bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can industrial robot utilization drive the total factor productivity of enterprises?
Authors: Qin Tianru , Liang Lin , Liang Peng , Liang Wenqun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study presents a comprehensive investigation of the impact and mechanism of industrial robot utilization on total factor productivity (TFP) using panel data from A‐share listed companies in China's manufacturing industry. Our findings reveal the significant contribution of industrial robots to enhancing TFP in microenterprises, with this influence persisting over time. Mechanism tests demonstrate that industrial robot utilization effectively reduces labor costs, mitigates financing constraints, and enhances innovation capabilities, thereby improving enterprises' TFP. Additionally, a heterogeneity analysis indicates a more pronounced impact of industrial robot utilization on TFP in labor‐intensive, non‐high‐tech enterprises, as well as in enterprises operating in highly competitive markets. This study deepens our understanding of industrial robot utilization and TFP, which broadens the scope of this field. This has significant practical implications for transforming traditional factors, integrating new technologies, and facilitating digital and intelligent transformations of manufacturing enterprises in emerging economies.
Orthogonal polynomial bases in the mixed virtual element method
Authors: Berrone Stefano , Scialò Stefano , Teora Gioana 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe use of orthonormal polynomial bases has been found to be efficient in preventing ill‐conditioning of the system matrix in the primal formulation of Virtual Element Methods (VEM) for high values of polynomial degree and in presence of badly‐shaped polygons. However, we show that using the natural extension of a orthogonal polynomial basis built for the primal formulation is not sufficient to cure ill‐conditioning in the mixed case. Thus, in the present work, we introduce an orthogonal vector‐polynomial basis which is built ad hoc for being used in the mixed formulation of VEM and which leads to very high‐quality solution in each tested case. Furthermore, a numerical experiment related to simulations in Discrete Fracture Networks (DFN), which are often characterised by very badly‐shaped elements, is proposed to validate our procedures.
Total Synthesis of Cyclosenegalin A
Authors: Aloanis Anderson Arnold , Herlina Tati , Hardianto Ari , Maharani Rani 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA Pro‐Gly‐typed cyclopeptide, cyclosenegalin A, was firstly isolated from Annona senegalensis and Annona scleroderma. In this study, we reported synthesis the cycloheptapeptide with a combination of solid‐ and solution‐phase synthetic methods. This study also compared the effectiveness of β‐turn inducer type I and II in cyclosenegalin A to facilitate the cyclization process. The synthesis of cyclosenegalin A were prepared using two different sequences of linear peptides for cyclization. First sequence employed β‐turn type I inducer (Ser‐Ala‐Val‐Thr) as turning point and second sequence employed β‐turn type II inducer (Thr‐Pro‐Gly‐Leu). The successful cyclization was obtained using the linear sequence of NH2‐Ala‐Val‐Thr‐Pro‐Gly‐Leu‐Ser‐OH with β‐turn type II. The final product was obtained in 8.2 % yield with PyBOP/DIEA act as coupling agent. The synthetic cyclosenegalin A were characterized with HR‐ToFMS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, TOCSY, and ROESY. The synthetic product was also evaluated for its antimicrobial activity.
Synergetic control of multi‐level interface structure of basalt fibers by plasma and chemical functionalization to enhance the mechanical, thermal and interfacial performances of PBZ composites
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Aiping , Li Xinkang , Lin Hai Lan , Ni Keyang , Bian Jun , Jing Siyi , Yang Ke Cheng , Yang Shangke , Liu Cuihua , Chen Daiqiang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe composites of polybenzoxazine (PBZ) containing functionalized plasma treatment basalt fibers (fP‐BFs) were fabricated through in‐situ polymerization‐mixing technique. fP‐BFs is an effective reinforcement material that can improve the mechanical, thermal, and interfacial properties of composites. Surface activation of fP‐BFs can be enhanced through plasma modification, which improves the interaction between fP‐BFs and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. A systematic study on fP‐BFs/PBZ composite showed that a processing power of 300 W, a processing time of 5 min, and a fiber content of 9% can achieve good comprehensive mechanical properties. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed that fP‐BFs‐7/PBZ has the highest thermal stability, and its carbon residue rate, decomposition temperature and thermal decomposition activation energy are 36.80%, 452.2 °C and 133.56 kJ/mol, respectively. The dynamic mechanical analysis experiment showed that the addition of fP‐BFs improved the Tg of the composites. Among them, fP‐BFs‐5/PBZ showed the highest Tg, reaching 233.2 °C.Highlights
Plasma treatment produced multi‐level structure of basalt fibers (fP‐BFs).
Polybenzoxazine (PBZ)/fP‐BFs composites showed excellent performance.
Interfacial bonding mechanism between fP‐BFs and PBZ was elucidated.
Interfacial interactions between BFs and PBZ contributed to property enhancement.
This work provided a green fabrication strategy of PBZ composites.
Comprehensive performance evaluation of HGM hybrid modified resins: Excellent high resistivity terahertz shielding and impact energy absorption properties
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Ruizhi , Gao Guowen , Wang Zijian , Peng Hui , Cao Hongxiang , He Liping , Tang Enling 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe development of electronic fuze has placed higher demands on encapsulation resins, which are required to provide not only insulation and protection, but also higher impact resistance and good electromagnetic shielding performance. A new composite material consisting of hollow glass microspheres (HGM) and modified epoxy resin was developed. This material exhibits significant electromagnetic shielding capabilities for terahertz (THz) waves, as well as superior impact energy absorption properties. Bisphenol A‐type epoxy resin (E‐44) was modified using Al(OH)3, red phosphorus, carbon black, and SiO2, and the material properties were optimized by adjusting the HGM content. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and impact energy absorption of the composite material in the THz band were comprehensively tested using THz time‐domain spectroscopy and split Hopkinson pressure bar testing systems. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical and dielectric properties, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability of the material was conducted. The results showed that the electromagnetic shielding effect of 60 vol.% HGM hybrid‐modified resins was the best, reaching 43.78 dB. The 20 vol.% HGM hybrid‐modified resins not only has a specific absorption energy of 18.51 J/cm3, but also has the best overall performance. This work has advanced the design and development of multifunctional and impact‐resistant potting epoxy resins.
Impact of seasonality and forest stand age on ion deposition in rehabilitated forests
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamad Hilmi , Jaafar Salwana , Yamashita Naoyuki , Sase Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study examines the critical interaction between seasonal precipitation variability and forest maturity in determining ion deposition patterns in rehabilitated forest ecosystems. This research was conducted in rehabilitated forest sites in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia that had ecologically similar plant distribution, species, and age in each planting area. This facilitated the standardization of rainfall deposition in the different study plots which streamlined the study of these specific facets of ecosystem dynamics. The goal is to understand how seasonal changes and the age of the forest influence the chemical composition of the flux that relates to the movement and deposition of nutrients through the forest ecosystem. This flux is a key factor in the health of the forest ecosystem and nutrient cycling. Using ion exchange resin (IER) samplers, we accurately measured and compared the deposition of different ions (Ca2+, Na+, Fe2+, Cu2+, NO3−, NH4+ and SO42−) across different seasons and forest ages. The deposition of Ca2+ and NH₄+ was significantly lower in the low‐precipitation season than in the high‐precipitation season in all forest stands, regardless of the year they were established (1996, 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2009). In contrast, ions such as Na+, Fe2+, Cu2+, NO3− and SO42− showed no clear seasonal fluctuations. In addition, the study shows that through‐fall in forest stands from 2002, 2005 and 2009 had higher concentrations of Ca2+ in both seasons than in 1996 and 1999. Interestingly, forest stands from 2009 and 2002 had elevated levels of Na+ and SO₄2− in seasons with low precipitation, while stands from 1996 had higher levels in seasons with high precipitation. Our results emphasize the crucial role of precipitation amount and canopy age in determining ion deposition in forest ecosystems. By demonstrating the significant influence of precipitation seasonality and forest maturity on the chemical composition of throughfall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of nutrient dynamics in developing forest landscapes and provides valuable insights for ecological restoration measures.
Strain rate and temperature‐dependent shear fracture mechanism of high‐energy propellant/liner interface zone
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Wang Guijun , Wu Yanqing , Liu Xiangyang , Sang Lipeng , Hou Xiao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe shear fracture of the high‐energy propellant/liner interface zone occurs in many application cases of solid rocket motors (SRMs). The shear fracture experiment development is thus a crucial issue. Here we aim to study the shear fracture mechanism of the interface zone under varying strain rates and temperatures. Shear experiments are carried out using self‐made specimens containing prefabricated cracks. Force‐displacement curves, experimental images, and fracture surface topographies are obtained at different strain rates and temperatures. The strain field of the specimen surface is analyzed using the digital image correlation (DIC) method. Additionally, the fracture surface topographies are analyzed using ImageJ software. The results show that the shear mechanical properties of the interface zone are strongly dependent on strain rates and temperatures. Specifically, the shear fracture strength and failure displacement exhibit a decrease with increasing temperature and an increase with increasing strain rate. The DIC analysis shows that the fracture strain of the interface zone typically ranges from 0.4 to 0.6. The analysis of the fracture surface topographies reveals that the shear fracture modes are predominantly mixed fractures, including propellant/liner interface fractures and propellant cohesive fractures. Since the propellant/liner interface is more sensitive to strain rate and the propellant is more sensitive to temperature, the propellant/liner interface fracture ratio increases from 1.99 % to 60.26 % with decreasing strain rate and temperature. The results show that the experimental method can effectively be used to study the shear fracture mechanism of the high‐energy propellant/liner interface zone.
Time‐varying group formation tracking control for multi‐agent systems using distributed multi‐sensor multi‐target filtering with intermittent observations
Authors: Qi Jialin , Zhang Zheng , Yu Jianglong , Dong Xiwang , Li Qingdong , Jiang Hong , Ren Zhang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTime‐varying group formation tracking control problems for multi‐agent systems are investigated based on distributed multi‐sensor multi‐target filtering with intermittent observations. First, in order to estimate the states of multiple targets under the phenomenon of intermittent observations accurately, a distributed multi‐sensor multi‐target filtering algorithm is proposed based on cubature Kalman filtering. Second, a time‐varying group formation tracking protocol is designed for multi‐agent systems by using the state estimations obtained from the filtering algorithm and the neighboring interaction. The protocol enables multi‐agent systems to form time‐varying subformations and track multiple targets in the same subgroups, respectively. Third, the boundedness of the error covariance matrices is proved under the condition that the observation probability is higher than the minimum threshold. Then the estimation errors of the filtering algorithm are proved to be stochastically bounded by introducing a stochastic process. Furthermore, the boundedness of the group formation tracking errors is proved. Finally, a numerical example is used to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm and protocol.
Synthesis of Ultrathin FeS Nanosheets via Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Lv Lu , Dong Weikang , Li Dian , Liang Qingrong , Wang Ping , Zhao Chunyu , Luo Zhaokai , Zhang Chengyu , Huang Xiangwei , Zheng Shoujun , Cui Yuanyuan , Zhou Jiadong , Gao Yanfeng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFe‐based 2D materials exhibit rich chemical compositions and structures, which may imply many unique physical properties and promising applications. However, achieving controllable preparation of ultrathin non‐layered FeS crystal on SiO2/Si substrate remains a challenge. Herein, the influence of temperature and molecular sieves is reported on the synthesis of ultrathin FeS nanosheets with a thickness as low as 2.3 nm by molecular sieves‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The grown FeS nanosheets exhibit a non‐layered hexagonal NiAs structure and belong to the P63/mmc space group. The inverted symmetry broken structure is confirmed by the angle‐resolved second harmonic generation (SHG) test. In particular, the 2D FeS nanosheets exhibit exceptional metallic behavior, with conductivity up to 1.63 × 106 S m−1 at 300 K for an 8 nm thick sample, which is higher than that of reported 2D metallic materials. This work provides a significant contribution to the synthesis and characterization of 2D non‐layered Fe‐based materials.
DNA Origami – Lipid Membrane Interactions Controlled by Nanoscale Sterics
Authors: Georgiou Elena , Cabello‐Garcia Javier , Xing Yongzheng , Howorka Stefan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDNA nanostructures designed to interact with bilayer membranes are of fundamental interest as they mimic biological cytoskeletons and other membrane‐associated proteins for applications in synthetic biology, biosensing, and biological research. Yet, there is limited insight into how the binary interactions are influenced by steric effects produced by 3D geometries of DNA structures and membranes. This work uses a 3D DNA nanostructure with membrane anchors in four different steric environments to elucidate the interaction with membrane vesicles of varying sizes and different local bilayer morphology. It is found that interactions are significantly affected by the steric environments of the anchors ‐often against predicted accessibility‐ as well as local nanoscale morphology of bilayers rather than on the usually considered global vesicle size. Furthermore, anchor‐mediated bilayer interactions are co‐controlled by weak contacts with non‐lipidated DNA regions, as showcased by pioneering size discrimination between 50 and 200 nm vesicles. This study extends DNA nanotechnology to controlled bilayer interactions and can facilitate the design of nanodevices for vesicle‐based diagnostics, biosensing, and protocells.
Enhancing Inclusive Finance in Sub‐Saharan Africa: The Collaborative Role of Economic Freedom and Innovative Facilities
Authors: Nutassey Victoria Abena , Nomlala Bomi Cyril , Sibanda Mabutho 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper gives insight into innovative facilities' role in the effect of economic freedom on inclusive finance in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) using data from 2008 to 2020. After using the generalized method of moment for the analysis, the study concluded that improving economic freedom promotes financial inclusion while expanding innovative facilities in SSA inhibits inclusive finance. The study also discovered that innovative facilities improve the impact of economic freedom on inclusive finance in SSA and subsequently diminish the effect of economic freedom on inclusive finance after certain thresholds (mobile usage 100.75, internet usage 34.1064, fixed broadband usage not applicable, telephone usage 13.3494, and innovative facility index 1.5619). Hence, policymakers are advised to increase freedom in SSA economies to boost financial inclusion by ensuring the bureaucracy for establishing financial institutions is minimized and institutions that ensure property rights and free will are instituted to encourage people to participate in financial services. When it comes to using innovative facilities to enhance freedom‐induced inclusivity in finance, technical and financial knowledge should be enhanced in addition to lowering the cost of using innovative facilities to access financial services in order to eliminate the threshold levels at which innovative facilities reduce inclusive finance SSA.
Value of hepatic artery digital subtraction angiography in the detection of small hepatocellular carcinoma lesions
Authors: Bai Tao , Lu Shaolong , Chen Jie , Ye Jiazhou , Wang Xiaobo , Tang Zhihong , Fu Hongyuan , Li Lequn , Wu Feixiang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the detection rates of hepatic artery digital subtraction angiography (HA‐DSA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (MRI‐Gd‐DTPA) and MRI gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA) for small (diameter ≤2 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions.MethodsA prospective analysis of patients admitted to the Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University between January 1, 2015, and December 30, 2016, was conducted. The detection rates of the three methods were analyzed. The diameter of small HCC lesions detected using HA‐DSA and MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA were evaluated. The diagnostic value of HCC Barcelona staging for HA‐DSA was analyzed.ResultsFor 107 small lesions detected in 57 patients, the detection rates of HA‐DSA and MRI‐Gd‐DTPA were 86.0% (92/107) and 71.0% (76/107), respectively (p < .05). Of 77 small lesions detected in 42 patients using MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA and HA‐DSA, 67 were detected using HA‐DSA, all of which had a rich blood supply, and 72 were detected using MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA. The minimum diameter of lesions detected using MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA was approximately 0.4 cm, whereas that of lesions detected using HA‐DSA was approximately 0.5 cm. After HA‐DSA, a change in the Barcelona staging occurred in 33.3% (62/186) of cases but not after MRI‐Gd‐DTPA; HA‐DSA was significantly better than MRI‐Gd‐DTPA for staging (p = .03).ConclusionHA‐DSA and MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA have high diagnostic values for the detection of small HCC lesions, which is helpful for accurate staging of HCC and provides the most valuable information for patient treatment and prognosis.
Modeling soil water dynamics of an intensively cultivated histosol
Authors: Ahmad Farhan , Madramootoo Chandra 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUnderstanding soil–water dynamics in cultivated organic soils (histosols) is crucial for sustainable agriculture, ecosystem preservation, and climate change mitigation. Data on the soil water retention curves (SWRCs) of these histosols in Canada are not readily available in the literature. The Hydrus‐1D model was used to predict SWRCs for a cultivated organic soil in Quebec. The model was validated with matric potential measured in a soil column at 10, 26, and 48 cm. The optimized hydraulic parameters in the Hydrus model resulted in field capacity moisture contents of 0.6, 0.696, and 0.49 cm3 cm−3 at the three depths, respectively. Wilting point moisture contents of 0.165, 0.107, and 0.14 cm3 cm−3 were obtained at the same depths. Model accuracy was confirmed with a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.76, 0.91, and 0.78 for the three depths, respectively. These findings can inform decisions regarding water management practices such as irrigation and drainage requirements for intensively cultivated organic soils.
Sr4Os3O12 – A Layered Osmate(V,VI) that is Magnetic Close to Room Temperature
Authors: Thakur Gohil S. , Hübner Julia‐Maria , Finzel Kati , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBlack crystals of the mixed‐valence osmate(V,VI) Sr4Os3O12 were grown via a gas phase reaction in an evacuated silica tube. The material is attracted to a permanent magnet at room temperature (295±5 K) but loses this property when heated or cooled. In this temperature interval, soft magnetic behavior with vanishing coercivity is observed, but the saturation magnetization is only 0.05 μB per formula unit. Resistivity measurements show that Sr4Os3O12 is a semiconductor with a small band gap of about 0.26 eV at room temperature. X‐ray diffraction on a single‐crystal revealed a rhombohedral structure with the space group R
m and lattice parameters ar=554.64(2) pm and cr=2700.1(1) pm at 300(1) K. The compound crystallizes in the La4Ti3O12 structure type and is isostructural to Sr4CoRe2O12. The structure is a rhombohedral stack of layered blocks, each of which can be considered as a section of three layers of the cubic perovskite structure cut perpendicular to one of its threefold axes. The Os–O−Os bond angle of about 175° favors superexchange that leads to antiferromagnetic coupling between the osmium atoms with 5d3 and 5d2 configurations. Sr4Os3O12 exhibits strong lattice dynamics. One aspect is the antiferro‐rotative lattice modes of the corner‐sharing [OsO6] octahedra, which freeze upon cooling. At 100 K, an ordered, yet twinned triclinic superstructure is formed. Strong spin‐orbit coupling and other effects cause deformations of the [OsO6] octahedra that differ significantly at 300 K and 100 K, suggesting a change in the electronic configuration. Competing ground states could also explain the temperature‐dependent band gap and the magnetic fluctuations manifested in the magnetization peak at room temperature.
The Space Economy: Review of the Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Punnala Mikko , Punnala Santeri , Ojala Arto , Kuusniemi Heidi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis chapter examines the evolution of the space economy from government-led institutional exploration to a more market-driven, vital part of global infrastructure. Our findings highlight its growing importance in modern life and the need for sustainable and responsible utilization of space in the future, as well as the need to understand the economic implications and linkages of the space domain specifically. We have conducted a systematic literature review of publications from 2018 to 2022 across various databases to explore the economic activities within the space sector and to gain a better understanding of the macro-level linkages between the different segments of the space economy and their relevance to the broader, global economy. We approach this question through OECD’s classification of space activities, incorporating three additional segments such legal aspects, to offer a more nuanced understanding of the space economy, differentiating the economic activities happening in space on a suitable level of granularity. Ultimately, we wish to contribute by creating a structured framework for policymakers and stakeholders to better understand the nuances of the space economy, enhancing informed decision-making for responsible management and sustainable growth in the space sector.