bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and Synthesis of Quick Setting Nonswelling Hydrogels via Brush Polymers
Authors: Jia Fei , Kubiak Joshua M. , Onoda Michika , Wang Yuping , Macfarlane Robert J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBrush polymers have emerged as components of novel materials that show huge potential in multiple disciplines and applications, including self‐assembling photonic crystals, drug delivery vectors, biomimetic lubricants, and ultrasoft elastomers. However, an understanding of how this unique topology can affect the properties of highly solvated materials like hydrogels remain under investigated. Here, it is investigated how the high functionality and large overall size of brush polymers enhances the gelation kinetics of low polymer weight percent gels, enabling 100‐fold faster gelation rates and 15‐fold higher stiffness values than gels crosslinked by traditional star polymers of the same composition and polymer chain length. This work demonstrates that brush polymer topology provides a useful means to control gelation kinetics without the need to manipulate polymer composition or crosslinking chemistry. The unique architecture of brush polymers also results in restrained or even nonswelling behavior at different temperatures, regardless of the polymer concentration. Brush polymers therefore are an interesting tool for examining how high‐functionality polymer building blocks can affect structure–property relationships and chemical kinetics in hydrogel materials, and also provide a useful rapidly‐setting hydrogel platform with tunable properties and great potential for multiple material applications.
Preparation of lignin‐based filling antioxidant and its application in styrene‐butadiene rubber
Authors: Zhao Shengqin , Li Jianxing , Yan Zepei , Lu Tianyun , Liu Ruiyin , Han Xiaokun , Cai Chencan , Zhao Shugao , Wang He 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA novel filling antioxidant (Lig‐g‐RT) to improve the mechanical properties and antiaging performance of styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) composites was prepared by grafting antioxidant intermediate p‐aminodiphenylamine (RT) on the surface of lignin via the linkage of silane coupling agent. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements confirmed that RT was successfully grafted on the surface of lignin to produce the functionalized Lig‐g‐RT which shows a better thermal stability than lignin. Compared with SBR/lignin composite, the SBR/Lig‐g‐RT composite using latex co‐precipitation method exhibits a much better filler dispersion, which contributes to the maintain of the physical mechanical properties of SBR vulcanizates. Moreover, the SBR/Lig‐g‐RT vulcanizate exhibits less chemical crosslink concentration and higher entanglement density than SBR/lignin vulcanizate according to the Mooney–Rivlin model analysis. In addition, the stabilizing effect of lignin/Lig‐g‐RT on the carbon‐black filled SBR vulcanizates is comparable with that of commercial antioxidant N‐1,3‐dimethylbutyl‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (4020), especially the SBR vulcanizate filled with 10 phr Lig‐g‐RT obtains the optimum thermo‐oxidative aging properties. This functionalized Lig‐g‐RT not only provides an intramolecular synergistic antiaging effect for SBR vulcanizates and an improvement of filler dispersion, but greatly extends the comprehensive utilization of industrial lignin.
Thermal stability of polymers based on acrylamide and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid in different temperature and salinity conditions
Authors: Vieira Hélida V. P. , Oliveira Priscila F. , Costa Josane A. , de Oliveira Leonardo A. , Mota Letícia S. , Mansur Claudia R. E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPartially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) is the most widely used polymer in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. However, under conditions of high temperature and salinity, the PHPA molecules become hydrolyzed, causing a drastic reduction of the viscosity of the polymer solution due to the presence of negative charges, making the molecules more susceptible to interactions with cations. In this sense, in order to increase the stability of these polymers, an anionic monomer more resistant to cations such as 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) has been incorporated into the HPAM molecules. This work evaluated the thermal stability of a copolymer (acrylamide and AMPS ‐ AN125) and a terpolymer (acrylamide, acrylate, and AMPS‐FP5115) in the time course of 360 days. The tests were carried out in typical conditions of Brazilian offshore reservoirs, such as absence of oxygen, high temperature, and high salt concentration. The test method involved measurements of intrinsic viscosity in function of time and determination of the hydrolysis degree of the polymers by elemental analysis. The copolymer AN125 was more stable under the test conditions than the terpolymer FP 5115 due to the presence of a higher concentration of AMPS in the copolymer. The AMPS group was hydrolyzed to AA at a temperature of 100 °C, however, the increase in salt concentration delayed the onset of this degradation. The tests indicated that the presence of a higher AMPS content in the copolymer does not prevent the polymer from undergoing hydrolysis, but delays the polymer precipitation step in the solution.
Longitudinal changes in fasting plasma glucose are associated with risk of cancer mortality: A Chinese cohort study
Authors: Wu Mengyin , Lu Jieming , Yang Zongming , Shen Peng , Yu Zhebin , Tang Mengling , Jin Mingjuan , Lin Hongbo , Chen Kun , Wang Jianbing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundNumerous studies have suggested that fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was associated with the risk of mortality. However, relationship on longitudinal changes of FPG with the risk of mortality remained inconsistent.MethodsWe examined the association of FPG at baseline and its longitudinal changes with risk of mortality based on a cohort study in Yinzhou, China, during 2010–2018. Cox regression models and competing risk models were separately used to examine the association of FPG levels and long‐term fluctuation with risk of total and cause‐specific mortality.ResultsSubjects who had an impaired fasting glucose or diabetes suffered a higher risk of total mortality than subjects who had a normal fasting glucose (HRs and 95% CIs: 1.17 [1.01–1.35], 1.30 [1.10–1.53], respectively). The HR for total mortality was 1.54 (95% CI: 1.29–1.84) and for cancer mortality was 1.41 (95% CI: 1.04–1.92) in the highest quartile of coefficient of variation of FPG. Trajectory analysis indicated that subjects with a significantly changed FPG suffered a higher risk of total mortality.ConclusionAccording to this cohort study, we found that long‐term fluctuation of FPG was significantly associated with the risk of total and cancer mortality. Our findings suggest that long‐term fluctuation of FPG could be used as an efficient indicator for predicting the subsequent risk of mortality.
The First Mixed Calcium Zinc Borate with a Flexible [B8O17] Fundamental Building Block and Short UV Cutoff Edge
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Guo Siru , Han Shujuan , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe first mixed calcium zinc borate with a new fundamental building block (FBB) [B8O17], Ca1.13Zn0.87B8O14 has been successfully synthesized. It exhibits two independent interpenetrating three‐dimensional B−O anion networks constructed by [B8O17] groups, enriching the structural diversity of B−O configurations. In particular, the UV‐Vis‐NIR diffuse‐reflectance spectrum shows that it has a short UV cutoff edge (<195 nm).
Computational modelling of mixing tanks for bioprocesses: Developing a comprehensive workflow
Authors: Sadino‐Riquelme M. Constanza , Rivas José , Jeison David , Donoso‐Bravo Andrés , Hayes Robert E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper reports a computational modelling study of a mixing tank for bioprocess applications. A dual impeller mixer containing several probes is used with a mixing speed of 400 rpm. The single‐phase transient model is validated against experimental measurements using torque and velocity profiles as the validation variables. A complete workflow is illustrated that addresses all the relevant steps in the modelling of mixing. Many assumptions that are commonly made are explored and their importance is demonstrated. The necessity of including the probes in the computational domain is illustrated. The grid and time‐step size are examined, and the relationship between the two is explained. Two turbulence models for RANS equation closure are compared, and the efficacy of the appropriate solution methodology for each is described. The importance of using the correct near‐wall treatment is shown. Overall, this paper presents a standardized framework for the modelling of mixing tanks with turbulent flow.
Electron Donor‐Acceptor Complex Enabled Photocyanation of Tertiary Amines with a Stable and User‐Friendly Cyanobenziodoxolone Reagent
Authors: Chen Zimin , Zheng Songlin , Wang Zijie , Liao Zixuan , Yuan Weiming 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA visible light‐induced photocyanation of tertiary amines by a stable, less‐toxic and user‐friendly CN reagent cyanobenziodoxolone (CBX) was developed. This cyanation process does not require any photocatalyst, oxidant, base or additives, representing a set of extremely mild and succinct reaction conditions and a broad substrate scope. In addition to the frequently used N‐aryl amine derivatives, more challenging tertiary aliphatic amines (modified by a α‐silyl substituent) can also be photocyanated smoothly. Mechanistic studies reveal that the cyanation reaction is enabled by an electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complex formed by the interaction between the amine and the cyanobenziodoxolone reagent.
Preparation and Properties of Polystyrene Nanospheres Incorporated Cs3Bi2Br9 Halide Perovskite Disks
Authors: Wang Yue , Dai Yitao , Tüysüz Harun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHalide perovskites are being in the focus of diverse research fields due to their attractive physicochemical properties. Herein, we present a strategy to prepare highly crystalline bismuth‐based halide perovskite disk, polystyrene nanospheres incorporated hybrid material and porous halide perovskite. After a proper surface modification of polystyrene, the halide perovskite was grown and crystallized around the sulfonated polystyrene via a facile solution processed synthesis and rapid solidification. By tuning the particle size of sulfonated polystyrene, a range of lead‐free hybrid materials was prepared. All the hybrid materials have good visible light absorption with an optical band gap of around 2.6 eV and variable photoluminescence properties. The incorporated sulfonated polystyrene could enhance the stability of halide perovskite in high humidity environments. Additional porous functionality could be brought to the halide perovskite materials through selective leaching of sulfonated polystyrene.
NHC‐Stabilized Inverse Crown Ethers Featuring the μ4‐Oxo [Mg4O] Core
Authors: Zhuang Yichao , Qian Yuansheng , Tu Danyu , Li Yan , Liu Jiyong , Shen Liang , Wu Di 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCompared to crown ethers with functions to capture metal cation, inverse crown ethers (ICEs) with a similar cavity architecture have the alternating polarity of cationic metal ring and encapsulated ion to construct the skeleton. Here we introduce a new tridentate aryloxide‐N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand to stabilize μ4‐oxo [Mg4O] cores in ICEs, which open up a path towards synthetic methodology for ICEs. The reaction of N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) lithium complex (L)Li2(L1) (1; L={1‐C(NDippCH2CH2N)}2(CH2)2PhO−, Dipp=2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3; L1=(SiMe3)2N−) with MgBr2 afforded a mixture of (L)Mg2Br3 (2), (L)2Mg4OBr4 (3) and (L)Mg4OBr5(THF)2 (4), via the salt metathesis. Symmetric 3 and unsymmetric 4 including the same μ4‐Oxo [Mg4O] unit possess ICEs character, where O2− atoms lie in the centroid binding to all four Mg2+ centers.
Repair options for PV modules with cracked backsheets
Authors: Voronko Yuliya , Eder Gabriele C. , Breitwieser Christian , Mühleisen Wolfgang , Neumaier Lukas , Feldbacher Sonja , Oreski Gernot , Lenck Norbert 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe paper provides a comprehensive overview of possible strategies for the repair of cracked polyamide‐based backsheets. A repair process has been developed that comprises the following steps: (i) cleaning, (ii) pretreatment, and (iii) repair process (crack filling and sealing). The important topic of long‐term reliability is still under investigation. Two different repair strategies have been addressed in this article: (i) repairing damage by restoring electrical insulation properties and (ii) preventing further growth of the surface near microcracks. From a technical point of view, several of the repair solutions examined met the defined requirements for compatibility and applicability. On the one hand, repair tapes/films sealed the surface and only covered the cracks. The adhesive did not penetrate into the cavities that had opened through the cracks in the backsheet material. Therefore, adhesive tapes/films are not suitable for the repair of large‐scale damage and the permanent restoration of the electrical insulation properties. On the other hand, several repair coatings based on polyurethane, epoxy, silicone and synthetic rubber were identified which, after a two‐step application process, showed complete crack filling and sealing of the surface. The required insulation resistance of the aged modules could be restored. Since the new and artificial reliability tests are still running, no final conclusions on the long‐term behavior of the repair and its life‐extending effect of PV modules can be drawn at the moment.
Energy storage sizing and enhanced dispatch strategy with temperature and safety considerations: A techno‐economic analysis
Authors: Faruhaan Abdulla , Go Yun Ii 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMalaysia signed Paris agreement in 2015 as global response to climate change and committed to lower the greenhouse gases emissions by 45% by 2030. Under this national initiative, Malaysia government planned a series of large scale solar (LSS) projects and regulated by Energy Commission. It is aimed to achieve installed capacity of 1 GW by 2020. One of the main drawbacks for using solar energy is the intermittent issue in solar power generation. This will affect the power quality and reliability of the power grid especially in the LSS systems. This article aims to identify and optimize the most technically and economically viable energy storage system (ESS) for selected locations among the ongoing mega projects. The location selection for this study is based on the largest solar capacity planned for Peninsular Malaysia. This project involved development of hybrid scheme including Flywheel and nine different types of battery at six locations in Malaysia using Energy Commission Malaysia's data. Comprehensive power systems have been developed with different storage options applied to selected locations. This is followed by extensive techno‐economic evaluation using net present cost, levelized cost of electricity including costs of ESS, operation & maintenance, initial capital investment, replacement cost, revenue from ESS, annual throughput, and so on. Comparative studies under two different dispatch strategies with local contextualized data for LSS projects in Malaysia have been carried out. The optimal ESS type both technical and economically has been identified. In addition to this, performance of battery ESS with and without temperature consideration has been evaluated. Last, data from a net metering scheme is used to analyze the ESS types that exhibit best performance. Safety concerns related to these ESS types have been provided. Last, this article also presents the adaptability and replicability of the proposed methodology in countries that planned for LSS with local contextualized data.
Sociotechnical view of electric bike issues in China: Structured review and analysis of electric bike collisions using Rasmussen's risk management framework
Authors: Wang Linyang , Wu Jianping , Liu Mingyu , Hu Kezhen , Plant Katherine L. , McIlroy Rich C. , Stanton Neville A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFollowing a thriving delivery business and constantly improving road infrastructure and vehicle technologies, electric bicycles (e‐bikes) are becoming one of the most popular modes of road transport in China. Although e‐bikes are flexible and cost efficient, they contribute significantly to on‐road collisions in China. Therefore, this study focuses on the traffic safety of e‐bikes in China. Rather than following conventional engineering approaches, this study applies a sociotechnical analysis of the system, while focusing on the entities that significantly influence e‐bike safety. Applying Rasmussen's risk management framework (RMF) and its associated Accimap methodology shapes the systematic analysis of e‐bike collisions in China. This study identifies and discusses a general pattern of the contribution of social entities to e‐bike collisions. As such, the authors developed a generic model of e‐bike collisions in China. Couriers were considered important in this domain, and their status in the system was discussed. Moreover, recommendations have been proposed to improve e‐bike traffic safety in China.
Laser irradiation construction of nanomaterials toward electrochemical energy storage and conversion: Ongoing progresses and challenges
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Jinyang , Wang Yuyan , Zaman Fakhr Uz , Zhang Yaming , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe emerging use of laser irradiation in synthesis smartly bridges “nanotechnology” and “light”, and has attracted enormous attention as an efficient synthetic methodology for versatile nanomaterials toward electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices (ESCDs). In this review, recent contributions and progress regarding the laser‐induced nanomaterials for ESCDs are comprehensively summarized, with a special focus on their practical utilization in rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors and electrocatalysis. The laser‐induced synthesis strategies and corresponding mechanisms involved in nanoarchitecture generation/regulation, including pulsed laser deposition and laser irradiation in liquid, are also discussed in detail. With the in‐depth insights into the mechanisms and revolutionary advancements of laser irradiation technology, the comprehensive performances of ESCDs have been strikingly optimized. Finally, the existing challenges and future directions in this booming research field are outlined. This review will exert the significant guidance for future design and purposeful fabrication of advanced laser‐induced nanomaterials with appealing properties for advanced ESCDs and beyond.image
Uptake and outcomes of a novel community‐based HIV post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) programme in rural Kenya and Uganda
Authors: Ayieko James , Petersen Maya L , Kabami Jane , Mwangwa Florence , Opel Fred , Nyabuti Marilyn , Charlebois Edwin D , Peng James , Koss Catherine A , Balzer Laura B , Chamie Gabriel , Bukusi Elizabeth A , Kamya Moses R , Havlir Diane V 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionAntiretroviral‐based HIV prevention, including pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is expanding in generalized epidemic settings, but additional prevention options are needed for individuals with periodic, high‐risk sexual exposures. Non‐occupational post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended in global guidelines. However, in Africa, awareness of and access to PEP for sexual exposures are limited. We assessed feasibility, acceptability, uptake and adherence in a pilot study of a patient‐centred PEP programme with options for facility‐ or community‐based service delivery.MethodsAfter population‐level HIV testing with universal access to PrEP for persons at elevated HIV risk (SEARCH Trial:NCT01864603), we conducted a pilot PEP study in five rural communities in Kenya and Uganda between December 2018 and May 2019. We assessed barriers to PEP in the population and implemented an intervention to address these barriers, building on existing in‐country PEP protocols. We used community leaders for sensitization. Test kits and medications were acquired through the Ministry of Health supply chain and healthcare providers based at the Ministry of Health clinics were trained on PEP delivery. Additional intervention components were (a)PEP availability seven days/week, (b)PEP hotline staffed by providers and (c)option for out‐of‐facility medication delivery. We assessed implementation using the Proctor framework and measured seroconversions via repeat HIV testing. Successful “PEP completion” was defined as self‐reported adherence over four weeks of therapy with post‐PEP HIV testing.ResultsCommunity leaders were able to sensitize and mobilize for PEP. The Ministry of Health supplied test kits and PEP medications; after training, healthcare providers delivered the 28‐day regimen with high completion rates. Among 124 persons who sought PEP, 66% were female, 24% were ≤25 years and 42% were fisherfolk. Of these, 20% reported exposure with a serodifferent partner, 72% with a new or existing relationship and 7% from transactional sex. 12% of all visits were conducted at out‐of‐facility community‐based sites; 35% of participants had ≥1 out‐of‐facility visit. No serious adverse events were reported. Overall, 85% met the definition of PEP completion. There were no HIV seroconversions.ConclusionsAmong individuals with elevated‐risk exposures in rural East African communities, patient‐centred PEP was feasible, acceptable and provides a promising addition to the current prevention toolkit.
Future drought changes and associated uncertainty over the homogenous regions of India: A multimodel approach
Authors: Saharwardi Md Saquib , Kumar Pankaj 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDrought frequency and intensity have increased in recent decades and are expected to escalate in future under the changing climate scenario. However, a wide range of uncertainty exists regarding the risk, variability and severity of the drought. This study evaluates the future drought and associated uncertainty over homogeneous regions of India using the suites of CMIP5 global climate models (GCMs) and CORDEX‐SA regional climate models (RCMs). The drought characteristics and its projected future changes are analysed using probability density functions derived from hydroclimatic parameters, including the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the standardized precipitation‐evapotranspiration index (SPEI). Besides, uncertainties from various sources such as inter‐model variability, indices type, timescale, adapted methods, and time‐slices are explored under the RCP8.5 emission scenario to the end of the 21st century. Our study reveals large biases in the individual model; however, both the multi model ensembles (GCM and RCM) generally demonstrate better performance with respect to observation. In particular, the RCM ensemble showed limitations in capturing the regional precipitation pattern while temperature and potential evapotranspiration (PET) showed considerable enhancement concerning GCMs. SPI (SPEI) generally exhibited enhanced wetness (dryness) derived from increased precipitation (PET), although a few discrepancies were noticed. The regional heterogeneity was also found to exist, although some robust changes were noticed in drought frequency and severity with different return periods. Our finding underscores a wide range of uncertainties in drought projection, with maximum contribution from indices selection followed by model variability whereas other sources have the least contribution. The primary drivers for all these uncertainty sources arise due to variations among models simulated hydroclimatic variables that need to be parameterized more precisely for sustainable drought management.