bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embracing digital transformation for sustainable development: Barriers to adopting digital twin in asset management within Singapore's energy and chemicals industry
Authors: Zhan Hanzhang , Hwang Bon‐Gang , Krishnankutty Pramesh 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn the era of Industry 4.0, digital twin has the potential to revolutionize asset management and contribute to the sustainable development of the energy and chemicals industry. This study aims to investigate barriers to adopting digital twin in asset management within Singapore's energy and chemicals industry through a literature review and interviews. It identified five categories of barriers: resource constraints, data management issues, technical challenges, lack of government and industry support, and strategic and cultural barriers. The five categories of barriers presented unique implications, mutually reinforcing their negative impact on digital twin adoption. The analysis of interviews revealed that the most prevalent barriers, as mentioned by the interviewees, were lack of successful use cases (78.6%), high investment (71.4%), and lack of effective data analysis techniques (64.3%). Lack of successful use cases hinders return‐on‐investment justification, high investment requirements compete with other operational priorities, and data analysis challenges impede the realization of digital twin's full potential. The findings provide organizations with a comprehensive understanding of early stage barriers to formulate targeted strategies, driving the industry towards increased competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Regulating Entanglement Networks of Fibrillatable Binders for Sub‐20‐µm Thick, Robust, Dry‐Processed Solid Electrolyte Membranes in All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Yoon Seokyoon , Kang Seok Hun , Choi Jaecheol , Kim Ju Young , Lee Young‐Gi , Park Young‐Sam , Shin Dong Ok 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDespite significant advancements in all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs), the reliance on thick solid electrolyte (SE) membranes hinders their commercial viability. Although the dry process using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder is proposed for thin SE membranes, a comprehensive understanding of the correlation between PTFE fibrillation and SE membrane quality remains lacking. Here an important guidance is provided for producing durable SE membranes that can be reduced to sub‐20‐µm thickness by regulating the entanglement networks of PTFE. While establishing fabrication parameters; shear time and shear temperature, a dominant effect of the number‐average molecular weight (Mn) on PTFE fibrillation is revealed for the first time. Moreover, the degree of PTFE fibrillation is quantified using systematic X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The SE membrane utilizing the high‐Mn PTFE binder that achieves a maximum fibrillation degree (≈98%) and thus forms highly entangled fibrous PTFE network interweaving SE particles, exhibited superior toughness. Consequently, the 18 µm thick SE membrane with 0.5 wt% high‐Mn PTFE shows a considerably higher areal conductance. The ASSB using this durable, ultrathin SE membrane outperforms its counterparts that used flimsy SE membranes or pure SE pellets. Finally, uniquely thin ASSBs demonstrate significantly improved cell‐level energy densities, showcasing the promising potential for practical ASSB fabrication.
Advances in Electrically Conductive Hydrogels: Performance and Applications
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Xu Chenggong , Chen Xionggang , Huang Jinxia , Guo Zhiguang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractElectrically conductive hydrogels are highly hydrated 3D networks consisting of a hydrophilic polymer skeleton and electrically conductive materials. Conductive hydrogels have excellent mechanical and electrical properties and have further extensive application prospects in biomedical treatment and other fields. Whereas numerous electrically conductive hydrogels have been fabricated, a set of general principles, that can rationally guide the synthesis of conductive hydrogels using different substances and fabrication methods for various application scenarios, remain a central demand of electrically conductive hydrogels. This paper systematically summarizes the processing, performances, and applications of conductive hydrogels, and discusses the challenges and opportunities in this field. In view of the shortcomings of conductive hydrogels in high electrical conductivity, matchable mechanical properties, as well as integrated devices and machines, it is proposed to synergistically design and process conductive hydrogels with applications in complex surroundings. It is believed that this will present a fresh perspective for the research and development of conductive hydrogels, and further expand the application of conductive hydrogels.
Soft Colloidal Electrode Enabled by Water Distribution Control for Ultra‐Stable Aqueous Zn–I Batteries
Authors: Zhang Kaiqiang , Wu Chao , Wang Luoya , Ma Changlong , Ye Jilei , Wu Yuping 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDesigning effective electrode material is crucial for developing ultra‐long lifetime batteries, thereby reducing daily battery costs. Current electrode materials are typically solid or liquid state, with an intermediate colloidal state offering the advantages of fixed redox‐active species, akin to solid‐state materials, and the absence of rigid atomic structure, akin to liquid‐state materials, while avoiding the particle pulverization and uncontrolled migration. Herein, an aqueous Zn||Pluronic F127 (PF127)/ZnI2 colloid battery is developed utilizing the inherent water molecular control effect of ZnSO4. In this system, ZnSO4 in the electrolyte acts as a water molecular valve, regulating the water content within the PF127 polymer to form a PF127 colloid. The resulting aqueous Zn||PF127/ZnI2 colloid battery exhibits an ultra‐long cycling lifetime and compatibility with various simulated and practical operating conditions, highlighting its potential for practical applications. Additionally, this battery design concept offers a platform for constructing ultra‐stable aqueous batteries.
Resource shocks, firm obstacles, and local business in Africa
Authors: Pavlik Jamie Bologna , Ross Amanda 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe negative correlation between growth and natural resource abundance is widely studied in the resource curse literature. We add to this literature by examining the heterogeneous effect of resource rents on the obstacles faced by different sized firms. We find small firms experience more setbacks across a range of categories—including corruption—in response to positive exogenous resource shocks while large firms tend to benefit. These results are robust across a number of specifications as well as a placebo analysis where resource shocks are randomly assigned. Our findings contribute to our understanding of how resource rents exacerbate the existing difficulties faced by small firms in the developing world.
Effect of nano‐SiO2 dispersion on the mechanical properties and frost resistance of modified cement paste
Authors: Pei Xiaofang , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhao Sheng , Shi Haoran , Wu Linsong 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe dispersion of nano‐SiO2 (NS) in cement plays a critical role in enhancing the properties of cementitious materials. In this study, the combination of ultrasonic dispersion and polycarboxylic acid water reducing agent (PCE) was used to significantly improve the dispersion of NS. The effects of ultrasonic dispersion time, NS content, and PCE content on dispersion quality were investigated, alongside their impact on mechanical properties, electrical resistivity, and frost resistance. The results demonstrated that this synergistic method optimized the dispersion of NS, leading to superior mechanical properties and frost resistance. With an ultrasonic dispersion time of 40 min, NS content of 1.0 wt.%, and PCE content of 0.75 wt.%, the cement paste achieved its optimal performance. Compared to non‐dispersed samples, compressive strength increased by 33.7%. After 75 freeze–thaw cycles, the mass loss was 2%, the relative dynamic elastic modulus was 99.15%, and the strength loss was 13.74%.
Suspected hepatic hydrothorax secondary to cirrhosis in a dog
Authors: Russell Oliver Luke , Guy Bethany , Constantino‐Casas Fernando , Kortum Andre 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old, entire, female labrador retriever presented with a 2‐week history of abdominal distension. Biochemistry identified hepatic dysfunction (elevated hepatobiliary markers, hypocholesterolaemia). Abdominal ultrasonography documented an irregular liver and a large volume of anechoic peritoneal effusion, which laboratory analysis confirmed as a protein‐poor transudate. Thoracic computed tomography identified a moderate volume of pleural effusion with a similar composition to the peritoneal fluid. Hepatic histopathology was consistent with cirrhosis secondary to chronic hepatitis and, in the absence of another cause for the pleural effusion, hydrothorax secondary to the hepatic disease was suspected. The patient was started on ciclosporin for treatment of the underlying liver disease, but developed signs consistent with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy 24 hours later and was humanely euthanased. As reported in humans, hydrothorax may therefore occur secondary to cirrhosis in dogs and should be considered as a differential diagnosis for pleural effusion in patients with advanced hepatic disease and concurrent peritoneal effusion.
Digital Constitutionalism, EU Digital Sovereignty Ambitions and the Role of the European Declaration on Digital Rights
Authors: Celeste Edoardo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe European declaration on digital rights and principles represents the latest EU contribution to the complex process of constitutionalisation of the digital society. The Declaration, similar to many other Internet bills of rights emerged in the past few decades, shares the objectives of digital constitutionalism. It aims to update the constitutional normative framework to face the challenges of the digital revolution. To this end, the Declaration aspires to make rights and principles that should guide EU actors in the context of the digital transformation more visible. Its mission is twofold: programmatic and educative. On the one hand, it is a political document, aiming to set the objectives and commitments that the Union and its Member States should pursue to implement EU values in the digital society where we live. On the other hand, it is an educational tool: it aims to disseminate the EU visions for the digital transformation both internally, to raise societal awareness on digital rights, and externally, to promote the EU digital model in the world. The chapter reconstructs the legislative history of the Declaration, positions this initiative within the EU regulatory and policy framework in the digital field, assesses the overall degree of innovation of its content, re-contextualises this initiative within EU digital sovereignty strategies and evaluates its potential contribution to the agenda of digital constitutionalism.
Enough of Fairness: Pre-Emption and the DMA
Authors: Nowag Julian , Patiño Carla Valeria 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis chapter looks at the DMA through the prism of pre-emption and the relationship between EU and national law. It explains the fundamentals of pre-emption in EU law and shows the consequences for the DMA and national rules that are to ensure fairness in the digital market space. It argues that fairness in the digital market with regard to business users and consumers has been exhaustively regulated by the DMA. Thus, existing and future national rules that aim to address additional fairness matters are pre-empted and cannot be applied to gatekeepers. The only option Member States have is to introduce further fairness related matters into their competition laws which elevates the well-known debates about the relationship between competition law and fairness to a new level.
The Power to Carry Out Dawn Raids Under the Digital Markets Act: Nothing More Than a Scarecrow?
Authors: Andersson Helene 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn recent years, there has been an increased focus among legislators on effective enforcement and a perceived conception that this requires both tough sanctions and powerful investigatory tools. When the European Commission (the Commission) proposes new sectoral legislation, such proposals often include a range of tough enforcement powers. The recently adopted Digital Markets Act (the DMA) is no exception. To the contrary, already the recitals declare that in order to ensure effective implementation and compliance with the regulation, the Commission should have strong investigative and enforcement powers. One of these powers is the power to carry out unannounced inspections, dawn raids.The dawn raid is a powerful tool often relied on by the Commission in its antitrust investigations. It allows the enforcer to enter the premises of a company—and sometimes also the homes of its employees—to identify and seize documents or data of relevance to its investigation. It is the intrusive character of the dawn raid that makes it so powerful, but this intrusiveness also entails an inherent risk that fundamental rights of those targeted are not properly safeguarded. Taken by surprise and with the officials at your doorstep, you may not be in the best position to safeguard your rights.This Chapter examines the power to carry out inspections under the DMA and the extent to which the Commission will be able to use it without infringing the fundamental rights of targeted companies. Unlike the antitrust rules, the DMA introduces an intricate monitoring system, requiring targeted companies to demonstrate their compliance with the regulation while at the same time providing the Commission with extensive monitoring powers, allowing it to carry out inspections also in situations where the targeted company is not suspected of any wrongdoing.Given the strict regulation and supervision of gatekeepers under the DMA—coupled with the Commission’s power to supplement the DMA and add additional obligations on the gatekeepers—it is argued that what on paper appears to be a tool that could be used in a variety of situations, the dawn raid will only be available in a limited number of situations and may then not even be that useful. Instead, it is the threat of a dawn raid that will most likely provide any value to the Commission’s enforcement of the DMA.
A Reading of the Digital Markets Act in the Light of Fundamental Rights
Authors: Neves Inês 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe Digital Markets Act or DMA is a Regulation of the European Union. It introduces a set of obligations directed at companies designated as ‘gatekeepers’. The DMA aims to ensure contestable and fair markets in the digital sector by protecting business users and end users of core platform services. Non-compliance with the obligations laid down in the DMA can lead to behavioural and structural measures in addition to fines and penalties. The DMA’s enforcement is centralised in the European Commission. Civil liability in the context of private enforcement is not excluded. Although usually read and interpreted through the lens of ‘economic’ competition law and related areas (unfair commercial practices, consumer protection, data protection and privacy), the DMA’s obligations reflect judgements of practical concordance (harmonisation or fair balance) between fundamental rights. Gatekeepers’ freedom to conduct a business is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 16 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In the DMA, it is harmonised with various conflicting and colliding rights and interests (including other players’ freedom to conduct a business). The freedom to compete is inherent in the two-fold objective of ensuring contestability and fairness for the markets in the digital sector. Even if the DMA is not competition law, it is a close relative, at least. Balancing conflicting rights and interests must comply with what we call ‘conflicts dogmatic’ and obey the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Although the freedom to conduct a business is a highly capillary right, there is no abstract hierarchy between fundamental rights (or between holders of rights). It is possible to legitimise the DMA without ignoring the freedom to conduct a business as a fundamental right and businesses as fundamental rights holders. The purpose of this text is to uncover the fundamental rights behind the DMA.
Transformation of Public Policy in Ukrainian Book Publishing as a Basis for Resisting Russian Cultural Expansion During and After the War
Authors: Zhenchenko Maryna 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the transformation of public policy to strengthen Ukrainian book publishing and counter Russian cultural influence. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it combines analysis of legislative changes and industry reports with expert interviews involving key stakeholders such as publishers, editors, and government officials.The findings reveal a discernible trend that has intensified since the Russian invasion in 2014: a decrease in the presence of Russian books in the Ukrainian market and a simultaneous rise in support for Ukrainian publishing. Legislative alterations, including restrictions on importing Russian book products and active promotion of Ukrainian literature, underscore this shift. Moreover, the government has initiated programs to bolster Ukrainian publishers and bookstores. The Ukrainian Book Institute (UBI), a state institution, has received augmented funding for initiatives such as library book replenishment, to enhance the accessibility of Ukrainian literature. Additionally, new industry associations have been established to further professionalize the sector.Despite these efforts, the publishing industry has been significantly impacted by the ongoing war. The adoption of digitization, particularly through e-books and audiobooks, holds promise for the industry’s future. However, challenges persist, including the absence of a reliable system for collecting data on e-book sales, which impedes informed decision-making.Crucial tasks for government organizations and the publishing community in post-war reconstruction include bringing state standards for book publishing into line with European legislation; providing state support for the publication and distribution of Ukrainian books (especially e-books and audiobooks), and continuing state programs to promote reading in the Ukrainian language. Additionally, efforts to popularize Ukrainian books globally and promote Ukrainian culture, science, and education through Ukrainian fiction, non-fiction and academic book translation programs are imperative.
Free and Open Spaces: The Global Impact of Ukraine Reconstruction
Authors: Carafano James Jay , Nate Silviu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe reconstruction of Ukraine has far-reaching global implications. It presents an opportunity to reshape Eurasia’s geopolitical and economic landscape, potentially rewiring the pathways of worldwide commerce and connectivity. Ukraine’s strategic location makes it a pivotal link in integrating Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe with Western Europe and the broader transatlantic community. Rebuilding Ukraine must be approached not as a traditional foreign aid endeavor but as a private sector-driven economic integration effort. Harnessing global capital and expertise can deliver real growth, in contrast to past schemes of foreign assistance that have failed to sustain Ukraine’s economy.Crucial prerequisites include developing Ukraine’s domestic defense capabilities, insulating the reconstruction effort from great power competition, and continuing anti-corruption reforms. The reconstruction should not only empower small and medium enterprises and leverage regional companies, but also utilize international private financing for large infrastructure projects, making all stakeholders feel included and valued in this effort.If successfully implemented, this model could be a game-changer across the post-Soviet space, transforming the Eurasian landscape. It would not only create new trade and investment opportunities and foster greater regional integration and stability but also significantly diminish Russia’s influence, providing a sense of empowerment and security for future geopolitical competition.
Procedural Issues in Compensation Cases: Insights from Court Practice in Ukraine
Authors: Izarova Iryna , Uhrynovska Oksana , Hartman Yuliia 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis chapter delves into the procedural issues encountered in compensation cases arising from the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. It highlights the necessity of restoring violated rights through effective legal mechanisms, particularly focusing on compensation for damages via judicial proceedings. The study examines Ukrainian court practices since 2014, aiming to understand social demands and propose efficient dispute resolution methods. Financial constraints initially hindered justice, with victims reluctant to pay court fees. Legislative changes in 2018 exempted plaintiffs from fees in cases against Russia, prompting increased claims. The text categorizes damages into property and moral losses, detailing subtypes such as real estate forfeiture, loss of profits, and forced displacement. It also addresses the legal intricacies of property mobilization during war and the assessment of moral suffering. Moreover, it discusses the government’s efforts to ascertain damages and losses comprehensively. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of substantiating claims and aligning legal precedents with principles of fairness and proportionality. Overall, the paper sheds light on the multifaceted challenges and developments in compensatory procedures amid ongoing conflict.
A Square Departure From Symmetry in Matrix Cones
Authors: Bomze Immanuel M. , Dür Mirjam 
Published: November 2024

AbstractConic optimization problems are usually understood to be problems over some cone of symmetric matrices like the semidefinite or the copositive matrix cone. In this note, we investigate the changes that have to be made when moving from symmetric to nonsymmetric matrices. We introduce the proper definitions and study the dual of a cone of nonsymmetric matrices. Next, we attempt to generalize the well known concept of cp-rank to nonsymmetric matrices. Finally, we derive some new results on symmetric and nonsymmetric copositive-plus matrices.
Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Chen Feng , Zhou Disheng , Kong Alice Pik-Shan , Yim Nga Ting , Dai Siyu , Chen Yu Nan , Hui Lai Ling 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Supplementation of nicotinamide mononucleotides (NMN) has been claimed to improve metabolic function. We reviewed human randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of NMN to evaluate its effect on markers of glucose and lipid metabolism.

Recent Findings
Eight RCTs on NMN (dosage ranged 250–2000 mg/d for a duration of 14 days to 12 weeks) involving a total of 342 middle-age/older adults (49% females, mainly non-diabetic) reporting at least one outcome on glucose control or lipid profile published in 2021–2023 were reviewed. The random-effects meta-analyses indicated no significant benefit of NMN on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance and lipid profile.

Summary
Based on the small number of RCTs involving mainly relatively healthy adults, short-term supplementation of NMN of 250-2000 mg/d did not show significantly positive impacts on glucose control and lipid profile.