bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint Voyage Planning and Onboard Energy Management of Hybrid Propulsion Ships
Authors: Wang Yu , Liang Chengji , Aktas Tugce Uslu , Shi Jian , Pan Yang , Fang Sidun , Lim Gino
Published: March 2023

Maritime transportation decarbonization has become a crucial factor in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. As an industry that historically relies on fossil fuels, in particular, heavy fuel oil, the reinvention of the maritime transportation system is occurring at an unprecedented speed to integrate renewable and green energy, low-/zero- carbon fuels, and green infrastructure to support emission-free shipping. In this paper, a two-stage joint optimization model is proposed to optimize the voyage planning of a ship among multiple ports as well as its onboard energy management during each section of the voyage. More specifically, in the first stage, the arrival time of ships is optimized according to the mission of the ship and the electricity prices offered at each port. In the second stage, the speed of the ship, the dispatch of the onboard diesel engine, and the usage of energy storage systems (ESSs) are optimized based on emission control areas and maritime meteorological conditions. Simulation results have shown that the proposed approach would help ship operators minimize the operating cost over the whole voyage while significantly contributing to carbon emissions reduction.
Nomogram for Predicting Recurrence-Free Survival of Primary Localized Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Ran Pan , Tan Tao , Zhou Hui , Li Jinjin , Yang Hao , Li Juan , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to establish a new nomogram that predicts recurrence-free survival (RFS) after a complete surgical resection of primary localized gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs); it also aimed to evaluate the discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the decision-making nomogram. Methods: The clinicopathological data of patients with primary localized GISTs at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2000 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinicopathological data were randomly split into two sets (7:3 ratio) for training and validation. Suitable variables for the construction of a nomogram for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS were selected using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and a concordance index (C-index) were used to quantify the discrimination of the nomogram and were compared with four commonly used prognostic scoring systems: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center prognostic nomogram, National Institutes of Health–Fletcher staging system, Chen’s prognostic nomogram, and Air Forces Institute of Pathology risk criteria–Miettinen staging system. The calibration and clinical utility for the decision-making nomogram were validated using calibration curves and decision curves, respectively. Results: In total, 641 patients were screened and analyzed in this retrospective, observational study. RFS was significantly related to tumor size, mitotic count, gender, DOG-1, and adjuvant therapy with imatinib according to the results of the multivariate and univariate Cox analyses. The nomogram was constructed using the above variables (all p < 0.05) for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS. In the training set, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year ROC and C-index values of the nomogram were 0.868, 0.838, 0.816, and 0.830, respectively. For internal validation, we performed model fitting on the validation set, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year ROC and C-indices were 0.977, 0.845, 0.869, and 0.849, respectively. Among the five GIST prognostic scoring systems, our nomogram had almost all the largest area under these decision curves and had a good calibration capability. Conclusions: The newly constructed nomogram based on tumor size, gender, mitotic count, DOG-1, and adjuvant treatment with imatinib exhibited an excellent performance and may serve as a prognostic scoring system to support therapeutic decision-making and individualized treatment for GISTs in China.
Investigating the Factors Influencing the Intention to Adopt Long-Term Land Leasing in Northern Ireland
Authors: Adenuga Adewale Henry , Jack Claire , McCarry Ronan
Published: March 2023

Short-term land rental agreements such as the traditional conacre system in Northern Ireland offer flexibility between the landowners and the farmers renting the land. However, the uncertainty of tenure linked to such short-term land rental systems does not allow for farmers renting the land to make longer-term investment planning and decisions, particularly around sustainable land management practices. Long-term tenancy agreements have been identified as a viable option to cope with short-term uncertainties and improve the environmental management of the land. In this study, we analysed the factors influencing farmers’ intention to adopt long-term land leasing with and without income tax incentives in Northern Ireland. To achieve our objective, we employed ordered logistic regression models complemented with qualitative analysis. The results of our analyses showed that varying factors including risk attitude, pro-environmental behaviour, profit consciousness, having a dairy enterprise, the area of farmland owned, the presence of a successor, and the age and education of the farmer influence farmers’ intention to adopt long-term land leasing. However, variability exists depending on the farmers’ rental status and availability of income tax incentives. It can be concluded from the study that policies aimed at encouraging long-term land leasing should take a holistic approach that incorporates environmental and socioeconomic factors.
Community-Based Approach for Climate Resilience and COVID-19: Case Study of a Climate Village (Kampung Iklim) in Balikpapan, Indonesia
Authors: Ariyaningsih  , Shaw Rajib
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 and climate change are widely recognized to negatively impact communities in developing countries. Like several other developing countries, Indonesia also dealt with climatic hazards such as flooding and landslides during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, after the Paris Agreement was signed, the government launched a “Climate Village” program or Kampung Iklim (ProKlim) to enhance community contribution in addressing climatic hazard impacts. Yet, numerous studies have researched integrating COVID-19 and climate change impacts, which calls for a concept of community resilience. To bridge this gap, the objective of this research is to understand and measure the local adaptation and mitigation activities in ProKlim through the smart village concept. Methodological literature review, situation analysis through interviews, and field observations are applied in this study. This research used five indicators to measure the current situation of the Climate Village, which are: resilience, mobility, community, perspectives and digitalization. The findings reveal that the implementation of smart villages in ProKlim is still in its preliminary stages and must seek innovation and system integration from smart cities and smart communities. This research also suggests feasible strategies to build community resilience: (i) collaborative governance in the Climate Village program implementation, (ii) promoting the Climate Village program to other sectors for ICT, and (iii) strengthening community participation in implementing the smart village concept.
Effect of Drought on the Development of Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) and Selected Soil Parameters during a Three-Year Lysimetric Experiment
Authors: Elbl Jakub , Lukas Vojtěch , Sobotková Julie , Huňady Igor , Kintl Antonín
Published: March 2023

This work presents results from a field experiment which was focused on the impact of the drought period on microbial activities in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil. To demonstrate the effect of drought, the pot experiment lasted from 2012 to 2015. Fifteen lysimeters (plastic containers) were prepared in our area of interest. These lysimeters were filled with the subsoil and topsoil from this area and divided into two groups. The first group consisted of two variants: V1 (control) and V2 (84 kg N/ha), which were not stressed by drought. The second group consisted of three variants, V3 (control), V4 (84 kg N/ha), and V5 (84 kg N/ha + 1.25 L lignohumate/ha), which were stressed by drought every year of the experiment for 30 days. Changes in the soil moisture content caused by drought significantly affect the growth of Deschampsia caespitosa L., the microbial activity, and the soil’s capacity to retain nutrients. The measured basal respiration and dehydrogenase activity values confirm the significant effect of drought on microbial activity. These values were demonstrably higher in the period before drought simulation by more than 60%. On the other hand, significant differences between microbial activities in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil were not found. We did not find a clear effect of drought on the formation of soil water repellency.
Characterization of Cystatin B Interactome in Saliva from Healthy Elderly and Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Contini Cristina , Serrao Simone , Manconi Barbara , Olianas Alessandra , Iavarone Federica , Guadalupi Giulia , Messana Irene , Castagnola Massimo , Masullo Carlo , Bizzarro Alessandra , Turck Christoph W. , Maccarrone Giuseppina , Cabras Tiziana
Published: March 2023

Cystatin B is a small, multifunctional protein involved in the regulation of inflammation, innate immune response, and neuronal protection and found highly abundant in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recently, our study demonstrated a significant association between the level of salivary cystatin B and AD. Since the protein is able to establish protein-protein interaction (PPI) in different contexts and aggregation-prone proteins and the PPI networks are relevant for AD pathogenesis, and due to the relevance of finding new AD markers in peripheral biofluids, we thought it was interesting to study the possible involvement of cystatin B in PPIs in saliva and to evaluate differences and similarities between AD and age-matched elderly healthy controls (HC). For this purpose, we applied a co-immunoprecipitation procedure and a bottom-up proteomics analysis to purify, identify, and quantify cystatin B interactors. Results demonstrated for the first time the existence of a salivary cystatin B-linked multi-protein complex composed by 82 interactors and largely expressed in the body. Interactors are involved in neutrophil activation, antimicrobial activity, modulation of the cytoskeleton and extra-cellular matrix (ECM), and glucose metabolism. Preliminary quantitative data showed significantly lower levels of triosophosphate isomerase 1 and higher levels of mucin 7, BPI, and matrix Gla protein in AD with respect to HC, suggesting implications associated with AD of altered glucose metabolism, antibacterial activities, and calcification-associated processes. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifiers PXD039286 and PXD030679.
Current Epidemic Situation and Control Status of Citrus Huanglongbing in Guangdong China: The Space–Time Pattern Analysis of Specific Orchards
Authors: Zhang Jingtian , Liu Yangyang , Gao Jie , Yuan Chunfen , Zhan Xuanlin , Cui Xiaoqing , Zheng Zheng , Deng Xiaoling , Xu Meirong
Published: March 2023

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most harmful bacterial disease in citrus production in the world, and has been seriously ravaging the citrus groves of South China since the 1930s. The surveillance of the epidemiological characteristics of HLB is of utmost priority for citrus production in this region. In order to explore the effects of disease control measures, analyses on the space–time statistical features of the HLB epidemic, from 2019 to 2021, within six orchards in the Guangdong province are presented. Overall, the number of citrus plants in the orchards usually slightly decreased year by year. The reduction was mainly related to the level of plant susceptibility, which is correlated with citrus varieties. The maximum disease severity (incidence and race increment) was correlated with the awareness of this disease and the management intensity applied by the manager. A higher disease index was found in the conventional management orchards than in the comprehensive prevention and control orchards. Proper insect-protective screen houses can effectively prevent the epidemic of HLB, without affecting the fruit quality, and can also aid with higher yields. A high correlation was found between the geometry and topography of orchards and the HLB epidemic due to the wind direction from May to September and the Asia citrus psyllid activity characteristics. For flat orchards, the incidence of HLB in the north and entrance areas was higher than that in the southwest. In the mountain area, the incidence of the windward side in the south was higher than that of the leeward side in the north. Diseased trees tended to have an edge effect in the grove, whereas the trees of the same disease scale were found clustered in their distribution. These results allow a better understanding of HLB epidemiology and provide guidance for the early warning of HLB in new groves in areas that are severely affected by this disease. Furthermore, they also provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive prevention and control of HLB in old groves.
Apple Peel Supplementation Potential in Metabolic Syndrome Prevention
Authors: Popiolek-Kalisz Joanna , Glibowski Paweł
Published: March 2023

(1) Introduction: Apples are a source of bioactive substances, e.g., anthocyanidins and flavonols, and dietary fiber. Their highest concentrations are observed in the skin. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a set of conditions originally associated with obesity. Excessive adipose tissue accompanying obesity leads to chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders, which result in the development of dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and glucose levels. Thus, supplementation of apple peels, a source of antioxidant substances and fiber, could potentially be a method supporting the prevention of MetS. This paper summarizes the results of available research on the potential impact of apple peel supplementation on the components of MetS. (2) Results: The results from in vitro and animal model studies indicate a positive effect of apple peel supplementation on lipid profile, glucose levels, and blood pressure regulation mediators. Only one human study was performed, and it showed that the consumption of apple peels had an effect on endothelial function but not on other clinical parameters. At the moment, there are no results from observations on large groups of people available. (3) Conclusions: The results of in vitro and animal-model studies indicate the potential of apple peel supplementation in MetS prevention, but it has not been clinically confirmed in human studies. Conducting large human studies could allow a definite clarification of the role of apple peel supplementation in MetS prevention.
Tribological Behaviour and Microstructure of an Aluminium Alloy-Based g-SiC Hybrid Surface Composite Produced by FSP
Authors: Tan Jun Liang , Liew Kia Wai
Published: March 2023

In this work, the microstructure and wear characteristics of a surface-reinforced composite based on an aluminium alloy with a mixture of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and silicon carbide (SiC), referred to as g-SiC, fabricated by Friction Stir Processing (FSP), are investigated. To further improve the tribological performance, different volume fractions (0 vol%, 5 vol%, 10 vol% and 15 vol%) of g-SiC-reinforced aluminium alloy are prepared by FSP. It is concluded that the Friction Stir Processed (FSPed) AA5083/g-SiC (15 vol%) specimen has optimum reduction in average friction coefficient (61.13%) and optimum reduction in specimen weight (72.97%). In summary, such hybrid reinforcements effectively improve the mechanical and tribological properties of metals with minimal negative impact on the environment and humans, while reducing material loss and overall manufacturing costs.
Fast Degradation of Azo Dyes by In Situ Mg-Zn-Ca-Sr Metallic Glass Matrix Composite
Authors: Jin Rui , Wang Gaojiong , Wang Xin , Yang Wei , Qi Yumin
Published: March 2023

Mg-based metallic glass (MG) has attracted extensive attention in the field of wastewater treatment due to its high decolorization rate in degrading azo dyes. However, the azo dye degradation rate of Mg-based MGs is strongly dependent on the particle size. Improving the intrinsic degradation efficiency using large particles is of great interest for future applications. In this work, in-situ metallic glass matrix composites (MGMCs) with high Mg content were successfully prepared by melt spinning. It is found that when the Mg content is 79–82%, the as-spun sample shows typical glassy characteristics. The SEM and XRD tests confirm that the as-spun sample is composed of α-Mg dendrite, multiple Mg-Zn intermetallic particles and an MG matrix. The degradation experiment using Direct Blue 6 and a 500 μm particle sample demonstrate that the Mg82Zn14Ca3Sr1 MGMC sample degrades azo dyes faster than typical Mg-Zn-Ca MG alloy. It can be attributed to the galvanic cell effect on the α-Mg/MG interface, which reduces the waste of active Mg atoms in the MG matrix according to the corrosion protection mechanism by the α-Mg anode sacrifice. This result provides a new perspective and insight into the design of azo dye degradation alloys and the understanding of degradation mechanisms.
Radiation Response of Large-Area 4H-SiC Schottky Barrier Diodes
Authors: Bernat Robert , Knežević Tihomir , Radulović Vladimir , Snoj Luka , Makino Takahiro , Ohshima Takeshi , Capan Ivana
Published: March 2023

We report on the effects of large-area 4H-SiC Schottky barrier diodes on the radiation response to ionizing particles. Two different diode areas were compared: 1 mm × 1 mm and 5 mm × 5 mm. 6LiF and 10B4C films, which were placed on top of the diodes, were used as thermal neutron converters. We achieved a thermal neutron efficiency of 5.02% with a 6LiF thermal neutron converter, which is one of the highest efficiencies reported to date. In addition, a temperature-dependent radiation response to alpha particles was presented. Neutron irradiations were performed in a JSI TRIGA dry chamber and an Am-241 wide-area alpha source was used for testing the alpha response of the 4H-SiC Schottky barrier diodes.
Hierarchical CoNiO2 Microflowers Assembled by Mesoporous Nanosheets as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Dingfu , Yao Jiaxin , Yin Jinling , Wang Guiling , Zhu Kai , Yan Jun , Cao Dianxue , Zhu Min
Published: March 2023

In order to alleviate the energy crisis and propel a low-carbon economy, hydrogen (H2) plays an important role as a renewable cleaning resource. To break the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) bottleneck, we need high-efficiency electrocatalysts. Based on the synergistic effect between bimetallic oxides, hierarchical mesoporous CoNiO2 nanosheets can be fabricated. Combining physical representations with electrochemical measurements, the resultant CoNiO2 catalysts present the hierarchical microflowers morphology assembled by mesoporous nanosheets. The ultrathin two-dimensional nanosheets and porous surface characteristics provide the vast channels for electrolyte injection, thus endowing CoNiO2 the outstanding HER performance. The excellent performance with a fewer onset potential of 94 mV, a smaller overpotential at 10 mA cm−2, a lower Tafel slope of 109 mV dec−1 and better stability after 1000 cycles makes CoNiO2 better than that of metallic Co and metallic Ni.
Investigation on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the Ti-Ta Alloy with Unmelted Ta Particles by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Gao Mu , He Dingyong , Cui Li , Ma Lixia , Tan Zhen , Zhou Zheng , Guo Xingye
Published: March 2023

Titanium-tantalum (Ti-Ta) alloy has excellent biomechanical properties with high strength and low Young’s modulus, showing great application potential in the biomedical industry. In this study, Ti-Ta alloy samples were prepared by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology with mixed pure 75 wt.% Ti and 25 wt.% Ta powders as the feedstock. The maximum relative density of Ti-Ta samples prepared by LPBF reached 99.9%. It is well-accepted that four nonequilibrium phases, namely, α′, α″ and metastable β phase exist in Ti-Ta alloys. The structure of α′, α″ and β are hexagonal close-packed (HCP), base-centered orthorhombic (BCO) and body-centered cubic (BCC), respectively. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the α′ phase transformed to the α″ phase with the increase of energy density. The lamellar α′/α″ phases and the α″ twins were generated in the prior β phase. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the Ti-Ta alloy were optimized with different LPBF processing parameters. The samples prepared by LPBF energy density of 381 J/mm3 had a favorable ultimate strength (UTS) of 1076 ± 2 MPa and yield strength of 795 ± 16 MPa. The samples prepared by LPBF energy density of 76 had excellent ductility, with an elongation of 31% at fracture.
The Microstructure and Properties of Ni-Si-La2O3 Coatings Deposited on 304 Stainless Steel by Microwave Cladding
Authors: Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Sharma Shubham , Sharma Kanta Prasad , Kumar Abhinav , Agrawal Ashish , Singh Rajesh , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: March 2023

In this investigation, microwave radiation was used alongside a combination of Ni powder, Si powder, and La2O3 (Lanthanum oxide) powder to create surface cladding on SS-304 steel. To complete the microwave cladding process, 900 W at 2.45 GHz was used for 120 s. “Response surface methodology (RSM)” was utilized to attain the optimal combination of microwave cladding process parameters. The surface hardness of the cladding samples was taken as a response. The optimal combination of microwave cladding process parameters was found to be Si (wt.%) of 19.28, a skin depth of 4.57 µm, irradiation time of 118 s, and La2O3 (wt.%) of 11 to achieve a surface hardness of 287.25 HV. Experimental surface hardness at the corresponding microwave-cladding-process parameters was found to be 279 HV. The hardness of SS-304 was improved by about 32.85% at the optimum combination of microwave cladding process parameters. The SEM and optical microscopic images showed the presence of Si, Ni, and La2O3 particles. SEM images of the “cladding layer and surface” showed the “uniform cladding layer” with “fewer dark pixels” (yielding higher homogeneity). Higher homogeneity reduced the dimensional deviation in the developed cladding surface. XRD of the cladded surface showed the presence of FeNi, Ni2Si, FeNi3, NiSi2, Ni3C, NiC, and La2O3 phases. The “wear rate and coefficient of friction” of the developed cladded surface with 69.72% Ni, 19.28% Si, and 11% La2O3 particles were found to be 0.00367 mm3/m and 0.312, respectively. “Few dark spots” were observed on the “corroded surface”. These “dark spots” displayed “some corrosion (corrosion weight loss 0.49 mg)” in a “3.5 wt.% NaCl environment”.
A Comparative Study on Microstructural Characterization of Thick High Strength Low Alloy Steel Weld by Arc Welding and Laser Welding
Authors: Chen Yunxia , Xu Xiao , Liu Yanjing , Cui Haichao
Published: March 2023

Welding and the behavior of the weldments are important, since welding of high strength low alloy (HSLA) steels is a conventional method for manufacturing industrial parts. This work conducts a comparative investigation of microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties for joints of 16-mm-thick HSLA Q890 steel produced by multi-layer multi-pass shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) with filler wire and single-layer autogenous laser beam welding (LBW). The mechanical properties of the welded joints were assessed in terms of tensile and impact using butt joints. The results show that tensile failure occurred in the base metal during the tensile tests for most of the trials. The ultimate tensile strength and percent elongation of the LBW welded joint (973.5 MPa and 10%) are higher than those of the SMAW joint (951 MPa and 2.9%) due to the filler filling process of the SMAW process. The Charpy impact energy of the weld metal (16.4 J and 15.1 J) is lower than that of the heat-affected zone (18.5 J and 19.5 J) in the LBW joint and the SMAW joint.
Anaerobic Biodegradability of Commercial Bioplastic Products: Systematic Bibliographic Analysis and Critical Assessment of the Latest Advances
Authors: Falzarano Marica , Polettini Alessandra , Pomi Raffaella , Rossi Andreina , Zonfa Tatiana
Published: March 2023

Bioplastics have entered everyday life as a potential sustainable substitute for commodity plastics. However, still further progress should be made to clarify their degradation behavior under controlled and uncontrolled conditions. The wide array of biopolymers and commercial blends available make predicting the biodegradation degree and kinetics quite a complex issue that requires specific knowledge of the multiple factors affecting the degradation process. This paper summarizes the main scientific literature on anaerobic digestion of biodegradable plastics through a general bibliographic analysis and a more detailed discussion of specific results from relevant experimental studies. The critical analysis of literature data initially included 275 scientific references, which were then screened for duplication/pertinence/relevance. The screened references were analyzed to derive some general features of the research profile, trends, and evolution in the field of anaerobic biodegradation of bioplastics. The second stage of the analysis involved extracting detailed results about bioplastic degradability under anaerobic conditions by screening analytical and performance data on biodegradation performance for different types of bioplastic products and different anaerobic biodegradation conditions, with a particular emphasis on the most recent data. A critical overview of existing biopolymers is presented, along with their properties and degradation mechanisms and the operating parameters influencing/enhancing the degradation process under anaerobic conditions.
Preparation of Spherical Ultrafine Silver Particles Using Y-Type Microjet Reactor
Authors: Wan Xiaoxi , Li Jun , Li Na , Zhang Jingxi , Gu Yongwan , Chen Guo , Ju Shaohua
Published: March 2023

Herein, micron-sized silver particles were prepared using the chemical reduction method by employing a Y-type microjet reactor, silver nitrate as the precursor, ascorbic acid as the reducing agent, and gelatin as the dispersion at room temperature (23 °C ± 2°C). Using a microjet reactor, the two reaction solutions collide and combine outside the reactor, thereby avoiding microchannel obstruction issues and facilitating a quicker and more convenient synthesis process. This study examined the effect of the jet flow rate and dispersion addition on the morphology and size of silver powder particles. Based on the results of this study, spherical and dendritic silver particles with a rough surface can be prepared by adjusting the flow rate of the reaction solution and gelatin concentration. The microjet flow rate of 75 mL/min and the injected gelatin amount of 1% of the silver nitrate mass produced spherical ultrafine silver particles with a size of 4.84 μm and a tap density of 5.22 g/cm3.
Doping with Niobium Nanoparticles as an Approach to Increase the Power Conversion Efficiency of P3HT:PCBM Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Mkawi Elmoiz Merghni , Al-Hadeethi Yas , Arkook Bassim , Bekyarova Elena
Published: March 2023

Metal additive processing in polymer: fullerene bulk heterojunction systems is recognized as a viable way for improving polymer photovoltage performance. In this study, the effect of niobium (Nb) metal nanoparticles at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg/mL on poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT)-6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blends was analyzed. The effect of Nb volume concentration on polymer crystallinity, optical properties, and surface structure of P3HT and PCBM, as well as the enhancement of the performance of P3HT:PC61BM solar cells, are investigated. Absorption of the P3HT:PC61BM mix is seen to have a high intensity and a red shift at 500 nm. The reduction in PL intensity with increasing Nb doping concentrations indicates an increase in PL quenching, suggesting that the domain size of P3HT or conjugation length increases. With a high Nb concentration, crystallinity, material composition, surface roughness, and phase separation are enhanced. Nb enhances PCBM’s solubility in P3HT and decreases the size of amorphous P3HT domains. Based on the J–V characteristics and the optoelectronic study of the thin films, the improvement results from a decreased recombination current, changes in morphology and crystallinity, and an increase in the effective exciton lifespan. At high doping concentrations of Nb nanoparticles, the development of the short-circuit current (JSC) is associated with alterations in the crystalline structure of P3HT. The highest-performing glass/ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM:Nb/MoO3/Au structures have short-circuit current densities (JSC) of 16.86 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltages (VOC) of 466 mV, fill factors (FF) of 65.73%, and power conversion efficiency (µ) of 5.16%.
On the Effect of Standard Deviation of Cationic Radii on the Transition Temperature in Fluorite-Structured Entropy-Stabilized Oxides (F-ESO)
Authors: Spiridigliozzi Luca , Bortolotti Mauro , Dell’Agli Gianfranco
Published: March 2023

It is confirmed that Fluorite-structured Entropy-Stabilized Oxides (F-ESO) can be obtained with multicomponent (5) equimolar systems based on cerium, zirconium, and other rare earth elements, selected according to the predictor already proposed by the authors. Indeed, in the present study, three different samples owning a standard deviation (SD in the following) of their cationic radii greater than the threshold value (i.e., SD > 0.095 with cationic radii measured in Å) needed to ensure the formation of the single-phase fluorite structure, were prepared via co-precipitation method. After a calcination step at 1500 °C for 1 h, the entropy-driven transition from multiple phases to single-phase fluorite-like structure has been actually confirmed. Thus, with the aim of defining the temperature at which such entropy-driven transition occurred, and identifying possible relation between such temperature and the actual value of SD, the phase evolution of all the prepared samples as a function of temperature (ranging from 800 °C to 1300 °C) was analyzed by in situ High Temperature X-ray Diffraction. An apparent inverse correlation between the standard deviation and the entropy-driven transition temperature has been identified, i.e., the higher the former, the lower the latter. These results, based on the conducted basic structural analysis, provide further support to the SD-based empirical predictor developed by the authors, suggesting that high values of SD could bring additional contribution to the overall entropy of the system, other than the configurational one. Thus, this SD-driven entropy contribution directly increases with the increasing of the standard deviation of the cationic radii of a given F-ESO.
Effects of Vanadium Microalloying and Intercritical Annealing on Yield Strength–Ductility Trade-Offs of Medium-Manganese Steels
Authors: Bi Nannan , Tang Huaiguang , Shi Zimu , Wang Xingfu , Han Fusheng , Liang Juhua
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we investigate the effects of vanadium on the strength and ductility of medium-manganese steels by analyzing the microstructural evolution and strain hardening rates and performing quantitative calculations. Two significantly different contents of vanadium, 0.05 and 0.5 wt.%, were independently added to model steel (0.12C-10Mn) and annealed at different intercritical temperatures. The results show that higher vanadium addition increases the yield strength but decreases the ductility. The maximum yield strength can increase from 849 MPa to 1063 MPa at low temperatures. The model calculations reveal that this is due to a precipitation strengthening increment of up to 148 MPa and a dislocation strengthening increment of 50 MPa caused by a higher quantity of V4C3 precipitates. However, the high density of vanadium carbides leads them to easily segregate at grain boundaries or phase interfaces, which prevents strain from uniformly distributing throughout the phases. This results in stress concentrations which cause a high strain hardening rate in the early stages of loading and a delayed transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect. Additionally, the precipitates decrease the austenite proportion and its carbon concentrations, rendering the TRIP effect unsustainable. Accordingly, the ductility of high vanadium steels is relatively low.
Anomalous Properties of Cyclodextrins and Their Complexes in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Loftsson Thorsteinn , Sigurdsson Hákon Hrafn , Jansook Phatsawee
Published: March 2023

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides that emerged as industrial excipients in the early 1970s and are currently found in at least 130 marketed pharmaceutical products, in addition to numerous other consumer products. Although CDs have been the subject of close to 100,000 publications since their discovery, and although their structure and properties appear to be trivial, CDs are constantly surprising investigators by their unique physicochemical properties. In aqueous solutions, CDs are solubilizing complexing agents of poorly soluble drugs while they can also act as organic cosolvents like ethanol. CDs and their complexes self-assemble in aqueous solutions to form both nano- and microparticles. The nanoparticles have diameters that are well below the wavelength of visible light; thus, the solutions appear to be clear. However, the nanoparticles can result in erroneous conclusions and misinterpretations of experimental results. CDs can act as penetration enhancers, increasing drug permeation through lipophilic membranes, but they do so without affecting the membrane barrier. This review is an account of some of the unexpected results the authors have encountered during their studies of CDs as pharmaceutical excipients.
The Effect of Biological Corrosion on the Hydration Processes of Synthetic Tricalcium Aluminate (C3A)
Authors: Pyzalski Michał , Sujak Agnieszka , Durczak Karol , Murzyn Paweł , Brylewski Tomasz , Sitarz Maciej
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a study related to the biological degradation of a tricalcium aluminate (C3A) phase treated with reactive media from the agricultural industry. During one month of setting and hardening, synthetic C3A was subjected to corrosion in corn silage, pig slurry and chicken manure. The hardening process of the C3A phase in water was used as a reference sample. The phase composition and microstructure of the hydrating tricalcium aluminate slurries were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (DTA/TG/DTG/EGA), scanning microscopy (SEM, EDS) and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In the samples studied, it was observed that the qualitative and quantitative phase composition of the synthetic tricalcium aluminate preparations changed depending on the corrosion exposure conditions. The main crystalline phases formed by the hydration of the examined samples in water as well as in corrosive media were the catoite (Ca3Al2(OH)12) and hydrocalumite (Ca2Al(OH)7·3H2O) phases. Detailed analysis showed the occurrence of secondary crystallisation in hydrating samples and the phases were mainly calcium carbonates (CaCO3) with different crystallite sizes. In the phase composition of the C3A pastes, varying amounts of aluminium hydroxides (Al(OH)3) were also present. The crystalline phases formed as a result of secondary crystallisation represented biological corrosion products, probably resulting from the reaction of hydrates with secondary products resulting from the metabolic processes of anaerobic bacterial respiration (from living matter) associated with the presence of bacteria in the reaction medium. The results obtained contribute towards the development of fast-acting and bio-corrosion-resistant special cements for use in bioenergetics.
Asymmetric Cross Metasurfaces with Multiple Resonances Governed by Bound States in the Continuum
Authors: Fan Hongjie , Li Jing , Sun Yuhang , Wang Xueyu , Wu Tiesheng , Liu Yumin
Published: March 2023

The bound state in the continuum (BIC) has paved a new way to achieve excellent localization of the resonant mode coexisting with a continuous spectrum in the metasurface. Here, we propose an all-dielectric metasurface consisting of periodic pairs of asymmetric crosses that supports multiple Fano resonances. Due to the sufficient degrees of freedom in the unit cell, we displaced the vertical bars horizontally to introduce in-plane perturbation, doubling the unit cell structure. Dimerization directly resulted in the folding of the Brillouin zone in k space and transformed the BIC modes into quasi-BIC resonances. Then, simultaneous in-plane symmetry breaking was introduced in both the x and y directions to excite two more resonances. The physical mechanisms of these BIC modes were investigated by multipole decomposition of the scattering cross section and electromagnetic near-field analysis, confirming that they are governed by toroidal dipole (TD) modes and magnetic dipole (MD) modes. We also investigated the flexible tunability and evaluated the sensing performance of our proposed metasurface. Our work is promising for different applications requiring stable and tunable resonances, such as optical switching and biomolecule sensing.
Influence of Post-Consumer Waste Thermoplastic Elastomers Obtained from Used Car Floor Mats on Concrete Properties
Authors: Pietrzak Alina , Ulewicz Malgorzata
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the influence of post-consumer thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) additive derived from used car floor mats on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete is presented. Waste elastomer (fractions 0–2 and 2–8 mm) was used as a substitute for sand or fine aggregate in the amount of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0% by weight of cement. For all series, the physical and mechanical properties of concrete (for example, compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, water absorption, density, and frost resistance), as well as its microstructure, were tested. It has been shown that post-consumer elastomer waste from used car floor mats in the amount of 2.5% of cement weight can replace sand and gravel aggregate in concrete without reducing their mechanical strength and without changing their microstructure. The compressive strength (after 28 days) of concretes in which the waste was introduced as a substitute for sand and aggregate was 57.0 and 57.2 MPa, respectively (the strength of the control sample was 57.0 MPa). The use of post-consumer waste in concrete allows for a reduction in the consumption of natural aggregate (the addition of 2.5% of waste material saves natural aggregate approximately 20 kg/m3), which reduces the cost of concrete production and also has a positive impact on the environment (i.e., it saves cost and space in landfills, where currently used car floor mat are deposited).
Study of Flow Stress Models and Ductile Fracture Criteria for CHN327 Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Xia Yufeng , Yang Wenbin , Yu Yingyan , Teng Haihao , Cheng Qian
Published: March 2023

The plastic deformation behavior of a CHN327 nickel-based superalloy under temperatures ranging from 600 °C to 700 °C and strain rates ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 s−1 was investigated using uniaxial high-temperature tensile tests. The stress–strain curves obtained by the tests showed that the maximum stress decreased as the temperature increased, while it increased as the strain rate increased. Based on the extensive data obtained in the experiment, three constitutive models (Hollomon, Swift, and the modified Voce equation) were employed to predict the constitutive relation. It was found that the modified Voce equation had the highest correlation coefficient and the best prediction accuracy. Thereafter, in order to predict the fracture of CHN327 during high-temperature tensile deformation, five ductile fracture criteria (Freudenthal, C&L, Brozzo, Ayada, and the R&T model), and the modified Voce equation obtained were incorporated into the finite element software (DEFORM). According to the results, except for the C&L and Brozzo models, all of the other ductile fracture criteria (DFCs) were suitable for predicting the damage distribution of the CHN327 alloy in tensile tests. For all of the DFCs considered, the R&T model provided the most accurate predictions, whose mean error was only 8.9%, far less than the values that other models predicted.
Experimental Studies and Numerical Simulations of FRP Poles Failure in the Area of Inspection Hole
Authors: Broniewicz Filip , Chyży Tadeusz , Czech Krzysztof Robert
Published: March 2023

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) utility poles are becoming more widespread in European countries. To ensure the integrity and safety of poles, it is necessary to carefully examine their structural features. The purpose of this paper is to present the numerical model of a column made with the engineering simulation software ANSYS and to compare the experimentally determined values of the stresses that lead to column failure close to the inspection hole with the results obtained using the numerical model. The critical buckling and failure loads for GFRP poles, as well as the associated modes of failure, were correctly predicted by the finite element method used in this study. Failure occurred in the middle of the inspection hole’s longer edge at a stress level of 220–250 MPa. A comparison of the stress using the ANSYS simulation software that led to the destruction of the column with those measured experimentally using strain gauges revealed a good agreement between their values.
A Combined Raman Spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy System for In Situ and Real-Time Measures in Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Bussetti Gianlorenzo , Menegazzo Marco , Mitko Sergei , Castiglioni Chiara , Tommasini Matteo , Lucotti Andrea , Magagnin Luca , Russo Valeria , Li Bassi Andrea , Siena Martina , Guadagnini Alberto , Grillo Samuele , Del Curto Davide , Duò Lamberto
Published: March 2023

An innovative and versatile set-up for in situ and real time measures in an electrochemical cell is described. An original coupling between micro-Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy enables one to collect data on opaque electrodes. This system allows for the correlation of topographic images with chemical maps during the charge exchange occurring in oxidation/reduction processes. The proposed set-up plays a crucial role when reactions, both reversible and non-reversible, are studied step by step during electrochemical reactions and/or when local chemical analysis is required.
Study on the Service Performance of a Two-Stage Floating-Ring Isolation Seal for a High-Speed Turbopump with a Cryogenic Medium
Authors: Song Zifeng , Li Shuangxi , Chen Xiaozhu , Liu Zhiyuan , Zhao Tan , Huang Baiqi
Published: March 2023

The reliability and stability of the seal at the fuel-supply end of a rocket-engine turbopump are important factors in determining safety. Conventional single-stage floating rings used for the isolation-sealing of cryogenic media are highly susceptible to operational instability during startup and shutdown, which places demands on the seals’ structure, size, and material properties. In this study, a two-stage floating-ring isolation seal with a non-slotted main sealing surface was designed using a tangential air-intake mode. Based on the full-size three-dimensional finite-volume model, the leakage characteristics of the floating ring during operation were calculated, taking into account the effect of the “inlet effect” on the seal’s performance. Combining the temperature and pressure distributions of the sealing system under cryogenic operating conditions, calculated using a numerical simulation, a reliability analysis of various inlet directions and two kinds of floating-ring schemes was carried out on a self-constructed service-performance test bench. The results indicate that the main wear location of the non-slotted floating ring occurs on the auxiliary sealing surface, with stable working performance. When the inlet direction and spindle-rotation direction are the same, this is more conducive to ensuring the stability of seal performance in practical applications. The results of the current research are instructive for designing floating-ring isolation seals for turbine pumps.
Large-Time Behavior of Momentum Density Support of a Family of Weakly Dissipative Peakon Equations with Higher-Order Nonlinearity
Authors: Su Xianxian , Dong Xiaofang
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we mainly study the weakly dissipative peakon equations with higher-order nonlinearity. Under the effect of dissipation, we first derive the infinite propagation speed if the initial datum has a nonnegative compact support. Furthermore, we obtain the large-time behavior of the support of momentum density with the initial data compactly supported. The corresponding results are obtained by using some prior estimates and the energy method. It is worth noting that we need to overcome the difficulties caused by the high-order nonlinear structure and the dissipative effect of the equation. The obtained results generalize the previous results to a certain degree.
Reliability Estimation of XLindley Constant-Stress Partially Accelerated Life Tests using Progressively Censored Samples
Authors: Nassar Mazen , Alotaibi Refah , Elshahhat Ahmed
Published: March 2023

It often takes a lot of time to conduct life-testing studies on products or components. Units can be tested under more severe circumstances than usual, known as accelerated life tests, to reduce the testing period. This study’s goal is to look into certain estimation issues related to point and interval estimations for XLindley distribution under constant stress partially accelerated life tests with progressive Type-II censored samples. The maximum likelihood approach is utilized to acquire the point and interval estimates of the model parameters as well as the reliability function under normal use conditions. The Bayesian estimation method using the Monte Carlo Markov Chain procedure using the squared error loss function is also provided. Moreover, the Bayes credible intervals as well as the highest posterior density credible intervals of the different parameters are considered. To make comparisons between the proposed methods, a simulation study is conducted with various sample sizes and different censoring schemes. The usefulness of the suggested methodologies is then demonstrated by the analysis of two data sets. A summary of the major findings of the study can be found in the conclusion.