bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Nile rose role as a bio‐filler for green natural rubber composites
Authors: El Mogy Soma A. , El‐Wakil A. A. , Halim Sawsan F. , Abdel‐Hakim Ahmed 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe valorization of plant wastes for developing environmentally friendly composites has garnered increasing attention over the past two decades. The management of a significant quantity of Nile rose plant waste presents a mounting challenge, particularly in light of escalating water demand. This study delves into the impact of Nile rose fiber (RF) loading and utilizing Vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) as a coupling agent on the characteristics of a composite comprising RF and natural rubber (NR). The verification of the fiber structure treated with silane (TF) was accomplished via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The crosslinking between the NR matrix and the fibers is promoted by the formation of siloxane (SiOSi) linkages in 1050–1100 cm−1. An extensive evaluation of the impact of RF on the characteristics of NR composite was conducted, encompassing morphological properties, mechanical characteristics, and water absorption resistance. The results of the morphological analysis revealed that the modification of RF with silane enhanced the interfacial adhesion between RF and NR. Furthermore, the tensile strength (TS) of NR increases to values of 7.31 and 8.5 MPa by an improvement of 61% and 88% when 10 and 15 phr of TF are added, respectively. Moreover, rubber composites with silane exhibited superior water resistance to those without it across various filler loadings. Specifically, the composite with 20 phr TF absorbed 7% water, whereas the counterpart with untreated fiber (RF) absorbed 12.5% water. The analysis of swelling validated that the interaction between the RF and NR is significantly impacted by the modification of fiber and its incorporation into the composite, as evidenced by the decreased swelling index values from 367% to 298% observing in composites incorporating TF as opposed to those containing RF.Highlights
Silane treatment improves the interaction between RF and NR.
The TF and NR matrix interacted more and developed an interfacial bonding.
The rate of vulcanization is accelerated in the presence of treated RF.
TF/NR composites have fewer voids and microcracks, inhibiting water diffusion.
15% TF content optimal for good physical and mechanical properties.
Sliding wear characteristics of epoxy composites reinforced with steel wire and flax fiber mats: An experimental and analytical study
Authors: Bhoi Subham Kumar , Satapathy Alok 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study evaluates the sliding wear behavior of hybrid composites made of epoxy reinforced with alternating layers of flax fiber mats and steel wire mesh. The aim is to enhance the wear resistance of flax fiber‐epoxy composites by incorporating steel wire mesh. Specifically, three composite types are produced by varying their stacking sequences using the simple hand layup technique. Dry sliding wear tests are performed on a pin‐on‐disc test rig under different conditions according to ASTM G99 standard. Taguchi analysis is performed using an L25 orthogonal array and it reveals that sliding velocity is the most critical factor, followed by normal load, in affecting the wear rate of the steel‐flax‐epoxy hybrid composite. Subsequently, a steady‐state wear analysis shows that sliding velocity and normal load increase the specific wear rate (SWR), while steel reinforcement decreases it. ANOVA results indicate that sliding velocity significantly impacts wear rates to the extent of 69.47% for flax‐epoxy composite and more than 70% for flax‐steel‐epoxy composites. Additionally, electron microscopy is used to study the worn surfaces of the composites to determine the wear mechanisms.Highlights
Successful fabrication of flax‐steel wire mesh reinforced hybrid composites.
Wear behavior of multi‐layer composites with different stacking sequence.
Use of statistical technique for the prediction of wear rate.
Wear mechanisms are identified using electron microscopy.
A new logarithmic multiplicative distortion for correlation analysis
Authors: Deng Siming , Zhang Jun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe study the Pearson correlation coefficient in a logarithmic manner under the presence of multiplicative distortion measurement errors. In this context, the observed variables with logarithmic transformation are distorted in multiplicative fashions by an observed confounding variable. The proposed multiplicative distortion model in this paper is applied to analyze positive variables. We utilize the conditional mean calibration and the conditional absolute mean calibration methods to obtain the calibrated variables. Furthermore, we propose confidence intervals based on asymptotic normality, empirical likelihood, and jackknife empirical likelihood. Simulation studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed estimation procedure, and a real‐world example is analyzed to illustrate its practical application.
TiO2@BiOCl‐BiOI Heterostructure Photocatalyst for Efficient Removal of Congo Red Dye under Simulated Sunlight
Authors: Shi Xiulong , Tuo Biyang , Wang Shengqing , Wang Jianli , Deng Yaxin , Zhang Xvjun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTiO2@BiOCl‐BiOI heterostructure photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity was prepared by the composite modification and sol‐gel procedure. TiO2 nanoparticles highly dispersed on the surface of TiO2@BiOCl‐BiOI, which provides sufficient active sites for the photocatalytic degradation process. The photodegradation performance of the photocatalyst was evaluated by the removal rate of Congo Red. The researches showed that the degradation effect of TiO2@BiOCl‐BiOI for Congo Red is significantly stronger than that of TiO2 and BiOCl‐BiOI, which is mainly due to the type‐II heterojunction structure of TiO2@BiOCl‐BiOI and its enhanced visible‐light response. The experiments of free radical capture indicated that ⋅
and
are the main active species in the photocatalytic degradation system. This study showed that TiO2@BiOCl‐BiOI can almost completely degrade Congo Red under simulated sunlight, making it the harmless substances such as H2O and CO2.
Instant Synthesis of 2,5‐Diformylfuran from Concentrated 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural without Catalyst and Organic Solvent
Authors: Ai Shuo , Huang Zhenhua , Yu Wanguo , Gao Kaili , Feng Zhenhua 
Published: August 2024

Abstract5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was transformed into 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) with nitric acid as the oxidant. The initial HMF content was as high as 12.5 wt %, and water was the sole solvent. This is an intensely exothermic reaction along with the emission of NO2 gas. A high DFF yield of 83.2 % was achieved if the oxidation ability of nitric acid matched with the requirement of target oxidation reaction while mismatched those of side reactions by regulating the initial concentration of nitric acid (59.5 wt %) and reaction temperature (50–60 °C). The oxidation reaction of HMF, overoxidation of HMF, and skeleton‐cracking reaction of FDCA preferred concentrated HNO3, hot HNO3, and concentrated or hot HNO3, respectively. After liquid‐liquid extraction, filtration, and column chromatography, light‐yellow DFF powders with purity of 92.1 wt % and isolated yield of 40.2 % were obtained and confirmed by NMR, FTIR, UV‐Vis, and elemental analysis. HMF was the dominant impurity due to its affinity to DFF. In addition, chromogenic substances were obtained as a byproduct, and they were potential pH indicators. These chromogenic substances had highly conjugated molecular structures, and they were generated via successive β‐protonation‐based ring‐opening reaction of HMF, aldol reaction, and dehydration reaction.
Two Birds with One Stone: Impedance–Voltage Dual‐Mode Low Humidity Sensor Based on LiBr‐MOF‐801 with High Response
Authors: Wu Ke , Yang Wenjie , Guo Lulu , Yang Zhimin , Jiao Mingzhi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDual‐mode humidity sensors have received wide attention in recent years due to their great potential in multifunction applications. Herein, following a “two birds with one stone” strategy, a dual‐mode and self‐powered low humidity sensor based on LiBr‐MOF‐801 with high response and power generation is proposed. The optimized LiBr‐MOF‐801‐based sensor exhibits impedance–voltage dual‐mode sensitivity in the low humidity range of 0–23% relative humidity (RH) with high response (57.1 and 0.61 V), small hysteresis (0.3% RH) and good long‐term stability at room temperature (20 °C). Moreover, an integrated humidity power generator is obtained by series connection of the self‐powered humidity sensor within 15 cm2, and the output voltage reaches 2.6 V with an output power density of 110 nW cm−2, and can be used as energy, supplying power to commercial electronic equipment even in low humidity. This work provides a new sight for fabricating high‐performance, dual‐mode, and self‐powered low‐humidity sensors.
Unveiling Ru(bpy)32+‐Encapsulated Zeolite Y as Photocatalyst: Harnessing Photocatalytic Singlet Oxygen Generation for Mustard Gas Simulant Detoxification
Authors: Kim Sumin , Kim Yeonjoon , Kim Hyun Sung 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study explores the encapsulation of Ru(bpy)32+ within Zeolite Y (ZY) to improve photocatalytic singlet oxygen generation for the degradation of a mustard gas simulant, namely 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). Mustard gas simulants are known to disrupt several biological processes; thus, their effective degradation is essential. Zeolite Y, with its hierarchical structure and adjustable Si/Al ratios, is an ideal host for Ru(bpy)32+, significantly improving its photocatalytic efficiency and stability. It is demonstrated through XRD and spectroscopic analyses that encapsulated Ru(bpy)32+ maintains its structural and photophysical properties, which are essential for generating singlet oxygen. Ru(bpy)3(1.0) loaded ZY(15) (where 1.0 and 15 represent the encapsulated amount of Ru(bpy)32+ and Si/Al ratio, respectively) outperforms other investigated photocatalytic systems in the oxidation of CEES, demonstrating high conversion rates and selectivity toward nontoxic sulfoxide products. Immobilization of Ru(bpy)32+‐encapsulated zeolite Y onto cotton fabric results in effective degradation of CEES. The experimental results, validated by theoretical calculations, indicate an improved oxygen affinity and accessibility in zeolites with higher Si/Al ratios. This study advances the design of photocatalytic materials for environmental and defense applications, providing sustainable solutions for hazardous chemical degradation.
Realising metamorphic transformation in the mirror of Tamkeen: Growing a shared understanding from co‐reflected lived experiences
Authors: Klein Louis , Kadaoui Karima 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOur shared understanding of the being and becoming of social ecosystems informs and forms their being and becoming. Hence, a process that grows a shared understanding from co‐reflected lived experiences is as much an inquiry process as it is a transformation process. Such a process recognises and realises the evolution of the ontology, epistemology, and axiology of social ecosystems. Such a process recognises and realises humanising social ecosystems in a process of metamorphic transformation. This paper shares the experience‐based, relationship‐oriented, co‐created and co‐facilitated, process of inquiry, learning and understanding, embedded in epistemic humility, trusting our human potential, trusting our humanity, realising the essentiality and existentiality of love, as experienced in the context of the Moroccan Tamkeen Community Foundation for Human Development and its partners and co‐reflected in the mirror of a socio‐systemic complexity evaluation. This paper invites a growing understanding of metamorphic transformation beyond the prevalent discourses of social innovation and systems change, and it explores its implications for critical systems research transcending itself in the mirror of Tamkeen.
PEITC Induces DNA Damage and Inhibits DNA Repair‐Associated Proteins in Human Retinoblastoma Cells In Vitro
Authors: Hsu Sheng‐Yao , Huang Yi‐Ping , Hsia Te‐Chun , Chen Jaw‐Chyun , Peng Shu‐Fen , Hsieh Wen‐Tsong , Chueh Fu‐Shin , Kuo Chao‐Lin 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTPhenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a natural product, exists in biological activities, including anticancer activity in many human cancer cells. No information shows that PEITC affects DNA damage in human retinoblastoma (RB) cells in vitro. In this study, the aim of experiments was to determine whether PEITC decreased total viable cell number or not by inducing protein expressions involved in DNA damage and repair in Y79 RB cells in vitro. Total cell viability was measured by PI exclusion assay, and PEITC reduced the total Y79 viable cell numbers in a dose‐dependent manner. DNA condensation and DNA impairment were conducted by DAPI staining and comet assays, respectively, in Y79 cells. The findings show that PEITC induced DNA condensation dose‐dependently based on the brighter fluorescence of cell nuclei stained by DAPI staining. PEITC‐induced DNA damage showed a more extended DNA migration smears than that of the control, which was performed by a comet assay. Western blotting was performed to measure the protein expressions involved in DNA damage and repair, which showed that PEITC at 2.5–10 μM increased NRF2, HO‐1, SOD (Mn), and catalase; however, it decreased SOD (Cu/Zn) except 10 μM PEITC treatment, and decreased glutathione, which were associated with oxidative stress. Furthermore, PEITC increased DNA‐PK, MDC1, H2A.XpSer139, ATMpSer1981, p53, p53pSer15, PARP, HSP70, and HSP90, but decreased TOPIIα, TOPIIβ, and MDM2pSer166 that were associated with DNA damage and repair mechanism in Y79 cells. The examination from confocal laser microscopy shows that PEITC increased H2A.XpSer139 and p53pSer15, and decreased glutathione and TOPIIα in Y79 cells. In conclusion, the cytotoxic effects of PEITC on reducing the number of viable cells may be due to the induction of DNA damage and the alteration of DNA repair proteins in Y79 cells in vitro.
Same‐day parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism –an over 20‐year practice
Authors: Annesi Chandler A. , Gillis Andrea , Fazendin Jessica M. , Lindeman Brenessa , Chen Herbert 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionThere has been a shift in recent years toward same‐day parathyroidectomies due to the decrease in mutual costs with few significant differences in postoperative morbidity or mortality. We sought to determine if demographics, preoperative patient risk factors, or comorbidities were associated with a patient's likelihood of having same‐day or inpatient surgery.Materials and MethodsA prospective database of parathyroid operations from 2001 to 2022 (n = 2948 patients) was reviewed for surgeries completed for primary hyperparathyroidism. Patients were categorized as same‐day or inpatient surgery; demographics, risk factors, and co‐morbidities were examined and differences across practice patterns during the 21‐year period were studied and also analyzed in a subset of patients from 2013 to 2022.ResultsIn a recent subset of patients from 2013 to 2022, patients having inpatient surgery were more likely to be Black and use anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Multivariable regression confirmed increased odds of aging and black patients requiring inpatient parathyroidectomy. Compared to 2001–2003, there was a significantly increased proportion of patients undergoing same‐day surgery; compared to 2010–2012, there was a similar proportion of patients undergoing outpatient surgery between 2013 and 2018, and there was an increased proportion from 2019 through 2022.ConclusionSame‐day parathyroidectomies have been shown to be safe and has become the typical practice for high‐volume parathyroid surgeons over the last decade. Complications such as postoperative hematoma or hypocalcemia were previously shown to be incompletely mitigated by increased LOS or inpatient surgery, although demographics are considered to increase the odds of inpatient parathyroidectomy.
Frequency data driven damage detection of polymeric composite structural health using machine learning models
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Pattanayak Pritam , Mehar Ashish Kumar , Panda Subrata Kumar 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFirstly, the effect of damages (crack and delamination) on frequency responses of the polymeric composite structures is predicted numerically in this research. The responses are computed numerically using the finite element technique associated with a higher‐order deformation kinematic model. The model accuracy has been verified by comparing the published frequency responses and in‐house experimental data. The verified model is extended to generate the desired data (frequencies) utilizing various input parameters related to the geometrical forms and damage types (shapes, sizes, and positions). Further, different machine learning models (MLMs) are developed using Python algorithms for the identification of structural health. In this regard, the extracted data sets are initially used to train the MLM, detect the damages, and identify types of damage and damage‐related data of polymeric structures. Out of all kinds of MLMs, it is understood that the Random Forest Classifier provides the best result, which had an accuracy of 94.66% with the optimal parameters. The precision accomplished is 97% for intact and 94% for damaged structures. The proposed algorithm is also capable of identifying the damage‐related parameters (shape, size, type, and position) and predicting the defects early to prevent unintended mishaps.
Introduction
Authors: Loda Mirella , Abenante Paola 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis volume offers contributions for reflection on cooperation actions in fragile contexts, starting from the discussions that took place during the international conference “Cultural Heritage in Fragile Contexts—Development Cooperation in Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries”, held in Florence from the 10th to the 11th of November 2022. The event offered an opportunity for international discussion between researchers and international operators, as well as a chance to reflect on key relationships between the protection of cultural heritage and the generation of sustainable development. More specifically, focus was placed on the ways in which cultural protection actions can help mitigate social and economic fragilities in intervention areas, contributing to their sustainable development. The geographical focus of the conference, and of this volume, are the Middle and Central Asian areas, as these are areas where situations of fragility are recurrent, both in the socio-cultural sense—just think of the religious tensions between the Shiite and Sunni populations—as well as in political-military terms—the cases of Afghanistan and Syria are exemplary in this regard.
Improving the Accessibility of Educational Facilities in Bamiyan
Authors: Tartaglia Mario , Ahmadzai Masihullah 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAmong the several dimensions involved in the concept of access to education, spatial accessibility plays a leading role in assuring a fair fruition of the school system in a territory. This paper illustrates a specific method developed for evaluating the degree of spatial accessibility of educational sites. Although the proposed method has been developed for the case study of Bamiyan, it can be considered as a general evaluation framework for assessing the accessibility of educational facilities in any populated areas.
The Fate of Bamiyan’s Giant Buddha Statues
Authors: Hinz Manfred 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis contribution outlines the debate around a possible and (from the Afghan side until 2021) sought after reconstruction of Bamiyan’s giant Buddha statues, which started after their destruction in 2001, and lasted up until the UNESCO conference on the subject in 2017. This debate gains significance against a background of ongoing discussion concerning the legitimacy of heritage reconstruction in general, which has greatly altered the key concepts of authenticity and integrity. This general discussion is, naturally, still open. But consideration of the Bamiyan case has been rendered obsolete by the political events of August 2021. This contribution advances the opinion that a physical reconstruction of the statues would be redundant, since their destruction has established them firmly and universally in the collective imagery.
Framing Planning and Conservation Activities in the Local Socio-Cultural Context: Ethnicity and Gender in Bamiyan
Authors: Loda Mirella , Hinz Manfred 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article illustrates the critical importance of research into the socio-cultural reality of Bamiyan (Afghanistan) for the cooperation projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage. The case study shows that exploring and ultimately deconstructing the categories of ethnicity and gender has helped overcome the impasse created by tensions and competition among different social and interest groups. As for the ethnic issue, a way out of this impasse might be found in putting ethnic self-definitions aside and searching for a reasonable compromise apropos the underlying economic interests. In regard to gender—a particularly sensitive issue in Islamic countries—the article questions the standardized way that urban planning addresses public spaces. It illustrates first that in the local context private dwellings de facto function as public spaces, especially for the female segment of the population, and therefore should be arranged more generously. Moreover, the article draws attention to the fact that the Islamic pilgrimage shrines (ziaratgah) play a crucial role for women, as the almost only public space (except the market) that they can attend without male company. It is, therefore of paramount importance to improve their quality as public spaces even if they are not included in the list of World Heritage assets.
Improving Urban Quality Through Land Titling? Considerations from the Bamiyan Case
Authors: Loda Mirella , Amiri Bashir , Narayanan Nipesh Palat 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe article discusses the Afghan land titling policies based on the case of Bamiyan Valley. It first presents the terms and conditions of the land titling policy in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan since 2017, and then it illustrates its impact on the informal settlement of Zargaran (Bamiyan) based on the results of two surveys conducted in 2017 and 2021. As is the case elsewhere around the world, the assignment of formal property titles is generally welcomed by the majority of the population. Moreover, doing so has proven to encourage investments in the improvement of private establishments, and even in facilities for community purposes, thanks to the remarkable social bond that exists between the settlers. However, the denial of the entitlement in the parcels of Zargaran located inside and next to the UNESCO buffer zone has prevented the titling policy from reaching its full potential in terms of improvement of the social fabric and urban quality. Moreover, the increase in real estate values observed in the area calls for social policy measures to accompany the titling policy, so as to avoid the eviction of poorer segments of the population.