bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of silica particle size and coating by natural latex on properties of styrene‐butadiene rubber/carbon black/silica composites
Authors: Liang Jiuming , Luo Zhu , Zhong Jincheng , Chen Hu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSilica is a renewable resource that has become the primary filler for the rubber used in eco‐friendly tires. However, silica tends to agglomerate in the rubber matrix, particularly, micro‐ and nano‐scale silica, which limits its application. When ordinary‐particle‐size silica with low cost and high stacking density is modified using appropriate methods, high dispersion in rubber and good performance can be achieved with common processing equipment, which has significant engineering application value. In this study, silica particles with different sizes (nano‐scale, 19 and 45 μm) were treated with a 3‐mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane coupling agent (KH580). Subsequently, the silica with the ordinary particle size of 300 mesh (45 μm) was coated with natural latex (NL), and the mechanical properties of the modified silica‐filled styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)/carbon black (CB) compounds were investigated. The results revealed that the mechanical properties of the NL‐coated 45 μm silica‐filled composite improved significantly, particularly, in the area of tear strength and elongation at break, the composite properties were improved by 17.1% and 118.2%, respectively. Excellent performance over composites filled with coupling agent‐treated micron‐ and nanoscale silica. Enhancing the surface modification of silica through latex coating provides a means to improve the efficiency of industrial production and reduce costs.Highlights
The low‐fine silica treated with KH580 has good dispersibility.
Improved mechanical compatibility of NL‐coated silica with rubber.
Improvement in strain performance of composites after NL coated with silica.
The effect of silica dispersion on composite properties is greater than the effect of particle size.
Industrial silica can be successfully addressed, paving the way for extensive utilization.
Bacteriophage therapy in the management of diabetic foot ulcer infections
Authors: Seewoodhary Jason 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe global morbidity, mortality and health economic effects of treating patients with diabetic foot ulcer infections are rapidly growing and have been exacerbated by the problem of antimicrobial resistance. With the world on the cusp of entering the postantibiotic era, alternative antimicrobial strategies are urgently needed. Bacteriophage therapy has demonstrated safety, efficacy and cost‐effectiveness in treating patients with diabetic foot ulcer infections. This review seriously considers the use of bacteriophage therapy in the care of patients with diabetic foot ulcer infections.
Physicochemical Evaluation of Remote Homology in the Twilight Zone
Authors: Dixson Jamie Dennis , Azad Rajeev Kumar 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTA fundamental problem in the field of protein evolutionary biology is determining the degree and nature of evolutionary relatedness among homologous proteins that have diverged to a point where they share less than 30% amino acid identity yet retain similar structures and/or functions. Such proteins are said to lie within the “Twilight Zone” of amino acid identity. Many researchers have leveraged experimentally determined structures in the quest to classify proteins in the Twilight Zone. Such endeavors can be highly time consuming and prohibitively expensive for large‐scale analyses. Motivated by this problem, here we use molecular weight–hydrophobicity physicochemical dynamic time warping (MWHP DTW) to quantify similarity of simulated and real‐world homologous protein domains. MWHP DTW is a physicochemical method requiring only the amino acid sequence to quantify similarity of related proteins and is particularly useful in determining similarity within the Twilight Zone due to its resilience to primary sequence substitution saturation. This is a step forward in determination of the relatedness among Twilight Zone proteins and most notably allows for the discrimination of random similarity and true homology in the 0%–20% identity range. This method was previously presented expeditiously just after the outbreak of COVID‐19 because it was able to functionally cluster ACE2‐binding betacoronavirus receptor binding domains (RBDs), a task that has been elusive using standard techniques. Here we show that one reason that MWHP DTW is an effective technique for comparisons within the Twilight Zone is because it can uncover hidden homology by exploiting physicochemical conservation, a problem that protein sequence alignment algorithms are inherently incapable of addressing within the Twilight Zone. Further, we present an extended definition of the Twilight Zone that incorporates the dynamic relationship between structural, physicochemical, and sequence‐based metrics.
Command filtered‐based fixed‐time fault‐tolerant tracking control for nonlinear systems
Authors: Li Yingsen , Chen Ming , Peng Kaixiang , Wang Huanqing 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAs for a class of strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with simultaneous sensor and actuator faults, the article focuses on the problem of fixed‐time fault‐tolerant control. Both fixed‐time command filters and a compensation mechanism are utilized to cope with these issues of differential explosion and filter errors. Meanwhile, through the fusion of fixed‐time control, fuzzy logic systems, adaptive control and the backstepping technology, a ‐step design scheme is presented. Our proposed controller ensures the fixed‐time convergence of all the signals in the system even with sensor/actuator faults, and allows the designers to acquire the upper limit value of the fixed convergence time only by tuning the design parameters. And this scheme takes into account rapidity, adaptability and fault tolerance of the system simultaneously. Based on the numerical simulation analysis, it is shown that the better tracking performance can be achieved. So it is concluded that our strategy is effective.
Balancing allocative and dynamic efficiency with redundant R&D allocation: The role of organizational proximity and centralization
Authors: Tandon Vivek , Nandkumar Anand , Mogra Ronak , Srikanth Kannan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractResearch SummaryResource‐based‐view scholars have mainly examined two resource allocation approaches for competitive advantage in multiunit firms: resource sharing and resource redeployment. These approaches emphasize allocative efficiency—the optimal allocation of resources to maximize their current value. In technology‐intensive industries, firm success also requires achieving dynamic efficiency to increase its future value‐creation. We propose that the redundant allocation of resources—the parallel deployment of non‐scale‐free resources towards the same objective—although allocatively inefficient, increases dynamic efficiency by stimulating inter‐unit competition. Firms' structural features moderate these effects. An analysis of large pharmaceutical firms reveals that redundant R&D increases innovations with high firm‐specific value but simultaneously increases project terminations to reduce wastage. Organizational proximity increases the former effect and decreases the latter. Firm's R&D centralization amplifies the effect of unit proximity.Managerial SummaryIn technology‐intensive industries, multiunit firms often employ redundant allocation of R&D resources, that is, the parallel deployment of scientists and equipment in different units towards realizing the same business objective. Although common, there is little managerial guidance on how this practice impacts firms' R&D outcomes, and how organizational characteristics influence this relationship. An analysis of large pharmaceutical firms reveals that redundant allocation of R&D resources across units increases wastage but also stimulates competing units to create innovations with high firm‐specific value. Organizationally proximate units are less likely to have their redundant projects terminated, while creating more high‐value‐innovations. Centralization of the firm's R&D amplifies the effect of unit proximity.
Amphipathic Astaxanthin Additive for Low Voltage‐loss Perovskite Solar Cells With Enhanced Quasi‐Fermi Level Splitting and Solar Hydrogen Production Application
Authors: Liu Shuainan , Zhou Donglei , Zhang Hugang , Jing Yege , Zhuang Xinmeng , Liang Jin , Jia Yanrun , Fang Yuhang , Li Wei , Liu Dali , Song Hongwei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEven though the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is nearly approaching the Schottky‐Queisser limit, low open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and severe Voc loss problems continue to impede the improvement of PCEs. Astaxanthin (ASTA) additive is introduced in the formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) perovskite film as an additive, which can facilitate the transportation of charge carriers and interact with Pb2+ by its distinctive groupings. Furthermore, the addition of ASTA decreases the defect's active energy, regulates the deep‐level defect by filling up the grain boundaries (GBs), and promotes the crystallization of perovskite film. Remarkably, an enhanced quasi‐Fermi level splitting (QFLS) of 1.164 eV and a reduced Voc loss of only 96 mV are realized. The champion PCE of 24.56% is attained by ASTA‐modified PSCs on the basis of 22.75% PCE. Moreover, the PSCs that underwent ASTA modification demonstrate improved operational stability, ensuring consistent output in real‐world scenarios. Furthermore, PSCs with an active area of 1 cm2 are used for water electrolysis to produce hydrogen and exhibit a PCE of 22.41%. This work offers an environmentally benign solution to address the inherent issues of FAPbI3 PSCs and lays the groundwork for the development of a prospective solar hydrogen production application.
Mesoscale modeling of recycled aggregate concrete: A parametric analysis of the quality and shape of aggregate
Authors: Ren Qifan , Pacheco João , de Brito Jorge 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRecycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is a multi‐phase material, and it is meaningful to investigate the effect of the properties of each phase. However, a comprehensive parametric analysis of these properties is still lacking, which limits a full understanding of the behavior of RAC. This paper uses numerical mesoscale models and contributes to knowledge on this topic. It focuses on the effects of the quality and shape of aggregate since they are relevant to the behavior of concrete but have scarcely been studied for RAC. Their effects on the mechanical response and fracture behavior of RAC were analyzed based on a validated two‐dimensional numerical model. In addition, this paper also justified the choice of the range of the parameters as well as benchmarked the numerical results with the state‐of‐the‐art. The main findings of the paper are: (1) stiffer aggregates decrease the tensile (by up to 29%) and compressive strength of RAC (by up to 7%); (2) aggregate shape moderately influences these properties by up to 10% and 8%; (3) the modulus of elasticity of RAC is considerably influenced by the stiffness of the aggregates (15%), while it is almost unaffected by the shape of the aggregates; (4) both stiffer and elongated aggregates tend to cause micro‐cracking in the interface and premature failure of concrete.
Analytical and numerical investigation of the seismic behavior of tubular web reduced beam section connections
Authors: Ekhveh Ehsan , Mirghaderi Rasoul , Kavei Sina , Ghassemieh Mehdi , Rashidiyan Farshid 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe reduced beam section (RBS) connections in steel structures are widely used to achieve sufficient ductility and avoid creating brittle failures in moment‐resisting frames. Compared to other types of connections, conventional RBS connections have the potential to reduce moment capacity and induce larger lateral deformation in the structure. In order to resolve this problem, novel forms of RBS connections have been proposed in recent years, such as tubular web RBS connections, which have shown a desirable performance under various loading conditions in previous studies. Therefore, this study conducted an analytic and numerical investigation of this connection under seismic loading. In this regard, the first step is to introduce the analytic equations related to the structural properties and stability of the reduced beam with the tubular web. Using these equations, a comprehensive procedure for the design of the tubular web RBS connections is presented. After that, a numerical model of the tubular web RBS connections is created and then analyzed under cyclic loading using the finite element method in ABAQUS software. Based on the results of this simulation, the suggested connection meets the criteria of valid international standards and can be used in the special moment‐resisting frame. In order to assess the impact of using the proposed connection in moment‐resisting frames, the performance of two 2D moment‐resisting frames with this connection is studied. This study shows that the maximum percentage increase in relative displacement caused by using tubular web RBS connections is 1.68%, whereas this figure rises to 10.6% when conventional RBS connections are used. Therefore, the designers can use tubular web RBS connections instead of conventional RBS connections to increase the lateral stability of the structure and control its lateral deflection due to the seismic loadings without having to increase the dimensions of the frame elements.
Blood on the drapes: A multispecialty comparison of blood spill estimates
Authors: Baird Henry B. G. , Rivas Gabriella , Horn Ryan , Kodali Prudhvi , Eriksson Evert A. , Hartsock Langdon A. , Reid Kristoff R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionEstimated blood loss (EBL) is an important part of the perioperative process. This project aims to determine the accuracy of perioperative team members to estimate blood volume on drapes and the operating room floor.MethodsAliquots of unused human blood were used to create surgical scenarios, and standardized pictures and videos were taken. Physicians, residents, nurses, medical students, and surgical technicians were surveyed and asked to estimate the blood volume for each series. Accuracy and consistency of responses was analyzed.ResultsOne hundred and forty five responses were recorded: 57 attending physicians, 36 residents, 27 registered nurses, 17 medical students, and seven circulating surgical techs. Median percent error (PE) for all cases was 211.11%, demonstrating a global overestimation of blood volume. PE for the 150 mL images was statistically significantly lower than that of the 50 and 100 mL images. Circulating Surgical Technicians were the most accurate group, with a median PE of 125%, followed closely by Medical Students (PE = 158.33%). The most accurate specialty was Orthopedics (PE = 168.06%). The least accurate groups were Attending Physicians (PE = 286.11%) and General surgery (GSGY) (PE = 327.78%). The most accurate orthopedic surgery and GSGY subspecialties were Hand (PE = 237.64%) and Vascular (PE = 108.33%), respectively. Statistical analyses showed no significant differences by clinical role, surgical specialty, or subspecialty.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a global overestimation of blood volume when using the visual method, with improved accuracy at higher volumes. Our findings highlight the limitations of visual estimation methods for EBL.
From Tin(II) to Tin(IV): Following Solid‐liquid Reactions by Microscopy
Authors: Schröder Simona , Röwekamp‐Krugley Natalie , Imwalle Markus , Reuter Hans 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn order to study the formation of complexes independently from stoichiometry we developed a microscale experiment that allows us to monitor the reaction progress by light microscopy In the present study, the complex formation between SnF2 and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) with N,N‐dimethylformamide as solvent was investigated over a period of some weeks. By use of this setup, the formation of three different crystals has been observed, whose compositions and structures were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction: 3SnF2⋅ phen, 1, 2SnF2 ⋅ SnF4 ⋅ phen, 2, SnF4 ⋅ phen, 3. While the octahedral fluorine environment of the tin(IV) atoms of 2 and 3 is very regular, the coordination of the tin(II) atoms in 1 and 2 is irregular. Assuming a non‐bonding 5 s electron pair, classical 2c–2e‐ and symmetrical and asymmetrical, hypervalent 3c–4e‐bonds – all based on the orthogonal p atomic orbitals of Sn – an approach to analyze and describe these coordinations in a simple comprehensive way is presented.
Interferometric Measurement of Forward Reaction Rate Order and Rate Constant of a Dy(III)-PC88A-HCl Solvent Extraction System
Authors: Sun Fengzhi , Ortmann Kilian , Eckert Kerstin , Lei Zhe 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA novel approach is reported for obtaining the forward rate law of a rare earth (RE) solvent extraction system. An immiscible water–oil system is studied with a Dy(III) laden aqueous phase and a PC88A laden organic phase with a 1:1 volume ratio, with a total volume of about 0.68 mL. The two phases are poured into a Hele-Shaw cell with a gap width of 1 mm. Hence, a stratified interface forms at the gravitational-perpendicular plane. The Dy(III) concentration boundary layer, as a result of cation exchange, is monitored in real time in the aqueous phase by means of a monochromatic laser-based Mach–Zehnder interferometer. With direct access to the mass concentration at the interface, after spatial integration, an interface mass flux at the initial time is quantitatively resolved for varying Dy(III) and PC88A concentrations. The system is found to be quasi-first order for Dy(III) and quasi-second order for dimeric PC88A. The method can be applied to a broad spectrum of reaction kinetics in systems that are transparent or translucent. The minimum sample volume is 2–3 orders smaller than that required in the conventional method using stirred cells in Lewis or AKUFVE apparatus.
Hematite Cubes
Authors: Brics M. , Petrichenko O. , Cēbers Andrejs 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe methods of synthesis of hematite particles with different shapes are reviewed. Several experimental settings with suspensions of hematite particles are described considering their rolling, spinning in rotating (in vertical or horizontal plane) magnetic field. Gravity plays an important role since the hematite density is larger than the one of the carrier liquid. Equilibrium configurations of hematite cubes under the action of magnetic field and gravity are described. The change of morphology of chains of hematite cubes with increasing applied magnetic field and the formation of kinks are explained. Various regimes of hematite particle chains are observed in a rotating (in horizontal plane) magnetic field, more specifically synchronous with a field rotation, back-and-forth rotation in the plane of the rotating field, out of plane and periodic breaking and reassembly regimes.
The Synchronous to Exchange Transition in Magnetically Driven Colloidal Dimers
Authors: Ostinato Mattia , Ortiz-Ambriz Antonio , Tierno Pietro 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNumerical simulations are used to investigate the collective dynamics of an ensemble of driven paramagnetic colloidal particles confined between two plates. The particles are subjected to an external precessing field and, depending on the field frequency and cell thickness, they can assemble into rotating dimers, up and down binary crystals or dynamic states characterized by particle exchange between nearest dimers. We characterize the transition between the synchronous and the exchange state by measuring the fraction of “active” particles, namely colloids that do not stroboscopically recover their original place in a Voronoi cell. We find that the relaxation time decreases algebraically with the reduced frequency and that the transition displays signatures of an absorbing phase transition.
Colonies under dysbiosis benefit from oxalic acid application: the role of landscape and beekeeping practices in microbiota response to treatment
Authors: Gorrochategui-Ortega June , Muñoz-Colmenero Marta , Galartza Egoitz , Estonba Andone , Zarraonaindia Iratxe 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Varroa destructor mite causes severe losses of Apis mellifera colonies, requiring recurring treatments. One such treatment is oxalic acid (OA), considered ecological. However, it is unclear whether OA affects the honey bee gut microbiota or other hive-associated microbiotas. Herein, we studied the effect of three OA treatments (trickling at 2.1% or 4.2%, and sublimation through Varrox®) upon microbial communities associated with workers’ gut, hive bee bread and pupae, sampled from conventionally or ecologically managed colonies under different anthropization levels (located in urban, rural or mountainous landscapes). We hypothesized that treatment with OA would impact the diversity and composition of bacteria and/or eukaryotic communities, and that the effect would be dose-dependent and specific to the beehive niche. Results showed that the microbiomes of apiaries under different anthropization levels and management strategies differed prior to OA application. Neither the bacterial nor the fungal communities of bee bread and pupae shifted due to OA treatment. Independent of the dosage and the application method (trickling or sublimation), OA induced slight compositional changes in the bacterial profiles of honeybee guts. Those changes were stronger the higher the anthropization (in colonies from urban areas under conventional management). OA treatment reduced the relative abundance of several pathogens, such as Nosema ceranae, and decreased the overall bacterial diversity down to values found in less anthropized colonies. Thus, our results suggest that, aside from managing Varroa infestations, OA could have beneficial effects for stressed colonies while not impairing honey bee resilience from a microbial point of view.
Pure and mixed Scots pine forests showed divergent responses to climate variation and increased intrinsic water use efficiency across a European-wide climate gradient
Authors: Assefa Shebeshe , Ventura Maurizio , Bravo Felipe , Giberti Giulia Silvia , Olivar Jorge , Bielak Kamil , Tonon Giustino , Wellstein Camilla 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe present study examined Pinus sylvestris L. growth responses to climatic variations and its relationship with intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) across a water availability gradient and also in pure P. sylvestris and P. sylvestris-Quercus species mixed forests. Study sites were selected in the Mediterranean, temperate, and temperate continental climates in Spain, Italy, and Poland, respectively. A combined tree-ring dendrochronological and stable carbon isotope analysis was used to assess the relationship between tree growth and climate variation. Results showed that P. sylvestris growth is critically affected by summer water availability, regardless of study site and species mixing. Warming temperatures during the early growing season benefit tree growth in Mediterranean and temperate continental climates, while no significant effect was observed in the temperate climatic conditions. At the Mediterranean site, trees in mixed stands showed enhanced growth during wet years when moisture is not limiting. At the temperate continental site, trees in the mixed stand grew at a lower rate than those in pure stands, which suggests that intense interspecific competition for water could overwhelm the benefits of species mixing. Also, we found a divergent growth-iWUE relationship of non-significant and significantly positive and significantly negative correlations at the Polish, Italian, and Spanish sites, respectively. Overall, the negative growth-iWUE relationship at the drier Mediterranean site signifies the risk of tree growth decline, particularly in drier climate conditions. Despite that, elevated iWUE levels would benefit tree radial growth when water is not limited and the admixing tree species have compatible light and water use strategies.