bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote vapor-phase dual alkali halide salts assisted quasi-van der Waals epitaxy of m-phase ZrO2 thin films with high dielectric constant and stable flexible properties
Authors: Guo Xuehao , Zhou Xilong , Chu Wenlong , Fan Xiulian , Li Cheng , Zou Luwei , Niu Chenyang , Zhang Bo , Lu Yunzhang , Zhang Hongyan , OuYang Fangping , Wu Zhaofeng , Zhou Yu
Published: August 2024

High-κ dielectric constant and wideband gap of ZrO2 material render it as an excellent candidate for transistor gate dielectric layers. However, current reported synthesis techniques suffer the problems of high precursor volatilization rate, ultrasmall grains with low dielectric constant, and high leakage current, which largely impede its application in electronic devices. Here, the quasi-van der Waals epitaxy growth of compact m-phase ZrO2 thin films has been developed, in which the stable supply of Zr source is realized by the tuned sublimation of ZrC powder with remote vapor-phase dual halide salts assistant. The formation of m-phase ZrO2 is due to the lower Gibbs free energy, in which the crystal nucleates at the etched hole edges of mica substrate, thus forming hexagonal shape polycrystal grains and merging as the continuous thin films. The microstructures and Raman spectrum characterization reveal the two dominated growth orientations and good crystal qualities, which indicate the uniform dielectric constant. The excellent growth reproducibility could be easily adapted to thin metal substrates, such as tungsten, molybdenum, and stainless steel, where the adhesion strength is strong because of the higher density of interfacial chemical bonding. Meanwhile, the metal–insulator–metal flexible capacitors show the high dielectric constant of 23–26 and low leakage current density of 10−4 A/cm2 at large voltage and only exhibit the decreased capacitance density of 7% after several hundred bending cycles. Our work paves a way to achieve the high-quality dielectric thin films on various substrates by the unique chemical vapor deposition design strategy.
GaN thickness dependence of GaN/AlN superlattices on face-to-face-annealed sputter-deposited AlN templates
Authors: Deura Momoko , Mokutani Naoya , Wada Yuichi , Miyake Hideto , Araki Tsutomu
Published: August 2024

Recently, deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting devices have attracted attention for various applications. GaN/AlN superlattices have emerged as a promising alternative for achieving high-efficiency DUV emission. To fabricate superlattices with high crystal quality and abrupt interfaces, we have utilized face-to-face-annealed sputter-deposited AlN template substrates characterized by a flat surface and low dislocation density. Furthermore, radio-frequency plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy with in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction monitoring was employed for the growth process. The growth of the superlattices follows a specific sequence. Step 1: AlN growth, Step 2: conversion of Al droplets to AlN, Step 3: GaN growth, and Step 4: evaporation of Ga droplets. This study explored the impact of GaN thickness on the GaN/AlN superlattice. The GaN thickness was linearly controlled by changing the duration of Step 3. This approach allowed for the growth of a flat GaN layer up to 1 monolayer (ML) and achieved superlattices with abrupt interfaces. Single-peak cathodoluminescence (CL) emission at 240–245 nm was observed from the superlattices, with the peak shift toward longer wavelengths as the GaN thickness increased. In contrast, quantum dot-like GaN islands were generated with a thickness of over 1 ML, induced by compressive strain. Superlattices with thicker GaN exhibited broad CL emission with multiple peaks. However, the AlN barrier layer reduced the surface roughness and maintained abrupt interfaces within the superlattices. Therefore, to obtain sharp single-peak UV emission from GaN/AlN superlattices, the growth sequence should be controlled to obtain flat GaN layers without dots.
Effect of cooling rates and equilibration times on post-thaw sperm quality of Kail rams
Authors: Hameed Nasir , Zubair Muhammad , Ahmad Nasim , Durrani Aneela Zameer , Khan Muhammad Irfan-ur-Rehman
Published: August 2024

Context The conflicting findings regarding the impact of equilibration time on post-thawed sperm quality underscore the need for further research to evaluate the impact of equilibration time and cooling rate on post-thaw sperm quality of ram semen. Aims The current study aimed to assess the combined impact of cooling rates and pre-freezing equilibration times on post-thaw sperm quality in Kail ram semen (n = 5). Methods Semen collection was performed using an artificial vagina at 42°C. The pooled semen was divided into equal aliquots and subjected to either slow cooling (SC, −0.27°C/min) or moderate cooling (MC, −0.36°C/min) rates, transitioning from 37°C to 4°C. Equilibration times of 0, 4, 8, and 12 h were employed before freezing. Key results Semen samples undergoing the SC rate and equilibrated for 4 h exhibited higher (P < 0.05) percentages of progressive motile (PM), rapid progressive (RP), and medium progressive (MP) sperm compared with the MC rate. However, total motility remained unaffected by the cooling rate (P < 0.05). Semen equilibrated for 4 h demonstrated higher (P < 0.05) percentages of PM and RP sperm, as well as improved kinematics (curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, and straight-line velocity) compared with other equilibration times. Nevertheless, equilibration time had no (P > 0.05) impact on the amplitude of the lateral head displacement for semen samples subjected to the MC rate. Notably, the cooling rate did not affect post-thaw sperm kinematics, plasma membrane integrity, or live-sperm percentage (P > 0.05). Semen samples equilibrated for 4, 8, and 12 h exhibited a higher (P < 0.05) percentage of sperm with intact plasma membrane and viability than did those equilibrated for 0 h. Conclusions In conclusion, slow cooling rate and a 4 h equilibration period were shown to be optimal for preserving post-thaw sperm quality in Kail rams. Implications The findings highlighted the combined effect of cooling rate and equilibration time on post-thaw sperm quality for optimising sperm cryopreservation protocols in the context of ram semen.
Novel fluorinated thiazolidin-4-one derivatives: synthesis and anti-cancer potential against HepG2 and HCT116 cell lines
Authors: Kadam Shreyash D. , Mammen Denni , Zunjar Vishwanath , Bagul Rahul R.
Published: August 2024

A novel synthetic route has been designed to introduce fluorine functionality into a series of compounds containing thiazolidin-4-one rings. These compounds were synthesised from various aniline derivatives using a two-step approach: an addition reaction of ethyl isothiocyanate with different aromatic fluorinated anilines, followed by cyclisation to yield the final products. A total of 15 novel fluorinated thiazolidinone compounds were synthesised and characterised using 1H NMR, 19F NMR, Fourier transform–infrared, elemental analysis and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Stereochemistry around the imine bond in the synthesised derivatives was determined using nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy. The in vitro anticancer potential of the compounds was tested against two human cancer cell lines, liver (HepG2) and colon (HCT116). The study revealed that the derivatives having fluorine functionality at both the m-positions in the aromatic ring showed promising anticancer potential, as compared to those at o- and p-positions.
Associations between antibacterial mouthwash use with sexual behaviours and sexually transmitted infections among Chinese men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Yawu , Zhao Rui , Li Gaixia , Liu Yi , Lu Fang , She Bingyang , Zhao Min , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2024

Background Mouthwash is a commonly used product with the potential to prevent STIs. This study aimed to determine the association between mouthwash use frequency with sexual behaviours and STIs among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM in Xi’an, China, from January to September 2022. Participants were categorised into non-mouthwash users, occasional (used it less than once every week) and frequent (used it more than once every week) mouthwash users. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify the association between mouthwash use frequency with sexual behaviours. Results Of 838 MSM included in the analysis, 621 (74.11%) reported never using mouthwash, whereas 47 (5.60%) used it occasionally and 170 (20.29%) used it frequently. Frequent mouthwash users had a lower prevalence of chlamydia compared with occasional users (8.33% vs 23.93%, P < 0.05). In comparison with participants who consistently used condoms, those who used condoms occasionally and never used condoms were 1.8 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.838, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.011–3.375) and 4.5 (aOR 4.538, 95% CI 1.259–16.362) times more likely to be frequent mouthwash users, respectively. Participants with more sexual partners who engaged in kissing (aOR 1.060, 95% CI 1.019–1.103), receptive oral sex (aOR 1.065, 95% CI 1.024–1.108), insertive oral sex (aOR 1.043, 95% CI 1.014–1.072) and receptive anal sex (aOR 1.076, 95% CI 1.027–1.127) were more likely to be frequent mouthwash users. Conclusion MSM with more sexual partners or lower condom use frequency were more likely to be frequent mouthwash users. However, frequent mouthwash users had a lower chlamydia prevalence.
Improving normothermic machine perfusion and blood transfusion through biocompatible blood silicification
Authors: Lei Chuanyi , Li Zeyu , Ma Shuhao , Zhang Qi , Guo Jimin , Ouyang Qing , Lei Qi , Zhou Liang , Yang Junxian , Lin Jiangguo , Ettlinger Romy , Wuttke Stefan , Li Xuejin , Brinker C. Jeffrey , Zhu Wei
Published: August 2024

The growing world population and increasing life expectancy are driving the need to improve the quality of blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and preservation. Here, to improve the ability of red blood cells (RBCs) for normothermic machine perfusion, a biocompatible blood silicification approach termed “shielding-augmenting RBC-in-nanoscale amorphous silica (SARNAS)” has been developed. The key to RBC surface engineering and structure augmentation is the precise control of the hydrolysis form of silicic acid to realize stabilization of RBC within conformal nanoscale silica-based exoskeletons. The formed silicified RBCs (Si-RBCs) maintain membrane/structural integrity, normal cellular functions (e.g., metabolism, oxygen-carrying capability), and enhance resistance to external stressors as well as tunable mechanical properties, resulting in nearly 100% RBC cryoprotection. In vivo experiments confirm their excellent biocompatibility. By shielding RBC surface antigens, the Si-RBCs provide universal blood compatibility, the ability for allogeneic mechanical perfusion, and more importantly, the possibility for cross-species transfusion. Being simple, reliable, and easily scalable, the SARNAS strategy holds great promise to revolutionize the use of engineered blood for future clinical applications.
A complex of the lipid transport ER proteins TMEM24 and C2CD2 with band 4.1 at cell–cell contacts
Authors: Johnson Ben , Iuliano Maria , Lam TuKiet T. , Biederer Thomas , De Camilli Pietro V.
Published: August 2024

Junctions between the ER and plasma membrane (PM) are implicated in calcium homeostasis, non-vesicular lipid transfer, and other cellular functions. Two ER proteins that function both as tethers to the PM via a polybasic C-terminus motif and as phospholipid transporters are brain-enriched TMEM24 (C2CD2L) and its paralog C2CD2. We report that both proteins also form a complex with band 4.1 family members, which in turn bind PM proteins including cell adhesion molecules such as SynCAM 1. This complex enriches TMEM24 and C2CD2 containing ER/PM junctions at sites of cell contacts. Dynamic properties of TMEM24-dependent ER/PM junctions are impacted when band 4.1 is part of the junction, as TMEM24 at cell-adjacent ER/PM junctions is not shed from the PM by calcium rise, unlike TMEM24 at non-cell adjacent junctions. Lipid transport between the ER and the PM by TMEM24 and C2CD2 at sites where cells, including neurons, contact other cells may participate in adaptive responses to cell contact-dependent signaling.
Sarah Gaffen: I thrive on turning my vision for the lab into reality
Authors: Van Emmenis Lucie
Published: August 2024

Sarah Gaffen, PhD, is a professor of medicine and rheumatology and holds the Gerald P. Rodnan endowed chair at the University of Pittsburgh. Her lab explores the biological function of IL-17 and its receptor in the context of fungal host defense and autoimmunity. We spoke to Sarah about where her interest in cytokines began, the importance of saying no in your career, and her interest in paleogenetics.
Update of the BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Lu-177 of activity measurements of the radionuclide 177Lu to include the 2023 result of the CMI (Czechia)
Authors: Coulon Romain , Michotte Carine , Courte Sammy , Nonis Manuel , Gressier Vincent , Sochorová Jana , Auerbach Pavel
Published: August 2024

Main text

Since 2000, 8 laboratories have submitted 8 samples of 177Lu to the International Reference System (SIR) for activity comparison at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), with comparison identifier BIPM.RI(II)- K1.Lu-177. Recently, the CMI (Czechia) participated in the comparison. The degrees of equivalence between each equivalent activity measured in the SIR or linked to the SIR from the CCRI(II)-K2.Lu-177 comparison have been calculated and the results are given in the form of a table. A graphical representation is also given.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Shortened and simplified traceability chain for dimensional metrology based on self-traceable standards
Authors: Deng Xiao , Yin Zhijun , Dai Gaoliang , Xiao Guangxu , Tang Zhaohui , Shen Junyu , Zhou Tong , Xue Dongbai , Xie Yuying , He Chunling , Dun Xiong , Xie Lingyun , Cheng Xinbin , Li Tongbao
Published: August 2024

Nanoscale measurement is an essential task of nanomanufacturing, and measurement traceability is a fundamental aspect of nanoscale measurement. High-precision nanoscale measurement instruments (e.g. atomic force microscopes (AFM) and scanning electron microscopes (SEM)) need to be calibrated by traceable standards to ensure their accuracy and reliability. However, due to the suboptimal accuracy, uniformity, and consistency of existing standards, they need to be calibrated by metrological instruments traceable to primary length standards (e.g. physical wavelength standards) before use. This results in a long traceability chain that leads to error accumulation and significantly reduces calibration efficiency. This paper proposes a novel shortened and simplified traceability chain, where the physical wavelength standard corresponding to the 7S3 → 7P4° transition frequency of chromium atoms is materialized into self-traceable gratings using the atom lithography technology. The self-traceable gratings can then be directly applied for calibrating measurement instruments. To verify this approach, the self-traceable gratings are calibrated using a metrological AFM of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. Measurement results confirmed the feasibility of the approach. Particularly, our results show that the self-traceable gratings have excellent uniformity over different measurement areas and consistency over different samples, both at 0.001 nm level. Finally, the application of the self-traceable gratings for the calibrations of a commercial AFM and SEM is demonstrated. The new traceability chain significantly simplifies the calibration process, providing a more reliable and higher efficient calibration approach for advanced nanomanufacturing than that of the state-of-the-art.
Underwater image restoration method based on Walsh–Hadamard transform and attenuation coefficient estimation
Authors: Guo Jia , Zhu Yun , Wang Jianyu , Lu Tongwei , Wang Hongchao
Published: August 2024

Underwater images often exhibit color distortion and low contrast due to the scattering and absorption of light as it travels through water. Changes in lighting conditions further complicate the restoration and enhancement of these images. Improving the quality of underwater images is crucial for advancements in fields such as marine biology research, underwater measurement, and environmental monitoring. This paper proposes an underwater image restoration method based on the Image Formation Model (IFM), utilizing the Walsh–Hadamard transform and attenuation coefficient estimation. Traditional methods rely on dark channel prior and maximum intensity prior to estimate background light (BL) and transmission maps (TMs), often performing poorly in various underwater environments. Our method uses image blur to estimate BL and depth maps and derives three-channel attenuation coefficients using the gray-world theory to obtain a more accurate TM. Experimental results on real underwater images show that our method effectively eliminates color deviation and contrast distortion while preserving image details, significantly outperforming other IFM-based restoration techniques. Compared to the closest competing algorithms, our method achieves better UIQM and UCIQE scores.
Carbon dot-loaded Fe3O4 as photonic pigments for multilevel anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Yang Wei , Luo Site , He Yang , Wang Han , Yu Haihu
Published: August 2024

Amorphous arrays assembled from colloidal microspheres are a way that obtains angle-independent structural colors. In order to obtain additional properties, colloidal microspheres, which are constituent units, can be modified with other materials. Here, we utilized the silane-functionalized carbon quantum dots (SiCDs) by incorporating them into the Stöber reaction to fabricate Fe3O4@SiO2/SiCDs nanospheres with a core–shell structure. Amorphous colloidal arrays (ACAs) were constructed on commercial printing paper using Fe3O4@SiO2/SiCDs nanoparticles as structural units by a simple permeation assembly. Macroscopically, the prepared ACAs exhibit the magnetic properties of Fe3O4, while under sunlight, they display bright, angle-independent structural colors. Under ultraviolet light, the array shows significant fluorescence. This enables the presentation of multidimensional information under varying magnetic and lighting conditions. By adjusting the thickness of the outer SiO2/SiCDs composite layer, the optical properties and magnetism can be controlled easily. Moreover, due to the strong light absorption capability and high refractive index of Fe3O4, the digital patterns constructed with Fe3O4@SiO2/SiCDs nanospheres demonstrate excellent multi-level anti-counterfeiting characteristics, even under water exposure. The magnetic properties of Fe3O4@SiO2/SiCDs nanospheres, along with their distinct display characteristics under different optical environments, suggest their wide applicability in the fields of multifunctional anti-counterfeiting pigments, bioimaging, and sensing displays.
Si-implantation for low ohmic contact resistances in RF GaN HEMTs
Authors: Yazdani H , Brunner F , Thies A , Würfl H J , Hilt O
Published: August 2024

In this work, Si implantation and activation for lowering the ohmic contact resistance (R
c) of mm-wave GaN HEMTs has been investigated. Various combinations of annealing temperature/duration and implantation doses were tested. Dopant activation was performed using a modified procedure in an MOCVD tool, involving fast temperature ramping and annealing the samples for 8 min at 1150 °C. Thereby, ∼0.02 ± 0.01 Ω mm contact resistance was achieved on a fully doped region and ∼0.1 ± 0.02 Ω mm when only the source and drain contact region was n-type doped. For comparison, a well-established alloyed Ti/Al/Ni/Au ohmic contact scheme without implantation, was used as reference resulting in an average R
c ∼ 0.34 ± 0.12 Ω mm on the same wafer. Besides the three times lowered contact resistance the implanted contacts also showed a significantly improved on-wafer homogeneity.
Impact of aging time on the morphological, mechanical, and tribological behavior of Al-6.6Si-0.2Mg-0.2La hypoeutectic alloy
Authors: Ramalingam Vaira Vignesh , Sankar Bipin , Chinmay Mundayadan Chandroth , Jeyaprakash N , Shankar Karthik V , G P Gokul Krishna , Mahesh Sivaranjani , Harikumar Karthik , Gopalkrishnan Pranay
Published: August 2024

The present work aimed to examine the influence of Lanthanum (La) on the morphological, mechanical, and tribological characteristics of Al-6.6Si-0.2Mg alloy. The alloy specimens were exposed to an aging process at 180 °C for 8 h and 12 h. The morphological transformation due to La addition was analysed with an emphasis on altering primary and eutectic silicon morphology, grain refinement, and intermetallic phase distribution. The experimental investigations were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) whereas the hardness and wear characteristics were analyzed by performing Vickers microhardness and pin-on-disc tests. The obtained results demonstrated that lanthanum inclusion causes significant microstructure refinement, resulting in enhancing the microhardness by up to 60%, proliferating the tensile characteristics by 70%, and aiding in improving the tribological characteristics of the Al-Si-Mg alloy. The results provide a clearer understanding of the alloy modification process and offer valuable insights for enhancing the performance of Al-Si-Mg aluminium alloys in automotive and aerospace applications.
High-yield preparation of g-C3N4 nanosheet suspension by a two-step mechanochemical technique
Authors: Zhu Xiaobin , Zhou Zhengcun , Liu Xu , Yang Yifei
Published: August 2024

Compared with the bulk g-C3N4, g-C3N4 nanosheets have the advantages such as larger specific surface area and more active sites, making them more promising in optoelectronic applications. However, the current methods for preparing g-C3N4 nanosheets have some disadvantages such as low yield, long exfoliation time and high energy consumption. Herein, a two-step mechanochemical method combining wet ball milling with ultrasonic-ball milling has been proposed, with a high yield of up to 31.8% for suspensible g-C3N4 nanosheets. Adding YSZ balls during the ultrasound process can effectively improve the cutting efficiency of the g-C3N4 sheets, thereby increasing the yield of the suspensible nanosheets. The stability of g-C3N4 suspensions were relatively high, and the concentration of the suspensions remained above 87% after standing 24 h. The spectra of the nanosheets obtained through the two-step process had a single emission peak of 435 nm, which was suitable for photoluminescence detection.
Preparation and research of anode materials for high performance water zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Hu Na , Zhang Tiankuo , Li Shiji , Huang Longjie , Cai Yuantao , Wu Jiayi , Su Peizheng , Han Yuxi
Published: August 2024

With the increasing demand for electric vehicles, intelligent electronic products, and other scientific and technological products, more and more researchers have conducted research on performance issues, cost issues, and energy storage optimization. As a promising energy storage system, aqua zn-ion batteries (AZIB) have gotten a lot of attention due to their high energy storage capacity, low cost, and environmental friendly. In addition, the use of non-flammable water-based electrolytes is very important to achieve battery safety, low cost, environmental protection, and high electrical conductivity. However, due to the dendrite growth, low efficiency, and low cycle life of zinc cathode, the development of water-based zinc-ion batteries has been seriously hindered. Based on the above research background, bismuth vanadate was prepared by hydrothermal method and modified by photo deposition as a positive electrode material. The zinc negative electrode was modified by electron beam evaporation of the aluminum protective layer. The problems of low capacity and low energy density of zinc-ion batteries, zinc corrosion, and zinc dendrite formation during charge and discharge are solved, and the reversibility of the battery is improved.
Preparation and performance of cathode materials for Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Guoqiang , Ren Rongzheng , Qiao Jinshuo
Published: August 2024

Protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) stand out as a novel energy conversion device, exhibiting unique advantages in terms of both high efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, PCFC cathodes are often underperforming due to their incapability to balance the electronic, oxygen-ionic, and protonic conductions involved in the oxygen reduction reactions. In this work, a series of BaCo0.6Fe0.4-xTixFyO3-y-δ (x=0.05, 0.1, 0.2, y=0, 0.1) perovskite oxides were prepared as a platform to demonstrate the synergy effect of cation-anion co-doping in regulating the triple conduction (electron, oxygen ion, and proton). Our experiments reveal that the co-doping of Ti4+ and F− can promotively generate an elevated level of oxygen vacancies and proton defects, thereby enhancing the transport rates of both oxygen ions and protons and thus achieving a significant improvement in electrochemical performance. Specifically, the polarization impedance of the BCFTF material is measured to be only 0.12 Ω•cm2 at 650°C, and its peak power density in a PCFC cathode reaches 0.81 W cm−2. Our work may provide an innovative method to design an excellent-performance PCFC cathode.
Study on the impact of various braiding methods on the properties of class P membrane materials
Authors: Tang Gan , Dou Junchun , Wu Xuanning , Chen Kangze
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the impact of various braiding methods on the properties of class P membrane materials. Mechanical properties of four types of P membrane materials with different braiding directions and forms of the same material were analysed through uniaxial tensile tests. The meridional elastic modulus differs from the zonal elastic modulus, with the latter being approximately 1.2-1.3 times greater. Adjusting the braiding mode alters the mechanical properties of the membrane materials significantly. The weft membrane material exhibits an elastic modulus approximately 1.2 times higher than that of the warp membrane material. Fabric interlaced membrane material outperforms fabric parallel and fabric cross braided membrane materials in mechanical properties. The warp direction serves as the primary braiding direction, leading to superior comprehensive mechanical properties in practical applications for fabric-interlaced braided membrane material.
Synthesis and function studies on formaldehyde adsorption of PEI-PU copolymers
Authors: Wei Yanhong , Yu Xiaowen , Zhang Luziping , Liu Wenbo , Yong Cong , Yun Tian
Published: August 2024

The molecular structure of branched-chain polyethyleneimine (PEI) was determined by 13C NMR, which guided the reaction of the primary amine groups in the PEI molecule with IPA-protected MDI-PTMG monoisocyanate polyurethane prepolymer to prepare PEI copolymer-modified polyurethanes (PEI-PUs). The successful synthesis of the PEI-PUs was verified by 1H NMR tests. The results of the formaldehyde adsorption test showed that the active secondary amine groups in the PEI-PU film showed high adsorption ability of formaldehyde gas at room temperature, with an absorption up to 0.804 mmol HCOH/mmol -NH-, which has the potential to be a low-VOC functional polyurethane material.
Study on the synthesis of nanometer Nickel phosphide
Authors: Yuan Guojun , Pang Jingnan , Wu Wenting , Shao Guangrui , Ye Qian , Chen Songlin , Li Deming
Published: August 2024

Indeed, many dyes exhibit high water solubility and biochemical stability, making them significant water pollutants. Addressing this issue requires the development of more efficient catalysts. In recent years, Nickel phosphide has been widely used as a novel catalyst for desulfurization, Nitro compound hydrogenation, heavy metal adsorption, and dye degradation.[1-2] Compared with the traditional hydrogen catalyst, nano-Nickel phosphide has higher catalytic efficiency, more stable chemical performance, excellent corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. The electrochemical test shows that Ni12P5 has stronger hydrogen evolution activity in a crystalline state than in an amorphous state. X-ray diffraction, X-ray transmission electron microscope, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) show that there are double bonds of Nickel and phosphorus in the crystals. The Ni-P has the same charged properties as the Ni-fe hydrogenase and low energy consumption in hydrogen production. In order to study the specific data of high catalytic efficiency of Nickel phosphide, Nickel phosphide was prepared by hydrothermal solvent method.
Influence of Ag on the composition and characteristics of the Cu-15 wt% Fe insitu composite material
Authors: Zeng Yanqi , Zou Jin , Huang Yapan , Xu Lin , Yu Huihui , Hu Xiaona , Lu Deping , Zhang Youliang , Hu Feifei
Published: August 2024

Strips of Cu-15Fe-xAg material were made using the melting casting-rolling deformation technique. Utilizing digital micro-ohmmeters, scanning electron microscopes, transmission electron microscopes, and universal testing machines, researchers examined the effects of Ag addition on the microstructures, mechanical characteristics, and electrical conductivity of Cu-15Fe alloy strips. The results show that with the increasing the amount of Ag, the dendrites of the Fe phase in the Cu-15Fe-xAg alloy as cast decrease, while the number of granular dendrites increases and the size of the granular dendrites gradually decreases. The fibers of the rich Fe phase in the rolled Cu-15Fe-xAg alloy strip become finer and more uniformly distributed. The tensile strength of the Cu-15Fe-xAg material strip could improve significantly, but the change in electrical conductivity is not significant.
Multi-modified asphalt with polyphosphoric acid/rock asphalt as additives
Authors: Sun Dandan , Gao Baoqing , Zhang Xiaoyun , Wang Yanmin
Published: August 2024

This research focused on the preparation of multi-modified asphalt with a composite of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) and Qingchuan rock asphalt (QRA) as modifiers. The study examined the effects of varying amounts of PPA on asphalt properties and assessed how the modifiers affected the road properties of the asphalt mixture, including water stability and high-temperature stability. Findings revealed that the optimal PPA content was 0.75%, resulting in an increase in residual stability of the modified asphalt mixture from 0.8 to 0.92 and an increase in dynamic stability (DS) from 898 times/mm to 3068 times/mm. The modified asphalt mixture blended with PPA and QRA demonstrated significant enhancements in high-temperature stability and water-damage resistance.
A Strategy to Increase the Strengthness and Toughness of Epoxy Hybrid Composites
Authors: Li Liyuan , Li Jinhui , Lv Xialei , Niu Fangfang , Sun Rong
Published: August 2024

Bisphenol A and its congeneric compounds are key materials in photosensitive solder mask inks to improve the toughness property. However, the cured epoxy resins often exhibit brittleness and restrict their usability in solder mask inks. A series of reinforced and toughened curing epoxy resins were prepared by incorporating core-shell rubber (CSR) and nano SiO2 into diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). A comprehensive investigation was executed to analyze the influence of different contents of CSR and CSR/SiO2 on the curing process, network characteristics, and mechanical properties of epoxy resins. The experimental data deliver that the introduction of CSR/SiO2 in appropriate proportions could boost the toughness and strength of cured epoxy resin significantly, while thermal stability is also improved. Nano SiO2, with its high surface area and unique surface properties, can act as a reinforcing filler, enhancing the mechanical properties of the epoxy resin, while CSR provides both strength and toughness to the composite. The fracture surface of CSR/SiO2-modified epoxy resin also demonstrates that the CSR and SiO2 nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix could effectively block the development of cracks and produce plastic deformation around the material when the material is subjected to external forces. Therefore, the prepared high-performance CSR/SiO2-based DGEBA showed great potential in solder mask inks.
Research of microstructure and properties of resistance spot welded joints of galvanized DP steel for automobile
Authors: Guo Shulan , Wang Min
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the resistance spot welding of galvanized DP800 steel for Automobiles was done. The microstructure, mechanical properties and Fracture morphology characteristics of galvanized DP800 steel were studied by standard tensile tests, OM, SEM, etc. The results show that columnar crystal is formed in the melting zone of galvanized DP800 steel. The direction of growth is roughly perpendicular to the fusion line. The core area of the welding joint has Coarse Flat noodles Martensite, Ferrite, Bainite, and a small amount of residual Austenite. Two tissues exist in the thermal influence zone, namely Flat Martensite and Ferrite. The base material area is Martensite and Ferrite. When the welding process parameters of resistance spot welding are 10 KA, the welding time is 25 cyc, and the electrode pressure is 3 KN, the hardness value of the weld area reaches the maximum of 380 HV. There are both toughness and brittle fractures according to the different process parameters.
Research on influence of random vibration on closed-loop drive control of MEMS gyroscope
Authors: Xu Shikai , Liu Yuxian , Chen Ting
Published: August 2024

In response to the unclear impact of random vibration on the drive mode of MEMS gyroscopes, this paper analyzes the effects of vibration on the use of proportional control and PID control in self-excited oscillation close-loop drive through theoretical derivation and experimental comparison. By deducing the principles of synovial comb and self-excited oscillation closed-loop drive, the performance degradation of closed-loop drive control caused by vibration is analyzed theoretically. Data was collected by PCI-4461. The result shows that the peak-peak value of the drive mode output signal of the PID control loop under vibration is 43% of that of the proportional control loop. Compared with a proportional control loop, a PID control loop can better suppress the impact of random vibration.
Cutting mechanism study on cutting tool and leading tool of super large diameter shield
Authors: Sun Miaojun , Jiang Hao , Wang Jing , Li Xingyuan , Wang Kai , Zhang Yaming , Chen Diyang , Zhang Yue
Published: August 2024

The cutting tool and leading tool are the primary cutting combinations when the super large diameter shield cutter head is excavated in the soft soil stratum. The cutter size, cutting parameters, and layout relationship will affect the tunneling efficiency of the cutter head. The explicit dynamics are used to simulate the cutting tool, the leading tool, and their combination. The effects of four factors, such as stratum, tool width, cutting depth, and cutting speed, on the cutting force and cutting efficiency of the cutting tool and the leading tool are studied through orthogonal test design. The research results indicate that the main factors affecting the cutting performance of cutting tools are the cutting speed and stratum. Reasonable leading tool layouts can reduce the fluctuation range of cutting force. When the leading tool path coincides with both sides of the cutting tool path, the cutter force can be significantly reduced, and the tool life can be prolonged. The research results can provide a reference for shield cutter group modeling and the layout of the cutting tool and leading tool.
Deformation mechanisms of Gr covering on Cu under nanoindentation: A molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Zhang Jingran , Wang Xinyu
Published: August 2024

Many research studies have shown that graphene can enhance the mechanical properties of copper (Cu). However, the deformation behaviors and defects evolution of Gr/Cu during indentation and the recovery ratio, surface morphology, and residual defects during retraction are rarely reported. In this research, the indentation responses and deformation mechanisms of Gr/Cu are studied during whole indentation and retraction by employing molecular dynamics simulation (MD). It comes to light that the elastic phase agrees perfectly with the Hertzian theoretical model. With the nucleation of dislocation generating, the curve deviates from the Hertzian theoretical model, which indicates that the material indentation enters the plastic stage. The loading force of the Gr/Cu system fluctuates greatly during the indentation process due to the generation and emission of dislocation loops and the interaction of stacking faults. Due to the extension of the contact area and inherent properties of graphene, the elastic recovery ratio of Gr/Cu is 18.3%, which is greatly improved. The surface pile-up effect is reduced effectively by covering graphene. The types of residual defects in the Gr/Cu system include stacking fault tetrahedral (SFT), Wing-like-dislocations, prismatic loops, stacking faults, and atomic clusters.
The formation process and mechanism of coaxial electrostatic atomization of nanofluid oil film droplets
Authors: Liu Jinyu , Su Yu , Liu Pan
Published: August 2024

In coaxial electrostatic atomization cutting, the atomization effect of nanofluid oil film droplets directly affects the cooling and lubrication performance. To further understand the formation process of tiny oil film water droplets in coaxial electrostatic atomization, this paper takes LB2000/water, LB2000/0.1 vol.% graphite water-based nanofluids, LB2000/0.3 vol.% graphite water-based nanofluids, LB2000/0.5 vol.% graphite water-based nanofluids as the research object. Coaxial electrostatic atomization simulation is carried out based on the determined common voltage of the conical jet (-6.5 kV). The formation process of nanofluid oil film water droplets was analyzed using electric field force, charge concentration, and volume force, and the droplet states under different fluid types were compared. The results show that when nanoparticles are added to the inner fluid, the charge concentration increases, the electric field force and volume increase, and the formation speed of the cone jet increases significantly.
Raman spectroscopy of atomically thin HfX2 (X=S, Se)
Authors: Ly Chhor Yi , Vong Chenda , Sriv Tharith , Cheong Hyeonsik
Published: August 2024

We investigated interlayer modes of few-layer HfX2 (X = S, Se) by using low-frequency micro-Raman spectroscopy with three excitation energies (1.96 eV, 2.33 eV, 2.54 eV) under vacuum condition (∼10−6Torr). We observed interlayer modes in HfSe2 when the 2.54 eV excitation energy was used. The low-frequency Raman spectra reveal a series of shear and breathing modes (<50 cm−1) that are helpful for identifying the number of layers. The in-plane E
g and out-of-plane A
1g modes of HfSe2 are located at ∼150 cm−1 and ∼200 cm−1, respectively. In HfS2, in-plane E
g and out-of-plane A
1g optical phonons are observed at ∼260 cm−1 and ∼337 cm−1, respectively. The in-plane and out-of-plane force constants of atomically thin HfSe2 are obtained to be 1.87 × 1019N m−3 and 6.55 × 1019N m−3, respectively, by fitting the observed interlayer modes using the linear chain model. These results provide valuable information on materials parameters for device designs using atomically-thin layered HfX2 (X = S, Se).
Britons and their Battlefields
Authors: Atherton Ian
Published: August 2024

While much attention has been paid to the commemoration of conflict in the twentieth century, this book is the first to consider conflict memory in the long term, arguing that modern practices were not created out of the mud of the trenches, but evolved from much longer customs. Memories are first shaped through a series of post-battle rituals that begin on the battlefield as soon as the fighting ends. Three key periods of memory are delineated. In the later Middle Ages battlefields were consecrated by the burial of the fallen and often by the erection of a battlefield cross or chapel to pray for the dead. Second, the abolition of pilgrimage and prayers for the dead in the sixteenth-century Reformation meant that battlefield chapels were dissolved and many battlefield crosses demolished. The third phase began in the eighteenth century when antiquaries and others established new monuments on past battlefields. Fields of conflict were made to speak about identity and liberty. As such ideas spread, in the nineteenth century monuments to survivors and the dead were established on contemporary battlefields such as Waterloo, once again hailed as sacred ground hallowed by bloodshed, fit destinations for a pilgrimage. Even ordinary soldiers began to be memorialized by name. These ideas intensified in the twentieth century to produce the cult of the names of the dead enshrined by the creation of the War Graves Commission in 1917 and the idea that battlefields should be preserved unchanged seen in modern heritage management.
Introduction
Authors: Atherton Ian
Published: August 2024

The introduction raises the often contradictory attitudes within contemporary British society to the battlefields of the recent and historic past. Romanticized and revered, they are seen as places of both tranquil reflection on the horrors of bloodshed and sites for carnivalesque re-enactment of war. But they are rarely properly historicized—something that this book sets out to achieve. Using Thomas Laqueur’s concept of ‘the work of the dead’, this chapter asks, what is the work of a battlefield? Answering that question requires a range of sources from monuments to folklore, but the latter must be understood as a changing and sometimes invented response to attitudes to a battlefield across time, rather than an unsullied repository of pure memories of the battle itself. Only by taking a perspective over a long period can analysis of attitudes to place in conflict memory escape presentism and the prism of the First World War.
Love and its Place in Virtue
Authors: Swanton Christine
Published: August 2024

The fundamental claim of the book is that love is central to virtue. Beginning with an account of love it argues that there are many criteria for love which feature in various ways in the different forms of love. Central is the distinction between relational love between individuals and lovingness (in its various forms) as a fundamental emotional orientation towards the world as a whole (a Grundstimmung). Central too is the distinction between love as an emotion and virtuous forms of love. How love features in virtue in general, including virtues which are not virtues of love, is the main theme. The book discusses “foundational” loves (universal love, self-love, and dwelling love), some of the impartial virtues of love, and the relation between love and justice, arguing that justice should be loving. The major ideas in the book have been inspired by a number of great philosophers, notably Aristotle, Kant, Hume, Nietzsche, and Heidegger.
Justice and Virtue
Authors: Swanton Christine
Published: August 2024

This chapter argues that justice as a personal virtue should be seen as loving justice. The problem is that unlike beneficence, benevolence, caring, and forgiveness justice is not a virtue of love. Excellent manifestations of love in appropriate forms are not the target of justice. Rather, using Kant’s conception of the two moral forces, we should say that justice is a virtue of respect rather than love. To show that concern for justice can, however, be integrated with both caring and proper respect for autonomy we first show that love and respect as moral forces can be integrated through a Kantian account of proper forbearance. The argument then requires positing a conception of institutional justice as the field of the personal virtue and a clearer understanding of the nature and point of loving justice in society. This discussion proceeds with an analysis of Buber’s I/It I/Thou distinction.
Nokukhanya Luthuli
Authors: Kelly Jill E.
Published: August 2024

Nokukhanya Luthuli (1904–1996) was a South African women’s leader best known as the wife of Albert Luthuli, the president of the African National Congress between 1952 and 1967. Born in the British Colony of Natal, she grew up in a kholwa (African Christian) family navigating the growing restrictions on Africans in a segregated Union of South Africa, fought and survived apartheid, and lived to see the first nonracial elections in South Africa. Her life was shaped by her Christian faith, a commitment to her Zulu heritage, and the quest to see equal rights for all—from her own insistence on accessing a mission education to fighting the indignities of discrimination in South Africa. She launched a Groutville branch of the Daughters of Africa in the 1930s and joined the African National Congress in 1951. She committed herself to multiracial organizing, passive resistance, and campaigns against pass laws and inferior education for black South Africans. She served many diplomatic functions locally, nationally, and internationally on behalf of and in memory of her husband and led women in her community, province, and nation.
Slave Trade to and from Madagascar
Authors: Hooper Jane
Published: August 2024

An estimated half a million people from Madagascar were enslaved and transported across the Indian and Atlantic Oceans between the 16th and mid-19th centuries. Slave trafficking within the Indian Ocean predated European arrival but would become particularly intense in coastal Madagascar starting in the 17th century. Throughout the following century, European and non-European merchants competed to purchase enslaved islanders, and this demand for people continued into the 19th century, when people were transported both to and from the shores of Madagascar. This coerced movement of people likely had a lasting impact on cultural and linguistic practices in nearby Mauritius, Réunion, the Comoros, the Seychelles, and South Africa. People who trace their ancestry back to Madagascar can also be found in the Americas, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. While scholars disagree about how many people were shipped on vessels from the island, most agree that Madagascar served as a hub for slave trading not only within the Indian Ocean but also between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans for several centuries.
Processed Foods
Authors: Broad Garrett M.
Published: August 2024

Traditional forms of food processing have deep roots in human evolutionary history and across ancient civilizations. Food-processing innovations that began in the 18th century played a key role in spurring the Industrial Revolution and shaping the development of the global food system as we know it. Starting from the mid-20th century, novel food-processing technologies led to an abundance of processed foods in the marketplace, spurred on by industry-led research applied in the service of meeting increasingly large-scale consumer demands. Processed foods are championed by some as a crowning achievement of the modern food industry, a central element in a system that provides safe, affordable, and convenient foods to diverse populations around the world. To others, processed foods are most notable for their social, environmental, and public health downsides. Specifically, advocates of the NOVA food classification system, proposed and developed in the early 21st century, have raised concerns about the uniquely pernicious impacts of what they deem “ultra-processed foods” (UPFs)—industrial food formulations designed for maximum convenience and palatability—and have called for regulations to rein in UPF production and consumption. Critics of the NOVA framework, however, call into question the scientific validity and public policy utility of the UPF category. These opposing stakeholder perspectives reflect a combination of both fact-based and value-oriented differences of opinion.