community structures that were collected at ~590–3100 m in the South China Sea (SCS). The classification and biodiversity indices of 18S rDNA Illumina sequencing reads from the V9 variation region revealed higher diversity for MISNAC DNA absorption column samples compared to others. Importantly, the relative abundance of Ciliophora (19.49%), Copepoda (23.31%), and Diplonemea (10.67%) was higher in MISNAC adsorption column samples, while Retaria (48.86%) were dominant in the MISNAC membrane samples. This indicates that MISNAC columns might collect more DNA in situ for the naked protists, while Retaria with a carbonate shell were more likely retained on the membrane. In conclusion, MISNAC is an effective method for DNA collection of deep-sea eukaryotic microorganisms and provides valuable materials for studying deep-sea microbial ecosystems.
Enhancing the Performance of an Oscillating Wing Energy Harvester Using a Leading-Edge Flap
Authors: Alam Maqusud , Sohn Chang Hyun
Published: December 2023

In this study, we investigated the power generation capability of an oscillating wing energy harvester featuring an actively controlled flap positioned at the wing’s leading edge. The findings revealed that attaching a leading-edge flap reduces fluid flow separation below the wing’s lower surface at the leading edge, resulting in smoother flow and increased velocity near the hinge region. The leading-edge flap increases the pressure difference across the wing’s surface, thereby enhancing the overall performance. In addition, the introduction of the leading-edge flap effectively elongates the wing’s effective projected length in the heaving direction, leading to increased thrust. We examined flap lengths ranging from 10% to 50% of the chord length, with the maximum pitch angles of the wing and flap varying from 75° to 105° and 30° to 55°, respectively. The optimal power generation was achieved using a flap length of 40% of the chord length, combined with maximum wing and flap pitch angles of 95° and 45°, respectively. These conditions yielded a 29.9% overall power output increase and a 20.2% efficiency improvement compared to the case without the leading-edge flap.
Tectonic Subsidence on the East China Coast Recorded by Magnetic Properties of Pliocene Red Clay in the Yangtze Delta
Authors: Liu Xianbin , Chen Jing , Xu Liping , Sun Xiaoli , Tan Lei , Lv Minghao , Song Jian
Published: December 2023

Thick red clay in northern China contains rich information about the uplifting of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, the drying process of Asian inland, the East Asian monsoon changes, and global cooling since 22 Ma. In comparison, the red clay widely distributed in southern China is generally much younger (<1 million years), thus limiting the paleoclimate and paleoenvironment reconstruction over a longer geological time. We conducted a comprehensive magnetic investigation on the Pliocene red clay of the core LQ11, located in the Yangtze Delta, to reveal its paleoclimate and paleoenvironment implications for the eastern China coast. Our results revealed that the Pliocene red clay in the Yangtze Delta has higher S-ratio and lower HIRM (Hard isothermal remanent magnetizations) values than Quaternary vermiculate red clay of hot–humid climate origin in southern China. This indicates a weaker transformation from maghemite to hematite during the process of pedogenesis. The lack of net-like white veins in the Pliocene red clay also indicates a relatively low intensity of pedogenesis. We believe that the Pliocene red clay, which is presently 250 m below the mean sea level, was formed in high-altitude topography before the Quaternary period, where paedogenic intensity was remarkably low. This finding shows rapid tectonic subsidence occurring on the eastern China coast since the late Pliocene and enriches the theoretical research on paleoenvironment reconstruction based on red clay.
Assessing Long-Term Lake Dynamics in Response to Climatic Variability: A Comprehensive Statistical Analysis
Authors: Krivoguz Denis , Ioshpa Alexander , Bespalova Liudmila , Zhilenkov Anton , Chernyi Sergei , Goryachev Ivan , Tsareva Polina , Voronova Anna
Published: December 2023

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate relationship between climatic factors and the dynamic changes in lakes across the Kerch Peninsula. By analyzing annual mean temperature, annual mean precipitation, and their impact on lake area, this research uncovers significant insights. Key findings include a strong inverse correlation between rising annual mean temperature and reductions in the lake area. With every 1-degree Celsius increase in temperature, the average lake area decreases by 0.302 square kilometers. The analysis indicates higher temperatures are consistently associated with diminishing lake areas, a trend commonly observed in water bodies. While annual precipitation also influences lake areas, the effect is less pronounced, with a correlation coefficient of 0.141, signifying a positive connection between the two variables. Temporal analysis reveals climate impact exhibits a one-year time lag, meaning changes in the current year’s climate manifest in alterations in lake areas in the subsequent year. Generalized Additive Models provide further insights, emphasizing the complex, non-linear nature of the relationship between climatic factors and lake areas. Pseudo-R2 values for lakes on the Kerch Peninsula range from 0.0913 to 0.2769, indicating the proportion of variability in lake area explained by the models. These values emphasize the significance of essential factors, though some unexplained variability remains. In summary, this research highlights the critical role of climate factors in shaping the dynamics of lakes in the Kerch Peninsula. The findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and adaptive management to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and other contributing factors in this region.
A Deep Learning Approach to Estimate Halimeda incrassata Invasive Stage in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Muntaner-Gonzalez Caterina , Martin-Abadal Miguel , Gonzalez-Cid Yolanda
Published: December 2023

Invasive algae, such as Halimeda incrassata, alter marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. Monitoring these changes over time is crucial for assessing the health of coastal environments and preserving local species. However, this monitoring process is resource-intensive, requiring taxonomic experts and significant amounts of time. Recently, deep learning approaches have attempted to automate the detection of certain seagrass species like Posidonia oceanica and Halophila ovalis from two different strategies: seagrass coverage estimation and detection. This work presents a novel approach to detect Halimeda incrassata and estimate its coverage, independently of the invasion stage of the algae. Two merging methods based on the combination of the outputs of an object detection network (YOLOv5) and a semantic segmentation network (U-net) are developed. The system achieves an F1-scoreof 84.2% and a Coverage Error of 5.9%, demonstrating its capability to accurately detect Halimeda incrassata and estimate its coverage independently of the invasion stage.
A Study of Soil-Borne Fusarium Wilt in Continuous Cropping Chrysanthemum Cultivar ‘Guangyu’ in Henan, China
Authors: Liu Lei , Jin Yaqiong , Chen Miaomiao , Lian Huijuan , Liu Yanyan , Yin Qianxi , Wang Hailei
Published: December 2023

Cut chrysanthemum, known as a highly favored floral choice globally, experiences a significant decline in production due to continuous cropping. The adverse physiological effects on cut chrysanthemums result from the degradation of a soil’s physical and chemical properties, coupled with the proliferation of pathogens. The “Guangyu” cultivar in Xinxiang, Henan Province, China, has been specifically influenced by these effects. First, the precise pathogen accountable for wilt disease was effectively identified and validated in this study. An analysis was then conducted to examine the invasion pattern of the pathogen and the physiological response of chrysanthemum. Finally, the PacBio platform was employed to investigate the dynamic alterations in the microbial community within the soil rhizosphere by comparing the effects of 7 years of monocropping with the first year. Findings indicated that Fusarium solani was the primary causative agent responsible for wilt disease, because it possesses the ability to invade and establish colonies in plant roots, leading to alterations in various physiological parameters of plants. Continuous cropping significantly disturbed the microbial community composition, potentially acting as an additional influential factor in the advancement of wilt.
Compliance with the Requirements of the Greek Legislation for Reporting on ESG Issues: The Case of the Paper Processing Sector
Authors: Soras Evangelos , Christopoulos Apostolos G.
Published: December 2023

We examined the extent to which companies in the paper processing sector, operating in printing, packaging, labeling, and paper bagging, comply with the requirements of Greek legislation for reporting information on ESG issues. The overall average compliance rating of the sector, which is 45.86% for the year 2021 and 46.20% for the year 2020, is below 50% (baseline), which means that the sector should improve in reporting on ESG issues. It should also be noted that there has been a deterioration in the average compliance rating between the two years. There is a very high statistically significant correlation between the compliance rating average and the average total assets (r2 = 0.897) and the average number of employees (r2 = 0.922), a high correlation, though not statistically significant, between the compliance rating average and the average results (r2 = 0.648), and a moderate statistically significant correlation between the compliance rating average and the average revenues (r2 = 0.570). There is an obvious positive relationship between holding ISO certificates and external auditor involvement and the average compliance rating of companies; these are both qualitative features favorable to effective governance. The companies that are active in paper bagging and cardboard box (food packaging) usage have also developed a greater environmentally friendly culture, which results in a higher average compliance rating in comparison with the other two activities of the sector. The companies in the region of Attica have a higher compliance rating than the companies in other regions because they operate in an environment that is much more polluted than the rest of Greece, due to its high concentration of people and companies; thus, they have become more sensitive to ESG issues. The companies that have been operating longer have also achieved a higher average compliance rating because younger companies are trying to gain market share and are not devoting their time and resources to ESG issues.
Potential Integration of Metaverse, Non-Fungible Tokens and Sentiment Analysis in Quantitative Tourism Economic Analysis
Authors: Gričar Sergej , Šugar Violeta , Baldigara Tea , Folgieri Raffaella
Published: December 2023

With the emergence of the metaverse, countries’ digital efforts to create tourism opportunities have given rise to the possibility of capitalising on digital content which, along with physical tourism experiences, can generate further income and enhance a country’s reputation. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), a unique application of blockchain technology, offer an enabling technology in several sectors, including tourism. Therefore, this study aims to explore the official tourism websites of Croatia and Slovenia and analyse current NFT applications in tourism economics. The methodology focuses explicitly on sentiment analysis, blockchain and machine learning. The paper introduces various applications currently in place, including Slovenia’s “I Feel Nft” project. The research shows that the main benefits of using NFT and sentiment analysis in the tourism economy are the promotion and presentation of major tourist destinations, exhibitions, works of art, and companies’ products in tokens, digital content and souvenirs. The adoption of sentiment analysis and NFTs in the tourism economy is still open to proposals for implementing public quantitative data metrics. Therefore, the scientific contribution of this research is essential in terms of operational recommendations and defining metrics for measuring the effectiveness of those methodologies and their applications in the tourism economy. On top of that, the practical contribution lies in monitoring the influx of tourists, and highlighting their increase over time and the significance of new technology in time series tourism research.
Large Lung Consolidation: A Rare Presentation of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Authors: Marc Monica Steluta , Pescaru Camelia Corina , Costin Emanuela Oana , Crisan Alexandru Florian , Maritescu Adelina , Pescaru Andrei , Suppini Noemi , Olteanu Gheorghe Emilian , Traila Daniel , Oancea Cristian , Manolescu Diana
Published: December 2023

Sarcoidosis is a complex inflammatory disease of uncertain origin, characterized by non-necrotizing epithelioid cell granulomas (NNEGs) affecting multiple organ systems. Although many different clinical and pathological phenotypes can be present, with different organs involved, the lung is the most common site described. In this case report, we (a) present and discuss the broad differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with a solitary lung mass with clinical and imaging features of lung cancer that ultimately was confirmed with a rare manifestation of stage II pulmonary sarcoidosis, and (b) analyze and compare similar cases from the literature.
Influence of Fines Content and Pile Surface Characteristics on the Pullout Resistance Performance of Piles
Authors: You Seungkyong , Lee Kwangwu , Hong Gigwon
Published: December 2023

In this study, the direct shear test and model pullout test results are presented to assess the impact of soil fines content and shear resistance characteristics of the pile–soil interface on the pullout resistance of drilled shafts. The direct shear test on the soil–pile interface was conducted based on the pile surface simulated using sandpaper with three roughness types (#24, #40, and #400) and varying fines content. The direct shear test results of soil showed that the internal friction angle decreased by about 29% and the cohesion increased by about 110% when the fine powder content increased from 5% to 30%. Specifically, in the case of soil–sandpaper (#24), the interface friction angle decreased by about 31%, and the adhesion increased by about 16%. The sandpaper with a roughness of #40 and #400 also showed a similar trend. Normalizing the shear strength parameters from the direct shear test demonstrated an intersection between the normalized curves of the friction angle and cohesion (or adhesion) within a specific fines content range. This suggests that shear strength parameters play a significant role based on fines content. Analyzing the normalized index using model pullout test results indicated the necessity to evaluate the contribution of friction angle and cohesion (or adhesion) of the shear surface, taking into account the fines content of the soil for predicting pile pullout resistance.
Thermodynamics of Formation and Liquid–Vapor Phase Transitions of Antimony Alloys with Selenium and Sulfur
Authors: Volodin Valeriy , Nitsenko Alina , Trebukhov Sergey , Linnik Xeniya , Gapurov Yerkebulan
Published: December 2023

The authors conducted liquid solution studies of antimony with selenium and sulfur in order to provide information on the thermodynamic functions of the formation of these alloys. The studies are based on the vapor pressure values of the components, comprising the double partial systems of antimony with antimony chalcogenides (Sb2Se3 and Sb2S3) and antimony chalcogenides with chalcogens (Se and S). We calculated the thermodynamic functions of mixing (graphical dependencies) and evaporation (tabular data) based on the partial vapor pressure values of components, which are represented by temperature–concentration dependencies. Based on the partial pressure values of melt components, we calculated the boundaries of liquid and vapor coexistence fields at atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa) and in a vacuum (0.9 kPa). We established the absence of the stratification region on the Sb2S3–S diagram due to the fact that, on state diagrams, the stratification region is indicated at temperatures above 530 °C, while the boiling point of liquid sulfur at an atmospheric pressure corresponds to 429 °C. Based on the position of the field boundaries (L + V) on the state diagrams, the separation of antimony alloys with selenium and sulfur via distillation into elements at atmospheric pressure is difficult due to the high boiling points of antimony-based alloys in a vacuum: Sb2Se3–Se melts require some number of condensate re-evaporation cycles.
The Influence of the Geometry of Movement during the Friction Process on the Change in the Tribological Properties of 30CrNiMo8 Steel in Contact with a G40 Steel Ball
Authors: Kohutiar Marcel , Krbata Michal , Escherova Jana , Eckert Maros , Mikus Pavol , Jus Milan , Polášek Miroslav , Janík Róbert , Dubec Andrej
Published: December 2023

Experiments with changes in motion geometry can provide valuable data for engineering and development purposes, allowing a better understanding of the influence of tribological factors on the performance and service life of joints. The presented subject article focused on the experimental investigation of the influence of the geometry of the movement of the friction process on the change in the tribological properties of 30CrNiMo8 steel. The friction process was carried out without the use of a lubricant in contact with a steel ball of G40 material with a diameter of 4.76 mm. The steel ball performed two types of movement on the surface of the experimental material. The first method used was ball on disc, in which the ball moved reciprocally in an oval direction at an angle of 180° on a circumferential length of 35 mm at a speed of 5 mm/s. The second method consists of the same input parameters of the measurement, with the difference that the path along which the ball moved had a linear character. The load during the experiment was set at a constant value of 50 N with 1000 repetitions. The results show that with the ball on disc method, there was an increase in wear by 147% compared to the linear test method, which was approximately a coefficient of increase in wear of 2.468. EDS analysis pointed to the occurrence of oxidative wear that affected the resulting COF values, which were lower by 8% when using the ball on disc method due to a more uniform distribution of O and C on the surface of the friction groove where these elements acted as solid microlubricants. With the ball on disc method, defects in the form of microcracks occurred, which affected the reduction in the values of the depth of the affected area of microhardness.
Enhancing Photostability of Complex Lead Halides through Modification with Antibacterial Drug Octenidine
Authors: Ozerova Victoria V. , Zhidkov Ivan S. , Emelianov Nikita A. , Korchagin Denis V. , Shilov Gennady V. , Prudnov Fedor A. , Sedov Igor V. , Kurmaev Ernst Z. , Frolova Lyubov A. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: December 2023

The high power-conversion efficiencies of hybrid perovskite solar cells encourage many researchers. However, their limited photostability represents a serious obstacle to the commercialization of this promising technology. Herein, we present an efficient method for improving the intrinsic photostability of a series of commonly used perovskite material formulations such as MAPbI3, FAPbI3, Cs0.12FA0.88PbI3, and Cs0.10MA0.15FA0.75PbI3 through modification with octenidine dihydroiodide (OctI2), which is a widely used antibacterial drug with two substituted pyridyl groups and two cationic centers in its molecular framework. The most impressive stabilizing effects were observed in the case of FAPbI3 and Cs0.12FA0.88PbI3 absorbers that were manifested in significant suppression or even blocking of the undesirable perovskite films’ recrystallization and other decomposition pathways upon continuous 110 mW/cm2 light exposure. The achieved material photostability—within 9000 h for the Oct(FA)n−1PbnI3n+1 (n = 40–400) and 20,000 h for Oct(Cs0.12FA0.88)n−1PbnI3n+1 (where n = 40–400) formulations—matches the highest values ever reported for complex lead halides. It is important to note that the stabilizing effect is maintained when OctI2 is used only as a perovskite surface-modifying agent. Using a two-cation perovskite composition as an example, we showed that the performances of the solar cells based on the developed Oct(Cs0.12FA0.88)399Pb400I1201 absorber material are comparable to that of the reference devices based on the unmodified perovskite composition. These findings indicate a great potential of the proposed approach in the design of new highly photostable and efficient light absorbers. We believe that the results of this study will also help to establish important guidelines for the rational material design to improve the operational stability of perovskite solar cells.
Laser-Directed Energy Deposition of Fe-Mn-Si-Based Shape Memory Alloy: Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Shape Memory Properties
Authors: Liu Bing , Yao Cong , Kang Jingtao , Li Ruidi , Niu Pengda
Published: December 2023

Fe-Mn-Si shape memory alloys (SMAs) have gained significant attention due to their unique characteristics. However, there remains a gap in the literature regarding the fabrication of these alloys using laser-directed energy deposition (LDED). This study fills this void, investigating the properties of Fe-Mn-Si SMAs produced by LDED. The shape memory performance of as-deposited Fe-Mn-Si SMAs was studied using a tensile method. Alloys underwent different degrees of deformation to assess their shape memory effect. Microstructural evaluations were conducted post-deformation to observe the internal structures of the alloys. The tensile tests revealed that shape recovery rates for deformation levels of 3%, 7%, 11%, and 15% were 68.1%, 44.2%, 31.7%, and 17.6%, respectively. Notably, the maximum recoverable deformation of the LDED-formed Fe-Mn-Si-based shape memory alloy reached 3.49%, surpassing the traditional deformation processing SMAs (<3%). The presence of a significant number of stacking faults was linked to the enhanced shape memory performance. The LDED technique demonstrates promising potential for the fabrication of Fe-Mn-Si SMAs, producing alloys with enhanced shape memory performance compared to traditionally processed SMAs. The study’s findings offer new insights and broaden the applicability of LDED in the field of SMAs.
Ternary Graphene Oxide and Titania Nanoparticles-Based Nanocomposites for Dye Photocatalytic Degradation: A Review
Authors: Campos-Delgado Jessica , Mendoza María Eugenia
Published: December 2023

Advanced oxidation processes stand as green alternatives for the decontamination of waste waters. Photocatalysis is an advanced oxidation process in which a semiconductor material absorbs photon energy and triggers redox reactions capable of degrading organic pollutants. Titanium dioxide (TiO2, titania) represents one of the most popular choices of photocatalytic materials, however the UV-activation of its anatase phase and its high charge recombination rate decrease its photocatalytic activity and weaken its potential. Graphene oxide is a 2D carbon nanomaterial consisting of exfoliated sheets of hexagonally arranged carbons decorated with oxygen- and hydrogen- functional groups. Composite nanomaterials consisting of titania nanoparticles and graphene oxide have proven to enhance the photocatalytic activity of pure TiO2. In this review, we present a thorough literature review of ternary nanocomposites based on synthesized or commercial titania nanoparticles and GO (or reduced GO) particularly used for the photodegradation of dyes. GO/TiO2 has been enriched primarily with metals, semiconductors and magnetic nanomaterials, proving a superior dye degradation performance and reusability compared to bare TiO2. Ongoing challenges and perspectives are outlined.
Research Progress of Electrically Driven Multi-Stable Cholesteric Liquid Crystals
Authors: Wang Kainan , Hu Wentuo , He Wanli , Yang Zhou , Cao Hui , Wang Dong , Li Yuzhan
Published: December 2023

Electrically driven multi-stable cholesteric liquid crystals can be used to adjust the transmittance of incident light. Compared with the traditional liquid crystal optical devices, the multi-stable devices only apply an electric field during switching and do not require a continuous electric field to maintain the various optical states of the device. Therefore, the multi-stable devices have low energy consumption and have become a research focus for researchers. However, the multi-stable devices still have shortcomings before practical application, such as contrast, switching time, and mechanical strength. In this article, the latest research progress on electrically driven multi-stable cholesteric liquid crystals is reviewed, including electrically driven multi-stable modes, performance optimization, and applications. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of electrically driven multi-stable cholesteric liquid crystals are discussed in anticipation of contributing to the development of multi-stable liquid crystal devices.
“No-Primer” Resin Cementation of Lithium Disilicate Ceramic: A Microtensile Bond Strength Evaluation
Authors: Awad Mohamed M. , Alhalabi Feras , Alanazi Abdulaziz Abdullah , Alanazi Abdulaziz Ali , Alshahrani Ghanem Abdullah , Fu Cheryl , Albaijan Refal Saad , Alkattan Rana , Fawzy Amr S.
Published: December 2023

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the resin-ceramic adhesion of a long-carbon-chain silane (LCSI)-containing resin cement. Methods: Polished lithium disilicate ceramic discs were etched with hydrofluoric acid and randomly assigned into four groups; (PSAP), cemented using a silane-free resin cement with no prior priming; (PSAP-S), primed using a silane-containing primer before cementation using a silane-free resin cement; (PSAU), cemented using a LCSI-containing resin cement with no prior priming; (PSAU-S), primed as for the group (PSAP-S) and cemented using a LCSI-containing resin cement. The cemented blocks were sectioned into microbeams. The resin-ceramic microtensile bond strength (μTBS) was measured at 1 week and after thermocycling. The failure modes of the tested microbeams were evaluated. Results: The μTBS of the LCSI-containing and silane-free resin cements, either with or without a prior priming step, did not significantly differ. The adhesion of the LCSI-containing resin cement to lithium disilicate ceramic, either with or without a prior priming step, did not significantly deteriorate after artificial aging. Conclusions: The long-carbon-chain silane (LCSI) monomer incorporated in the resin cement eliminated the need for a silane priming step of a hydrofluoric acid-etched lithium disilicate ceramic.
Simulation of Abnormal Grain Growth Using the Cellular Automaton Method
Authors: Murata Kenji , Fukui Chihiro , Sun Fei , Chen Ta-Te , Adachi Yoshitaka
Published: December 2023

The abnormal grain growth of steel, which is occurs during carburization, adversely affects properties such as heat treatment deformation and fatigue strength. This study aimed to control abnormal grain growth by controlling the materials and processes. Thus, it was necessary to investigate the effects of microstructure, precipitation, and heat treatment conditions on abnormal grain growth. We simulated abnormal grain growth using the cellular automaton (CA) method. The simulations focused on the grain boundary anisotropy and dispersion of precipitates. We considered the effect of grain boundary misorientation on boundary energy and mobility. The dispersion state of the precipitates and its pinning effect were considered, and grain growth simulations were performed. The results showed that the CA simulation reproduced abnormal grain growth by emphasizing the grain boundary mobility and the influence of the dispersion state of the precipitate on the occurrence of abnormal grain growth. The study findings show that the CA method is a potential technique for the prediction of abnormal grain growth.
Particleboards with Recycled Material from Hemp-Based Panels
Authors: Papadopoulou Electra , Chrysafi Iouliana , Karidi Konstantina , Mitani Andromachi , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: December 2023

This research addresses the current need for sustainable solutions in the construction and furniture industries, with a focus on environmentally friendly particleboard. Particleboards were made from a mixture of virgin wood chips and hemp shives, which were then mechanically recycled and used to make new lightweight particleboards. Phenol–formaldehyde resin with 25% w/w phenol replacement by soybean flour (PFS) was used as the binder for the lignocellulosic materials. Laboratory analyses determined the resin properties, and FTIR confirmed the structure of the experimental PFS resin. The thermal properties of all the resins were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The panels were manufactured using industrial simulation and tested for mechanical and physical properties in accordance with European standards. The FTIR study confirmed good adhesion, and the TGA showed improved thermal stability for the recycled biomass panels compared to virgin biomass panels. The study concludes that lightweight particleboards can be successfully produced from recycled hemp shive-based panels, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional materials in the construction industry.
Purification of Quinoline Insolubles in Heavy Coal Tar and Preparation of Meso-Carbon Microbeads by Catalytic Polycondensation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Song Ruikang , Jia Yang , Zou Zhuorui , Chen Ya , Wang Qi
Published: December 2023

The quinoline-insoluble (QI) matter in coal tar and coal tar pitch is an important factor affecting the properties of subsequent carbon materials. In this paper, catalytic polycondensation was used to remove QI from heavy coal tar, and meso-carbon microbeads could be formed during the purification process. The results showed that AlCl3 had superior catalytic performance to CuCl2, and the content of QI and heavy components, including pitch, in the coal tar was lower after AlCl3 catalytic polycondensation. Under the condition of catalytic polycondensation (AlCl3 0.9 g, temperature 200 °C, and time 9 h), AlCl3 could reduce the QI content in heavy coal tar. The formed small particles could be filtered and removed, and good carbon materials could be obtained under the condition of catalytic polycondensation (AlCl3 0.9 g, temperature 260 °C, and time 3 h).
A Machine Learning Approach for Modelling Cold-Rolling Curves for Various Stainless Steels
Authors: Contreras-Fortes Julia , Rodríguez-García M. Inmaculada , Sales David L. , Sánchez-Miranda Rocío , Almagro Juan F. , Turias Ignacio
Published: December 2023

Stainless steel is a cold-work-hardened material. The degree and mechanism of hardening depend on the grade and family of the steel. This characteristic has a direct effect on the mechanical behaviour of stainless steel when it is cold-formed. Since cold rolling is one of the most widespread processes for manufacturing flat stainless steel products, the prediction of their strain-hardening mechanical properties is of great importance to materials engineering. This work uses artificial neural networks (ANNs) to forecast the mechanical properties of the stainless steel as a function of the chemical composition and the applied cold thickness reduction. Multiple linear regression (MLR) is also used as a benchmark model. To achieve this, both traditional and new-generation austenitic, ferritic, and duplex stainless steel sheets are cold-rolled at a laboratory scale with different thickness reductions after the industrial intermediate annealing stage. Subsequently, the mechanical properties of the cold-rolled sheets are determined by tensile tests, and the experimental cold-rolling curves are drawn based on those results. A database is created from these curves to generate a model applying machine learning techniques to predict the values of the tensile strength (Rm), yield strength (Rp), hardness (H), and elongation (A) based on the chemical composition and the applied cold thickness reduction. These models can be used as supporting tools for designing and developing new stainless steel grades and/or adjusting cold-forming processes.
Leveraging Deep Neural Networks for Estimating Vickers Hardness from Nanoindentation Hardness
Authors: Niu Junbo , Miao Bin , Guo Jiaxu , Ding Zhifeng , He Yin , Chi Zhiyu , Wang Feilong , Ma Xinxin
Published: December 2023

This research presents a comprehensive analysis of deep neural network models (DNNs) for the precise prediction of Vickers hardness (HV) in nitrided and carburized M50NiL steel samples, with hardness values spanning from 400 to 1000 HV. By conducting rigorous experimentation and obtaining corresponding nanoindentation data, we evaluated the performance of four distinct neural network architectures: Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory network (LSTM), and Transformer. Our findings reveal that MLP and LSTM models excel in predictive accuracy and efficiency, with MLP showing exceptional iteration efficiency and predictive precision. The study validates models for broad application in various steel types and confirms nanoindentation as an effective direct measure for HV hardness in thin films and gradient-variable regions. This work contributes a validated and versatile approach to the hardness assessment of thin-film materials and those with intricate microstructures, enhancing material characterization and potential application in advanced material engineering.
Strength Estimation and Fundamental Characteristics of the New Rotational Friction Damper with Translational Movement
Authors: Tahara Shintaro , Iwaya Koshiro , Iwashita Tsutomu , Goto Katsuhiko , Yamanari Minoru
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the strength estimation and hysteretic characteristics of a rotational friction damper with translational movement. The experiment comprised two distinct cases: one involving only rotation and the other allowing rotation combined with translational movement. Notably, in the case integrating translational movement, the load demonstrated an incremental trend aligned with displacement, attributing this behavior to the effect of translational movement. Two strength estimation models were introduced and subsequently benchmarked against both experimental observations and finite element analysis outcomes. The findings indicated a strong alignment between the calculated values derived from the proposed strength estimation model, grounded in work principles, and the observed behavior evident in the test results.
Industrial Metabolism: A Multilevel Characterization for Designing Sustainable Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Martín-Gómez Alejandro M. , Ávila-Gutiérrez María Jesús , Lama-Ruiz Juan Ramón , Aguayo-González Francisco
Published: December 2023

The development of industrial manufacturing systems has significant implications for society and the environment, often resulting in substantial waste generation. To address this issue and promote sustainable growth, the concept of industrial metabolism offers a promising approach. Industrial metabolism facilitates the circularity of energy and material flows within the industrial environment, contributing to the establishment of more sustainable manufacturing systems. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of industrial metabolism, highlighting its analogy with natural systems and categorizing models based on their application at different levels: macro (national or regional), meso (eco-industrial park), and micro (manufacturing plant or line). The analysis emphasizes the importance of considering the trophic network and evaluating the efficiency, cyclicality, toxicity, and resilience of industrial metabolic pathways. The proposed characterization of bioinspired industrial metabolism is positioned within the industrial environment. This positioning facilitates the design of manufacturing systems that emphasize circularity, drawing on frameworks applied at different levels within industrial metabolism.
Multi-Rate Vibration Signal Analysis for Bearing Fault Detection in Induction Machines Using Supervised Learning Classifiers
Authors: El Bouharrouti Nada , Morinigo-Sotelo Daniel , Belahcen Anouar
Published: December 2023

Vibration signals carry important information about the health state of a ball bearing and have proven their efficiency in training machine learning models for fault diagnosis. However, the sampling rate and frequency resolution of these acquired signals play a key role in the detection analysis. Industrial organizations often seek cost-effective and qualitative measurements, while reducing sensor resolution to optimize their resource allocation. This paper compares the performance of supervised learning classifiers for the fault detection of bearing faults in induction machines using vibration signals sampled at various frequencies. Three classes of algorithms are tested: linear models, tree-based models, and neural networks. These algorithms are trained and evaluated on vibration data collected experimentally and then downsampled to various intermediate levels of sampling, from 48 kHz to 1 kHz, using a fractional downsampling method. The study highlights the trade-off between fault detection accuracy and sampling frequency. It shows that, depending on the machine learning algorithm used, better training accuracies are not systematically achieved when training with vibration signals sampled at a relatively high frequency.