bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sintering on Structural Modification and Phase Transition of Al-Substituted LLZO Electrolytes for Solid State Battery Applications
Authors: Ganesh Kumar K. , Balaji Bhargav P. , Balaji C. , Nafis Ahmed , Aravinth K. , Ramasamy P. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Owing to high lithium ion conductivity and good stability with lithium metal, Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO—a solid electrolyte) has emerged as a viable candidate for solid-state battery applications. In the current study, Al-substituted LLZO (Al-LLZO) powder is synthesized using a typical solid-state reaction. The pellets are made with the synthesized powder and are subjected to annealing for different durations and its effect on the structural properties of the Al-LLZO is investigated in detail. Reitveld refinement of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern reveals that the sintered Al-LLZO belong to the cubic system with the Ia-3d space group at room temperature. Morphology and microstructural properties of sintered powder are analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM)/selected area electron diffraction (SAED), respectively. The FESEM image of LLZO pellets shows well-structured cubic grains spread evenly over on the surface after sintering. The chemical compositions of the sample are identified using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The surface chemistry of the prepared samples is examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which states that the observed photoelectron signals from O 1s at about 531 eV and Li1s at 54.52 eV correspond to the Li-O bond in Al-LLZO. Raman spectra have been analyzed and the observed Raman peaks appearing at 299 cm−1, 393 cm−1, 492 cm−1, and 514 cm−1 were assigned to Eg, F2g, A1g, and F2g, respectively. Phase transformation from C-LLZO to the pyrochore LZO phase is noticed when the sample is sintered for 12 h at 1100 °C. The impedance analysis is carried out to measure the conductivity of the Al-LLZO pellet and is found to be 0.3 × 10−5 S cm−1, which is suitable for solid electrolyte applications in lithium ion batteries.
Investigation of the Shock Wave Formation and Intensity in Wave Rotor
Authors: Liu Peiqi , Li Xiang , Liu Xinyu , Yang Jun , Feng Mingyu , Hu Dapeng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Actual formation and intensity of shock wave generated during gradual opening and closure between each port and passages of wave rotor are studied by means of experiment and computational fluid dynamics simulation. The results show that the intensity of shock wave increases with the distance from high-pressure inlet, and the reason for the variation tendency is the superposition of compression waves. By changing the rotational speed and the expansion ratio, the shock wave intensity can be adjusted, but the position where the intensity reaches maximum stays constant basically and keeps the distance near 300 mm from high-pressure inlet. Comparing with the one-dimensional simplification result, the actual intensity of shock wave is lower. The difference between the fact and simplification increases with the rotational speed and expansion ratio. The internal mechanism has been analyzed from the aspect of intake mass. Then, the maximum shock wave intensity is found approximately linear to the intake mass of each rotor passage in each cycle.
A Perspective on Tribology and Design
Authors: Suh Nam Pyo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The quality of design determines the performance of all tribological systems. Tribological failures of the system may be avoided through rational and creative design. In that sense, there is a symbiotic relationship between tribology and design. Many tribology problems encountered are often the result of poor system design. By properly designing the tribological system, potential failures caused by friction and wear can be avoided or minimized. Continuous testing of poorly designed tribological systems, which occur in some cases, can be costly without noticeable improvements in the system performance. Since well-designed products yield immense benefits, the creation of tribological systems based on rational design should be pursued. The biggest source of tribological problems is the coupling of the functional requirements (FRs) that are introduced during the early stage of design. We should attempt to eliminate coupled tribological systems to improve the performance of tribological systems. Some examples are given to illustrate the importance of rational designs in implementing tribological systems, including the design of additive manufacturing systems.
Comparative Analysis of Intelligence Optimization Algorithms in the Thermo-Economic Performance of an Energy Recovery System Based on Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Duarte-Forero Jorge , Obregón-Quiñones Luis , Valencia-Ochoa Guillermo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This paper compares the performance of a group of intelligent algorithms such as the genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and repulsive particle swarm optimization (RPSO) based on the optimization of thermo-economic indicators such as the payback period (PBP), the levelized energy cost (LEC), the specific investment cost (SIC), and also in the optimization of the thermodynamic process (net power output) of an energy recovery system in a 2 MW natural gas internal combustion engine based on an organic Rankine cycle. Four parameters were considered to analyze and compare the performance of these algorithms: integral of squared error (ISE), integral of absolute error (IAE), integral of time-weighted absolute error (ITAE), and the integral of time-weighted squared error (ITSE). Analyses of variances (ANOVA) were proposed for each of the parameters studied. The PSO and RPSO algorithms presented the best performance in terms of the mean and the standard deviation of the ISE, IAE, ITAE, and ITSE parameters. Significant differences were not found between the three algorithms in terms of the parameters considered. However, significant differences did exist when comparing groups (pairs) of algorithms considering a significance level of 5%. The ANOVA analysis showed that ITAE was the most affected parameter by population size, while the IAE and ITSE parameters were the less affected. In the optimization, the PSO algorithm obtained the best performance in terms of convergence with values of 0.1110 USD/kWh (LCOE), 4.6971 years (PBP), 1114 USD/kWh (SIC), and 173.64 kW (Wnet). PSO-based algorithms obtained better performance in computational terms compared with the genetic algorithms.
Predicting Viscosities of Heavy Oils and Solvent–Heavy Oil Mixtures Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Chen Zehua , Yang Daoyong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This study investigates the potential of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to accurately predict viscosities of heavy oils (HOs) as well as mixtures of solvents and heavy oils (S–HOs). The study uses experimental data collected from the public domain for HO viscosities (involving 20 HOs and 568 data points) and S–HO mixture viscosities (involving 12 solvents and 4057 data points) for a wide range of temperatures, pressures, and mass fractions. The natural logarithm of viscosity (instead of viscosity itself) is used as predictor and response variables for the ANNs to significantly improve model performance. Gaps in HO viscosity data (with respect to pressure or temperature) are filled using either the existing correlations or ANN models that innovatively use viscosity ratios from the available data. HO viscosities and mixture viscosities (weight-based, molar-based, and volume-based) from the trained ANN models are found to be more accurate than those from commonly used empirical correlations and mixing rules. The trained ANN model also fares well for another dataset of condensate-diluted HOs.
Stability of Diesel/Water Emulsions: Experimental and Modeling Investigations
Authors: Husain Arafat , Adewunmi Ahmad A. , Mahmoud Mohamed , Kamal Muhammad Shahzad , Al-Harthi Mamdouh A. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Diesel/water emulsions have several applications in the upstream and downstream petroleum industry. Diesel/water emulsions have been proposed as an alternative fuel due to their potential to emit a lesser amount of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter in the current models of compressed ignition engines. In the upstream petroleum research, diesel/water emulsions are used for the targeted delivery of several chemicals in deep reservoirs. The diesel/water emulsions are not very well understood despite their numerous applications. In this work, diesel/water emulsions were prepared using octylphenol ethoxylate as an emulsifier at different mixing times and speeds, varying surfactant concentrations, and using different water/diesel ratios. The emulsion stability was evaluated using a bottle test method, droplet size distribution (microscope), and rheological measurements. The bottle tests were mainly used to determine the emulsion stability, while the optical microscopic analysis was carried out to validate and understand the relation between the droplet size distribution and its impact on emulsion stability. It was found that emulsion stability not only depends on the concentration of surfactant, water, and diesel but also on mixing speed and time. The emulsion stability was enhanced by increasing the concentration of water, and the most stable emulsions were achieved when the water ratio was higher than 80 v/v%. The emulsion stability significantly increased when the mixing speed was increased up to 1200 rpm compounded with a mixing time of 20 min. An optimum surfactant concentration was noted to get the most stable emulsions ranging from 2.5 v/v% to 5 v/v%. The K-Star model was adopted in this study to predict the experimentally determined viscosity values. Modeling results showed that the predicted and measured viscosities were very close with minimal marginal errors. The excellent predicted viscosity values are demonstrated by the considerable root mean square error: 0.0873 and 2.5164 and mean absolute error: 0.0595 and 1.8675 for the training and testing dataset, respectively. The current study indicated that water to diesel ratio and mixing method could significantly affect the emulsion characteristics.
Factors Influencing Blood Alkalosis and Other Physiological Responses, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Exercise Performance Following Sodium Citrate Supplementation: A Review
Authors: Urwin Charles S. , Snow Rodney J. , Condo Dominique , Snipe Rhiannon , Wadley Glenn D. , Carr Amelia J. 
Published: January 2021

This review aimed to identify factors associated with (a) physiological responses, (b) gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and (c) exercise performance following sodium citrate supplementation. A literature search identified 33 articles. Observations of physiological responses and GI symptoms were categorized by dose (< 500, 500, and > 500 mg/kg body mass [BM]) and by timing of postingestion measurements (in minutes). Exercise performance following sodium citrate supplementation was compared with placebo using statistical significance, percentage change, and effect size. Performance observations were categorized by exercise duration (very short < 60 s, short ≥ 60 and ≤ 420 s, and longer > 420 s) and intensity (very high > 100% VO2max and high 90–100% VO2max). Ingestion of 500 mg/kg BM sodium citrate induced blood alkalosis more frequently than < 500 mg/kg BM, and with similar frequency to >500 mg/kg BM. The GI symptoms were minimized when a 500 mg/kg BM dose was ingested in capsules rather than in solution. Significant improvements in performance following sodium citrate supplementation were reported in all observations of short-duration and very high–intensity exercise with a 500 mg/kg BM dose. However, the efficacy of supplementation for short-duration, high-intensity exercise is less clear, given that only 25% of observations reported significant improvements in performance following sodium citrate supplementation. Based on the current literature, the authors recommend ingestion of 500 mg/kg BM sodium citrate in capsules to induce alkalosis and minimize GI symptoms. Supplementation was of most benefit to performance of short-duration exercise of very high intensity; further investigation is required to determine the importance of ingestion duration and timing.
Refractive change and incidence of myopia among rural Chinese children: the Handan Offspring Myopia Study
Authors: Lin Zhong , Vasudevan Balamurali , Gao Tieying , Zhou Hongjia , Ciuffreda Kenneth J , Liang Yuanbo 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTo assess the refractive change and incidence of myopia, as well as their risk factors, among Chinese rural children aged 6–17 years.MethodsChildren who completed the baseline vision examination of the Handan Offspring Myopia Study were re-examined, including both cycloplegic and non-cyloplegic autorefraction, with a mean follow-up time of 42.4±1.47 months.ResultsA total of 601 children (68.5%) who completed both baseline and the follow-up examinations were enrolled. The cumulative refractive change and axial length change were −0.53±1.03 diopter and 0.39±0.46 mm (−0.15 diopter/year and 0.11 mm/year), respectively. A hundred and five out of the 469 non-myopic children at baseline become myopic at the follow-up, yielding a cumulative myopia incidence of 22.4% (95% CI: 18.6% to 26.2%), or annual myopia incidence of 6.3%. After adjustment, younger age (β=0.08, p<0.001), more myopic baseline refraction (β=0.31, p<0.001), larger difference between cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic refraction (β=−0.20, p=0.007) and more myopic paternal refraction (β=0.09, p=0.007) were found to be associated with more rapid myopic refractive change. More myopic baseline refraction (relative risk (RR), 95% CI: 0.19, 0.13–0.28, p<0.001) and more myopic paternal refraction (RR, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.84–1.00, p=0.039) were also associated with myopia incidence.ConclusionRelatively low myopic refractive change and myopia incidence were found in this study cohort. Children’s refraction and paternal refraction were associated with both myopic refractive change and myopia incidence. Such information will be helpful for further comparisons in other rural versus urban areas of China, and other countries.
Trends and factors influencing long-acting contraceptive utilisation among contraceptive users in Ethiopia: repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Tadele Afework , Berhanu Mahilet 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesAlthough nationally representative data are helpful in designing strategies and policies of programmes in a country, there is paucity of evidence with regard to trends and factors influencing utilisation of long-acting contraceptives (LACs). Thus, this study aimed to assess the trends and factors influencing LAC utilisation among contraceptive users in Ethiopia.DesignA repeated cross-sectional study.Setting and participantsThe Performance Monitoring and Accountability (PMA2020) national community-based survey data were used, and 2035 contraceptive users participated. To identify trends, proportions of LAC users were analysed using PMA data from round 1 in January 2014 to round 6 in July 2018.Main outcome measuresUsers using LAC methods or otherwise.ResultsThere was a difference in trends in LAC utilisation in the last 4.5 years. There was a 7% increase in the proportion of implant users, while there were no significant changes in utilisation of intrauterine device and female sterilisation. Women in the middle wealth quintile were 1.7 times more likely than those in the lowest quintile to use LAC, while contraceptive users who received recommendations from healthcare providers as well as those who made decisions jointly with healthcare providers were more likely to use LAC compared with those who decided on their own. Women with access to their desired method of contraception were less likely to use LAC, while those informed about intrauterine contraceptive device were more likely to use LAC compared with their counterparts. Women served at health posts, private hospitals and others (family planning clinics, pharmacies and non-governmental organisations) were less likely to use LAC compared with women served at public hospitals.ConclusionOverall the utilisation of LAC in Ethiopia is low. Therefore, much has to be done in terms of raising awareness about intrauterine device, how healthcare providers can help users in choosing contraceptive methods, and sharing of experiences between public hospitals and other family planning service delivery points.
Singing for people with aphasia (SPA): results of a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial of a group singing intervention investigating acceptability and feasibility
Authors: Tarrant Mark , Carter Mary , Dean Sarah Gerard , Taylor Rod , Warren Fiona C , Spencer Anne , Adamson Jane , Landa Paolo , Code Chris , Backhouse Amy , Lamont Ruth A , Calitri Raff 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesPilot feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) for the singing groups for people with aphasia (SPA) intervention to assess: (1) the acceptability and feasibility of participant recruitment, randomisation and allocation concealment; (2) retention rates; (3) variance of continuous outcome measures; (4) outcome measure completion and participant burden; (5) fidelity of intervention delivery; (6) SPA intervention costs; (7) acceptability and feasibility of trial and intervention to participants and others involved.DesignA two-group, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled external pilot trial with parallel mixed methods process evaluation and economic evaluation.SettingThree community-based cohorts in the South-West of England.ParticipantsEligible participants with post-stroke aphasia were randomised 1:1 to SPA or control.InterventionThe manualised SPA intervention was delivered over 10 weekly singing group sessions, led by a music facilitator and assisted by an individual with post-stroke aphasia. The intervention was developed using the Information-Motivation-Behavioural skills model of behaviour change and targeted psychosocial outcomes. Control and intervention participants all received an aphasia information resource pack.Outcome measuresCollected at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-randomisation, candidate primary outcomes were measured (well-being, quality of life and social participation) as well as additional clinical outcomes. Feasibility, acceptability and process outcomes included recruitment and retention rates, and measurement burden; and trial experiences were explored in qualitative interviews.ResultsOf 87 individuals screened, 42 participants were recruited and 41 randomised (SPA=20, control=21); 36 participants (SPA=17, control=19) completed 3-month follow-up, 34 (SPA=18, control=16) completed 6-month follow-up. Recruitment and retention (83%) were acceptable for a definitive RCT, and participants did not find the study requirements burdensome. High fidelity of the intervention delivery was shown by high attendance rates and facilitator adherence to the manual, and participants found SPA acceptable. Sample size estimates for a definitive RCT and primary/secondary outcomes were identified.ConclusionsThe SPA pilot RCT fulfilled its objectives, and demonstrated that a definitive RCT of the intervention would be both feasible and acceptable.Trial registration numberNCT03076736.
Efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy-based smartphone app for smoking cessation in China: a study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liao Yanhui , Tang Jinsong 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionA number of smartphone apps have been proved to be effective in assisting smoking cessation in many countries, but little is known about the effectiveness of smartphone apps that assist in smoking cessation in China. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based cigarette smoking cessation smartphone app for treatment-seeking smokers in China.Methods and analysisIn this remote control, randomised controlled trial, the participants will be randomised and allocated in 1:1 ratio to smoking cessation app intervention group or to control group. Participants will receive a 12-week intervention (treatment group will receive CBT-based cigarette smoking cessation smartphone app intervention and control group will receive text messaging-based control intervention) with follow-up at week 26. The primary outcome includes biologically verified continuous smoking abstinence at week 26 after the quit date. The main secondary outcomes include 7-hour point prevalence smoking abstinence at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 26, self-reported continuous smoking abstinence at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 26 after the quit date. About 1200 smokers with willingness to make a quit attempt within a month from January 2021 to August 2021 or until the recruitment process is complete will be recruited. The final 26-week follow-up will be completed in August 2022. The trial results will be available by the end of 2022. All analyses will be done on an intention-to-treat basis. Based on the previous studies, we hypothesised that this CBT-based app will be an effective, feasible and accessible smoking cessation app in China.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, an affiliate of Zhejiang University, Medical College (number: 20200129-33). Study results will be disseminated via research conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numberNCT04421170.
Causal effect of children’s secondary education on parental health outcomes: findings from a natural experiment in Botswana
Authors: Ludwig Jan Ole , Davies Neil M , Bor Jacob , De Neve Jan-Walter 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesA growing literature highlights the intergenerational transmission of human capital from parents to children. However, far less is known about ‘upward transmission’ from children to parents. In this study, we use a 1996 Botswana education policy reform as a natural experiment to identify the causal effect of children’s secondary schooling on their parents’ health.SettingBotswana’s decennial census (2001 and 2011). Data were obtained through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series and are 10% random samples of the complete population in each of these census years.ParticipantsSurvey respondents who were citizens born in Botswana, at least 18 years old at the time of the census and born in or after 1975 (n=89 721).Primary and secondary outcome measuresParental survival and disability at the time of the census, separately for mothers and fathers.ResultsThe 1996 reform caused a large increase in grade 10 enrolment, inducing an additional 0.4 years of schooling for the first cohorts affected (95% CI 0.3 to 0.5, p<0.001). The reform, however, had no effect on parental survival and disability by the time exposed child cohorts reach age 30. Results were robust to a wide array of sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsThis study found little evidence that parents’ survival and disability were affected by their offspring’s educational attainment in Botswana. Parents’ health may not be necessarily affected by increasing their offspring’s educational attainment.