bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovativeness of the creative economy as a component of the Ukrainian and the world sustainable development strategy
Authors: Iarmosh O , Prokhorova V , Shcherbyna I , Kashaba O , Slastianykova K
Published: January 2021

The article the innovativeness of the creative economy as an important driver of the world economy sustainable development is considered. In accordance with the analysed concepts of creative economy, creative industries, classification of creative industries due to UNCTAD methodology and Ukrainian regulations, the feasibility of considering research and developments as a separate type of services in the creative economy is shown. Understanding of creative goods and services from the standpoint of innovation contributes to increasing the innovation and creative potential of Ukraine and opens wider prospects for achieving sustainable development goals, which as were declared is the only possible way to develop the national economy. Taking into account such perspectives, the paper presents the goals that can be covered by the creative economy, providing that innovation is included as an integral part, the analytic dependence of the share of creative industries added value in the total added value of Ukraine.
Managing sustainable development by human capital reproduction in the system of company’s organizational behavior
Authors: Arefieva O , Polous O , Arefiev S , Tytykalo V , Kwilinski A
Published: January 2021

In the framework of this study, the essential features of the systematic approach application in the process of managing sustainable development by company’s human capital reproduction and intellectualization were identified. The characteristics of the system that are able to ensure its integrity, continuity of operation, adaptability and ability to self-study, self-organization are highlighted. The successive stages of individual human capital reproduction in the process of its circulation are determined. The key stages of company’s human capital reproduction with taking into account the factors of internal and external environment are singled out. Production volumes for industrial enterprises of Ukraine using the Cobb-Douglas function are predicted. Levels of company’s organizational behavior for the purpose of defining features of company’s human capital reproduction on each of them are allocated. The mechanism for managing sustainable development by human capital reproduction in the system of company’s organizational behavior is offered. A set of measures aimed at effective implementation of the proposed mechanism and intensification of the company through its human capital reproduction in the system of organizational behavior are developed.
Expediency of symptomatic diagnostics application of enterprise export-import activity in the disruption conditions of world economy sustainable development
Authors: Smerichevskyi S F , Kryvovyazyuk I V , Prokhorova V V , Usarek W , Ivashchenko A I
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the article is to solve an important scientific problem – further development of the basics of management decisions on the implementation of export-import activities based on the results of enterprise symptomatic diagnostics in disruption conditions of sustainable development of the world economy. The essence of enterprise symptomatic diagnostics in the context of management activity is specified by the results of the critical analysis of the scientific publications. The study of the features of the symptomatic diagnostics process of enterprise export-import activity might become the basis for the development of a comprehensive approach to its implementation, which reveals the interaction of the theoretical, scientific and methodological basis and the targeted direction of managers’ actions in the diagnostics process. Generalization of symptomatic complex of export-import activity of enterprises-manufacturers of BOPP films – Terichem Tervakoski, a.s. and Xpro India Ltd, helped to identify issues that are reducing its performance. A set of measures was explored in order to avoid the negative symptoms of export-import activity of Terichem Tervakoski and Xpro India Ltd. The authors revealed some dependency respecting that the more negative symptoms of export-import activity realization lead to decline the efficiency of its implementation. The results of the study might clarify the impact of symptoms on the results of the enterprise export-import performance. Symptomatic diagnostics of enterprise export-import activity is considered as the basis of a sequence of management measures in order to avoid negative symptoms of export-import activity.
The impact of economic entities’ innovative activity on the indicators of sustainable development of Ukraine
Authors: Kozyk V , Liutak O , Lisovska L , Mrykhina O , Novakivskyj I
Published: January 2021

The article is devoted to substantiating the impact of innovative activity of business entities on the indicators of sustainable development of Ukraine on the basis of the econometric modeling. It is proposed to consider this impact from the point of view of increasing the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the resulting factor of innovation implementations – the volume of innovative products sold. Analytical data from statistical reporting forms of Ukrainian enterprises were used by summarizing the data taken in the forms of statistical observation of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The models are developed based on two methodological approaches: a generalizing indicator of efficiency and effectiveness. According to the results of a study conducted by the authors, the most significant impact on the volume of GDP is exerted, in particular: among the performance indicators – the cost of innovation and the number of business entities that have implemented innovations; efficiency – the share of the volume of scientific and scientific and technical works performed in GDP. In contrast to the current models, the proposed ones provide a high level of accuracy in assessing indicators of the macroeconomic state of Ukraine, as a basis for forming an effective state policy of sustainable development. Based on the developed models, the current directions of improving and reforming the innovation ecosystem to increase the scientific potential of Ukraine are identified.
Nanoporous Ni-Al alloy by De-alloying for Electrocatalytic hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhou Qi , Luo Youcheng , Liu Haorui , Feng Jiwei , Huang Guanru , Wang Denghui , Fu Han
Published: January 2021

As the main method to solve the current problem about energy shortage and environment pollution, hydrogen production via overall water splitting exhibits great prospects. The Pt-based metals were acknowledged as the optimal electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) but cannot be used commercially due to the exorbitant price. In this work, nano-porous Ni was successfully obtained through one-pot de-alloying with different atomic ratio of Ni-Al precursor (Ni25Al75, Ni15Al85, Ni10Al90). The electrochemistry testing results show that the Ni10Al90 provide a lowest onset overpotential with -1.44 V for HER. Besides, the potential decrease non-significantly after 1000 cycles of cyclic voltammetry demonstrates a considerable durability.
In situ fabrication of mesoporous NiO@ Graphite paper electrode with multilayered nanosheet wall structures for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Yunjian , Wang Ni , Hu Wencheng
Published: January 2021

A mesoporous NiO@graphite paper with multilayered nanosheet wall structures (M- NiO@GP) was synthesized through a facile and low-cost hydrothermal reaction and thermal annealing process. The as-prepared M-NiO@GP electrode presents high specific capacitance (2.57 F cm−2), exhibits superior cyclic stability (92.3% capacitance retention after 10000 chargedischarge cycles) and brilliant rate capability (about 56.0% capacitance retention when the current density increased 20 times). Such high-performance capacitive behavior is attributed to the wall structure of NiO with the multilayer nanosheets, which could shorten the ion transfer distance. Meanwhile, the high specific surface area and mesoporous structure of the electrode could serve as an efficient path for OH− transfer and diffusion. The improved electrical conductivity of the electrode enabled stable and efficient electron transports and consequently improved the overall electrochemical performance of supercapacitors. Therefore, the demonstrated high conductive M-NiO@GP electrode is a promising candidate for practical supercapacitor applications.
Influence of dosage and size on radiation performance of MTV and AP/HTPB agents
Authors: Ju Jian , Shi Chengkuan , Li Zejun , Yang Qian , Guan Hua
Published: January 2021

The limited effort in this paper is focused on studying the infrared radiation performance of Ammonium Perchlorate/ hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene(AP/HTPB) and Magnesium/ Teflon(MTV) agents, in order to compare the differences in the spectral distribution of the two agents at different doses and tube shell sizes. A FTIR remote-sensing spectrometer was used to characterize combustion flame radiation products and a Spectraline SC7000 imaging spectrometer was used to test the radiation performance of each band. The test results show that the radiation energy of AP/HTPB agents is 5-8 times smaller than that of MTV agents under the same conditions. In addition, as the mass is small (5g), the spectral distribution of AP/HTPB agent θα/β/λ. is 0.6:1:0.15, which is better than MTV agent whose θα/β/λ. is 2.3:1:0.15. But as the mass increased to 40g and the diameter of the tube shell increased to 40mm, the mass burning rate of the MTV agent increased from 0.287g/s to 4.167g/s, and the mass burning rate of AP/HTPB agent increased from 0.258g/s to 2.920g/s. At this time, the MTV spectral distribution did not change much, but the radiation energy of AP/HTPB agents is changed more concentrated in the near-infrared band, and the spectral distribution θα/β/λ. becomes 1.4:1:0.3.
Enhanced Performance of MgZnO/ZnO Dual-band UV Photodetectors Depend on depletion region with different electrode width
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Jiang Dayong , Zhao Man , Wang Wei
Published: January 2021

In this work, visible-blind dual-band UV photodetectors with different interdigital electrode width were fabricated on MgZnO/ZnO bilayer film by the radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique. The devices exhibit excellent photo-response at 320 nm and 360 nm, respectively. Meanwhile, the PD with larger electrode width possesses higher photo- response and lower dark current (Id), which proved that the wider electrode is more favourable to enhance the performance of PDs. The result is originate from the stronger electric filed on the depletion region related to the electrode width. This demonstrates a facile way to fabricate dual-band UV PDs with high properties for practice application.
The Preparation of multifunctional shear thickening fluid and the application in shock absorber
Authors: Du Chengbin , Zeng Fanang , Liu Bing
Published: January 2021

A multifunctional shear thickening fluid (MSTF) that exhibits both shear thickening (ST) effect and magnetorheological (MR) performance was prepared. The MR effect of MSTF was compared with magnetorheological fluid (MRF) when the CIP mass fraction varies from 10% to 70%. The results show that the MR effect of MSTF is higher than that of MRF obviously. Besides, the compression force and rebound force of the damper containing MSTF and MRF were tested and compared when the current was set as 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3A. When the CIP mass fraction is less than 30%, the forces of these two kinds of materials are almost the same at any current value. And as the CIP mass fraction is more than 30%, the rebound force of MSTF is obviously higher than that of MRF.
Preparation of highly active aramid fiber and effect on the interface property of aramid/epoxy composites
Authors: Li Ting , Wang Zengxiao , Hu Zuming , Yu Junrong , Wang Yan , Zhu Jing
Published: January 2021

The smooth surface and the lack of active groups make para-aramid fiber reinforced composites have poor interfacial adhesion property, which limits their applications in various fields. In this study, aramid fiber was coated with nano-coating solution and functional groups such as epoxy and amino groups were introduced to the surface of aramid fiber to enhance the surface activity of the fiber, thereby improving the adhesion between fiber and resin. The surface composition and roughness of the modified fibers were characterized by Fouier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The effect of functional groups on the interfacial adhesion properties of aramid/epoxy composites was studied by the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and the flexural strength. aramid fiberter modification, the roughness and the polarity of the fiber were considerably improved. The IFSS reached 45.9 MPa with a significant enhancement by 27.5%; while the flexural strength increased from 240.7 MPa to 302.2 MPa, with a reinforcement of 25.6%, indicating that the study provides an effective method to achieve highiy active aramid fiber.
Improved dielectric and mechanical properties of polyolefin based laminates via surface modification silicon dioxide
Authors: Wu Bo , Xu Yi , Tang Xianzhong
Published: January 2021

The rapid development of 5G technique needs higher requirements for laminate under high-frequency condition. In this work, silicon dioxide (SiO2) surface modified by y- aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH-550) was used as fillers to improve the dielectric and mechanical properties of polyolefin-based laminates. A relative low dielectric constant of 3.61 and dielectric loss of 3.69 × 10−3 at 10 GHz is observed for the laminate with 55 wt% K-SiO2. Moreover, the as-obtained laminate exhibits optimum mechanical properties. These results indicated that the K-SiO2 (surface modified by KH-550)/polyolefin laminate is an ideal candidate for high-frequency substrate.
Preparation of CdS semiconductor nanomaterials with different morphologies
Authors: Fu Haiyan , Ou Hui , Luo Yongping , Xiao Zonghu , Huang Ping , Lishuigen  , Liu Chen
Published: January 2021

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals were successfully prepared by hydrothermal method, and chromium nitrate [Cd(NO3)2] was used as the source of cadmium, thiourea as the source of sulfur, and hexamethylenetetramine [(CH2)6N4, HMT] as a capping agent. In this paper, the shape and size of nanocrystals were regulated by adjusting the preparation process, such as the proportion of raw materials and the amount of capping agent. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify structure of CdS nanostructures, and morphologies were examined by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Simulation and Experimental Study on Three-roll Rolling of Stainless Steel-Carbon Steel Cladding Rebar
Authors: Zhang Qingfang , Tan Jianping , Li Zhen , Xiang Yong
Published: January 2021

In this paper, ABAQUS is used to simulate the rolling process of stainless steel (304) and carbon steel (20MnSiV) clad steel bar by three rolls. Through analysis of different three-roll pass system, KNOCKS rolling mill system is selected as the finishing pass of rolling production line. Experimental results prove that finite element simulation result is right, it can be concluded that the thickness distribution of stainless steel-carbon steel cladding rebar rolled by KNOCKS rolling mill system cladding metal is more uniform, which can provide better finished products for the final pass rolling.
On the microstructure evolution of a nuclear-use steel after heavy ion irradiation
Authors: Song Ligang , Ye Fan , Li Jianghua , Ma Xianfeng , Zhang Ruiqian , Qiu Shui , Liu Xiao
Published: January 2021

A nuclear-use ferritic-martensitic steel was irradiated by 196 MeV Kr ions. Both the low damage level area and the high damage level area were investigated by a transmission electron microscope (TEM), to reveal the irradiated microstructural features. In low damage level area ranging from surface to 6 μm depth, there were a few dislocation loops and black dots induced by Kr irradiation. The type of dislocation loops could be primarily ao<100> or ao/2<100> type. In addition, it was found that the sink effect of grain boundaries and stability of small precipitates were evident.
Ball-milling treatment of cotton fiber for optimizing its derived carbon quantum dots
Authors: Huang Ping , Xu Shunjian , Luo Yongping , Zhong Wei , Fu Haiyan , Ou Hui , Zhang Meng
Published: January 2021

Due to the physical force of agate balls, many cracks on the surface of cotton fiber are caused by ball-milling treatment. Moreover, ball-milling changes the structure of cotton cellulose from crystalline to amorphous. These factors help increase the contact area of cotton fiber with active water and become more reactive in the hydrothermal process. Finally, ball- milling treatment improves the yield of carbon quantum dots (CQDs), which leads to a 10% increase in the power conversion efficiency of CQDs based quantum dot-sensitized solar cells. Besides, the fluorescence intensity of CQDs is doubled without changing its other characteristics because of the ball-milling treatment. Therefore, ball-milling could be adopted as an effective green method to optimize cotton derived CQDs.
Improved Responsivity of ZnO Nanowires Ultraviolet Photodetector by Light Trapping Effect
Authors: Wang Nan , Jiang Dayong
Published: January 2021

The absorbability of ZnO planar thin layer is weak because of the short transmission path of incident light. The light trapping effect of ZnO UV PDs has been established as a promising method to optimize the performance of optoelectronic devices. By measuring the optical transmission and photocurrent of the ZnO PDs, we demonstrate that the ordered ZnO NWs increases the optical responsivity. In addition, when the photodetector was connected to nanowires, the responsivity is increased by a factor of 102, accompanied by a large light dark current ratio (105). ZnO nanowires with light trapping effect provide a new perspective for the research of ultraviolet irradiation nanomaterials.
Research on the stability of flexible devices
Authors: Sun Jiamei , Jiang Dayong , Wang Hepeng , Wang Meijiao
Published: January 2021

Since the flexible substrates are all organic plastics, the main problem in the manufacture of flexible devices is the mismatch and low adhesion between inorganic semiconductor crystals and organic plastics, so the detection stability under mechanical stress is an important factor affecting the performance of flexible ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors (PDs). In order to improve the detection stability of flexible UV PD, the substrates of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyimide (PI) are used as flexible devices respectively for comparative study, and the growth material is selected with the piezoelectric effect ZnO-based material as the main research object. It is found that the ZnO film with AlZnO (AZO) buffer layer on the PI substrate has almost no cracks or peeling off. In addition, after 100 times of bending tests on PI substrate devices, although the detection performance is reduced compared with the detection performance before bending, it still maintains relatively high detection stability.
Improved Dielectric Properties of Polypropylene Nanocomposites with BaTiO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Dai Xiying , Xing Zhaoling , Xiao Yu , Yang Wei , Zhang Chong , Zhou Jianjun
Published: January 2021

Polymer nanocomposites with improved dielectric permittivity are extremely desirable for the power capacitors. With the existing capacitor polypropylene (PP) film as the substrate, the surface of PP film is coated with a layer of BaTiO3 (BT) with high dielectric constant of nanoparticles. Through the BT layer with high dielectric constant, the dielectric constant of the whole composite dielectric film is improved, and the dielectric loss is controlled at a relatively low level. The organic solvent system of BT paste coating and water system of BT paste coating research were prepared. Two kind of composite dielectric films which are PP/PVDF/BT and PP/BT were prepared by coating. The permittivity of PP/ BT nano-composites with 50 wt% fillers at 1000 Hz was up to 4.49, which was nearly 2 times higher than that of pure PP film. According to the method, a pilot experiment was carried out. The strategy could be extended to a variety of inorganic fillers to improve the dielectric properties of polymer nano- composites for power capacitors.
In-situ study of the fracture behavior of SiCf/SiC composite material under three-point bending
Authors: Zheng Zhanguang , Peng Yongbing , Jiang Jishen , Ma Xianfeng , Jin Enze , Chen Haikun , Fang Zehua
Published: January 2021

The mechanical properties and fracture behavior of a SiCf/SiC composite material were studied by in-situ three-point bending testing. The deformation and cracking behavior of SiCf/SiC composite material was captured by the equipped scanning electron microscope. The experimental results indicate that the fracture property was highly related to the microstructure of the matrix and the SiC fibres. The in-situ observation showed that the composite material exhibited complex crack initiation and propagation process under three-point bending. Vertical microcracks initiated at the root of the preset notch and propagated vertically till blocked by the horizontal fibers. Driven by the large loca stress, horizontal cracks were also found initiated adjacent to the notch root and propagated horizontally along the interface between the fibers and the matrix.
Influence of Mg and Si content on infrared radiation performance of AP/HTPB system in each band
Authors: Shi Chengkuan , Ju Jian , Li Zejun , Guo Zefeng , Guan Hua
Published: January 2021

The limited effort in this paper is focused on studying the effects of different contents of high-energy additives on infrared radiation performance of AP/HTPB systems in each band. A Spectraline SC7000 imaging spectrometer was used to test the radiation performance of each band. The test results show that when the magnesium (Mg) content increases from 0 to 30%, the near-infrared radiation intensity is greatly increased. The near-infrared radiation energy increases from 19 to 125W/Sr by 558%, the mid-infrared radiation energy increases from 32 to 85W/Sr by 166%, and the far-infrared radiation energy increased from 9.4 to 12.8W/Sr by 36%.The ratio of θα/β/λ changed from 0.59:1:029 to 1.47:1:0.15. The increase of silicon (Si) content from 0 to 30% has a great contribution to the increase of the radiation intensity in the far-infrared band. The intensity of near-infrared radiation increased from 19 to 97W/Sr by 411 %, the energy of mid-infrared radiation increased from 32 to 64W/Sr by 82%, and the energy of far- infrared radiation increased from 9.4 to 40W/Sr by 326%. The ratio of θα/β/λ has changed from 0.59:1:0.29 to 1.52:1:0.63.
Study on the galvanic corrosion phenomenon of cladding steel bars
Authors: ping Tan Jian , Yang Zheng , Li Zhen
Published: January 2021

To explore corrosion law of bimetallic interface of a new type of steel bars, which cladded in stainless steel by hot rolling process, COMSOL Multiphysics electrochemical corrosion module, as a simulation tool, was used for studying the electrode potential distribution, current density distribution and electrode surface morphology change during the corrosion process at the reinforced bimetal bonding surface of cladding layer combining with the surface of the electrode potential distribution in the process of corrosion, the current density distribution and the electrode surface morphology change in bimetallic interface of our new type steel bars , at the same time use the salt fog corrosion, equipment corrosion test was carried out on the cladding steel, used to verify the accuracy of the simulation results. The results suggested that the coating electrode potential of stainless steel was obviously higher than that of carbon steel, in combination with surface constitute a pair of electrodes, the increased incidence of corrosion of carbon steel side and in the simulation and experiment are form a “V” corrosion pits, by measuring found that, in the condition of the mass fraction of 5% salt spray and 50 °C temperature, average surface cladding steel corrosion rate is 2.2 * 10 ^ (-3) mm/h.
Luminescence Properties by Li+-ion Modified Na4CaSi3O9: Dy3+ Phosphors
Authors: Tang He , Zhang Xiyan
Published: January 2021

A series of blue-green emitting Na4CaSi3O9: Dy3+, yLi+ (NCSO) phosphors were successfully prepared by high temperature solid state reaction. The phase formation was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction measurement. The emission spectra of NSCO phosphors were investigated. With the increase of Dy3+ ion concentration, the luminescence intensity increases, the optimal doping concentration of Dy3+ is x=0.04, and then the luminescence intensity decreases due to non-radiative energy transfer. Li+ as a charge compensation agent, influences the luminescence properties of NCSO phosphors. By Li+ doping into lattice and replacing Ca2+ to form negative charge vacancies, which reduce the charge imbalance in the matrix and thus reducing the stress on the matrix lattice, making the lattice more complete and luminous intensity improved. The investigation shows that NCSO:0.04Dy3+, 0.10Li+ phosphor package UV-LED chip could realize white LED.
Mechanical and thermal properties of Polymer composites via the Synergistic effect of Carbon Nanotube and Ionic Liquid
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Ni Haitao , Xiang Wencai , Yang Heshan , Liu Hongpan , Liu Song , Luo Liu
Published: January 2021

A series of polymer composites based on Polypropylene (PP) are prepared by Multi- walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and ionic liquid (IL). The dispersion of MWCNT is investigated by FESEM measurements, and the tensile strength of composites are analyzed by tensile tests. The thermal properties of composites are also ameliorated by the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements.
Preparation and properties of resin-based wet friction materials reinforced by SiCp/basalt fiber cloth
Authors: Feng Chiyuan , Wen Guofu , Wang Xiufei , Yin Cailiu
Published: January 2021

A new type of wet friction material was prepared by solution impregnation with phenolic resin as binder, SiC particles and basalt fiber cloth as reinforcement.The hardness, density, porosity, microstructure, tribological properties and surface roughness were analyzed. The results show that the coefficient of friction (COF) and COF stability of the prepared material is more than 0.11 and 90%, respectively, while the wear rate is 0.26 × 10−7 cm3/J. The main wear pattern of this wet friction material is resin shedding. There is no large-sized “third body” abrasive debris on the friction surface, resulting in low wear rate of friction material.
Thermodynamic analysis of aniline adsorption on polyethylene terephthalate with polyethylene glycol
Authors: Zhou Zhaoyi , Sun Jiayi , Zhou Wei
Published: January 2021

Thermodynamic adsorption parameters of aniline monomer on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) were investigated. The standard affinity (-Δμ0
) decreased when the number of methylene in PEG increased testing from PEG200 to PEG800. According to the changes of the enthalpy (ΔH0
) and entropy (ΔS0
), it is found that the aniline molecules embedded into the PET substrates more strongly when adsorbed with lower molecular weight of PEG, but caused more randomness of the PET fibers. After polymerization, the PANI/PET fabric displayed favourable electrical conductivity and the surface specific conductivity (ρs
) reduced to 1.14 × 103Ω. However, the conductivity of PANI/PET fabric was reduced significantly because of the presence of PEG and lower concentration of adsorption solution.
Characterization of Retention/Loss Efficiency of Nanofibrillated Cellulose in Papermaking Process and Its Influence on Paper Properties
Authors: Du Peng , Zhao Chuanshan , Ding Qijun , Jiang Yifei , Han Wenjia , Li Xia
Published: January 2021

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) is deemed to be environmentally friendly, green and inexhaustible material. Herein, Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) large length-diameter ratio were prepared by enzymatic pretreatment and mechanical method, and it was added into pulp as reinforcing agent to improve the performance of paper. The retention and loss efficiency of NFC in the paper preparation process were studied, and the retention and loss efficiency were characterized by analyzing the mechanical properties of the paper. It was found that the retention and loss efficiency of NFC decreased with the increase of NFC content. The addition of retention system in papermaking process has a positive effect on the retention efficiency of NFC. NFC can be uniformly distributed in the paper up to 8% with low addition. In addition, retention system can improve the mechanical properties of paper with high NFC content. Compared with the base paper, tensile strength, roughness, stiffness and air permeability of the paper increased by 111.38%, 100.95%, 152.63% and 96.80% respectively.
Revealing the autofluorescence properties of nanocellulose isolated from different raw materials by different methods
Authors: Ding Qijun , Zhang Ping
Published: January 2021

This work explored the autofluorescence properties of nanocellulose which isolated from different raw materials (dissolving pulp, bleaching chemical pulp) using acid hydrolysis, mechanically refining and TEMPO oxidation. Results showed that all samples show a typical emission peak at 574 nm due to glycosidic linkages and aliphatic C=O absorption identified by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy independent of lignin. Increasing the excitation wavelengths (510-530 nm) caused red shift of fluorescence emission peaks (570-582nm) with unchanged fluorescence intensity. Conversely, changing acid/alkaline conditions led to an increase of fluorescence intensity with no shifting of fluorescence emission peak.This study provides new insight in applying nanocellulose with special luminous characteristics in biomedicine area such as multi-color biological imaging.
Preparation and characterization of poly-Schiff base cobaltcopper phthalocyanine bimetallic complex
Authors: Xi-Lan Li , Jia-Long Song , Xiu-Fen Guo , Guag-Yan Sun
Published: January 2021

Schiff bases can undergo coordination reactions with metals to form polymer complexes. The method of synthesizing Schiff base is simple and easy to operate. This article mainly synthesizes mononuclear metal copper phthalocyanine and polymer o-phthalimide salicylaldehyde Schiff base cobalt-copper phthalocyanine bimetallic complex, and the Schiff base complex. It is analyzed and characterized by infrared, ultraviolet and scanning electron microscopy.
Failure analysis of the rubber expansion joint of fire water system in a nuclear power plant
Authors: XieZhe  , XuKe  , ZhangWei  , XuZhu  , ChenXueyao  , TangYi  , GuiChun
Published: January 2021

The rubber expansion joint of fire water system in one nuclear power plant was cracked during service. By means of macroscopic and microscopic analysis, combined with mechanical calculation, the reasons of cracks in this expansion joint were analyzed. And the results showed that: the joint action of concentrated stress caused by improper installation and unqualified rubber material led to the crack source. With the crack propagation, part of the flange was separated from the main body of the expansion joint. Recommendations were then proposed to avoid the recurrence of similar events.
Synthesis of pH-Responsive Block Copolymer By ATRP
Authors: Na Hu
Published: January 2021

The block copolymer, poly(4-vinylpyridine)-b-poly(tert-butylmethacrylate) (P4VP-b-PtBMA), was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in two steps. Firstly, macroinitiator P4VP-Cl was prepared via ATRP with the conversion of monomer 66.3%. The result of GPC illustrated that the Mn of P4VP-Cl could be controlled by adjusting polymerization conditions. Then, P4VP-b-PtBMA was synthesized by ATRP using P4VP-Cl as macroinitiator. The effects of polymerization reaction parameters such as solvent and polymerization time on the M
n and M
W/M
n were investigated. Then the pH-responsive block copolymer poly(4- vinylpyridine)-b-poly(methacrylic acid) (P4VP-b-PMAA) was obtained by hydrolyzing the P4VP-b-PtBMa copolymer.
PVA-based high carboxyl group substituted modified cellulose nanofiber composite hydrogel for flexible new air battery
Authors: Li Ziyuan , Ding Qijun , Han Wenjia
Published: January 2021

Zinc-air battery (ZAB) with high theoretical energy density and low-cost characteristics has become one of the future candidate energy storage devices for flexible and portable electronic devices. If the application of ZAB in this field is to be promoted, how to improve the performance of solid-state batteries (such as cycle stability, discharge capacity) is the main problem at present. Flexible solid electrolyte plays a vital role in it. In this work, Carboxyl modified cellulose nanofibers (C-CNFs) was prepared by controlling the degree of carboxyl modification, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based cellulose composite gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) was synthesized. The optimal PVA-based composite GPE was selected to exhibit high ionic conductivity (0.31 S cm−1), excellent water retention and good tensile mechanical strength under environmental conditions. The assembled flexible zinc-air battery (ZAB) exhibits excellent cycle stability, discharge performance and power density. ZAB based on PVA-C-CNFs GPE can work continuously and stably for 50 hours, and at the same time has high cost-effectiveness and safety.
COVID-19 testing in English care homes and implications for staff and residents
Authors: Micocci Massimo , Gordon Adam L , Allen A Joy , Hicks Timothy , Kierkegaard Patrick , McLister Anna , Walne Simon , Hayward Gail , Buckle Peter
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Care home residents are at high risk of dying from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Regular testing, producing rapid and reliable results is important in this population because infections spread quickly, and presentations are often atypical or asymptomatic. This study evaluated current testing pathways in care homes to explore the role of point-of-care tests (POCTs).

Methods

A total of 10 staff from eight care homes, purposively sampled to reflect care organisational attributes that influence outbreak severity, underwent a semi-structured remote videoconference interview. Transcripts were analysed using process mapping tools and framework analysis focussing on perceptions about, gaps within and needs arising from current pathways.

Results

Four main steps were identified in testing: infection prevention, preparatory steps, swabbing procedure and management of residents. Infection prevention was particularly challenging for mobile residents with cognitive impairment. Swabbing and preparatory steps were resource-intensive, requiring additional staff resource. Swabbing required flexibility and staff who were familiar to the resident. Frequent approaches to residents were needed to ensure they would participate at a suitable time. After-test management varied between sites. Several homes reported deviating from government guidance to take more cautious approaches, which they perceived to be more robust.

Conclusion

Swab-based testing is organisationally complex and resource-intensive in care homes. It needs to be flexible to meet the needs of residents and provide care homes with rapid information to support care decisions. POCT could help address gaps but the complexity of the setting means that each technology must be evaluated in context before widespread adoption in care homes.
Wrong Tissue in Block
Authors: Weaver Kaitlin D , De Los Santos Yanel , Gaffar Maira , Zona Melanie C , Gennaro Tyler , Shenoy Archana , Flax Sherri , Chamala Srikar , Seifert Robert P , Esnakula Ashwini K
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Maintaining specimen identity during surgical pathology tissue processing is critical. Epic Beaker Laboratory Information System requires sequential scanning of specimen label and grossed blocks (block confirmation) to ensure specimen identity. We report our institution’s experience with wrong tissue in block (WTIB) grossing errors before and after adopting block confirmation.

Methods

During the first 18 months of Beaker implementation, block confirmation was not required. We then mandated block confirmation for a 3-month period. To ensure compliance, we then built a “hard stop” feature that prevents scanning any unconfirmed blocks onto a packing list. We reviewed WTIB incidents pre- and postimplementation of these solutions.

Results

Before using block confirmation, we had WTIB incidents involving 17 (0.043%) of 38,848 cases. When we mandated block confirmation use, we had WTIB involving 2 (0.043%) of 4,646 cases. After implementing the hard stop feature, we had WTIB incidents involving 2 (0.005%) of 42,411 cases. Overall, there was an 88.4% (0.043% vs 0.005%; P < .001) reduction in WTIB incidents using block confirmation with a hard stop.

Conclusions

Beaker is a customizable platform that can be tailored to a laboratory’s workflow. By using barcoding, implementing custom-built features, and improving workflow protocols, we significantly reduced WTIB errors.
Developing statewide remdesivir use criteria
Authors: Fox Erin R , Shah Mark , Vinik Russell , Brown Sam , Buckel Whitney , Webb Brandon , Zarndt Janet , Evans Megan , Mesdaghi Pejman , Imlay Hannah N , Spivak Emily S
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This report describes our process of 4 health systems coming together to agree on standard use criteria for remdesivir as a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment for patients in Utah. We hope our process provides a framework for remdesivir use in other states and insights on future use of other therapeutic agents that may also be in short supply, such as vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

Emergency use authorization (EUA) criteria for COVID-19 treatments often allow for broad use of a treatment relative to limited supplies. Without national criteria, each health system must develop further rationing criteria. Health systems in Utah worked together as part of the state’s crisis standards of care workgroup to develop a framework for how to limit the EUA criteria for remdesivir to match available supplies. The 4 largest health systems were represented by infectious diseases specialists, chief medical officers, and pharmacists. The group met several times online and communicated via email over a 9-day period to develop the criteria. The clinicians agreed to use this framework to develop criteria for future therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies.

Conclusion

The unique collaboration of the 4 health systems in Utah led to statewide criteria for use of remdesivir for patients with COVID-19, ensuring similar access to this limited resource for all patients in Utah.
Three-Dimensional Custom-Made Surgical Guides in Facial Feminization Surgery: Prospective Study on Safety and Accuracy
Authors: Tawa Pierre , Brault Nicolas , Luca-Pozner Vlad , Ganry Laurent , Chebbi Ghassen , Atlan Michael , Qassemyar Quentin
Published: January 2021

Background

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) includes several osseous modifications of the forehead, mandible, and chin, procedures that require precision to provide the patient with a satisfactory result. Mispositioned osteotomies can lead to serious complications and poor aesthetic outcomes. Surgical cutting guides are commonly employed in plastic and maxillofacial surgery to improve safety and accuracy. Yet, to our knowledge, there is no report in the literature on the clinical application of cutting guides in FFS.

Objectives

The authors sought to assess the safety and accuracy of custom surgical cutting guides in FFS procedures.

Methods

A prospective follow-up of 45 patients regarding FFS with preoperative virtual planning and 3-dimensional custom-made surgical guides for anterior frontal sinus wall setback, mandibular angle reduction, and/or osseous genioplasty was conducted. Accuracy (superimposing preoperative data on postoperative data by global registration with a 1-mm margin of error), safety (intradural intrusion for the forehead procedures and injury of the infra alveolar nerve for chin and mandibular angles), and patient satisfaction were assessed.

Results

A total 133 procedures were documented. There was no cerebrospinal fluid leak on the forehead procedures or any infra alveolar nerve or tooth root injury on both chin and mandibular angle operations (safety, 100%). Accuracy was 90.80% on the forehead (n = 25), 85.72% on the mandibular angles (n = 44), and 96.20% on the chin (n = 26). Overall satisfaction was 94.40%.

Conclusions

Custom-made surgical cutting guides could be a safe and accurate tool for forehead, mandibular angles, and chin procedures for FFS.

Level of Evidence: 4
Effect of an auxin biosynthesis inhibitor, p-phenoxyphenyl boronic acid, on auxin biosynthesis and development in rice
Authors: Watanabe Mayu , Shigihara Masaru , Hirota Yuna , Takato Shin , Sato Akiko , Kakei Yusuke , Kikuchi Rie , Ishii Takahiro , Soeno Kazuo , Nakamura Ayako , Shimada Yukihisa
Published: January 2021

p-Phenoxyphenyl boronic acid (PPBo) is a specific inhibitor of auxin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis. We examined the inhibitory activity of PPBo in rice. The activity of OsYUCCA, a key enzyme for auxin biosynthesis, was inhibited by PPBo in vitro. The endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) level and the expression levels of auxin-response genes were significantly reduced in PPBo-treated rice seedlings, which showed typical auxin-deficiency phenotypes. Seminal root growth was promoted by 1 µM PPBo, which was reversed by co-treatment of IAA and PPBo. By contrast, the inhibition of root growth by 10 µM PPBo was not recovered by IAA. The root meristem morphology and cell division were restored by IAA at 60 µM, but that concentration may be too high to support root growth. In conclusion, PPBo is an inhibitor of auxin biosynthesis that targets YUCCA in rice.
A sequence-based deep learning approach to predict CTCF-mediated chromatin loop
Authors: Lv Hao , Dao Fu-Ying , Zulfiqar Hasan , Su Wei , Ding Hui , Liu Li , Lin Hao
Published: January 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the chromosomes is of crucial importance for transcription regulation and DNA replication. Various high-throughput chromosome conformation capture-based methods have revealed that CTCF-mediated chromatin loops are a major component of 3D architecture. However, CTCF-mediated chromatin loops are cell type specific, and most chromatin interaction capture techniques are time-consuming and labor-intensive, which restricts their usage on a very large number of cell types. Genomic sequence-based computational models are sophisticated enough to capture important features of chromatin architecture and help to identify chromatin loops. In this work, we develop Deep-loop, a convolutional neural network model, to integrate k-tuple nucleotide frequency component, nucleotide pair spectrum encoding, position conservation, position scoring function and natural vector features for the prediction of chromatin loops. By a series of examination based on cross-validation, Deep-loop shows excellent performance in the identification of the chromatin loops from different cell types. The source code of Deep-loop is freely available at the repository https://github.com/linDing-group/Deep-loop.
Glucose metabolism characterization during mouse in vitro maturation identifies alterations in cumulus cells†
Authors: Akin Nazli , von Mengden Lucia , Herta Anamaria-Cristina , Billooye Katy , van Leersum Julia , Cava-Cami Berta , Saucedo-Cuevas Laura , Klamt Fabio , Smitz Johan , Anckaert Ellen
Published: January 2021

In vitro maturation (IVM) is an assisted reproduction technique with reduced hormone-related side-effects. Several attempts to implement IVM in routine practice have failed, primarily due to its relatively low efficiency compared with conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF). Recently, capacitation (CAPA)-IVM—a novel two-step IVM method—has improved the embryology outcomes through synchronizing the oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. However, the efficiency gap between CAPA-IVM and conventional IVF is still noticeable especially in the numerical production of good quality embryos. Considering the importance of glucose for oocyte competence, its metabolization is studied within both in vivo and CAPA-IVM matured mouse cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) through direct measurements in both cellular compartments, from transcriptional and translational perspectives, to reveal metabolic shortcomings within the CAPA-IVM COCs. These results confirmed that within in vivo COC, cumulus cells (CCs) are highly glycolytic, whereas oocytes, with low glycolytic activity, are deviating their glucose towards pentose phosphate pathway. No significant differences were observed in the CAPA-IVM oocytes compared with their in vivo counterparts. However, their CCs exhibited a precocious increase of glycolytic activity during the pre-maturation culture step and activity was decreased during the IVM step. Here, specific alterations in mouse COC glucose metabolism due to CAPA-IVM culture were characterized using direct measurements for the first time. Present data show that, while CAPA-IVM CCs are able to utilize glucose, their ability to support oocytes during final maturation is impaired. Future CAPA-IVM optimization strategies could focus on adjusting culture media energy substrate concentrations and/or implementing co-culture strategies.
Soil Seed Banks, Alternative Stable State Theory, and Ecosystem Resilience
Authors: Ma Miaojun , Collins Scott L , Ratajczak Zak , Du Guozhen
Published: January 2021

In restoration ecology, the transition from desired to degraded state is based solely on the composition of the aboveground plant community, whereas belowground propagules are often neglected. We developed a conceptual framework integrating seed bank dynamics into alternative stable state theory, highlighting the important relationship between aboveground and belowground composition. This integration emphasizes the role of resilience in systems that appear to have shifted to an “undesirable” state. Belowground propagules, especially soil seed and bud banks, provide buffering capacity and may serve as valuable indicators of potential resistance to state transition based on the degree of similarity between belowground and aboveground vegetation composition. Ecosystem states may have multiple components that differ in their rate of change, as well as in their capacity to promote resilience. We recommend that the application of alternative stable state theory from a management perspective should incorporate components of both above- and belowground vegetation.