bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CeO2/SWCNT nanocomposite coating: A novel approach for corrosion application
Authors: Doğan Fatih 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe coatings were prepared by blending different concentrations of SWCNTs and CeO2 particles with an epoxy resin by hydrothermal method, which was then applied to the substrate through the doctor blade technique. The mixtures were transferred into a 1‐L capacity autoclave with a teflon‐lined flange type and subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 100°C for 3 h. The surface coatings were applied using a doctor blade. Subsequently, the coated materials were placed in an oven and dried for 12 h at 50°C under vacuum conditions. The samples' structural analysis was examined through x‐ray diffraction (XRD). XRD analysis verified the CeO2/SWCNT composite coating, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to assess the presence of functional groups. Thermodynamic properties and thermal stability of composite coatings that were modified with SWCNTs and CeO2 particles were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The impact of the CeO2/SWCNT composite on the anticorrosion capabilities of the epoxy coating was examined through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Nyquist curve, and Tafel slope characterization. Corrosion tests were conducted on the CeO2/SWCNT composite coatings in a 3.5 wt% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution at 25°C to improve corrosion resistance. The concentration of 0.4 wt% CeO2 was found to be optimal for achieving effective corrosion resistance. The composite coating CNT0.6‐C0.4 exhibited significantly higher Ecorr (−426 V) and lower Icorr (2.96 × 10−6 A cm−2) values compared to samples from the CNT0, CNT0.2, and CNT0.6 groups. The paper presents a viable solution with CeO2/SWCNT composite coating for the engineering application of corrosive‐inhibiting coatings.
Simple and low‐cost preparation of functionalised graphene by microwave expansion combined with ball milling grafting
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyi , Wang Shuo , Bao Xuhao , Liu Zhanjun , Meng Qingshi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe preparation of functionalised graphene often involves consuming significant amounts of organic solvents, complicated steps, and expensive equipment. This study presented a simple, low‐cost, and efficient method for preparing well‐dispersed functionalised graphene. This method involved the microwave heating of commercial graphene precursors and ball milling of grafted expanded graphite, resulting in a short and straightforward preparation process without requiring large amounts of organic solvents. This process enabled the preparation of few‐layer graphene with a thickness of only 3.5 ± 0.5 nm. During this process, the majority of the surface oxygen‐containing groups were replaced by polyetheramine (D2000) at a grafting rate of up to 5.14%, which improved the interface adhesion strength between the graphene and the epoxy resin. The fabricated altered graphene notably enhanced the mechanical characteristics of the epoxy resin., that is, the toughening effect reached up to 171% with a graphene content of only 0.3 wt%, while the Young's modulus and tensile strength values increased by 54% and 39%, respectively. This process is cost‐effective, easy to operate, and highly efficient, making it suitable for the large‐scale production of well‐dispersed functionalised graphene.Highlights
Pioneers mechanical chemical energy in graphene, a new materials science direction.
First ball milling on microwave graphene, merging milling benefits with graphene.
Ball milling cuts D2000 grafting time on graphene, boosting efficiency.
Reduces organic solvent use, cutting costs and environmental effects.
Ball milling lowers costs and impacts, aiding graphene material commercia‐lization.
Separation of astragaloside IV from Astragalus membranaceus based on high‐speed countercurrent chromatography in continuous injection mode
Authors: Zhao Yin‐Di , Su Qian‐Xia , Wang Ning‐Li , Pei Dong , Huang Xin‐Yi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionAstragaloside IV (AS‐IV) is an index for the quality evaluation of the traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus and an important material basis for Astragalus to exert its medicinal effects, and it is difficult to obtain a single AS‐IV by ordinary separation methods.ObjectiveTo find a new isolation method that can prepare AS‐IV quickly and efficiently.MethodologyAS‐IV was isolated from Astragalus membranaceus extract by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography using a two‐phase solvent system consisting of ethyl acetate/n‐butanol/water (4.2:0.8:5, v/v) at a speed of 950 rpm at a flow rate of 2 mL/min using one of the high‐speed countercurrent chromatographic sequential injection models developed during the previous study.ResultsCompared with the common countercurrent chromatographic separation, this separation method increased the injection volume and yield by 4‐fold and 4.47‐fold, respectively, with only about 1.2‐fold increase in solvent consumption and separation time, and the purity was basically not reduced, and 55.9 mg of AS‐IV, with a purity of 96.95%, was finally prepared from 400 mg of the crude extract in 240 min.ConclusionThe continuous injection mode of high‐speed countercurrent chromatography was able to successfully prepare a large amount of AS‐IV with high purity at one time.
Clinical evaluation of bispectral index‐guided closed‐loop infusion of propofol for preschool children: A multi‐center randomized controlled study
Authors: Hua Lei , Du Bin , Zuo Yunxia , Liu Huacheng , Zhang Jianmin 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTImportanceThe closed‐loop infusion system can automatically adjust and maintain the depth of anesthesia by using the propofol target‐controlled infusion (TCI) model under the feedback guidance of the bispectral index (BIS).ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and superiority of closed‐loop TCI of propofol guided by BIS during maintenance of generalized intravenous anesthesia for preschool children.MethodsA total of 120 children aged 1–6 years were enrolled and were divided into a closed‐loop feedback group (Group C) and an open‐loop manual control group (Group O), with 60 participants in each group. For anesthesia maintenance, the propofol infusion rate was adjusted by the injection system under the guidance of BIS in Group C and was manually adjusted by anesthesiologists according to the BIS and clinical experience in Group O, to maintain a BIS level of 50. The time ratio of adequate anesthesia (40 ≤ BIS ≤ 60), light anesthesia (BIS > 60), and deep anesthesia (BIS < 40) were recorded.ResultsA total of 119 patients (59 in Group C and 60 in Group O) were enrolled in the study. Group C demonstrated a higher time ratio of adequate anesthesia (P = 0.014) compared to Group O. The time ratio of light anesthesia and the global score was lower in Group C than in Group O (P = 0.010, P = 0.015, respectively). The frequency of adjustment per unit of time was higher in Group C for propofol (P < 0.001), while it was lower for remifentanil (P = 0.010).InterpretationBIS‐guided closed‐loop infusion of propofol is safe and effective for preschool children. The depth of anesthesia is controlled more accurately and smoothly.
Crystallization, mechanical, and heat resistance performances of copolymer polypropylene modified by α nucleating agent
Authors: Ding Shubing , Jin Congcong , Li Zhuo , Dun Dongxing , Xue Yu , Leng Shengmin , Zhang Yan'e , Zhou Hongfu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) was a very practical and important thermoplastic, which was widely used in various fields due to its low cost, universal, and corrosion resistance. However, the moderate mechanical and heat resistance properties of PP limited its application in some special fields. In this paper, nucleating agents NP‐657 were added to further improve its mechanical and heat resistance performances of PP (300H). Furthermore, the heterogeneous nucleation of NP‐657 reduced the crystal size and increased the crystal density of 300H. With the rise of NP‐657 content, the crystallization rate of different PP systems increased significantly, such as the t1/2 of 300H‐0.2 reduced by 31.9 min in comparison with that of 300H at 140°C. At the same time, the crystallinity of 300H‐0.05 with 0.05 wt.% NP‐657 increased by about 5.96% compared with 300H. In addition, 300H‐0.05 has the highest tensile strength (23.9 ± 0.6 MPa), flexural modulus (1273.3 ± 67.3 MPa), and the highest thermal deformation temperature (88.5 ± 7.7°C) in different PP systems. In general, this paper provided a reference for the fabrication of PP with satisfactory mechanical and heat resistance performances.Highlights
300H‐0.05 had a maximum crystallinity of 40.8 ± 0.2% in different PP systems.
The flexural modulus of 300H‐0.05 was 434 MPa higher than that of 300H.
The tensile strength of 300H‐0.05 increased to 23.9 ± 0.6 MPa.
300H had the highest thermal deformation temperature of 88.5 ± 7.7°C.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Algerian Propolis: GC/MS Profiling, Protective Inclusion Complex, and In Silico Evaluation Against SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Proteases
Authors: Toutou Zahra , Fatmi Sofiane , Chibani Nacera , Pokajewicz Katarzyna , Skiba Mohamed , Wieczorek Piotr P. , Iguerouada Mokrane 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTPropolis, a bee product, is renowned globally for its diverse pharmacological activities attributed to its phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and terpenes. This study aims to identify the chemical compounds in Algerian raw propolis and evaluate the protective potential of its inclusion complex. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used for chemical characterization. Additionally, molecular docking against SARS‐COVID‐2 main proteases and ADMET profiling were conducted. The analysis revealed α‐pinene (25.29%–11.04%) and limonene (22.46%–12.88%) as the major components in raw propolis and its complex. DSC/TGA analysis demonstrated the protective effect of encapsulated molecules, with limonene and α‐pinene showing high activity against SARS‐COVID‐2 main proteases 7N5Z, 6LU7, and 7E6L, with docking scores of −5.71, −5.61, and −5.10 kcal/mol, respectively. This study highlights the potential of propolis constituents as drug candidates against the SARS‐COVID‐2 pandemic.
Regulating influencers' commercial communication: No legislation, hardly any self‐regulation and policy recommendations
Authors: González‐Díaz Cristina , Quintas‐Froufe Natalia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractInfluencers are gaining remarkable ground. Their content‐creation abilities, their credibility and consumer identification all represent an added value in commercial communication. However, controversies have emerged regarding the contents they divulge, as it is not always easy to distinguish advertising communication in the contents they post. Standards and guidelines issued on the matter pursue such transparency. In the present article, we analyse the specific regulations, both of a legal and self‐regulatory nature, that exist today on influencer commercial communication in the Americas and Europe. A total of 35 documents (21 from the American continent and 14 from Europe) were analysed. The results suggest that both the standards and the consulted guidelines fulfil their function: they offer instructions and parameters that promote the transparency of commercial communication. Nevertheless, it was found that further advances were necessary regarding various issues: (1) a standard definition of the influencer term, to allow for its regulation; (2) an agreement among different countries on common parameters, given the borderless nature of this form of communication; and (3), the promotion of advertising literacy to raise consumer awareness of the cross‐divulgation of advertising and opinion.
A review on thermally induced phase separation technology in the fabrication of microporous polymer membrane devices for sustained‐repellent delivery: Crystallization and morphological studies
Authors: Mapossa António Benjamim , Tewo Robert Kimutai , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Mhike Washington , Sundararaj Uttandaraman 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article reports recent advances in thermally induced phase separation technology in fabricating microporous scaffold polymeric membranes as devices suitable for the controlled release of insect repellent. The key aspects, such as the crystallization behavior and morphological study of the polymeric membrane‐based repellent, were reported and discussed. Studies demonstrated that trapping of such repellents into microporous polymeric materials can be achieved by spinodal decomposition of the polymer/liquid repellent system. Usually, solubility is enhanced at elevated temperatures. Rapid cooling of such solution below the UCST leads to the formation of cocontinuous phase structures by decomposition. The polymer then forms an open‐cell structure with the repellent trapped inside. Approaches to forming such an open‐cell polymer structure containing mosquito repellent were successfully performed and confirmed with the SEM and POM techniques. It showed the structure of a polymer and liquid repellent prepared by spinodal decomposition, providing proof that thermally induced spinodal decomposition is a route to trap liquid mosquito repellent into a microporous polymer matrix. Additionally, the effects of polymer type, repellent nature, cooling conditions, and fillers on the morphology and performance of TIPS membranes are also discussed. Finally, challenges in developing microporous polymeric membrane‐based repellent using TIPS technology are addressed.
Event‐triggered tracking control for networked control systems under diversified attacks
Authors: Cao Jie , Yang Zeyu , Dai Shifang , Liu Jinliang , Zha Lijuan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper mainly concerns on the tracking control problem for event‐triggered networked control systems (NCSs) with diversified cyber‐attacks. An event‐triggered mechanism (ETM) is exploited to decrease the amount of redundant transmissions, thus saving communication resources. In addition, a novel tracking error model for NCSs is built with consideration of ETM and diversified cyber‐attacks, which involves deception attacks and Denial‐of‐Service (DoS) attacks. On the basis of Lyapunov stability theory and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), the stability criterion of the tracking error system is constructed, and the controller is designed to ensure the tracking performance of the system. In the end, simulation examples are provided to testify the validity of the proposed method.
3D hybrid path planning for optimized coverage of agricultural fields: A novel approach for wheeled robots
Authors: Pour Arab Danial , Spisser Matthias , Essert Caroline 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOver the last few decades, the agricultural industry has made significant advances in autonomous systems, such as wheeled robots, with the primary objective of improving efficiency while reducing the impact on the environment. In this context, determining a path for the robot that optimizes coverage while taking into account topography, robot characteristics, and operational requirements, is critical. In this paper, we present H‐CCPP, a novel hybrid method that combines the comprehensive coverage benefits of our previous approach O‐CCPP with the computational efficiency of the Fields2Cover algorithm. Besides optimizing coverage area, overlaps, and overall travel time, it significantly improves the computation process, and enhances the flexibility of trajectory generation. H‐CCPP also considers terrain inclination to address soil erosion and energy consumption. In an effort to support this innovative approach, we have also created and made available a public data set that includes both 2D and 3D representations of 30 agricultural fields. This resource not only allows us to illustrate the effectiveness of our approach but also provides invaluable data for future research in complete coverage path planning (CCPP) for modern agriculture.
CyberCortex.AI: An AI‐based operating system for autonomous robotics and complex automation
Authors: Grigorescu Sorin , Zaha Mihai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe underlying framework for controlling autonomous robots and complex automation applications is Operating Systems (OS) capable of scheduling perception‐and‐control tasks, as well as providing real‐time data communication to other robotic peers and remote cloud computers. In this paper, we introduce CyberCortex.AI, a robotics OS designed to enable heterogeneous AI‐based robotics and complex automation applications. CyberCortex.AI is a decentralized distributed OS which enables robots to talk to each other, as well as to High Performance Computers (HPC) in the cloud. Sensory and control data from the robots is streamed toward HPC systems with the purpose of training AI algorithms, which are afterwards deployed on the robots. Each functionality of a robot (e.g., sensory data acquisition, path planning, motion control, etc.) is executed within a so‐called DataBlock of Filters shared through the internet, where each filter is computed either locally on the robot itself or remotely on a different robotic system. The data is stored and accessed via a so‐called Temporal Addressable Memory (TAM), which acts as a gateway between each filter's input and output. CyberCortex.AI has two main components: (i) the CyberCortex.AI.inference system, which is a real‐time implementation of the DataBlock running on the robots' embedded hardware, and (ii) the CyberCortex.AI.dojo, which runs on an HPC computer in the cloud, and it is used to design, train and deploy AI algorithms. We present a quantitative and qualitative performance analysis of the proposed approach using two collaborative robotics applications: (i) a forest fires prevention system based on an Unitree A1 legged robot and an Anafi Parrot 4K drone, as well as (ii) an autonomous driving system which uses CyberCortex.AI for collaborative perception and motion control.
Core–Shell Structured Cobalt Sulfide/C. I. Pigment Yellow 53 Photocatalysts with Abundant Sulfur Vacancies for Efficient Photocatalytic Co‐Production of Xylonic Acid and CO
Authors: Zhang Jia , Ma Jiliang , Zhang Junqiang , Cui Rui , Liu Zhendong , Li Xinze , Sun Runcang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPhotocatalytic biorefinery has been gaining increasing attention as a promising method for utilizing biomass and solar energy, yet it still faces the key challenge of designing stable, efficient, and cost‐effective photocatalysts. In this study, cobalt sulfide/ C. I. Pigment Yellow 53 composite photocatalysts (CoS/PY53‐CSx) with a core–shell structure, which has abundant sulfur (S) vacancies, are developed using a simple hydrothermal method. The CoS nanocage with S vacancies not only offers numerous active sites but also enhances the light‐trapping performance of PY53. Moreover, the internal electric field within the core–shell CoS/PY53‐CSx further enhances charge separation/transfer efficiency while reducing electron transfer resistance, thereby boosting photocatalytic activity. Remarkably, 75.2% of xylonic acid and 22.8 µmol of CO from xylose are obtained using CoS/PY53‐CS0.1 in an air atmosphere. Recycling experiments demonstrate that CoS/PY53‐CS0.1 exhibits excellent recyclability due to the strong bonding force between the core and shell. In addition, electron spin resonance characterization combined with poisoning experiments suggests that h+ and ·O2− serve as the main oxidation active species during this system. This work presents a simple and cost‐effective method for efficient photocatalytic biorefinery.
Population viability analysis of Chihuahua Chub in the Mimbres River, New Mexico
Authors: Del Piccolo Giulio , Klein Zachary B. , Zeigler Matthew P. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
The Chihuahua Chub Gila nigrescens is a species of conservation concern throughout its distribution. The species is threatened by habitat degradation, nonnative species, and stochastic events (e.g., wildfire and drought). Although conservation efforts are ongoing, it is unclear how Chihuahua Chub in the Mimbres River, New Mexico, respond to conservation actions and stochastic events.

Methods
To address these uncertainties, we collected population demographic and dynamics data on Chihuahua Chub in the Mimbres River and used the data to construct an age-structured, female-based population model. The model was used to evaluate the response of Chihuahua Chub to (1) habitat improvement, (2) conservation stocking, and (3) stochastic events. Habitat improvements were modeled as a 50% increase in current abundance. Conservation stocking was represented by two stocking regimes: annual “maintenance” stocking of 200 fish or “catastrophe” stocking of 400–1500 fish for two consecutive years after a stochastic event. The effects of stochastic events were represented by 20–95% reductions in annual survival. Each scenario was simulated for 5000 iterations over 25 years.

Result
In the absence of conservation actions, the Chihuahua Chub population was projected to decline due to stochastic events. However, stocking and habitat improvement decreased the risk of extirpation. When stochastic events resulted in a 95% decline in annual survival, catastrophe stocking reduced population declines in abundance by 47–58% relative to no conservation stocking. When stochastic events caused a 20% reduction in annual survival, habitat improvement increased the median population size after 25 years by almost 50% relative to no habitat improvements.

Conclusion
Collectively, our results suggest that an increase in habitat and conservation stocking efforts is likely the most effective approach for conserving Chihuahua Chub in the face of future stochastic events.
The Global Clash of Civilizations on Homosexuality and the Threat of Hate Crimes Against LGBTQ+ Communities as Documented by International Organizations and NGOs
Authors: Tausch Arno 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis chapter documents some of the analyses of the perspectives of LGBTQ+ people around the world by national governments, bureaucracies, international organisations and NGOs we highlight among others the analysis of the European Union's Fundamental Rights Agency, which has spoken out against discrimination against the LGBTQ plus community, and which states in its 2020 report analysed in detail in our chapter, that more lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people are now open about who they are, but that they are afraid and face violence and discrimination. We also highlight Europol 2023 report that terrorist and violent extremist groups and individuals continue to use platforms for recruitment purposes and to disseminate propaganda against the community. Our chapter also analyses the data contained in the OSCE's 2023 report on discrimination and hate crimes in the OSCE region. Our new statistical analysis of the data provided by the OSCE shows that 300 of the 600 hate crimes against the community were committed in Orthodox Christian majority OSCE member states, i.e. in descending order of the absolute number of crimes—in the Russian Federation, Armenia, Ukraine, Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Belarus, Cyprus, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Romania. We draw our readers' attention to the data provided by EQUALDEX, an important think tank working in this field, and also provide an overview of the recent Austrian study published by the Austrian Security Research Programme KIRAS. In the second part of our chapter, we briefly analyse the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Churches and we highlight homophobia in the Muslim world.