bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Graphite–SiO2 Composites for Thermal Storage Cement-Based Materials
Authors: He Chenhao , Li Xiangguo , Lv Yang , Dan Jianming , Yan Haitian , Shi Xiangqin
Published: June 2024

Thermal storage cement-based materials, formed by integrating phase change materials into cementitious materials, exhibit significant potential as energy storage materials. However, poor thermal conductivity severely limits the development and application of these materials. In this study, an amorphous SiO2 shell is encapsulated on a graphite surface to create a novel thermally modified admixture (C@SiO2). This material exhibits excellent thermal conductivity, and the surface-encapsulated amorphous SiO2 enhances its bond with cement. Further, C@SiO2 was added to the thermal storage cement-based materials at different volume ratios. The effects of C@SiO2 were evaluated by measuring the fluidity, thermal conductivity, phase change properties, temperature change, and compressive strength of various thermal storage cement-based materials. The results indicate that the newly designed thermal storage cement-based material with 10 vol% C@SiO2 increases the thermal conductivity coefficient by 63.6% and the latent heat of phase transition by 11.2% compared to common thermal storage cement-based materials. Moreover, C@SiO2 does not significantly impact the fluidity and compressive strength of the thermal storage cement-based material. This study suggests that C@SiO2 is a promising additive for enhancing thermal conductivity in thermal storage cement-based materials. The newly designed thermal storage cement-based material with 10 vol% C@SiO2 is a promising candidate for energy storage applications.
Development of PBS/Nano Composite PHB-Based Multilayer Blown Films with Enhanced Properties for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Palmieri Francesco , Tagoe Joseph Nii Ayi , Di Maio Luciano
Published: June 2024

Biobased and biodegradable plastics have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional plastics offering the potential to reduce environmental impacts while promoting sustainability. This study focuses on the production of multilayer blown films with enhanced functional properties suitable for food packaging applications. Films were developed through co-extrusion in a three-layer film configuration, with Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) and Polybutylene Succinate Adipate (PBSA) as the external and internal layers, respectively. The functional layer consisted of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) enhanced with nanoclays Cloisite® 30B at varying weight ratios. Films were also processed by manipulating the extruder screw speed of the functional layer to investigate its impact on the functional properties. Rheology, mechanical strength, and barrier performance were characterised to establish correlations between processing conditions and functional layer blends (Cloisite® 30B/PHB) on the properties of the resultant films. Rheological test results indicated that the system with 5% Cloisite® had the best polymer/nanofiller matrix dispersion. Mechanical and permeability tests showed that by varying the process conditions (the alteration of the thickness of the functionalized layer) resulted in an improvement in mechanical and barrier properties. Furthermore, the addition of the nanofiller resulted in a stiffening of the film with a subsequent decrease in permeability to oxygen and water vapour.
Kinematic Parameter Identification and Error Compensation of Industrial Robots Based on Unscented Kalman Filter with Adaptive Process Noise Covariance
Authors: Gao Guanbin , Guo Xinyang , Li Gengen , Li Yuan , Zhou Houchen
Published: June 2024

Kinematic calibration plays a pivotal role in enhancing the absolute positioning accuracy of industrial robots, with parameter identification and error compensation constituting its core components. While the conventional parameter identification method, based on linearization, has shown promise, it suffers from the loss of high-order system information. To address this issue, we propose an unscented Kalman filter (UKF) with adaptive process noise covariance for robot kinematic parameter identification. The kinematic model of a typical 6-degree-of-freedom industrial robot is established. The UKF is introduced to identify the unknown constant parameters within this model. To mitigate the reliance of the UKF on the process noise covariance, an adaptive process noise covariance strategy is proposed to adjust and correct this covariance. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is then demonstrated through identification and error compensation experiments for the industrial robot. Results indicate its superior stability and accuracy across various initial conditions. Compared to the conventional UKF algorithm, the proposed approach enhances the robot’s accuracy stability by 25% under differing initial conditions. Moreover, compared to alternative methods such as the extended Kalman algorithm, particle swarm optimization algorithm, and grey wolf algorithm, the proposed approach yields average improvements of 4.13%, 26.47%, and 41.59%, respectively.
Impact of Capital Position and Financing Strategies on Encroachment in Supply Chain Dynamics
Authors: Zhu Qiuying , Wang Ce , Zhang Bin
Published: June 2024

Channel encroachment and financing decisions are prevalent in practice. Utilizing the Stackelberg game framework, we investigate the impact of a retailer’s capital position and financing strategies on supply chain dynamics in which a supplier considers establishing a direct sales channel. We find that the retailer’s equilibrium financing strategy is impacted by demand volatility and the initial working capital. The supplier’s encroachment decision hinges on the entry cost when neither trade credit financing nor bank credit financing is available. When both types of credit are available, the choice of financing is a complex interplay involving initial working capital, entry cost, and demand volatility. Notably, the supplier’s decision to encroach may shift from a binary stance of either encroaching or not encroaching, or it may oscillate from encroachment to non-encroachment and back to encroachment, particularly with an increase in demand volatility when the entry cost is moderate. The novelty of this study lies in its integration of supplier channel decisions with retailer operational decisions and financing strategies, examining how the capital position and financing strategies impact channel decisions. This study provides managerial insights into the interplay between supplier’s channel dynamics and retailer’s financial considerations, shedding light on unexplored aspects of channel management. In future studies, some assumptions in this study can be modified to obtain more managerial insights.
Mixed-Integer Optimization for Ship Retrofitting in Green Logistics
Authors: Ma Tianfang , Tian Xuecheng , Liu Yan , Jin Yong , Wang Shuaian
Published: June 2024

Maritime transportation plays a pivotal role in global trade and international supply chains. However, the sector is also a significant source of emissions. One of the most promising technologies for reducing these emissions is air lubrication, which involves installing bubbles along the hull of a ship. Despite its potential, the design of cost-effective bubble-installation plans for ship fleets over the planning horizon remains unexplored in the literature. This paper addresses this gap by proposing a mathematical programming model designed to optimize the installation of bubble-based systems. We present several propositions concerning the model’s properties, supported by rigorous proofs. To validate the model’s effectiveness, we conduct a series of computational experiments. The findings demonstrate that our optimization model enables shipping companies to devise bubble-installation plans that are cost-effective. This contribution not only extends the current understanding of emission reduction technologies in maritime transportation, but also offers practical insights for their implementation.
Network Derivation of Liquid Junction Potentials in Single-Membrane System
Authors: Ślęzak Andrzej , Grzegorczyn Sławomir M.
Published: June 2024

Peusner’s network thermodynamics (PNT) is one of the more important formalisms of nonequilibrium thermodynamics used to describe membrane transport and the conversion of the internal energy of the system into energy dissipated in the environment and free energy used for the work involved in the transport of solution components in membrane processes. A procedure of transformation the Kedem–Katchalsky (K-K) equations for the transport of binary electrolytic solutions through a membrane to the Kedem–Katchalsky–Peusner (K-K-P) equations based on the PNT formalism for liquid junction potentials was developed. The subject of the study was a membrane used for hemodialysis (Ultra Flo 145 Dialyser) and aqueous NaCl solutions. The research method was the L version of the K-K-P formalism for binary electrolyte solutions. The Peusner coefficients obtained from the transformations of the K-K formalism coefficients for the transport of electrolyte solutions through the artificial polymer membrane were used to calculate the coupling coefficients of the membrane processes and to calculate the dissipative energy flux. In addition, the dissipative energy flux, as a function of thermodynamic forces, made it possible to investigate the energy conversion of transport processes in the membrane system.
Laponite®—From Dispersion to Gel—Structure, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Brunchi Cristina-Eliza , Morariu Simona
Published: June 2024

Laponite® (LAP) is an intensively studied synthetic clay due to the versatility given by its layered structure, which makes it usable in various applications. This review describes the multifaceted properties and applications of LAP in aqueous dispersions and gel systems. The first sections of the review discuss the LAP structure and the interactions between clay discs in an aqueous medium under different conditions (such as ionic strength, pH, temperature, and the addition of polymers) in order to understand the function of clay in tailoring the properties of the designed material. Additionally, the review explores the aging phenomenon characteristic of LAP aqueous dispersions as well as the development of shake-gels by incorporating LAP. The second part shows the most recent studies on materials containing LAP with possible applicability in the drilling industry, cosmetics or care products industry, and biomedical fields. By elucidating the remarkable versatility and ease of integration of LAP into various matrices, this review underscores its significance as a key ingredient for the creation of next-generation materials with tailored functionalities.
Investigating UV-Irradiation Parameters in the Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Water Hyacinth Leaf Extract: Optimization for Future Sensor Applications
Authors: Chutrakulwong Fueangfakan , Thamaphat Kheamrutai , Intarasawang Mana
Published: June 2024

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be produced safely and greenly using water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic plant, as a reducing agent. This study aimed to optimize the UV-irradiation parameters for the synthesis of AgNPs from water hyacinth leaf extract. The study varied the reaction time and pH levels and added a stabilizing agent to the mixture. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The findings revealed that the optimal conditions for synthesizing AgNPs were achieved by adjusting the pH level to 8.5, adding starch as a stabilizing agent, and exposing the mixture to UV-A radiation for one hour. These conditions resulted in the smallest size and highest quantity of AgNPs. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNP colloids remained stable for up to six months. This study highlights the potential of utilizing water hyacinth as a sustainable and cost-effective reducing agent for AgNP synthesis, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, drug development, catalysis, and sensing detection.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of a Novel Hybrid Nanosystem Based on Covalently Modified nSiO2 Nanoparticles with a Curcuminoid Molecule
Authors: Parra-Muñoz Nicole , López-Monsalves Valentina , Espinoza-González Rodrigo , Aravena Daniel , Pizarro Nancy , Soler Monica
Published: June 2024

A new curcuminoid molecule (3) has been designed and synthesized, containing a central -(CH2)2-COOH chain at the α carbon of the keto-enol moiety in the structure. The carboxylic acid group is added to react with exposed amino groups on silica oxide nanoparticles (nSiO2), forming an amide bond to attach the curcuminoid moiety to the nSiO2 covalently. The Kaiser test quantifies the functionalization degree, yielding 222 μmol of curcuminoid per gram of nanoparticles. The synthesized hybrid nanosystem, nSiO2-NHCO-CCM, displays significant emission properties, with a maximum emission at 538 nm in dichloromethane, similar to curcuminoid 1 (without the central chain), which emits at 565 nm in the same solvent. Solvent-induced spectral effects on the absorption and emission bands of the new hybrid nanosystem are confirmed, similar to those observed for the free curcuminoid (1). The new nanosystem is evaluated in the presence of kerosene in water, showing an emission band at 525 nm as a detection response. The ability of nSiO2-NHCO-CCM to change its fluorescence when interacting with kerosene in water is notable, as it overcomes the limitation caused by the insolubility of free curcuminoid 1 in water, allowing for the exploitation of its properties when connected to the water-stable nanosystem for future detection studies.
Controlled Synthesis of Large-Area Oriented ZnO Nanoarrays
Authors: Lin Haowei , Xing Shibo , Jiang Ao , Li Mingxuan , Chen Qing , Wang Zhenling , Jiang Lei , Li Huiying , Wang Jie , Zhou Chenchen
Published: June 2024

Large-area oriented ZnO nanoarrays (including nanowire, nanorod, and nanotube) on ITO glass substrates are synthesized via the simple hydrothermal, electrodeposition, and electrochemical etching approach. The morphology of ZnO nanoarrays is controlled by adjusting the reaction temperature, reaction time, and current density. The scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) results indicate the successful preparation of large-area oriented ZnO nanoarrays with different types, and the energy-dispersive X-microanalysis spectrum (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm that the composition of the obtained nanoarrays is ZnO. More importantly, the as-prepared ZnO nanotube arrays are observed with about a 40% increase in ultraviolet absorption intensity compared to the ZnO nanowire/nanorod arrays, due to having larger specific surface areas. The as-prepared different types of ZnO nanoarrays have great potential for applications in low-cost and high-performance optoelectronic devices.
The Prevalence of Anemia among Pregnant Women in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Yalin , Lyu Ying , Ye Wanyun , Shi Hanxu , Peng Yile , Wen Zhang , Narayan Anuradha , Huang Xiaona , Chang Suying , Yang Yuning , Xu Yajun
Published: June 2024

The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to ascertain the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency (ID), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among Chinese pregnant women. A total of 722 articles on maternal anemia during pregnancy published between January 2010 and December 2020 were compiled, and a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on 57 eligible studies including 1,376,204 pregnant women to ascertain the prevalence of anemia and the prevalence in different subgroups. The results showed that the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA among pregnant women in China were 30.7% (95% CI: 26.6%, 34.7%), 45.6% (95% CI: 37.0%, 54.2%), and 17.3% (95% CI: 13.9%, 20.7%), respectively. All prevalence increased with the progression of the pregnancy. There were sizable regional variations in the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA. Generally, lower prevalence was observed in the economically more advanced eastern region of the country, while the prevalence of ID was higher in the eastern region than that in the western region. The prevalence of anemia and IDA in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas, but ID prevalence was higher in urban areas. In conclusion, the regional differences and urban–rural disparities in the prevalence of anemia indicate the need for more context-specific interventions to prevent and treat anemia. It was found that dietary factors were one of the major causes of anemia, and iron-containing supplements and nutrition counseling could be effective interventions to reduce the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA among Chinese pregnant women.
Effects of Pea (Pisum sativum) Prebiotics on Intestinal Iron-Related Proteins and Microbial Populations In Vivo (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Armah Abigail , Jackson Cydney , Kolba Nikolai , Gracey Peter R. , Shukla Viral , Padilla-Zakour Olga I. , Warkentin Tom , Tako Elad
Published: June 2024

Iron deficiency remains a public health challenge globally. Prebiotics have the potential to improve iron bioavailability by modulating intestinal bacterial population, increasing SCFA production, and stimulating expression of brush border membrane (BBM) iron transport proteins among iron-deficient populations. This study intended to investigate the potential effects of soluble extracts from the cotyledon and seed coat of three pea (Pisum sativum) varieties (CDC Striker, CDC Dakota, and CDC Meadow) on the expression of BBM iron-related proteins (DCYTB and DMT1) and populations of beneficial intestinal bacteria in vivo using the Gallus gallus model by oral gavage (one day old chicks) with 1 mL of 50 mg/mL pea soluble extract solutions. The seed coat treatment groups increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium compared to the cotyledon treatment groups, with CDC Dakota seed coat (dark brown pigmented) recording the highest relative abundance of Bifidobacterium. In contrast, CDC Striker Cotyledon (dark-green-pigmented) significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (p < 0.05). Subsequently, the two dark-pigmented treatment groups (CDC Striker Cotyledon and CDC Dakota seed coats) recorded the highest expression of DCYTB. Our study suggests that soluble extracts from the pea seed coat and dark-pigmented pea cotyledon may improve iron bioavailability by affecting intestinal bacterial populations.
High-Dynamic-Range Absorption Spectroscopy by Generating a Wide Path-Length Distribution with Scatterers
Authors: Mori Ayaka , Yamashita Kyohei , Tokunaga Eiji
Published: June 2024

In absorption spectroscopy, it is challenging to detect absorption peaks with significant differences in their intensity in a single measurement. We enable high-dynamic-range measurements by dispersing scatterers within a sample to create a broad distribution of path lengths (PLs). The sample is placed within an integrating sphere (IS) to capture all scattered light of various PLs. To address the complexities of PLs inside the IS and the sample, we performed a ray-tracing simulation using the Monte Carlo (MC) method, which estimates the measured absorbance A and PL distribution from the sample’s absorption coefficient µa and scattering properties at each wavelength λ. This method was validated using dye solutions with two absorption peaks whose intensity ratio is 95:1, employing polystyrene microspheres (PSs) as scatterers. The results confirmed that both peak shapes were delineated in a single measurement without flattening the high absorption peak. Although the measured peak shapes A(λ) did not align with the actual peak shapes µa(λ), MC enabled the reproduction of µa(λ) from A(λ). Furthermore, the analysis of the PL distribution by MC shows that adding scatterers broadens the distribution and shifts it toward shorter PLs as absorption increases, effectively adjusting it to µa.
Simulation Study on Tunable Terahertz Bandpass Filter Based on Metal–Silicon–Metal Metasurface
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Li Jitao
Published: June 2024

Metasurface devices have demonstrated powerful electromagnetic wave manipulation capabilities. By adjusting the shape and size parameters of the metasurface microstructure, we can control the resonance between spatial electromagnetic waves and the metasurface, which will trigger wave scattering at a specific frequency. By utilizing these characteristics, we design a metasurface device with a bandpass filtering function and a unit cell of the metasurface consisting of a double-layer pinwheel-shaped metal structure and high resistance silicon substrate (forming metal–silicon–metal configuration). A bandpass filter operating in the terahertz band has been implemented, which achieves a 36 GHz filtering bandwidth when the transmission amplitude decreases by 3 dB and remains effective in a wave incidence angle of 20°. This work uses an equivalent RC resonance circuit to explain the formation of bandpass filtering. In addition, the photosensitive properties of silicon enable the filtering function of the device to have on/off tuned characteristics under light excitation, which enhances the dynamic controllability of the filter. The designed device may have application prospects in 6G space communication.
The MUC2 Gene Product: Polymerisation and Post-Secretory Organisation—Current Models
Authors: Stanforth Kyle J. , Zakhour Maria I. , Chater Peter I. , Wilcox Matthew D. , Adamson Beth , Robson Niamh A. , Pearson Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2024

MUC2 mucin, the primary gel-forming component of intestinal mucus, is well researched and a model of polymerisation and post-secretory organisation has been published previously. Recently, several significant developments have been made which either introduce new ideas or challenge previous theories. New ideas include an overhaul of the MUC2 C-terminal globular structure which is proposed to harbour several previously unobserved domains, and include a site for an extra intermolecular disulphide bridge dimer between the cysteine 4379 of adjacent MUC2 C-termini. MUC2 polymers are also now thought to be secreted attached to the epithelial surface of goblet cells in the small intestine and removed following secretion via a metalloprotease meprin β-mediated cleavage of the von Willebrand D2 domain of the N-terminus. It remains unclear whether MUC2 forms intermolecular dimers, trimers, or both, at the N-termini during polymerisation, with several articles supporting either trimer or dimer formation. The presence of a firm inner mucus layer in the small intestine is similarly unclear. Considering this recent research, this review proposes an update to the previous model of MUC2 polymerisation and secretion, considers conflicting theories and data, and highlights the importance of this research to the understanding of MUC2 mucus layers in health and disease.
Evaluating Effectiveness of Multi-Component Waste Plastic Bags on Bitumen Properties: Physical, Rheological, and Aging
Authors: Haji Seyed Javadi Nioushasadat , Heydari Soheil , Hajimohammadi Ailar
Published: June 2024

This study examines the applicability of an unknown composition waste plastic bag sample as bitumen modifier. The waste components were initially characterized to identify the type of plastics and the level of impurity. Asphalt binder performance was examined for rutting, thermal, and age resistance. The results revealed that the waste plastic bags, predominantly consisted of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) and contained 6.1% impurities. The binder tests indicated that the waste plastic bags enhanced the rutting resistance of bitumen by one grade, with its modification more similar to LLDPE, rather than LDPE. The thermal degradation and aging properties of the modified binders demonstrated that the bitumen modified by the waste plastic bags exhibited slightly lower resistance to temperature and aging compared to virgin LDPE and LLDPE. This was attributed to the impurities contained in the waste plastic. In conclusion, the analyzed waste plastic bags proved to be suitable for use in binder modification, presenting a viable alternative to virgin LLDPE.
Progress in Solvent-Based Recycling of Polymers from Multilayer Packaging
Authors: Li Tianmiao , Theodosopoulos George , Lovell Chris , Loukodimou Adamantini , Maniam Kranthi Kumar , Paul Shiladitya
Published: June 2024

Conversion of chemical feedstocks derived from fossil fuels to virgin polymer, manufacturing of plastics in coal-dependent economies, and increasing consumption of virgin polymers for plastics packaging contribute significantly to environmental issues and the challenges we face. Nowadays, promoting sustainable development has become the consensus of more and more countries. Among them, the recycling of multilayer packaging is a huge challenge. Due to the complexity of its structure and materials, as well as the limitations of existing recycling frameworks, currently, multilayer packaging cannot be commercially recycled thus resulting in a series of circular economy challenges. It is undeniable that multilayer packaging offers many positive effects on products and consumers, so banning the use of such packaging would be unwise and unrealistic. Developing the appropriate processes to recycle multilayer packaging is the most feasible strategy. In recent years, there have been some studies devoted to the recycling process of multilayer packaging. Many of the processes being developed involve the use of solvents. Based on the recycled products, we categorised these recycling processes as solvent-based recycling, including physical dissolution and chemical depolymerisation. In physical dissolution, there are mainly two approaches named delamination and selective dissolution–precipitation. Focusing on these processes, this paper reviews the solvents developed and used in the last 20 years for the recycling of polymers from multilayer packaging waste and gives a summary of their advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, product quality, ease of processing, and environmental impact. Based on existing research, one could conclude that solvent-based recycling methods have the potential to be commercialised and become part of a standard recycling process for polymer-based multilayer packaging. The combined use of multiple solvent-based recycling processes could be a breakthrough in achieving unified recycling of multilayer packaging with different components.
Leaf on a Film: Mesoporous Silica-Based Epoxy Composites with Superhydrophobic Biomimetic Surface Structure as Anti-Corrosion and Anti-Biofilm Coatings
Authors: Hwang Jiunn-Jer , Chen Pei-Yu , Luo Kun-Hao , Wang Yung-Chin , Lai Ting-Ying , Balitaan Jolleen Natalie I. , Lin Shu-Rung , Yeh Jui-Ming
Published: June 2024

In this study, a series of amine-modified mesoporous silica (AMS)-based epoxy composites with superhydrophobic biomimetic structure surface of Xanthosoma sagittifolium leaves (XSLs) were prepared and applied as anti-corrosion and anti-biofilm coatings. Initially, the AMS was synthesized by the base-catalyzed sol–gel reaction of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and triethoxysilane (APTES) through a non-surfactant templating route. Subsequently, a series of AMS-based epoxy composites were prepared by performing the ring-opening polymerization of DGEBA with T-403 in the presence of AMS spheres, followed by characterization through FTIR, TEM, and CA. Furthermore, a nano-casting technique with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the soft template was utilized to transfer the surface pattern of natural XSLs to AMS-based epoxy composites, leading to the formation of AMS-based epoxy composites with biomimetic structure. From a hydrophilic CA of 69°, the surface of non-biomimetic epoxy significantly increased to 152° upon introducing XSL surface structure to the AMS-based epoxy composites. Based on the standard electrochemical anti-corrosion and anti-biofilm measurements, the superhydrophobic BEAMS3 composite was found to exhibit a remarkable anti-corrosion efficiency of ~99% and antimicrobial efficacy of 82% as compared to that of hydrophilic epoxy coatings.
Effect of Sheet Properties of Cellulosic Polyglycidyl Methacrylate-Grafted Fibers in a Cationic Polyacrylamide/SiO2/Anionic Polyacrylamide Retention Aid System
Authors: Wang Yueyue , Ma Pu , Huang Jun , Guo Lifang , Wang Yu , Zhai Huamin , Ren Hao
Published: June 2024

As increasing fiber hydrophobicity can significantly improve the paper dewatering process, we found that replacing SBKP and HBKP with 0.5% superhydrophobic CPGMA can significantly improve the dewatering of paper sheets. Therefore, it can be concluded that if CPGMA has little effect on paper properties, it will have potential industrial value in the papermaking industry. Consequently, it is necessary to further study the effect of the CPGMAs@CPAM/SiO2/APAM system on paper properties. To evaluate the application potential of the system in the papermaking industry, we investigated the effects of CPGMAs, which replaced the fibers in the stocks, on the paper properties in the CPAM/SiO2/APAM system. The findings demonstrate that as the CPGMA replacement increased, the paper’s tensile strength, bursting strength, tear resistance, and folding endurance all declined. The trend can be segmented into two phases: a rapid decrease for substitution amounts below 0.5% and a gradual decline for substitution amounts exceeding 0.5%. When replaced with a small amount of CPGMAs, there was a negligible effect on these properties. Second, the paper air permeability increased with the CPGMA substitution amount in the stock. Furthermore, the trend of paper air permeability can be divided into two stages—a rapid stage with a substitution amount of <0.5% and a slow stage with a substitution amount of >0.5%. A small amount of CPGMAs could distinctly improve the paper’s air permeability. Third, CPGMAs, which replaced fibers in the stock, minutely affected the paper formation. A small amount of CPGMAs substantially boosted the efficacy of the process of paper manufacture and certain characteristics of the paper, and it had a negligible impact on the strength of paper. The CPGMAs@CPAM/SiO2/APAM technology has the potential to improve the retention and filtration performance of CPAM/SiO2/APAM.
An Ionic Liquid Supramolecular Gel Electrolyte with Unique Wide Operating Temperature Range Properties for Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Hui , Huang Changmiao , Teng Zixuan , Luo Yushu , Zhang Chaocan , Wu Lili , Huang Wenchao , Zhao Tingting , Dong Lijie , Chen Wanyu
Published: June 2024

Zinc-ion batteries are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage. The side reactions of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and zinc dendrite growth are major challenges for developing high-performance zinc-ion batteries. In this paper, a supramolecular gel electrolyte (BLO-ILZE) was self-assembled in an ionic liquid (EMIMBF4) with zinc tetrafluoroborate (Zn(BF4)2) on the separator in situ to obtain a gel electrolyte used in zinc-ion batteries. BLO-ILZE is demonstrated to significantly enhance conductivity over a broad temperature range between −70 and 100 °C. Interestingly, through testing and fitting, it is found that the supramolecular gel electrolyte satisfies the liquid state law over a wide temperature range, and even achieves high conductivity (2.12 mS cm−1) at −40 °C. It is equivalent to the conductivity of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZnSO4/H2O) at −10 °C, which is 2.33 mS cm−1. Moreover, the supramolecular gel electrolyte can effectively inhibit the HER, thus exhibiting a longer lifetime in Zn/Zn cells for 3470 h at 1 mA cm−2 compared to the aqueous zinc-ion batteries with the Zn(BF4)2 aqueous electrolyte (400 h at 1 mA cm−2). The assembled V2O5/BLO-ILZE/Zn full cells also showed cycling performance, with 5000 cycles at 0.5 mA g−1 at room temperature, a capacity of 98%, and a coulombic efficiency of about 100%.
Modeling of the Arc Characteristics inside a Thermal Laminar Plasma Torch with Different Gas Components
Authors: Tao Jing , Li Changpeng , Cao Xiuquan , Li Shuangliang , Wang Jingdong , Hu Guangzhong
Published: June 2024

For low costs, numerical simulation is an effective method to reveal the internal mechanisms inside a thermal plasma torch. Various simulation models for studying the inside or outside characteristics of thermal plasma torches have been built and discussed. However, to reveal the inside mechanisms of thermal plasma torches under various working conditions to support the materials processing, more attention should be paid to building precise models of laminar plasma torches. Thus, based on the user-defined function (UDF) and user-defined scalar (UDS) of ANSYS Fluent software, the assumptions, governing equations, boundary conditions, and solving method were discussed in detail, and a corresponding numerical model of a homemade laminar plasma torch was first built. For verifying the effectiveness of the proposed numerical model and studying the influence of the gas components on the arc characteristics, the working conditions and experimental setups were introduced in sequence. Finally, the numerical and experimental results of the homemade laminar plasma torch were obtained and discussed in detail. The study results show that: ① The axial temperature of the plasma torch could be divided into three sections along the axis: peak temperature area (10 mm < x < 20 mm), stable temperature area (20 mm < x < 62 mm) and decrease temperature area (62 mm < x < 95 mm). Under the same input conditions, when pure argon gas was used, the peak temperature at the outlet was reached at approximately 7590 K, while for pure nitrogen and 50%Ar + 50%N2, the corresponding peak temperatures were 6785 K and 7402.2 K, respectively. ② The axial velocity of pure nitrogen is much higher than that of pure argon and 50%Ar + 50%N2, while that of pure argon and 50%Ar + 50%N2 has little difference. In addition, when nitrogen gas was used, the peak velocity at the outlet reached 185 m/s, whereas, for argon gas and 50%Ar + 50%N2, the corresponding peak velocities were 146 m/s and 169 m/s, respectively. ③ The simulated arc voltage trends under different working conditions are well in accordance with the experimental arc voltage trends.
SDC-Net++: End-to-End Crash Detection and Action Control for Self-Driving Car Deep-IoT-Based System
Authors: Tolba Mohammed Abdou , Kamal Hanan Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Few prior works study self-driving cars by deep learning with IoT collaboration. SDC-Net, which is an end-to-end multitask self-driving car camera cocoon IoT-based system, is one of the research areas that tackles this direction. However, by design, SDC-Net is not able to identify the accident locations; it only classifies whether a scene is a crash scene or not. In this work, we introduce an enhanced design for the SDC-Net system by (1) replacing the classification network with a detection one, (2) adapting our benchmark dataset labels built on the CARLA simulator to include the vehicles’ bounding boxes while keeping the same training, validation, and testing samples, and (3) modifying the shared information via IoT to include the accident location. We keep the same path planning and automatic emergency braking network, the digital automation platform, and the input representations to formulate the comparative study. The SDC-Net++ system is proposed to (1) output the relevant control actions, especially in case of accidents: accelerate, decelerate, maneuver, and brake, and (2) share the most critical information to the connected vehicles via IoT, especially the accident locations. A comparative study is also conducted between SDC-Net and SDC-Net++ with the same input representations: front camera only, panorama and bird’s eye views, and with single-task networks, crash avoidance only, and multitask networks. The multitask network with a BEV input representation outperforms the nearest representation in precision, recall, f1-score, and accuracy by more than 15.134%, 12.046%, 13.593%, and 5%, respectively. The SDC-Net++ multitask network with BEV outperforms SDC-Net multitask with BEV in precision, recall, f1-score, accuracy, and average MSE by more than 2.201%, 2.8%, 2.505%, 2%, and 18.677%, respectively.
Sitting Pressure Measurements in Wheelchair Users—Can the Effects of Daily Relief Activities Be Depicted?
Authors: Müller Roy , Oette Clara , Oette Cedric , Schreff Lucas , Abel Rainer
Published: June 2024

Seat pressure measurements in wheelchair users have been available for some time; however, repeated measurements from a commercially available pressure mat over 90 min did not differ in the pressure-loaded measurement area or the coordinates of the center of pressure, even in participants who were able to reposition themselves in the wheelchair. The question therefore arises: to what extent are there other parameters that reflect the activity of wheelchair users with the pressure mat? To investigate this, a commercial pressure mat (BodiTrak®) was used to perform the measurements of pressure of 33 adult wheelchair-dependent people with spinal cord injury after 30 and 90 min sitting on the cushion. In addition to the standard output of the pressure mat, graph-based surface analyses (calculation of the area of maximum pressure, calculation of the pressure-loaded measurement area, and pressure–area ratio) was performed retrospectively using Python 3.7. The analysis of the measurements after 30 and 90 min was performed by distinguishing the participants between those who could actively change their position (N = 24) and those who could not (N = 9). The parameters of the pressure mat and the graph-based analyses remained unchanged for active participants. In participants who were unable to actively change their position, the area of maximum pressure and the pressure–area ratio (ratio of maximum pressure area and total pressure-loaded area) increased. Significant differences between minutes 30 and 90 are only found for the pressure–area ratio. Thus, when measuring the seat pressure of wheelchair users, the pressure–area ratio should be taken into account as it reflects the daily relief activities of wheelchair users.
A Revisit of Electromagnetic Wave Scattering by a Metal Isotropic Body in a Lossless Environment with Magnetic Sensor Excitation
Authors: Vafeas Panayiotis
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the electromagnetic fields being scattered by a metal spherical object in a vacuum environment, providing a numerical implementation of the obtained analytical results. A time-harmonic magnetic dipole source, far enough, emits the incident field at low frequencies, oriented arbitrarily in the three-dimensional space. The aim is to find a detailed solution to the scattering problem at spherical coordinates, which is useful for data inversion. Based on the theory of low frequencies, the Maxwell-type problem is transformed into Laplace’s or Poisson’s interconnected equations, accompanied by the proper boundary conditions on the perfectly conducting sphere and the radiation conditions at infinity, which are solved gradually. Broadly, the static and the first three dynamic terms are sufficient, while the terms of a higher order are negligible, which is confirmed by the field graphical representation.
The Influence of Temporal Disturbances in EKF Calculations on the Achieved Parameters of Flight Control and Stabilization of UAVs
Authors: Szczepaniak Jędrzej , Szlachetko Bogusław , Lower Michał
Published: June 2024

This article investigates the causes of occasional flight instability observed in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The issue manifests as unexpected oscillations that can lead to emergency landings. The analysis focuses on delays in the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm used to estimate the drone’s attitude, position, and velocity. These delays disrupt the flight stabilization process. The research identifies two potential causes for the delays. First cause is magnetic field distrurbances created by UAV motors and external magnetic fields (e.g., power lines) that can interfere with magnetometer readings, leading to extended EKF calculations. Second cause is EKF fusion step implementation of the PX4-ECL library combining magnetometer data with other sensor measurements, which can become computionally expensive, especially when dealing with inconsistent magnetic field readings. This can significantly increase EKF processing time. The authors propose a solution of moving the magnetic field estimation calculations to a separate, lower-priority thread. This would prevent them from blocking the main EKF loop and causing delays. The implemented monitoring techniques allow for continuous observation of the real-time operating system’s behavior. Since addressing the identified issues, no significant problems have been encountered during flights. However, ongoing monitoring is crucial due to the infrequent and unpredictable nature of the disturbances.
The Impact of Digital Presence on the Careers of Emerging Visual Artists
Authors: Petrides Loizos , Vila de Brito Madalena
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the importance of digital presence for the emerging visual artists’ careers. The study first examines how artists manage their digital presence and subsequently analyzes the impact of this presence on their careers by applying a model that consists of four objectives (branding, engagement, networking, and conversion). A qualitative method was employed, and interviews were conducted with illustrators at an early or emerging career stage. The findings demonstrate that an effective presence on digital platforms requires not only producing and showing artistic work but also managing an artistic brand, engaging with the audience, and making use of networking opportunities. It is also established that artists need to complement their digital presence with interactions in the physical world to increase the chances for advancing their careers. This paper follows the literature that studies the visual artist as brand manager and adds to the body of knowledge on how artists build successful careers.
Digital Transformation, Absorptive Capacity and Enterprise ESG Performance: A Case Study of Strategic Emerging Industries
Authors: Li Wenjun , Zhang Mu
Published: June 2024

Digital transformation provides new drivers for economic performance growth in enterprises, but can it further improve ESG performance and support sustainable development? Based on the perspective of resources and capabilities, this article uses the relevant data of 1588 listed companies in strategic emerging industries from 2011 to 2021 to study the impact of digital transformation on enterprise ESG performance examines the intermediary role of absorptive capacity and the moderating role of regional digitalization level, and further analyzes the heterogeneity of property rights and industrial nature. The research results indicate that: firstly, digital transformation of enterprises can positively promote the improvement of ESG performance; secondly, absorptive capacity serves as a conduit through which digital transformation influences a company’s ESG performance; thirdly, the regional digitalization level positively moderates the promotion effect of digital transformation on enterprise ESG performance; fourthly, the impact of digital transformation on ESG performance of enterprises is significantly differentiated in the nature of enterprise property rights and industrial nature, and the ESG performance of state-owned enterprises and high-end equipment manufacturing enterprises is more sensitive to digital transformation. The research conclusion is based on a digital perspective, providing relevant insights for improving the ESG performance of strategic emerging industry enterprises and expanding their ESG development paths.
Cultivating Success: Unveiling the Influence of Higher Education Strategies on Information Technology Governance, Academic Excellence, and Career Prospects in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshammari Khaled , Thomran Murad , Alobaid Rayed , Grada Mohieddin , Alquhaif Abdulsalam , Alshebami Ali Saleh , Fazal Syed Ali , Ahmed Hamed M. S. , Al-Anazi Fahad
Published: June 2024

The successful implementation of effective data governance in universities is crucial in complementing the massive information technology (IT) developments in higher education institutions globally. Hence, to identify the enablers of IT governance, this study examined the effects of knowledge value, knowledge-oriented culture, and knowledge-sharing process on the integration of IT governance in the curriculum and the latter’s effects on academic performance and perceived employability among university students in Saudi Arabia. We used a cross-sectional approach to collect quantitative data from 280 university students and employed structural equation modelling and partial least squares to conduct the data analysis. Our results confirmed the significant positive effects of knowledge value and the knowledge-sharing process on IT governance, along with a positive significant effect of IT governance on academic performance and perceived employment. Moreover, the results revealed a direct, positive, and significant effect of academic performance on perceived employment, as well as the significant mediating effects of IT governance and academic performance between these two. Apart from extending the relevant literature, this study offers several policy implications.
Value Transformation and Ecological Practice: The Path to Realizing the Value of Ecotourism Products in Heritage Sites—A Case Study of the Qitai Dry Farming System in Xinjiang
Authors: Peng Yaping , Liu Weizhong , Xiong Changjiang , Bai Xiang
Published: June 2024

The analysis of the realization path of the value of ecotourism products in agro-cultural heritage sites from the perspective of farmers’ behaviors can not only provide decision-making references for improving the well-being of farmers and alleviating poverty but also help to provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of ecosystems in agro-cultural heritage sites. Based on the field research data of the Qitai dry farming system in Xinjiang in 2023, this study establishes an evaluation index system for livelihood capital transformed by tourism value, and it analyzes whether there is a significant difference between the livelihood capital held by different types of farmers by using the entropy method and non-parametric tests. This study found that (1) farmers who participated in tourism in alpine grassland pastoral areas possessed advantageous financial, social and cultural capital; those who participated in tourism in rain-fed agricultural areas possessed advantageous human capital; and those who participated in tourism in irrigated agricultural areas possessed advantageous financial and human capital. (2) There are significant differences in the natural, physical and financial capital between farmers in alpine grassland pastoral, rain-fed and irrigated agricultural areas. (3) The different types of farm households are categorized into three representative livelihood types in dryland agricultural and cultural heritage sites: strong financial capital-strong, socio-cultural capital sites, strong human capital-weak natural capital sites, and strong human capital-weak physical capital sites. Depending on the composition of the livelihood capital, different types of farmers in heritage sites can realize the tourism value of ecological products, thus helping them to ameliorate their combined benefits.